Christmas! A Pastor's Joy!

This past Sunday Belinda and I went to our church's early service then afterward motored east, to the town of Mt. Pleasant, TX., where our nephew serves as a Minister of Music and was leading his church in their annual Christmas pageant. Due to my schedule as a pastor I have rarely been able to join the family for trips like this, so my mind was filled with thoughts of 'changed opportunities' as we drove through the sunny afternoon countryside. Once there we took our seats and I began a conversation with the little girl next to me. After a few pleasantries she informed me we were sitting in a 'snow zone.' I looked at her curiously as she added, "you will need your poncho under your seat." Still not understanding, she continued, "it's real snow, and its wet."  I smiled, more at her enthusiasm over the thought of 'snow' falling inside a Texas church, then reached for my poncho promising her I'd be ready.

Now strangely, as the music began tp play, without prompting I felt a lump swelling in my throat and began fighting back tears. Surprised, I wondered where this was coming from. Seemingly nowhere! But still, the emotions continued through the entire production. Not sobbing, just a sentimental swell over each sight and sound of familiar songs shared by ordinary men, women and children worshipping Christ as they sang, danced and spoke of the good news of His birth.

Since stepping aside as a Senior Pastor I have been asked hundreds of times, "Pastor, how are you doing?" Each time my reply is the same, 'surprisingly well," I have said, which is true. I have no regrets and am only excited about our church's future, our wonderful new pastor and our steady, capable and faithful church leadership. Yet, in the sanctuary of this small church in Mt. Pleasant, it all hit me. For years I have loved being a pastor at Christmas. I have loved everything about children's services, pageants, special productions, and, of course, Christmas Eve services as I know this is one time people are glad to come worship and remember by listening to a story that never grows old, 'behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy for all people.' For what Pastor doesn't love the opportunity to share this message with people ready to hear it!

And so, as I sat there - not able to contain my memories of all those Christmases I have known, or of the services I have led and children's messages I have shared - I could not help but cry. Not from regret, but from both joy and a bit of sadness that this, at least this part of my life, was now passed.

But then... (and don't we love it when God brings those words into our life) ...but then God brought me home to Monday in Plano, where in the afternoon I broke from my studying to make my way to the Shops at Willow Bend and the familiar store of Dillards, where I have frequented the men's department for years, knowing most, if not all, who work there.  After making my purchase, and still a bit melancholy, at his query I mentioned to the clerk waiting on me that I had retired as pastor, and would not be preaching a Christmas series. Of course he teased me by adding, "and, shucks, I was going to come hear you this year." After we both laughed at this I walked out by way of the suit department to see my good friend, Loyd, who works there as a salesman. Loyd is from Jamaica and has a wonderful personality, and I always look forward to seeing him. As I passed he was standing near a few other's of his department - and I commented, "Looks like we have the first team here today." Loyd, always beaming, said, 'Pastor!  It is good to see you today.'  'And how are you?  Are you ready for your Christmas?  Do you have your messages ready?' I paused to tell Loyd that i was not preaching this Christmas, but with not a moment's hesitation this is what he said...

'But that is not true, pastor. You are always preaching. In fact, I have never known you not doing so. You are preaching today by speaking to me and these other employees, and by greeting us with your smile.  So this is what I say to you this Christmas. May the peace and joy of Christ be yours this day and always as you never tire of being who you are, Pastor Sam, a preacher of the good news of Jesus Christ.'

At this I stopped in my tracks and looked into Loyd's eyes as he beamed back at me with his. I turned to see the young man standing next to him. I knew him. He was in a suit, a new employee, and I knew that I knew him from somewhere. So I thanked Loyd, of course, then turned to walk away.  But then, within a few steps, it hit me. In an instant I turned back to the young man to say, "I know where I know you from! You took my food order at Baker Brothers for years."  "Am I right?" He seemed surprised at first, but then smiled sheepishly and said, 'that's what I love about you, pastor, YOU know people and you know ME.' I smiled back at him and added, "God knows you, too. Much, much more than I do! And... he loves you."

At this there was an awkward pause - for us all - one finally broken by Loyd, who said, 'So Merry Christmas, Pastor. I think you've found your joy once more. And... your way back!'

Driving home after this I passed by my beloved ParkwayHills, and there I thanked God for my friend, Loyd. For, yes, indeed! A pastor's joy is not in a place, but in a message. A message which never grows old. Good news! Great joy! For all people.

Including me and you, too!

Pastor Sam

Walking by Faith, Heaven Bound

B and I returned to Texas after Thanksgiving but did not come straight to Plano. Leaving our children and grands in OKC we headed east then south to the town of Marshall, Texas. Our purpose? To accept an adventure that began months ago at the invitation of Dr. Blair Blackburn, President of East Texas Baptist University. Blair and I became friends when he and his wife, Michelle, joined ParkwayHills Baptist Church a few years back. Soon after God began stirring in Blair's heart to accept a call to leave his beloved Dallas Baptist University and become the President of ETBU. Through this he and I became close as we met together to pray regarding his decision. Now he has invited me to join him as a visiting member of the faculty - and, after our own prayer, we have decided to do so. So beginning in January, and continuing through the spring of 2018 and likely beyond, we will be in Marshall, Texas 4 days each week to do just that.

Now people who know me know I like to talk about the doctrine of faith. I teach and preach about it regularly, and have enjoyed the fruit of this truth all the days of my Christian life. However, contrary to what some might think, the 'faith to walk' is not always easy. I have learned that though the 'faith to believe' comes to us and stays (by the grace of God who gives it, saves us by it, then keeps us) everyday, walking with Him faith does not. On the contrary, the 'walk of faith', or the faith to continue in Christ, is a forever challenge - the means God uses to both push and bless us with, thereby conforming us into His image and leading us in His plans.

So this is the faith that God is stretching me with today. The faith to follow His call toward new adventure. At my age it is tempting to 'park it,' if you know what I mean. To sit back and watch others. But I know that my final destination is not a bench, it is Heaven. And as one who is Heaven bound I serve as His ambassador, a charge that does not sit and is never called to quit.

Perhaps you might consider this walk of faith for yourself. Perhaps it is a walk calling you to cross the street and share the gospel, to reconnect with an old friend, or lead a Bible study, or to volunteer. Whatever it is, trust God's Word for your life in Him. It is a Word filled with promise. A promise that comes to us as we continue walking in the same way of faith with which we first were called and taught. For the faith to believe is just a beginning, opening the door - always - for more.

 Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving. Col. 2: 6

By faith, 

Pastor Sam 

Marks on the Page

I've long supposed this day would come but just didn't think it would be this soon. Or, put another way, I never thought I'd be this young when I got this old. But, alas, it has happened. I have joined the ranks of my elders found oft complaining, 'where the hay did I put that?" And, "I wonder who took my (?) and chose to not put it back?" And why? Well something that was a favorite of mine, something I wrote long, long ago, and something I thought to share with you again, cannot be found. Which means I have but one choice. If it is to be shared, then... I must write it once more.

So... here goes.

When our church was young and B and I were struggling in every way imaginable - financially, as parents, even at times as a couple - and when our daughter, Taylor, was a busy four-year-old with a personality that was, may I say, GREGARIOUS. :-)  Well, when all this was so I went one evening into to my study/office, located out of necessity in our home, to work on my sermon and finish a paper due for seminary.

Now my study was a sacred place - at least to me. Taylor was not allowed in it without me, and Belinda only entered to clean. But this night, as I came into the room, I discovered one of my books - a treasure - laying open on my desk. Now if you know me you know that I love books, and that I especially love old, classic books of literature and sermons. And this book was such a one - a favorite, a classic, a treasure to me.  As I spontaneously reached for it, not yet aware of anything amiss, my eyes were caught by a dastardly scene. Tracing across the open page, and thereupon several pages more, were random and erratic lines marked heavily by pen. Some of them so hard pressed the pages themselves were damaged. I was mortified. My anger swelled immediately. I knew, of course, who had done this, and my emotional burst of outcry would not be contained. Not only towards Taylor, but towards Belinda. For she too had failed in her duty of watchfulness by allowing our daughter into my study in the first place. Not only miffed, I was devastated. The book would never be the same. This precious book, much more precious to me than anything at that moment, was ruined and that was all I could think of.  Raising my voice, I scolded Taylor harshly, then spanked her and sent her to time out in her room. Next, I let Belinda know how angry and disappointed I was before finally huffing back into my study to sulk, while my true 'treasures' gladly left me alone. In other words, that night our home was miserable.

Now fortunately this story does not end there.  For some years later, I think on a night when Taylor had gone off to a function at school, and I was there - alone - in my now quiet and beautifully accoutered study at the church - I happened upon this book once more. In an instant I remembered that night when she was four, and my heart filled with regret. For gazing upon this book with its same lines, those marks on the page, I remembered the little girl who once wanted nothing more that to be with me, in my study, playing as if she were Dad. With this second look I could see her plainly, to remember her climbing into my arms as I sat in my chair, to show me her drawings and to play as if she were reading to me. The little girl, my daughter, who once looked so enviously at my books because she loved me. And there, that night, my lesson was learned - the treasure no longer was my book, but it was now the marks on its page.

So today, if you visit my study you will find things you might think curious. For upon the shelves and scattered about my books are toys. That's right! There are balls of all kinds, and little sit-arounds of every imaginable type, and, of course, lots and lots of cars. They are there to be played with, to be handled, touched and even broken by any and all such children who might come for a visit. For I learned my lesson well on those nights now long ago, the first in my 'anger' and the next through my 'second look', and have since made it my practice never to forget. For the lesson I learned is that people, not things, are our real treasures. And certainly my book, still on my shelf and with marks on its page, is there to remind me so.

Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one's youth. 

Psalm 127: 3-4

And when Esau lifted up his eyes and saw the women and children, he said, “Who are these with you?” Jacob said, “The children whom God has graciously given your servant.” 

Genesis 33:5

Blessings,


Pastor Sam

  

Delight in the LORD

Friends. We have been blessed to serve Christ this summer in many places and ways. Now we continue, on by readying ourselves for an exciting fall, always aware that our delight must be, first and forever,  only in the LORD. (Psalm 37:4) 

Check out this latest video 

https://www.youtube.com/edit?o=U&video_id=HGaSj7vsfCQ

Blessings, 

Sam 

BRASIL 2017, Day 32 - Brazil, Charlottesville and Home

I arrived home at noon today - having started my journey from the state of Bahia, Brazil, 27 hours prior. Before coming home, on Sunday evening August 13, there was a final message for me to preach. The setting was a small church in a Barrio on the outskirts of Vitoria do Conquista. The crowd was small, not more than 70 including children, but the spirit was warm and inviting. From the moment I pulled up I could feel the glow of Christian fellowship and kindred spirit around the mission of Christ. Indeed, though small, this congregation was the place for a last 'burdening me' message there, one that had as much to do with my own country as as it did with them.

Now my 'burden' had come from me having just logged off my computer to witness the news from Charlottesville, VA. And though I was far away, my heart was broken by what I saw. The news reminded me of how things were back home, and gave me but one more example of what I believe has become the greatest period of civil, political and idealogical unrest I have ever witnessed in our country. I was torn, and thought - "What did this 'news' have to do with Brazil, or with the church I was to speak to tonight?" Yet, this was what was on my heart, and I knew it was exactly what I was to do - regardless.

My text was taken from Luke 10, concerning Jesus' encounter with a lawyer (a religious elite) in the crowd, who asked Him about eternal life.

And behold, a lawyer stood up to put him to the test, saying, “Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” He said to him, “What is written in the Law? How do you read it?” And he answered, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself.” And he said to him, “You have answered correctly; do this, and you will live.” 
But he, desiring to justify himself, said to Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?  

And this is what I shared:

In my country we are struggling with racism. What people claim as a call for 'their right' is become nothing short of only their own, regardless of others. The new rule of tolerance is intolerance. And kindness and civil disobedience surrounding our rule of law is being replaced with mob violence by extremists groups who are not in keeping with what we believe, nor of who we are. Added to this is a political partisanship filled with deep division and gridlock, and a leadership base - on all sides - far too silent where it needs to speak out, and far too loud where it needs to be silent. Gone are men and women of great words and noble actions. Instead, they have been replaced with media tweets, responses, and viral videos too quickly composed, which only 'fan the flames' of fire rather than putting fires out.

Now sensibly we all may 'say' that any notion of superiority on the part of one ethnic group or race over another is but an example of the 'fall of man' at it’s worse. But, perhaps we should be reminded tonight of more; perhaps we need to be reminded that, as Christians, we have been given both a mandate by God's Word and the gift of grace in Christ to be otherwise. In short, we are called upon to expose this evil, to combat it with Christian charity and kindness, and to diligently work toward providing the only certain 'cure' with the gospel of Christ.

So how is this so? In a message by Pastor Ligon Duncan of First Presbyterian Church in Jackson MISS, http://ligonduncan.com he lists 3 Biblical teachings, or doctrines, on which both the church and us as individual Christians can stand against racism. I concur with each one of these, and here they are:

1. The doctrine that all men are created in the image of God 
God created our first parents in his own image (Genesis 1:26, 27, WCF 4.2), and therefore all human beings are of the same race. Scripture says: “The God who made the world and everything in it, . . . gives to all mankind life and breath and everything. And he made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth” (Act 17:24-26). Because of this, Christians are to treat every human being with equal dignity as made in the image of God. So both the doctrine of creation and the biblical doctrine of man inform the Christian’s treatment of everyone, including people of other and minority ethnicities.

2. The doctrine of moral law from Moses, Jesus’ command to love our neighbors
Both the Old Testament and the New Testament command love for our neighbor. Moses is very specific about what love of neighbor entails: “You shall not oppress your neighbor . . . . You shall do no injustice in court. You shall not be partial to the poor or defer to the great, but in righteousness shall you judge your neighbor. . . . You shall not hate your brother in your heart, . . . lest you incur sin because of him. . . . but you shall love your neighbor as yourself: I am the LORD” (Lev 19:13-18). Neighbor love, then, according to God’s moral law, exemplified in the fifth through tenth commandments, calls for impartial kindness and justice to be shown to all. Moses grounds this behavior in God’s character (Leviticus 19:3, 4, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18) and it is our responsibility as believers to imitate him “You shall be holy, for I the LORD your God am holy” (Leviticus 19:2). And this neighbor love was not reserved for Israelites only. Moses extends it to foreigners: “When a stranger sojourns with you in your land, you shall not do him wrong. You shall treat the stranger who sojourns with you as the native among you, and you shall love him as yourself, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt: I am the LORD your God” (Leviticus 19:33-34). Jesus reiterates this command in the New Testament (e.g., Mark 12:31, Luke 10:25-37). After summarizing the ethical requirements of the moral law of God for the believer’s life by saying: “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself” (Luke 10:27) Jesus is met with the self-justifying question: “Who is my neighbor?” (Luke 10:29). In other words, the lawyer who queried Jesus was seeking a delimitation of the demands of neighbor love. Jesus answers with the story of the Good Samaritan, and makes it clear that the better question is “Am I a good neighbor?” Jesus’ application of the story shows that those who obey God’s command to love neighbor don’t attempt to delimit the obligation of neighbor love, but rather show mercy indiscriminately and even at significant personal cost (Luke 10:36-37) On this basis, Christians are enjoined by the moral law and by Jesus’ direct exhortation to show love, care, concern for the well-being of, justice, mercy and kindness to all people, with impartiality.

3. The doctrine of the communion of the saints
Jesus commissioned his church to “make disciples of all nations”  (Matthew 28:19). The language of “all nations” (πάντα τὰ ἔθνη [panta ta ethnē]) highlights the connection of Jesus’ great commission to the fulfillment of the Abrahamic covenant (Genesis 12:3; 18:18; 22:18; 26:4) and the Gentile mission of the church. The command to make disciples from “all nations” indicates that Jesus intended us to go to all the peoples of earth with the Gospel, and that he intended his church to include disciples from all peoples. “Don’t just go to the Jewish people, but to all the Gentile peoples,” Jesus is saying. He reiterates this in Acts 1:8 when he tells his disciples that they will be his witnesses “to the end of the earth.” The New Testament repeatedly celebrates the fact that Jesus’ redemptive work has brought believing Jews and Gentiles, once separated by the ceremonial law, into one body, the church. No passage states this more clearly than Ephesians 2:11-22

There was so much more that I shared on this night, but any thought that this was not what was needed in Brazil was dispelled as I gazed on the faces of these dear brothers and sisters nodding their heads. Clearly, the teaching of Christ and call of the gospel and the church was as evident and necessary to them as it was to me. But what else?

Well, as I was preaching my message this is what else happened. It was Father's Day in Brazil - Dia do Pai - and God laid on my heart - right at the end of the message - to ask each of the fathers in the congregation to stand and face me. As they did, I challenged them to stop this evil by combating it in their own homes. To dispel racism in every way possible by what they did (their actions) and by what they taught (their words). I was intentional in speaking of actions first and words second. As well, at the same time I was asking them to teach to their charges in every conceivable and measurable way possible the truth that all men are created equal, that all are to be shown charity, and that all are called to the table of Christ as brothers and equals. As I faced these brothers in Christ, one grandfather - about my age - had his arms about his two grandchildren. His hands were gnarled with the work of his days and his brow curled deep by the sun. Yet, his eyes were clear and strong as they gazed steadily into mine. I could tell he was listening, and that he was willing to do whatever it took to make this so in his own home. As he did this he reached down to hold his two grandchildren by the hand, his eyes filled with resolve. Then, as I looked upon the faces of these two children myself, I saw something that was very moving to me. The man's grandchildren were not looking at me at all. Instead, they looked only at their Avô, their grandfather, and the look they gave him was enough for me to know that my burden had found a proper voice this night. For though on this night I could not be in Charlottesville, I could be - and was - in Brazil. And for me, witnessing this scene, that was quite, quite enough! 

Deus te Abençoe,

Pastor Sam

Brasil 2017: Day 10, Return to Montes Claros

I returned to the city of Montes Claros, MG - having completed a 5 day trip to the southernmost region of North Minas Gerais. Minas Gerais (MG) is a very large state - almost the size of Texas - and my travel into the southern region of just the northern part of this large state exposed me to the grandness and scope of the P70 Church Planting vision. Their vision, which is great, addresses a need - it is to create and provide quality seminary training for new pastors being called to plant churches here. However, it is also a unique vision because it also addresses the challenge they have of distance and difficulty of travel,  which makes a traditional approach of 1 seminary in 1 locale a difficult and unnecessary hardship. The answer? A model whereby we bring a quality seminary program to strategic areas of this state, which will be accessible for each of the pastors being called.

So check out my video https://youtu.be/D2ZrUlhMRww (either here are on FB) which is a greeting from some of the pastors in Montes Claros. This is both to you and to seminary educators like my friend, Dr. Gene Wilkes, the President of B.H. Carroll Seminary. Then, join me in prayer that God might open for them partnerships designed to provide guidance, encouragement - and perhaps even the resource of professors - who can help meet this need. Indeed, Jesus said 'the harvest is plentiful but the laborers are few.'  Therefore, we must 'pray to the LORD of the harvest for laborer's' - and, may I add, for those who will help as persons willing to provide the training and mentorship they need. Indeed, Christianity at its core is both relational (us to God) and missional (us to others), and the mission from Christ is clear.

Deus Abençoe, 

Pastor Sam

Brasil 2017 - Day Four, 07.18.2017

The last days have found me quite busy here in Montes Claros, yet not so much to keep me from enjoying the beautiful weather. Today I spent time walking through the Central Market, and, as always, enjoyed the diversity of people I passed along the way. Brazilians love being outside and there is never a 'spot' without the sounds of music, an open cafe, and people enjoying their mild winter season.

For the next 2 weeks Jairo and the P70 leadership are between mission trips, so this means we are able - and will - spend our days visiting the various outposts of churches and missions within a 200 kilometer radius of our base at Montes Claros. In point, tonight we visited the city of Francisco Dumont, a place I first encountered years ago when on mission trip with ParkwayHills. Now it is a flourishing new church with its own building. This church is a product of our work and support, and it is so good to see what God has done through the faithfulness of these people and the support we were able to provide.

Tomorrow I will travel again - staying out for four nights - in order to visit several municipalities further to the south.  This will give me opportunity to visit many other new churches and their support networks. At each of these cities I will meet with pastors, and in many instances hold services. In all cases I will be able to bring them good fellowship and encouragement as we pray, and I assure them of our support and love for them back in the US.

So please continue to pray for these outings, as well as these churches and pastors I will be able to see. Also, pray for my Portuguese, which is coming along well as I am now, more often than not, forcing myself into conversation without depending on the aid of a translator. (Yikes!)

Deus Abençoe,

Pastor Sam

"I thank my God in all my remembrance of you all for your partnership in the gospel"

Phil 1:3

'Small World, Big God'

Brasil 2017 – Day One, 07.15  - “Small World, Big God”

Arriving safely at Confins Airport in Belo Horizonte at 8:00 a.m. today, I went straightway to catch my breath over a cup of strong coffee (Brasilians know no other kind) and wait for my connecting flight to Montes Claros  After checking for an earlier flight and finding none, I spent my next 4 hours stepping back into Brazilian culture and the beautiful Portuguese language once more. I was pleased when at the coffee bar I was mistaken for a Brasilian – albeit if but a moment - but this soon passed as my attempt at conversation continued. :-) 

Once in Montes Claros, I took the remainder of my day settling into the hotel and awaiting arrival of Jairo Campos, the Executive Director of the P70 Church Planting Mission. He and a team from Shady Oaks Baptist of Hurst, TX, led by Pastor Brad Martin, are returning from the last leg of their mission, so I enjoyed time with Pastor Junior Figueiredo of our ParkwayHills mission plant, which is now a growing, major church, and the Fróes family, including daughter, Juliana, 1 year from finishing her degree as a doctor of family medicine. Indeed, it was good to be back in this beautiful area of the world with its wonderfully mild weather at this season, and people who are passionate and happy by nature. At least that is what I sensed from those of Belo Horizonte and Montes Claros, who seemed less anxious to me than the rest of Brasil over their country’s current politics.   

And... oh yes, speaking of politics, perhaps some distance from my own might help this suffering, overexposed American, too. For it seems I just cannot get away from our 'not so newsy', talking heads sharing 'expert' opinions on – well…we all know what.  So much so I’d recently commented to Belinda that with all our political conversation of late my world seemed over exposed and grossly enlarged. The effect being, that God, well,... wasn’t so much.  At least that’s what I’d been feeling up until boarding my small plane headed to Montes Claros. For… as I looked out my window I could only see beautiful clouds capped by the bluest of sky.  And at that moment my world, even me, became small once again - and… God? Well, He became bigger! Which was not a bad beginning for this preacher embarking upon 30 days of ministry and mission. Yes, a small world (as in less important) and a big God.  Not a cop out!  Certainly not escapism!  But... worship, ushering in a reality check sorely needed.  

O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! You have set your glory above the heavens.  When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, and the son of man that you care for him?  Psalm 8: 1,  3 - 4

Deus  Abençoe,  Pastor Sam 

God's Care for Us

We are told again and again in Scripture of God's love and care over us (cf. Psalm 139). But have you thought how this same truth applies to all of creation?

Psalm 50: 10-11 reads: "For every beast of the forest is mine, the cattle on a thousand hills. I know all the birds of the hills, and all that moves in the field is mine."

Indeed God's care covers all His creation, and His particular love for us is wonderfully expressed when God sent His Son to die for our sin, so that we might be made right with Him once again.

Check out this video below by clicking the link and hear of the assurance and comfort this brings.

Blessings,

Pastor Sam

https://youtu.be/HmIUL8Ar8-Y

From the Pastor's Porch - Wren's, Church & the Fourth of July

Sitting on my porch this morning and watching my friends - the Wren's, I mused about what God might want from me, and perhaps YOU, this Fourth of July.

So check out this video below...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KCSAYRSv15c

And know that I am praying your Fourth will be filled with nothing but joy and appreciation for all we've been given - both in this country we love, and through the grace of our LORD, Jesus Christ.

Happy 4th,

Pastor Sam

Home - familiarity, honor and change

FAMILIARTIY
It's good to get away if for no other reason than this helps you appreciate what you have back home. So as B and I left on the morning of June 12 for our 'Bed and Breakfast' tour of Central Texas and the Hill Country, then followed with a five day visit to Oklahoma City seeing the grands, can I 'get a witness' that it really was good to get back home to sleep in my own bed, drink my own coffee, and fight my own - not someone else's - notion of bad traffic? :-)

HONOR
Now while away I began to mentally navigate my newly awarded title of "Pastor Emeritus" - and there I discovered a few things. First, the "Emeritus" title is only an honor if both parties think it so. In this I am fortunate. ParkwayHills Baptist Church has loved - and continues to love - Belinda and me very well. We have never felt anything other from our church, and our ending days as Senior Pastor were just as our first, wonderful. For me no job, career or calling can ever hold a higher consideration than that of pastor of this sweet, caring, powerful and evangelically responsible ParkwayHills Baptist Church. So that being given this title by them really is my honor.

CHANGE
But, second, life has a compelling way of moving only one way, and that is forward. Yesterday is gone and cannot be brought back. Today is here to either be used or wasted. And tomorrow is not yet so that excess worrying is futile, planning useful and dreaming helpful - especially when it translates you toward action today.

So while I was driving about Texas and sitting on benches outside antique stores waiting for B, and in OKC watching our grandsons at play, I thought, "what next?" and here are a few 'musts' I came to.

I must...

1. Be faithful to my calling - to preach Christ and Him crucified.

2. Be diligent in my responsibility - to care for family, friends and others over whom I love and whose charge I've been given.

3. Be ready for my future - looking optimistically forward to see new opportunities.

So where does this day find you? Perhaps you are like me, navigating change because your health, family or job has been altered. And, if like me you are prone to ponder, ponder this... home is good, honor nice, but change is inevitable. The only thing you can control is how you navigate it - and faithfulness, diligence and a ready attitude are excellent points from which to begin.

Finally, here is a promise from God to Israel - and to us, as well, as we commit to becoming faithful followers of Christ.

"See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland." Isaiah 43:9

For, indeed, He has and does.  

Pastor Sam

And Jesus said, "I am truth' (Jn. 14:6)

https://youtu.be/94HDBJdr_9I

So... How are your feet? Rom. 10:15 & Isaiah 52:7

Easter, 2017 - And a word about HOPE

"Behold, the world has gone after Him."

This coming Sunday is Palm Sunday, a preaching and worship service I always look forward to. There is such contrast and irony in Jesus' last week of ministry from this Sunday to Friday, that it presents an opportunity for a preacher that seems to jump off the page.

Now in readying for this story I am drawn to the words spoken by the Pharisees and recorded in John's gospel, chapter 12. Verse 19 reads, So the Pharisees said to one another, “You see that you are gaining nothing. Look, the world has gone after him." And though these words are spoken from anger, jealously, fear and distrust - and likely as hyperbole or sarcastic exaggeration to make their point, I know in large measure - at least in Western Culture, what was spoken became true. For think of it! What might our world be like had this, following after Christ, not become so?

May I start by asking that we consider art?  Or, how about music, medicine, exploration and science? Imagine any one of these without a devotion for Christ as their motive - not to mention the oft applied subject of God's creation and design. Imagine our moral and ethical code, or law and our views of individual liberty and freedom without the influence prompted by Christ.  More-so, imagine theology without first the salvation experiences of Paul, or John Calvin; or church practice and Christian home-life without the convictions of Luther; or social justice without the teaching, methodology and practice outlined by Wesley. In modern times, consider the abolitionist movement void of Christians, might it have even occurred?  Or, our American Civil Rights movement without the leadership of Christ-follower, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.. Indeed, history records that it is from those who have chosen to follow after Christ though whom we have realized our greatest change. 

Are there alternative examples to consider? Those not so good - such as those horrific examples of abuse in the 'name' of Christ? Unfortunately, yes, but these are before us only in name - and not from hearts set upon Him and warmed by His grace. History records the difference. So that I stand today as one who is grateful over the proclaimed prophetic 'truth' by the Pharisees - albeit un-intentioned - as they cried, 'behold the world has gone after Him."   

But... there is something more in this proclamation. Jesus, from Luke's gospel at chapter 19, responding to the Pharisees over this very complaint and attitude, i.e. "Teacher rebuke your disciples" - said this: “I tell you, if these were silent, the very stones would cry out.” (Lk. 19:39-40) Which is a reminder, I believe, of God's Word concerning the ultimate, intended honor of His only begotten Son. One we dare never forget. For though we might 'feel' the world has turned from God, and from Christ and His gospel, we should be encouraged with the truth of what it is that God has done, and by what will one day be so - even into eternity: Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (Philippians 2:9-11)

Yes, God's esteem of the Son will be so! Entering Jerusalem on what we now call Palm Sunday, over shouts of Hosanna, Jesus could hear the cries of the Pharisees from the rooftops -  'the world has gone after him.' And... responding to their derision and rebuke, not in spite but in truth, from His rightful place of - not just a donkey -  but God's throne, said plainly... I will not! 

For... 

Down from glory He came. Bearing my sin and my shame. 

'The world,' they complained.  'Silence,' they exclaimed. 

But "No," Christ replied. This shall not be denied.
For my Father has decreed this as so.    

Hosanna, indeed!  

Pastor Sam 

    

Pastor Josh & Easter 2017

These are very exciting days for ParkwayHills, as on Sunday, March 26 we voted to call our next Senior Pastor, Dr. Josh Allen of League City, Texas.  He and his wife, Jessie - along with children, Josie, Joy and Joel - are already precious to us, and will be a such a blessing for our church. Belinda and I could not be more thrilled as we love them already, and look forward to their being with us permanently this June.

Now as I've often said, ParkwayHills is our life's work - and Belinda and I look forward to remaining in this community and serving with you as pastor emeritus and fellow members set for reaching others and building of God's Kingdom. Of course, we will step away this summer and early fall - both for some much needed rest and to give Josh and Jessie ample opportunity to become established as our new leaders. This said, until then I will be here each Sunday through June 11 - and preaching on Sundays April 9, 16, 30, May 14, and June 4.  On April 23 Wesley Morris with Revive Texas will be our guest preacher.  And on Sunday's May 7 and 21 - though I will be here - various teams from our church have planned special days for us and to give thanks to God for His rich blessings over these last 28 years.

So... my word for you today is remain faithful and make ready for even greater work. We finished our fiscal year strong, but, with April a new one has begun.  And, because we live in a world so in need of the comfort and constancy that comes from a church committed to the gospel and to loving those who surround them, our work is far from over.  ParkwayHills has done this so well, and we should expect nothing less in the days to come. We believe God calls each member to His church for a purpose that goes beyond self and unto mission. And, because He is the one who chose to plant this particular church facility on this busiest of corridors stretching north and south through the heart of West Plano, Frisco, Carrollton, Addison and Dallas, His calling includes a commission, one reminding us we have much yet to do. Amen?

So don't miss the coming days at ParkwayHills.  Pray for Pastor Josh and his family as they transition into this community. Remain faithful - both with your finances and presence - and reengage in our mission, one to reach others who do not yet know the love of Christ and/or are in need of a church community where they may grow in their faith and service to Him. As you've heard me say through the years - this call is not rocket science, it is a clear call directly from our LORD, and it still works - one person at at time.

He is Risen, indeed!


Pastor Sam

PARKWAYHILLS EASTER WEEK SCHEDULE:
Palm Sunday, & LORD'S Supper Worship Service - April 9, 9:30 and 10:45 am
Good Friday Worship Service - April 14, 7:00 pm
Church Family and Community Eggstravaganza - April 15 - 9:00 am
Easter Sunday - April 16, 9:00 and 10:45 am

Sunday Morning from Phoenix AZ.

Good morning.  As I write this I am sitting on a folding chair in the hallway of Weinberg Elementary School in Gilbert, AZ.  I am readying for worship with the FreedomLIFE Church of Phoenix, which is part of an exciting emphasis by Southern Baptists to plant churches in larger metropolitan cities across the US.  The cities were chosen based upon their size and because they each hold near negligible ratio’s of evangelical populations and witness. In short, few people claim to be followers of Christ in these cities – hence, the emphasis. 

We are here working with Pastor Shea Ferguson, who, at the call of God upon both he and his wife, Amber, have uprooted themselves and their four children to move here from Georgia and become church planters. ParkwayHills is one of a handful of churches lending them financial support, and this weekend our Missions and Women’s Minister, Suzi Prizer, arranged for us to come and help them with a block party, neighborhood canvassing, partnership with an area pregnancy center, and by bringing encouragement, love and support. Needless to say, for Belinda and me, this has brought back memories of our own journey – one which began for us 28 years ago this month. 

So this morning I asked Pastor Shea what he wanted from me for this final day of our visit, and he told me he wanted me to preach.  I said, “No, Pastor! You preach! This is your church.” Then he added, ‘but, Pastor, our people need to hear from someone who has already done this, and who can tell them that they, through the power of God, can do this too.’  I understood.  So my text in a few moments will be from Matthew 16 – which reminds us that upon Peter’s confession, our confession and the very same confession of all others who will follow, God WILL build His church. And with longing and love in my heart for this pastor, his family and precious church, I will say so once again.  And… I will, of course, remember. I will remember the days of Brinker Elementary school in Plano, the handful of families who came in 1989, the challenges we faced, and the joy and miracle we witnessed over and again. For, indeed, it really is so - God WILL, and DOES, build His church, still.  

 

So thank you ParkwayHills for giving me, Belinda, Bobby & Kim Adams, Mark Goode, Jim Hitt, Walter Mickels & Lisa Vanderburg the opportunity to go to Phoenix this weekend and tell this pastor and his small flock what we, too, have seen and know – that, ‘with God all things are possible’ - especially the building of His church. For, as the text says...

You are Peter (Petros), and upon this rock (petra – meaning your confession that I am the Christ) I will build my church, and the gates of Hell will not prevail (stand) against it.’   Matthew 16: 18 

Blessings from Phoenix, indeed!  

Pastor Sam

‘

MISSION/17 - Legacy

As we begin a new year of ministry at ParkwayHills, I must tell you that I am very excited. For me, Belinda and a handful of others this excitement was born many years ago, as we huddled together against the winter winds of 1989 - praying round fireplaces of living rooms and dens - then stepped out to begin a mission that would one day become this church we now all love. But beyond those years, in countless events and meetings, in strategy sessions et. al, I have not held any greater sense of God’s blessing, plans or purpose than I do now. The why of this is clear to me, and I pray it is clear to you. For I believe that ParkwayHills is entering upon a year that will determine not just the future of this church but the eternal future of hundreds who will walk through our doors to be changed, challenged and prepared to walk out as ambassadors of Christ bringing salvation to others and ushering us ever closer to the day Jesus returns.

Now, we should know that being desirous for what God wants from us must be more than a attitude of the heart, it must be a matter of our will, as well. Meaning, it must be a matter lived through discipline, fortitude, and purpose. In point, it is a matter of us being 'on mission' - and for this reason I will focus my new years winter-message series as one titled simply - MISSION/17. But, be sure, this is not to say this is a new mission. For our mission has not changed. But to say only that it is a new year. For certainly both the year and the times have changed. Yes, we look to the future with the same mission as before - grateful for our past, but only that we might build upon it, not languish in it sentimentally. And, as we do this, we do so under a challenge that bears our full attention. The series is MISSION/17 and our first message is LEGACY, begging the questions, what will we, as God’s church on the Parkway, leave behind worth remembering? What have we begun that must march on? Whom have we readied after us to continue? And... how will our legacy carry on?
_______________________________

Dennis and Barbara Rainey, family counselors and noted speakers, write of an American couple who walked by great faith and left a legacy far beyond anything they could have imagined. This couple lived in the early 1700s in colonial America and their names were Jonathan and Sarah Edwards.

Jonathan Edwards felt God's call to become a minister, so he and his young bride began a pastorate in a small congregation. During the years that followed, he wrote many sermons, prayers, and books, and was influential in beginning the Great Awakening in America. Together they produced eleven children who grew into adulthood. Sarah was a partner in her husband's ministry, and he sought her advice regarding sermons and matters of the church. They spent time talking about these things together, and, when their children were old enough, the parents included them in these discussions. The effects of the Edwards's lives have been far-reaching, but the most measurable results of their faithfulness to God's call is found through their descendants.

Elizabeth Dodds records a study done by A. E. Winship in 1900 in which he lists a few of the accomplishments of the 1,400 Edwards descendants he was able to find:

100 lawyers and a dean of a law school
80 holders of public office
66 physicians and a dean of a medical school
65 professors of colleges and universities
30 judges
13 college presidents
3 mayors of large cities
3 governors of states
3 United States senators
1 controller of the United States Treasury
1 Vice President of the United States (Aaron Burr)
100 missionaries, pastors and theologians

So what kind of legacy will you leave? Will it be lasting? Will it be imperishable and eternal? Or, will you leave behind only tangible items—like buildings, money or possessions?

In his last years the apostle Paul wrote a letter to Timothy filled with encouragement and instruction re: things he'd lived, methods he'd employed, and the purpose he had realized. In his letter he passed on a lasting legacy. He instructed Timothy to, like him, invest his life in faithful men who would be able to pass God's truth on to the next generation. Considering Paul's words, where and how does God want you to invest the time you have been given, and with whom? In living a life worthy of legacy, here is some of what Paul passed on in the opening words of  2 Timothy chapter 1. To help our thinking, I have provided an outline that came to my mind as I read these words.

Here Paul shared...

1. A LEGACY OF GOD
Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, according to the promise of life in Christ Jesus,To Timothy, my beloved son: Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord. I thank God, whom I serve with a clear conscience the way my forefathers did, as I constantly remember you in my prayers night and day. (Vv.1-3)

2. A LEGACY OF FAITH
For I am mindful of the sincere faith within you, which first dwelt in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am sure that it is in you as well. (v.5)

3. A LEGACY OF COURAGE
For God has not given us a spirit of timidity (fear), but of power and love and discipline. (v.7)

4. A LEGACY OF GRACE
Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord or of me His prisoner, but join with me in suffering for the gospel according to the power of God, who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was granted us in Christ Jesus from all eternity. 2 Timothy 1: 8-9

5. A LEGACY OF MISSION
For which I was appointed a preacher and an apostle and a teacher. (v.11)

6. A LEGACY OF HOPE
 For this reason I also suffer these things, but I am not ashamed; for I know whom I have believed and I am convinced that He is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him until that day. (v. 12)

A Christians legacy is born, foremost, in a relationship with Christ, and then realized through his/her life and its living. It is meted out by learning from the past, living in the present and building for the future. Great leaders leave a lasting legacy - but the greatest leaders do not become so by investing in things, but rather through investing in people. Why? Because in terms of legacy success without a successor is failure.

Yours in Christ for a lasting and eternal LEGACY,

Pastor Sam