'MORE' - from the book of Philippians

This Sunday begins my first message series of the new year 2012. It is taken from my study and prayerful application of Paul's letter to the ancient church at Philippi. Since my first reading, now many years ago, I have always loved this particular letter. When I read it I sense Paul's joy, to which he early-on refers, and now - as your pastor - that very joy has become my own.

The letter talks about things that are close to me, not the least of which is the gospel itself. And, today, as I sit amidst that which is transpiring about me, the partnership these Philippians shared in is something of which I am acutely aware. For, gazing out my window I see construction workers busy preparing a building that will house children soon to hear and receive the gospel from within new walls. Listening through my door I hear sounds of mothers picking up children and learning news of Women's Bible Studies yet to come -'one just for them!' And reaching for my desk I touch my Bible to read from God's Word, the same Word which will be proclaimed this Sunday and throughout each day of this coming year - or til Christ comes. So that I literally tremble with anticipation of both what is, and, what is yet to be.

Philippi was established in 356 BC by the Macedonian King, Philip II, and was abandoned in the 14th century after the Ottoman Conquest. Sitting at the headwaters of the Aegean Sea, in Eastern Macedonia, it was a strategic site for defending neighboring mines containing gold. Describing its geographic locale today, one would say it sits west of Istanbul and north of Athens 400 and 350 kilometers respectively. Population estimates of Philippi in the time of Paul range in the neighborhood of 300,000 inhabitants, though these numbers are hard to authenticate. Regardless, it was of significant size to attract the attention of Paul, to bear historical mention of commerce and trade, and to house a Jewish population of enough size to garner the beginnings of a new - and ultimately, very successful - church.

But beyond this, let me just say - Paul loved this church. The Philippian Christians were not perfect, but they did serve a perfect God. They were those who had been saved by Him sending His Only Son, Jesus Christ, to die for their sins - and unto the proclamation of this great truth and the building of His Kingdom their attention was now fully turned. Yes, Paul loved them, gave praise for them - but... wanted for them MORE.

So that this is what I think of when I think now of ParkwayHills. We are a commendable church too - maybe not always, but certainly on most days. And as I complete this first message - the one Ill bring this coming Lord's Day, I simply must say I, too, am ... "thanking my God in all my remembrance of you." Indeed - ready to have us learn of the MORE God has for us as we serve Him faithfully here.

Till then,

Pastor Sam

A Winter's Reflection - 'Sunny and 55'

There's no better forecast for me when it comes to enjoying winter in North Texas than "Sunny and 55 degrees." Of course, I know my feelings concerning this might be contested, but, I'm the one who's writing this BLOG, so...

'Sunny' means the sky is clear - usually a deep blue. 55 for a 'high' means that it was likely colder than this last night - making the morning temperature crisp, perhaps at or near freezing. And clear means that winter allergies - certainly the lesser of our Texas allergy season's - are now at a minimum.

'Sunny and 55' means you can stand on a hillside with a jacket on, especially if there's no wind, and enjoy being outside. Or, Sunny and 55 means you can sit in your favorite chair - the one by the window - enjoying what you see. Sunny and 55 means you can ride your bike, go for a walk, a jog, or even play golf. And, in December, It means you can work in the yard without pressure of mowing it, plant flowers, prune your roses, or trim your trees.

Bible historians have estimated the calendar date of Jesus's birth at varying times of the year, and recently the date 25 December has come under suspicion. But, suffice it to say, since the time of John Chrysostom (4th century BC), or, for the last 18 centuries, the church has chosen to celebrate Christ's birth on December 25. If this be so it would have been wintertime in Bethlehem of Judea, with weather much like that of a North Texas winter's night. Much like that of last night.

So, if I'm wrong - then I am. But, in my mind, I have always imagined Jesus being born on a clear, cold, winter's night - with the following day presenting itself as... Sunny and 55. A good day, indeed! For on that day, 'unto us' - regardless of what else might be - 'Christ was born.' And today, with the weather at my house 'Sunny and 55,' I am rejoicing.

Your's,

Pastor Sam

simply CHRISTmas

Christmas has long been one of my favorite times. How can you not love sharing the message - "Immanuel, God With Us?"

But, for many, Christmas-time is difficult. With constant reminders of family - as well as a huge overemphasis on giving and receiving of gifts - not having one or the other makes such reality marked. After all, who wants to be broke or alone - especially at Christmas?

I once read that for every 'happy' person walking about there are three others within arms distance struggling. Truth be told, we are all just one phone call away from unhappiness!

But it shouldn't be like this - especially for we who are in Christ. For if Christmas brings anything, it certainly brings joy. A joy possessed in Christ. One realized from the inside out - regardless of circumstances. Or, might I allow? - in spite of them.

As a younger pastor I was want to say, 'there is no excuse for a Christian not feeling joy.' Of course I still know this sounds right, and I know it to be theologically true - but, still, we do. We do because we are human and our mind is not the mind of God. We determine favor - from God or anyone - from the perspective of circumstance. From our view in the mirror, as Paul would say.

So what must we do? Well, we should recall 'His ways are not ours'. We must remember that His view - both of us and for us - is eternal. And we must know that the things He values - as much as we'd like to think of as being the same as ours - just aren't. At least not naturally.

My assistant opined something today worth sharing - that on that first Christmas morning, when Jesus was laying in Mary's arms and everyone was feeling all that they felt, the one person looking upon this scene from a different, less than 'fuzzy warm' perspective, was God. He knew that this baby, His Son, was going to die! And, if there was anyone on that first Christmas morning not feeling the joy of the kind we so oft desire - it was Him. God's joy was larger than the moment. It lay in the whole story, including the finish. And so, too, must ours. For 'Immanuel' really is with us.

And that is simply CHRISTmas, indeed!

Pastor Sam

Being the Church - Thanksgiving worship at ParkwayHills

I am looking forward to Sunday and the 'wrap up' of my message series, "Being the Church," which is based upon gleanings from Acts 9-15 concerning how we are to actually "BE" Christ's Church in our world. This has been a more lengthy series, one taking us along the path of Paul's conversion and early ministry (1st ten years or so) out of Antioch, which includes the story of his first missionary journey with his good and capable friend, Barnabas; yet, what we have learned has been significant. And though certainly not inclusive of everything the church might be, clear - at least - as to 9 things we ought be without question: that we are to be saved, led by God's Spirit, not prejudiced, so by God's election and our decision to say, 'yes" - and that we are unstoppable, that we ought to expect and follow Spirit-led leadership, that we should maintain a gospel perspective, always give God credit, and never compromise Christ's gospel message of grace. For... in realizing these 9 things, we just might see God move in the same way we read of in Acts.

So this Sunday, then, come and hear how this has been so. In our Sunday morning service I will tell your stories - stories you have shared with me both through email and in person. As well, we will hear live testimony of the same - then gaze, once more, upon God's Word (the end of Acts 14) for a reminder of how important this final 'being' step is - the step of telling the story of all that God has done as we were found faithful to "be the church" He has called us to be.

Till Sunday,

Pastor Sam

Steve Jobs

I did not know him and certainly never met him. Yet, like so many today, I am saddened by the loss of the American entrepreneur, Steve Jobs, whose products and genius I have enjoyed for years. His death yesterday, at the age of 56, seemed personal because, well... for me he was simply the John Lennon of consumer technology. And, just as Lennon, there have been few quite like him. Others may have created computers (thank you John Atanasoff and Clifford Berry) but Jobs helped us to use and enjoy them.

So that as I went about living my own life today, I could not help but think of his. Did anyone ever share the gospel with him, I wondered, and, if so... what were his thoughts? Moreover, what were his views on God and humankind? Did he consider us (humans) as creatures possessing a soul, one that will live forever and be accountable unto God in eternity?

As I thought further, though, I moved from admiring Mr. Jobs to a sense of awe over the wonder of God. I am amazed that He can create in us, creatures whom the Bible says He "loves," such ability, such enterprise, such charisma and will. Jobs was amazing, thought I, but then... God, in even making Steve Jobs, is amazing even more. An adopted child from a town called Cupertino California. A college drop out after one semester who started a business in his parents garage! WOW! And we wonder over how God called Abraham out from the Land of Ur! Shame on us.

So as I write this blog on my MacBook Pro tonight - with my iPhone at hand and iPad nearby - I can't help but smile over the very thought of using, next, the 'app' I enjoy most - the "Holy Bible". For yes, Mr. Jobs did put it on my phone and computer, but God wrote it - and He put it on my heart. Tonight, I celebrate them both!!!!

Pastor Sam

'Church'

It is so good to be home and back working with you - my beloved church family. In particular, the past 2 Sunday's at ParkwayHills have been most wonderful. The effects of 'change' in both our Worship and our LIFEgroup time and space has been immediately felt, and, all in a sprit which this church is known for - grace.

But it has not just been Sunday's alone that have brought this effect upon me. Witnessing the impact through our everyday, 24/7, facilities usage bearing weekday study of the Bible, children's learning and care, community training and support, and youth in the sand playing volleyball - all of this has just, flat-out, inspired me! I could not be more pleased.

When churches serve the cause of Christ, they serve their community. What church is not interested in the well-fare of those who surround them? What church does not care that those driving by and those gracing our halls have a place to find comfort, love and rest for their soul?

Last night I tagged after our youth and went to Sonic. While there one of the young men came up to me to introduce himself. He said that BOTH his sisters before him had been active in our parkwayhills youth group - and that he had decided he was going to be too. I told him I was pleased to hear this. When the car-hop came to bring us our food, he turned to her and said, 'this is my pastor!' Then, as she looked at me, I replied, 'this is one of our sons!' What better mention might we have? What better task might we apply ourselves toward? To be the church where a young man may find Christ, well... that is EXACTLY why we are here. Kudos to our new student pastor, CODY JONES, and to the excellent job he and his team of workers and volunteers do in making this vision an everyday reality.

So yes...

Our Church is made of people, it seems. Of boys and girls - of princesses and kings. For the precious blood that paved OUR way, creates in US a love that STAYS.

Till Sunday,

Pastor Sam

From Athens

We have returned this morning (September 9) to Athens - having experienced a most wonderful journey across the Aegean on visit to Istanbul. There we docked for 2 days to see this amazing city and feel the pulse of the 'once great' epicenter of the Christian faith (known then as Constantinople) - a center for witness, both unto Europe to its west and Asia to its east.

From there we sailed south - arriving at the Isle of Mykonos, Greece on Monday, then journeyed back, north a bit, for one last peek upon the shore of Turkey, as we toured the ruins of Ancient Ephesus.

The next morning it was off again - south to the isle of Patmos (near the isle of Samos), then to Rhodes, and finally to Santorini - noting, always, the stunningly spectacular beauty of these places. As we sailed, I could not help but think of the apostles - especially of Paul. What courage he had! What an adventurous spirit he possessed! This man who wrote, 'for me to live is Christ and to die is gain,' was fearless in the face of it all. And when entering the cave of John on the isle of Patmos, where in exile he was to receive the Revelation, I could not help but smile and think how good God was to this apostle, who, at the ripe age of 95 was exiled by Domitian to a place that was, well... absolutely beautiful! And, with a word from God that seemed to say, John, I'm not quite through with you - "write this down!"

Pastor's have a way of loving the churches they serve. Paul did, for he said so, and I'm sure that John did too. Likewise, I have found myself loving you 'all the more' with each day that is passed. My journey here has done much to refresh my sense that God really IS in charge - of us ALL.

So to this end I look forward to seeing EACH of you upon my return - and especially speaking to you from the parkwayhills pulpit on Sunday, September the 18th. That day will begin a new journey for us as a church as we come together for worship in one great hour called "ten-forty-five" I pray this hour will always be a time on the Parkway to celebrate all God has done - and... to anticipate all He has in store for days yet to come.

In the meantime, "remember to remember" (Sunday, 9.11.2011) by honoring God with your lips and your life.

Till then,

Pastor Sam