IDOLATRY

Today's message was SUPPOSED to be the 3rd in my series, Culture in Crisis, focusing on three matters present in our culture that push against us being all God intended. Today, my 'Crisis' topic was "Idolatry", and the biblical cure, or antithesis, was to be WORSHIP - of CHRIST. So...

I got up this morning and headed to the church with message in hand - ready to deliver the solution.  For 23 years I have awakened on Sunday morning with one thing, often most primary, on my mind - Parkwayhills - and, well, today I learned that maybe this pastor might need to learn a thing or two himself.

When I arrived at the church I was informed we had no power - not to any part of our building.  Our campus was dark, the new children's building not accessible, no air, no coffee, no lights in the hallway.  Absolutely pitch black.  Inconvenient and frustrating, for sure, but remediable, or... so I thought. However, as the morning wore on it became ever more clear that power was NOT going to be restored to the building any time soon, making the already hectic day increasingly unsafe - especially for those of our congregation most vulnerable. And so, after a quick meeting with our Executive Administrator and Board President, the decision was made, and, one by one we began to inform people that 'worship' - at least the service scheduled for 10:45 - was cancelled.

Now throughout the day I have thought a lot about this - and from many angles. How much of our Christian experience, that which we call "our" Christianity, is really just a matter of social setting only?  A matter of friendships, our group, and not a matter of a true relationship - an everyday, intimate kind of relationship - with the One whom we call our Saviour?

Then, this... I thought about myself this morning.  Perfectly poised and ready to preach a message on Idolatry.  To preach to people who, in my mind, needed to give up the things of this world so they could focus on God, and worship Him.  Then it happened!  God pulled out from under me one of the very things that I most worship. That's right, church! I worship (spend an inordinate amount of my time, energy and money) "worshipping" church - often, confessedly, forgetting the very One who came and now stands as the church's Bridegroom. Did I really need to meet at 10:45 am at 2700 North Dallas Parkway to worship Him? Was His power turned off this morning? Well, we all know the answer don't we.  Not at all!

So that was my Sunday. A preacher without a congregation, a voice without a pulpit (at least for my one hour today), but, certainly, a preacher - a worshipper - who was NOT without a Saviour.

Yes, Idolatry comes in many forms, and the Bible teaches us that God despises them all!  And that is is why He said...

“I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery. You shall have no other gods before me.” You shall not make for yourself a carved image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. You shall not bow down to them or serve them, for I the Lord your God am a jealous God, ... ... Exodus 20: 1-5a

And we all can learn from Him about this!  :-)

Till Sunday, then,

Pastor Sam
  

Calvin Miller, Preacher, Poet and Christian of Influence

I read recently of the passing of Dr. Calvin Miller, a retired professor at Beeson Divinity School of Samford University in Birmingham Alabama.http://www.sbcbaptistpress.org/BPnews.asp?ID=38539

I first met Calvin when we were speaking together at the Evangelism Conference of the Kansas-Nebraska Convention of Southern Baptists in Wichita Kansas.  That was in 1972, and I was a very naive and inexperienced 'preacher' at the 'too young' age of 22. 

Miller was already famous - both as a writer and a successful church planter - and this was years before church planting was cool.  He had begun a new church in the suburbs of Omaha Nebraska with just 10 people, one that had grown to a congregation of several hundred members, and I was mesmerized by him. He could do it all, plus... he was 'bright.'  And I was attracted by his talent and gifts while at the same time drawn to his unabashed love for Christ and ability to express it in ways seldom heard.  In short... our souls were knit.  

Calvin had me at his church the next winter for a youth revival, and I remember us having such a great time talking. Like him, I had a deep love for literature - as this was my major in college - and sometime afterward, as I was wrapping up my undergraduate degree, he called to ask if I would consider coming to Omaha to serve with him as his associate. I was flattered, thrilled, and considered this, of course, but... it was not to be.  
Years later, by the sweet grace of God, I was blessed to answer the call of my youth and from 39-44 attend seminary and complete my MDIV while planting parkwayhills. One of my classes in seminary was titled, 'Spiritual Formation', and to my joy Dr. Calvin Miller was listed as professor.  Nearly 19 years later we had reconnected! So that I could not help but pause today and reflect on all this, then post the following on Facebook to his family. 

Dear family of Dr. Miller, 

I knew Calvin, first, as a young preacher in my 20s when he had me preach at Westside for a weekend youth revival. I remember it being very cold in Nebraska - and him taking me to watch ice skating in the park near the church. Cold as it was, Calvin was a warm soul that day as we sat there talking - and he has remained that way, always.

After this, years would pass before we were to meet again- but that day came when, as a man now in his early 40s, I sat in his class at SWBTS. Much had happened to me in the 18 years since our last conversation. I had drifted away from my call, but was now returned  - by the precious grace of God - and was planting a church of my own, so that his wisdom and bits of conversation with me before and after class were of great encouragement.

I am sure to be but one of many whom you will hear from in the days to come, but please know that I count your husband and father as one of those persons possessing of talent and sincere Christian spirit who made an extraordinary difference in my life. I majored in Creative Writing as an undergraduate, but have never pursued that love and gift as I might, or should. Dr. Miller was forever encouraging me to do so. Perhaps it is time.

Love in Christ, Pastor Sam Dennis, Plano Texas 

Yes, Dr. Calvin Miller was a fresh soul to me.  A reminder that...

Preachers are made of varied things - of flesh and blood, and souls that sing.  
And when, at best, they write or speak -  they tell those who hear of the gift called Christ.  

You were this and more to me - a soul that soared with words that rang.  
And if in life I dare the same - like you, I pray, I'll but sing of Him!   
(In Memoriam of Dr. Calvin Miller, at news of his passing to Glory) 

Pastor Sam Dennis
20 August, 2012

Readying for Sunday

What a joy as rain returned to North Texas this week. The effect of this blessing is felt universally - both to nature and to us - and we are certainly grateful for this needed nourishment.  

Today I sit in my study putting the finishing touches on my message for tomorrow. One that will focus on a Third Core Value of our church - that of Learning About God through the study and application of His Word. As I think about this, and gaze out my window, I cannot help drawing a parallel with what I am witnessing in nature.  Precious rain upon a parched earth is incomparable as to effectiveness. Likewise, the same may be said concerning the effect of God's Word when read, studied (meditated upon) and applied to the lives of His children.

The Psalmist wrote,
"Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night."
"He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers."  Psalm 1:1-3

Belinda awakened early this morning and blessed our household with a feast of scrambled eggs, fresh biscuits and a variety of fruits to enjoy. It is nearly noon, now, and I am still satisfied. How many mornings have I grabbed a bagel, a roll, or simply rushed down a cup of coffee only to find myself back in the kitchen in a hour or less, scrounging around for something more?  But not today! I am totally satisfied.

My prayer for life is that I will feast on the table prepared for me by God - one founded in Christ and nourished by time in His Word.

Till Sunday, then


Pastor Sam

The Peace of God, from Brasil

The peace of God comes to us in diverse ways.  Sometimes I witness this in the sheer magnitude of His power, as mountains are moved and strongholds are broken down.  But, at other times, His peace is revealed to me personally, in the calming of my spirit, or shall I say an overriding sense that comes as I am about my duties, my day, or involved in worship.

Last night such peace flooded my soul. The worship team was leading preceding my message, and they led us in a song that brought to me a wonderful sense of the deep blessing of God.  The song was about the 'blood of Jesus" and it sang in Portuguese, "Sangue de JESUS." As I repeated these words, and thought about the cleansing power of God brought to be by the precious blood of Christ, I was overwhelmed with gratitude and ushered into the very presence of Christ through my own worship of Him. In that moment I forgot about the cares of my day and of the worries and concerns of the mission we were on. I forgot about the size of the crowd, even my own message I was about to bring, and found myself in the very arms of Christ expressing my own love and gratitude back to Him.

Today it is Saturday and I am yet in Brasil.  A festival is occurring in our village.  People are on the streets and there is hurry everywhere, but I am rejoicing that my Saviour has me in the palm of His hand, and that 'nothing can pluck' (John 10:28) me out of it. His blood is sufficient for my sin, and, for the sins of all who call upon the name of LORD.  I have been bought by His great price - His sacrifice, and nothing can separate me from His love.

Where are you today?  Perhaps you are traveling and far away from home like me.  Or, perhaps you are right in your own home, concerned over the worries and the hurriedness of your day. Look to Christ!  See how great a Saviour He is and know the peace with God that only comes by turning your life to Him so that that you might experience the peace of God by living a life in Him.

"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope."  Romans 15:13

"And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:7

Indeed, 

Pastor Sam 

From Brasil

Since the summer of 2007, missing none but one, I have been privileged to travel to Brasil and work with our ParkwayHills Foreign Mission Partnership, called P-70. This partnership of our church is for the purpose of planting and strengthening Baptist churches in the state of Minas Gerais, and we work here with a missionary and friend whom ParkwayHills supports -Jairo Campos, the ministries founder. The region of Minas Gerias that we cover is huge, and over 20 churches have been planted by our efforts since we first began. It is a wonderful work, one well worth our support.


This year we are working in 2 new cities. These cities, which form the seat of 2 municipalities (counties) are small in terms of size, with populations within the cities themselves of less than 3,000 persons - but... the cities are growing. Their names are Itacambria and Francisco Dumont, and neither of them have an evangelical church faithfully sharing the gospel. Our sister church - started by Jairo - is actually traveling to these cities on a weekly basis, in an effort to win some adults to Christ, that they may be the beginning of a new church plant.  In other words. this is a 'from the ground up' work we are engaged in. 

We have several teams working with us in reaching these two cities.  There is a visitation team, which this year features our own Glenn Sampson and Carla Cox, along with others. And there is also a Vacation Bible School team, which is led by Debbie Irons and also has Claire Davenport and Taylor Dennis Butler, my daughter, as key leaders/teachers.  Dave Davenport is our logistics person this year, and he has been a major translator for me and others as we have witnessed to persons on the street and in the market.

In the afternoons we divide into two groups, and travel to villages in outlying areas of the municipalities - most of which have less than 1,000 persons, and often less. In these villages we 'round up' the children by passing through the streets with music, games and Bible Stories, and - of course - with clowns.  Then, if a crowd of adults are gathered, as well, I or another Norte Americano will preach.  In the evening we hold evangelistic services, and I am privileged to preach in these.  Already we have seen over 200 persons come to faith in Christ, as a result of these efforts, and we give praise to GOD.

Pray for our continued safety and success as we complete our work in these villages. Then, pray for us as we travel back to Montes Claros, where we will participate in a service, which will be the 'admission' of our ParkwayHills mission, the P-70 Church of Montes Claros, being admitted into the Baptist Association of Churches for Minas Gerais, as a fully accredited and participating church within the Baptist Convention of Brasil.  It will be a great day for ParkwayHills, and for P-70, in completing this step.

Blessings in Christ,

Pastor Sam

Mayberry, Andy Griffith and Fourth of July

The news this week that Andy Griffith had passed away brought a flood of memories to my mind. Memories of my own family, life in they early 60s, and the lone TV sitting centered in our Living Room and from which perceptions for our day and time were fed. My nostalgia was so strong that Belinda and I unpacked a DVD featuring a few of the old "Andy Griffith Show" episodes - and played it through the family room TV throughout the day.  Andy was 86, and his passing has marked myriad of comments - especially from my generation - concerning the character's he portrayed, the man he was and the times he seemed to represent. As far as the 'Andy Griffith Show' was concerned (CBS, 1960 -68), each story - presented through the comically natural, homespun humor of characters from the fictitious town of Mayberry, North Carolina - brought a simple but poignant message of love, kindness and the ways of encouragement. They (Andy and the Gang) helped us laugh at the presumption of our own circumstance, and left us with a hope that good guys really can win - not just in Mayberry, but in our own life and town too.

Now this week we also celebrated our nations 236th birthday - and I wondered, how can it be possible that 36 years have passed since our nation's Bi-Centennial? And, more, what do the youth of our nation think of that past event now?  Do they think of 36 years ago as ancient history?  Could that be?  The answer, I realize, is 'yes' - today's young are no different than I was when I used to listen to my High School History Teacher tell of the Great Depression, which, by the way, preceded my Sophomore year by the same span of time - 36 years.

And what does all this say to me, now?  Well, I suppose it says in the very least that 'story' is important.  Even more, it says that the 'why' of our story is important too.  Passing to each generation there must be those cherished parts of our story that are true and honest.  Both the good and the bad.  Today, as I reflect on past times - both the Andy Griffith part of America and the deeply-rooted prejudice part - I must be careful with my responsibility of sharing this story to those who come behind me, telling of both the what and the why.  Likewise, as Americans we must all be careful with our past.  We must know it and teach it within our present day context - so that it might come to bear upon the issues of our times.  We must not so lionize our past that we don't tell the whole truth, but we must also not be ashamed to call to mind the things that were right about it, so that they may call into legitimate question those things which plague us today.  To forget our past is dangerous, to worship it is foolish, but to remember and apply it to the applications of our times is to achieve the betterment of us all.




Pastor Sam  

2nd Peter 1:12 ‘Therefore I will always be ready to remind you of these things, even though you already know them, and have been established in the truth which is present with you.’ (NASB)

All the pools are green (all the pools are green)

If you are too young to remember the Mama's and the Papa's, then chances are you did not get the pun in my title.  In fact, unless you - like me - are constantly singing scores of obscure tunes in your head as you take in people, scenery and dialogue, then you likely STILL didn't get it.  But... that's just me. It's who I am (as they say) and, well... I just can't hide it! (Oops, there's another one - I know, I know, I know, I know, I know I want you).

But - back to my title - and my plight. Belinda and I have spent the better part of our short summer thus far trying to get the 'green' out of our pool, and we've tried everything.  Everything, however, EXCEPT calling in a professional.  So today I called one - and complained of my pool's condition.  Urgently I told the poor pool guy over the phone, "my pool is green!!!" And that's when I heard this line from him - sir, "all the pools are green." So that I added - and couldn't help it - I know, "and the sky is gray (and the sky is gray)."  And, though my mind was busy singing, I was adept enough in this moment to realize that the conversation - as far as my pool was concerned - was going nowhere. In order to fix my pool, I had to have the professional come out - so that, HE (the professional), could actually see it.  Just saying my pool was green wasn't going to be enough! Whether sung or not.

Now - are you ready for this? - on the same day - today - I sat in the office of a service advisor for Belinda's car and happened to listen in as he talked on the phone to another client who had called him just as I'd walked in. "Sir, I think you need to bring the car in."  Then silence as he waited for the voice on the other end. Then, "what?" "You want me to listen." "Well, sir, I'll try."  Followed by silence as he tried to listen to the man's car over the phone. Then, "No sir, I can't hear anything."  "Really sir, if you will just bring the car in!!!" And on, and on, and on they went - with me hearing it all - most incredulously.

When he finally hung up I said to him, "I can't believe someone would actually want you to diagnose a car problem by listening to their engine over the phone!"  And he said, "Yes, pastor, you wouldn't believe what all I get asked to do. It's like someone wanting me to fix a pool without ever looking at their water." And... you guessed it, as I sat there looking at him I wanted to hide.  I'd been found out. Had he been reading my mail? Had he talked to my pool guy?

Now I've discovered that we are all like this at times.  We want an instant fix to what ails us, and we'll usually call everyone before calling that someone who can really help.

One of the questions I often ask my parishioners is, "have you prayed about this?" And I can usually tell by their response whether they have or haven't. To take something to God - to really ask Him for guidance and leadership - is a rare thing, even among we Christians. It seems we'll talk to almost anyone before we will the Real ONE who both cares and can help.

In our Bible God is pictured as many things - but one of the more consistent and comforting images is that of Shepherd.  In John's gospel we have Christ describing himself as the 'Good Shepherd' (John 10) - One who 'knows' His sheep.  So that an abundance of our difficulty in our real, everyday relationship with God seems to stem from us not practically realizing Who God Is, What He Does, and What this Means - to us.  He is our Shepherd and we are His sheep!  Amazing!

David wrote - "The Lord is My Shepherd, I shall not want" - and he was able to write and know this because of how and what he learned as he trusted in God - often from a cave.   David saw God as his care-giver, and this changed his heart.

So the next time you have a 'green pool', like me, let's both try calling in a professional. What do you say? Perhaps if we do, this will change the tune we ALL sing.

(Psalm 55:22, 1 Peter 5:7)


Pastor Sam