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Forty Five Years: May the name of the Lord be praised!

June 10, 2024
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Matthew 11:28-30

[Jesus says,] “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

1 Timothy 1: 15

The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost.

2 Corinthians 4:7

But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us.

John 1:14

The Word became flesh and dwelt among us…full of grace and truth.

Jars of Clay | Arbor Gate, Tomball, Texas | May 2024

Pastor Robert Lange served as campus pastor at the Lutheran Chapel of Hope at Southeast Missouri State University where I went to college. My friend Jerry had introduced me to the campus center as we called it. Games of hearts and spades, Bible studies and conversations, sometimes-disgusting frozen dinners and deep friendships were part of my experience there. I was confirmed there. I met Diane there and we were married there. When I was confirmed Pastor Lange gave me the verse from Matthew 11:28 as my confirmation verse. When I was ordained there, his text was that same passage. It’s hard to believe that was 45 years ago.

Today marks that 45 year milestone. I am deeply aware of the incredible privilege I’ve had over the years. Serving churches in Utah, Colorado, Arkansas, and now Texas has been a journey of joy, tears, challenges, breakthroughs, and deep and lasting relationships. We still occasionally connect with friends from those congregations. Some have stood by us in great stress. Some in joyful celebration. The constant is that Jesus’ message of grace and truth has been the glue that holds us together. 

Jesus’ grace and truth is so vital because I stand with Paul as a sinner in need of God’s grace. It is essential because it is the treasure that fills me – clay jar that I am. It is refreshing because the yoke of Jesus is easy and the burden is light. It is a blessing because Jesus’ truth centers me and his grace sustains me. 

I’m also with Paul when he says, “I thank him who has given me strength, Christ Jesus our Lord, because he judged me faithful, appointing me to his service.” (1 Timothy 1:12) That judgment is a gift of extreme grace. I am ever more aware of my continuing need for God’s grace. I am ever more thankful for his mercy. I am ever more thankful for the privilege of serving as a pastor. And I am ever more content in hearing people praise God for his love and mercy, Jesus’ gentleness and lowliness, his invitation rest and calling, and God’s grace and truth.

Leland Milo Hamilton was an American sportscaster, best known for calling play-by-play for seven different Major League Baseball teams from 1953 to 2012. That’s 59 years of baseball play-by-play broadcasting. He was 85 years old when he finally retired. I’m not sure I have 13 more years of active ministry ahead of me. No one knows when his last day will come. But Milo is a sort of hero for me. I’d love to be in the game for many more years to come. I hope, also, to do so as a clay jar, filled with the riches of God’s grace, and spilling it out as much as possible, so that people will say, “May the name of the Lord be praised!”

Tearful Farewells

June 7, 2024
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Acts 20:28-38

[Paul is speaking to the Ephesian elders] “Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood. 29 I know that after my departure fierce wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; 30 and from among your own selves will arise men speaking twisted things, to draw away the disciples after them. 31 Therefore be alert, remembering that for three years I did not cease night or day to admonish every one with tears. 32 And now I commend you to God and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up and to give you the inheritance among all those who are sanctified. 33 I coveted no one’s silver or gold or apparel. 34 You yourselves know that these hands ministered to my necessities and to those who were with me. 35 In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”

36 And when he had said these things, he knelt down and prayed with them all. 37 And there was much weeping on the part of all; they embraced Paul and kissed him, 38 being sorrowful most of all because of the word he had spoken, that they would not see his face again. And they accompanied him to the ship.

Glass Globes-2 | Arbor Gate Nursery, Tomball, Texas | May 2024

A somewhat wisened and caustic pastor once quipped, “You can please all the people. You please some people when you come. You please others when you are there. And you please still others when you leave.” That was a somewhat jaded view of serving as a pastor. But in my experience it is more true than I might wish to think. On more than one occasion, after I’ve left a church that I was serving people would come out of the woodwork and begin volunteering and serving in the church. In every case, also, when I’ve served a church, there have been people who love me and are truly happy I’m there. Still others – during those same years and experiencing the same decisions – have been upset with me and my ministry. I’m not foolish enough to believe that no one was relieved when I’ve left a church, either to retire or to serve another church.

In every case, however, I’ve not embraced the dismissive “you can please all the people…” mentality. I have left four churches to serve a different congregation, and one to retire. In each case I have bid a heartfelt farewell to the people and they to me. Not necessarily tearful – with the exception of leaving Holy Cross, Arlington to come to St. John, Cypress. That was a difficult goodbye for us – even though we felt certain God was leading us to Cypress. 

Paul, however, is bid farewell with tears. And it wasn’t so much that they were sorry to see him go in that they would miss him. Luke tells us that they were sorry to see him go because they knew they would not see his face again. He was facing arrest, imprisonment, and likely death. His was not a farewell to happier places and times. And they grieved for him and themselves. 

But this is no selfish grief. It wasn’t a matter only of their personal sadness and loss. It was a matter of grief that this man of God was being so unjustly treated. They knew he had acted faithfully, ethically, and morally. They knew that jealousy and lack of faith drove the attempts at discrediting Paul’s ministry. They knew that people were seeking to have their influence over the people in the churches Paul had planted. And they knew that Paul wouldn’t be there to defend the true faith – though he would write letters to the Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians and to Philemon from his Roman prison. Still yet his going was a loss. 

But even as we consider powerful missionaries or much-loved pastors leaving beloved people, we must also remember that graveyards are full of indispensable people. There will be others to carry on the mission and keep the church moving forward. 

All this is especially important to remember given our pastor has resigned. It’s a sad day for us all, and a day for prayer and thanksgiving for God’s work through him and that God’s work will continue on with those who continue to serve. God of mercy, hold us all in your love. Amen

Proper Behavior in the Oikos of God

July 9, 2014
Kingdom
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1 Timothy 3:14-16

I hope to come to you soon, but I am writing these things to you so that, 15 if I delay, you may know how one ought to behave in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, a pillar and buttress of the truth. 16 Great indeed, we confess, is the mystery of godliness:

He was manifested in the flesh,
    vindicated by the Spirit,
        seen by angels,
proclaimed among the nations,
    believed on in the world,
        taken up in glory.

20140704-4442

When our boys were young they acted as though they had the run of the church building. They would “boldly go” where no one would think they should. They thought of it as their turf; after all their dad was the pastor. Years later I learned of some of their antics, and while I was amused, I also had to shake my head…that’s not the way to behave in a church building!

But notice the word “building” in the above paragraph. Paul’s instruction to Timothy and to us has to do with much more than proper architectural decorum. It has to do with being part of oikos of God. Oikos is the Greek word that we translate “household.” It refers to an extended family living together – often under one roof. The word refers not to the house, but to the family. As such our concerns for good behavior go beyond the house, to how we are to relate to one another as part of the family of God.

The main foundation, given in these verses regarding our behavior is Christ’s manifestation, and the eternal and cosmic truth that God has come into the world in the flesh, died, been raised, and now reigns again at the right hand of God. This truth that the church expresses and supports is our moral, spiritual, and intellectual compass to the True North of all of life.

Next time you are weighing a decision, do so in light of this simple, but profound earliest of Christian creeds. Rejoice that there are gatherings of people who make up the Church, the pillar and buttress of this truth, and behave accordingly!

Cause Celebre

October 14, 2013
Kingdom
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Acts 4:32-27

All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had. With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And God’s grace was so powerfully at work in them all that there were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned land or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales and put it at the apostles’ feet,and it was distributed to anyone who had need.

Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas (which means “son of encouragement”), sold a field he owned and brought the money and put it at the apostles’ feet.

Please Note: We  purchased this video for use at St. John. So while this link is to the “Preview Only” version we actually do have the rights to show the video. I was unable to upload it, however, and chose to insert this preview version.

Whether it’s the fight against AIDS, breast cancer, human trafficking, or bullying, causes come and go. For a time they hit the center stage of world concern. Hollywood makes movies about the issue. Books are written. Charities and foundations are set up. But todays cause celebre is tomorrow’s old news. We are too quickly distracted from one good care to another crisis.

That isn’t the case with the newly-forming church. Luke tells us about the life of the early Christians, and to some extent it looks like a time of exceptional interest with all the makings of the latest craze. People are united and graciously concerned about one another. A strong witness to the Good News of Jesus’ resurrection was the centerpiece of the apostles’ preaching. People were being extraordinarily generous with their lives and money. Surely this would fade away. This is just the overly-excited eagerness of a bunch of new converts.

Or maybe not. Throughout its history the Church has had its share of controversy. But those sad and distressing moments are the exception not the rule. We may not think we will ever do it as well as the Early Church, but take a look ahead and you will see that corruption and deception is nothing new. And though in fact the church is a hospital for sinners, it is a place where sharing, love, understanding, compassion, support, charity, generosity and love are held up as goals and aspirations for us all.

Perhaps we need to take a look at the behavior of these early Christians to see what of our first love we have lost. Maybe there is a wake-up call for us to answer in regard to our lives under Christ. But this life of love, grace, generosity, and conviction is no passing fad. These have been the marks of God’s people for 2000 years. Inspired by Christ himself, assured as blessed by his resurrection, these good works are the beautiful adornment of lives forgiven and hearts changed by the grace of God in Jesus. Is there a place where that grace needs to shine through in your life today?

It’s worth celebrating!

January 13, 2013
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Romans 12:1-2

I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. 2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

Celebrate, Live, and Share the love of God in Christ!

Celebrate, Live, and Share the love of God in Christ!

I’m looking forward to the football game this afternoon between the Texans and the Patriots. Hmm…How’s that for a face-off of political dimensions! At the end of the game there will be a celebration. One team will advance toward the Superbowl game. The other will head home. I’m not too terribly optimistic about who will go home and who will advance; the Texans really have their work cut out for them! It will certainly also be an exuberant celebration – perhaps even excessive.

There will be many celebrations of a different sort this morning – some have already begun around the world for hours now. People have and will gather today in churches large and small, glorious and humble, formal and casual: all celebrating the salvation of God that is ours through faith in Jesus.

We will be celebrating here at St. John today as well. In fact we’re emphasizing  that part of our mission and the way we describe a balanced life of following Jesus. We speak about celebrating, living and sharing the abundant life of Jesus as balanced discipleship. We love God, love our neighbor, and share the message of this love with the world – near and far.

In particular today we’ll talk about the multi-facited manner of celebrating the grace, love and salvation of God. We will consider how we embrace the covenant love of God in Christ by Holy-Spirit-inspired actions:

  • Reading the Bible
  • Worship
  • Prayer life
  • Tithing/Generosity
  • Devotional life

This is our calling under Christ: because of his mercy and as an expression of the fullness of our faith (God’s gift itself!). God has done it for us. He loves us and has called us to be his children. He has brought us to faith by his mercy. That’s not to say that we have no challenges in regard to this. It is to say, however, that because of Christ we can celebrate with confidence and deep joy. This is my hope and my prayer for the people of God here at St. John today and every day: Celebrate the love, grace, salvation, truth, justice, and reign on Christ over all things and in our hearts!

Who’s in your church?

November 5, 2012
Christian Living
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Mark 1:21-28

And they went into Capernaum, and immediately on the Sabbath he entered the synagogue and was teaching. 22 And they were astonished at his teaching, for he taught them as one who had authority, and not as the scribes. 23 And immediately there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit. And he cried out, 24 “What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God.” 25 But Jesus rebuked him, saying, “Be silent, and come out of him!” 26 And the unclean spirit, convulsing him and crying out with a loud voice, came out of him. 27 And they were all amazed, so that they questioned among themselves, saying, “What is this? A new teaching with authority! He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey him.” 28 And at once his fame spread everywhere throughout all the surrounding region of Galilee.

The synagogue (4th Century ruins) at Capernaum

The synagogue (4th Century ruins) at Capernaum

The church is not a haven for saints, but a hospital for sinners. That is true partly because all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). So by definition the church must be a place where sinners gather; anyone who walks the face of the earth is a sinner. I am a church leaderand I am a sinner! We start every worship service with an acknowledgment of that fact and a plea to God for mercy and forgiveness.

Yet some of the best people in the world are church members. Those with the highest morals, the most decent values, and noble lifestyles are church members and church-goers. We’ve all got our faults and short-comings. Mary might be vain. Tom may be boastful. John will tend toward judgmentalism. Sarah can be critical. (The names are fictional to protect the guilty!) But Joe is the most generous person in his company. Rachael is deeply understanding and compassionate. Robert is absolutely honest – sometimes to his own harm. Judy is deeply committed to helping the elderly.

So what do you do with the real sinners in the church? How do you deal with those who disrupt? How is it that a demon-possessed man shows up in the synagogue in Capernaum? More to the point: When people in your church act out of their sinful nature what action are we to take? Shall we shrug our shoulders or ignore such behavior and hope it goes away?

A friend of mine was in conversation with a fellow pastor when the other man let loose with a diatribe against a third person. They were talking church politics (a particularly dangerous subject for pastors). The stakes were high in the minds of both persons. They were divided as to which way the issues should be resolved. When the colleague had expressed bitter hatred and totally unkind conclusions and desires toward his supposed enemy, my friend said, “You don’t mean that. That’s not a godly thought. You don’t mean that.” It was the equivalent of casting out a demon. This pastor repented on the spot. “You’re right. I’m sorry.”

I wonder whether such conversations ought to occur more frequently in the church today. I recall a similar event in a church I was serving many years ago. One of the elders realized that a long-time member’s opinionated griping and criticism was hurtful to the church. I actually saw the conversation from a distance and knew what was going on. Confrontation of sinful behavior inside the church recognizes the reality of sin. But it also calls for the good – the saintliness – in others. We condemn the sin, not the sinner.

There may be some sinners in your church whose saintliness slips and who desperately need to be brought back to a more godly path. This may be the more difficult work of Christian love and leadership. But it is essential – both for the sake of the person and the church.

 

Mark 1:14-28

Now after John was arrested, Jesus came into Galilee, proclaiming the gospel of God, 15 and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.”

16 Passing alongside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and Andrew the brother of Simon casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen. 17 And Jesus said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you become fishers of men.” 18 And immediately they left their nets and followed him. 19 And going on a little farther, he saw James the son of Zebedee and John his brother, who were in their boat mending the nets. 20 And immediately he called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired servants and followed him.

21 And they went into Capernaum, and immediately on the Sabbath he entered the synagogue and was teaching. 22 Andthey were astonished at his teaching, for he taught them as one who had authority, and not as the scribes. 23 And immediately there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit. And he cried out, 24 “What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God.” 25 But Jesus rebuked him, saying, “Be silent, and come out of him!” 26 And the unclean spirit, convulsing him and crying out with a loud voice, came out of him. 27 And they were all amazed, so that they questioned among themselves, saying, “What is this? A new teaching with authority! He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey him.” 28 And at once his fame spread everywhere throughout all the surrounding region of Galilee.