You are the Person of the Year

“…The "Great Man" theory of history is usually attributed to the Scottish philosopher Thomas Carlyle, who wrote that "the history of the world is but the biography of great men." He believed that it is the few, the powerful and the famous who shape our collective destiny as a species. That theory took a serious beating this year…” this is how opening paragraph of TIME magazine introduces it’s cover story – Person of the year – YOU in the Christmas edition.
Every year a Person of the Year was chosen. This time the tradition was changed – no need for a great person when each individual determines his story and history. The editor suggests that it's about “the many wresting power from the few and helping one another for nothing and how that will not only change the world, but also change the way the world changes.”
How was your year? Have you been the man/woman/boy/girl of the year? Has this year been your year? Are YOU the person of the year? Really?!
TIME editors consider those who influence others to be the makers of history. Nowadays bloggers are the buzz people. My computer thinks that “blogger” is a misspelling, ‘cause it’s a new word that came into existence only in May 1999 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blog). In their sample of 15 people there are those who use their vice as virtue, morality is outdated.
You may look over all those pictures from trips you’ve been on. You may go over your account books to see how much money you’ve made. You may simply look at your grade reports from school. You may look at the “to do” list to see how many lines are not crossed out yet. What does really determine how successful was your year?
Speaking recently on the Millennial expectations I quoted apostle Peter’s catchphrase “with God one day is as good as a 1000 years and a 1000 years is only a day.” (2^nd Peter 3:8) What truly makes our days and years matter is being with God, living in God’s presence. For a time without God is counted as wasted in the books that do matter when the Judgment Throne appears.
When Jesus becomes your Person of the Year then you are also Person of the Year in His Book of Life. That’s Jesus’ direct promise: “Whoever acknowledges me before men, I will also acknowledge him before my Father in heaven.” (Matthew 10:32) Welcome to Jesus’ world of definitions where the winner is the one whose name is confessed before the Father and is written in the Book of Life. (Revelation 3:5)
Welcome to the actual reality – you are the Person of the Year only in Christ Jesus!

Peace Christmas

You are probably expecting some kind of Christmassy message today. After all most churches around the world will do a special “Christmas focus” as the CEO (that’s “Christmas & Easter Only”) visitors will make their way in. You’ve heard enough debates about “should we” since it’s a pagan holiday, etc. We’re used to traditional Christmas stories: baby in a manger, shepherds with their flocks, wise men with gifts, and much more gets lumped up into a garbled message of tranquility and serenity.
Today I want to redirect your attention to one Christmas story that is rarely preached on – the one from Revelation 12 – a woman giving birth right in front of a dragon crouched and poised to eat up the baby. The woman gives birth to a baby boy who will shepherd all nations and he was seized and placed safely before God on His Throne. Have you heard about this Christmas-in-the-middle-of-the-war-story? This Christmas only makes sense in the war context, the Great War of good and evil, which is far from over as the dragon is still making war with the rest of woman’s children.
Whenever I think about the original Christmas I am appalled that those who said they were expecting it - missed it. And those who were ignored as unworthy came to recognize the newborn King. It was actually predicted long ago. Isaiah writes: “gentiles shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your rising…caravans of camels shall cover the land and the dromedaries of Midian, Ephah and Sheba will come; they shall bring gold and incense, and they shall proclaim the praises of the LORD. All the flocks of Kedar shall be gathered together to you, The rams of Nebaioth shall minister to you.” (Isaiah 60:1-7) Prophet Isaiah was talking here about Abraham’s sons from Keturah and Hagar, the Arabs from the East coming to Jesus, not because they wanted to start a trendy Christmas shopping spree, but to fulfill the prophecy.
Today those who call themselves Christians, especially Adventist – those expecting Advent again – do we really expect and wait? Jesus commented “when the Son of man returns, will He find any faith on earth?” (Luke 18:8) Christmas here is simply a reminder of the Second Advent, the return of the Savior. A prompt cue that just as the first set of prophecies was fulfilled, so will the last set be completed.
So greet each other this merry season with simple words: Maranatha – Come Soon, O Lord! And believe it!

Keeping the New Covenant

Last week I talked to you about the New Covenant - the Covenant that is perfect and perpetual because it is between the Father and the Son. But before the blood of this New Covenant was shed there was birth – a baby birth, and then baby walk, and talk and obedience.
As we are approaching the festive season let me share a few things about the Covenant of Christmas. We know that we are not better than ancient Israelites at keeping promises. Father God sent His Son to become one of us, that in His Person our whole human race would enter into a covenant with God. In that lowly birth God was making an alliance with people. He was giving His Son as a pledge of eternal pact.
Before the blood was shed there was life of obedience. In the days of His flesh through suffering He learned obedience. (Hebrews 5:8) He lived in harmony with His heavenly Father.
Bible students know that the Law of God and the Character of God share the same characteristics; they are the same in nature: holy, perfect, good, true. Prophets of old were given the Word of Promise that one day God’s law would be placed on their minds and written in their hearts, in our human hearts. (Jeremiah 31:33) At Jesus’ birth God’s Character was in him. Just as God promised - so it was done: God’s Character was in Christ Jesus, and available for all humankind.
Paul is writing to Colossians: “in Christ the fullness of God lives in a human body, in Him Divinity lives in all its fullness.” And Paul does not stop there. He continues: “and you have been given same fullness in Christ!” (Colossians 2:9-10) Just think of what Paul is saying: through Christmas God’s Covenant comes into our lives! Through Jesus God’s Character can be written in our hearts and minds! Through Jesus God can live fully and completely in our lives!
Cherish this Christmas Covenant given to all who believe. Let God’s Character shine through your lives. Let His Law be the focus on your meditation 24x7. Let Jesus life of obedience - even in suffering - be also your life.

Celebrating the New Covenant

There is much talk nowadays about Covenants. Americans consider themselves the Covenant Nation. Evangelicals talk about belonging to the New Covenant. To some the Old and New Testament (covenant) are just books of the Bible. At the closer examination not many really understand this New Covenant thing.
Many know that there was an Old Covenant, rather CovenantS – as in plural and they all failed. Not because of God but because of human element in it. Abraham made a Covenant with God (Genesis 15), then broke it for the lack of faith, and had God almost end the deal by taking Isaac (Genesis 22). Israelites understood well that their covenant was new and different from the one that was made with their fathers before (Deuteronomy 5:2-3). Yet, they failed to keep their end of the agreement, and got dismissed.
Paul says that the first covenant had been faulty and that is why there is a need for the second covenant to replace first (Hebrews 8:7). The fault of the First Covenant was human factor. Do you really think that you and I can keep promises better that Israel of old? Do you really think that you are more obedient than saints of from the past?
The strength of the Second is the Testator of it! No more faulty human factor! It is the Covenant between God and Jesus Christ – the Faithful and True, the One who does not fail to complete what He had began. The New Covenant is between the Father God and Son Jesus!
Some of you were perplexed about ancient tradition of swearing an oath by putting a hand under a man’s thigh, a bit too much for cultured imagination of Western mind (Genesis 24:2,9; & 47:29). Yet, it is precisely to this tradition John the Revelator alludes as he sees Jesus at the end riding victoriously having the Name written on His Thigh as a sign of Covenant being fulfilled. (Revelation 19:16)
Two Millennia ago Jesus told his friends in the Upper “this is My blood of the new covenant” (Matthew 26:28) The Blood of the eternal, everlasting, permanent covenant (Hebrews 13:20) that brought Jesus back from the dead and guarantees our resurrection.
The first covenant was written on stone, just as well – since our human hearts are no different than a stone. But the New Covenant is to be written on hearts. Best Christmas gift you could wish for is to let Jesus in your heart so he may seal His Covenant by making you complete in good work to do His Will. Best Christmas gift – walking in faith and relying that Jesus will make things right.

Blessed Advent Hope

This time of the year mainstream churches enter a liturgical schedule called the Advent. For four weeks Christians focus their lives around one thing – commemorating and celebrating the first coming of Jesus, arrival of the Messiah – the Advent.
Church sanctuaries are decorated in purple – color of penitence and fasting, as well as the color of royalty to welcome the Advent of the King. Scripture readings will reflect the emphasis on the Second Advent, themes of accountability for faithfulness, judgment on sin, and the hope of eternal life.
This season has a double focus – on past and future. This is the season that symbolizes the spiritual journey of individuals and a church congregation, as we affirm that Christ has come, that He is changing our lives and the world today, and that He will come again in power. Living in "between the times" we are called to be faithful stewards of what is entrusted to us as God’s people. First of all we are stewards of relationships, as Jesus commanded us to "love the Lord our God with all our heart" and to "love our neighbor as yourself."
We, the Adventist believers, have this event even in our name. For us it represents our hope in the Second Advent. And we celebrate it not only on weekends, not only in public places, but in privacy of our homes, in intimacy of our personal devotional time. That is why this first week of December we are going to take our time out and stop for prayer, coming together, reflecting on the Blessed Hope and the journey we are on.
This weekend most preachers in Sunday-keeping churches will speak about hope. We are Adventists. We believe in “the blessed hope” (Titus 2:13), the hope of the soon return of Jesus.
We are Adventists. Our hearts beat with eager anticipation. Soon worry, want, and war will be over. Soon suffering, sorrow, and sickness will be no more. Soon disease, disaster, and death will be vanquished. Soon pollution, pestilence, and pain will be defeated. Soon He will come.
We are Seventh-day Adventists, worshipping the Creator God, restoring the worship as God intended – by building relationships with him and each other, especially on the Day of Rest in the world that knows no rest, rushing wickedly day and night. Take time and review your relationships. Forgive, and seek forgiveness. That we would be able to say together: “Even so come quickly, Lord Jesus.”

Blessing for All Nations

An ancient promise gives hope and joy to all humanity – all peoples on earth, all the families of the earth will be blessed through you – said God to Abraham, the forefather of our Lord and Savior Jesus. (Genesis 12:3) Apostle Paul in the New Testament simply says that in Christ there is no difference between nations (Galatians 3:28)
Here in Canada we experience a unique opportunity to encounter this coming-together of nations. Our South Church has families from more than 40 nations. Our young and new North Church has families from more than 15 nations in attendance. In 2004 our city London was ranked 3^rd in the nation as the destination for immigrants. Today our city in among 10 most culturally diverse cities in Canada – hosting over 80,000 immigrants – 20% of Londoneers. Many are still connected to their countries of origin. Many are supporting their homeland. Many even choose to send their tithe and monetary support to their home churches.
I invite you to consider the “big picture” of the Adventist Church:

36% live in Africa 19% in South America 13% are in the Pacific rim 9% in Central America

8% are North American 7% are Caribbean 5% are in India 3% in Eurasia (former Soviet Union)

More than 50% of our world-wide church is under 30 – youth and young adults. Majority of our members are new believers. They have the ‘first love’ fervor and enthusiasm, their experience of salvation is fresh and contagious. But the riches of resources and knowledge are still here, in the New World. Weekly I get phonecalls from my colleagues and friends pastoring in different parts of the world with questions on doctrines, new methods, practical advise on issues in ministry – not because I know more, but simply because they do not have the resources.
Imagine how much more we would be able to achieve, if, instead of individuals meagerly supporting some personal causes, we would bless nations of the world through mission outreach, intentionally adopting and sponsoring churches overseas, providing them with literature, media and other resources.
Imagine the model of cultural integration we offer to our local communities. Instead of segregated ethnic ghettos – culturally diverse family, just like our church. The city of London seeks people who would model this. In Christ all nations of the earth will be and are blessed. We, the Body of Christ, are the hands and feet of this blessing.

Visions...Dreams...Reflections

“…If you want to understand your church – talk to the kids at your church. Reading books by other pastors won’t tell you even half as much as your local church youth and kids would…” - my mentor advised me as I showed off my 3000 volumes library.
This comment flashed in my mind as I was talking with a youth about what interest him and how we as a church can serve better. I asked what music he listens to and he said “ska.” My reaction was probably like yours right now: “WHAT? What’s that?” Illustrating how little we know about each succeeding generation.
For ages there has been “generation gap” of older folks not understanding, patronizing at best, ignoring and maligning most of the time the generation following. General comment is: ‘we had it tough in our days…nowadays kids are “wha-wahs babies” using an expression of a popular syndicated columnist late Ann Landers. Same author later received a letter from an articulate 16 years old in reply:
Were your parents divorced? Almost all of my friends come from broken homes. Were you thinking about suicide when you were 12? Did you have an ulcer at 16? Did your best friend loose her virginity to the guy she went out with twice? Did your classmates carried knives and guns? How many kids in your class regularly came drunk, stoned or high on drugs? Have any of your friends had their brains fried from using PCP? What percentage of your graduating class also graduated from a drug rehabilitation center? Did your school had armed security guards in hallways? Did you ever lived in a neighborhood where gun sound at night were “normal”? You (old folks) talk a lot about being “dirt-poor” and having no money. Since when des money mean happiness? When You’re your age, I won’t do much looking back , I’ll just thank God that I survived....and the letter goes on.
Youth today live under much more pressure and stress than ever before, simply because these are end-time and the ancient enemy devil is doing much more harm. Yet, God’s Promise is that in these days He is to pour-out His Spirit on all flesh so that our sons and daughters will prophesy, our old people will dream dreams, our youth will see visions. (Joel 2:28-29)
We need each other in this church. Both, young need old, old need young, visionaries, dreamers. Knowing how God has led us in the past gives courage to take steps in to the future. Imagine when our youth will sit in at Business meeting and advise us on their vision for their future. Imagine when mature people would take responsibility and lead the youth ministry. Imagine when we will love each other enough to try to understand our differences.
Jesus warns “take care that you do not despise the little ones; for in heaven their angels continually see the face of the Heavenly Father (Matthew 18:10) On another occasion Jesus said this “Whoever welcomes one of the little children in my name welcomes me; and by welcoming me welcomes the one who sent me – the Father." (Mark 9:37)
Welcome each other in the Name of Jesus. Welcome each other in love and respect so we may receive the Latter Rain Power and see His Vision for our future.

Living Intentional Life

What are your intentions?
Has anyone asked you such a question? How does it feel to be put on the spot about your intentions? More often than not we keep our intentions to ourselves. Yet, our direction and action becomes a giveaway of our intentions. Every one has a purpose, goal, aim, plan, meaning, target in mind. There is no such a thing as unintentional success. Things don’t just happen.
Jesus confronted disciples on this: "Why do you call me, 'Lord, Lord,' and do not do what I say?” (Luke 6:46) Then he proceeded to illustrate his point with a story of the Wise and Foolish Builders. People’s actions demonstrate their intent. What is our intent as a church family? Do you intend to sin? Do you intend not to sin?
How often do you reflect on your intentions? For beholding we become changed (2 Corinthians 3:18). We become what we intend to become. I know it’s a cliché; but clichés are truisms – they are true.
This week number of youth intended and did attend the Revival Series with Jose Rojas. What an experience it was!!! I also heard a lot of wishful thinking and talk, with no intent to back it, with no actions to show for. And this could be said for many other areas of our church life. We say we want to evangelize the community but we do not intend to invite anybody or even show up ourselves. We say we want our kids to be brought to Jesus, but we don’t intend to bring them even for a youth meeting with pastor. As I visited this week with new interests a question was posed to me: what is Adventism is all about? My answer was brief, in Jose Rojas’ style: “Hanging out with Jesus!” That’s what Christianity is all about – living in Christ’s presence all the time, being mini-Christs; “little-mesiahs” – that’s how Antiochians called followers of Jesus, that’s how word “Christians” first came to be. What’s your intention?
Jesus tells disciples that our intent must be to remain in Him. The best way to live is to be in Jesus and allow Him to be in us and produce through us (John 15:4-5), because we can do nothing apart from Him.
When considering your church, ask yourself – “what is my intention for my church?” Your church will be what you intend it to be. Your church family is what you intend it to be. Look at the city around us – 82% of people you see are unchurched. They have not met Jesus. How do you intend to bring them to Jesus? For being Christian means being a fisher of men, and being Adventist is telling them the loud cry of three angels, inviting them to come out of worldly living into God’s glorious light. So, what are your intentions?

God's Providence and Well-Planned Life

…the steps of a righteous man are ordered by God….sings Fred Hammond as I put the CD is my car stereo driving from one appointment to another. He’s just paraphrasing what David said in Psalm 37:23. Yet, as we go through life there are destructions, accidents, babies dying, people get sick, relationships break down, financial crisis – we begin to wonder: is God still with me, are my steps are really ordered from above?
Popular media today is saturated with appeals to take charge of your life. Clichés like “if you fail to plan you plan to fail” or “if you don’t think about the future you won’t have one” communicate that you must be in charge of your life. Suggesting that planning is the mental creation of the future we intend. So, let me ask you: How successful are your plans lately? Are things on the schedule and are going as planned?
The Sacred Scripture – the written Logos – the Word of God speaks on this issue too:
- The wise man looks ahead and knows the way. The fool attempts to fool himself and won't face facts. (Proverbs 14:8)
- Wise people think before they act; fools don't and even brag about it! (Proverbs 13:16)
- Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed. (Proverbs 15:22)
Jesus Himself advised us to plan. Just reminisce on the parable about the fool who wanted to build, but would not count the cost, and then was not able to finish becoming a laughingstock (Luke 14: 28-31).
Should we have a plan for our lives? Shouldn’t God just take care of things and plan for us? After all God’s Providence seems to be overriding everything. Paul writes to Romans 8:28 that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to His purpose.
Story of Joseph comes to mind. The boy knew he had a plan. For 17 years after his Big Dream he was going from one pit to another. Not the journey he planned for…Yet, he ended up with more than he could have wished for. And at the end of his life he simply says to his brothers: “you meant it for evil, God meant it for good. (Genesis 50:20) He was not flying “by the seat of his pants.” During those seven years of plenty he planned to store up for famished years. While in pits of life he planned and acted and brought blessing to those around him. One thing that is universal in Joseph’s plans – God’s presence.
God’s got a plan for you to prosper and succeed (Jeremiah 29:11). Things happen along the way we don’t understand. Job chose to trust God even when being under death threat (Job 13:15). Job never got his “WHY?” question answered. He planned one thing – to stay with God and never let go.
Plan one thing – to trust God’s providence in your life and never depart from His Presence. Statistics show that 80% of churches today are beehives of random motion and not of action that will achieve something. It’s not that they don’t have plans or lack strategic vision. There is a difference between OUR agenda and vision, and discovering GOD’S AGENDA and VISION, and then living in it. God’s simply says “My word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me void, But it shall accomplish what I please, And it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.” (Isaiah 55:11)
Whose agenda are you pushing? Whose plan do you have for your life? Plan to walk with God, and He will order your steps.

Evangelism in Everything we do...

For the past five months I’ve been writing and communicating one thing – evangelism. Started it in June – Evangelism begins at home, focusing on relationship building as first step of influencing people. Then in July we talked about the sequence of Evangelism – “Pray-Care-Share,” emphasizing aspects of Passionate Spirituality and Loving Relationships as the groundwork for sharing the Good News.
The Fall season began with a reminder of Jesus’ model of Evangelism (Luke 10:5-9) with four simple steps: bless, build relationships, bring healing, and then introduce the Kingdom of God. This is possible only when we have experienced the same ourselves. We can comfort others only with comfort we have received (2^nd Cor.1:3-4) and the time for ‘comforting” evangelism is always ripe – there are always people in need of grace, there are always people who need peace, mercy, healing, help, love and answers. God’s Harvest time is on all the time, every-time and anytime consistently. It’s not over until heaven-time. Even in heaven teaching, sharing and growing will continue. Hence, as people of Advent Message we embrace the lifestyle of sharing the Gospel, not because we ought to, not because of some motivational speaker or an event that prompted us to, but because it is our nature now.
This coming Sunday the spiritual leaders of our religious community – your elders – will come together for a time of planning and strategizing. Lift them up in prayer. Pray that they will be so in tune with God that they would discover Father’s agenda. That they would lead us to heaven’s drum-beat. That’s what Jesus did when He was here – watched the father at work and joined him always. That’s what Jesus did while on earth – Evangelism.
Leaving he told us how to be in His presence even now– go fishing & I will be with you (Matthew 28:18-20). Get going, make disciples, teach people and then God will be with you always. Missed God lately? Go and share the Gospel – you’ll discover God joining you in witnessing. Can’t witness? Watch for god at work in someone’s life and simply go visit, come close to observe god at work, and you will see what is required of you too…
“Feel the same tender craving for souls that Jesus has felt. This is true religion. Anything short of it is a deception.” This was the motto of our pioneers, the faith by which they lived by. Evangelism is simply our reason for being here…

Reformation Evangelism ...by scoldings?! or OBEDIENCE....

Looking over an article in Toronto Star this Tuesday i noticed an interesting comment “Spurred by papal scoldings… Canada's Catholic church is positioning itself to take a much more active role in the country's politics (speaking on the same-sex marriage debate). In their pilgrimages to Rome over the past several months, Canada's bishops were repeatedly admonished by Pope Benedict XVI for allowing Christian traditions to slip in Canada in the face of growing secularism.
Why does it take “scolding” and a pilgrimage to remind Christians of their duty? Isn’t having relationship with Christ enough to keep us focused on what is right? People today don't really have a sense of personal sin or reflection. Society is becoming more selfish and hedonistic. The church is here to be the light in this world. Yet, we look more often than not like a flush under a bushel.
Take an evangelism for instance. Apostle Paul writes to the Church in Rome: “whoever calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved. How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: "How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace, Who bring glad tidings of good things!" (Romans 10:13-15)
How will they – the outsiders – believe if they don’t hear the preacher? Recently, at the elders meeting and then at the Board meeting, we were discussing Evangelism, emphasizing the fact that every activity of the church must lead to evangelism. Community services, CHIP, community choir, renting our facility to other people – everything should have one goal: lead people to Jesus, lead people to believe. These ministries are not “an end of all means” but only “means to a greater end”! If we just feed, clothe, counsel, heal, socialize and mingle – we have not accomplished the goal. We have made the first and second step toward the goal – but not the journey. Do not stop – lead all to hear the Gospel preached. The mid-week preaching series and Evangelistic seminars are designed to arouse people’s interest in Gospel and the Good News we have in Jesus. Come and bring the community. Take invitations and go call on people. Sad to admit, but Paul continues to say that even in the days of the first Apostolic Church “not all obeyed the gospel.” (Romans 10:16)
Some have been even upset lately about the board in the foyer inviting parents to consider importance and need of the Christian Education for our little ones. The Daily Telegraph of October 17^th runs an article informing parents that primary school teachers will be required by new "sexual orientation" laws to make gay rights books available in class. Children would have to read books such as Hello Sailor, The Sissy Duckling and Daddy's New Roommate, which are on a Government-recommended reading list for challenging "homophobia". The regulations were due to come in this month but have been postponed until the New Year after officials were inundated with responses during a consultation exercise. What are your kids reading in that secular public school? What poster is hanging in your kids’ bedroom? What are you children listening to on their iPods? Maybe its time to obey God’s Voice and let them read the Bible in reading classes?
Having worked at Pioneer Memorial Church I learned Dwight Nelson’s principle of stewardship: simple as 1, 2, 3!!! It is imprinted on their local church tithe envelopes – yeah! custom designed just for their congregation!!!

• 1 – God’s Tithe i.e. Ministry
• 2 – God’s Church i.e. Budget
• 3 – God’s Children i.e. Education

What would it take for us as a church family to recognize our responsibility in the community we live? Scolding from the President? An appeal from the 3ABN TV screen? Or a pilgrimage to another Maranatha training session? Or maybe simply remembering that we are called by Jesus to be the light in this world, leading others to the Greatest Light ever, to the Source of all Light – Jesus, the Love of our lives!!! Don’t like changes? Jesus came that we may change, and be born anew. Remember: faith comes from hearing, and hearing – from the Word of God. (Romans 10:17)

Evangelism – sharing good News about Jesus – is our Lifestyle!

Last Friday all Adventist church leaders from all around the world came together for the Annual Council at the Adventist Church’s world headquarters in Silver Spring, Maryland. Our church leadership recognizes the need for flexibility and change. As the church has grown and become more complex and diverse, greater flexibility in its organization is necessary. Baptizing more than a million new members every year the church has come together to take a closer look on its core values: growth, diversity, integrity, unity, and quality of life while maintaining our theological identity.
Special emphasis is on youth! In the opening address the general Conference President Jan Paulsen noted that “over half of our global community is under 30 years of age, and the youth need to be heard and have an active presence in our church.”
The main value of the Seventh-day Adventist Church has long been—and remains— Evangelism as a Lifestyle. “Jesus has not called us to convert the world, but He has called us to give them an opportunity to be converted,” said evangelist Mark Finley, a general vice president of the Adventist world church and director of its Center of Global Evangelism, commenting on the new initiatives.
The initiative everyone is talking about – “Tell the World” has its goal to provide a way for every human being in the world to hear the gospel within the next five years. This means: major evangelistic outreaches in 27 major cities around the world; add 20,000 new churches; conduct 400,000 evangelistic meetings; implement “Go 5 Million,” where five million laypeople each bring one soul to Christ and invite them to church; encourage church members to increase their involvement in community service outreach; get every church member involved in personal, daily Bible study and prayer; and use media—including the Internet—to reach the world.
More theologians observe that apologetics has less impact in evangelism today than in past generations. Today people aren't as impressed with evidences that demand a verdict, with arguments and information. Churches that have small groups, warm fellowship, that draw people to an atmosphere of love, have things happening! People want relationships; they want to know there are people who care about them. When they find that, then they will hear the gospel, and not just a Grand-story, but as a personal, your own testimony, what's happened to you along the way, telling how coming to trust Jesus Christ has made a difference in your life. When someone hears that story, and it overlaps their story, there's a way in which that can connect. Knowing and keeping Commandments is only once of identifying marks of God’s Remnant Church (Revelation 12:17) Another characteristic is “having the Testimony of Jesus.” Just a few verses above (12:11) John writes that the last-day church was overcoming this world not only “by the blood of the Lamb” – which is given; but also “by the word of their testimony.” Overcoming by our testimony to people in the world around us. How’s your testimony? Are you ready to Tell the World? Evangelism is our calling, our purpose, our life. Are you in?

Reformation Continues ... through Evangelism!

With an astonished look I read the Catholic News reporting this Wednesday morning that the Pope will end the Doctrine of Limbo this weekend. The process of doing away with Limbo had began under the late John Paul II and was backed by the then Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger - now Pope Benedict XVI. Now a 30-strong Vatican theologians concluded that there is no Limbo, no purgatory, no half-way house.
Some publications carried headings like Pope shrinking borders of hell. Since early 13^th century this teaching collected much money for the church on behalf of the souls awaiting liberation from purgatory. Now it has been declared “only a theological hypothesis” that has “no scriptural grounds” and had “never been a definitive truth of the faith”. Such a conclusion revokes the catechism published by Pope St Pius X in 1904. So much for infallibility.
Great! So what? Catholics are finally getting some things right! – you may think. Until you look at the bigger picture. The purpose for this and many other changes is – ecumenism, bringing all “daughter” churches together. Last year (2005) a leading evangelical theologian Mark Noll has co-authored a book Is the Reformation Over?: An Evangelical Assessment of Contemporary Roman Catholicism. In which he concludes: Yes! The Reformation is over. There is no point for Evangelicals to keep apart in isolation from the Catholic church –mother of all Christian churches.
Wow! First Lutherans signed the treaty, then Calvinists, now – evangelicals, Anabaptists and followers of Wesley… Who’s next? What’s the catch? Little concession calls for a great price, little compromise costs the truth.
We have been entrusted with the Message of Revelation, the Message of three Angels (Revelation 14:6-12). We have been called to call people out from Babylon of churches for the hour of Judgment that is upon all. How are we doing it? We also believe that we are carriers of the Fourth Angel’s message (Revelation 18:1-3) – the final call to all in confusion to come out of falsity and escape God’s wrath. I am talking about the angel from whose glory the earth was lightened. We proudly claim the Remnant status emphasizing our keeping of the Commandments (Revelation 12:17). Let’s remind each other that that is only first identifying sign. Another characteristic is “having the Testimony of Jesus, being in tune with the Spirit of Prophecy. Just a few verses above (Revelation 12:11) John saw that the last-day church was overcoming this world not only “by the blood of the Lamb” – which is given; but also “by the word of their testimony.” That’s yours & mine! Overcoming by our testimony to people in the world around us.
How’s your testimony? Who have you shared Jesus with this week? Who have you called out of Babylon in the past few days? Have you forsaken offers of this world for God?
Is the Reformation over? Not at all! It continues by our testimony…
Evangelism is our calling, our purpose, our life. Are you in?

God's Timing ...or yours?

Recently I shared with the Church Board a devotional on the law of Timing. Bottom line – When is as important as What & Where. Doing a right thing may cause a resistance when the time is wrong. Right timing though makes a good decision even better. We sing “God will make thing beautiful in His time.” Ancient preacher Ecclesiastes wrote that “to everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven, a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck what is planted….” Whole list of “timings” is supplied there (Eccl. 3:1-8)
It is difficult for us to know the time. When you read the story of Esther you hear an uncertainty at first in the words of her uncle Mordecai: “Who knows? Perhaps you have come for just such a time as this." (Esther 4:14) Ancient Israelites were blessed to have a special tribe, sons of Issachar who had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do (1^st Chronicles 12:32)
How well do you know the time of your life? An opportunity today might be the very reason and purpose of your whole life. Apostle Paul advises us to redeem the time in these wicked evil days. (Ephesians 5:16)
There are people who hibernate in the winter, daydream in the spring, vacation whole summer and then feel sorry in the fall. Others use winter to dream, plan, set goals, envision the year ahead. When the spring comes they go and plant, pay the price and risk all for the dream, cultivating it the whole summer. Such are richly rewarded when the harvest time comes.
Each person may be in a different season. Even in the nature seasons are not all the same length. They do come in sequence. But different crops may have different timing. Crops could be cultivated in several areas simultaneously, yet harvested at different times and different seasons. Jesus said to his disciples that there is always a time of harvest. There is always someone ready. (John 4:35)
A year ago when we had a meeting with those interested in evangelism and outreach we read a vision given to Ellen G. White September 29, 1886, some 120 years ago, (read it in Gospel Workers, p.136-139).
A large company went looking for berries. She began to gather the fruit near by, but very carefully, for fear of picking the green berries, which were so mingled with the ripe fruit that she could pick only one or two berries from a cluster. Some of the nice large berries had fallen to the ground, and were half consumed by worms and insects. She thought: "if this field had only been entered before, all this precious fruit might have been saved! But it is too late now.” She however, picked these from the ground, to see if there was any good in them. Even if the whole berry is spoiled, she would at least show the brethren what they might have found if they had not been too late. When the ripe were picked she went back to the same bushes to find that green were ripening too.
A simple parable, a straightforward vision – there is always people ripe for harvest. Do not hang up on those who are not ready. Work with those who are fully prepared by Holy Spirit to join the “bucket.” In time - the rest will ripen.
Where are you in your life? What is your timing? Are you winterizing for long hibernation? Or are you planting seeds of relationships and service for God’s Kingdom? Maybe you are working on a certain field waiting for the harvest? Remember – God has many different fields, and there is always someone ready to be harvested. Discover God’s timing and plans. Are you ready?

Bricks, walls...or Cathedrals?

This month we are running two outreach programs simultaneously: Satellite Evangelism and the CHIP. I have enjoyed first 4 nights of lifestyle changing messages together with Sandra. One particular illustration used by Dr. Hans Diehl on the first night was so powerful that I would like to share with you and invite you for greater consistency in what we do.
A man was walking by a construction site and asked one worker what he was doing.
- “Why! I lay bricks!” - exclaimed worker.
He asked the next worker “What are you doing?”
- “Well, I build a wall!” - answered craftsman.
He proceeded further and asked another worker about his labor.
- “I build the cathedral….” - came a reply.
Those who care only about bricks, may miss a day here and a day there, and still lay some more bricks. But those who care enough to see a cathedral go up will not miss a brick in a wall. As we come together night after night to raise a cathedral of learning – don’t miss important bricks, don’t miss significant teachings about the times in which we live.
Be consistent in your learning, and in your approach to people. Remember the Jesus’ model of Evangelism (Luke 10:5-9).
Bless the people and bring them peace.
Build relationships with them, share a meal, do things together.
Bring healing, show care and concern for their physical wellbeing.
Finally – share the Good News that the Kingdom of God is upon us.
Can’t lay a roof in the foundation is not there. Consistency is the key, as prophet Isaiah says “For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept, Line upon line, line upon line” (Isaiah 28:10)
Just in two weeks we will host another event – inviting people back for the study on the Sanctuary during the Day of Atonement weekend. Befriend all who comes, build relationships with them, that we may introduce them to more and more blessings from God’s Word!
Remember that Christ’s way of Evangelism begins with loving relationships. Love them into God’s kingdom, and build each other for God’s kingdom!

Comforting others as we are comforted

Last week I introduced Jesus’ model of Evangelism (Luke 10:5-9). Simple four steps:
Bless the people and bring them peace
Build relationships with them, share a meal, do things together
Bring healing, show care and concern for their physical wellbeing
Finally – share the Good News that the Kingdom of God is upon us.
Evangelism is possible only if we experience it first. Reading the account of Luke 10 we discover that Jesus, the Master preacher, did not wait for people to come, but went himself, and sent his workers ahead. He sent those who had experienced God’s kingdom first hand.
Apostle Paul writes to the church in Corinth “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.” (2^nd Corinthians 1:3-4)
When we receive comfort, peace, healing, relationships, truth, and much more then we are able to give it to others.
This Fall season we are beginning to reach out to the community around us with the Good News of God’s Kingdom. Let all who have been comforted by God, let all who have received God’s Grace go and comfort others, go and share God’s grace with others.
In the same letter Paul is reminding Corinthians that we receive according to how much we invest: “he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.” (2^nd Corinthians 9:6)
About 2000 flyers are prepared with invitation to the upcoming 10 nights of Most Amazing bible Prophecies with Doug Batchelor. This afternoon we invite all to go and invite our neighborhood community to this event. Take some and invite your neighbors, your co-workers, your friends, your acquaintances, anyone and everyone you come in contact with. Look at people with God’s eyes – each a candidate for God’s Kingdom. And remember - it is only after we have blessed people, developed relationships with them, and prayed for them that our presentation of the Gospel will be effective. The blessing, the fellowship, and the miracle are the tangible evidence that the Kingdom of God has moved into neighborhood and parked beside us!
Remember that Christ’s way of Evangelism begins with loving relationships. Love them into God’s kingdom, and don’t let anyone take away your experience of laboring in Gods harvest field!

Jesus' model of Evangelism

Evangelism was not on a “radar” for us in the past two years, as we were more concerned about raising the bar on Loving Relationships within the congregation, and most recently began to think about forming small groups. Yet, our current church structure offers evangelism as our strength.
Some think that if we only get a “quality” speaker, a “big name” – people would come. Consider Jesus – the best quality speaker, the Gospel-incarnate Himself: did not wait for people to come, but organized bands of disciples and sent them two by two. Read the story in Luke 10. And as they went he also instructed them with the most effective formula for evangelism.
Luke 10:5-9 presents Jesus’ model:
First of all - bless them! (vv.5-6) bless the people you are going to, wish them peace, bring them peace. Are you wishing blessings on your neighbors? What do you wish your them?

• "I wish his stereo would just blow up!"
• "Those teens are so wild, one day they’ll come home in a body bag!"
• "How can she keep having kids when she can’t look after the ones she has?"
• "I hope one of these days his car actually gets stolen so we don’t have to hear that stupid alarm at all hours!"

Before we can offer peace we must have it ourselves first. Peace, the “shalom” - absence of strife, well being, completeness, wholeness, harmony, fulfillment, safety, good relationships, prosperity. Pray that you may offer peace.
Second step – build relationships! (vv.7-8) Do not impose, but cherish invitations. Eat together, value relationships offered, don’t chase new ones – invest in each one offered and develop it. Instead of going from home to home getting numbers, get to know few for real. Jesus was a good cook. Every time he taught was at the table. Remember the path to a heart is through the stomach. True in marriage, true in every relationship building! Jesus spent more time building relationship - eating and drinking with people than anything else! Follow his lead!
Third step – bring healing (v.9^a) Physical infirmities close the door of the soul to receive the good news. When people are ill – pray for healing and expect miracles. This is Jesus’ way. Our evangelistic meetings need to go beyond lecturing, and offer healing for body, mind and soul every time.
And finally – preach the Gospel – the Kingdom of God has come and is available among us. (v.9^b) Spirituality is a very personal and intimate topic. Over-zealous people are always bringing it up to soon. It is only after we have blessed our neighbors, developed relationships with them, and prayed for them that our presentation of the Gospel will be effective. The blessing, the fellowship, and the miracle are the tangible evidence that the Kingdom of God has moved into neighborhood and parked beside us!
Remember that Christ’s way of Evangelism begins with loving relationships. Love them into God’s kingdom, and don’t let anyone take away your experience of laboring in gods harvest field!

Who's your hero? David or Goliath?

Thank you for your prayers on behalf of our family as we traveled during past 3 weeks. We got as far west as Seattle and Vancouver, seen the beauty of the Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, and the Black Hills in South Dakota; visited with friends and family in Winnipeg, Saskatoon, Calgary, Lacombe, Spokane, Minneapolis, Chicago and worshipped in 5 different congregations.
Visiting different churches, and my friends who are pastoring them, I could not help but compare strategies, approaches, new methods. Large churches are impressive with the variety of services offered, and the quality of service on weekends. Yet, I found some large churches closed during summer month for mid-week service. I was glad my two small London churches stayed open, and even increased in numbers through the summer mid-week prayer meetings. Seeing how folks in larger churches have to wait their turn for months to participate in worship, or other ministries, I know our small churches offer greater opportunity for all to participate according to their giftedness. It’s easy to get lost and go unnoticed in a large congregation. Not a chance to slip by in our church.
Then in my reading I run across interesting statistics: small churches grow faster and have higher quality than mega structures. Do you remember kindergarten stories of David & Goliath? Goliath was huge, overloaded with equipment. Some people admire the size. Who was you’re hero? How did you react to those pictures in your Children’s Bible? Were you frightened by Goliath? Did you fear for David? David was my personal hero: small in size, less show, but he had all what was necessary. He fought with divine intelligence, knowing that God equips him with what he needs. Goliath was laughable: huge man, huge armor, huge fall.
As we are approaching our fall outreach programs remember that each Church is custom made by God, uniquely equipped to carry out His purpose, and there is no lack of any gift. (1 Corinthians 1:7) We have all that is necessary.
Consider the list of spiritual gifts outlined by apostle Paul in his letters to Romans (ch.12), 1 Corinthians (ch.12), Ephesians (ch.4): exhortation, giving, leadership, mercy, prophecy, service, teaching, administration, apostle, discernment, faith, healing, helps, knowledge, miracles, tongues, tongues interpretation, wisdom, evangelism, pastor. Pray that God will reveal to you how to use your gift and provide an opportunity to put the gift to work.

PRAYing! CARing! SHARing! - the sequence...

I want you to think about the sequence of outreach introduced here. If you share without caring, will people care to listen? Would you even bother sharing the good news if you wouldn’t care for them? Some may, because they care for their own benefits. Apostle Paul cautioned the Church in Philippi that some indeed preach Christ out of envy or rivalry, some out of selfish ambition, not sincerely…but what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice. (Philippians 1: 15-18) Sharing Christ is or goal. Yet, how much more effective would be our sharing if we would sincerely care!
Caring is “joined at the hip” with prayer. Could you really care for someone without praying for them? Just stop here and think for a moment: how would it sound “I care for you but I don’t care enough to pray for you…” Ha?! In fact prayer is at the foundation of caring. Imagine how different our church, our family, our relationships would be if we would pray for each other. If you care about someone, or something – pray for them first before confronting them with your care… I don’t need to even prove my point here – bible simply says “pray without ceasing! (1 Thessalonians 5:17)
Considering the upcoming evangelistic opportunities this fall – Doug Bachelor’s “Most Amazing Prophecies” & Shawn Boonstra’s “Sanctuary Presence” pray that God would remove indifference and apathy from among us, pray that god would make us truly caring, and as we carefully and caringly consider people we know we would care enough to share with them our blessed hope of Jesus’ soon return. Care enough to share about the fellowship of faith we have here in church. Care enough to share the invitation to the Evangelistic events.
Remember that Evangelism (SHARE!) works in churches that rank high in Loving Relationships (CARE) and Passionate Spirituality (PRAY!). To start – PRAY for each other, CARE one for another, and SHARE with others the blessing and grace that God has given you.

PRAY! CARE! SHARE!

The “lighthouse movement” that started in 1999 had coined this terminology to describe their approach to evangelism. I don’t think there is more fitting description of how practical evangelism works.
As I watched the final game of the soccer World Cup, Sunday two weeks ago (I still feel the French should have carried the trophy), I also wondered which qualifying group will my motherland Ukraine will be placed into for the 2010 cup. See, significant events that take place every 4 years, like Word Cups, Continental Cups, Olympic Games, are preceded by a long process of preparation, called “qualifying.” Any significant event is just a apex of a long process. So is successful evangelism.
I heard your dreams of seeing a large evangelistic reaping event that would bring some one like Shawn Boonstra, or Doug Bachelor to our London grounds. A year ago I talked with It Is Written leaders and London was tentatively placed on the schedule for 2010. Yet, for us to get there a long process of becoming an Evangelistic Church must commence. Praying is our primary weapon in the spiritual warfare. Prayer is where Evangelism begins. Someone commented that “in the days of Apostles they prayed 10 days, preached 10 minutes and baptized 3000, now days we pray 10 minutes, preach 10 days and baptize 3.” If we to ever succeed in Evangelism we must begin with prayer.
The church that prays can and will begin to care. Various ministries must be developed where through caring for the needs of community we would gain people’s confidence. Through mingling with people, desiring their good, serving their needs, solving their problems we would gain their trust. Only then our sharing of the Gospel would fall on prepared ground. Only then sharing becomes efficient and effective.
Research shows that Evangelism (SHARE!) works in churches that rank high in Passionate Spirituality (PRAY!) and Loving Relationships (CARE). So, may our light so shine before all people, that they may see our good works and glorify our Father in heaven. (Matthew 5:16)

Campmeeting Challenge

You may have noticed many members of our congregation missing today – they are feasting at the annual convocation, the Campmeeting. Our annual camp-meetings are of great importance, and all who possibly can should attend them. Since the beginning of our revival movement Campmeetings were always high points of Church Growth. In the words of one of our pioneers, sister White we “should feel that the Lord requires this of us.” The object of these holy convocation meetings is that the brethren may be separated from business cares and burdens, and devote a few days exclusively to seeking the Lord. The common duties of life are all-absorbing, and often it is inconvenient to leave our homes. Yet, in the words of our pioneers, we all need to arise and recognize the responsibility that is laid on us in seeking the perishing ones and leading souls to Christ.
For the second night Ted Jones is preaching “There is a God!” reminding all that the Remnant claim is not just a cute name for a special people, but God-given call to mission, God-given responsibility to proclaim the Three Angels Message of the eternal gospel to the world in these last days.
As our Conference grows larger, currently numbering over 25,000 members, plus family, friends and adherents – our annual meetings give birth to regional meetings in order to serve people in all areas. Those who come to the meeting leave with a deeper religious experience than they had when they came.
But the main purpose of it remains the same – to focus all people on our mission – Evangelism, to empower all people to do the Great Commission – Evangelism, to challenge all people for Evangeliving.
The success of our meetings, our ministry, our church depends largely upon ourselves. The minds and hearts of all people need to be enlisted in the work. All must be taught what they must do to open the door of the heart to Jesus, to receive Him gladly, and to lead other to Him, or simply put – every believer is a minister. Just as apostle Peter had restated God’s prophetic Vision for His Church: “A chosen race, a kingdom of priests, a holy nation, a people to be a personal possession to sing the praises of God who called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light.” (1^st Peter 2:9 cf. Exodus 19:6)

Insiders or Outsiders

As we begin a new Sabbath School quarter we are invited to consider our purpose in context of the time in which we live, in the context of the pre-Advent judgment, in the context of living in the closing days of earth’s history.
In the course of my reading I run across a few shocking passages that I would like to share with you this morning. These come from the pen of inspiration, from the pen of sister E.G.White:
“The professed followers of Christ are on trial before the heavenly universe; but the coldness of their zeal and the feebleness of their efforts in God's service mark them as unfaithful. If what they are doing were the best they could do, condemnation would not rest upon them; but were their hearts enlisted in the work, they could do much more. They know and the world knows that they have to a great degree lost the spirit of self-denial and cross bearing. Many there are against whose names will be found written in the books of heaven not “producers,” but “consumers.” There are many whose names are on the church books, but who are not under Christ's rule. They are not heeding His instruction or doing His work. Therefore they are under the control of the enemy. They are doing no positive good; therefore they are doing incalculable harm. Because their influence is not a savor of life unto life, it is a savor of death unto death.” (Christ’s Object Lessons, p.304)
“It is a solemn statement that I make to the church, that not one in twenty whose names are registered upon the church books are prepared to close their earthly history, and would be as verily without God and without hope in the world as the common sinner. They are professedly serving God, but they are more earnestly serving mammon. This half-and-half work is a constant denying of Christ, rather than a confessing of Christ. So many have brought into the church their own unsubdued spirit, unrefined; their spiritual taste is perverted by their own immoral, debasing corruptions, symbolizing the world in spirit, in heart, in purpose, confirming themselves in lustful practices, and are full of deception through and through in their professed Christian life. Living as sinners, claiming to be Christians!”. . . General Conference Bulletin, 1893, pp. 132 (Christian Service, 41)
Salvation is not to be baptized, not to have our names upon the church books, not to preach the truth. But it is a living union with Jesus Christ to be renewed in heart, doing the works of Christ in faith and labor of love, in patience, meekness, and hope. Every soul united to Christ will be a living missionary to all around him. --Letter 55, 1886. (Evangelism, 319)
And all I can add to this is “I concur” Do you?

Evangelism begins @ HOME !

Having spent 18 months with you I feel a good grasp on things, on people, resources, opportunities, potential in our church community. We’ve checked out our church health for concerns of impeded growth, and, (I know that I am writing to a motivated congregation, to a group of people who are not satisfied with decline) we are taking look into future, recognizing that significant growth is a product of Evangelism.
Yes, for 20 years we have not done it. Yes, we’ve forgotten how to. Since 1996 we enjoyed “satellite events” and renown speakers on the big screen without obligation to do it ourselves, complaining that it does not work ‘cause people are not getting in the water…Well, virtual evangelism produces virtual results. Those events were glimpses on how others do it. Plus, the simple fact that any harvest has 3 stages: sowing, reaping & keeping, was often overlooked. The 2-3 weeks event is just reaping stage. If no sowing is done – all you’ll reap would be “wild oats” and “tears.”
The sowing and cultivating is most intensive and extensive stage of work in evangelism. It is built on relationships. Spirit of prophecy advice stands forever true: “Christ's method alone will give true success in reaching the people. The Savior mingled with men as one who desired their good. He showed His sympathy for them, ministered to their needs, and won their confidence. Then He bade them, "Follow Me." (Ministry of Healing, 143) We’ll talk about keeping when we are ready to reap, but now I want to set the stage for the basic sowing.
Evangelism begins at home. Early in our heritage history, when we were a fast growing movement, Ellen G. White advised “Let those who desire to work for God begin at home, in their own household, in their own neighborhood, among their own friends. Here they will find a favorable missionary field. This home missionary work is a test, revealing their ability or inability for service in a wider field. (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 6, p. 428).
With wisdom, caution, and love, they should labor for the salvation of neighbors and friends. There is too distant a feeling manifested. The cross is not laid right hold of, and borne as it should be. All should feel that they are their brother's keeper, that they are in a great degree responsible for the souls of those around them. The brethren err when they leave this work all to the ministers. (Testimonies for the Church, Vol.1, p. 368).
Evangelism is not some visiting preacher speaking to the choir, but each of us bringing those we care for to the feet of Jesus. Are you ready to bring your friends to Christ? When you are – we’ll do Evangelism. For now, let’s begin at home…

Reason to Rejoice!

I am writing from Andrews University where we are attending the Annual Church Growth Conference (SEEDS) with Carcamo family, who are leading our new Spanish Church Plant in the city. It is exciting to hear awesome reports of God’s power in action, to learn of wonderful things taking place in churches.
As I sit here and listen to the excitement I wonder what would it take to raise the morale in our churches? See, the high morale is the greatest motivator. It’s that condition under which people love to give, students love to learn, people are enthused.
The church with high morale enjoys exaggeration, where even small victories seem sweet, and the big ones make all feel invincible, where everyone jumps onto the bandwagon and joins the teamwork, where you feel like inviting other churches to learn from you, where you feel that your preaching, singing, praying is so important that all must hear it.
The church with high morale elevates people, gives higher level of confidence which enables better performance, and everyone does things above their natural ability. The high moral elevates to where all see the Big Picture and are committed to the shared dream.
The high morale energizes all with unstoppable energy and enthusiasm, where there is no mountain is too high, no project is too difficult, and all problems are eliminated. In such an environment great emancipation takes place where people are not afraid to take risks and try out new ideas, share new concepts and invite everyone’s creativity and innovations.
Can you imagine how motivating such an atmosphere would be? As we talked with elders last week we agreed that we are not there yet, but are well on the way – just a step away from the empowered living, a moderate morale.
And yet, here I sit, reflecting on my dreams of having miracles, signs and wonders to support our little victories, to affirm our faith, to have something to show for in our ministry. Wouldn’t it be the greatest motivator?
Such a dream reminds me of an incident with Jesus’ disciples. They came back from their mission trip all energized and motivated, because even demons submitted to them in Jesus name. And Jesus’ reply did not appear to be optimistic at all. He stood there pensively and replied: “So what, I saw Satan fall like a lightning from heaven.” When I think about this reply, it makes me realize that the power Satan had, exercised and enjoyed was more than anything we can ever dream for, yet he fell from heaven.
Jesus continued: “I’ve given you authority…to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you.” And then Jesus gave them the real reason for joy, the real motivator: “rejoice that your names are written in heaven.” (Luke 10:17-20) God raised us up with Christ, and seated us with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus (Ephesians 2:6). With the intent that the principalities and powers in heavenly places will learn through the church the manifold wisdom of God (Ephesians 3:10).
There can’t be anything greater in this universe to motivate you for a higher living than living in God’s Throne-room now. There should be nothing to stop us from moving from a moderate living to the High Morale living in God’s Presence.

Question of Identity: What do you really, really want?

That is exact question that I want to ask many of you. And I don’t mean “from me.” What is that we really want for our church family? We are in the second year together and I am not trying to put my best foot forward making impressions. I wish I would have more time to build stronger relationships before asking for commitment. There are times that I wonder: do we really want the same thing for our church? I know what I want, and I have been listening carefully to hear what you want, still there are different expectations and values expressed by various groups.
Antoine de Saint Exupéry has said: “If you want to build a ship, don’t summon people to buy wood, prepare tools, distribute jobs, and organize the work – rather teach people the yearning for the wide, boundless ocean.”
A year ago I began summoning people to prepare for work, to start training, to prepare tools, to place each person in ministry according to their gifts, to organize various departments. While some efforts succeeded, and some people joined, many other efforts fell through – poor attendance at training seminars, lack of interest to attend off-site workshops, ignoring or disregarding the tools available, some are even standing back to watch and wait. It all made me wonder if my enthusiasm biased me to assume that we want to grow, that we want to change, that we want a better church, that we want an improvement and efficiency in our lives.
What do we want? Do you have the yearning for reaching out lost people? Do you have the longing to see our church grow and plant more churches in the city? Do you care for your children, a whole lost generation, to return and experience Jesus? Do you want our young kids to grow up in relationship with God and never leave His Presence? Do you want our Church to be the Family of families, a safe place of Peace & Healing? Do we want Christ to come soon? As for me and my family - we do. Church elders do too. The core and committed members do so. Many are prioritizing their lives and discarding lures of this world for the sake of God inspired legacy.
In the coming year we will continue teaching skills, and giving tools for work, and we will also focus on more fundamental issue – preach, teach and articulate our yearning to realize God’s purpose for our church, fuel the passion for church growth, for spiritual growth, for personal growth.
At our last elders meeting we dialogued about the core values that give us identity, that influence our behavior and our actions. As we prepare for growth we must understand that relationships alone are never enough to keep us together. As the group grows so will the distance between individuals. Even common vision is not enough – you know people who got same goals, but different ideas of how to achieve them – are they still together?
Our identity is the glue that will bond us together – based on our faith in Three Angels Message proclaimed by the Seventh-day Adventist Church, our desire to glorify God in all we do, our servant-leadership spirit of considering others higher than ourselves, adding value to others, growing ourselves & developing others.
It is from our identity that the motivation and yearning comes.

Stop the World! The Church wants to get on!

As the world moves into unknown, called post-modern, many churches would rather stay in their status quo, in the comfort of tradition, in the safety of what is accepted, celebrated and familiar. Yet, Jesus’ prayer is ever relevant for us to stay in the world and live a sanctified lifestyle in this world.
We have looked at four characteristics of the New World around us:
Experience rather than Experiment.
Participation rather than Performance.
Image Driven rather than Word based.
Connected rather than Individualistic.
While in the past knowing was at arms length, observing at a distance, examining without interacting, today’s world is begging for an embrace, knowing by being involved.
In the words of Leonard Sweet – “postmoderns cheerlead instead of critiquing, extol instead of exegeting, applaud instead of assessing.” It is in this mode of learning – emptying self of perceptions and biases, and allowing for new revelation that the Gospel has a new door of opportunities open to influence the world. The truth is eternal and unchanging, we are just looking at it with new eyes.
This concept is actually not new at all – it’s all about “back to the future!” It suggests that Love is as much a mode of knowledge as the old scientific methods of detached observation. Just like the Bible times – knowing=loving.
Traditions are stuck preserving the recent past. Even religious ones. One L.A. pastor Erwin McManus says: “Many of us love religion all too much and God all too little. Love ourselves too much and the world too little.”
This paradigm shift is recognized even by post-modern science. Quantum physicist Ed Schrödinger states: “The world has not been given to us twice – once in spiritual and once in material terms. The world has been given once!”
It is this world, where we live only once, that God has invited us to partner up in saving. Jewish wisdoms says “we don’t see things as they are, but as we are.” Whenever I think about the changes that take place around us, about lack of commitment and complacency in the church, I wish for one thing: urgency. What would it take for us believers to wake up with urgency that the Groom is coming, that our Lord Jesus is at the door? Maybe the world is being accelerated on purpose, to wake sleeping church up on the bumpy ride?
Don’t try to get off! As you wake up – stay on and tell people about our Destination, tell about purpose, hope, future. Tell them about your Savior, your hope, your dreams, and your purpose. Tell them about One Absolute that will always remain Absolute – Jesus, the Name above all Names.

Connecting Christians into Contagious Community

So far we have looked at 3 qualities of the EPIC church in postmodern environment: Experiencing, Participatory & Image-driven. C stands for Connecting, Connectedness, Community, Care, and Cure that it gives.
One interesting explanation for postmodernism is given: “Postmodernism is really looking at the structures that modernity built and saying that the bricks are not what matter, it's the mortar. The mortar allows you to place the bricks however you want to place them.” We are not dismissing the bricks but are invited to consider the mortar that holds us and our structures together.
We crave for community, as we lack of it! Just think of how widely this word is used now-days: COMMUNITY! Another pastor commented that “in the past people came together in church to celebrate community that they had the rest of the week, now we come to church to find the community that we don’t have the rest of the week.”
Having been your pastor for a whole year now I enjoy every time we come together as a community. Tonight we’ll all have another excellent community night prepared by German families. Nonetheless, I continually will encourage to build community beyond church walls, to build community in your everyday life.
Those of you who’ve got young school age kids, have you noticed what they do when they come home from school? Getting on the e-mail checking to see if they’ve got a message? We were created for community. It is our natural desire to belong, to experience community.
Modernity, originating in European individualism has built itself on motto “I think therefore I am.” Postmodern attitude is best expressed by saying of Xhosa people of Southern Africa “I am because we are.” Leonard Sweet coined this phrase “postmodern “ME” needs “WE” to “BE”
Today’s transient culture requires that our community building and hospitality be more planned, more intentional, more deliberate
Let’s put the salve into salvation, let’s connect our communities, so where two or three are together God may dwell among them. I can thing of two good reasons, and both of them are God’s promises to us: “I will never leave you nor forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5) and Jesus’ parting words “I am with you always, even to the end of the age!” (Matthew 28:20) Power of connection is a healing power. This is what’s missing after preaching and teaching is done.
Some say “where there’s church there’s Jesus.” It’s almost right, only if turned around for the proper order: wherever Jesus is – there is a church! Wherever Jesus is present – people come together in unity, in love, in one accord. And as His Spirit fills the gathered, so the Body of Christ becomes living and active.
Enjoy community, create community, cherish community, experience His presence in community! May the wedding song be our prayer today:
Bind us together Lord with cords that cannot be broken
Bind us together Lord, Bind us together with love!

Image Driven Postmoderns

Does your mind think in words or pictures? When you shop, do you look at the thing you buy? Do you care for the picture to be displayed on the box? Or do you just ask for a description?
I am an ebay shopper, and unless I see a picture I would not even bother checking the lot. Someone said that images come as close as we ever will get to a universal language. As we are considering communicating Gospel to the Postmoderns we must recognize that propositions and words are lost on people’s ears. But metaphor they will always hear. Christ’s preaching was always replete with images and metaphors. Just think of the prodigal son, the cursed fig tree, the sower, seeds and birds - people could see what He meant. His mission was to project the Image – of the Invisible God. (Colossians 1:15)
Get the picture? What images are in your mind? What image of us, our church do we project into community around us?
There is a saying “ideas are dangerous for those who’ve got no idea…” Same with images: they are dangerous to those who do not have an image to hold on to. As we studied through the Revelation 13 recently it was a new discovery for many to realize that the final persecution will come not from the Sea Monster, not even from the Land Beast, but from an Image that people will erect under the deceptive influences. (Revelation 13:14-15)
What mental images are imprinted in your forehead? What do you focus you eyes on? Do you gaze into the promised land, having your head in heaven even though our bodies are still here?
Visual environment is very important for tuning our spiritual eyes. While recognizing the danger of images becoming objects of worship, we must also recognize the communicative power of images. Wise Solomon concluded that “as man thinks in his heart, so is he.” (Proverbs 23:7) Our thought-images make us!
Christian writer Leonard Sweet says “Images are the stuff of which the soul is sculpted.” So check your visual archive and the images that eyes of your heart see. Apostle Paul prayed for new images (Ephesians 1:18). The culture around us is throwing at us images, virtual reality, metaphors, virtually drowning many. Just like in the old days parents soaped words from kids mouths, we must keep our eyes on images that are pure, true, noble, right, lovely, excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things. (Philippians 4:8)
We crave images (just ask any teen about staying away from watching movies). So, relax, it’s not a new fad: Moses’ Tabernacle in the wilderness was the Drama Stage, could you think of anything more graphic to illustrate horror of sin, than having to cut throat to your favorite lamb? Solomon’s Temple was totally about images: all the walls were decorated to remind about Eden lost. It was a “virtual reality” garden with fruit trees, birds and creatures. (1st Kings 6:35)
As you walk in dark valley of this depraved world – think of the beauty of the city build by God Himself for his beloved children – us, and then project that image: walk as Victorious Child of the Heavenly King.

From Representative to Participatory

Keeping the pace with times you’ve noticed that things now days are getting more and more interactive. Long gone times when people were O.K. with others making decisions for them. What people around us expect today is availability of choices, from multiple choice exams to hundred of choices in programming on TV, and hundreds of choices on groceries shelves. In fact a representative system is perceived as a lack of trust to people being able to invest wisely their resources and time, to decide on their own freedom.
From wedding receptions where cameras are scattered at tables inviting guests to take pictures, to do-it-yourself funerals; from an electric toothbrush that turns you into your own dentist, to QuickTax software that makes you an expert accountant; from interactive web-churches where you chose sermons at your own time convenience, to interactive web hosting where you make your own world-wide broadcast – the world is moving to total participation.
Yet, it is not something really new. Christian faith followed Christ’s invitation into priesthood of all believers, away from a selected representative to total participation of all who believe.
It is interesting to look at John’s vision in the Book of Revelation where he is given a measuring rod to size-up the Temple, the Holy Place (from Greek NAOS) where only one Priest could enter, and then see John being told to measure ALL WHO WORSHIP THERE. We all are invited to participate with Christ in Spiritual ministry. Scary thing is that those who choose not to participate, and simply hang out in the outer court, assuming or expecting representation by proxy – they get measured out, or simply put (from Greek EKBALLO) kicked out. (Revelation 11:1-2)
Last week we talked about move from Rational to Experiential. It is our intention in this church to seek Experiencing God, to seek His Presence. We recognize that our programs, our seminars, our mighty doing things is not enough to motivate people into participating. It is God’s Spirit, God’s Presence, His Might that we all need, that will engage our total participation. There is not such a thing as Experiencing God by proxy. A representative is not enough! We want to touch the helm of his Robe, we want to encounter His Righteousness in our lives, we want to participate daily in His Glory.
Lets keep on getting involved in more experiences together, becoming more involved in each other lives, participating in each other joys and trials, as we all live boldly with God.