A STRUCTURED APPROACH TO EASTER

This month, I would like to expand our thinking regarding the season of Lent. Lent is generally not practiced by those in the Baptist tradition. Lent is considered too Catholic, Presbyterian, Methodist or Lutheran for Baptist to recognize.  More likely it comes from the belief that we as Baptist have found freedom through Christ from obligational practices of ancient traditions. Lent is not found anywhere in scripture and  Baptist often say we should practice only what is explicitly commanded in the New Testament. But then again Christmas and Easter are not found in the bible, yet we celebrate these “Holy” days. We might believe we do not need a structured approach to Easter, or wait, could we benefit by observing a season of introspection, self-examination and repentance. Could Lent have some of the same benefits as our celebration of Advent provides. Maybe its time we change that.

This past month, February 22, 2023 was Ash Wednesday; it marked the beginning of the season of Lent. Christians around the world received ashes on their forehead in the form of a cross as a sign of their repentance and fasting. The 40-day Lenten period is marked by a time of prayer and preparation to celebrate Easter. Since Sundays celebrate the resurrection of Jesus, the six Sundays that occur during Lent are not counted as part of the 40 days of Lent, and are referred to as the Sundays in Lent. The number 40 is connected with many biblical events, but especially with the forty days Jesus spent in the wilderness preparing for His ministry by facing the temptations that could lead him to abandon his mission and calling (Luke 4:1-13 .) Lent officially ends on the Saturday, April 8, 2023, the day before Easter Sunday. As well, there is an entire list of events leading up to the finale that is called Holy week. Holy week begins with our celebration of Palm Sunday.

Now that I have shared with you a short lesson on Theology and Christian history, perhaps we can turn our attention to whether observing Lent would be beneficial. Let me also say that I am by no means suggesting you are obligated to observe Lent. For Baptists, Lent is absolutely a choice and not a requirement. If you decide that Lent has significant meaning for you, it would however, put you in sync with the broader Christian community. It is also important for us in our celebration of Easter to place an emphasis on reflecting upon and appreciating the suffering of Jesus. Do we recognize the hardship Jesus endured to give us salvation. In our western world of living, hardly anyone truly suffers for being a Christian. Yes, someone from work, school, or our own family might make a snide comment but can we really call that suffering.

People associate Lent with “giving things up.” In the process of giving something up we enjoy, we might then reflect on the sacrifice of Jesus dying for our sake. What you give up can be something you enjoy, like soda, candy, etc., or something you spend your time doing, like watching TV or scrolling through Facebook, and then, ideally, you’ll replace that time with spiritual disciplines such as praying or reading your Bible. You might also take time to practice the spiritual discipline of fasting. Not only can this be healthy for you, you experience another type of going without to appreciate what you always have. In the privileged society we live it, it might do us a bit of good to experience hardship to build some spiritual character which can help us deepen our understanding of our faith and appreciate this sacred season.
 

Seeking God and Being a Light,

Pastor Kevin

 

THE ABSENCE OF LOVE IS NO LIGHT AT ALL

 

We are one month into our new theme/motto for the year, “BE THE LIGHT!” We have examined Matthew 5:14-16 and embraced the words of Jesus, “to not hide but to be light in a dark world.” It seems every time we tune into the news we see more evidence of “darkness” in our world. Allow me to be clear, darkness is not something new. It has appeared in many forms throughout history.

Even as I pen these words, the world is commemorating the darkest time in its existence with the observance of International Holocaust Day. There were six million Jewish victims of the Holocaust and millions of other victims of Nazism. Lives were forever changed because hatred prevailed over love. As these words permeate my mind, “The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing,” I can’t help but think, the only thing necessary to triumph over evil is LOVE. God calls us to love our neighbor. If we are going to be the light in a world filled with hate, evil, violence and darkness, we must do everything possible to eradicate hate in our own hearts and then love others like Jesus loved.

The apostle John writes in 1 John 2: 7-11,

^“7Dear friends, I am not writing you a new command but an old one, which you have had since the beginning. This old command is the message you have heard. ⁸ Yet I am writing you a new command; its truth is seen in him and in you, because the darkness is passing, and the true light is already shining.⁹ Anyone who claims to be in the light but hates a brother or sister is still in the darkness. ¹⁰ Anyone who loves their brother and sister lives in the light, and there is nothing in them to make them stumble. ¹¹ But anyone who hates a brother or sister is in the darkness and walks around in the darkness. They do not know where they are going, because the darkness has blinded them.

Clearly John conveys to the reader an important message about being in the light. If you hate, you are still in darkness. If you love, you live in the light. The light is Jesus who showed us how to love unconditionally. We do not create the light, we simply reflect His light and love to those in darkness.

The differences between love and hate are not difficult to see because they are absolute opposites. Hate creates division where love creates unity. Hate exploits differences and fosters uniformity where love elevates those same differences and recognizes diversity. Hate is concerned with a “what’s in it for me mentality,” where love reflects a “concern for others above myself.” Hate focuses on the negative, when love focuses on the positive. My list could go on and on but I think you get the picture.

Take time to read 1 Corinthians 13 and reflect upon all the ways Paul describes love. “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices in the truth etc.”

Hate is the opposite. It is impatient, unkind, boastful, proud, rude, self-seeking, angered, revengeful, spiteful and delights in evil. It would not be a stretch to say that it is much easier to hate than to love. Love requires selflessness, sacrifice, forgiveness, provision and protection. Love takes care of the other person instead of trying to tear them down. Love requires work. Throughout the bible we are shown what perfect love is. While the world cheapens love and only makes it available to those who are considered worthy. The type of Love God calls us to share as we are in the light goes far beyond.

As we think about being light, we need to examine and evaluate our own hearts. Can our hearts be hardened by the world, people, and the experiences of life? I would say absolutely and definitively, yes. But does our God also soften and heal our hearts so we can experience His love and then love others in the same way? Yes. May I suggest our ability to love is dependent upon the knowledge and experience of God’s love for us. And if we hate, the love of God is not in us. So, check your love tank, check your level of hate, Be filled with God’s love so you can be love and be light to your family, your friends, your co-workers, your classmates, and your community. And remember this, the absence of love is no light at all!

Shine His Love in 2023,

Pastor Kevin

 

 

 

 

 

Be The Light in 2023

 

BE THE LIGHT IN 2023

As we flip the calendar to a new year, we recognize God’s faithfulness in the past and we trust Him for the future no matter what it holds. Some people say, “the future will be a very dark world.” The culture continues to decline into violence, unrest and moral corruption. In the U.S. the decline of Christianity is evident. Growing number of Americans who were raised Christian are now disaffiliating from the religion.  Fifty years ago, some researchers indicate that 90% of the population identified as Christian. Today, that number is rapidly headed toward 50%. People ask why? The only sensible answer I can come up with is this. When I examine Christianity and the church, I see very little resemblance to what the scriptures teach. Many young people are choosing a different path. So perhaps this future dark world has already arrived or perhaps it has always been? I tend to lean toward the latter.

In John chapter one, the gospel writer tells us about the light coming in to the world, a very dark world. That light refers to Jesus who we recently celebrated being born in the manger.

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome. The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world. He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him.  

During the sermon on the mount in Matthew 5:14-16 Jesus says to his followers,

“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. ¹⁵ Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. ¹⁶ In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” 

In the midst of darkness and uncertainty we’re reminded that Jesus calls us, not to hide but to be light in a dark world. The ministry theme for 2023 will challenge us to “Be The Light.”  I admit the world can be a very dark and depressing place. Often that darkness seems to be creeping in around us but I am reminded that through Christ we can dispel the darkness. How do we do this? By letting our light shine. Remember the childhood song, “This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine?” What did you promise to do? Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine. I know, sometimes it feels like an uphill battle or a winless battle, but the light of Christ shining through us will make a difference in the dark. We just have to “Be The Light.”

I am reminded of an experience I encountered as a teenager. A group I was with went spelunking into some caves in Indiana. Upon arriving in a rather large cavernous area, our leader asked us to turn off our flashlights. Let me tell you, it was a very dark place. You could not see anyone else or even your own hand in front of your face. Darkness had consumed every nook and cranny of that cave. What I heard next was the strike of a match and I saw our leader lighting a candle. Soon the darkness dissipated. But how could this be? We’re not talking about an oil lamp or lantern, we are talking about a rather small   candle. In this scenario one might say the light shone in the darkness and the darkness was overcome. A singular candle moment was all it took. It didn’t take a huge light for everything to be seen.

In 2023, I invite you to be the light in a dark cavernous world and it doesn’t have to be a huge light. Look for the “candle moments” in your life to shine brightly for Christ. You don’t need to be Billy Graham, Rick Warren, Tony Evans or whomever. Just be yourself. Use your gift (light) in a way no one else can. I know this, in a very dark world your light will be seen! 

 

The Heart of Christmas

 

The Heart of Christmas

Back in 1965 when Charles Schulz collaborated with Lee Mendelson to debut the animation classic A Charlie Brown Christmas,” it would go on to capture the hearts of people watching across America. Its place in the nation’s holiday hearth has remained fixed ever since and the impact will continue to be felt for generations to come. You can recall the iconic line delivered by Charlie Brown to the Peanuts gang, “Isn’t there anyone who knows what Christmas is all about?” Linus responds, “Sure Charlie Brown, I can tell you what Christmas is all about.” And then he proceeds to recite the gospel of Luke 2:8-4 referencing the birth of Christ.

Schulz had insisted that one core purpose of the special was sharing the true meaning of Christmas. Otherwise, Schulz said, “Why bother doing it?” When Mendelson asked Schulz whether he was sure he wanted to include Biblical text. The cartoonist's response, "If we don't do it, who will?" Other than John 3:16, it may be the most recognizable scripture ever shared with the masses. Perhaps, we need to once again re-visit that all too memorable question, “What is Christmas really all about?

Each year, the culture focuses on decorations, gifts under the tree, meals around the table, family spending time together and hopes of winter weather. All these certainly play a part in the most wonderful time of year, but there is something else that is at the heart of the Christmas. The Bible tells us that the real reason to celebrate is the saving grace offered to us through the birth, life and death of God’s son, Jesus. Join us for a five week sermon advent series entitled, “The Heart of Christmas.” Much like Linus and the Peanuts gang, this series will be centered in the story of Christ’s birth. From the prophetic promise of His coming to His miraculous arrival, the themes of hope, peace, joy and love will help prepare us for Christmas by getting to the heart of the holiday.

The Christmas season is really only possible to fully embrace when we come to know that the heart of this holiday is found in the incarnation of God. “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”). Matthew 1:23

God so loved His creation that He went to great lengths to rescue it by sending His son in the flesh to suffer and die. God sent Jesus to earth knowing that it would cost Him His life. He made the sacrifice for us. The story of God’s love begins in a cradle, but it ends on a cross.

I hope you plan to be with us during the four Sundays of Advent and for our Christmas Eve Candlelight Service which will be our main focus for Christmas worship this year. We will not have services on Sunday Dec. 25th. We will return for a combined service on New years Day at 11AM with no S.S.

Together, we will experience the Heart of Christmas

     Pastor Kevin, Michi & Family

 

Living a Life of Thankfulness

 

LIVING A LIFE OF THANKFULNESS!

What are you in the habit of focusing on during the month of November? Do you tend to be the person who thinks about all the things you don’t have? Are you the one who takes inventory of all your blessings and wonders, “How could life be any more full?” Or do you find yourself caught in the in between space of needing less or wanting more? As we take inventory of our lives this Thanksgiving season, may our attitude be one of gratitude. It is so important that we spend time each day reflecting on those things, places, experiences and people which fill us with gratitude. Even when times are tough and the financial stress of our current economy weighs us down, there is so much for which we can express our thankfulness!

“In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” 1 Thessalonians 5:18

True gratitude is about being thankful for what you do have rather than being upset about what you don’t have. Gratitude is an essential ingredient on the journey to living the abundant life Jesus promises in John 10:10. Gratitude is most beautifully seen in our response to the free gift of God, his son Jesus. And finally, expressing gratitude has shown a grateful heart, a thankful heart can actually make a person more healthier, joyful and content.

Last year, if you recall, we processed through a 25-day gratitude calendar in which every day we were directed to focus on specific blessings in our lives and give thanks to God. By the way, if you would like to do this again feel free to send me a message and I can hook you up. This year I want to challenge you to do some of your own research as we once again set off on a journey to experience gratitude and a life of thankfulness. I have a friend who has inspired me this year with quotes of gratitude. These famous or not so famous words have encouraged me to have a more positive perspective of gratitude. You see, I find that when I read or hear these thoughts, my mind is reset toward gratitude and more rooted in thankfulness.

I want to ask you to find quotes on gratitude and thankfulness. Perhaps you find one for each week or even each day. Let me help you get a head start. It is the great Shawnee Chief Tecumseh who said, “When you arise in the morning give thanks for the food and for the joy of living. If you see no reason for giving thanks, the fault lies only in yourself.” Or how about theologian Dietrich Bonhoeffer, “In ordinary life, we hardly realize that we receive a great deal more than we give, and that it is only with gratitude that life becomes rich.”

Reflect on these wise and preserved words. Allow them to wash over you and fill you with thankfulness. Then share the quotes you find with others on your Facebook page or social media formats. Together, let’s see if we can influence and change other peoples perspectives as well. Our sermon series this month will focus on “Gratitude—Living a Life of Thankfulness.” I will share some scripture and quotes to inspire you. It is my hope that we will have a more healthy, sustainable, and fruitful experience of Thanksgiving this year.

Remember… “With God, All Things Are Possible!”

 

Bold

 

Since I was a youngster, an American science fiction media franchise has held my attention. In fact, during the past summer I binge watched two of it’s recent installments, “Voyager and Strange New Worlds.” I am referring to Gene Rodenberry’s creation “Star Trek.” For those of you who never knew, your pastor is indeed a “Trekkie.” You may now go ahead and roll your eyes. Alright that’s enough. Stay with me for this thought because I would like to point out a line of the iconic opening.

As the music plays, the captain of the Starship Enterprise gives the famous narration regarding the voyages they are set to experience. Within that narration Captain Kirk says the nine word phrase, “To Boldy Go Where No Man Has Gone Before!” I hope you read that boldly? As the crew sets out for the final frontier of space, they will encounter new life, new civilizations and new experiences never experienced before by anyone. And in order to do so, they must do it Boldly which means in a manner of confidence.

In the giving of the “Great Commission” by Jesus to his disciples he tells them to “Go” and
I’m hypothesizing that Jesus was emphatic or boldly speaking as he said,

“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. ¹⁹ Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, ²⁰ and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:18-20

After the departure of Jesus, the disciples ultimately had a choice. They could play it safe and return to their previous way of living or they could seize the life God had intended for them as they spread the message regarding the resurrection of God’s son Jesus. In essence they could boldly go where no one has gone before and go with confidence. Especially with the confidence of the Holy Spirit which came upon then at Pentecost. And the rest is history as they say. We know the gospel message spread as we read Acts and as we explore the other books of the New Testament. Many of the experiences we read about certainly required some boldness and confidence on the part of early Christ followers.

I would like to invite you in October to join me for a sermon series entitled, “Bold.” Just like those early disciples and all who have followed since you have a choice. You can play it safe or you can seize the life God has in mind for you. Just as we sing in the worship song Confidence,

“So, give me faith like Daniel in the lion's den
Give me hope like Moses in the wilderness
Give me a heart like David, Lord be my defense
So, I can face my giants with confidence”

What’s it going to be? Come explore what can happen when we become Bold.

Remember… “With God, All Things Are Possible!”

 

Pastor Kevin 

 

 

ON YOUR MARK, GET SET, GO!

On your mark, get set, go! is a phrase used to begin a competition. Originally, on your mark, get set, go! was used in the 1800s to begin foot races. The word mark referred to the place on the running course where the runner would start, whether a line or a set of starting blocks. Get set is a sort of warning that the signal to start running is about to occur, though today when a runner “gets set” he usually raises his hind quarters and tenses his legs in preparation to run. The word go, of course, means that it is time to start running. 

And we’re off and running for another school year and another season of ministry. It’s time to “get on your mark, to get set and to go!” My prayer is for each of us as a part of the Full Devotion family to once again prioritize are relationship with God through Jesus Christ, to return to a biblical commitment to the local church, and to be renewed in our faith as we press forward. I believe it is now past time for the Body of Christ to shake off their “lockdown” mentality, leave behind the bad habit of not gathering in person, shake off the bondage of fear, and get reconnected to their local congregation. Why? Because we are better together! Paul says in Romans 12:5,

“So in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.”

Together, we are the Body of Christ (1 Cor. 12:27), and it is important for us to be connected to each other, and to be connected to the head, Jesus, in order for the church to be effective in our mission of sharing the gospel. Being connected to others is good for us as individuals, and helps us during times of challenge, disappointment, opposition, and health concerns.

I would say that we as a church have had our challenges and problems. Last month, many of us experienced Covid for the first time and some for a second. It threw our Sunday schedule into a loop but God knew exactly what He wanted to accomplish and how to make it happen. We have many people facing challenges with their health. As a church we are looking at ministry changes with our prayer for God to lead us to a new Children’s Ministry Director. We have building needs in areas of repairs and upgrades (by the way, how amazing our the new TV’s in the sanctuary.) I recently heard a podcast in which the presenter said, “We can look at all the things that happen to us as problems or we can choose to look at them as possibilities.” I like that! I choose to believe that God is presenting new possibilities for all of us to get connected because we are better together. Once again, on your mark, get set, go!

The Bible has many references about running. Hebrews 12:1, “Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us. “

Paul says in 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, “Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified. 

Paul also says in Philippians 3:14, “But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”

My invitation is for you to run with us. Be an active contributor to what God wants to accomplish through His church. I know running takes discipline. Honestly, I don’t like it sometimes, but it is what God calls us to do. I hope you, like me, will strive to one day hear what Paul said in 2 Timothy 4:7, “I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.”

Remember… “With God, All Things Are Possible!”

 

Pastor Kevin