Yesterday I received word that one of my friends and co-laborers at Calvary Chapel El Cajon has passed into eternity: Mark Peters. His time of difficulty has passed, having recently been diagnosed with cancer. Having been born again by the power of the Holy Spirit through faith in Christ, Mark undoubtedly now rejoices in heaven. My grief is great, not because Mark has gone home but that I was unable to visit him as he lay dying. I will not be able to attend a service to memorialize his life. Though God is a present help and comfort to me, presenting a tangible testimony of my thoughts of Mark in the presence of his family and friends is unobtainable.
Hence the impetus for this post: let me tell you a little about my friend Mark. The thing which struck you immediately about Mark is that he was real. His faith and love for God was real. He had not had an easy life by any means - there had been many struggles along the way, but God brought him safely through. His enjoyment and willingness to serve God was not a contrived ploy to find favor with men or God. There are certain "decorum" guidelines set for the ushers at the church, but I don't know that Mark heeded them! He would sing with gusto and raise his hands to God in praise. Every Sunday he was there, holding his cup of 7/11 coffee, greeting people, having loud conversations, moving chairs. He was a Roman Guard annually at our Easter outreach. I'm pretty sure Mark has helped set up for every Easter sunrise service I can remember...we'll miss his helpful hands.
A lather by trade, a man well-acquainted with dirt-bikes who listened to Third Day, a fixture greeting people at the door with coffee and bulletins in hand, a man who came with his son Richard to Men's Retreats...but this is only scratching the surface of who Mark is. I say who Mark "is," because Mark has not ceased to be. His body has ceased to function, but his soul lives on in the presence of Christ his King. He is clothed not only with Christ's robe of righteousness, but a glorified body with which to serve God forever. I can hear his voice rising strong and clear over hosts of angels, tirelessly praising the God who has graciously granted him eternal life.
The days of coffee, lath, and plaster are finished - but eternal day has dawned for Mark. Gone are the days of sickness and pain, arrived is the age of complete freedom from sin and earthly limitations. Sing Mark, jump for joy! You have entered into the joy of the LORD, where there is no darkness forever and ever.
Do you know this hope of eternal life is offered to you as well? Romans 5:8 says, "But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Mark confessed his sin, and asked Christ to forgive him. John 3:16-17 reads, "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. 17 For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved."
18 February 2011
31 January 2011
A short haitus...
Our family has just moved into our new rental home, and so much has been happening both at church and with the moving process. About 85% of our things have been taken out of boxes, and books primarily remain packed. Our new house will not have an operational land-line or Internet connection until February 10th, so our daily routine is to go somewhere so we can hurriedly check e-mails, do our banking, etc. Needless to say, blogging will be nearly impossible for the next couple weeks!
Where do I begin in explaining the "hecticity" of our lives right now? Saturday night we were in a car accident (everyone ok, we were not at fault) so the back of the car is smashed in. The back window exploded and is now covered with cling wrap and tape (not pretty, but effective!) which greatly limits our carrying capacity! I am happy to say that the car in front of us which we hit suffered very minor damage, just traded a little paint. Two of the five cars involved were towed away, so we are blessed to still have a functional vehicle.
Today we're off to buy furniture, tomorrow we have Women's Bible study at church and visitation, Thursday another meeting is likely, Friday I need to take the car to be assessed, and all day Saturday we are going to the youth camp held by our fellowship which includes a baptism...and somewhere in between I need to prepare for a couple of messages, pray, and spend time with the family. Praise God that our times are in His hands, and our lives are bound up in His. God is good, and His mercy endures to all generations!
Thanks for keeping up with the blog and be sure to check in occasionally because it won't be long before we're back in the swing of things. May God bless you richly!
Where do I begin in explaining the "hecticity" of our lives right now? Saturday night we were in a car accident (everyone ok, we were not at fault) so the back of the car is smashed in. The back window exploded and is now covered with cling wrap and tape (not pretty, but effective!) which greatly limits our carrying capacity! I am happy to say that the car in front of us which we hit suffered very minor damage, just traded a little paint. Two of the five cars involved were towed away, so we are blessed to still have a functional vehicle.
Today we're off to buy furniture, tomorrow we have Women's Bible study at church and visitation, Thursday another meeting is likely, Friday I need to take the car to be assessed, and all day Saturday we are going to the youth camp held by our fellowship which includes a baptism...and somewhere in between I need to prepare for a couple of messages, pray, and spend time with the family. Praise God that our times are in His hands, and our lives are bound up in His. God is good, and His mercy endures to all generations!
Thanks for keeping up with the blog and be sure to check in occasionally because it won't be long before we're back in the swing of things. May God bless you richly!
28 January 2011
Inner Alchemy?
While driving down Old Windsor Road I saw a company name written on a vehicle which interested me: it read something to the effect of "Inner Alchemy Massage Therapy." Alchemy is a fascinating subject because it has never been successful. Like Rumpelstiltskin turned straw into gold in the fable, people through the ages have tried to use chemical or occultic means to change worthless or cheap metals into valuable ones. No matter how many chemicals a person adds to lead or tin, it will never become platinum or gold.
The company name I read illustrates the fact man thinks that by stimulating the body or mind with religion, philosophy, or exercise, he can purify himself. Is it possible that a massage of muscles can increase the value of my soul? This is a far stretch! And why, if man believes himself naturally good (which he is not - that is why we lock our doors, protect our personal details, and buy pepper-spray), do we need any "inner alchemy" at all? Man has been born into sin, and no amount of pampering or make-up or holidays will change this. Our chemical imbalances pale in comparison to our spiritual negligence. No amount of counseling or psycho-therapy will solve our sin-problem: only Jesus can purify our hearts from sin!
There is much a man can do to make himself a better person from without, but no man can begin to be good inside without the saving grace and power of Jesus Christ within. All attempts at alchemy have failed, and so has every attempt of man to draw near to God by his own "goodness." Religion churns out devils, but Jesus redeems sinners and makes them saints. How many men in a vain attempt to earn the favor of God have denied themselves of God's grace and perished eternally, while those who cry out "O LORD be merciful to me a sinner!" have entered into life eternal. Praise God for the transformation He alone can do! He does not change us from one element to another, but a complete change from death to life. Thank Him for that!
The company name I read illustrates the fact man thinks that by stimulating the body or mind with religion, philosophy, or exercise, he can purify himself. Is it possible that a massage of muscles can increase the value of my soul? This is a far stretch! And why, if man believes himself naturally good (which he is not - that is why we lock our doors, protect our personal details, and buy pepper-spray), do we need any "inner alchemy" at all? Man has been born into sin, and no amount of pampering or make-up or holidays will change this. Our chemical imbalances pale in comparison to our spiritual negligence. No amount of counseling or psycho-therapy will solve our sin-problem: only Jesus can purify our hearts from sin!
There is much a man can do to make himself a better person from without, but no man can begin to be good inside without the saving grace and power of Jesus Christ within. All attempts at alchemy have failed, and so has every attempt of man to draw near to God by his own "goodness." Religion churns out devils, but Jesus redeems sinners and makes them saints. How many men in a vain attempt to earn the favor of God have denied themselves of God's grace and perished eternally, while those who cry out "O LORD be merciful to me a sinner!" have entered into life eternal. Praise God for the transformation He alone can do! He does not change us from one element to another, but a complete change from death to life. Thank Him for that!
24 January 2011
The Atheist's Dilemma
People are dynamic and unique, and no two share the same personality. To claim to speak for all people is simply impossible, though we all share similar needs and natures. As I was cleaning a pool this morning, I was thinking about atheism, a belief system that claims "there is no God." There are some who might claim this is an oversimplification, but the basic premise is the assertion God does not exist.
There may be many reasons that brings a person to this stance. Atheism stands in defiance of God and places self as a substitute. The allure of atheism for many is there is no right or wrong, no Supreme Being that must be contended with, no judgment, and no hope of life after death. In this world a man can become like God, doing what is right in his own eyes without eternal consequence. This was the same advice and argument present by Satan to Eve in the Garden of Eden: Genesis 3:4-5 reads, "...You will not surely die. 5 For God knows that in the day you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil. " In essence the devil said, "What God says doesn't matter. If you eat the fruit you will be like God and can make your own rules." This proposition tempts people to this day.
The irony of claiming "there is no God" is that in doing so man makes himself a god. He can live without confessing his sin to another and sit in God's judgment seat of himself and others. The Bible speaks clearly concerning those who are deluded to deny the True God who has created all things. Romans 1:16-23 says: "For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek. 17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, "The just shall live by faith." 18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, 19 because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. 20 For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, 21 because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. 22 Professing to be wise, they became fools, 23 and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man--and birds and four-footed animals and creeping things."
I rejoice in the God of the universe, by whom all things have been created. While atheists have no hope in this life beyond themselves and random chance, I am rooted upon a sure eternal foundation of Jesus Christ, in whom I stand by faith. No guilt, no shame, and no condemnation I harbor in my soul, for He has cleansed me of all my sin. I delight in submission to His will, for it is God who has purchased me that He might be glorified. This hope is for all people who will humble themselves, repent, and trust in Christ as Savior, LORD, and God. Jeremiah 3:22-24 says, "Return, you backsliding children, and I will heal your backslidings." "Indeed we do come to You, for You are the LORD our God. 23 Truly, in vain is salvation hoped for from the hills, and from the multitude of mountains; truly, in the LORD our God is the salvation of Israel."
What does it profit a man to gain the whole world and lose his own soul (Matt. 16:26)? What will it profit a man to live as a god on earth and perish like the devil in hell, when God has offered redemption through His own blood (Acts 20:28)? Come to Jesus everyone, and find rest for your souls.
There may be many reasons that brings a person to this stance. Atheism stands in defiance of God and places self as a substitute. The allure of atheism for many is there is no right or wrong, no Supreme Being that must be contended with, no judgment, and no hope of life after death. In this world a man can become like God, doing what is right in his own eyes without eternal consequence. This was the same advice and argument present by Satan to Eve in the Garden of Eden: Genesis 3:4-5 reads, "...You will not surely die. 5 For God knows that in the day you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil. " In essence the devil said, "What God says doesn't matter. If you eat the fruit you will be like God and can make your own rules." This proposition tempts people to this day.
The irony of claiming "there is no God" is that in doing so man makes himself a god. He can live without confessing his sin to another and sit in God's judgment seat of himself and others. The Bible speaks clearly concerning those who are deluded to deny the True God who has created all things. Romans 1:16-23 says: "For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek. 17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, "The just shall live by faith." 18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, 19 because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. 20 For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, 21 because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. 22 Professing to be wise, they became fools, 23 and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man--and birds and four-footed animals and creeping things."
I rejoice in the God of the universe, by whom all things have been created. While atheists have no hope in this life beyond themselves and random chance, I am rooted upon a sure eternal foundation of Jesus Christ, in whom I stand by faith. No guilt, no shame, and no condemnation I harbor in my soul, for He has cleansed me of all my sin. I delight in submission to His will, for it is God who has purchased me that He might be glorified. This hope is for all people who will humble themselves, repent, and trust in Christ as Savior, LORD, and God. Jeremiah 3:22-24 says, "Return, you backsliding children, and I will heal your backslidings." "Indeed we do come to You, for You are the LORD our God. 23 Truly, in vain is salvation hoped for from the hills, and from the multitude of mountains; truly, in the LORD our God is the salvation of Israel."
What does it profit a man to gain the whole world and lose his own soul (Matt. 16:26)? What will it profit a man to live as a god on earth and perish like the devil in hell, when God has offered redemption through His own blood (Acts 20:28)? Come to Jesus everyone, and find rest for your souls.
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