A Modern Parable

Tom Pryde, my good friend, blogging partner, fantasy football team co-owner, and fellow-pastor, is doing a great job of illustrating the importance of rules and parenting with his multi-part parable on fences. I am posting the links here to give you the privilege of enjoying them too.

Part One: The Other Side of the Fence

Part Two: Second Generation Fence-Building

Part Three: Fences or Windows?

He's not done yet, I don't think; so bookmark his blog and check back in a day or so to see if more installments have been made.

Family History comes to life

Today our family took an incredible field trip to the San Francisco Metreon, to view the Titanic exhibition. For me, this was a trip undertaken with great anticipation and just a little forboding. The events surrounding Titanic were more than just a "night to remember" or a horrible tragedy of the Gilded Age; Titanic and the White Star Line hold a place of prominence in our family.

My great-grandfather, Charles Frederick Woods, was a long-time employee of White Star Lines. In his capacity as ships printer, he was responsible for the communication of information while passengers were aboard ship. He would print the menus, see that the daily news bulletins were presented to the passengers, and act as liason between the ship's crew and passengers - ensuring that the message was delivered correctly and professionally.

He had his share of adventures, too. My grandfather used to tell of the time his father returned from one particularly exotic trip with a unique gift: a monkey. What child doesn't at one time or another wish for a monkey on which to blame all his own messiness? I grew up thinking that the Man in the Yellow Hat was my grandfather; and that Curious George was a story about his own pet simian.

Although White Star Line was an admirable and profitable employer, Great-grandfather had another dream that White Star could not fulfill: emigration. Eventually, the pull overcame the profit of employment, and Charles Woods gave notice of his resignation. Not wanting to lose such a valuable employee (their words, not mine; but who am I to argue?), the company made an attractive offer: stay for only 6 more months, and the company will pay you to work one leg of a voyage (Great Britian to USA) - and the family will be able to travel with you. To make the offer even sweeter, Charles was promised that his final voyage under the employ of WSL would take place on "the new ship."

What would you do? Charles' decision was already made. His house had been sold, his passage already booked. He could not stay any longer than originally intended. He and his wife Hannah and their family (including Charles Francis Woods - my grandfather, though only 6 at the time) took their passage to New York in 1911. The new ship, Titanic, began her voyage in April 1912; and you know her fate.

The exhibit I walked through today helped me connect the facts I knew from history books, and the stories I had heard from family in a way that I never imagined possible. The staff at RMS Titanic have done a superb job of presenting not only the story of Titanic; but recreating the era in which she moved. The subtle presences of creaking dock planks, the thrum of the engine room, the chill of the icy April Atlantic all helped bring events from 94 years ago into stark detail for me today.

The final artifact displayed is a 30,000 pound section of the outer bulkhead from Titanic's side - a section found scattered in the debris field. How amazing it was to see windows still in their portholes and brass that did not show the aging effects of time and water corrosion. And then, just before passing out the exit, was a smaller piece of the bulkhead - a piece designed to be touched by visitors. And touch it I did. I realize that what I was touching had no direct connection to my great-grandfather; but it was from the same era, and it was from the same company and profession as he. And in that moment, family history became just that much more of a reality for me.

A Time to Celebrate

Sunday, October 1, 1955 marked the beginning of a new venture in the Fairway Park community. Led by former lawman Elliott Paulsen, a group from Melrose Baptist Church in Oakland held the first church service of the newly christened Fairway Park Baptist Church.

Sunday, October 1, 2006 marked the 51st anniversary of God's work here in Fairway Park. Almost 100 members, former members, friends and loved ones gathered to rejoice in the faithfulness of God over the past half-century plus one year. Greetings were extended from former pastor Andrew Paz, and a time of celebration was held at the communion table as we remembered the work of One on behalf of us all that gave us a reason to meet together for the last 51 years.

Psalm 138 , a Celebration of Praise, was the focus of our consideration Sunday morning. David's praise was set before us as the example for our own rejoicing. We were encouraged to rejoice with Courageous Praise, reminded of a coming day of Corporate Praise, and emboldened with a Confident Praise knowing God would accomplish His purpose in our lives and ministry.

A joyous time of feasting was planned, but first . . . a business meeting. What place does a church business meeting have on Homecoming Anniversary Sunday? Well, there was a small financial matter to consider. WHAT!? Discussing finances on Homecoming Sunday?! You MUST be new to this!

Thank you, are you quite finished? Feel better now? Need a glass of water to calm your nerves? Maybe a moment to offer silent prayer on behalf of this freshman pastor? Allow me to continue.

Our business meeting was to discuss how we would allocate funds that God has graciously and wonderfully provdied for our church - over and above our budgeted projections. In fact, not only will these funds erase a deficit in our budget, but will allow us to have funds left over. See how this all fits into the theme of "rejoicing"?

One issue involved making final payment on some outstanding debts owed to members of our own church family. These payments were scheduled to be completed July 2008; but God made it possible for us to complete payment by July 2007! What a time of celebration it was to hear a hearty AYE in favor of the proposal. The motion was carried unanimously to pay off our debt early!

But wait, there's more. God, in His gracious and all-wise provision, allowed the funds to come in just the right timing that immediately after passing the motion to pay off those outstanding debts, the final checks were handed to the owed parties and we burned the promissory notes in celebration!

As the flames consumed the last remnants of our now-paid debts, my heart was consumed with praise and thanksgiving. The song burst from my lips "To God by the glory, great things He hath done!" and the congregation joined in full voice. "Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord! Let the earth hear His voice! Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord! Let the people rejoice!"

What a way to celebrate God's faithfulness and goodness to us these past 51 years. What a way to begin our next year of service to Him!

Just a few more days . . .

I have been keeping myself from posting, only because I have been busy planning for our church's 51st Anniversary Celebration and Homecoming.

Finishing touches are being placed, even as we speak. A great day has been planned. A wonderful celebration is expected. We are anticipating a church full of people who have come for one purpose: to glorify God and recite in each other's hearing what He has been doing among us.

Lots of surprises in store, too. More on that later - after the celebration!

In the world, but not of it

For a long time I envied my friends Joseph, Miriam, Hope, Grace, Melody, Charity, Mary, Nathan, Michael, Matthew, John, Thomas and Martha. These dear friends had their actual names found in the Bible. The closest I got was "whosoever" in John 3:16!

But in John 17:20, Jesus, praying for those He is about to leave, says "I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word." There it is! Jesus was praying for me, as I am one of those who believed as a result of the disciples' words about Jesus Christ.

The next verse asks that I would be united to the same purpose, goal and direction as Jesus Himself and the apostles: proclaiming the glory of God to a world that desires to hear nothing contrary to its beliefs. And what was Jesus' request for His disciples (and by extension for me as well)? That we not be taken out of the world, but protected from the evil one, according to verse 15.

Wouldn't it be better if we were kept from the world and its influences? Can I not show God's love without interacting with the unseemly sinful world? The simple answer is NO. As a disciple, my place is to be IN the world without becoming a part OF the world. I must not abandon my place in the world because God has not abandoned His interest in the world, see John 3:16 for proof of this.

So what is my task in this world that I am to be IN and yet OF which I am not to be? My responsibility is to remain in the world as a witness to the Truth of God's Word, not to withdraw from the world, or to disengage myself from the world, or (what would be worse) to be confused for the world. As I proclaim that witness, I must be prepared to receive all the hatred the world will direct toward me, knowing that I am protected by my Heavenly Father, who is acting in response to His Son's request.

Robert Murray McCheyne once stated "If I could hear Christ praying for me in the next room, I would not fear a thousand enemies. But distance makes no difference; He IS praying for me." With such prayers being offered on you behalf, go do what is right and pleasing to Him today.

Does life exist during football season?

One reader asked via email about the philosophy of sports. Specifically, “Why are sports important? Is it reasonable to give one’s life to interest in sports?” This is a great question and a timely one at that. For what it is worth, my fantasy football team won this week. But back to the question at hand: why are sports important?

First, a few areas NOT being discussed here. Yes, folks have a variety of interest that may or may not be understood by others. I am not discussing why some are sports fanatics. I also acknowledge that physical exercise IS profitable. I will also give a nod to the fact that many sports metaphors are used in Scripture. Yes, watching competition is enjoyable; and the better a person competes, the better they are to watch. Face it, would you rather watch Tiger Woods drive off the tee, or me? I guess if it had been a while since you had a really good laugh that left your sides aching and your eyes watering, you might choose to see my swing but that is your mean-spirited sadistic nature showing, isn’t it?

I want to discuss the seeming importance of sports. Notice the word “seeming” and its relationship to sports. I do not know of any area in the world where sports as a whole are more emphasized than here in the US. We devote every spare moment to it; create TV channels to watch others participate; organize leagues to meet with others who are just as enthused with a particular activity. The list goes on. A neutral observer (the proverbial alien dropped in without knowledge of our society) would come away with the impression that we are obsessed with sports and sporting. To what end? Our days are overscheduled, our children over-stimulated, our sidelines packed with over-worked, over-stressed parent / coaches all in the name of activity, sports and its benefit. May I politely ask, “What lasting benefit?” On rare occasions, life can be enriched by sports. But those are the exceptions, not the rule. Some use sports as a means of entry to presenting the gospel; but the sports are serving the gospel. Too often in society, all is subservient to the god of sport.

Another subject to ponder: why is it so important for “my” team to win at the expense of “their” team? It is always curious to hear the MVP thank their Creator for giving them the victory. Please do not misunderstand me, thanks ought to be given; but what about the loser? Did they not pray? Were their prayers not answered? My simplistic answer is this: God is glorifying Himself through various means; some of which are easier to comprehend than others.

How much effort should be devoted to sports? Again, principles of moderation and service come into play. When the line is crossed and activities are being served rather than serving a purpose in life, the activity needs to be curtailed. This serves for your little girl’s soccer team as well as your son’s weight lifting, your spouse’s needlepoint and your own online fantasy teams.

While sports can be exciting and provide moments of diversion and enjoyment, they are meant to supplement life not be the aim and goal of life. Yes, a few individuals excel to the level that they can make a living at entertaining us with their ability; but most of us would do well to realize our limitations – and be willing to limit ourselves to demonstrate our control over life. Life ought not be the control over us.

Having said all of that, please pray for my wife as she begins leading a home school physical education group tomorrow. Sports are good; she knows how to keep them in balance with the rest of life.

Memorial Thoughts

Much will be made this weekend (and has already been made in the days leading up to Monday) of the fifth anniversary of the attacks in New York City, Washington and Pennsylvania. It is important that we remember those 343 members of the NYPD and associated services who bravely lost their lives while attempting to rescue others. It is vital that we not allow ourselves to forget the tremendous breach that was made in our national psyche and sense of security. We ought to give ourselves permission to grieve and remember.

However, we must not automatically relegate the destiny of each soul ushered into eternity on that fateful day to the confines of God's eternal presence and blessing. While their loss was tragic and still brings tears to my eyes, God did not change the standards of entrance into His eternal presence for one day, one minute, one moment.

The real tragedy would be for those of us who remain to pass off considering their eternal souls because we don't want to consider that we face the same fate: death at a time of God's choosing and not our own.

Are you ready?

I find it also remarkably fitting that on the weekend when the nation will focus attention on the "needless tragedy" resulting in the death of over 3,000 innocent civilians, our church family will be focusing our attention on the needed tragic death of one innocent civilian resulting in the possibility of eternal life for the rest of the planet's occupants. This we will do in His remembrance, until He comes!

For Frank . . .

Just in case the centuri0n was wondering, this is where I am right now!Polihale State Park, Kauai, Hawaii (above)
Napali Coast (below)

The Jesus Junk Phenomena

Read what Jason Janz has to say about the trend to make everything "Christian". (Here's the link) What he says is right on target - and should cause us to consider WHY we do WHAT we do in the name of evangelism. Remember what we discussed yesterday in Sunday School: faith comes by hearing - a silent testimony is never enough!

Vacation Recap

Back home! Two of the most comforting words ever uttered; no matter how wonderful the vacation is (and it was wonderful) it is GREAT to be home again.

Tuesday was "Boys' Golf Day" for some; and "Zoo Day" for others. Dad, two brothers, my son and I enjoyed the camaraderie of 18 holes at Summersett golf course in Traveler's Rest, SC. Although I brought my clubs from home, my game stayed on the West Coast (i.e. not every swing produced the results I desired).

Wednesday, we traveled north to Asheville, NC, and toured the Biltmore Estate. What an incredible house! The level of craftsmanship and opulence was indeed spectacular. It was an amazing reminder to me of the fact that all man can spend a lifetime amassing and achieving, God created in a span of 6 days with mere words! Prayer meeting with our friends on the hill (Summit View Baptist) was encouraging and uplifting as we approached the Throne of Grace together on behalf of one another.

Thursday was a much anticipated "Free Day" with nothing of significant travel planned. After all the running and sight-seeing, it was welcome. My family traveled over to BJU and shopped at the Christian Educator's Resource Market (bumping into some friends while there) and then visiting more friends on campus at the Dining Common. Thursday evening was spent with the extended family playing games, grilling dinner with my brother (chicken and grill-fried veggies), and visiting - oh and watching my sons play with toy trains my brother and sister-in-law found at a yard sale. Great memories were made!

Friday, all the fun began to wrap up as we packed our suitcases and began to prepare for our journey home. All too soon, we were back at the Charlotte airport, then in Dallas, and (finally) back in San Francisco. It made for a long day; but we made it home with 30 minutes to spare before the calendar turned to Saturday.

What I will remember most from this vacation are moments and conversations spent with my dearest friends: my family. We don't seem to get together that often; but when we do, we have a blast!

Planes, Trains and Automobiles

Family vacation continues. Today we ventured to the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad in Dillsboro, NC. What an exciting time of riding the rails with the family! The views were amazing; trees and rivers setting just the right backdrop for the whistle of the engine and the throb of the rails being ground under the train's wheels. After a relaxing hour in Bryson City we rode the return trip and enjoyed a great car ride back to "the compound" in Greer. The rainstorms held off all day until our return car trip; and the thunderboomers have been different for our sons who come from that part of the country where thunderstorms are a rarity.

Tomorrow we have great plans laid - if the weather holds. If the weather doesn't cooperate we will adjust!

Before I leave, a word about church services yesterday. What a joy to fellowship once again with the folks at Summit View Baptist Church in Greenville, SC. The atmosphere was tremendously set for worship and God's Word went forth with great freedom. A tremendous college send-off was held for a young man departing from home; and it was encouraging to see this congregation declare truth into this person's life and encourage him as he takes the next step in his life's journey. And singing #198 was a joy, too!

Greetings from Greer, SC!

Our family is vacationing this week in South Carolina - the birthplace of our family (my wife and I lived here for the first 5 years of our marriage). We are gathering in honor of my parents' 40th wedding anniversary. Their anniversary 'present' was to have the whole family together for a time of celebration. We have converged on the home of my oldest younger brother to spend the next 7 days enjoying each others' company.

Already, we are rejoicing at what God has done for us. My family (wife and children) safely navigated the skies between San Francisco, Chicago and Charlotte - especially since 3/4 of the family battled the flu earlier in the week. The siblings and parents were protected as they drove from Pennsylvania through the night last evening and arrived early this morning. My brother and sister-in-law have done a wonderful job preparing their new home for its new role as "Family Compound" for the week.

The posts this week will probably be nostaligic. We are reliving the old family stories; my sister brought some old family movies that haven't been seen for years; the favorite meals are planned and on the menu for the week; and we are planning to establish some new traditions too (most of us now play golf!). But one thing will be as it always has been in our family: tomorrow we will be in church for all the services. This is not because we have to, not because we need to, not even because it is our job to be there; we will be in the Lord's house with the Lord's people because we WANT TO BE THERE. What a joy to worship the God Who planted us into a family!

Fantasy Ministry League?

As I type this, the Raiders are playing a pre-season football game against Minnesota. While I am watching with half an eye, the rest of my attention is being given to preparing for an event that has loomed large on my calendar since last February: Draft Day for my Fantasy Football League. For those of you not interested in football or especially in fantasy football, you may wish to question the sanity of a pastor who engages in a pastime that occurs mainly on Sundays during church services. To the contrary, the actual games played are merely the end process of a week's worth of pondering statistics, matchups, injuries, weather reports and game times. The main draw to my main fantasy league is the fact that the core of the group has been participating for 15 years now (we started back in college as a way for work colleagues to have an 'away from the job' connection.) An added bonus is that I will be able to attend a draft in the same room as these friends for the first time in 9 seasons!

Our league scores a little differently than most, so many of the official rankings put out by mainstream media sources need a little tweaking to be effective for my draft preparation. All this got me to thinking about a Fantasy Ministry League. Who would you pick to be on your team if you could pick from ministers across the spectrum?

Some folks would go for the glitzy players, the ones that would make highlight reels every week. No matter the situation, these players are going to have the headlines. Some franchises can be carried quite a ways on the strength of such players. Others will try to draft the hot rookies, hoping to cash in on the next "big thing" and be set for several seasons to come.

Still others will quietly build a corps of rock-solid contributors. These are the 'lunch box' players: those that rarely if ever gain headlines for their abilities or accomplishments; but those who make a dramatic impact over the course of the season. To me, these are the wise team owners. Faithfulness and consistency will build a team that performs better over the long run. Don't get me wrong, some of these players are also 'highlight players' and some are even among the 'hot rookies' but they are not drafted because of that - but because of their faithfulness.

So as I look over the spectrum of ministry and imagine building a church staff, I doubt that many would recognize the names that I would surround myself with. But these are men and women that make ministry not only possible but productive - and even enjoyable. The greatest news is this: we are already on the same team; and I am not the One in control!

Those of you still confused by fantasy football, and especially fantasy ministry, don't worry - I should return to 'normal' before too long.

Preparing to post

Nothing is more frustrating for me than to finally carve out some time to post and then have everything that I wanted to post about suddenly leave my mind. Oh, I know WHAT I wanted to post, but all the great points I was plannng to make have taken flight from my feeble cranium.

So without additional comment, here are the thoughts tickling my mind recently:

• "Faithfulness in following Jesus [is] progressively closing the gap between who we really are and who Jesus really is - not the fictional Jesus who is conveniently adjusted to our behavior, but one before whom every knee shall one day bow." - Glenn McDonald, The Deliberate Church.

• When Jesus chooses, calls, and converts a person, they are given great value, but not immunity from the attacks of the world.

• "Who ever had reason to hate Jesus? Whom has he injured? What evil has He ever said or thought?" - Albert Barnes on John 15.
  

• "The greatest danger a follower of Jesus ever faces is not death but apostasy." - D.A. Carson on John 16.
  

Summer Camp Summary

I really need to do a better job of keeping the blog updated! More news on that front later. For the last week (July 17 - 22) I have been blessed to have been at Pilot Lake Regular Baptist Camp as part of the annual Teen Camp activities. What follows is a summary of our week.

Monday: Denise and I left Hayward early and arrived at camp by 1 PM. We had a wonderful time travelling together to camp for the first time ever. In previous years we have either not gone together or have travelled in separate vehicles. God provided great travelling conditions and as we pulled into the camp 'driveway' (1.5 miles of bumpy dirt road) I felt the feeling in the pit of my stomach that I only feel when arriving at my parents' home in PA. I looked my wife square in the eye and said "Honey, now I know it's summer. We're at camp. We're home!" A great time of reunion was had as we settled into our accomodations (lodge for me, a cabin as girl's counselor for Denise) and visited with the arriving campers. Added blessing: our attendance this year was higher than expected (92) but God provided sleeping places for all. It was especially good to see the group from our former church ministry arrive. I had the privilege of speaking Monday night on the topic of "Our Response to the Light" from John 6. I tried to set the tone for the week by reminding the teens that when God's word is preached it is not to be passed on, or played with, but to be personalized. All went to bed anticipating an exciting week.

Tuesday: Tuesday was spent preparing for the annual cardboard boat race. This year's entries all had a common theme: they turned into submarines very quickly after leaving shore. But the campers were troopers, and earned points for their teams by swimming with their sodden boats trailing behind them! Tuesday night I spoke on "The Difference Jesus Makes" to the sinful and the searching from John 8. Music this year was expertly handled by Rick and Mick Vigneulle.

Wednesday: The week definitely got exciting early Wednesday morning! It seems that a curious bear decided to make the rounds of the woods surrounding the camp facility and couldn't help but notice that lots of food seemed to be stored in the cabins. As God would have it, the Camp Dean, Jon Cook, was in the right place at the right time to prevent any close encounters between the campers and nature! After rounding up almost 25# of snack food from the cabins, the night progressed without incident. The camp nurse is also getting a work-out! With so many campers, the bumps and bruises customary to camp seem to be in large number; but they are not out of the ordinary. A first-aid / CPR class was held on Tuesday; several of us have put our first-aid skills to good use already! I spoke this evening on "The Marks of Genuine Disciples" from John 8:31 - 59.

Thursday: What a day this turned out to be! I don't recall many of the events of the day because of the amazing service we had in the evening. After speaking on "When the Light Shines" from John 9, Pastor Roger McCarty from First Baptist Community Church shared a brief presentation on the brevity of life and the seriousness of eternity using photographs from the December 26 Indonesian tsunami. The response to the invitation was overwhelming to say the least, as teens seemed to seriously grasp the fact that long life was not guaranteed to them. Many decisions were made. Oh, the bear was sighted again on the property adjoining the camp; but we were nowhere near the area - we were doing business with God!

Friday: Last day of camp already? I had the extreme pleasurable opportunity to fill in for game director Ben Lunsford by leading the teens in a 4-way Steal the Bacon competition! Lots of fun for everyone! I spoke on "The Good Shepherd" from John 10 in the evening service and highlighted the fact that when camp is over the lessons are meant to remain. After having spent a week listening intently to the voice of the Good Shepherd, why go home and be distracted by all that was left behind? The campfire service was an excellent time of testimony and sharing of what God had done in lives.

Saturday: We packed up and headed home. It was good to pull into our own driveway (although it was very HOT here in the Bay Area) and be home. we already miss our new friends; but are praying that the work God did in lives will continue to bear fruit for His glory.

Thanks: I wanted to be sure to thank all the folks that made camp such a wonderful experience. Several were already mentioned, but to make sure no one is left out: David & Lorilynne Steenfott and Bill & Sharon Cleveland provided childcare for our boys while Denise and I were at camp. Thanks are due to them in great quantities; without them our ministry would not have been possible! Jon Cook did a great job leading the camp. Tom and Kate Veneman were their usual wonderful selves and made us feel welcome at their camp facility. The kitchen staff did an excellent job keeping us well fed and satisfied. The Counsellors (Josh, Nicole, Aaron, Denise, Tiger, Loetta, Ryan, Tim, Anita, Gloria, Ben) were great examples to the young people and tirelessly gave of themselves to provide an enjoyable camping experience. Ben Lunsford did a terrific job leading the games; a duty he did not expect but ably performed. The Speakers (Gary Barker, Craig Morrison, Roger McCarty, Mark Worrell, Denise Eldred and Ben Lunsford) used great skill to communicate God's word in a way that teens could grasp. The Safety Crew (Nurses Frank, Anita and Carmen, as well as Lifeguards Kyle and Andrea) kept us safe while having fun. Our Musicians (Rick and Mick, and Rick's son Brandon) provided top-notch music that drew our hearts into focus on God's Word. Last, but certainly not least, the campers (sorry, no list of all 92 names) gave us a reason to gather together.

I look forward to next year's camping season (July 16 - 21) already!


Oh, I promised news about keeping up to date a little better. Monday saw the addition of a new laptop to our family. This replaces the one my sons "experimented" with in February. We'll see how this helps me stay more connected to cyberspace!

Thoughts from John 14:15

"If you love Me, keep My commandments " says Jesus. We need to realize that our obedience to the commands, words and teachings of Jesus is not a means to garner God's love. Rather, it is the proof that we fully realize His love for us and our own love for Him. We love Him, therefore we keep His commands. His love is not some prize to be won by good behavior or abstinence from poor behavior. Our behavior is a response to the great love freely demonstrated to us by a loving merciful heavenly Father.

"Adelphos mou"

Yesterday, heaven became that much sweeter to me. A long time friend and fellow Pennsylvanian, Bob Kramp, passed away at the age of 77. The newpaper has many statistics about his life; but that is not the Bob I will remember.

The Bob of my eternal memory will always have on a bright red blazer, a very brilliant necktie and a smile that could light a small village for weeks on end. His hand will always be stretched out towards mine; but not for a traditional handshake. No, Bob always seemed to end up with one hand clasping yours and the other around your shoulder. "It's good to see you!" was always said in a way that communicated so much more than the trite phrase others have turned it into.

For years, Bob and I would greet each other uniquely: "Adelphos mou!" While I was studying Greek in seminary, Bob's first question was how to say 'my brother' in Greek. From then on it became our greeting to each other.

I spoke with Bob a few months ago, right before Easter. He called just to let me know he was praying for me and my ministry. I cannot tell you how honored I was to receive that phone call. He asked what books I had been reading; we discussed what our minds had been pondering, and then he asked if I had read a particular book that he had just finished. "No, Bob, I haven't read that one yet" was my reply. "That's OK. I'll send you a copy. It is a good one!" Sure enough the book arrived about a week later. I've thumbed through several pages, but haven't jumped in with the ferocity I should. Now representing my last contact with "adelphos mou", it has become one of my prized possessions.

In Greenville, SC today a wife misses her husband of 37 years and 3 children terribly miss their dad. I join them in grief because he was also my friend. I can't wait to meet him in glory and hear the streets of Heaven ring when we recognize each other and echo through the hallways of eternity "Adelphos mou! It's good to see you!"

Interesting quote

In researching for Sunday's sermon on John 13, I found this quote describing Judas. More to the point, it may describe any one of us from time to time:

"When men can sin knowing that God sees it all, it shows that the heart is fully set in them to do evil and that nothing will restrain them." - Albert Barnes

Judas was made aware of the fact that Jesus knew of his plans to betray Him, yet decided to continue with his plans. How often are we guilty of the same practice: knowing full well that God is not pleased with our plans, yet not allowing that fact to deter us from our 'freedom of choice' to act against the Almighty.

Light in the Darkness

It has been my extreme pleasure to take part in the Fundamental Baptist Fellowship International national conference this week. Meeting for the "first time in a long time" (if ever) on the West Coast, the weather and seismics cooperated wonderfully to give East Coasters a taste of ministry in the West, California, and San Francisco. It was my joy to re-connect to friends I hadn't seen in years, and especially to learn that several of them live a lot closer than I ever imagined.

By far, the blessing of the conference was the preaching. I am still digesting Chuck Phelps' exposition from Acts 7 on "Bringing Joy to the City" and it will impact my ministry for a long time to come. An additional 'pick-me-up' was to hear so many preacher's voices singing enthusiastically. The rafters of our host church were almost in danger of parting company with the rest of the building! Perhaps my favorite quote of the conference came after a soul-stirring singing of "How Great Thou Art" when the host pastor stepped to the microphone and exclaimed "The wonder of it all is that we serve One Who is deserving of exactly this kind of praise!"

But for the story of the incredible behind the scenes San Francisco experience, you will have to ask Tim Sneeden! His reward for being a faithful reader of this blog (and how hard can that be, considering how often I post? Really, folks, Tim is setting the bar here!) is that he gets to tell his story in his way and in his time. It's a great story - full of ups and downs, but not necessarily in that order.

A thought on John 11:25 - 26

"Faith in Jesus does not make humans immortal. What it does bring about is that from this moment on they no longer live under the power of death. Resurrection is therefore not a matter of the 'last day' but of now, of listening in faith to the Son of God." (The Gospel of John, Herman Ridderbos, page 397)

What a transforming event faith in Jesus Christ becomes! It truly does pass one from death into life! To quote the Master, "Believest thou this?"