e-News | Christ Presbyterian Church

5/18/12

Fri, 18 May 2012 09:02:49 -0400

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May 18, 2012

THE E-NEWSLETTER OF CHRIST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

THE THINGS PARENTS DO!

Wow! Now that was quite a week in Leviticus. No doubt you may have learned a few new things this past week – at least a few. And, there’s plenty more where that came from in the week ahead!

But, I want to go back to last Saturday’s reading – Leviticus 12. It’s the shortest chapter in the entire book; only eight verses. But what an important chapter it is!

And while we’re there, let’s figuratively keep our place here and move into the New Testament book of Luke; chapter two to be exact – the birth narrative of Jesus.

22 When the time of their purification according to the Law of Moses had been completed, Joseph and Mary took him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord 23 (as it is written in the Law of the Lord, “Every firstborn male is to be consecrated to the Lord”), 24 and to offer a sacrifice in keeping with what is said in the Law of the Lord: “a pair of doves or two young pigeons.”

Most of us know this story well. We know what these first-time parents do, but do we know why they do it? Want to take a guess? That’s right! Leviticus 12. Now, let’s turn back to that passage. Don’t worry, I have it all ready for you:

5/11/12

Fri, 11 May 2012 08:34:30 -0400

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May 11, 2012

THE E-NEWSLETTER OF CHRIST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

“Keep it Clean”

As we talked about last week, Leviticus is a book that is very concerned about “House Rules” – and, “Family Rules.” You’ve seen that very specifically this week in your reading; and chapter 11 is no exception. In fact, Leviticus 11 is one of those chapters in the “Torah” that explains for us what it is to “keep kosher” – the dietary restrictions the Holy God gave to Israel. And, although we may not understand why each ordinance was applied in certain animals we know at least this:

I am the Lord your God; consecrate yourselves and be holy, because I am holy. Do not make yourselves unclean by any creature that moves about on the ground. I am the Lord who brought you up out of Egypt to be your God; therefore be holy, because I am holy. (Lev. 11:44,45)

Clearly, a number of benefits can be observed by keeping these guidelines – especially if you lived at that time. Remember, there wasn’t a USDA to safeguard the diets of Jewish families. The creator Himself names or describes for Israel those animals on which they may dine. Inasmuch as God was extremely concerned about the consecration of His people, He also had their health concerns in mind as well. By doing so, they remain ceremonially clean before a their Holy God.

5/4/12

Fri, 04 May 2012 14:23:18 -0400

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May 4, 2012

THE E-NEWSLETTER OF CHRIST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

“House Rules”

“Wipe your feet”

“Turn out the light when you leave a room”

“Close the door”

“Make your bed”

House rules – everyone has them. I’ve listed several above – I’m sure you have at least that many. Regardless of the house, rules matter. So, it shouldn’t surprise us that God has rules for His house as well – His house of worship. That’s what Leviticus is – a list of rules for coming into God’s house (Leviticus is the Latin form for the Greek title - “about the Levites”).

Granted, Leviticus stands alone in many ways from its counterparts that make up the Pentateuch – the first five books of the Old Testament. It does not have the action or the intrigue as the other books. But, its place for us in understanding and appreciating the Holiness of God is incredibly profound. God is a God worthy of our worship – but He must be worship His way. The good news for Israel is that their God wanted them to draw near to His presence and graciously gave them the guidelines to do exactly that. Regrettably, we have an account of two men who did not take God’s instructions seriously – Nadab and Abihu, sons of Aaron.

4/26/12

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 10:32:03 -0400

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April 26, 2012

THE E-NEWSLETTER OF CHRIST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

“No Way…You Go First!”

Remember that phrase? Sure you do! Either you said it, or someone said it to you. The pronouncement usually came at the door leading to a basement or an attic. Maybe it was at the mouth of a cave from your youth camp experience. Whatever the case, there are just some places we would rather be #2 than #1! We want someone to go ahead of us. By the way, it seems as though this is the only experience where this happens. Any other time and we’re ready to be #1 - again.

This is close to what happens in Exodus 33 following the golden calf incident in the preceding chapter. Israel has just received bad news – really bad news!

Then the LORD said to Moses, “Leave this place, you and the people you brought up out of Egypt, and go up to the land I promised on oath to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, saying, ‘I will give it to your descendants.’ I will send an angel before you and drive out the Canaanites, Amorites, Hittites, Perizzites, Hivites and Jebusites. Go up to the land flowing with milk and honey. But I will not go with you, because you are a stiff-necked people and I might destroy you on the way.” (Exodus 33:1-3)

4/20/12

Fri, 20 Apr 2012 12:45:10 -0400

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April 20, 2012

THE E-NEWSLETTER OF CHRIST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

“God’s Blueprint for Worship”

If you were reading through Exodus this week you may have reached a similar conclusion that someone mentioned to me, “That was a lot of blood!” Yes, as God designed the format that would allow Israel to draw near in worship it would require blood – a lot of blood! But it was more than that.

The chapters we read in Exodus over this last week conveyed in painstaking detail God’s design for the Tabernacle, the Furniture, and even the Priests! God is the ultimate architect and designer! From cubits to curtains, God made His plan very clear to Moses how they were to approach Him – the only way they were to approach Him. As we find out later, for some, these prescriptions were literally a matter of life and death!

As you read through the chapters did you notice how everything had a meaning? Whether in content or color, God was portraying for them not only the heavenly tabernacle but also THE Tabernacle that would one day come in the flesh. It would be an incredible sight for the people of God as they entered the courtyards of worship. God creativity was on full display – even using the symbols from creation itself. Imagine the array of curtains – the holy place – goat skins, ram skins, even the hides of “sea cows.” This was a spectacular scene for God’s people. And as I said earlier, though there is much meaning in all that comprised this earthly tabernacle, we must not lose sight of the overriding motivation:

4/13/12

Fri, 13 Apr 2012 12:50:24 -0400

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April 13, 2012

THE E-NEWSLETTER OF CHRIST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

“Letting His Word Speak”

If you were expecting another one of those incredibly insightful articles…well, then maybe it’s time you actually got one. So today, I’m simply going to let the Word of God fill this article space. For those of you who are reading through the scriptures together, you covered this earlier in the week. For the rest, it’s never a bad idea to reacquaint ourselves with the Holy Character of God – relating to Him and to one another.

Exodus 20:1-17

And God spoke all these words:

“I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery.

“You shall have no other gods before me.

“You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below. You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the fathers to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me, but showing love to a thousand generations of those who love me and keep my commandments.

4/5/12

Thu, 05 Apr 2012 10:44:10 -0400

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April 5, 2012

THE E-NEWSLETTER OF CHRIST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

“When A Shortcut Isn’t Really A Shortcut!”

How many of you reading through Exodus thought that I might speak with you today about the Passover. I mean after all, today is Maundy Thursday and tomorrow is Good Friday. Well, I’m hoping that through your Exodus reading and church services this week, wherever you may be reading this, that you’ll be hearing about the Passover and more. Instead, I’d like to direct your attention to one of those verses that we pass over so quickly. You’ll find it in the section detailing the crossing of the Red Sea.

17 When Pharaoh let the people go, God did not lead them on the road through the Philistine country, though that was shorter. For God said, “If they face war, they might change their minds and return to Egypt.” 18 So God led the people around by the desert road toward the Red Sea. The Israelites went up out of Egypt armed for battle.

(By the way, don’t miss the following verses about Joseph’s bones – that was my next choice!)

3/30/12

Fri, 30 Mar 2012 13:43:15 -0400

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March 30, 2012

THE E-NEWSLETTER OF CHRIST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

“Pack Your Bags, it’s Time to Go”

Exodus - It’s our next book to read and the name of the book says it all. It’s time for Israel to leave Egypt. It’s time for slavery to end. It’s time for oppression to end. It’s time for fear to end. Bottom line - It’s time for the People of God to move on in the Promise of God in the Power of God. (Hey, that would preach!)

For many of us, it’s difficult to read the book of Exodus without pictures of Charlton Heston appearing in our heads. Exodus is without question one of the most exciting and pivotal books in the Old Testament – in the Bible. Think about all of the action we find in its pages:

· The Birth of Moses

· The Burning Bush

· The Plagues – especially Passover

· The Parting of the Red Sea

· The Ten Commandments

· The Golden Calf…

And, the list goes on.

In short, Exodus is a book that reveals to us a God who went from remembering His people in distress to residing with His people in deliverance.

3/23/12

Fri, 23 Mar 2012 08:25:35 -0400

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March 23, 2012

THE E-NEWSLETTER OF CHRIST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

“Time to Say ‘Good-bye’ to Genesis!”

CONGRATULATIONS!!! - You’ve made it through Genesis. Maybe we should offer t-shirts! It’s been quite a journey since the universe first heard the voice of God proclaim, “Let there be light.” And it’s my prayer that there has an abundance of light for you in God’s Word along the way. Genesis – what a beginning, what a book!

But before we leave our familiar fathers and friends let’s linger in one final exchange between Joseph and his brothers. Here’s the scene. Jacob has died and Joseph’s brothers are once again in a panic. With the death of their father they deeply fear that Joseph’s reprisal for their earlier actions will rise from a shallow pool of forgiveness. We are not unlike that, are we? Once someone has said that they have forgiveness us, we walk on eggshells still waiting for the “other shoe” (or sandal) to drop. But not here, not now, not EVER! Instead, this favored son continues to show favor to this fearful fraternity with the same grace he demonstrated at first. Isn’t it wonderful to see a life determined to live according to principle and not circumstance. Let’s eavesdrop one last time on their conversation:

3/16/12

Fri, 16 Mar 2012 09:46:40 -0400

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March 16, 2012

THE E-NEWSLETTER OF CHRIST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

“You Dare to Dream it – and then it Comes True”

No longer bending his neck from the bottom of a waterless pit to catch a glimpse of sunlight, Joseph, governor of Egypt, now stands tall and erect before his famine-ridden brothers. With bodies bowed and faces turned toward the earth, the dream has become a reality – though at this point only to Joseph.

It’s amazing what can happen in a week! The story of Genesis continues but the spotlight now follows an emerging actor on the stage of redemption – Joseph. You remember Joseph, and his brother Benjamin. These were the sons born to Jacob from the love of his life – Rachel. His love for Rachel was deep. Remember these words:

“So Jacob served seven years to get Rachel, but they seemed like only a few days to him because of his love for her.” Gen 29:20 (In fact, Jacob worked a total of 14 years to have her daily by his side!)

So, it is no surprise that we follow the classic struggle of sibling rivalry to this point in the story. Oh, yeah – that’s right! You might want to know where I am - Genesis 42. Though I will be including the next several chapters in my article.

3/9/12

Fri, 09 Mar 2012 07:59:57 -0500

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March 9, 2012

THE E-NEWSLETTER OF CHRIST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

“Mommy, Daddy has a Limp!”

Again, what a great week in Genesis!

Tension before a family reunion, Wrestling matches, Violation and Revenge, a Homecoming, Death of a father and wife – wait a minute, is this the Bible or television?! No, it’s the Bible – and it’s not always PG-13.

For just a while today I would like to recall with you the story of Jacob at Jabbok (Gen 32). This may be, and probably is, the most intriguing episode in Jacob’s life. Why? Because during the dark hours of this night and early morning Jacob is transformed – both in character and name. Using his own words to describe this encounter “…I saw God face to face, and yet my life was spared.” A very interesting commentary to a wrestling match that lasted until the dawning moments of a new day.

But let’s begin with a little background. Jacob, fretting his upcoming reunion with Esau, has taken what he hopes to be ameliorative steps. As a last act, Jacob sends his family and possessions to the other side of the Jabbok. We then we this:

3/2/12

Fri, 02 Mar 2012 09:40:20 -0500

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March 2, 2012

THE E-NEWSLETTER OF CHRIST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

The Real “Stairway to Heaven”

Depending on your location and company, the conversation can go in rather interesting direction at the mention of “Stairway to Heaven.” For those of us who experienced the music of the late 60’s and early 70’s, Led Zeppelin’s contribution to Rock and Roll will be remembered as one of the greatest songs from that period. The song ran just over the eight minute mark and its introduction is still considered a benchmark for any aspiring guitarist. In fact, just the mention of this song will be enough to cause some of you to launch an immediate YouTube rendition. Hey – wait a minute – you can at least finish the article! I know the temptation is great but plant yourself here for just a little longer; the article will only be about a page.

Obviously, and for good reason, my reflections this week are not really about this song – or its authors. Instead, moving from that Rock culture to the only TRUE ROCK culture, I’m headed to Jacob’s dream as recorded in our reading from this week – Genesis 28. Here’s the story in case you didn’t have a chance to read it:

2/23/12

Fri, 24 Feb 2012 08:51:35 -0500

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February 23, 2012

THE E-NEWSLETTER OF CHRIST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

“WHAT A WEEK!!!”

With all that has gone on in our world you might be thinking that I’m writing about politics. Believe me – it’s very tempting! However, I’m referring to our reading in Genesis. As a matter of fact, you’ll probably find this “brief” portion of our e-news regularly reflecting on our reading through the Old Testament this year. (It’s a great accountability exercise for me – though that really isn’t the purpose)

Our reading this week began last Sunday with the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. Saturday will close our week with the death of Abraham. In between: the birth and sacrifice of Isaac; the death of Sarah; and Isaac’s marriage to Rebekah (familiar ground from my sermon a couple of weeks ago.)

Of all that we read, there are two chapters that must stand together – Genesis 21,22. They are in some respects very “Dickens-ish” – “it was the best of times, the worst of times.” What we find here really is a Tale of Two Chapters. Genesis 21 records the fulfillment of God’s promise to Abraham of a son – an heir. He is the son of “laughter” for Sarah and Abraham – hence the name Isaac. Years of waiting and wanting have ended. Faith has been rewarded and the future is bright. That is, until the opening, mouth-dropping, lines of Genesis 22:

2/17/12

Fri, 17 Feb 2012 09:41:57 -0500

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February 17, 2012

THE E-NEWSLETTER OF CHRIST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

“CONNECTING THE DOTS…IN THE SKY”

As I was reading through Genesis this week, I reread God’s covenant with Abram in chapter 15. It’s a remarkable passage that announces a promise that runs throughout the remainder of scripture - all the way to Revelation.

Here’s the brief passage I’m referring to:

4 Then the word of the LORD came to him: “This man will not be your heir, but a son coming from your own body will be your heir.” 5 He took him outside and said, “Look up at the heavens and count the stars—if indeed you can count them.” Then he said to him, “So shall your offspring be.” 6 Abram believed the LORD, and he credited it to him as righteousness.

In keeping with His original promise to Abram in chapter 12, God reiterates the sweeping nature Abram eventual offspring – they will be like “the stars.”

What I particularly enjoy about this encounter is how God interacts with Abram. Abram is afraid. Why? Because even with God’s promise to him in chapter 12, he remains childless and fears that his servant, Eliezer, will be his heir. The God who comes to Abram as his “shield” and “great reward” assures him that the heir will be as He promised, his own son – coming from his body. Then something very special happens.

2/10/12

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 08:37:53 -0500

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February 9, 2012

THE E-NEWSLETTER OF CHRIST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

“Almost Finished!”

Tomorrow, for me, probably today for most of you, the Central Indiana Presbytery will vote on the church’s petition for me to assume responsibility as Pastor of Christ Presbyterian Church. At times I think some of us take for granted that everyone understands what that means. So, in an attempt to make this information a little more user friendly, here’s a brief explanation.

In our denomination, the Presbyterian Church in America, there are three levels of church leadership. Local – the Session; Regional – the Presbytery (Central Indiana/CIP); and National – the General Assembly. Typically the Session meets monthly, Presbytery meets quarterly, and the General Assembly meets annually. And, so as not to confuse you, you may hear us sometimes refer to these church bodies as “church courts.” Teaching Elders (ministers) and Ruling Elders (layman) make up the officers of each court. Teaching Elders, like me, do not have membership in the local church. Our membership is actually with the Presbytery. That’s why I don’t vote in any congregational matters.

1/27/12

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 14:06:17 -0500

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January 26, 2012

THE E-NEWSLETTER OF CHRIST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

“God isn’t a Republican – or a Democrat”

(They both made it on the ark!)

With all the factors that contribute to your decision in choosing a candidate – for now a Republican – some want to reduced it to a new LOWest common denominator – more and more with religious overtones. Here’s some of the latest:

Will you vote for a Mormon?

Will you vote for man that has been married three times?

The list goes on, as does the campaign rhetoric. And, it’s getting worse by the day.

Here’s the first question any of us has to answer? Should we vote at all? The majority of evangelicals would say “yes,” though there are some groups who stay away from the ballot box like the plague. The Bible doesn’t have much to say about voting in elections. Let’s remember, the geo-political world for the New Testament church was Rome. Long gone where the days of the Jewish Theocracy. There wasn’t a vote of the people to elect the next “Caesar.” If you didn’t like the ruler you arranged a tidy little assassination. In fact the only clear instruction coming out of the New Testament could be summed up in this way - submit to, and pray for governing officials.

1/20/12

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 10:52:34 -0500

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January 19, 2012

THE E-NEWSLETTER OF CHRIST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

“Truly, an Anniversary to Mourn”

“I've noticed that everybody that is for abortion has already been born.”

~Ronald Reagan, quoted in New York Times, 22 September 1980

Though FDR was certainly justified in setting apart December 7, 1941 “as date that will live in infamy,” there is a date much more deserving of that solemnizing. What day would that be? It’s January 22, 1973; the date of the Supreme Court Decision, “Roe V. Wade.” This is the date that will truly live in infamy. As horrific as the Sunday morning attack was on Pearl Harbor that day, far worse has been the attack on infants in the safe harbor of their mother’s womb.

On that Sunday morning, at least 2,400 men and women lost their lives in a pre-emptive attack designed to keep American forces out of the Pacific engagements. Since January 22, 1973, over 53 million infants have been killed under the constitutional gymnastics of “the right to privacy” – so construed by Justice Harry Blackmun and his six concurring justices in their interpretation of the 14th Amendment. I’m so grateful that two men were willing to take the higher moral ground through their dissenting opinions and stand against the legalization of killing children. And, let’s be clear here – that’s exactly what it is, it is murder.

1/13/12

Fri, 13 Jan 2012 11:14:06 -0500

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January 13, 2012

THE E-NEWSLETTER OF CHRIST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

“Have you been TEBOW-ED?”

Tim Tebow. Actually, you can forget the “Tim,” most people just refer to him as TEBOW. If for some reason you don’t know who I’m talking about, Tebow plays quarterback for the Denver Broncos. Aside from current political contests, I’m not sure any one individual is getting more attention than Tebow. In fact, this polarizing sports figure has even graced the pages of the Wall Street Journal. It wouldn’t surprise me if he appears on the cover of TIME with an unlikely win this Saturday over the New England Patriots. The most recent riveting commentary has come from NBA star Charles Barkley who would refer to Tebow as a “national nightmare.” Thanks Charles, can’t wait for your in depth analysis of other issues facing our country! Oh…I forgot to mention that he is a firm believer in Christ – he, being TEBOW.

Frankly, the news media, commentators, and even team owners have had quite a time trying to get a handle on this young man and his mixture of sports and salvation. On the other hand, many of us get it - we’re enjoying it! Though it leaves others shaking their heads, it’s quite a change to see a humble sports figure lead a team in such a dramatic way – and it has been that if nothing else. Think about it, with all the stories we read and hear in professional sports of fines, suspensions, substance abuse, marital infidelity, and anything you want to throw in the grocery cart, it’s refreshing to follow a story of character in the midst of competition. His faith and humility are just about as elusive to some as his ability to scramble out of the pocket.

1/5/12

Fri, 06 Jan 2012 07:44:30 -0500

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January 5, 2012

THE E-NEWSLETTER OF CHRIST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

“Where Were You When The Ball Dropped?”

Although we were gathered in front of a television in the Central Time Zone, we watched the Times Square Ball drop at midnight and promptly toasted one another for the prospects of a great 2012! And, by God’s Grace, we have every reason to expect nothing less. That doesn’t mean that life will be free of problems or pain. But, whatever comes our way we can be certain of this:

Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail.  They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness.  I say to myself, “The LORD is my portion; therefore I will wait for Him.” (Leviticus 3:22-24)

The Lord’s great love and His compassions NEVER fail – they are NEW every morning!!! Doesn’t require a lot of explanation – does it?!

So with that in mind, and being so short into the New Year – perhaps I better pace myself and keep this short as well. After all, there are 52 weeks in year! However, just remember, I’m talking about this article – not a sermon :{)

12/29/11

Thu, 29 Dec 2011 14:29:46 -0500

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December 29, 2011

THE E-NEWSLETTER OF CHRIST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

“Man - That was Fast!”

The door is quickly closing on 2011. Maybe too quickly!

As you look back in the rear view mirror of this last year what are you thinking? Did it go as expected? Were there some surprises? Disappointments? For some, life joyfully traveled the road of family additions while others experienced the dreaded walk through the valley of death’s shadow. Along with everything else, perhaps your annual review of life’s journey will include those “rock solid” New Year’s resolutions – never to late to dust off the treadmill! Me? Like every year, I will search the channels during these last few days for one of those “Year in Review” shows that chronicles the events filling the past 365 days. We can at least say this - 2011 revealed a world in a deep chaotic condition – Politically, Socially, Economically, and yes, even Spiritually. What do we call of this? We call it living – we call it LIFE!