PastorTim

WHAT A DIFFERENCE A FAITH MAKES…….

As we journey along through another wonderful Easter season with trees budding and flowers popping up to meet the beautiful weather that lies ahead. “I’m believing that by faith, March did behave somewhat like a lion remember?” The climate of our culture though is another thing all together. In fact as I survey the landscape politically, socially and spiritually I’m reminded of the day in which Jesus walked on this earth in sandals and a tunic. There was political unrest along with the less that moral influence of Rome, and a full menu of spiritual path’s to select from. False teachers, false messiah’s, and a religious hierarchy that was more interested in appearing godly than actually knowing God were prevalent. Now with all that swirling around in our heads what a thrill it is to celebrate the reality of a Risen Savior and to know Him personally having the assurance of an eternity with Him forever. However there is a heaviness of heart as I realize that there are many to whom Easter means nothing more that a few colored eggs and long eared stuffed animals in pretty pastels. What a empty way to live, without the reality of the resurrection alive in your heart and life.

To get a better understanding of that kind of existence lets suppose for a moment that the false is true. That Jesus never rose from the grave and that there is no resurrection of the dead. What would life be like? What would our futures be like? In the First book of Corinthians Paul tries to allow us to grasp this terrible thought. “But if there be no resurrection of the dead, then is Christ not risen: and if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain. Yea, and we are found false witnesses of God; because we have testified of God that he raised up Christ: whom he raised not up, if so be that the dead rise not. For if the dead rise not, then is not Christ raised: and if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins. Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished. If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable.” 1 Corinthians 15:13-19. Did you hear that terrible scenario? If there is no resurrection then, our preaching and faith are in vain, or for nothing. We are liars, we are still in our sin, the dead are perished forever and we are to be pitied more than anyone else! You talk about a depressing state of affairs. Thank God for the next line, “But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the first fruits of them that slept.” Is it hopeless? No says Paul, a thousand times no! Wrong assumption, wrong conclusion. For Christ has been raised from the dead.

I know that we don’t use the term “first fruits” much today, but what Paul is saying is that Christ is alive and he is a living breathing sample of all those who believe in Him. But listen it gets even better… “ Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption. Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Corinthians 15:50-57 The constant and occurring theme and the grand climax in the great symphony of the Gospel is the resurrection of Jesus Christ!

A Norwegian fisherman and his two sons were out on their daily fishing run. By mid afternoon a sharp brisk wind was whipping a salty spray into the face of the rugged man and his teenage boys. The little boat pitched back and forth as the three rowed desperately to get back to shore. The storm was so fierce that it washed out the light in the lighthouse leaving the fisherman dependant upon dark, groping guesswork. Meanwhile on the shore in their rustic cottage home a fire broke out. Unable to put out the fire the mother and wife watched as the flames destroyed their home and all their earthly possessions. When the father and sons finally made it safely to shore she was waiting for them with the tragic news. Even as she told her husband of the terrible fire he seemed strangely unmoved by the loss. “Didn’t you hear me Karl?” she asked, “Our house is gone!” “Yes I heard you.” He said. “But a few hours ago we were lost at sea, ready to perish in the storm. Our only guide to the shoreline was the lighthouse on the cliff, and then it went dark. I was certain we would die when I notice a glowing yellow light in the distance. We turned our boat and rowed toward the light. It grew brighter and brighter, and we followed it safely to shore.” “You see dear, that yellow glow was the first sight of our house on fire. At the peak of the blaze we could see the shoreline bright as day. The same fire that destroyed our house created a light that saved our lives.” The same is true for us today. We’re on the sea of life and it seems the lights are out. Our ship is going down and the only way to get to shore is the light of the resurrection. Through the tragedy of a burning house a family was saved. Through the tragedy of a crucified Jesus we have a risen Savior. And because he lives, we can live also!

 

 

 

What an Exciting first night!

Friday Nights event "Bow The Knee" was such a Blessing. It was great to see so many good friends!

Tonight and tomorrow night are the last two performances at the Plymouth Heights church. Join us if you can, 7:00 PM nightly!

Hope to see you there!

Pastor Tim

 

 

BOW THE KNEE

This week I find myself thinking of an event that took place in the life of Thomas Edison. One December evening the cry of 'Fire!' echoed through Edison's plant. Spontaneous combustion had broken out in the film room. Within moments all the packing compounds, celluloid for records, film and other flammable goods had gone up with a whoosh. His son recalled…. "When I couldn't find Father, I became concerned. Was he safe? With all his assets going up in smoke, would his spirit be broken? He was 67, no age to begin anew. The I saw him in the plant yard, running toward me. "'Where's Mom?' he shouted. 'Go get her! Tell her to get her friends! They'll never see a fire like this again!'" This week I am writing a column that is cleverly disguised as an invitation for you, your family and friends as well. You don’t want to miss a dramatic musical like this! At the Plymouth Heights church where I Pastor in Franklin Furnace, we are for the sixth year in a row presenting a musical Drama entitled “Bow The Knee”. It is the story of a Centurion named Anthony who’s trusted servant Eli comes to faith in Christ and even becomes a follower. This starts a chain reaction of events that call Anthony into the arena of faith, coming face to face with the truth of Jesus begins to unravel his life and the outcome is life changing! It always is really. I mean, each one of us at one point comes face to face with the reality of Jesus. Who he is, where he’s from and why he came? Each soul will deal with this truth in their lifetime and how each individual reacts will set the direction of ones life not just here in the setting of this life but eternity as well. I invite each of you to this event because it not only embodies what I and every Pastor preach each Sunday, but because this story, this truth can change your life.

Truth is something you just have to deal with. Jesus in his last moments with those he was so close to said, “Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know. Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way? Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”  Now I just know how this rubs my dear liberal thinking friends the wrong way. It’s it perhaps a little enticing to believe you can just make up your own truth for living, or that if you choose not believe or accept Jesus as Savior you are only relegating him to the status of one, or perhaps one of many ways you can choose to get to heaven or what ever you want to accept as a “View of life after death”! Problem is though, in arriving at your conclusion you have to deal with the truth. You have to look at who the scriptures way that Jesus is and you have to make a decision. Do I believe or not. Do I accept the notion that Jesus was God’s only son who chose to come to this earth and die for my sins. And after His death, he arose from the grave to make a way that we could have a personal relationship with the God who created us. It’s your decision to make and believe you me, you’ll make it. Each of us will deal with truth.

Paul in his letter to the church at Phillipi would in one fell swoop look back to Jesus in his incarnation and in just a few verses carry us forward into eternity when every creation of God would face the truth of who Jesus is. “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” C.S. Lewis wrote, “When the author walks onto the stage, the play is over. God is going to invade, all right; but what is the good of saying you are on His side then, when you see the whole natural universe melting away like a dream and something else comes crashing in? This time it will be God without disguise; something so overwhelming that it will strike either irresistible love or irresistible horror into every creature. It will be too late then to choose your side. That will not be the time for choosing; It will be the time when we discover which side we really have chosen, whether we realized it before or not. Now, today, this moment, is our chance to choose the right side.” I want to invite you to come this weekend and experience the timeless message of Easter’s truth. On Friday, Saturday and Sunday evening at 7:00 PM you are personally invited to experience “Bow The Knee” at the Plymouth Heights church of the Nazarene in Franklin Furnace Ohio. The number to call for more information is 740.354.9021 or you can visit the church website plymouthheightsnaz.org

To Whom will your knee bow my friend, to whom will you bow?

 

GOOD TO THE LAST DROP!

Being a coffee aficionado myself I know that phrase oh too well. That famous commercial line insinuates that even to the last drop of coffee in your cup it tastes delicious. I can sure agree with that! I saw a McDonalds commercial this week where a man is lecturing his girlfriend on how to savor the last bites of one of the fast food chains well-known burgers. “You take smaller bites at the end so as to enjoy said sandwich to it’s fullest” he implies. I do that myself by the way! Coffee and hamburgers, I love em both, but life, well life is to be loved so much more. Jesus said to us, “I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture. The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.” A great price was paid that we might have the opportunity to enjoy life to it’s fullest in the will of God. The psalmist said, “Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.” I also believe that God’s plan is that we might experience that fullness until the last drop of life we posess. “With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation.” Psalm 91 underscores.

Tomorrow I will have the distinct honor of preaching the funeral of a good friend and a wonderful Christian woman. Her name is Wilma but many will remember her, as the sweet lady who get’s excited when the choir sings songs about the goodness of the Lord. Her hand would go up and often she would take one of those holy walks down the aisle expressing her love for the God she served. I mention Wilma not only because of her love for her church and her Lord, but something she said to me the last time Terri and I had the privilege of visiting her. When I asked her how she was doing she pointed upward and said in a weak frail voice, “I’m on the top of the world!” Wow! With a few short words spoken from her hospice bed Wilma summed up what I believe the Psalmist said in the closing words of Psalm 23, “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.” We love that comforting Psalm for all it says to us about what awaits us forever in God’s presence and how He promises to lead and guide us in this life but don’t miss that line, “All the days of my life”! That’s powerful. You see, God doesn’t just walk so far with us and let us meander our way home through the valley. But He walks with us personally ALL the days of our life. Oh Heaven is real and will be the final destination for all those who Love and serve the Savior. But the promise we have from Him is that every day, EVERY DAY he will be with us till we are called away. What a promise! What a Savior! Years ago Marvin P. Dalton wrote, “ Once I was straying in sin's dark valley, No hope within could I see; They searched thru heaven and found a Savior To save a poor lost soul like me. He left the Father, with all His riches, With calmness sweet and serene, Came down from heaven and gave His life-blood, To make the vilest sinner clean. Death's chilly waters, I'll soon be crossing, His hand will lead me safe o'er; I'll join the chorus in that great city, And sing up there forever more. Oh what a Savior, O hallelujah, His heart was broken on Calvary; His hands were nail-scarred, His side was riven, He gave His life-blood for even me.” One of God's faithful missionaries, Allen Gardiner, experienced many physical difficulties and hardships throughout his service to the Savior. Despite his troubles, he said, "While God gives me strength, failure will not daunt me." In 1851, at the age of 57, he died of disease and starvation while serving on Picton Island at the southern tip of South America. When his body was found, his diary lay nearby. It bore the record of hunger, thirst, wounds, and loneliness. The last entry in his little book showed the struggle of his shaking hand as he tried to write legibly. It read, "I am overwhelmed with a sense of the goodness of God."    

Serving God doesn’t mean that things will always be easy and we will never have a care. I say that in light of what some very popular Pastor’s and authors allude to. The fact is that life is life; it rains on the just and the unjust. What get’s us through is the knowledge that the Lord is with us… ALWAYS! That’s a promise, And as someone once said, “You can’t break God’s promises by leaning on them!” A promise from God is a statement we can depend on with absolute confidence. Here are some promises for the Christian to trust. God's presence -- "I will never leave thee", God's protection -- "I am thy shield", God's power -- "I will strengthen thee", God's provision -- "I will help thee", God's leading -- "And when He putteth forth His own sheep, He goeth before them", God's purposes -- "I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil", God's rest -- "Come unto Me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest", God's cleansing -- "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness", God's goodness -- "No good thing will He withhold from them that work uprightly", and finally, God's faithfulness -- "The Lord will not forsake His people for His great name's sake". So go ahead, enjoy your life in Christ…. To The Last Drop!

 

AIR MATRESS

The only thing more entertaining than sipping coffee and watching people at the mall is what happens on our nations highways of which I get to travel often. Yesterday heading south on U.S. Route 23 toward Portsmouth Ohio I was taken by the sight of a northbound compact car with what appeared to be a mattress and boxed spring set tied, or somewhat tied to the top of their car. Now I’m not above pushing the limit when it comes to hauling things. I do well recall the site of my old Ford F-250 with a grain feeder and a New Idea manure spreader strapped tightly on the bed. This flashback is from back in the day when I wanted to be a farmer! Young, dumb, and full of ideas I found myself the object of interest to a few less than amused State patrolmen who after a bit of conversation they decided finally to escort me the last few miles to the farm. “Terri was so proud!” My Dad who saw me pulling into the driveway however did not fully appreciate my herculean agricultural efforts a bit! That’s my story now back to the flight of the afore mentioned Serta. I’m really not sure what brand fast moving bedding was, and I do say was because if what I thought would happen did happen, the mattress and boxed springs are probably now equipped with a tire tread or two if you know what I mean! My last glimpse of the impending “King Size” calamity was of the small car with the mattress and boxed spring standing straight up and loosely tied on with what appeared to me to be oversized kite string! I don’t know the rest of that story but I have seen the fallout of other less that properly planned pursuits.

 

Jesus spoke to a crowd one day about approaching their relationship with God for the right reason and with the right priorities, “And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple. For which of you, intending to build a tower, sixtieth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it? Lest haply, after he hath laid the foundation, and is not able to finish it, all that behold it begin to mock him, Saying, This man began to build, and was not able to finish. Or what king, going to make war against another king, sitteth not down first, and consulteth whether he be able with ten thousand to meet him that cometh against him with twenty thousand? Or else, while the other is yet a great way off, he sendeth an ambassage, and desireth conditions of peace. So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple.” To truly be all that God has designed us to be we must count the cost and be willing to surrender all to His will. The story is told of the military legend Alexander the Great, King of Macedonia (336-323) and conqueror of Asia Minor, Syria, Egypt, Babylonia, and Persia, almost all of the known world. One day on the warpath, Alexander and small company of soldiers approached a strongly fortified walled city and Alexander raised his voice and demanded to see the king. When the king arrived, Alexander ordered him to surrender the city and everyone inside. 
The king laughed, "Why should I surrender to you? You can't do us any harm!" 

But Alexander offered to give the king a demonstration. He ordered his men to line up single file and start marching. He marched them straight toward a cliff. The townspeople gathered on the wall and watched in shocked silence as, one by one, his soldiers marched without hesitation right off the cliff to their deaths! 

After 10 soldiers died, Alexander ordered the rest of the men to return to his side. The townspeople and the king immediately surrendered to Alexander the Great. They realized that if a few men were actually willing to die at the command of this leader, then nothing could stop his eventual victory. Dietrich Bonheoffer once said, "When Christ calls a man, He bids him come and die." I believe that hell trembles when it witnesses true Christ followers who are not shooting from the hip but totally committed to their Lord in every area of life.

Reporters and city officials gathered at a Chicago railroad station one afternoon in 1953. The person they were meeting was the 1952 Nobel Peace Prize winner. A few minutes after the train came to a stop, a giant of a man - six feet four inches with bushy hair and a large mustache stepped from the train. Cameras flashed. City officials approached him with hands outstretched. Various people began telling him how honored they were to meet him. The man politely thanked them and then, looking over their heads, asked if he could be excused for a moment. He quickly walked through the crowd until he reached the side of an elderly black woman who was struggling with two large suitcases. He picked up the bags and with a smile, escorted the woman to a bus. After helping her aboard, he wished her a safe journey. As he returned to the greeting party he apologized, "Sorry to have kept you waiting." The man was Dr. Albert Schweitzer, the famous missionary doctor who had spent his life helping the poor in Africa. In response to Schweitzer’s action, one member of the reception committee said with great admiration to the reporter standing next to him, "That’s the first time I ever saw a sermon walking." Our worship will be incomplete, our expression of love for God will inadequate. Without a “sermon that walks,” we have a dead religion.