Our Christian Faith and Our Love for Nation

John 3:16

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

Have you ever watched golf? If so – you are well aware that at many golf tournaments – someone will probably have a sign behind the golfers (where the cameras catch it) that reads John 3:16. This passage hits home with me when I think of the topic of Christianity and Nationality.

We continue to watch on TV and in the news as the national and international scene unfolds around us. I understand nationalism (I think) and I think I understand our need to protect our boarders and our people from terrorists – other threats – and infrastructure overload. I listen to the debates about building a wall that have been raring from the last administration (and beyond) – and into this administration. The debate is about securing the borders – denying certain people entrance into the USA – and the need to keep track of people as they enter our nation. It can be very confusing at times and very mind blowing. The times – they are a changing. Things aren’t the same as years gone by when people crossed borders with little or no thought.

As Christians – who are from a certain nation – we are often caught dealing with our national interests and our Christian global interests. Christ died for the whole world (although all will not accept His free gift of salvation). Christ died for the people we are trying to keep out of our nation – even the criminal elements. It is a hard place at times. It is tough taking a stand because there are arguments on both sides of most discussions.

Revival Coming to Trinity

Matthew 28:18–20

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

Today’s passage is called the Great Commission. It is often seen as the marching orders for the Christian church. We are called to go and make disciples of or for Jesus Christ (whichever makes the most sense to you – lol). In the early years of the Christian movement called Methodist – making disciples – followers of Christ – seemed to be the main focus. Revivals and Camp Meetings were all the rage and altar calls were commonplace in Methodist worship – as pastors challenged parishioners to be transformed after the likeness of Christ. I remember revivals and camp meetings and altar calls and still use them today. I wonder how many pastors still call the people they serve to holiness?

Early Methodists were called to holiness – they were part of the holiness movement in the United States for instance. We were taught to study the Word of God (the Bible) and to strive to live our lives after what it taught. We were even encouraged to avoid some of the ills of our society. The way it was explained to me (as a third-generation Methodist pastor) – Methodists were encouraged to abstain from alcohol – from playing cards – from dancing – even from playing pool. The reason – again as it was explained to me – was because these social activities were often associated with bars and night clubs – with gambling and behavior and places that were not appropriate for folks striving to follow Christ and seeking holiness (makes sense to me). We were encouraged to avoid even the appearance of evil or sin (both Biblically and personally by pastors and parents). We were encouraged to keep Sunday set aside for the Lord. In my home growing up – Sunday was a day for Worship and Sunday School in the morning – a family lunch – a nap time – youth group – and worship in the evening. Sunday was a day set aside for being with God and with other Christians.

Day 10 of Lent 2020

Matthew 22:34-35

³⁴ Hearing that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, the Pharisees got together. ³⁵ One of them, an expert in the law, tested him with this question:

Today is day 10 of the 40 Days of Lent reading plan. I hope you are enjoying the reading plan as it walks us through some of the events in Jesus’ life as He walked to the cross. Lent is the 40 days leading up to the cross. As we walk it – our hope is that God will draw us closer to Him and into His light.

Today’s reading – much like yesterday’s reading – reminds us that the Sadducees – the Pharisees – and others were constantly trying to trick and trap Jesus. They were trying to trick and trap Jesus because they could not deal with the way the people followed Him. Jesus threatened their power structure. To what extent do we feel threatened by Jesus? I mean – what would it take for us to fully follow Jesus? Are we still trying to rationalize our version of Christianity? May God bless us as we walk with Jesus to the Cross of Calvary!

Here We Go 2020

Ephesians 4:22-24

²² You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; ²³ to be made new in the attitude of your minds; ²⁴ and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.

One of my favorite passages is Philippians 2:5 – Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus. We’ve handed out WWJD bracelets at church in the past. WWJD stands for What Would Jesus Do? The bracelets are a reminder that we should constantly think about how Jesus would handle a given situation – and try to model His example. As we walk through 2020 – I pray that we will ask ourselves that question throughout the year – WWJD.

In today’s Scripture we are told to turn away from the sins of our life – the sins we lived with before turning to Christ. Ephesians 4:22-24 – You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.

Putting off the old self is not easy. Another favorite passage goes like this – 2 Corinthians 5:17 – Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! I usually add – but the old doesn’t go very far!

New Beginnings

First Church,

As we enter 2020 – I wanted to let you know how honored I feel to serve our Lord with you. We have made some treasured memories together over the last 6.5 years. I look forward to the time God gives us to continue to serve Him together. Whatever happens to our denomination – we can remain faithful to our Lord.

2020 will see many changes. We have a significant General Conference in the United Methodist Church in May with many proposals about our future as a church. We have a Presidential election in November as well – with many possible changes to our country’s leadership. If the Lord allows – we will see these – along with another birthday and special holidays.

A New Year – and even a new decade – are times God offers us as New Beginnings. Some will want to change some things in their lives. Some will get married. Some will have children. Some will get new jobs. Some will purchase a new home. Some may move away. Others may move into the area and join us at First Church. Some may try to change their physical or emotional or spiritual health. What new beginning are you looking forward to in 2020?