Gotta Serve Somebody

Several years ago I saw an unforgettable New Year's cartoon. A man was seated at a desk with a long roll of paper falling to the floor. The caption read, “This is the year!” It was obviously a list of New Year's resolutions. At first I thought the length of the list was due to the many resolutions he was making, but as I looked closely, I realized most of the list consisted of scratched out New Year's dates. He was actually making the same New Year's resolutions over and over again for years!

Sound familiar? I’m sure you're aware that many well-intentioned New Year's resolutions are never realized. How many times have you resolved that this is the year you will lose weight, quit smoking, exercise and get fit, get out of debt, or get your life organized? Psychologists report about half of us will make New Year's resolutions this year, but about 80% of our resolutions will never happen. They describe making resolutions as a near pointless activity that leaves people feeling despondent when their willpower fails.

Clearly, sheer willpower alone doesn’t work. As one person put it: “I want to do what is right, but I can't. I want to do what is good, but I don't. I don't want to do what is wrong, but I do it anyway.” The quote sounds contemporary, but it was written 2000 years ago by the apostle Paul. (Romans 7:18b-19) He had to admit that at times he struggled to be led by the Spirit, and at these times, he found himself in bondage to the desires of the flesh. Anyone who has ever opened a bag of cookies intending to eat just one, and then eaten at least a dozen, can relate to Paul's predicament.

Whether we like it or not, we cannot operate totally autonomously. Psychologists tell us that those people most likely to keep their New Year's resolutions share their goals with others and become accountable to them. We need to keep our own abilities in perspective, and realize that often we need help and encouragement from others if we are to be successful.

Insisting on independence, when we really need assistance, is a sure recipe for failure. This type of unhealthy self-dependence we call arrogance. It is the refusal to recognize our own self-limitations, humble ourselves, and accept the help we need. In order to receive however, we must recognize the abilities of others, instead of seeing ourselves as more capable than everyone else.

This is the essence of true humility: admitting our limitations and appreciating what others can contribute. Philippians 2:3–4 tells us: “Don't be selfish, and don't try to impress others. Be humble. Don't look out for your own interests, but take an interest in others too.” When we knowledge our need for others, we become aware they also have needs, and we are willing to serve them. God created us to be dependent upon Himself and on others. Understanding we also need God, makes us more willing to serve him.

True success in life depends on whom we’re serving, ourselves alone, or God and others. Serving ourselves, or selfishness, limits us and keeps us in bondage. Bob Dylan describes our choice well in his song “Gotta Serve Somebody.”

You may be an ambassador to England or France
You may like to gamble, you may like to dance
You may be the heavyweight champion of the world
You may be a socialite with a long string of pearls

But you've gotta serve somebody
It may be the devil or it may be the Lord
But you've gotta serve somebody

Come join us this Sunday, New Year's Day at 11:00 AM. Our topic is “Humility,” and we will discuss the freedom that exists in choosing to serve God and others. This is the first in our new series “What the H of HROCK?

Pastor Che

The Face of Peace

If you were to draw a picture of peace, what would it look like? Years ago a group of artists was given just that task, to capture the image of peace. There were many pictures of beautiful sunrises over beaches or mountains, and other pictures of pristine meadows full of wildflowers and peacefully grazing sheep. One artist depicted two enemy soldiers embracing each other at the end of war. Other artists drew children of different nationalities holding hands across the earth under a shimmering rainbow.

One picture stood in stark contrast to all the rest. It was a rocky ocean cliff drenched in torrents of rain that were falling from an angry sky filled with lightning.. The ocean was churning and foaming. Huge waves crashed against the cliff, but tucked away in a cleft of the rugged rocks was a small white dove, her head tucked beneath her wing, resting peacefully. She had found a place of repose and tranquility in the midst of the storm.

Today with all the economic uncertainty, repetitive natural disasters, and civil unrest in one nation after another, life can feel like that stormy ocean picture. Everywhere we look there is instability, trouble, and we are battered by circumstances beyond our control. It is overwhelming, and it would be so wonderful to find a place of peace and safety like that little dove.

While that picture is very effective at capturing a mood of serenity, it doesn't begin to adequately depict the face of peace. Peace is more than tranquility in the midst of troubling circumstances. Peace is much more than the absence of conflict, and it is infinitely greater than personal security.

Two thousand years ago, an angelic host appeared to a group of shepherds one night and proclaimed "Peace on earth. Goodwill to all people!" If they weren't referring to personal serenity, peace of mind, or the end of war and conflict, just what were the angels announcing with the word "peace?"

The peace the angels heralded to the shepherds is explained in Ephesians 2: 12–14. "Remember, that at that time you were separated from Christ, and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and being in the world without God. But now in Christ Jesus, you who were formerly far-off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For He, Himself is our peace…"

The peace the Angels were singing about was the good news that God has come to earth to repair the breach in our relationship with Him. In this act of reconciliation, Father God not only invites us back into His family, He fully intends to restore us back to the original position of dominion and authority that was conferred upon us in our creation.

The word for peace in Hebrew is shalom, and it has a rich, extensive meaning. In its essence, shalom is a state of wholeness in every aspect of your life: harmony in your relationships, total health in your body, abundant supply in your finances and joy in your emotional well-being. So you see God was announcing far more than just peace of mind. He was inviting us into a quality-of-life that we have never known before, a life so abundant that we will spend the rest of eternity discovering it.

The face of peace is Jesus Christ. As we gaze upon Him, we see God's incredible love for us in His gift of peace to us. As you celebrate Christmas, may you come to experience more fully that peace the angels announced so long ago.

Come observe Christmas with us this Sunday. We will have only one service at 11:00 AM. Our topic is "The Prince of Peace," which completes our current series, "A Prophetic Christmas."

When Is Ordinary… Extraordinary?

Imagine for a moment that you have some important information to share that is international in scope, information that can potentially affect the life of every person on planet Earth. How would you get that information out? Hold a summit meeting with all the world's leaders? Perhaps you would have a world concert in key locations, using only the biggest name bands and rock musicians. Or maybe you would choose some famous celebrities as key spokespersons.

How would you feel about using a 3rd string quarterback, barely past his rookie year in the NFL? Despite an impressive college career (a Heisman Trophy winner in his sophomore year and 2 NCAA championships), all the experts agree he is not NFL quarterback material. In particular, his passing game is considered very weak. In a league where the average quarterback passes for at least 300 yards per game, this quarterback usually passes under 200 yards, and his passes are all too often intercepted.

Those of you who follow NFL football know where I'm going. In the last few months, Tim Tebow of the Denver Broncos has shot to the forefront of NFL football like a rising comet. The Broncos were 1–4, when Tebow became starting quarterback in mid-October. In the 8 games since then, Tebow has led the Broncos to 7 wins, coming from behind in the 4th quarter 6 times, a feat unparalleled in NFL history.

While he's becoming legendary for pulling wins out of defeats at the last moment, Tim Tebow is also creating a stir because of his frank declaration of faith in Jesus Christ. Pictures of him kneeling to thank God in prayer have become iconic, and the stance has been coined "Tebowing." and is being imitated around the world. In 2009, while still a college student, Tebow put the scripture reference John 3:16 on his eye paint, and 92 million people Googled the verse.

Tebow is unapologetic about his faith. He has stated, "My biggest prayer is that win or lose, good or bad, I'm still the same guy. I honor the Lord either way, and I'm not changing no matter what happens." While not everyone appreciates his spokesmanship for God, coaches and the players who know him best describe him as extremely hard-working, obsessed with self-improvement, modest, genuine, and "a real leader who freely gives credit to others."

There can be no doubt that Tebow has been given an extraordinary platform from which to declare his love and loyalty to Jesus Christ. Even his rivals seem to like him. When asked about Tebow, Robert Kraft, owner of the Boston Patriots said, " He's a real fine young man. I sort of like that he's about spirituality, and that the country is thinking about spirituality."

As we approach Christmas, I am reminded that God frequently uses ordinary people to accomplish the most extraordinary things. Take Mary and Joseph for instance. They were just two very ordinary citizens of Nazareth who became the earthly parents of God Himself. When God wanted to do the most extraordinary thing of all time: become a human being Himself, He chose to come in the form of an ordinary infant. But when God touches a situation, what begins as ordinary becomes extraordinary!,

I challenge you to do something different this Christmas. Allow God to touch your life and experience what happens when the ordinary becomes extraordinary!

Please join us this Sunday at 9:00 AM or 11:00 AM. My sermon is ""Mighty God–Everlasting Father," the third message in our current series "A Prophetic Christmas."

Christmas Is Speaking: Who’s Listening?

Where did Christmas come from and just what does it mean anyway?

A brief look at history confirms the fact that Christmas as we celebrate it, is a meld of both Christian and pagan holiday traditions. The Roman, and many of the European cultures, celebrated the observance of the winter solstice. It was a time of feasting and drinking, and people brought evergreen branches inside their homes to commemorate the end of the shortening winter days and the return of sunlight. Some Christmas traditions clearly spring from these roots, for example: Christmas trees, using greenery for decorations, and the festive holiday meal.

The first record of Christmas was in the 4th century A.D. when Pope Julius I established December 25^th as the official date for observing the birth of Christ. Over the next 500 years the holiday spread throughout Europe, and Christmas has continued to grow in influence until today, when at least one third of the world's population observes the day. It is clearly the most widely celebrated holiday on earth.

Christmas has also become the largest single economic stimulus worldwide. In the United States 25% of all personal spending occurs around the Christmas holiday season. More than one economist has stated that if Christmas did not exist, the US economy probably would crumble, and that the current state of US international economic strength may be attributable to activity related to Christmas alone.

Why has Christmas grown to be a holiday of such influence and magnitude? I think we can gain some clues by looking at what people find meaningful about Christmas. Although everyone enjoys the gift giving, decorations and holiday meal, most people state the most meaningful part of Christmas is reconnecting with family and friends. They describe it as a special season of generosity, giving to others, love and peace. One third of people state it is their favorite time of year, and even nonreligious people report enjoying Christmas. As one atheist put it, “As much as I hate every religion, Christmas is such a wonderful time!”

What is responsible for creating this incredible atmosphere? I think it is “background radiation” from the first Christmas, when God released a message into the universe and the cosmos has echoed it ever since. What was that message? Fortunately it is been recorded for us in the second chapter of the book of Luke.

We are told that an angelic host appeared to a group of shepherds on a lonely hill outside Bethlehem. Their announcement was clear and simple. They told the shepherds not to fear because they had good news that would bring great joy to all people who accepted it. They announced the birth of an Almighty Deliverer, anointed with all power and authority, who had come to restore peace to the earth, and to promote goodwill among all people who would receive Him. It was a message of reconciliation and love from Father God to all humankind.

We know that the shepherds heard this Christmas message and received it, because they immediately went and found the babe in a manger and worshiped him.

Christmas is still speaking. Are you listening? What have you done with the Christmas message?

Please join us this Sunday at 9:00 AM or 11:00 AM when we will continue to unwrap the gift of Christmas, God's son Jesus Christ. My sermon this week is “Wonderful Counselor,” the second in our current series on “A Prophetic Christmas.”

When Receiving is Giving

Her heart is pounding with excitement. She looks down at the grey stone box she is holding and a joyful smile lights up her face. She thinks back to the previous week, the visit to the talented specialist who custom blended the rare, exotic fragrance she now holds in her hands. "Yes, it is perfect," she murmurs to herself. "It is the perfect way to honor the Master Teacher," who is now seated in their front room.

How she loves and respects the Master Teacher, and how grateful she feels towards him, for the incredible favor he did for her family a few days ago. A favor so great no gift could ever repay him, but this special surprise will let him know how much he is honored.

With eager anticipation she enters the room and kneels at his feet, opens the stone box and begins pouring the costly perfume over his feet. "Are you crazy? What in the world are you doing?" The voice is loud and condescending, and comes from one of the Master Teacher’s associates. He continues, "What a waste! You’re throwing away a year’s salary. That money could have been given to a worthy cause like feeding the poor."

Her smile vanishes, replaced by confusion and clouds of doubt. "Am I being wasteful?" she wonders. "I thought this was the perfect gift, but am I wrong?" She’s afraid to look at the Master Teacher; afraid she will see disapproval on his face.

Then she hears his voice. As always, it is calm and full of warmth. "Let her alone. The poor will always be with you, but I will only be here a little while longer. She honors me by preparing my body for burial."
Relief floods through her and joy resurfaces in a broad smile on her face. She looks into his face and is greeted by his love-filled eyes. "I knew it!" she thinks. "It is the perfect gift!"

You may have recognized the story above as an incident from the life of Jesus. (John 12:1-8) The woman, Mary, is the sister of Lazarus whom Jesus had raised from the dead a few days earlier. That was the incredible gift she could never repay. The criticism came from a disciple, Judas Iscariot, and caused Mary to doubt herself. But the warm way Jesus received her gift and his verbal affirmation validated her love and thoughtfulness. In receiving, He was giving.

Have you ever had an experience like this woman? You got what you thought was the perfect gift for someone, only to later have second thoughts about it. You were really anxious until they opened the gift. Then their excitement and happiness gave you so much joy, it was like you were getting the gift! As we enter the holiday season, I hope we all remember that we give to others, not only in the gifts we give them, but in how we receive the gifts they give to us.

In fact, do you know that you can make God’s joy complete? When God sent His Son into the world, He was so eager to give His gift to us that He had His angels deliver a singing telegram to some shepherds, and accompanied it with a spectacular light show (see Luke 2: 8-18). Whenever anyone receives the gift of His Son Jesus, God receives so much joy that He throws a party and all heaven celebrates! (Luke 15:7,10)
Give God the gift He most desires, by receiving Jesus as your Savior this Christmas!

Please join us this Sunday at 9:00 or 11:00 AM. We are starting a new series this December, "A Prophetic Christmas." This week, in my message, "Immanuel," we will unwrap God’s incredible gift of His Son, Jesus.