More Than a Dip

It lasts less than 10 seconds and happened in 1953, yet it is without doubt, one of the most classic water scenes in Hollywood history.  In the move, “From Here to Eternity,” Burt Lancaster and Deborah Kerr, are lying on the sand locked in passionate embrace, when a wave rolls in, covering both of them.  That image of frothy moving water and two lovers swept away in the intensity of their emotional desire, became an icon of the power of romantic love to which most of us can relate.

I saw a photograph of that scene the other day, and started thinking about some of my favorite movie water scenes.  One is from “The Graduate.”  Benjamin (Dustin Hoffman) has graduated from college, and his parents and all their friends seem to know what he should do with his life.  In an effort to escape everyone’s advice, he puts on his scuba gear and dives to the bottom of the family swimming pool.  From there he can look up and see everyone’s mouth moving, but can’t hear a thing!  His water world becomes the perfect insulating bubble.

My most favorite water scenes depict the sheer force of the ocean’s might.  The fury of the storm’s huge waves capsizing the boat in “The Perfect Storm,” and the icy depths waiting to swallow the Titanic after it hits the iceberg, capture the raw need to survive when fate takes a cruel turn.

Of course the largest dip in movies, or in reality, was the parting of the Red Sea, when the Israelite nation crossed over on dry land.  They were hotly pursued by Pharaoh’s army, which took a one-way dip to the bottom of the sea when the waters closed in on top of them, displaying God’s awesome power.  In all these examples, we see how in its many fluid forms and motions, water can represent so many important dimensions of our experience.

The most important water scene of all time was so much more than a dip.  It was the baptism of Jesus by John the Baptist.  This event ushered in the public ministry of Jesus Christ.  He conducted His ministry the same way He participated in His baptism, in willing, obedient surrender to His Father.  He could have done anything, but He wanted to follow His Father’s plan and fulfill His Father’s purpose.  The waters of His baptism were a sign of His willing consecration to God, and a foreshadowing of His soon-to-be death and resurrection.

Like Jesus, our baptism as Christians is so much more than a dip.  Romans 6:3-4 explains the significance of our water baptism.  “Have you forgotten that when we joined Christ Jesus in baptism, we joined Him in His death?  For we died and were buried with Christ by baptism.  And just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glorious power of the Father, now we also may live new lives.”

Through water baptism, we signify that we have chosen to consecrate ourselves to Jesus.  We have died to the life of self-will and have willingly surrendered to follow His plan and purpose through the power of the Holy Spirit who dwells within us.  We know we have been raised to live a new quality of life in Christ.  Have you had this transforming experience of water baptism that’s more than a dip?

Come and join us this Sunday at 9:00AM or 11:00 AM as we look deeper into the transforming power of the foundations of our faith.  My sermon, “Laying a Proper Foundation,” is part of our current “Born Identity 2” series.

What’s Your Verdict?

Have you ever served on jury duty and been assigned to an actual case?  You had to listen to evidence and answer the question, “What’s your verdict?” knowing your response would profoundly affect another person life?  If so, you have some idea of what the defendants in two highly publicized trials are experiencing. 

One appeals trial took place in Perugia, Italy, and involved American Amanda Knox, previously convicted as accessory in the murder of her roommate, Britisher Meredith Kercher.  While the world and innumerable paparazzi watched, a judicial panel of 6 lay persons and 2 professional judges listened to evidence, including new forensic tests that uncovered serious flaws in the original findings.  After several hours of deliberation, the jury panel delivered their verdict, “not guilty,” overturning the prior conviction.

A relieved Amanda Knox and her family left Italy that evening, but public opinion was divided over the new verdict.  As one lay judge confided regarding the conviction reversal: “There was no clear motive established, and the forensic evidence was too faulty to sustain the guilty verdict.”

The other trial is taking place in Los Angeles and the defendant is Michael Jackson’s former physician, Conrad Murray.  He is accused of involuntary manslaughter, by administrating a lethal overdose of a surgical anesthetic, propofol, to Jackson at his home.  The trial has just begun, and the prosecution is already depicting Murray as an incompetent professional who unethically catered to the demands of his mega-star patient.

It is anticipated that the defense will highlight Jackson’s excessive use and possible abuse of many prescription drugs.  The defense is expected to contend that Jackson self-administered the lethal dose without Dr. Murray’s knowledge.  At present the evidence against Murray looks very compelling, but this could change as the defense presents its case.  The jury must be convinced “beyond reasonable doubt,” to render a guilty verdict.

We are all familiar with the justice system.  Accused persons are allowed to state if they are guilty or innocent.  This is their plea, not their verdict.  Their verdict is determined by a jury of their peers, after they hear evidence which both supports and contradicts the plea.  Thank goodness most of us will never go through a trial and have our future hanging on the verdict of others!

But did you know that each of us will have our day in the most Supreme Court that exists?  Romans 14:10b tells us: “Remember that we will all stand before the judgment seat of God.”  What’s more, Romans 3:23 states that we are all guilty of failing to live up to God’s perfection.

But here is where God’s justice system differs from ours.  Although clearly guilty, we get to pronounce our own verdict!  John 3:16 assures us that God loves us and sent His Son, Jesus, to serve our sentence by dying on a cross for our failures.  He gives us the right to declare our own verdict by telling us: “Today I give you the choice between life and death and I call on heaven to witness the choice you make.  Choose life that you may live!” (Deuteronomy 30:19)

What’s your verdict?  Say yes to Jesus, His love and sacrifice for you.  Take the verdict of “not guilty” and the new life God will give you!

The Face of Grace

How can you ever forget it?  Perhaps it was that time you needed to say something very important to someone you wanted to impress, and found yourself fumbling for words.  Or maybe it was when you had to give that report in class, and your mind went blank.  It might have been the party when you attempted the latest dance step, and failed miserably.  Or how about that easy hoop you should have sunk, but completely missed just as the game whistle blew.

All of us have some of those moments that we’d rather not remember; moments that make us squirm with discomfort.  We look with some envy at people whose lives seem to be touched with a special grace.  It might be the colleague who can effortlessly “work the room” at any business function and is never at a loss for words.  Or maybe it’s our friend who is a “hostess with the mostest.”  Her functions always have the most delicious menu and the unique and perfect decorative touches. 

On TV we watch professional dancers glide across the floor in a graceful waltz, or smooth quickstep.  We see perfect golf swings, near 10 gymnastic routines, no-hit baseball games.  There are vintage slow-motion shots of all-time great football duos like Roger Staubach-Drew Pearson and Peyton Manning-Marvin Harrison that are sheer poetry in motion.  Closer to home are those people like my wife, Sue, who seem naturally tuned in to others, and know when a small gift, or note of encouragement is just what someone needs.

The common denominator that all these people share is grace, the ability to move physically or socially in an almost perfect, effortless way.  We look at them and wish we were gifted with their particular grace, and that our attempts at similar skills didn’t feel so forced and awkward.  On our insides it just seems like things should come easier.

Grace is an attractive trait.  It is conveyed in ease of bearing, effortless skill and consideration or thoughtfulness of others.  People tend to exhibit it in isolated areas, but there was one person who possessed it in every aspect of his life.  He is the face of grace.  His name is Jesus Christ.

Jesus was aware of the needs of others and was never too busy to help them.  He was so approachable and easy to be with, that even young children sought his company.  He was brilliant, but always explained things to people in clear terms they could understand, without a condescending attitude.  When hypocritical religious leaders asked him provoking questions, he answered them with such an unassuming eloquence and élan that they were left speechless.

John 1:14 describes Jesus this way: “And the Word (Jesus) became flesh and dwelled in our midst for a time.  We saw His glory as Father God’s only Son, sent from His presence.  He was full of grace and truth.”

God desires to fill you with His grace, the same grace Jesus exhibited.  He wants to give you access to the same gifts of character and skill.  “This good news that God is giving to you is going out all over the world.  It is bearing fruit everywhere by changing lives, just like it changed your lives from the day you first heard and understood the truth about God’s wonderful grace.”  (Colossians 1:6)  Say, “yes” to His gift of grace and watch your life change!

Please come join us this Sunday at 9:00 AM or 11:00 AM. Our guest speaker, Pastor Charles Stock, will unpack some of the gifts of God’s grace that are ours in Christ Jesus.

Care-Full or Care-Free?

Are you feeling more unsettled these days?  Remember these recent headlines?

            Arizona Rep Giffords Shot and Six Killed in Tucson Mall

            Deadliest Tornado in US History Hits Joplin, Missouri

            Thousands Celebrate Overthrow of Mubarak in Egypt

            9.1 Earthquake and Tsunami Devastate Eastern Japan

            US Employment Rate Reaches New High

            Hurricane Irene Strikes East Coast

            Stocks Nosedive After US Credit Rating Downgrade

These are just a few of the major news stories we’ve been confronted with over the first eight months of 2011.  No matter how major and tragic an event has been, it was soon overshadowed by yet another catastrophe.  With our heads swimming with images of calamity, and our hearts trying to grapple with one worry after another, it’s been easy to feel “maxed out” on tragedy overload.

As I look back, it seems that major events of “bad news” seem to be increasing in both magnitude and frequency.  Trying to process and respond to them is becoming more difficult, and many of us are left feeling overwhelmed and anxious.  We find ourselves wondering, “What’s next?” 

Recent statistics from the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) indicate that we are having increasing difficulty handling our anxiety.  Feeling occasional low levels of anxiety is normal, but excessive anxiety that is chronic, difficult to control, and interferes with day-to-day living is an anxiety disorder.  NIMH data reveals that anxiety disorder is the most commonly diagnosed mental illness in the US today.  Currently 18% or nearly 1 in 5 Americans is suffering with anxiety disorder and the numbers are rising.  Those 30 to 44 years old are the most anxious age group.

How can we cope effectively with one distress after another?  How can we stay in control when it seems that the world around us is going out of control?  God knows that the cares of life can become overwhelming, and the Bible gives us this advice:  “Give all your anxiety and worries to God, for He cares about you.” (1 Peter 5:7)

God does not want us to be care-full, but to be care-free.  Care is another term for anxiety.  It is defined as a burdened state of mind due to worry, having a disquieted state of mixed uncertainty and apprehension, and having mental suffering and grief.  God doesn’t want us to be overwhelmed and suffering with constant worry.  He wants us to trust Him and be anxiety free.

Jesus told us in Matthew 6:31-33:  “So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For people run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”

Make the decision today to be care-free by trusting God as your provider.  Let Him be “careful” for you and love you as He longs to do!

Please come and join us this Sunday at 9:00 AM or 11:00 AM.  Our guest speaker, Mark Stibbe, will discuss our sonship in God in his sermon, “Ministering From a Place of Rest.”

Bundle of Joy

When I have a spare moment these days, one picture keeps resurfacing in my mind.  It’s a picture of the small but powerful Justice Daniel Baik, who in a moment of time forever changed my identity and the identity of everyone in my family.  A true futurist, he has extended my reach into a time yet to come that I will never personally visit.  Totally irresistible, he instantly won our total love and devotion.  Yes, on May 29, 2011 at precisely 3:29 AM, Justice Daniel changed our lives permanently.

You see Justice Daniel Baik is my first grandchild.  He made my wife, Sue, and me grandparents.  He conferred parental status on my daughter Grace and her husband, Steve, and turned my son and 2 daughters into an uncle and aunts.  He will inherit a future I can only try to imagine, and yes, it was love at first sight!

Newborn babies are truly bundles of joy.  They create a universally shared reason to celebrate, bringing family and friends together.  We eagerly search every detail of their tiny beings agreeing (or disagreeing) whom they most resemble, and try to project what they may do later.  “Just look at those shoulders.  That’s football material for sure.”  

They are mysterious puzzles of promise that progressively unfold before our eyes as the weeks and months pass.  And they continue to give us reasons to celebrate: the first smile, independent sitting, crawling, the first step and the first words.  No matter how many times we’ve seen these milestones in others before, they become fresh miracles in our new little one.

There is no way they can grasp the many moments of happiness, excitement and pride they so effortlessly provide to us.  We will continue to be enriched with celebrations of their presence and accomplishments for years to come.  This experience is expressed so well in Psalms 127:3-5a: “Children are a gift of the Lord, and the fruit of the womb is a reward.  Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, so are the children of one’s youth.  Blessed is the person whose quiver is full of them.”

Did you know that God feels the same way about you when you choose to become his adopted child?  He thoroughly enjoys your presence and writes your every accomplishment on the tablets of His heart.  Although you may be unaware of it, He is constantly watching with pride as you grow and develop more maturity in Christ.  No matter how large His family, God marvels over the uniqueness of each of His children.  He is completely captivated by you!

When you become His child, He celebrates you as a bundle of joy.  Luke 15:10 states: “I tell you that in heaven the angels rejoice when one sinner repents and comes to God.”  God is a loving father who wants to adopt you as His child.  Say “yes” to His love offer today, and give heaven a reason to throw a party! 

Come and join us this Sunday at 9:00 AM or 11:00 AM as we continue to discuss being loved and adopted as God’s children, part of our current “Born Identity” series.

Pandora’s Box

Long ago, the Greek god Zeus sent his daughter, Pandora, to earth.  Zeus gave Pandora a little box with a heavy lock on it. He gave the key to Pandora’s husband and told them to never open the box. 

Pandora was very curious and wanted to see what was inside it, but her husband said no.  She became convinced it must contain something very important and desirable, and she didn’t want to be denied.  So one day, when he was sleeping, Pandora stole the key from her husband, and opened the box.

Out flew every kind of disease and sickness, hate, envy, poverty, death and everything bad that people had never experienced. Pandora slammed the lid closed, but it was too late. All the bad things were already out of the box and in the world.

Most of us have heard this myth before and are aware of it’s moral: “All that glitters is not gold.”  Have you ever pursued something only tofind it didn’t give you the satisfaction you thought it would?  It might have provided brief pleasure, but then you were left feeling empty and longing again.

Sex outside its intended purpose is a huge Pandora’s Box.  It promises so much pleasure and self-fulfillment, but its rewards do not last.  In fact, over time they become less satisfying and more and more brief.

I remember staring at the moon one night and feeling total emptiness inside.  I was 17 and lived for sex, drugs and rock n roll.  In fact, I had just finished having sex with a girl I desired who now lay sleeping there.  I knew she thought she was in love with me, but as I stared at her, I felt nothing.  The sex was pleasurable, but already gone.  I could only think, “There must be more than this.”

At that time, the idea of abstinence and sexual purity seemed absurd to me.  Why deny myself something enjoyable?  Yet if I was really honest with myself, I had opened the Pandora’s Box of sex, indulged in it, and it wasn’t really delivering what I thought it would.

God created sex and it’s one of His biggest gifts to us.  In its intended use, inside a committed covenant of marriage between a man and woman, it provides the deepest form of intimacy and ecstasy imaginable.  He designed sex to give us the utmost pleasure and fulfillment.  But when we pursue sex outside its created purpose, we open up a Pandora’s Box that leads to disappointment, and a host of unwanted consequences like emotional pain, regret and shame, STDs, unwanted pregnancy, HIV etc.

Unfortunately, most of us fall for this “false gold” while we are still very young.  Two-thirds of US teens report having engaged in sexual intercourse by age 17.  God knows the gift of sex is very powerful and that many of us will give away our sexual purity by opening the box.  

In John 8:1-11 there is a story about a woman caught in the act of adultery and brought to Jesus for judgment.  He does not condemn her, and reminds her self-righteous accusers that they are no better.  He tells them, “Let those of you who are sinless cast the first stone at her.”  He offers her a clean slate and tells her, “Go and sin no more.”

God does not condemn us when we repent and come to Him.  Instead, He forgives us and restores our sexual purity.  He promises to “make all things new.” (Revelation 21:5)

Join us this Sunday at 9:00AM or 11:00 AM as we look at the subject of sexual purity.  My son, Gabriel, will talk about “The 30 Year Old Virgin,” part 4 in our series on “Sex in the City.”

The Road to Nowhere

We were late, and I was determined to make up for lost time.  Our best friends had bought a home with a spectacular view, and tonight was their housewarming. The directions sounded simple: “Take Red Fern to Northwest Fern and go 2.5 miles.  It’s a gray stone and glass house on the left.”

We easily found Red Fern, but were unprepared when the road forked in two directions without any signs.  Sue, my wife, felt we should go left because it was west, but that road plunged down into a valley area.  I chose the road to the right with a steep ascent.

We wound along a canyon rim and my confidence steadily grew, but we hit the 2.5 mile marker with no house fitting the description.  “It’s probably up here just a little further,” I assured myself.  We passed 3, then 4 miles, and I became more determined that this had to be the right way, even though Sue began to protest that we had taken the wrong turn.

The road suddenly made a sharp left switchback toward a high vista.  “Aha, this is it!”  I just knew it!  Immediately there was a dirt turnaround and our headlights hit the reflectors of a sign that read “Dead End.”  Frustrated I turned around.  Despite all my confident feelings, we had been on the road to nowhere after all.

Do you ever feel like you are pursuing something that seems to be just beyond your grasp, and keeps evading you, no matter how often you repeat your attempts to obtain it?  If so, you may be trapped in some form of addiction.

We equate addiction with substance abuse, but we can develop a persistent, compulsive physical or psychological dependence on any object or behavior.  Gambling, shopping, texting, sex, pornography, eating, work, TV, video games (etc.) can all become addictions.  In fact, many social researchers state that we are a nation of addicts.

Addiction is an emotional relationship we create with an object or behavior.  Through the compulsive use of the object or behavior, we try to relieve stress, find comfort, and meet our needs for intimacy, while avoiding the reality and responsibility of everyday life.  In the short term it works and we find temporary satisfaction, which strengthens our attraction. 

However, addiction is an escape and does nothing to fulfill the real needs we have.  Over time it yields diminishing returns, and we must engage in it more and more to gain the same satisfaction.  Eventually addiction interferes with our daily life activities, our work, interpersonal relationships, even our health.  We become trapped in the vicious cycle of increasing addiction.  We are on the road to nowhere.

God warns us that compulsive overuse of anything will harm us.  In Proverbs 25:28, He states: “A person without self-control is like a city that is invaded by enemies who knock down the walls so it is easy to invade again.”  He describes addictions that can never fulfill us in this way:  “Can a man scoop fire into his lap without being burned?  Can a man walk on hot coals without his feet being scorched?” (Proverbs 6:27-28)  The very thing we addictively pursue to fulfill us is destroying us!

Get off the road to nowhere!  Accept God’s free gift of love in Christ Jesus that can break the bondage of any addiction.  God promises to supply all our needs according to His riches in heaven through Christ.  (Philippians 4:19)

Come and join us this Sunday at 9:00 AM or 11:00 AM.  I address one of the most insidious addictions in “The Peril of Pornography,” the third installment in our current “Sex in the City” series.