"The Death of a Man"

My friend and colleague in ministry is Dr. Steve Van Ostran.  He is a person who has exhibited a lot of wisdom in our various interactions, so when I noticed in the American Baptist Churches Rocky Mountain Newsletter that Steve had written the devotional I was very pleased...When I first heard the news of bin Laden's death, I had a mixed reaction... both pleased yet also sad.  I was having difficulty justifying or understanding my own reactions, until I read Steve's devotional on the subject.  I have asked him for permission to share it with you all here.  So here are Steve's thoughts... that reflected so well my own feelings in a way I was not able to express.  Thanks Steve for your wisdom and leadership.  Pastor Bill

The Death of a Man

“I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” - John 10:10b (NIV)

I have watched with interest the announcement of and the reaction to the death of Osama Bin Laden. I have racked my brain to consider Biblical parallels to this event. The death of the Pharaoh as the Egyptians escaped came to mind. Perhaps David’s triumph over Goliath. But neither quite fits.
In the case of Pharaoh, it was clearly God’s hand at work to kill Pharaoh and there was a clear sense of deliverance from bondage at the hand of God. While I trust and pray that our government was acting at the leading of God, the use of a Seal team is not quite so clearly the “Hand of God” as the rolling back of the sea. And with David and Goliath, the two combatants were clearly on the field of battle. David didn’t go into the home of Goliath in a raid to kill him. Neither of these really works. Maybe there is something somewhere else that fits.
Now, don’t get me wrong. I believe the U.S. did what needed to be done. I believe that Bin Laden signed his death warrant when he orchestrated the first terrorist attack, period. There is a reality that justice was served in his death as the team sought to capture him. And there is a sense of pride and satisfaction in knowing that the US military was able to demonstrate its strength and even superiority by successfully planning and executing this raid. But I still have trouble rejoicing in the death of this man.
Oh, I understand those who do rejoice. For many of us, Osama has become the personification of evil, just as Jesus personifies goodness. His death for many of us is like the death of Voldemort in Harry Potter or of the Ice Queen in Narnia—it is the ultimate triumph of Good over Evil. For many, Osama’s death is sign that God is still in Heaven, reigning over us and protecting us.
And that is true.
And in God’s providence and protection we can rejoice.
But Osama was not the personification of evil.

He was only one expression of it.
He was a man, just like any of us. A man who—in my mind—was led by Satan down the wrong path; A path that but for the sake of Christ, I might also have walked.
And while Jesus allowed His own Death, He did so in order that we might have victory over death.
In other words, it seems to me that Christ’s desire was that none would die. And as Jesus wept at Lazrus’ grave—as He was saddened by Niccodemus’ inability to accept the life that was offered to him. An so, I have to wonder how Christ responded to the death of Bin Laden—this one, this man—that He also created.
Somehow, I don’t think He was playing bagpipes.

Prayer: Oh, Lord, as we experience incredible relief in knowing this one has been brought to justice, we long for the day when death will be no more, even the death of our enemies. Amen.

Steve Van Ostran ABCRM Executive Minister

Why the windshield is more important than a rear view mirror...

¹² Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. ¹³ Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, ¹⁴ I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:12-14


Seems lately many people I speak with are nostalgic for days gone by... remember the good ol days kind of thing.  I remember listening to "old" people (people over 25) when I was a kid.  It depended on the message as to whether the "old" days were good or not.  If I was being taught a lesson... like the value of walking to catch the school bus... then the old days were a horror.  If I was being reprimanded... for not doing chores... I was told how much better kids were back then than I was... 
Lesson... the "____ old days" could be either good or bad depending upon my mother's need.  Actually, the real lesson was in how to "guide" my kids when they were old enough to be told about my "____ old days"!

This isn't what Paul is talking about though.  He is encouraging the folks in the Philippian Church to not live on past victories or failures but to keep looking ahead to the promise of redemption in Jesus Christ.  One of the OT prophets tell us that God drops our sins into the "sea of forgetfulness and remembers them no more."  For those whose past might be as checkered as mine, that is good news.  God has cleared the past so I can move into a bright future.  


Paul says he "strains forward".  He is putting effort to accomplish what God has put before him... there is a temptation to rest on past victories.  Like good sports teams who figure they don't have to work as hard to win again find out... to win in the long run you have to keep moving ahead.  You have to keep the vision always before you.  Like a good race car driver will point out... You have a big front windshield and a small rear view mirror because what's in front of you is more important than what's behind you.  
 Here's to keeping your focus in the right place...
Grace and peace in Jesus
Pastor Bill

Name Dropping...

All the prophets spoke about [Jesus Christ], saying that all who believe in him will have their sins forgiven through the power of his name.  Acts 10:43

There is a great story in the books of Acts 19 there is a great story about the "sons of Sceva".  If there is video replay in heaven... that is one I want to see!  In the story some people realize that the Apostle Paul and other Christians are healing people and freeing people from demonic possession by the power of Jesus' name.  These sons Sceva, a Jewish High Priest, decide to charge money for the service of casting out demons.  These sons are not followers of Jesus, but they figure what the heck, it will work for us, too.  The they command the demon to come out in the "name of Jesus, whom Paul preaches".  The demon responds, "I know Jesus and I know Paul, but who are you?"  Then the demon uses the body of the possessed one to attack these seven brothers, beating them up so badly that they run from the house naked and bleeding all over.
This points us not only to the power of Jesus' name, but more importantly, to the power of "believing" in Jesus himself.  It is important that we who are followers of Jesus know that it is "in Jesus name" that our sins are forgiven.  It is in Jesus' name that our prayers are answered.  It is in Jesus' name that we are allowed to approach the "throne of grace" (Heb. 3).
I am able to use my Dad's name to receive help from those who know and respect him.  There is a certain power in being able to trade on the reputation of a famous person, or a person of authority.  American Ambassadors, those who represent our country to other countries are given the power to speak in the name of the President of the United States.  We, who are followers of Jesus, are ambassadors for God in the name of Jesus Christ.  We can speak on God's behalf, without fear.  In fact we are told to pray, share the Gospel, heal, love... well, we are told to do everything we do in the "name of Jesus".  We can do that without the fear of what happened to the sons of Sceva.
Our sins are forgiven, we receive and share grace...in the name of Jesus.  There is power in that name for those who believe... We don't have to be apologetic, we need to be bold.
Be strong in the Lord... not yourself.  Proclaim the forgiveness of sins, yours and others in Jesus name.
Amen!

Light Living

Your yourselves used to be in the darkness, but since you have become the Lord's people, you are in the light.  So you must live like people who belong to the light. Ephesians 5:8 (GNT)

I didn't wear glasses until just before seventh grade started.  Junior High is not the optimal time to start wearing glasses! However, for being able to see... it was a miracle!  I still remember coming out of the optometrist's office, standing on Sherman Avenue of Coeur D' Alene Idaho.  I could look up one side of the street and down the other and see colors and shapes that I hadn't know where there.  I was between 2nd and 3rd Streets but could read the signs clear up on 7th Street. WOW!  I couldn't believe it.  Things were so vividly clear that I was stunned by what I hadn't been able to see.  As we drove home I noticed how green the fir trees were and how black the highway was...

I hadn't really known that I needed glasses.  I squinted at the black board in school.  Playing baseball, the batter was blurry image when I pitched.  I didn't realize how muted the colors around me were.  I just assumed that was normal.  I figured that was the way everyone saw things, because that was the only way I had ever seen things.  I couldn't imagine any other vision.

After getting glasses I won't go anywhere without them.  I can't see well enough to drive, or walk for that matter.  I can distinguish some people by the way they move or by hearing their voice.  I am truly blind as a bat without my glasses.

But, having been made able to see, why would I want to go back to not seeing?  It wouldn't make any sense to live as blind man when I don't have to.... So, why would I want to live as one who hasn't experienced the light of Jesus?  Way back when, when I first experience Jesus in my life, it was like walking from the pitch black darkness to the wonder of living in bright light.  Things had color.  Things had shape.  The light of Christ brought a clarity to my life that I had never had before.  As one who "belongs to the light", why would I want to go back?  Having been called by God (as all Christians are) why would I want to give that up or deny it.  The metaphor of my glasses is not even powerful enough to express the foolishness of going back to what I was before the miracle Jesus has wrought in my life.  Having experienced Jesus I can't pretend that I haven't.  Having experience Jesus, I don't want to take Him off.  I want to live like "one who belongs to the light".  How about you?
Lord Jesus, help me to live in your light... Let me live as one who sees.
In the Light,
Pastor Bill

What Is Your Credit Score?

I have been watching the ads and receiving e-mails about the importance of knowing my credit score.  I wont be able to buy another house (like I can live in more than one at a time!), I wont be able buy a car with credit, I wont be able to charge a cruise to the Bahamas... all if my credit score isn't good enough.  That is kind of scary.  To think that a little piece of plastic and my mis-use of it could have such consequences!

But, what about our spiritual credit?  Do I (or you) have enough on the account to be admitted into the presence of  God?  Have I been righteous enough?  Have I been good enough to have the  plus side of my life out weigh the negative side of my life? 

At first glance I might be inclined to say yes... but, really?  When I look at even most of the good things I have done... I have to admit that I have done them too often  from selfish motives.  So then they fall into the negative category, too.

Here's what the Bible says..."Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness." (Romans 4:3)  Wow!  By believing that God's provision of righteousness (given to us in Jesus' death and resurrection) God posts to our "account" His own righteousness.  My plus' now out number my negatives because of what Jesus has done.  I am considered by God as holy... not because of what I have done.  That would be reason for me to boast.  As the Apostle Paul wrote to the Ephesians (2:8-10) "You are saved by grace though faith and that is a gift from God!"

You can begin to know about and experience God's love and grace by reading about it in the Bible.  If you have never done this before, start with the Gospel of John.  As you read, ask this question..."who is this Jesus, and what does He mean to me?"  The answer's may surprise you... Here is to surprises!
Grace and Joy in Jesus.
Pastor Bill... by the way let me know you were here by commenting on the various blog postings.  Thanks

Favorite Books...

I recognize that reading books isn't as popular as it used to be.  In this age of movies, computers, and Ipads actually feeling paper between your fingers is becoming a rare treat. While I like most of the new technologies, I have to to admit that there is something about being warm and snug, feet by the fireplace, coffee or hot chocolate on the stand and a good book in my hands.  My love for reading may have, in part, to do with being a kid sitting at our picture window watching the snow fall on the lake, with my feet on the baseboard heater, and a good book in my hands...
Anyway, back to books.  Sometimes people want to know what I think is enjoyable to read... the following is a list of a few of my favorite books, besides the Bible of course.
10. The Shack, the authors name escapes me but it is really wonderful novel about a persons coming to gripes with the sovereignty of God and the nature of the Holy Trinity... wait, that makes it sound so boring.  It is not boring!  It isn't an easy read, however.  It will make you think.

9.  The Hobbit, and the Lord of the Rings trilogy, while this isn't one book, it is one story told over four books.  It is the story of an amazing epic adventure full of "Christ like character".  It is also much more enjoyable than the movies.
8.  Harry Potter series, this is also a very enjoyable story told over several books.  It is full of magic, good guys and bad guys.  The first four books are really excellent with younger children, but he later books are a bit more mature and dark.  I know many children who told me they hate reading, but Harry Potter changed that for them... they are avid readers now.
7. The River Why? by James David Duncan is a short novel about a young mans coming to grip with the big questions about the meaning of life, fly fishing, the universe and everything.  Very funny, but also very moving.
6.  The Brothers K, also by Duncan is just an amazing story of a family in the 60's struggling with issues of faith, baseball, and life in general.  Duncan is a very powerful writer who cuts through a lot of peoples messy lives to reveal how God is at work in the mess.
5.  Peace Like A River, by Leif Enger is a powerful story of faith told from the perspective of a young boy.  It isn't a very long book, but Enger is one of the finest "word smiths" I have ever read.  His prose flows so smoothly that the book moves very fast. Our own Shirley Schwinghammer grew up with Enger up in Minnesota.
4.  The Frontiersman by Alan Eckert is the historical account of the life of Simon Kenton, a contemporary of Daniel Boone.  Eckert is extremely historical but very entertaining, as well.
3. Hearts in Atlantis is my favorite Stephen King book... did I just say that?  Yes I did.  King is an amazingly gifted writer and Hearts is an almost epic story told over three separate "novellas" in one book.  The stories are connected but you don't know how until the end of the last one.  Yes, it does have some of Kings trademark weirdness, but that is part of the fun.
2.  Glad River, by Will D. Campbell is an amazing story about a young man who wrestles with what it means to be faithful to God amongst many who claim to be faithful, but are not.
1.  Silence by Shusoku Endo is a powerful story set in 1600's Japan.  A Jesuit priest sneaks into Japan during the shogun age to find and rescue his mentor.  Being a Christian is illegal and the main character must learn about his own character and what Jesus is really like in the midst of horrible persecution.  This is not an easy book to read because Endo, who is a Catholic from Japan, challenges much of our western ways of viewing the Gospel. 
Well there are a few of my favorite books.  Asking me which is my favorite book is almost like asking me which is the favorite of my three children... they are all my favorites!
Peace, Joy, and Good Reading!
Pastor Bill

Does the World hate God because of my religion?

Rom 2:24
 As it is written: "God's name is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you." (NIV)

Recently I was looking through a book I hadn't read for many years... It is titled, How To Be A Christian Without Being Religious, by Fritz Ridenour.  It is a wonderful book if you are interested.  It was originally written for teens as an examination of the book of Romans.  Very readable and very understandable.  Anyway.... In the book Ridenour raises the question, (as does the Apostle Paul) whether "religion" gets in the way. He answers (as does the Apostle Paul) that of course "religion" gets in the way.  Huh???  Did you just say what I thought you said, Pastor Bill?  That doesn't sound very pastory.  Well, alright, I will give you that.  At first, it doesn't sound like what a pastor should or would say... but hear me out.

In the book of Romans Paul makes a distinction between observing the Jewish laws and codes and being faithful to God.  Paul builds a case for the idea that the only righteousness that matters to God is perfect righteousness.  Since we people are not perfect we have no righteousness that counts.  Everything we do is tainted with sin, pride, selfishness, whatever you want to call it.  Since Adam and Eve, we humans have a problem we cannot cure on our own... we are separated from God.  The only righteousness that can cure this separation is a righteousness that never fails or falters.  God's remedy for our lack was to become one of us, die in our place, rise from the dead, thus being both our brother and savior.  In doing so He gives to us His righteousness.  When God the Father looks at us He doesn't see our sin... He sees the righteousness of Jesus, given to us.  Pretty slick deal on God's part.

Then what Paul goes on to explore is this idea that when we go back to reducing faith to observing a list of do's and don'ts we deny the cross of Jesus and that is what the world hates.  They hate a deck of cards that is stacked against them.  By this unfair system, they can never win.  We have said God wants righteousness... that part is right... we have claimed His righteousness as our own to start this journey and then have reverted back to thinking we can make it the rest of the way on our own... 

One person has defined it like this... "Religion is human attempts to reach God, to appease God.  Christianity, properly understood is God's attempt to reach humanity. Which He has done through Jesus Christ."  The world hates God because of our "religion".  What the world needs to see is God's grace in and through us, not by our being good boys and girls.  Rather, by us admitting our failings and claiming the only righteousness that matters... Jesus's .  When we do that the world is convinced of the reality of what God has done.  Like the pilgrim who journeyed all the way from Germany to Rome in the Middle  Ages.  He went because he was interested in becoming a Christian, but wasn't sure of it truth.  On his arrival in Rome he got an audience with the Pope.  Afterward, when asked why he became a believer in Jesus he responded, "If God is capable of saving someone like the Pope... I am sure He can save me!"

In and Through God's Grace,
Pastor Bill