When the funeral seemed like a church

One of the most negative things that could be said about a church service: "That service seemed like a funeral." It is not really meant to criticize funerals or funeral homes, as they have their special place. But, if someone says that the church service seemed like a funeral, it usually means it was boring, with no excitement, no enthusiasm, no life. That is not a good thing to be said about a church, where the Holy Spirit is supposed to be present and people are filled with joy, as they worship their Lord and Savior.

What happened here, this last Sunday, was unexpected, was a lot like a funeral; but turned out to be a most special time of worship. Because of a variety of unforeseen circumstances, I arrived Sunday morning, at 6 a.m. to a building that had partial power. Most importantly, there was no air in the worship center or educational areas and lights only in parts of these areas of ministry. A couple hours of trying to figure it out led to calling the power company, which would take most of the day to fix the problem.

We were scrambling, to see if we could have a morning service, anywhere. On a hunch, I walked next door to the funeral home, and called the phone number listed on the door. The director called back and said that they had nothing going on that day and would be happy to allow us to use their facility. That led to more scrambling, as we moved chairs, equipment and many people helped get everything ready for the service.

So, our service was a lot like a funeral, only in the sense that we held the service in a funeral home. There was a sense of excitement, as though we were a church that just began meeting in a rented facility. Everyone did their part, to make sure that we did everything possible to lead a meaningful time of worship. People adjusted, and focused on what was, rather than what was not. That was refreshing and encouraging. The smaller room (than our worship center) was packed with chairs and people filling them. The service was simple, with one guitarist leading the singing, a message, with no power point, and no extra videos that were planned.

And yet, we worshipped, we fellowshipped, we sensed a move of the Spirit of God. I won't say that I will be disappointed to be back in our facility next week; but I can say that I will thankful, for the funeral home who allowed us to come; and for the time of worship to our God that we experienced there one Sunday morning!

Do you remember 17 years ago?

17 years ago today, the 5th game of the NBA finals was taking place, between the Houston Rockets and New York Knicks. Unless you are a Rockets or Knicks fan, from way back when, you probably don't remember the game. I don't even remember who won that game or who won the series. It wasn't the game that caused 95 million people, worldwide, to have their programming interrupted, regardless of what network or local news outlet they were watching at the time (about 7 p.m. EST), to hear and see footage of breaking news. In fact, the station carrying the NBA finals put the game in a box in the corner of the screen so that the rest of the screen could be dedicated to the breaking news:

In Orange County, CA, on interstate 405, we watched a ton of police cars "chase" (it wasn't really a chase - more like a "Sunday drive" through a park) a white Ford Bronco. It was so slow and the news got around so quickly,that eventually there were people standing out of their cars, alongside the road, watching the white bronco go by; because by then they knew who was in the car: O.J. Simpson. OJ was one of the greatest running backs who ever played football, but at the time, he was wanted for a double murder: his ex-wife Nicole Brown Simpson and her friend Ronald Goldman. Say it ain't so OJ!

But, for me personally, even as I watched the chase on TV, it was not even close to my highlight that day or that weekend. It was not going to distract me from the greatest event of my life. For, the next day, I would be married to Teresa Ann Campagna, and receive the greatest gift from God (after my personal birth and my re-birth through salvation): my beautiful bride! 17 years ago, today, we were enjoying family and friends, who were arriving, as we had our rehearsal dinner and rehearsal. It was a great time of celebration. Even OJ's arrest could not take that away.

And of course, that all means, that tomorrow, June 18th, marks 17 years of being married to the most wonderful, godly, beautiful woman in the world: Teresa Whiting! Babe, I am still in love with you, and it grows year after year. You are becoming more precious to me, even as time goes on. Thanks for putting up with me, for your faithfulness to God, your effort in rearing our children, and for your love for me. I am so grateful for you, for our 17 years of marriage; and I look forward, by God's grace, to this next year of life together. I LOVE YOU!
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!

OOPS!

One of the inherent challenges and frustrations that pastors face is that we are forever making mistakes in things we say. Because we are talking, every week, for 40 minutes or so, we are bound to blow it...often. I guess I shouldn't speak for all other pastors, but I blow it often. And depending on your audience, they might twist your words, be offended by your words, mock your words, or just ignore them. Thankfully,when I "blew" it yesterday, the crowd at Grace gave me a break. 3 different people came up to me and asked me if I really meant what I said:

"All BELIEVERS will either spend eternity in Heaven or Hell."
And it wasn't that I just said it, but that I had also typed it that way and a slide of it was on the screen for everyone to see.
OOPS!

The real danger of it, of course, is that those who do not know what the Bible says may think I was saying that people who have already believed in Jesus might lose their salvation. Hopefully, the earlier statement about all believers being assured of their salvation made them realize that I must have used the wrong word here. I meant to say: "Every person will either spend eternity in Heaven or Hell."

So, sorry to all I confused
Thanks to all who corrected me.
And thanks to God, for allowing me to keep preaching, as I keep messing it up!

2 Belts are Better than 1

...I guess... they must be...
If 2 belts weren't better than 1, than certainly I wouldn't have worn 2!
For the first time I can remember, ever, I realized that other day, that I was wearing 2 belts.
Yep -2 belts - both in all the loops of the jeans - both buckled.
How did that happen? I wasn't drunk (I don't drink) and I wasn't high on drugs (I don't do drugs). So, what is my explanation for having 2 belts on? Certainly, it's not dementia...not yet; and I wouldn't want to admit that I am just completely clueless, not realizing, as I am putting on my belt, that I already have one on. So, here MUST be another explanation.

Let's at least try, shall we? Certainly, one of the following must be why I instinctively put on the 2nd belt. I knew I might need it. For what? Good question. Let's throw out a few answers and hope you "buy"one!
1. Just in case I needed to "give the belt" to 2 of my children at the same time
[this might be difficult to prove since I have never used the belt on my kids]
2. I was, subconsciously, starting a new fad
[you might believe this one unless you have ever seen my wardrobe, or clothing choices -
however, if some of you would be so kind as to start wearing 2 belts, I suppose it could turn
into one. Please only mention my name if it actually "catches on"!]
3. What is someone was hanging over a cliff and we needed 2 belt lengths to rescue them
[you can't tell me that would never happen. If someone uses that in the next action movie, I
want full credit]
4. I like to help people and assist them with their needs. What if some poor fellow was walking by
and his pants were going to fall down? I could give him my belt
[my second one of course -the first one is mine - all mine!]
5. What if I made up this story just so I would have something to blog about? That must be it!
[that would mean that I wasn't so oblivious that I put on a second belt over the first one]

you can decide which of the above proves the old cliche (at least it will become an old cliche after it becomes a new cliche): 2 Belts are Better than 1!

Praise God for WCA

WCA is Westside Christian Academy and I am praising God for this school today. They will be celebrating 8th grade graduation this morning, and although we have no children in 8th grade, it is one of the unique things they celebrate each year (the school is K-8th grade). Throughout the year, there are special programs and events which, in our opinion, sets them apart. They do not call themselves a classical Christian school, but I know that much of what they do is based on a classical approach to education. As a family, we have come to appreciate that very much. We also love that they offer great academics, while focusing on character development.

In the full 5 school years that we have been here in Northeast Ohio, God has provided for our children to be able to attend. Like most private schools, it takes money to attend, but we have found the sacrifice to be worth it. And, without the help of scholarships, through the school, as well as others who have given anonymously toward our children's education, we would have no way of going there. 2 of our children have since graduated, and 3 are finishing out another year in elementary there.

One of the reasons we are praising God so much for WCA this year, is because God has led us to home school our youngest 3 next year, meaning we will not be returning, at least for next school year. Normally, we are praying and waiting until August to see if God would provide financially (which He always did, eventually); but this time, we know that God is desiring we trust Him by faith, in a different way - bringing our children home. We are excited about what God is going to do through this educational and life experience this next school year; but we are saddened about leaving WCA.

May God bless WCA, their board, staff and students, as they continue to train young people, not just in the basic academic requirements, but in something that is much more important, and eternal: what it means to see the world from God's perspective; and to live for Him in every day life. And that is why, this morning, I am praising God for WCA!

YES!

I was asked a question this past week that caused me to think, really think about my heart answer. Not the answer that appeases people or sounds good, or even the "right" answer; but the true, heart felt answer. I suppose every person asks, or ought to ask themselves questions like this one: Do I still want to be a plumber; Do I still love being a lawyer; Do I really want to keep working for this company? So, I have been thinking about my answer...

I suppose people ask this question when things aren't going so well. Perhaps the pay isn't great, and there is more financial pressure. Or, the work place doesn't seem safe, either physically or emotionally. Sometimes, there is great tension at work, or at home because of work. And other times, for those of us growing older, we wonder: is this really how I want to spend the rest of my really productive working days?

DO YOU STILL WANT TO BE A PASTOR?
This is the question I was asked, and after thinking about it, these are some of the reasons, even from the last few days, as to why I gave the answer I did:

1. There is nothing else I would rather do. There are other things I could do. Last time, in between pastoral positions, I was a security guard, paper boy (I prefer paperman - sounds more like a super hero), and worked at Chick-fil-a, all during the same period of time. I love coaching basketball and if I could make a living at it, it would be tempting. I could probably teach the Bible somewhere, like a Bible College. But, deep down, I know God called me to this, that it is a privilege, and truly, at this moment, there is nothing else I would rather do with my "productive years".



2. The world hasn't ended yet. Last night, another prediction of the end of the world came and went. But, everybody seemed to be talking about it, even sports talk radio. It was on most of the news stations, even though most of the Christian world opposed Harold Camping's prediction of May 21, 2011 for the end (or at least the Rapture). But, it reminded me, that during such days, and in light of all kinds of varying beliefs in our world, people need pastors who are willing to "rightly divide the Word of truth", talking about what the Bible says, and what it doesn't say. Even my own family needs that. As a pastor, I get to do that, for my job!



3. I experienced the ultimate high. I should just leave that statement hanging, and find out what all of you thought I meant by that. Before you ask if I've considered rehab or if the police should be called, let me explain. Yesterday, in the midst of a counseling appointment (I was the counselor this time!), someone prayed to receive Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior!!! If you have ever led someone in a prayer to trust in Jesus for salvation, then you know what I mean when I say it is the ultimate high, for any follower of Jesus. And because I am a pastor, I seem to get more opportunities to be an eyewitness to people being changed, for eternity; and it is a humbling privilege.



4. Cigarette cartons in the parking lot. As I arrived at the church early this morning, I was greeted, by the door I enter, with an empty bottle of powerade, an empty bottle of an energy drink, and 3 empty cigarette cartons. The fact that they were just tossed down outside our doors probably means that those who littered were not regular attenders of our church, who would probably not just throw garbage on the grounds of their church. By the empty cartons, I can't tell, of course, of their spiritual condition. But, it did remind me of this. I pastor because I want to reach people and help them take the next step in their spiritual journey. And I don't just want to minister to people, here, who are disgruntled Baptists from another church. I don't want to just minister to people who think they have it "all together." I want to work with and serve those who smoke, those who drink, those who don't know what modesty means, those who have addictions, those who swear, those who don't have a lot of bare skin because of their tattoos, or many spots they haven't yet tried some type of ring on their body. I want our church to be open to those who are hurting, and brave enough to admit it. I want to minister to the kinds of people that Jesus ministered to: those who have problems, or at least know they have problems (the "sick" as Jesus termed it).
   

Despite the crap (believe me - I never used this kind of language until I became a pastor - actually until I was in my second decade of pastoring) that pastors have to shovel every day (and I realize that everyone else, in every other profession has to do the same thing), when I remember that I am serving the Lord, and not trying to please "men", then I am in the right spirit and have joy in serving. There is nothing else I would rather do, investing my life in others. So, for those of you, that were just looking for a simple answer, you can stop with the title of this entry: YES!

The World Ends this Saturday

The billboard in Florida reads: Judgement Day will arrive May 21, 2011; The Bible guarantees it! This certainly catches attention, especially to those who believe in the Bible and know that Jesus will return one day. It probably also catches the attention of those who do not believe in the Bible, but do believe, according to an ancient calendar, that the world is going to end in 2012. Prophecy, especially biblical prophecy, has long been of interest to those who believe in God and read the Bible. Ever since the Bible was written, people have wondered when the Messiah would come, when Jesus would come back a second time, and when the end of the world would take place. Our world jumps on this curiosity by making movies about the topic; and book writers make millions by writing about it.

I have studied the Bible all of my life. I have been a follower of Jesus from a very early age, and have gone to Bible college and seminary. That doesn't make me an expert, but it means I have studied, in depth, what the Bible says about the end of the world. In the general grouping of evangelical Christians, there is much debate, even, as to how the events will unfold and the order of such events. For example, will Jesus come in a Rapture, where all Christians rise in the air, meet Him in the clouds and go to Heaven with Him? Or, will Jesus come right to earth, to set up His 1,000 Kingdom reign? Most agree that Jesus is coming back a second time (the first being His incarnation as a baby 2,000 years ago), to set up His Kingdom and to judge all.

So, as I have read the claims of Harold Camping, who is predicting the end this Saturday, I cringe. Many people will look at his claims as coming from the general group of evangelicals, representing hundreds of thousands of Christians around the world. This may, very well, bring a bad name to Christ and to Christianity. In fact, there are probably not that many people who truly believe Mr. Camping and follow Him. But, because of this bold prediction and our interest in such things, it will be national news. The Bible would call Mr. Camping a false prophet. He predicted the world would end in 1984. The Bible says that if someone is a true prophet, then their prophecies always come true; otherwise, they are a false prophet.

Here is my simple understanding of what the Bible says:

• Jesus is coming back, to get His followers, which will then begin a long list of events to take place, including the final judgments for all people, either to Heaven or Hell


• No one knows when Jesus is coming back (Jesus said that only the God the Father knows)


• Nothing else has to happen, from our perspective, before Jesus returns. The Apostle Peter wrote that the only reason Jesus has not come back yet is because God is loving and patient, waiting for others to trust in Jesus for their salvation


• The fact is that Jesus could come today, tomorrow, and yes, He could come Saturday, May 21st. He could also come next week, next month, next year, or a hundred, or thousand years from now. The Bible says that a thousand years to us is as a day to God. We feel like it has been 2,000 years since the promise was made that Jesus would return. To God, it has only been a couple of days!


• We are to live our lives as if Jesus were returning today. When it comes to practical application, this is the key. I am to live my life, today, as though Jesus were coming today. My priorities, my attitude, everything, should be done with the thought of how I want Jesus to find me living, if today were my last day.

Live for God's glory today; and as the Bible says at the end of Revelation: Even so, come Lord Jesus!