ESV Col 1:9 And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, 10 so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God. 11 May you be strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy, 12 giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light. 13 He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, 14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. 15 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. 16 For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities- all things were created through him and for him. 17 And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. 18 And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. 19 For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, 20 and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross. 21 And you, who once were alienated and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds, 22 he has now reconciled in his body of flesh by his death, in order to present you holy and blameless and above reproach before him, 23 if indeed you continue in the faith, stable and steadfast, not shifting from the hope of the gospel that you heard, which has been proclaimed in all creation under heaven, and of which I, Paul, became a minister.

Merry Christmas!

Distractions!

It is the Monday before Christmas and all is . . . busy! Some family arrived home Saturday evening. However part of Saturday was spend putting up a Christmas tree, doing some decorating and in making gifts. Wonderful! Oh, I also did some sermon preparation.

Now it is Monday. We have had a snow storm. My driveway collected its share of snow and thus needed to be cleaned out. It has been cold as well. Wood needs to be brought in for the fire. Family is still here – they won't be living until after Christmas. That is a good thing.

Tomorrow another daughter and her boy friend are coming by. We haven't met him yet. They want to run across the border (Canada) to a chocolate shop. My wife, and others might go with them. My mother-in-law will probably opt out, or be opted out. So perhaps I will stay with her as she can not be left alone. So tomorrow, I will have to say hello to more people arriving and perhaps help out at home. A good thing.

Wednesday is Christmas Eve. Our family has some traditions we do together. This will take up some afternoon and evening time.

Thursday, Christmas. Yes, we have most of the family arriving, if they have not already. No distraction, Lord willing, as this will be a day of worshiping the Lord and family time.

Friday, not sure, some family will be leaving. We 'have to' say “good bye”. Anything else?

Sunday: an adult Sunday school lesson, Worship services. Will I be prepared? Well prepared to service God's Word?

I am at the church office. Not as many distractions here!

Pastors have a relatively free schedule. May the Lord grant that I stay focused on being His servant, whether at home or at work.

Lessons from Christ prayer
John 17 and Christmas issues.

God willing we will finish our study of John 17 this Sunday. Also, this Sunday we are having our Christmas dinner after our service. YUMMY! During the worship service we will have some special Christmas music. However, the message will be from John 17.

While John 17 is not about the birth of Christ, it is clearly about Christ. Arguably we might say John 17 is more about Christ than some 'Christmas' messages might be, for in this prayer we get to see deeply into Christ heart.

Here are a couple of points which we will be developing.

In this prayer, less than 1/3 of the words are directly petitions and requests. Our own prayers are sometimes more like wish lists that kids might present to Santa. Christ prayer is not just a list. He inserts other words which show an understanding of who the Father is, in what and in whom the Father has an interested and of Christ's role in furthering God's interest amongst the people of God.

These words are connected to the people given to Christ by the Father. The given ones, their knowledge of God, their sanctification, their unity and their ultimate abode with the son are items of great interest to Christ, and of great interest to the Father.

Christ prayer is not worldly in the sense of offering petition for every man and woman and child that will ever live on the earth. He clearly prayers for the give-to-Christ-ones. He does so pray because his interest is in what and whom God has an interest. His confidence that the Father will answering him is in his ability to bring his own desires, words and actions into conformity with that of the Father, so he prays for those who belong to the Father. He seen no need, therefore, to pray that the ones-not-given-to-him might be with him in glory for the Father has no interest in these people, at least not in regards to Christ's work of salvation.

What do we see in Christ's heart? The Father! The more the Father, as revealed through Scripture, becomes our delight the greater will be our hope and confidence before him in prayer. One day when God fills all of the given-to-Christ-ones with himself we will find our joy is filled for we shall want nothing other than the Father and what he desires as well.

The Lord's Supper

Once a month, at least in our church, we take extra time, unless the pastor shortens other parts of the service, which he doesn't usually do, to observe the tradition of the Communion Service.

Oh yes, we have to do this because Paul and Jesus and maybe some other people, told us to. But other than that, why do we do this? Is it a burning desire in our hearts, or just another thing that is done at church.

I must confess that I have not often thought about this aspect of the church services. It was after all a tradition, and a Biblical one at that, so we do it.

We have moved the Lord's Supper! Now before some of your go scrambling around looking for it, just relax. Instead of tacking it on at the end of the service we are attempting to make it a part of the service. Like in the middle, with the pastor giving a short message highlighting some aspect of the meaning of the Lord's Supper.

Recently my friend Owen Strachan blogged at http://owenstrachan.com/ regarding: Are Roommates the new family? He commends that these roommates are looking for something that is good: a sense of community. Yet they are looking in the wrong place. We shall never find fellowship, belonging, love, unity and place in this fallen world that completely satisfies while at the same time emphasizes the Biblical responsibility of love.

Certainly from time to time we catch glimpses of the fellowship promised by the Savior to his people. His promise is big, much bigger and deeper than we can now grasp. The Lord's Supper gives us such a glimpses into the other world fellowship. Until we are there we can not fully know it, but we may know it, in part, today. Oh the depths of the love of God. He not only is taking people of every race, nation, tribe and tongue and saving us, he is also making us one.

The text for our services for the next couple of weeks will be John 17:20-26. Who am I to teach such truths as one finds here?! Yet, this is where our Chief Shepherd as brought us. May our Savior lift us up, not just to an escape from hell, but into the glories of Christ and the fellowship of the eternal Godhead. May we take the bread and cup as a member of something wonderful, something awesome and of something far bigger and deeper that just tradition.

Believers are called upon to run the race.

There are several factors that go into this racing business which must be combined in order for us to have success.

Here, at the starting line, though most of us are well along the course, or at least we hope so. Which direction are we facing? Do we know the directions or signs along the course so that we will not get lost? So one of the ingredients to a successful race must be either knowledge of the course itself or knowledge pertaining to reading signs along the way.

A second item would be that of persistence. Staying power! One might have knowledge of the route, but gets tired, burnt out or distracted. The race is put on the back burner, thus is never finished.

Conversely, one may have a great deal of persistence, zeal, energy and a lot of other good things, yet if one mis-reads the signs along the way or is on a course set from misinformation he will not run the race either. He will have run his own race, rather than the official one.

While it is possible to run this race alone, from a certain perspective that is the only way possible, one may be encouraged if other are also running the race, not as competitors but as fellows pilgrims, all heading for the same goal. Here there are two parts to racing with another: being able to be encouraged by another and being able to encourage another.

May the Lord give us love for him, so that we will desire to run towards him all of our life. May the Lord give us a love for his word, that we run the course approved of our God. May the Lord grant that we receive the prize.

Amen.

The election is over, or will be soon, as there are still a few races here and there that are too close to call.

Our town voted for McCain, and I believe a fair number of our church membership did not vote for Obama. So where does this leave us? Are we angry? Complaining? Do we wonder where our God is? Or, do we just shrug this off?

Matthew records a very interesting prayer offered by Jesus to His father: (ESV) Mat 11:25 At that time Jesus declared, "I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to little children; 26 yes, Father, for such was your gracious will. 27 All things have been handed over to me by my Father, and no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.

In respects to salvation Christ declares this issue to be in the hands of the “Lord of heaven and earth”, yet we men often likes to lay claim to being sovereign as to if and when we 'decide' for Jesus. However, if it is true that the Son could “thank” the Father that some would not ever come to know the Son, we may also ask “Would Jesus be thankful for Obama being elected as President”? The answer is “Yes, he would.” And as Christ is the one who has been “handed” all things by the Father, believers must acknowledge that Obama is the president elect because Christ is in control.

Similarly, Paul gave us the following: (ESV) Eph 1:22 And he put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church, 23 which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all.

The context expands on this to some extent so please read that as well. Christ has all authority. He exercises this authority not just to do the will of God, but particularly to do good for his people; to bring them salvation and to develop Christ's likeness in them. Therefore, we must look at each leader, on every level, that we have over us, and also at people who might be under us, and declare that this is so because Christ has willed it to be thus.

In light of these Scriptures, and many others like them, we must conclude that grumbling and complaining is a statement directly against our Lord and God, whom we believers do declare to be a 'good God'. Thus, to adopt the words and attitude of Christ is imperative, especial as we acknowledge that the grace of God is working in his people to conform us to the likeness of Christ, the Lord.

Having said all of the above, does this mean then that we ought to expect godly things from an Obama administration? At this point, we will have to wait and see, though the evidence seems to stacked against such a hope. Look at the rulers, both local and global, at the time of Paul, Peter and John. Yet the admonishment from their writings is to submit to the authorities over us for the Lord's sake.

May we do so, as people who know the Only True God and his sent Son, Jesus Christ. Obama is president elect because our good Lord has so willed.

Counseling, if mentioned in the church, is often understood to imply that someone has real problems or perhaps someone is getting married. (As in pre-marital counseling.) Yet verses that we have memorized speak of 'stirring one another up unto love and good works' (Heb. 10:24,25). This certainly is a form of counseling, is it not?

Below is a link to 9marks.org, their latest ejournal is featuring counseling on a very practical level for churches. On the left of this page is 'latest from 9marks'. Under this title is information on the Nov/Dec ejournal.

http://www.9marks.org/partner/0,,314526,00.html

I may print up a few copies to have available.

I am offering this information as a helpful tool for us, that we might function together in a healthy manner, building each other up in the love and truth of the Lord.

Voting, as a Christian.

Elections are just around the corner.

Here for your pleasure and edification (Lord willing) is my ideal candidate, and why I question whether many of our present slate of nominees will be a blessing for our country.

The first and foremost command is to love the Lord our God with all of our heart, soul, strength and mind. The God of this command is not just any ole god. He is our Creator and Judge. The God who provided His Son as the Way, Truth and Life – the God of the Bible.

The candidate must have a life that shows consistence in living this belief, as this is the foundation for a sound world-view.

Secondly, the candidate must love his neighbor as himself. This point may be fleshed out by looking at the last 6 of the Ten Commandments (according the traditional Protestant numbering of these).

I would like to highlight just three.

God commands us not to covet our neighbor's . . . (filling the blank). The ideal candidate will not encourage us to look at our neighbor's wealth, success and prosperity with envy. He will teach us by example, by veto power, and other means, that our trust is to be in the God who made us. This candidate will encourage work. He would take steps to take the rewards way from laziness and a lifestyle of deliberate dependence upon others.

This leads to the second point. He will not pass legislation that amounts to stealing from one's neighbor. There are legitimate roles of the government, both arising from the Bible and from our Constitution, which he would seek to fund. He would not be known as a man who has enlarged government.

The role of our government in his administration would be to punish evil, rather than in legislating programs. Government would not be 'god' to him or his people.

Third, the murder of our infants and infirmed would have to be addressed. This would include not just these acts but the world-view that cultivates the environment for these deaths.

Lastly, one general comment regarding international diplomacy. Democracy, while being greatly blessed by God in our country, is not necessarily the only good form of government. Democracy requires a philosophical/religious foundation that some cultures just do not have. Early America had it. It is doubtful that the America of today would have gotten off to such a good start if we had to do it over again. We are theologically/philosophically a different culture today.

He would realize that, both at home and abroad, the ugliness of sin (the breaking of these commandments) is going to corrupt all of the best laid plans of mice and men. His hope of being a good ruler would be that the Lord of Heaven and Earth would bless him, and thus, faithfulness to his God would be his light rather than his standing in the polls.

(This candidate would not seek to set up a Christian state, but would life his faith in the political arena.)

Pay for by . . . .

What is the Church? Or, the local Church? Here is a short article touching upon campus ministries and the Church. The overall article is good, but I would encourage you to look carefully at the paragraphs on the Church. This is very well stated and is an important point.

http://www.henryinstitute.org/commentary_read.php?cid=484

Discernment – 2

(ESV) Jer 17:9 The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it?

One tricky part regarding discernment is that we are not always objective. Certainly this means that we may think we are very discerning, when in truth we are just so much wind blowing. Or, our discernment might be on target but applied with little love or desire for edification. Further, this verse also means that I might not be objective when I consider my own walk with the Lord or my own maturity or my ministry. One must bear the testimony of this verse before him at all times.

Humility is a good antidote to a false assessment, however, the deceitful heart is very capable of messing with this attribute as well.

The following might prove helpful in keeping a proper perspective.

Always bear in mind that one never will have perfect discernment – that deceitful heart thing, again.

Listen to the views and opinions of others, even the most 'humble' saint.

Don't be rash in imposing your own judgment.

Be filled with God's word. Let it's light illumine each issue and situation.

Listen to more than one side of an issue.

Just because one has gotten one issue correct he mustn't think he's am on a roll. (Pride and that heart issue.)

Live a life of dependence upon the Lord.

Above all, apply the truth in love.

Discernment

How does a pastor/teacher know if God's people are getting it? You know, understanding the Word, the Gospel and various issues and theological positions.

One window into a person's mind is the comments that they might make in discussions, conversations or emails. One such recent conversation comes to mind. A few members and I had the opportunity to share comments on a speaker we had all heard. One member remarked favorably about the presentation of the gospel. The other member and I were not as enthusiastic. Yes, the gospel had been presented, but with a very strong bias in the direction of man-centered faith. For example, the speaker emphasized that “You are the only one who can reserve a place in heaven for yourself.” Christ is actually the one who does this. (John 14:1-3; 1 Peter 1:4,5)

Certainly some attenders and members of the church will never grow in their understanding. Yet there is hope, isn't there, for others?

ESV 2Ti 4:2 preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching.

While I, as the under-shepherd, have responsibility to do these things listed, I must wait upon the Lord to give understanding to His people. He is the one who opens eyes spiritually.

And I do wait in hope, for eternal life is knowing God and the one he sent. (John 17:3) It is God's will that his people know him. So I teach, and pray, that these sheep might know God, know more about God, - might know him better, more accurately.

Is this important?

Yes. God's people bear witness in the church and in the world of who and what God is. God does not share his glory with man, and He gives grace to the humble. We do much better before God when we are not lifting ourselves up.

ESV 1Co 1:29 so that no human being might boast in the presence of God. 30 He is the source of your life in Christ Jesus, whom God made our wisdom and our righteousness and sanctification and redemption. 31 Therefore, as it is written, "Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.

A recollection of the previous week.

A beautiful view.

As I write this I am looking out of a window at Eastern Maine Medical overlooking the Penobscot River. My wife has had a few problems fixed that had arisen from having children, working hard and – hum – getting older. Also, I am on vacation.

Sitting, relaxing, nothing on my schedule. For a few days this is nice.

Later – we are home. Yet my wife is not recovered. Of course, that will take a long time. Our life is not 'normal'. At the same time some in our household are on a normal schedule. While 'tension' might be an overstatement, there is some pulling and tugging in different direction. Also, the household items are using this interruption as an opportunity for mischief. Something my wife notices more than myself.

The week continues.

Oh yes, our daughter has volley ball practice and a couple of games. Someone needs to take her to our Friday home school group. An elderly saint is close to being called home. We are in need of a few groceries.

My wife has had a steady stream of cards, phone calls and visitors. Meals have been accompanying these visits as well.

The Lord has been gracious, bestowing his love upon us. My wife has five more weeks of 'taking it easy'. As she feels more like herself, 'herself' will want to be on the go. Perhaps the hardest part is yet to come.

Sunday morning has arrived. I am the only one up. Soon others will be joining me. Lydia and I will worship and fellowship while Bobbi and her mom will stay home. Week one is above over. I'm looking forward to John's teaching today. May the Lord bestow his blessings upon His Word.

A humble 'thank you' to all who have contributed this week to our needs and our comfort.

Sunday School

Princeton Baptist has a very faithful adult Sunday School class. Over the years we have had a robust teaching staff for all ages, but things have changed. Fewer children are available to come to Sunday School. Another group which seems to be slipping through the cracks, for some reason, is that of the younger adults. Why? I don't know for sure.

Who is available, and also able, to teach these few young children and even fewer teens? Or, do we need to have the traditional classes?

In some games, like scrabble, or chess, for example, as the game progresses one has few and few pieces with which to work. In such cases one has to own up to his limitations, adapt to them and use what resources are available. So must we.

What are the real important elements of a Sunday School?

That the Word is taught well, soundly.

That the Word is taught with love.

That anyone coming in must be loved by those teaching and by others in the Sunday School.

That the Word be received well, as God's Word.

That it be received in Faith

that it be received in Obedience

That as a church we engage in prayer for our Sunday School

expressing our dependence upon him

asking for his blessing

that God's name might be honored

that those who are dead might be made alive

that fruit might be born in all of us.

Expressing thankfulness for the Gospel and for what He has given so far.

Elements that might be not so important.

Age segregation

The best lesson material (colorful, 'exciting', 'age appropriate', etc.)

Programs

Other items might be added to both list.

Lastly, Sunday School ought not to be in competition with or against the family. Rather it ought to support and complement worship at home.

Just a brief note. I recently read an article, which I am recommending. The topic is "naturalism".

http://henrycenter.org/pdf/birkett.pdf

Sunday evening.

Princeton Baptist has not had an evening service for some time. So the question of what do to with oneself on a Sunday evening has to be addressed.

We have decided that we would use the time to have the church people over for supper. We have one or two families over, depending upon the size of the families, and my wife tries to invite an older and a younger couple for the same evening if possible. This is giving us opportunities to become better acquainted, and perhaps, make this possible for our guests.

At this point we are just getting acquainted, discussing the backgrounds of each of us, local history, jobs and family. With some spiritual conversation seems to flow much easier than with others, and sometimes not along lines that we might expect.

We consider this as part of the our Christian walk. While hospitality is much larger than having people over for dinner, having dinner guests is at least a part of this concept. The elder is to be a person demonstrating this service: ESV 1Ti 3:2 “Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach.” However, I must give a great deal of credit and thanks to my wife, for without her help I could not do this.

However, this trait is not to be reserved for the 'clergy'. Read the following verses: Acts 28:7; Rom. 12:13; 1 Tim. 3:2; 5:10; Titus 1:8; Heb. 13:2; 1 Pet. 4:9.

May we also be an example of hospitality, for the glory of God.

One last closing point. Hospitality, in the sense of ministering, it not to be limited to our friends. Have someone over for an evening whom you do not know well. Make plans to minister the grace and love of our Lord.

The memory verses for our church: why are they so difficult this time or what goes through a pastor's mind – if anything?

In June, as a church, we started learning some Bible verses. Our first set was 1 Cor. 1:28-31. There was a good response both regarding how many learned the verses plus comments and discussions keep cropping up regarding application of these truths. Our set for July and August is Heb. 10:22-25. Members have been a little slower this time, at least in their public response. Why?

While acknowledging that I may have overlooked keys factors, here is a list of several factors that I have considered. (This is the part where you wonder what is going through the pastor's mind, if he has one!) I have not polled anyone in an attempt to verify any of these.

Maybe people are busier, with vacations and company. This might not only contribute to busyness but also to a break in one's daily routine. For some of us, a break from the regularity of our daily schedule is not healthy for a memorization plan.

A second factor might be the lack of novelty. The first set was The First Set. Now that that experience has passed and we have enjoyed it, we are not so excited about the second and third repetition.

And, a third factor might be this issue of self discipline. We might jump on the memory-verse-bandwagon for the thrill of trying something new, and maybe because we do have some conviction that this is something that we ought to do. Yet the discipline of incorporating some new habit into our life is not easy. Work is require, and sometimes, even for a good cause, we will not put out effort nor will we 'force' ourselves to adhere to a new schedule.

A forth issue might be the difference in the emphasis of the passages. The Corinthians passage was a delightful theological passage emphasizing the work of God in our salvation. The Hebrews passage is one that places a strong emphasis upon our responsibility to 'work out our salvation with fear and trembling'. This passage contains three 'Let us' statements.

The third of these 'let us' statements direct our attention not to the relationship between ourselves and God but towards our fellow believers. 'Consider how to stimulate one another'. This concept may be uncomfortable, and might grow more so as the implications of this statement imposes itself upon us. Even in our small church there are a lot of people with whom we are not close. Are we to consider how to stimulate these people as well? Even to think about this might move us out of our comfort zone.

A fifth factor might be the things I have not thought to mention. (You probably by now see a realistic glimpse into a pastor's mind. We do, or at least, I do, have some inclination to think of what might be going wrong, is it pessimism or a desire for excellence – for perfection?)

Since I have begun writing this - I usually spend a couple of days off and on polishing it up; however, this one has taken longer as I changed its theme a couple of times - I have heard a couple of comments.

One person said: “I like these verses better than the 1 Corinthian ones.”

Another said: “I just don't want to get up in public and say them.” “And,” she added, “I'm really thinking about how to put them into practice in my life!”

The benefits and blessings of knowing and practicing God's word are great, so we will continue, whether I hear a lot of positive feed back or not. We are doing this for the glory of God and not for the pastor's satisfaction. (And maybe the pastor needs to relax, to not think of all of the reasons why not, to be faithful in the Word and to allow God to bring forth fruit in its season.)

“I know a brother is praying”, or, what is true spirituality?

I was talking with a 'brother' the other day. It is said of this brother that he can tell, that is, he knows, when a 'brother' is praying for him. The details of how this is known were not disclosed.

This is not, of course, the complete conversation. However, as I have pondered our talk I have had an increasing concern regarding the soundness of this brother. There is a mystical aspect to his claim to spirituality which has little or nothing to do with what is revealed in God's Word.

I remember, as a much younger man, thinking that I was spiritual because God had answered a couple of specific prayer requests. God graciously answered prayer, however, I was not mature in the Lord

There are two aspects of this issue. First, what convinces me (or the whole church) that another is spiritual? Is it working miracles? Casting out demons? Special gifts? Or is it a steadfast life of faithfulness to God and his Word? The second is the issue of what one would present to others regarding one's own spiritual status. Jesus spoke these words. (^ESV Joh 10:37 If I am not doing the works of my Father, then do not believe me; ³⁸ but if I do them, even though you do not believe me, believe the works, that you may know and understand that the Father is in me and I am in the Father.")

Perhaps we would do well to follow Christ's instruction: ^ESV Mat 5:16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.

Dropping hints regarding how spiritual we are might back-fire, and may tip people off that we don't know what we are talking about.

Walking in the Light or Believing in Christ.

As a married man how often should I remember that I am married, and how often should I seek to please my wife? Lapses in this area are not to be views as proper. Yet for too many Christians, members of the bride of Christ, it is the norm to forget their Groom, along with a disregard concerning what might please him.

Too often in the Church the call to believe in Christ is limited to the area of one's salvation. For example we might understand that Christ is our 'ticket' to heaven, while other aspects of our life are left up to us. Yet God calls us to trust the Lord not only for the eternal safe keeping of our soul, but for his advise, counsel and commands regarding our walk through this world.

All of us, in some areas of our lives, do not listen to the Lord. While there are some who seek to listen to the Lord more than others, sadly there are too many people in our churches who consider listening to and following the counsel of the Lord as an optional part of their life. For the Lord's sake, because His name is upon us, let us forsake our own way, and own him as the Lord and Redeemer of our whole life.

^ESV 1Co 6:19 Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, ²⁰ for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.

Dreaming!

If I were God I would plan for my ministry here to be, not too spectacular, but steady and faithful with the church body growing in the knowledge of the Lord and in faith. And yes, the number of people, not just attending, but coming to know Christ and joining the church, would be noticeable. However, as you may have guess I am not God. He is the Lord and master and I am, but, his servant. He has not told me what is ahead.

Two months have flown by since I started here. While some aspects of this ministry are going along as I might have hope there are a couple of items that God has seen fit to do differently that I would have.

The first item, my first funeral would have been an older faithful brother or sister. It wasn't.

The second, one member has told the deacons and myself “You do what you need to do, but I will do . . .” I do have a desire to see each of these sheep walking in the paths of righteousness. But sometimes some do not! If we would be a faithful body of believers we must address the one(s) who get caught up in the desires of the world, the flesh or the mind and, at least for the moment, do not desire to walk with the Lord.

Why am I sad regarding this person? Is it over the soul of one who has been one of us​? Or am I sad because something is not going according to 'my dream'?

Yet these circumstances give the larger body of believers an opportunity to be faithful in addressing the issue of sin in a brother. This is something this fellowship has not handled well in the past. However, this times we have, so far. Praise his Name!

My friend, Owen Strachan, has just posted a blog addressing the topic of memorization of Scripture. http://consumedblog.blogspot.com/ If you read this at a later date look for the post dated July 8.

Somewhat accidentally we started a church memorization project. I need to work on this myself. To see members of the church, husbands and wives or friends working together, encouraging each other, to learn Scripture, has been a joy. At present our plan is to memorize a short passage each month.

God in his grace has gotten us started. To paraphrase a verse, “How can we neglect so great a gift?” Owen's post was a timely reminder that we need to plan to make this project a success, With the blessing of the Lord, we shall.

We have moved.

Last night I was tired, and woke up with a few muscles complaining about being overworked. We are back in East Machias today to pack some more things and to clean out the Mother-in-law apartment, which will be rented shortly. That adds another dimension to the work of this move.

Over all the move has good well. For weeks now I have been hauling things my wife has prepared for me to move. Some of the men in the church helped move in the heavy items.

Last evening we had a delicious supper brought for us.

Bobbi's mom will be having a room right with us, rather than her own apartment. This will be better for her but also will present some challenges. From her perspective, we are living in her house.

It is a warm day here in East Machias. Some friends are swimming in the river. I'll do a bit more work than join them for a while.

Thoughts on being Busy.

Commuting, moving items from our current home to the parsonage each trip to Princeton, family time, cutting wood, and other things have been bumped to a higher priority than writing this blog. Smoothly written sentences do not just flow from my fingers, so there is a bit of labor involved in posting on this blog.

We move next week.

This does not mean that I will be less busy, at least for a while. I am behind on building shelves, fencing in an area for the dog, and other important things.

Hopefully I'll start posting once a week tit-bits shortly.

^ESV Mat 6:33 But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. ³⁴ "Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.

My ministry has begun!

April 30, 2008 at approximately 7pm prayer meeting begun with me leading the service. No fireworks could be seen or heard. Nor was there a group of protesters marching out front. We just met together for study and prayer.

My first request to the church for prayer was that God would enable me to carry out this ministry and secondly, that he would also give ears and a heart to his people to hear his word.

^ESV Act 6:4 But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word."

To God be the glory.

Leadership in the Church, part 2.

Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith. Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you. Heb 13:7,17 ESV

These two verses speak of specific duties that God has placed upon the leadership of the church. In order of appearance: leaders speak the Word of God to the people and they live a life, with faith, that is to be imitated. Leaders are to be obeyed and submitted to. Thus we conclude that they are in a place of some authority so than the giving of orders or at least the giving of good advice is in order. However, the context does not allow for arbitrary bossiness. The ministry of God's word is ultimately the foundation for this call to obedience. As the leaders are setting an example with their own lives of a life submitted to God's Word, the reader ought not to be able to charge the leadership with hypocrisy, rather the life of the leadership ought to stimulate respect because of its godliness. This statement to submit is connected to two others: the leaders keep watch over your souls, and they do so, administer this charge, as being held accountable. The verse ends with a charge to the reader, one under the authority of the church leadership, to let the leaders do this job of soul protecting with joy, not with groaning, for it does you no good to cause trouble for your leaders.

A calling into church leadership is fearsome. We are watching over souls. The teaching, as well as our lives, is not just to be about teaching the Word because it is so wonderful, or the teaching itself is a intellectual stimulating exercise. A connection must be established between the teaching of the Word and the souls who are being watched over. The Word is to be aimed at these souls.

Truly, the leadership can not know the whole congregation so well as to have every sermon or every conversation arranged to meet all the needs of each soul. We are after all very human ourselves. However, with the blessing of the Spirit of God souls will find all that they need in the ministry of God's Word.

In saying this I am emphasizing the likelihood of these verses finding fulfillment, it can be done, just not in and of ourselves. Yet, the care, not just to some vague group of souls, but to specific individuals, ought to influence what I teach and how I live my life, for God has placed these souls in my hands.

According to the grace of God given to me, like a skilled master builder I laid a foundation, and someone else is building upon it. Let each one take care how he builds upon it. For no one can lay a foundation other than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if anyone builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw- each one's work will become manifest, for the Day will disclose it, because it will be revealed by fire, and the fire will test what sort of work each one has done. If the work that anyone has built on the foundation survives, he will receive a reward. If anyone's work is burned up, he will suffer loss, though he himself will be saved, but only as through fire.

1Co 3:10-15 (ESV)

Leadership in the Church.

^ESV 1 Corinthians 12:27 Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it. ²⁸ And God has appointed in the church first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, helping, administrating, and various kinds of tongues. ²⁹ Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? ³⁰ Do all possess gifts of healing? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret? ³¹ But earnestly desire the higher gifts. And I will show you a still more excellent way.

In three and a half weeks I shall become the pastor of a church. Does this mean that I will become the leader of the church? And just what do we mean by leader?

The Princeton Baptist Church has been without a pastor for only six month or so. Not a very long time. In this time the church has not fallen apart. The deacons continue to lead the church along with the interim pastor. The church continues to worship, to serve the Lord and to serve each other.

After I arrive on the church staff (the only paid staff member as far as I am aware) the present deacons will continue to lead the church. The interim pastor and his wife have now joined the church and will be a regular part of its fellowship during the nice, warm months of the year. He will be active with the leadership and the teaching in the church.

On my part I look forward to working with these men. They are godly. They have various gifts. I see the potential of a wonderful working relationship as we seek to service the Lord together. We are rich, and greatly blessed.

My desire is not to push these men out of leadership or move them to the back burner, out of the sight of the church. Rather, I hope to keep them before the church as the leadership that the church has confidence in, with the hope that, in the Lord, we will lead God's people in love and truth. Two of several benefits of having multiple people in leadership is that, if the major decisions are made as a group, than the pastor can not be seen as the one running the church. Also, the collective wisdom of the body of leaders may counter some of the short-sightedness, sinfulness, and other failures of the pastor.

All those in leadership and otherwise, must place ourselves under Christ's authority for we all must give an account unto him. As the pastor I have chiefly accountable to the Great Shepherd for my shepherding. Thus I praise God for a wise and godly group of advisers who desire that Christ might be glorified as the Lord and Head of His Body.

May Christ be praised for his wonderful gifts.

The centrality of the Word.

^ESV Psalm 119:105 Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.

This verse is often thought of in applications to the individual believer. Here are three ways that it may apply to the local church.

First, the pastor is to be living this verse. God's word is to guide his own life both in his personal walk and in his duties as a pastor. The wishes, desires and needs of the congregation are not to be his light. Also, his own wishes, desires or needs must not become the light for the church. Yes, the congregation is paying his salary but he is working for someone else, and is to walk in His light.

Secondly, the believers who make up the local church are subject to the light of God's word as much as the pastor is. There is no verse stating something like: “You are not a professional Christian like the pastor, just stay sort of near the light and you will be fine.” God is light and He requires all of his children to walk in the light so that we might be like him in this world. (See 1 John.)

Lastly, the leadership of the church along with the congregation as a whole are to make the Word of God their light together. There is to be no dichotomy between the individual's walk in the light of God's word and that of the cooperate body. What light does traditions and pragmatism offer to the church that is lacking in God's word? All that comes into the church ought be be there because God's Light is shining upon it.

While living in this flesh we will not walk by the light of God's Word perfectly. I recently heard part of a discussion on a Christian radio station regarding how blind Christians are regarding the imprint of their culture upon themselves. In the context they were advocating a knowledge of church history to help counter some of this blindness. Well enough, this indeed may be very helpful. However, the ultimate correction for my life, for other believers and for the local church must be the light of the God's Word.

A pastor is to be about the Word; seeking it's light, walking in it's light and pouring out that Light into the people of God and to the world. The church is to seek the Word to no less extent.

Nothing else will do.

To the glory of God.

Amen.

An item of Praise!

The arrival of a pastor to a church is a transition, to say the least. On my part there is some work of preparation. Pondering the course one ought to bring to this church is perplexing, and a heavy burden. However, in the Lord's providence I was led to a book. The story goes along this line. A long time ago a young man was in a church I pastored. Eventually, in college the Lord brought the doctrines of Grace to his heart and mind. He went on to seminary and is now working towards his doctorate. Along the way he started writing a blog which I have been reading regularly. One of the many links on his blog site (http://www.consumedblog.blogspot.com/) is for http://www.9marks.com/, a site which I have found to be very edifying, guiding me to books by Mark Dever. I am now close to finishing The Deliberate Church: Building Your Ministry on the Gospel by Mark Dever and Paul Alexander, published by Crossway.

This book offers guidelines for moving one's church from a less healthy position to a spiritual healthier walk. As I read this book my soul was filled. Here, in these pages, is what I was looking for without knowing for sure what was on my heart. This book is not the Bible. While our church seeks to be based upon that greater book we may benefit from the struggles and walk of others who have gone before us. Praise the Lord for those who write edifying books.

I can not claim to have all the answers to such things as: what to teach in Sunday School or how to conduct a certain meeting, nor may I predict that all will be well in ten years for our church; however, an outline has been cast and I have peace with what the Lord has laid before me, before us.

What do the titles of my blog and those in its address signify?

I would love to say that I put a lot of deep thought and prayer into these, however, I did not. Some time ago I secured a gmail account so that I could comment easily on a daughter's blog. At that time I also set up a blog. Much time passed before I started this blog, in the meanwhile I confess that I had forgotten the name of the blog and the address. I had to search to find it.

However, after reflection, I have with satisfaction accepted theses titles.

Growing.

As a believer I inspire to never stop growing. As a pastor I should never stop growing. As a student of the Word I would never stop growing. In 2 years or 10 years or 30 years I ought, by God's grace, to be more godly, have a better understanding of the Gospel and God's word, and have greater skill and wisdom in applying it to my own life as well as to the lives of others.

Others whom I minister the Word to/with, again by God's grace, will be growing in their likeness of Christ.

If the above is true than the church ought to be growing. This is not an assumption of numerical growth, while with God's blessing this might take place. A more important aspect of church growth would be that the whole would be united in faith, knowledge and service of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Lord, may this be so.

The website address: http://sonlight-dad.blogspot.com/ is a combination of a couple of titles.

First I am a father, and so 'dad'. As mentioned above, I acquired this account particularly to comment on my daughter's blog, so titled myself 'dad'. However, now that I will be having millions, if not billions, of people reading this – soon. I have dropped 'dad' as my signature and adopted my name: “Al”. This should eliminate some confusion.

Secondly, the term 'Sonlight' is from my business name: Sonlight Creations. My wife and I took this name for a couple of reasons. First, we live in Washington County, Maine. One of the first places in the continental USA to receive the light of the sun each day. We do our work in the day, well, sometimes late into the night, but the day is for working. We rejoice in the time to work that God has given us, and the provisions for life that come from the sun.

However, Jesus Christ, the Son of God, is the light of the world, and is our light. His light is far greater than that of the light coming from the sun. We would live in the light he provides in His Word, the Bible. So over the years, with a great deal of imperfection on our part, we have set our hearts on building our lives, our marriage, family, and our business upon his Word, i.e. to walk in his light, and thus give glory to him.

I would like to comment on two aspects of glorifying God. As the light of the sun gives life to the world so the light of the Son is what gives life to his Kingdom. Therefore, the first aspect is in receiving and growing due to the 'energy' Christ's light supplies. The second aspect is simply acknowledging that all of our lives, everything that we do, is done through the strength and blessings that He supplies. If I show love for my wife, it is because of and through Him. If I turn a useful and beautiful bowl he must be praised. If I open the Scriptures so that others may be fed, to him be the glory. If I am alive today it because he holds my life together.

ESV Psalm 119:105 Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.
130 The unfolding of your words gives light; it imparts understanding to the simple.
ESV Revelation 21:23 And the city has no need of sun or moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and its lamp is the Lamb.
24 By its light will the nations walk, and the kings of the earth will bring their glory into it,

God is calling me.

How does one know that God has called them to serve as pastor/teacher of a certain church?

As this is not an exhaustive study of the topic I will seek to answer this from my own experience. A subjective response, if you would.

Upon hearing of the Princeton Church’s need for a pastor my first response was that I was doing well with my woodturning and that I did not wish to make a change at this point in my life. Each year the income and skill level has been growing, this year would be a good year, Lord willing! I enjoy turning, as well as, to some extent, the selling process. Yet, I believe that over the years God has shown that I have a gift of teaching, and I do meet the standards of godliness put forth in 1 Tim. 3 and Titus 1. An awareness of this opening in Princeton was always present with me. Further, our Tuesday evening Bible study group was just finishing the book of Judges at the time. An additional nagging thought was: would I be cowardly or hesitant in respects to stepping forward as some of the judges had been? I determined that I would not be like that, and therefore I gave the deacons at Princeton Baptist a letter asking to be considered for this position.

The Lord has graciously allowed me to have joy and peace in my heart regardless of the prospective outcome of this step. If the Lord closed this door I would take this as His will, likewise, if He opened this door for me that too would be an indication of His will. Thus I was able to approach the messages and interviews with a freedom to teach and speak what I believed. I was not doing this to please man.

Two aspects of ministry have pulled at my soul. Seemingly these are opposites, yet I think a case may be made that these two elements complement each other in the service of the Lord. First, I have never felt so unworthy and unqualified to look after the souls of others and to teach the Word of God. At times the urge to run away from the responsibilities of this service has been strong. Countering this has been the knowledge that I am most likely in the position of being the most qualified I have ever been for this task. I have, by God’s grace, a wisdom, strength and knowledge of the Word and the task of ministering that I did not have in the past. There is in my heart a sense of the man that God has been making. I don’t think this is arrogance, but is simply taking an honest look at the work of God in a person, in this case, in me. (Rom. 12:3) As this is God’s work, my understanding of my inadequacies are good and proper. May this remain until I die! Yet this is God’s work, and therefore I must press on with fear and trembling for it is God who is at work both in the willing and in the doing. (Phil. 2:12,13)

Lastly, I have had over the years people who have thought I was total off base and that I should not be in a position to teach – period. However, I have also had people who prayed with thanksgiving for God’s continued blessing upon my teaching ministries. I have not counted to see which side would have the most votes. Paul was faced with such issues from time to time. His response: ^ESV 1 Corinthians 4:2 Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found trustworthy. ³ But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged by you or by any human court. In fact, I do not even judge myself. ⁴ I am not aware of anything against myself, but I am not thereby acquitted. It is the Lord who judges me.

It is the Lord who judges me.

My prayer: Lord, may I be a faithful servant of yours.

On February 9th, 2008, the Princeton Baptist Church in Princeton, Maine voted to call me as their pastor. I have official accepted. This will be my story. Or, to say it in a better way, this will be an account of the work of God in a man in a small town in Eastern Maine.

I will assume the position May 1. After school is over in June I, along with my wife, Bobbi, our daughter, Lydia and my mother-in-law, Shirley, will be moving to Princeton.

My grand plan for this blog is to post something at least once a week that relates to my growth as a believer, as pastor and of this church in such a way that God might be glorified and his people edified.