Are We There Yet?
Good Wednesday to you,
Are we there yet? It is a common question heard (usually from the children) during a journey. When it comes to our faith journey, is heaven our destination? While we all want to go to heaven, I believe our faith in Jesus is about so much more. As I said on Sunday, I believe the journey is our destination. If we are not careful, we can be disillusioned in the journey and drift away from our faith. That is what happened to the Israelites on the way to the Promised Land.
The Israelites saw God do some amazing things from the time that Moses showed up in Egypt, yet they started grumbling almost immediately and their hearts were hardened. Their actions prevented them from entering the Promised Land. The author of Hebrews does not want that to happen to us. "But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness" (Hebrews 3:13).
I suggested three activities that will help us avoid the hardening of our "spiritual arteries:" read Scripture, pray, and engage in soul exercises. If we do these things today, we will make room for the Holy Spirit to continue transforming us into the image of Jesus! We will continue along the theme of "entering Jesus' Sabbath Rest" this next Sunday with a focus on Hebrews 4:1-13.
Speaking of Sunday, last week we were at capacity! Okay, it was 25% of capacity, but that is all the re-opening guidelines allow. Therefore, we will resume two services this next week. If you are planning on coming for indoor worship this Sunday, please let us know.
Thank you for your faithfulness! Praise God from whom all blessings flow!
Grace and peace,
Pastor David
If you missed this Sunday’s sermon, click here to listen now.
G.O.A.T
Good Wednesday to you,
Who is the greatest of all time? That is a phrase tossed about in many different circles. Sports, movies, business, you name it -- someone will be identified as "The Greatest of All Time!" Of course, someone greater will eventually come along and it starts all over again.
Within Judaism, Moses captured the title of the "Greatest of All Time." He led the Israelites out of slavery. He received the Ten Commandments from God. God performed many miracles through Moses. Yet, the author of Hebrews wants us to know that Jesus has eclipsed Moses.
Keeping our thoughts fixed on Jesus; that is our challenge. Recognizing that Jesus is the faithful one over all God’s house (and we are God’s house) is imperative lest we drift away. Next Sunday, we will finish the third chapter of Hebrews with a warning against unbelief.
As more folks are attending on Sunday morning, we want to make sure we are maintaining a safe worship experience for everyone, so if you are planning on attending Sunday services please let me know.
Thank you all for your ongoing support. We will get through this together.
Grace and peace,
Pastor David
If you missed this Sunday’s sermon, click here to listen now.
Suffering?
Good Wednesday to you,
"It is finished!"
You will recognize those words, spoken by Jesus, just before He died on the cross. What was finished was the work of redemption. When Jesus rose from the dead, He proved to us that the way of restoration was open. He perfected the path from life through death to everlasting life with God! "It is finished!"
The author of Hebrews wants us to know that we need not fear death any longer. In becoming human, Jesus can fully identify with us, sympathize with us, and actually help us in all things. We are not alone in our struggles.
One cannot understate the importance of building our faith on the foundation of Jesus Christ. As we continue in the book of Hebrews, we will begin to understand the role of Jesus as our ultimate High Priest. Next week we will be looking at Hebrews 3:1-6.
We were so happy to open the doors of the sanctuary to worshippers this past Sunday, and the bagpipes and kilts were amazing! I do look forward to the day when haggis will once again be available on our Scottish Heritage Sunday.
We had about 40 people in the sanctuary and about 10 to 15 on the lawn. We will continue to hold one service on Sunday until we reach a critical mass (62 people). Please let me know if you are planning to attend this Sunday. We will be celebrating Communion, so please plan to bring your elements with you. If you need a plastic bottle for your "cup," we have them in the church office.
A handful of you participated in the after-worship virtual coffee connection. Thank you. Now that the sanctuary is re-opened, the virtual coffee connection is more challenging than I anticipated. If a virtual gathering for fellowship would be helpful, please let us know.
Again, thank you for all your support and prayers. We have a wonderful Church family, and that includes YOU!
Grace and peace,
Pastor David
If you missed this Sunday’s sermon, click here to listen now.
Operation Restoration
Good Wednesday to you,
Returning something to its original condition can be challenging. The temptation is to try to make it even better than it was before. Of course, that is a never-ending task. Just look at the world around us. It seems like everything is "new and improved," even if there was nothing wrong with the original product. (I still miss my 1967 VW bug!)
Think about the conversation in the Garden and the temptation to "be like God." The outcome was tragic. In the beginning, creation was not only good it was very good. While some in the spiritual realm may have been delighted in the separation from God brought about through disobedience, God had a plan. It was a plan for redemption and restoration. Redemption came through the Incarnation. Jesus shows us the "Face of God," teaching us how to live morally according to God’s Law, while punctuating our lives with grace. His death and resurrection complete the redemption phase, and now we find ourselves in the restoration phase.
Restoration recognizes the "already, but not yet." It is an ongoing project calling human beings into a loving, forgiven relationship with our Creator. Once in that relationship, God begins restoring the image in which we were created. (Think becoming more like Jesus day by day.) Because we are not there yet, we still see the effects of the broken relationship with God – sin, brokenness, death, and destruction. It will not always be so (Revelation 21). As we await the fulfilment of God’s plan, remember that more and more people are coming to Christ every day. Patience is called for as we look for God’s purposes in the midst of pain and suffering. Next week we will continue to examine this amazing relationship we have with Jesus, looking into Hebrews 2:10-18.
Speaking of next week, we will also be celebrating our Scottish Presbyterian Heritage. Even though we cannot yet meet indoors, we will still don our kilts and bring in a bagpiper to mark the day! So break out your plaid and shortbread, and prepare to celebrate!
Thank you all for your prayers and support. We are incredibly grateful.
Grace and peace,
Pastor David
If you missed this Sunday’s sermon, click here to listen now.
So What?
Good Wednesday to you,
I was amazed to learn that one knot of ocean current was equal to 30 knots of wind. I was not surprised to learn that 90% of nautical accidents, groundings, and incidents are due to uncontrollable forces and human error. The lesson learned is "pay attention to the currents!" What is true for ocean currents can also be applied to "current events." Just as ships can "drift" into harm’s way by not paying attention to the current, so we, as believers, can drift away from God by not paying attention to our great salvation in Christ.
God is at work in the world through the Holy Spirit. How is God at work in our lives? As disciples of Jesus, we need to pay attention to all God is saying and doing in our lives. Applying ourselves to the means and vision provided in Scripture is key to avoid "drifting." The "current events" of our culture are definitely challenging. Let us keep our eyes and ears open lest we find ourselves drifting, or even worse working against God.
Next Sunday we will take a closer look at the sovereignty of Jesus. If you would like to prepare, please read Hebrews 2:5-9.
This Friday night, we will be holding our annual congregational meeting. We will be conducting the (virtual) meeting at 7:00 p.m. on Microsoft Teams. All members are encouraged to attend. We are also holding a practice meeting tonight at 7:00 p.m.. If you are concerned about getting into the meeting, or need help, tonight is for you. The practice meeting will be open from 7:00-8:00 p.m. We have made some updates to the report, so if you picked up a copy in the office and would like an updated version, they are available again for pick up during business hours.
Did you know more than 100 people in our church family know their spiritual gifts? You can add yourself to the growing number of those who know their Spiritual Gifts and are exercising regularly by taking the spiritual gifts test.
Once again, I am grateful for all your prayers and support as we move through these challenging times. Stay well; stay safe.
Grace and peace,
Pastor David
If you missed this Sunday’s sermon, click here to listen now.
A Cut Above
Good Wednesday to you,
To say we are experiencing a crisis with regard to authority would be an understatement. Of course, this is nothing new. From the opening chapters of Genesis, we see human beings rebelling against God’s authority in their lives. By the time of Jesus’ incarnation, the Jewish people had developed a transcendent understanding of God that prevented them from approaching God on their own. Angels became the intermediaries for them. In the first chapter of Hebrews, the author makes it clear that Jesus is superior to the prophets of old and superior to the angels. The author uses Hebrew scripture to establish the unique relationship between God and the Son. Angels are servants; the Son is God, who is eternal, divine, and unchanging.
Our understanding of angels is "all over the map." But, so is our understanding of authority! Those who see the government as the ultimate authority are having a bit of a crisis right now. If we establish authority in anything other than Jesus, we are building "a house of cards" which cannot stand.
In these challenging times, we must focus our attention on Jesus. He is the only authority that counts. Our faith must be firmly built upon solid doctrine, and that includes the divinity of Jesus. There is a spiritual battle raging in the heavens. Eventually, all God’s enemies will become a "footstool" for the feet of Jesus. We must be careful not to put too much faith and authority into the government, the law, money, material possessions, institutions (like the church), or even ourselves (possibly the most precarious). Jesus alone is our ultimate authority. In the midst of these trying and transitioning times, trust that Jesus will sustain us and guide us through any trial or tribulation we encounter.
Next week we will launch into the second chapter (2:1-4). I hope you are reading your Bible and praying with a penitent spirit while engaging with God’s people. We will get through this. Remember, nothing in all of creation is able to separate us from the love of God that is ours in Christ Jesus!
On another note, if you want to see a documentary that will inspire and encourage you, I’d like to recommend "Free Burma Rangers," now available on RightNow Media. This is an amazing organization on the front lines of mission in very challenging places. I was hoping to sponsor this for an evening event in the sanctuary before COVID hit. Now, it is available in your own living room!
Grace and peace,
Pastor David
If you missed this Sunday’s sermon, click here to listen now.
What’s the Good Word?
Good Wednesday to you,
Welcome to the book of Hebrews! This past week we looked at the first four verses of this amazing letter/sermon and I hope you were encouraged. In the midst of all the social and political upheaval we are experiencing these days, it is good to be reminded that Jesus still rules. These four verses reminded us that God has spoken. God spoke through the prophets (think Moses, Isaiah, Jeremiah, etc…) and in various ways (think Burning Bush, divided Red Sea, plagues, endless bottles of oil, etc…). However, God finally spoke through the Son (think Jesus), who is "the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of His being, sustaining all things by His powerful word." Focus a bit on that last part; "sustaining ALL things by His powerful word!" Jesus is holding our universe together. It is not "big business," "big government," or even "deep state." Jesus alone is God. The very fact we are still here is evidence that God still has work to do through you and me! While it is important to live out our faith, it is also important to know what we believe. Hebrews will help us do just that.
I hope you will join me in grieving our current circumstances without worrying. Remember, our nation was built upon biblical principles (in spite of what you may have heard). Misquoting our Founding Fathers has become somewhat of a pastime in our educational system over the past few years. Here is a link to the Chuck Colson article mentioned Sunday.
What we need is revival. I also quoted a Wall Street Journal article (subscription required) by Tony Dungy and Benjamin Watson published January 8, 2021. If we want revival, they suggest we do five things: read the Bible through this year, pray, repent, participate in the local fellowship, and support the local fellowship with tithes and offerings. If you do not have access to a WSJ subscription and would like to read the whole article, let me know. I can print it out and mail it to you.
Next week we will finish the first chapter (Heb. 1:5-14). Please read ahead so you will be ready to wrestle with some challenging ideas.
Thank you for your faithfulness. May God bless you throughout this New Year.
Grace and peace,
Pastor David
If you missed this Sunday’s sermon, click here to listen now.
Hebrews: An Introduction
Good Wednesday to you,
This past Sunday, I introduced you to the book of Hebrews. Remember, there is some mystery associated with this amazing book. We don’t know who the author is. We don’t really know who the intended audience was. We can only speculate when it was written.
We do know that it was written by an educated person, who wrote eloquent Greek. We know it was addressed to Jewish-background believers who had been persecuted for their faith in Jesus and were considering returning to Judaism. We know that the author wrote this "short" letter of encouragement to convince them to stay the course.
The book of Hebrews is more of a sermon than it is a letter, and as such it can encourage us. However, it can also challenge us in areas where we are weak in faith. Above all, I suggested we need to keep the end in sight as we begin this series. The final verse in the book is, "Grace be with you all" (13:25).
Our vision is to be more like Jesus. The means to accomplish this vision is spiritual discipline (prayer, Bible reading/studying, worship, acts of service – think "soul exercises"). What we sometimes lack is "intentionality." Intentionality comes with regular and deliberate exercise of our God-given gifts. This trek through Hebrews will challenge us toward greater intentionality.
I am excited about this series and I hope you are as well. This next Sunday we will look at the opening verses (1:1-4). We will also be celebrating the Lord's Supper, so prepare your elements before you join the livestream.
I look forward to "being with you" this next Sunday.
Happy New Year and God bless you all.
Grace and peace,
Pastor David
If you missed this Sunday’s sermon, click here to listen now.
Living Faithfully
Good Wednesday to you,
This past week we looked at an example of living faithfully that took place in Dallas, Texas. When police office Amber Guyger was convicted in the murder of Botham Jean, Botham’s brother Brandt offered grace and forgiveness to officer Guyger. He told her forgiveness from God was at hand, and what he and his brother would want most was for her to give her life to Christ. In an unprecedented move, he requested permission from Judge Kemp to give the convicted murderer a hug. She granted it. The judge left the bench and the courtroom, returning with a book in her hand and she offered her personal Bible to Guyger, suggesting she begin with John 3:16, encouraging the woman to take mustard-seed sized faith and trust God with the rest of her life. WOW. Tears flowed and hugs ensued. Justice was served (Guyger received a ten-year sentence), but forgiveness was offered and received. It was living faithfully in public places!
As one might expect in our word today, the backlash against the judge was swift in coming, though she defends her actions of giving her Bible away to Guyger. Wanting to express my gratitude for living faithfully in public, I sent the judge a Bible to replace the one she gave away, with a note of gratitude. Wouldn’t it be great if every Christian who hears about this would do the same? Any interest in inundating the courts of Dallas with Bibles? If you are interested, here is her address:
The Honorable Judge Tammy Kemp, 204th Judicial District Court, Frank Crowley Courts Building, 133 N. Riverfront Blvd (Lock Box 29), Dallas, Texas 75207, Phone (214) 653-5832
I also mentioned an upcoming even sponsored by Coronado Men’s Connection. On November 18th, Dennis Prager will be speaking at the high school auditorium on “Why the Rational Bible,” a series of commentaries he is working on of the first five books in the Bible. Tickets are free, but limited. The Event is only being promoted locally until this Friday. If you want to attend, click here to register for your tickets. Once this is opened to the wider population, it will “sell out” before the day is over.
Next week we will be looking at “Living Gratefully” through the narrative of the ten lepers healed by Jesus found in Luke 17:11-19. I hope to see you Sunday!
Grace and peace,
Pastor David
Choices
Good Wednesday to you,
This past week we took a look at the cost of non-discipleship. In the parable of the rich man and Lazarus, we saw a “reversal of fortune” as the poor man, Lazarus was ushered to Abraham’s side when he died, and the rich man found himself in torment.
The rich man called Abraham, father; Furthermore, Abraham called him son. The rich man also knew Lazarus by name and by sight. The rich man probably was a very religious man, but his religion never found its way into his life. There was no compassion, no mercy, and no thought of anything other than his own appetites. In the end, he lost it all. This is yet another reminder that we are to be good stewards of our time, our abilities, our possessions and money.
Is it important for us to have good theology? Of course. Belief informs our behavior, and belonging gives us accountability and opportunity to exercise our faith. For those of you who regularly attend and support the ministries of Graham, you will find in your mailbox this week our annual stewardship letter. Please read it and prayerfully consider standing with us in the coming year. If you no longer attend Graham, but find yourself blessed by this weekly email, I would invite you to consider a one-time-gift to help us finish the year strong. You can give online by clicking here. Thank you.
Next Sunday is Worldwide Communion Sunday and I will begin a series on living faithfully, gratefully, persistently and humbly. We will start with Luke 17:1-10.
I hope to see you on Sunday!
Grace and peace,
Pastor David
Wealth Management
Good Wednesday to you,
We are continuing to look at various facets of discipleship, and this past Sunday we looked at the challenges of discipleship through the eyes of one of the more challenging parables in the Bible – the shrewd manager, found in Luke’s Gospel. While many attempt to read into the parable, I suggested that the “shrewd manager” used the resources at his disposal to plan for his future. Jesus even stated that “the people of this world are more shrewd in dealing with their own kind than are the people of the light.” (Luke 16:8b). Rather than use our resources (our time, our abilities, our possessions and our money) to plan for our earthly retirement, we should be planning for our eternal retirement as well.
Jesus went on to say, “I tell you, use worldly wealth to gain friends for yourselves, so that when it is gone, you will be welcomed into eternal dwellings” (Luke 16:9).When we teach a child in Sunday School, when we walk alongside a youth in our community, when we serve in any number of ways the Kingdom of God, we are, in fact, using our wealth to make eternal friends! As disciples, we recognize all we have, our time, abilities, possessions and money, are all gifts from God, and we are but stewards. Are we good stewards? “No one can serve two masters… you cannot serve both God and money” (Luke 16:13). It is a question we each must answer, not to earn our way into God’s loving embrace, but to demonstrate our trustworthiness. Our time here is a precursor for eternity. May we enter eternity with the hope of hearing, “Well done, good and faithful servant!”
Next week we will look at another challenging and unusual parable – the rich man and Lazarus (Luke 16:19-31).
Grace and peace,
Pastor David
Engaging the World
Good Wednesday to you,
Last Sunday we looked at the task of discipleship. While it is vital that we continue to grow in our faith through Bible study, spiritual disciplines, and participation in the life of a community, we are also tasked with “looking for the lost sheep.” When the “sheep” are lost in public places, practically challenging Christians to identify themselves as a person of faith (Drew Brees as an example) more and more disciples quietly pray for the return of Jesus, so we will not have to engage our culture. Yet, engage we must. I suggested three things the faith community could practice that would help us do just that.
First, to love our neighbor, regardless of what they believe, more than we love our theological positions. That doesn’t mean that our beliefs are unimportant. They are extremely important, but loving our neighbors more is a must. If fact, Jesus said it was right up there with loving God with all our heart, soul, mind and strength.
Second, we need to temper our selective outrage. When we focus on one particular sin, while ignoring other, blatant sins (unmarried friends living together, gossip, envy, pride) we reveal our hypocrisy. Consistency is important if our witness is to have any impact when engaging the culture.
Third, let us offer a cup of grace to everyone we meet. When we realize the ocean of grace we have been given my God, it would be a “no-brainer” to offer a mere cup of grace to others, especially those with whom we disagree. Dallas Willard says we need to “burn through grace like a jet burns through fuel.” I really appreciate that.
Being a disciple is difficult enough in our current culture without us making it harder. Perhaps, if we strive to share God’s love up front, we can regain respect, leading to a conversation that allows the Holy Spirit to work in everyone’s life!
Next week we will continue talking about discipleship through what is arguably the most difficult parable Jesus told – “The Shrewd Manager,” from Luke 16. I hope to see you on Sunday!
Grace and peace,
Pastor David
Tariff-fying Times
Good Wednesday to you,
This past Sunday we started a series in discipleship and looked at some pretty hard sayings of Jesus – “if anyone comes to me and does not hate…does not carry his (or her) cross and follow me cannot be my disciple” (Luke 14:25-27). I suggest that Jesus is talking about priorities here, and the fact that suffering is a distinct possibility for those of us who will prioritize Jesus in our lives. A commitment to follow Jesus has often led to estrangement from friends and families, especially if one is coming from a different faith community. There is no chance for a “detached association” with Jesus in that context. One is either all in or not in at all.
I challenged you to identify your top three priorities, then articulate how that priority reflects your commitment to Jesus. If you are willing to share with me some of your priorities and reflections, I’d welcome it.
It is so good to be back with you. I am grateful to all who faithfully ministered to you in my absence, especially Ralph, who took it upon himself to ensure this Wednesday email made it out to you each week.
Next week we will look at the “Task of Discipleship,” focusing on Luke 15:1-10 as the sermon text. I hope to see you in worship on Sunday!
On another subject, many in our community are participating in a “beautification project” for Mar Vista High School in Imperial Beach this coming Saturday. We still need some wheel barrows, shovels and rakes, and a few able bodies to help make this a success. If you are willing to loan us any of these implements (or bodies), please let me know.
May the rest of your day (and week) be filled with blessings!
Grace and peace,
Pastor David