One (Scattered) Church

Good Wednesday to you,

Welcome to James! I do look forward to spending the next several Sundays unpacking the wisdom of this book. By the way, I will respectfully disagree with Martin Luther regarding the value of this letter!

James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ... Here is a man who understands what a true servant is; one who is obedient, loyal, and humble. He understands the tension the early church had in holding "God" and the "Lord Jesus Christ" together. Servanthood and Lordship – our life committed to Jesus – are two aspects of our faith that we will explore in the weeks ahead.

To the twelve tribes scattered among the nations... God established this New Covenant with the House of Judah and the House of Israel. We are adopted into those tribes. Scattered around the world, this letter is for you and me.

We will move at a pace faster than just one verse per Sunday. Next week we will look at James 1:2-11. Feel free to read ahead.

It is not too late to RSVP for Jody’s presentation this Saturday looking at Critical Race Theory from a biblical worldview. The two hour presentation will begin at 10:00am in the sanctuary. You are free to bring a lunch and continue the conversation afterward in the Parish Hall.

Thanks for all your prayers and support. You are a part of my daily blessing.

Grace and peace,
Pastor David

If you missed this Sunday’s sermon, click here to listen now!

Who is Christ for us this 4th of July?

Good Wednesday to you,

Freedom. Celebrating our nation's independence and freedom is a great reminder of the freedom we have in Jesus Christ. I hope you enjoyed Chaplain Ray Rivers this past Sunday as he preached about just that subject from 1 Corinthians 1:18-31. He focused on verses 30-31, and the four things we have in Christ – wisdom, righteousness, sanctification (holiness), and redemption. He went on to describe the "Divine Set-up," recognizing that the difficulties we experience now are a part of God's plan to prepare us for what is to come. Please pray for the Rivers family as they move to South Korea for their next duty station.

If you were in the second service, you were blessed to see and hear Thomas Bush lead us into prayer. Thomas leads a ministry called "Prayer Assist." He and his wife, Judi, thoroughly enjoyed worshiping with us, especially the time of corporate prayer. On his way out he said to me, "Corporate prayer. Who does that?" I smiled and said, "We do."

As a reminder, Jody's class on comparing Critical Race Theory with a biblical worldview is scheduled for July 17th from 10:00am - 12:00pm. It will be either in the Parish Hall or the sanctuary depending on how many participate. This is an informational seminar for Christians and will include a brief history and some definitions; however, it will primarily be an assessment of CRT from a biblical perspective. It is not a debate. As such, we will not be advertising this to the larger community. Depending on its reception, it may be offered again. It will not be online or recorded. There will be time for Q&A during the session. If anyone would like to remain for more conversation (optional, of course), bring a lunch and join an informal discussion afterward in the Parish Hall. Please RSVP if you plan to attend.

Now that we have finished Hebrews, people have asked me where we are going next. I simply tell them after they have finished reading Hebrews to "turn the page." Next Sunday, I will introduce you to the book of James. Having grappled with the theology of Hebrews, James provides some solid wisdom for followers of Jesus. I hope to see you Sunday. We will be celebrating the sacrament of Communion. If you are watching the livestream, have your elements handy. We are not yet passing the elements in worship. Our deacons will provide individually packaged elements for you. Of course, you are more than welcome to bring your own.

I know some of you are reluctant to return to in-person worship. I understand. When you are ready to come back, we will be here. Slowly people are returning – some wearing masks, some not. That, too, it totally your call. There is no "mask (or unmask) shaming" on the corner of 10th and C.

Thank you for your ongoing support, both financial and in prayer. We are grateful for your faithfulness. If you would like me to come by for a visit and prayer, please let me know.

Grace and peace,
Pastor David

If you missed this Sunday’s sermon, click here to listen now!

A Sacrifice of Praise

Good Wednesday to you,

What does a "sacrifice of praise" cost us? When King David determined to offer a sacrifice to the Lord on the threshing floor of Araunah the Jebusite, the location was offered to him free of charge. He refused, stating, "No, I insist on paying you for it. I will not sacrifice to the Lord my God burnt offerings that cost me nothing" (2 Sam 24:18-25).

After crafting a theology of Jesus Christ, who was superior to the angels, Moses, and even the high priest, the author spends the final chapter of this "short sermon" on application. We are encouraged to love one another as brothers and sisters, extend hospitality, and live within the moral framework provided by the Ten Commandments. The key comes next; "Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise – the fruit of lips that confess His name. And do no forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased" (Heb 13:15-16).

What does this look like? It looks like faithful obedience. It looks like application of the spiritual disciplines in our lives. It looks like service and sacrifice to others. This is what a "sacrifice of praise" costs us. It is a price, not of obligation or duty, but of gratitude for the grace and forgiveness we have been given. Grace becomes the operative word as we live out our faith. Inwardly, we strive to be "just people." Outwardly we strive to "love mercy while walking humbly with God." We get to "burn through grace like a jet burns through fuel!" (Thank you, Dallas Willard.)

We are living is challenging times. We must remember Jesus' words, "In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world" (John 16:33). Our challenge is to respond with love and grace while standing firm on what we believe, why we believe, and in Whom we believe.

Many of you have been asking about Jody's seminar comparing a biblical worldview with Critical Race Theory (which is its own worldview). The seminar has been scheduled for Saturday, July 17, from 10:00am - 12:00pm. It will be either in the Parish Hall or the sanctuary depending on how many participate. This is an informational seminar for Christians and will include a brief history and some definitions; however, it will primarily be an assessment of CRT from a biblical perspective. It is not a debate. As such, we will not be advertising this to the larger community. Depending on its reception, it may be offered again. It will not be online or recorded. There will be time for Q&A during the session. If anyone would like to remain for more conversation (optional, of course), bring a lunch and join an informal discussion afterward in the Parish Hall. Please RSVP if you plan to attend.

It is fun to see people returning to worship on Sundays. If you're not quite ready to come back, that's fine. We will be here when you are.

Thank you for all your ongoing prayers and support. We are in this together.

Grace and peace,
Pastor David

If you missed this Sunday’s sermon, click here to listen now!

Higher Ground

Good Wednesday to you,

While climbing mountains might not be your highest priority, we all look for "higher ground" spiritually. The author of Hebrews wants the hearer/reader to recognize that Mount Zion is higher ground to Mount Sinai when it comes to spiritual understanding. Rejecting the fear-based Old Testament Covenant for the joyful-based New Testament Covenant is the basis of the passage we looked at this past Sunday (Hebrews 12:18-29). The shakable kingdom of creation will one day give way to the unshakable kingdom of God, and we have the joyful opportunity to remain faithful as we await the final fulfilment of a plan God had in the very beginning. Our challenge is to always choose joy over fear as we live out our faith day by day.

Next week we will conclude the book of Hebrews. The final chapter (13:1-25) will encourage us to properly view the world in which we live as we await the promises God has given to us. I would encourage you to give it a read before Sunday.

Many of you have expressed interest in Jody's seminar comparing Critical Race Theory to the Christian worldview. She is working away in preparation, and I will give you a date in next week's "Word on Wednesday." We want this to be an informative seminar for our faith community, so stand by for further information.

It was great to see so many faces (unmasked) this past Sunday! However, if you are not ready to return, I completely understand. We will be here when you are ready. Mask or no mask (we are not mask/vaccination police), you will be welcome in the sanctuary anytime.

In an effort to "Make It A Morning," this Sunday we will be starting an adult "Sunday School" class at 10:30 a.m. in the Parish Hall. Jon Mosier and Erica Gapp will be offering an introduction to Christian apologetics using Greg Koukl's book Tactics. If you have any interest in developing a winsome approach to conversation that encourages others to think about what they believe, this class is for you!

Your ongoing support has been a tremendous blessing to us all. If I can be of any help or if you would like a visit (I'm fully vaccinated), please let me know and we can set a time to get together.

I look forward to seeing you, or be seen by you, this coming Sunday. Until then, may God watch over all of us always.

Grace and peace,
Pastor David

If you missed this Sunday’s sermon, click here to listen now!

Running to Win

Good Wednesday to you,

Does one run a race to win or to finish? I think both. Sometimes, just finishing is a win. That is the perspective we need to cultivate as we live out our faith day by day. Knowing we are not alone in this "race" is a blessing. There are those who have gone before us (think of the "great cloud of witnesses!"), those who are "running" with us now (think of our community of faith), and those who will follow (think of those who will follow our example).

When we are experiencing hardships it helps knowing that God is working, sometimes disciplining, to transform us into the image of Jesus. Like an artist shaping pieces for a mosaic, God is shaping our lives though hardship to fit into His grand mosaic. Keeping our eyes focused on Jesus as the Author and Perfecter of our faith not only helps us persevere, but also prevents any "root of bitterness" from growing in our hearts. Never forget, God is faithful. Next week we will finish up the 12th chapter of Hebrews (12:18-29).

Thank you to all who have already expressed interest in Jody’s upcoming presentation comparing "Critical Race Theory" with the Christian Worldview. She will be exploring the history of "CRT" and its impact on our society today. As Christians, we need to understand how words are being used in conversations and how to respond with gentleness and respect when we engage with others. A date has not been set for the presentation, but if you are interested, please let me know and I will keep you posted.

Good news! Yesterday the governor "opened" California. As of yesterday, vaccinated people are no longer required to social distance or wear masks. There will be no mask requirement to attend worship on Sunday. Having said that, I realize that some will still be cautious and will continue to wear masks. That is an individual choice. I hope that there is no "mask shaming" either way. We are a responsible community. We will not be checking or asking people about the choices they have made. We will move forward with grace and respect for one another. Thank you for your patience.

I also want to take a moment to thank the staff of Graham Memorial. This team has gone to great lengths to keep ministry alive here at Graham. Pastor John, Rebecca, Kimberlee and Valerie have been amazing throughout this pandemic and our support staff is the best. We are blessed.

Now that things are beginning to return to normal, I hope to see more and more of you in worship in the coming Sundays. However, the live stream will continue. Thank you for all your ongoing support. We will continue to fight the "good fight" and remain in the "race" as we faithfully move forward.

Grace and peace,
Pastor David

If you missed this Sunday’s sermon, click here to listen now!

The Extraordinarily Ordinary

Good Wednesday to you,

Have you ever been overwhelmed by the people you encounter in Scripture? You are not alone. However, we need to remember that these are not extraordinary people. They are ordinary people God used in extraordinary ways because of their faith. The first verse in Hebrews 11 states, “Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of we do not see.” That faith is not some “by and by – pie in the sky” faith. It is faith in God, who literally spoke creation into being; there was nothing and then there was something! This is our God who promises to never leave us or forsake us.

In the 11th chapter of Hebrews we encounter a list of people, ordinary people, who remained faithful even when things did not work out they why they hoped. Their faith did not depend on God removing difficulties in their lives. They persevered because they knew God had promised them something better! Their faith was more than just a set of beliefs; those beliefs translated into actions that changed how they lived. This faith was not a “blind leap,” but a faith grounded in the history of God’s faithfulness over time.

Thinking deeply about our faith is important. No doubt you have heard people say that Christians must “check their brain” at the door before they enter the sanctuary to worship. However, C.S. Lewis said that Christianity was the thinking person’s faith. Copernicus, Kepler, Galileo, Boyle, Newton, Pascal, Faraday and Pasteur were all scientists who believed that the God who gave us the Moral Law also must have given us “Natural Law” as well. Isaac Newton said that God give us two books – the book of the Bible and the “book of nature.” He believed the two to be complementary. (I suggest “What’s So Great About Christianity,” by Dinesh D’Souza as a great read, especially the chapters on science. I am told it is free as an audio book for those who have an Audible membership.)

Please take the time to review the extraordinarily ordinary people listed in the 11th chapter. Think about what they went through without ever seeing the fullness of God’s promises to them. Next Sunday, we will look at this “Great Crowd of Witnesses,” and what it means for us going forward. (Hebrews 12:1-17)

We are hopeful that this coming Sunday will be the last Sunday under State “reopening guidelines.” While masks will still be required this next Sunday for inside worship, let us be gracious to those who will remain masked for the foreseeable future. It will take a while before things return to normal. This is a great opportunity for us to exercise mercy and grace toward one another.

I hope to “see” you soon.

Grace and peace,
Pastor David

If you missed this Sunday’s sermon, click here to listen now!

Standing Firm

Good Wednesday to you,

Tricycle or bicycle? Why revert to something "Old" that has become outdated when the "New" is available to anyone who asks? Of course, the author of Hebrews is speaking to a group of Christ-followers who are contemplating just that. The author suggests that to do so, would be an act that "wounds" a Friend deeply. It would fail to see the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross for what it truly is. Furthermore, it would be an insult to the Holy Spirit of Grace (God's Agency within us), who is working to restore us and creation until Christ returns.

Many of you commented on the internal-external and Divine and human structures of authority I spoke of Sunday. To repeat, there are four authority structures in our lives. Each has an impact on who we are and how we live. Two are external and two are internal. Two are of Divine origin and two are of human origin. The external authorities are God's Word (Divine origin), and a whole host of human authorities, like the law of the land, the government, teachers, parents, pastors, and cultural pressure to conform to societal trends. God's Word keeps us honest and gives us an honest assessment of the world around us and ourselves. The external authorities of human origin are all over the map and easily manipulated by others.

The internal authority structures are the Holy Spirit (of Divine origin) and our own conscience. The Holy Spirit is primarily concerned with transformation and restoration following our redemption. Our conscience falls prey to our emotions. Not that emotion is a bad thing; but since we are adept at lying to ourselves and justifying our actions based on our emotions, we must question whether or not to let our emotions master our consciences.

Our challenge is to recognize that all four are at work within us, and to prioritize them, externally and internally. I am working hard to give God’s Word (external) and the Holy Spirit (internal) a higher priority than society, teachers, pastors, government (external) and my own conscience (internal). This gives us the perspective to "stand firm," day by day, which is key to living in God’s kingdom! Looking back reminds us of the ultimate end. I’ve read the end of the book. Christ wins!

Next week we will find ourselves in the midst of great heroes of the faith as we move into the 11th chapter. Don't forget to check out the new website or sign up for our online directory.

Thank you all for your words of encouragement and your faithful participation in God’s work here at Graham and beyond. You are a blessing to me.

Grace and peace,
Pastor David

If you missed this Sunday’s sermon, click here to listen now.

Press On!

Good Wednesday to you,

I don’t know about you, but when I need expert advice, I want it coming from someone properly educated on the subject. I want to be able to press on with confidence, knowing that I am standing on solid information from a source I trust. The author of Hebrews gives us solid information regarding the supremacy of Jesus Christ over angels, Moses, and every high priest who has ever served in the Tabernacle. Knowing what we know, we can press on, persevere, and move forward with confidence.

In the mid-section of Hebrews 10, the challenge to act on what we know by cultivating a heart that longs for intimacy with God is key. The challenge to let the assurance of our faith (who Jesus is and what He has done) inform our hope (the promise of restoration until His return) is equally important. It is the intersection of our faith (past) and our hope (future) where we love (the present). Our ongoing challenge is to "spur one another on toward love and good deeds." This is not an exercise to earn "spiritual merit badges;" it is an applied effort to honor and glorify God with the spiritual gifts given to us (think Romans 12 and 1 Corinthians 12) while cultivating the spiritual fruit growing within us (think Galatians 5:22). Next week we will finish the 10th chapter (10:26-39). This is a warning before we move on to the "Hall of Faith!"

As we prepare to discard our masks (June 15th, God willing), I want us to remember that not everyone will feel comfortable removing their masks. Vaccinated and non-vaccinated people will respond differently to the release of the mask mandate. Regardless of where you stand on the issue, let us strive to be gracious toward those who hold a different opinion. This will be a wonderful opportunity to demonstrate the love of God toward all.

If you would like to be a lay reader at the 9:00 a.m. service, we would love to include you in the rotation. It is easy! We will provide you with the "Prayer of Confession," which you invite the congregation to join you in praying, and the Scripture reading (plus the introduction) on Tuesday or Wednesday preceding the Sunday you would read. Click here if you would like to be a part of our worship team on Sunday morning at 9:00.

I want to remind you that if you want to be in our online directory you must opt in. We will not provide your information to anyone without your permission. By opting in, you will have access to those who all who have opted in. Currently, that number stands at 116 and climbing! If you do not want to be included, you do not need to do anything.

Thank you for your ongoing prayers and support. We are seeing "the light at the end of the tunnel." We appreciate your patience as we move forward.

Grace and peace,
Pastor David

If you missed this Sunday’s sermon, click here to listen now.

The Verdict

Good Wednesday to you,

Genuine replicas aside, I think we can all agree that an original is always better than a copy. The author of Hebrews goes to great lengths to establish the supremacy of Jesus' sacrifice over that of the traditional high priest. Jesus offers His sacrifice in the "original Tabernacle" – the very presence of God, while the high priests of Israel offered them in the replica, a tabernacle they themselves constructed. The "Covenant" with Israel was a reminder that sin exists, it has consequences, and must be addressed if we are to have a meaningful relationship with our Creator.

In contrast to "involuntary sacrifices" offered in response to sin, the "voluntary sacrifice" of Jesus changes everything. The former was an act of law following willful disobedience, while the former was an act of love stemming from willful obedience. This deep but solid "meat" (theology) supports our faith and trust in Jesus as the way to approach a Holy God. No longer do we have to worry about our relationship with God being in jeopardy. When Jesus said, "It is finished," it was!

We will continue in our "deep dive" of theology for the next two weeks as we finish the 10th chapter of Hebrews. This coming Sunday is Pentecost Sunday! Be sure to wear red in honor of the coming of the Holy Spirit.

Slowly, but surely we are opening up on Sunday mornings. It is good to see faces I’ve not seen (apart from online) for a long time. We are looking forward to the mask mandate being lifted come June 15, but until then we will comply with the State and County re-opening guidelines. Thank you for your patience!

As always, I am grateful for your support. If your church family can assist you in any way, please let me know. I hope you are having a great week.

Grace and peace,
Pastor David

If you missed this Sunday’s sermon, click here to listen now.

Cross Purposes

Good Wednesday to you,

"Act naturally;" "terribly good;" "Plastic glasses;" "jumbo shrimp." Some words should not go together, and yet they do. These pairings are called oxymoron, or paradoxical. Our faith includes such pairings: "the first shall be last and the last shall be first." If you want to be great in God’s kingdom, be servant to all. And of course, we have life through the death of Jesus.

Sunday we looked at the importance of "shed blood" for the forgiveness of sin, and Jesus being the perfect sacrifice for us. Even in communion, we noted that we acknowledge His broken body, given for us; the New Covenant: His blood poured out for the forgiveness of our sins. His death became the means though which righteousness became ours. His death put into effect His last will and testament. Pause that think about that for a bit.

Too quickly, but importantly, we do not dwell just on Christ’s sacrificial death. Three days later, we celebrate His resurrection. He adjudicated His own "last will and testament!" We know He blazed a trail we could never find on our own. Into the very presence of God, the eternal "Holy of Holies," Jesus enters on our behalf, granting us access now and forever more. Life through death. Amazing grace. We need to hold these two together, no matter how much it seems like an oxymoron or a paradox.

Next Sunday we will continue looking at the significance of this sacrifice given once for all. You can get a head start by reading Hebrews 10:1-18 ahead of Sunday. These are difficult passages of Scripture for us. This is the "meat" the author is referring to in Hebrews 5:11-14; it is worth a quick read as a reminder.

Slowly, but surely we are re-opening according to State guidelines. We want to ensure the wellbeing of every worshipper who enters our sanctuary. Please come if you are comfortable. Please continue watching the live stream until you are. We are here for you. I have received both shots and I am considered fully vaccinated. If you would like a pastoral visit, please let me know. You have been in my heart and prayers since the beginning of all this and I would consider it a great joy to see you face-to-face when possible.

On another note, our online directory is moving forward. If you have not yet opted in, you can do so by clicking here. I am grateful for those who have already given us the "green light." Once we get the online directory up and running, we will begin helping folks include a picture along with their information.

Your prayers and support mean more than you will ever know. Please know we are praying for all of you.

Grace and peace,
Pastor David

If you missed this Sunday’s sermon, click here to listen now.

The Family Plan

Good Wednesday to you,

I mentioned on Sunday the tremendous growth and transformation the telephone has gone through over the years – from party lines to family plans, we live in an amazing time when we can talk to people around the world in mere seconds. Of course, this is nothing new for us. We have been able to communicate with God beyond the universe in mere seconds thanks to Jesus!

No longer do we need to concern ourselves with tabernacles, temples, cathedrals, or sanctuaries. No longer do we need to concern ourselves with the sacrifices of priests or an annual sacrifice from the high priest. Through Jesus and His personal sacrifice, we have been grafted into the "priesthood of all believers" and granted full access to God. We boldly approach the Throne of Grace with confidence. Now our bodies are the temples and we offer ourselves as "living sacrifices" as we serve, sacrifice, and love in God’s name. With God's Laws written on our hearts and minds, we strive to accept personal responsibility. With personal responsibility, we strive to be just people who love mercy and walk humbly with God. This is kingdom living at its best!

This next Sunday we will finish the 9th chapter of Hebrews, and celebrate communion together. You may bring your own elements into worship, but our Deacons will have individually prepared elements for any who want them. Challenging times require extraordinary actions.

So many are volunteering around the campus, and I cannot offer enough praise and thanks. I am profoundly grateful to the staff for their tireless efforts to keep ministry happening during this pandemic. The sanctuary is open under State guidelines and we are holding two services each Sunday. We are not yet able to offer childcare, but hopefully soon. I covet your prayers and your support as we move forward for God's glory. I am hoping to "see" you Sunday.

Grace and peace,
Pastor David

If you missed this Sunday’s sermon, click here to listen now.

Planned Obsolescence

Good Wednesday to you,

It is easy for us to differentiate between playing table tennis on a computer verses playing an actual game. As close as the computer simulation is, it will never be the same as the real thing. This is what the author of Hebrews is saying exists between the tabernacle set up by Moses and the Tabernacle that exists in heaven. This is the difference between the high priesthood established through Aaron and the High Priesthood of Jesus!

The New Covenant, the new agreement, does not depend on people; it depends on Jesus, written in our hearts and minds. This is the essence of the New Covenant God has established with the House of Israel, the House of Judah -- established on a better promise, one given to Abraham that would be a blessing to all the nations of the world, and we are invited in! Christianity has not "replaced" or superseded Judaism. Such institutional thinking goes against the biblical teaching that in Christ there is no Jew or Greek, male or female, free or slave. The better covenant is now written on our hearts and minds. We do not go to church; we are the Church! Speaking of the church in second or third person terms reflects institutional thinking and unhealthy theology. This is a major game-changer. We have a High Priest who brings us into the very presence of God, and we have become a priesthood of believers, ministering to a broken world. The good covenant is now a better covenant! Obsolete is the requirement for an earthy high priest to represent us before God.

Again, I want to thank Pastor John for covering while I was on vacation. He did a wonderful job. We are blessed with an amazing staff and I am grateful for each one.

We continue to follow the state guidelines for Sunday morning worship, but we are no longer restricted to 25% capacity. There is room in both services when you are ready to return to in-person worship. Please, do not feel any pressure to do so until you are comfortable. We will be here when you are ready, and will continue to livestream the 9:00 a.m. service.

A visiting worshipper asked me about offerings this past Sunday, and I informed him that with COVID restrictions, we are not able to "pass the plate" during worship. Instead, we place a plate in the narthex and outside by the Kirk Cottage. We are so grateful for your continued financial support. With upcoming repairs on the inside of the Kirk House, your support will be especially important.

Along stewardship lines, I recently learned of a tax strategy for those who are over 70 and must take a Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) each year from their IRA. As you know, RMD is taxable income. The tax tip is to have the RMD (or a portion of) sent directly from one's IRA to 501C3 charities (like GMPC). In this way, it is not taxable income. This satisfies the distribution requirements without increasing one's tax liability. This is a "win" for everyone. Along with gifting appreciated stock (full value gifted with no capital gains), this is a great way to support the ministry of Graham during very difficult times. If you are interested in learning more about this, this article is a good place to start.

As always, you are a blessing to me and you remain in my prayers.

Grace and peace,
Pastor David

If you missed this Sunday’s sermon, click here to listen now.

Groundhog Day

Good Wednesday to you, 
 
The movie Groundhog Day takes place in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania (try saying that 10 times fast) with Bill Murray who plays the part of Phil Connors, a meteorologist. Phil is on assignment to report on the town's celebration of Groundhog Day when Punxsutawney Phil, the resident groundhog, predicts if spring is coming early, or if winter will be extended another 6 weeks. Phil is not too happy with the assignment—and certainly is not going to be upstaged by a rodent. He already knows there is a storm brewing and tries to leave town immediately, but is caught in the storm and forced to stay the night in a local hotel.
 
This is where it gets interesting. Something strange happens and Phil is stuck in a time loop. He experiences the same day, February 2, over and over, doing the same thing again and again. No one is aware of what is happening to Phil and he's stuck.
 
I could not help but think of this movie in comparison to our passage on Sunday. I could not help but wonder if the priests and Israelites ever felt like they were stuck in a loop—doing the same thing over and over again, offering sacrifices, day after day, week after week, month after month, and year after year. Would it ever stop?
 
The answer is absolutely yes! It did stop. As soon as Jesus said, "It is finished!" the cycle ended—once and for all. As we read the passage, the author of Hebrews is looking back and seeing how clearly the Levitical Priesthood points to Jesus as the one who breaks the cycle of sin and death, offering himself as the final sacrifice. Jesus offers a new way to enjoying fellowship with God which is promised and guaranteed on an oath by God. 
 
Too often we try and make our own way to break free from the cycle of sin and death. Too often we see "going to church" or "volunteering around the community" as saving acts. Those are good and wonderful activities in and of themselves, but doing them over and over again is not enough for salvation. Fortunately, there is nothing we can do to earn fellowship with God—it is a free gift. The only way is through Jesus—the final High Priest—who is seated at the right hand of God interceding on our behalf.  Thank you, Jesus!
 
The good news is this: we have a High Priest who is "holy, blameless, pure, set apart, and exalted above the heavens" and does not need to offer sacrifice for himself unlike the Levitical Priesthood (day in and day out), but, rather, has offered the sacrifice of himself. Jesus is the one who the Levitical Priesthood was pointing to—just like Melchizedek points to Jesus. 
 
As we look to the Levitical Priesthood, our eyes are re-directed to Jesus. I hope you have taken the opportunity to share with someone how they point you to Jesus this week. If not, let this be a gentle reminder. :)
 
Again, thank you all for your prayers and encouragement these past two weeks. This coming Sunday, Pastor David will pick up where we left off looking at Hebrews 8:1-13.
 
Blessings,
Pastor John

If you missed this Sunday’s sermon, click here to listen now.

Marvelous Mystery

Good Wednesday to you, 
 
Mysteries can be exciting and frustrating all at the same time. They capture our imagination and draw us into the narrative—and the first thing we want to do is solve the biggest question—"who did it?" Or, in our cause on Sunday, who is this Melchizedek? Inquiring minds want to know.
 
In carefully reading the passage, we learn Melchizedek’s name means "King of Righteousness" and he is the "King of Salem." Salem is the Hebrew word for peace (or Shalom). We also learn he is a Priest of God Most High.  The piece of the puzzle that makes Melchizedek so mysterious is Hebrews 7:3, "Without father or mother, without genealogy, without beginning of days or end of life, like the Son of God he remains a priest forever." Coupled with a very quick appearance in Genesis 14, Melchizedek can seem more eerie than mysterious.
 
Keeping the big picture in mind as we pick up the clues on who this marvelous mystery man is, the author of Hebrews points to Melchizedek as a Priest of God Most High. How could Melchizedek be a Priest? He is not from the line of Aaron. But it was not possible—Aaron did not exist yet. The priestly laws were not in place when Abraham gave a tenth of the spoil to Melchizedek. Aaron is hundreds of years after Abraham! Even so, the author tells us, the patriarch of our faith, Abraham, honored Melchizedek as priest!
 
The role of Priest for Melchizedek did not depend on pedigree, but rather on character and calling. Likewise, Jesus also fills the role of Priest—not because of genealogy, but based on calling and character as the true (and final) King of Righteousness and Peace. Jesus is the one who Melchizedek is pointing us to for eternal peace. And we are blessed because through Jesus, the King of Righteousness, we gain access to peace!
 
Just as Melchizedek points us to Jesus, I hope you have taken the opportunity to share with someone how they have pointed you to Jesus this week. This coming Sunday, we pick up right where we left off with Hebrews 7:11-28.

Many of you have read and heard the impact of the Supreme Court rulings this past week. As our state continues to open sectors of the economy, we will continue to follow the guidelines of masks and social distancing. We will continue to livestream the 9:00 a.m. service and provide outdoor seating for both the 9:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. service options. We know how important it is to gather together, be it online or in-person, and we will continue to create as many opportunities to that end. 
 
Blessings,
Pastor John 

If you missed this Sunday’s sermon, click here to listen now.

At Anchor

Good Wednesday to you,

He Is Risen!  He Is Risen Indeed!
 
The Church gathered together was most certainly a wonderful celebration—when I say Church, you know I mean God’s people all around the world—because there is only one Church! What a joy it was to hear other worshiping communities celebrating the Resurrection of our Lord and Savior. 
 
It started with a promise to a man named Abraham. "I will make you into a great nation and I will bless you…all the peoples on earth will be blessed through you." With Abraham, God broke the cycle, changing the trajectory of history, and on Easter Sunday that promise came to fulfillment. It is finished!
 
The Resurrection changed everything. The Resurrection affirms and confirms who Jesus is as the final sacrifice for our sins. We have this hope as an anchor for our souls, firm and secure. Jesus entered the inner sanctuary behind the curtain on our behalf. He became the High Priest in the order of Melchizedek. Through Jesus' life, death, and resurrection we cling to God’s immutable character and our hope is anchored.
 
As many of you already know, San Diego County is officially in Tier 2: Orange. What does this mean for us? It means an increased attendance capacity from 25% to 50%. We will continue to livestream and provide outdoor seating—all are welcome to worship in the way they are most comfortable. 
 
This Sunday we will celebrate communion and continue our journey through Hebrews, looking specifically at chapter 7 verses 1-10. Communion elements will be made available for anyone who would like to participate. However, you are welcome to bring your own.
 
Lastly, a special thank you to Kimberlee, the praise team, musicians, and all those who volunteered to make Easter special. From the lilies, to the beautiful cross outside the sanctuary decorated with flowers, to the trumpets—it was a glorious day. To God be all honor and glory!
 
He Is Risen! He Is Risen Indeed!

Grace and peace,
Pastor David

If you missed this Sunday’s sermon, click here to listen now.

Wild Rides

Good Wednesday to you,

Are you a rollercoaster fan? Well, hang on tightly because life is one big rollercoaster ride. It is filled with twists and turns, ups and downs, and it's totally unpredictable. While some folks like to ride rollercoasters with their hands waving up in the air, we all need something to hang onto for life’s ride. I highly recommend hanging on to faith in Jesus Christ.

This past week we looked at the first 12 verses of Hebrews 6 in light of Jesus' Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem. Those early followers of Jesus were on the "rollercoaster ride" of their lives. They watched (and listened) as Jesus healed, restored and provided for thousands during His earthly ministry. While they cheered when He entered Jerusalem, they would be jeering less than a week later. Many people, who started on the journey of faith with Jesus, peeled off when the teachings about forgiveness, praying for enemies, service and sacrifice began to emerge in Jesus' teaching. The author of Hebrews suggests that it is impossible for those who came so close to ever come back to a right relationship with God. Fortunately, what is impossible for human beings is not impossible for God! (Matthew 19:26).

Given a solid foundation and a strong community, we can hang on in spite of what we see going on around us. God has promised to never leave us or forsake us, and nothing can separate us from God’s love that is ours in Christ Jesus.

We have entered "Holy Week," or "Passion Week," which is one of our "High Holy" times in the Church. This final week of Jesus' earthly ministry grieves us (because of the inhumanity of humans), but also gives us great hope. Tomorrow at 7:00 p.m., we will hold a Maundy Thursday service, reflecting on the sacrifice and service Jesus offered on our behalf. Please feel free to join us in-person or via the live stream. Remember to gather your elements, since we will also share communion with one another. It is an important event in the life of Jesus. We do well to remember the day prior to celebrating the Resurrection of Jesus come Sunday.

We will gather (in-person and online) on Sunday, looking at Hebrews 6:13-20 – the certainty of God's promise to us. "We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure!" (Hebrews 6:19a).

Our first service (at 9:00 a.m.) has been growing faster than our second service (at 10:30 a.m.). While I do not anticipate filling the sanctuary at either service, I do expect larger crowds come Sunday. If you are able to attend the 10:30 a.m. service, I would appreciate it.

As always, I am grateful for all your prayers and support. Regardless of where you find yourself on Sunday, I pray you have a blessed Easter celebration with loved ones.

Grace and peace,
Pastor David

If you missed this Sunday’s sermon, click here to listen now.

Failure to Thrive Syndrome

Good Wednesday to you,

Peter Pan or Lord of the Flies? What really happens when children are in charge? While it might be nice to think about not growing up and becoming responsible adults, we all know the disaster that would follow. So, why is it that the lack of spiritual growth goes unchecked in many places in Western Christianity?

Much of Western Christianity is a mile wide and an inch deep. When believers stop at "I trust Jesus for my eternal salvation," they fail to build a solid theological foundation. Without that foundation, it is difficult to understand the world around us and come up with helpful and hopeful solutions to the problems we face.

The author of Hebrews chastises the reader for needing spiritual "milk" rather than "meat," because the readers are not progressing past the elementary truths of God’s Word. This prevents them from moving on to spiritual maturity. It takes spiritual maturity to discern good from evil in a culture where everyone does what is right in their own eyes.

We need to think deeply about God, creation, Jesus, the Holy Spirit, human beings, redemption, and restoration if we are going to have the clarity to identify what is wrong in the world and how it can be fixed. A solid foundation enables us to have thoughtful, meaningful conversations with others, hopefully with gentleness and respect. If you are interested in these deeper conversations, let me know.

Next week is Palm Sunday, and the passage we will look at (Hebrews 6:4-12) discusses the dangers of falling away after exposure to God’s truth. Just think about what happened to the crowds who welcomed Jesus into Jerusalem a few days later. More on that come Sunday.

We are grateful to be open for indoor worship at 9:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. We still have some folks setting out on the lawn, listening to the service through outdoor speakers, and of course, the 9:00 a.m. service is still being livestreamed. Although we are open for indoor worship, we are not able to safely "pass the plate" for offerings. We are grateful for those who are mailing their tithes and offering to Graham and for those who are giving electronically. We cannot do this without your support. Thank you.

Grace and peace,
Pastor David

If you missed this Sunday’s sermon, click here to listen now.

Mind the Gap

Good Wednesday to you,

Whether it is in the London underground or shrunken boards on a pier (or even in our memories), gaps are ever present in our lives. The most significant gap in our lives has to be the one that exists between Creator and creation. Jesus, our great high priest in the order of Melchizedek, bridged this "gap" for the last time. Although He was fully God, He also became fully human so He could fully identify with us, sympathize with us, and ultimately help us. Jesus was chosen for this high calling. Tempted as we are, yet without sin, He was uniquely qualified to offer up Himself as the perfect sacrifice. His submission and obedience to the Father serves as a role model for us.

As followers of Jesus (disciples, apprentices, students), our challenge is to submit and obey out of gratitude for who He is and what He has done. The "gap" is bridged, and we now have full access to the Throne of Grace. Let us boldly, with confidence, approach the throne that we might receive mercy and grace in our time of need.

It is wonderful to see folks slowly returning to in-person worship. As I have said before, we will continue to livestream the 9:00 a.m. service. If you would like to participate in the 9:00 a.m. worship service as a lay reader, click here and we will put you in the rotation. As the lay reader, you will lead the congregation in the Prayer of Confession and introduce and read the Old Testament Scripture. You will be sent a script for everything you will say on the Tuesday before the Sunday you are to serve as the lay leader. I hope many of you will take this opportunity to serve our greater community. Thank you for your ongoing support for the ministries here at Graham. In addition to serving with your actions, your prayers and financial support are much appreciated.

With Easter just around the corner, we are planning to have an in-person, indoor service for Maundy Thursday, which is on April 1st. If you would like to join us, we will be meeting at 7 p.m. If you are not quite comfortable joining us yet, that is okay! The service will also be available via livestream, and we will be here when you are ready to return. If you are joining us in-person, please bring your communion elements, though extras will be available just in case!

Next Sunday we will be looking at Hebrews 5:11-6:3. This passage focuses on the importance of spiritual growth in the life of the believer.

I hope you are having a blessed day!

Grace and peace,
Pastor David

If you missed this Sunday’s sermon, click here to listen now.

Confidence

Good Wednesday to you,

This past Sunday we began looking at Jesus as our "great high priest." It was the job of the high priest to offer the annual atonement sacrifice for the nation of Israel. Jesus stepped into that roll and freely offered Himself as an atonement for our sin. (Think about the words to "To God Be the Glory.")

Knowing and understanding that, the author of Hebrews encourages us to hold firmly to the faith we profess – Jesus, fully God and fully human, shows us how to live with God and one another within God's moral framework punctuated with grace. He freely died on the cross for our sins and rose the third day. The same power that raised Jesus is at work in us, transforming us into Christ-likeness, inviting us to live in the Kingdom of God with abundant peace. Jesus ascended into the heavens where He reigns over all creation. In the fullness of time, He will return and fully establish His kingdom here on earth.

But wait, there is more! We can now approach God’s throne of grace with confidence that we might receive mercy and grace to help us through the trials and challenges of life. Through Jesus Christ, who punched through the heavens, we have full and complete access to God!

Next Sunday, we will look more closely at Jesus, our great high priest, and will be introduced to a fascinating Old Testament person, Melchizedek. We will also be celebrating communion together, so be sure to bring your elements, though extras will be available if necessary.

Thank you for your faithfulness, your prayers, and you support. Remember, if you are comfortable, we are back to holding two services – 9:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. If you are not ready, the livestream will continue, and we will be here for you when you are ready.

Grace and peace,
Pastor David

If you missed this Sunday’s sermon, click here to listen now.

Rest

Good Wednesday to you,

Rest is good for the soul. That is why God gave us the Fourth Commandment. One day in seven to relax, rest, and enjoy life helps give us perspective. Of course we rest from our labor as God rested from the labor of creation. The fall necessitated a different kind of work for God’s people, a labor of obedience to a covenant designed to bring God’s people into the Promised Land. It was a labor they failed time and time again, resulting in an inability to rest in God’s goodness.

When Jesus died on the cross, He said, "It is finished." What was finished was the plan of redemption made necessary by the fall. By accepting what Jesus has accomplished, we may enter His rest. No longer must we "labor for our salvation." However, laboring within our salvation through obedience assures that we remain in His rest. There is no "Sabbath" from obedience. Obedience is the outward evidence of the inward transformation that is taking place as we follow Jesus!

Next Sunday we will look at Jesus as our "Great High Priest." This understanding helps us tie into our Jewish "roots" and come to a deeper knowledge and appreciation of God’s plan of redemption and restoration. We will be looking at Hebrews 4:14-16.

Speaking of Sunday, we are worshipping at both 9:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. No need to email and reserve a spot, just come (with masks) and social distance from your fellow worshipers. If you were traditionally a 10:30 worshiper before the pandemic, please consider moving back to the 10:30 service. We would like to keep the services balanced as much as we can within the 25% occupancy outlined by State opening guidelines. If you are missing someone from our community in particular, consider reaching out to them. Write them a card, or give them a call. They will appreciate it.

Thanks for all your faithfulness. I hope to “see” you on Sunday!

Grace and peace,
Pastor David

If you missed this Sunday’s sermon, click here to listen now.