Mid-Term Exam
Good Wednesday to you,
Congratulations! You did it! You successfully scored a perfect score on your midterm exam of the Epistle James. Now it’s time to live out our lives for the final exam—as a follower of Jesus where our faith and deeds are in sync.
As you will recall, James writes to the Twelve Tribes scattered among the nations urging the Church to remain grounded in the Truth. James writes with a strong sense of urgency. The conclusion of the letter might seem a bit odd because it does not fit the traditional format of a first century letter. James doesn’t thank anyone or even offer a benediction as a nice bow at the end of the letter. The last point James makes is two verses long—a single sentence. And, every word written is in line with the entire letter!
Throughout the letter, James refers to us as "My brothers (and sisters)." We are considered family—and much like our biological family, in the family of God, we grow up together. We grow up together in Christ—walking side-by-side and hand in hand. As the Apostle Paul writes, "in Christ we who are many form one body, and each members belongs to all the others" (Romans 12:5). We're all in this together—one Lord, one Spirit, one Baptism, and one Body.
To that point, if we are all in this together, than we desperately need each other. Especially in times when we might "wander from the truth." For when, not if, we wander, our brothers and sisters are present in our lives to bring us back. But, this assumes there are those who know our rhythms and patterns well enough to detect our wandering. Are there brothers and sisters in your life who are in sync with your rhythms and daily patterns in life? Who are the people who know you well enough to call you from your wandering? I pray there are 3, 4, or even 5 brothers or sisters with whom you have moved beyond the superficial and into the personal matters of life. Those are the people who we need—and need us!
What's at stake in all this? Unapologetically, James tells us life is at stake: "remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of [their] way will save [them] from death and cover over a multitude of sins." God invites us into the work of forgiveness, redemption, healing, and restoration. Do not get me wrong in this—we are not the Messiah. We point others to the Messiah. And, hopefully, someone points us to the Messiah. Jesus is our only hope. What an honor and privilege we carry with us every day to walk alongside of our brothers and sisters in this; to grow up together in Christ and live out our witness for the world to see.
Thank you for walking beside me as we worshiped the Lord in Spirit and Truth last Sunday. I deeply appreciated your encouragement. Next Sunday, we start a new adventure with the Prophet Jonah. Hang on to your seats—it is going to be a wild ride!
I want to leave you with the last verse of "Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing." Together, may our hearts be sealed for courts above.
"Oh to grace how great a debtor
Daily I'm constrained to be!
Let Thy goodness, like a fetter
Bind my wandering heart to thee:
Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it
Prone to leave the God I love;
Here's my heart, O take and seal it;
Seal it for Thy courts above."
Amen,
Pastor John
If you missed this Sunday’s sermon, click here to listen now!
Calling All Elders
Good Wednesday to you,
Few people would question the value of prayer in the life of a Christian. However, many Christians struggle with prayer. Prayer is almost as mysterious as God. We ask ourselves, "Am I doing it right? Is my faith strong enough? Why doesn’t God seem to be answering my prayers (the way I want)? I’m not sure prayer works." Does that sound familiar? Fundamentally, prayer is talking to God. Talking with God always works.
On Sunday, I talked about many kinds of prayer: praise and adoration, thanksgiving, petition, intercession, confession, and prayers of lament, to name a few. Usually, when someone questions the validity of prayer, it is because a "petition prayer" has seemingly gone unanswered. God answers with a yes, or a no, or a yes but not yet. God answers because God loves us. If you feel like your prayers aren’t working, try a different type of prayer. Praying always changes things. Sometimes prayer changes our circumstances; prayer always changes us.
Next Sunday will be the final sermon from James. Stand by for your "mid-term exam!" If you need a refresher, you can watch or re-watch Sunday's (or any past Sunday's) sermon here.
Again, a huge thank you to all who helped out with the All Church Picnic. It was a delightful event. Have a blessed day!
Grace and peace,
Pastor David
If you missed this Sunday’s sermon, click here to listen now!
Patience
Good Wednesday to you,
I understand that doctors want patients, but who wants more patience? I think we would all like to be more patient, but we would like to skip the trials and tribulations that tax our patience! Yet, James exhorts us to "Be patient" (James 5:7). Like the prophets of old, who endured hardship in the face of suffering, James reminds us not to grumble against one another because God is at work. God is not only sovereign, God is active, involved and working in our lives and in our world even when we cannot see it. Leaning into God through soul exercises helps us to develop patience. Those exercises also create space for the Holy Spirit to transform us into the image of Jesus.
I suggested four Psalms to read and contemplate when we find ourselves frazzled amidst our crazy times – Psalm 37, 73, 46, and 13. I already received an email from someone encouraging me to add Psalm 40! What are some of your favorite Scriptures to read when you are in the midst of a trial?
Next Sunday we are going to look at James 5:12-18 and the power of prayer. We will also be celebrating Worldwide Communion Sunday, and the RETURN OF OUR CHOIR!
In an effort to "Make it a Morning," don't forget the adult Sunday school class being offered at 9:00am. If you have little ones in Sunday School at 9:00am, please consider this option, then come as a family to worship at 10:30am.
Saturday is our "All Church Picnic!" Please RSVP to let us know you are coming. High Noon is the kickoff! Don’t forget to bring your side/dessert to share.
I hope you are having a wonderful day. Never forget, you are loved more than you know.
Grace and peace,
Pastor David
If you missed this Sunday’s sermon, click here to listen now!
Value
Good Wednesday to you,
It is so easy to look at those who have more than we do and think we are less than we should or could be. In truth, we live in the wealthiest country in the world, and most of us have more than enough discretionary income to let us do whatever we want to do. But is that how God wants us to steward our wealth? James has strong words for the wealthy of the world. Not only James, but Jesus spoke of the difficulties of dealing with wealth as well. Not that wealth is a bad thing; it is not. What we do with our wealth is crucial. John Wesley exhorted his congregation to, "Earn all you can, save all you can, and give all you can."
As we wrestle with "how much is enough," and battle with determining the difference between "wants and needs," each of us needs to do a deep dive to discern where our priorities are with regard to giving to "kingdom causes." Personally, I find that God supplies all my needs and many of my wants. I am truly a blessed person. If I had to put it in a proper perspective, I would say that this is what I am working on: "All I want is to trust God for all I need."
As I mentioned on Sunday, we are starting to look at our ministry budget for 2022. Not having "passed the plate" since March 15 of last year has created unusual challenges for us, but thanks be to God and to those who have prayed and supported Graham financially, we are holding our own. If you have given to Graham in the past calendar year, chances are you will receive a letter from me this week. Please, prayerfully consider how you might participate in the ongoing ministries of Graham Memorial this year or in the year to come. We are truly in "uncharted territory" but God has been faithful. If you desire, you can pledge or give online as well. For those who must take a "Required Minimum Distribution" before the end of the year, remember the tax savings opportunity of directing a portion of that distribution toward Graham!
Next Sunday we will look at James 5:7-11. He will encourage us to cultivate patience in light of God’s mercy and compassion.
Don’t forget to RSVP for the All Church Picnic on October 2. I am lining up smokers, and we are sure to have a great time with plenty of good food for the day.
Thank you all for your continued faithfulness. Truly, we are blessed. As the Bible says, "The lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance!" (Psalm 16:6).
Grace and peace,
Pastor David
If you missed this Sunday’s sermon, click here to listen now!
Fragile: Handle with Care
Good Wednesday to you,
Famous last words may catch our attention, but the words we use every day make the greatest impact. In a post-9/11 world, we must remember that life is fragile, and we must handle it with care. How we handle reputations is crucial, especially in a day when just an allegation (true or false) is enough to destroy someone. James exhorts us not to slander others. Rather, let us use our words to lift up, encourage, and strengthen one another.
Likewise, we need to hold our own reputation with humility and grace knowing that all our days are numbered. God alone knows the day we will transition from this life to the next. Plan for a thousand years, while living each day as if it were your last. Next week we will venture into the fifth chapter of James, where he encourages taking a hard look at how we steward our possessions (James 5:1-6).
On another note, the All Church Picnic is just around the corner (Saturday, Oct 2nd). We provide the entrée, and you provide the sides. For more information on that, or to RSVP, click here. If you have a smoker and you would like to help smoke for the day, please shoot me an email so we can plan.
One more thing. We will be holding a memorial service for Barbara Anderson this Saturday at 10:00am in the sanctuary. Please keep her family in your prayers. Thank you.
I hope your day is filled with blessings, both expected and unexpected. Remember, you are loved!
Grace and peace,
Pastor David
If you missed this Sunday’s sermon, click here to listen now!
Birds of a Feather
Good Wednesday to you,
Holding on to our faith in the midst of trials and tribulations is difficult, but we must. Asking for godly wisdom can help us as we sort through the cultural influences that seek to dominate our thinking and our lives. Wisdom from above is essential in our time, lest we find ourselves "friends of the world" rather than friends of God. James gives us a description of the "problem" in verses 4:1-5. Verse 4:6 is our transition to the solution which comes in verses 4:6-10.
I suggested that the "True Church" should strive to "flock together" in order to keep each other strong and focused on wisdom from above. I believe the "True Church" is focused on three things: Jesus, Scripture, and the Holy Spirit. Rather than squabble over divisive issues, let us focus on our relationship with Jesus. As we grow closer to Jesus, we will grow closer to one another.
"Come near to God and God will come near to you" (4:8). Never forget that God forgives (nothing can separate us from the love of God – NOTHING!), God redeems (He can redeem anything for His purposes), and God transforms (we are not yet what we have been created to be, but by God’s grace we are no longer what we once were). In Jesus, we have the hope the world desperately needs. Let us "flock together," coming nearer to God that the world might see Jesus in all of us! Next week we will complete the fourth chapter of James, taking a look at the fragility of life (James 4:11-17). It will also be communion Sunday. If you are watching the livestream, be sure to have your elements at the ready!
Good news! The choir will begin practicing tomorrow night in the sanctuary at 7:00pm. Come out to sing or come out to listen. We are hoping for a return of the choir on Sunday morning on October 3.
An adult Sunday school class – "Survey of the New Testament" – will start up on Sunday, September 19, co-taught by Brianna and Megan Smith. We will see a return of the "box" that same Sunday at the 10:30 service. Please continue praying for us as we move into the new fall schedule.
I cannot thank you enough for all your prayers and support.
Grace and peace,
Pastor David
If you missed this Sunday’s sermon, click here to listen now!
Wisdom
Good Wednesday to you and a Happy September as well!
This past Sunday we took a hard look at wisdom. Wisdom – who wouldn’t want wisdom? Of course, it really is a question about what kind of wisdom is being offered. James makes it clear that there is wisdom from above and "wisdom" from below. To understand which wisdom is operating in our lives, we need to do a "deep dive" into our souls. If we find bitterness, envy, and selfish ambition, we have some even deeper issues with which to wrestle.
Remember, wisdom from above is free for the asking (James 1:5) and it is a gift that results in peace, mercy, good fruit (Galatians 5:22-23), and a bunch of other great things like an abundant life living in God's kingdom. Wisdom from above is absolutely necessary if we are going to trust in the sovereignty of God amidst all the challenges our world and our nation are facing. With God’s wisdom, we can rest assure it will be "well with our souls."
I was asked to give you the 10 Lessons we have "learned" from history from Dr. J. Rufus Fears. Here they are:
1. We do not learn from history
2. Science and technology do not make us immune to the laws of history
3. Freedom is not a universal value
4. Power is the universal value
5. The Middle East is the crucible of conflict and the graveyard of empires
6. The United States shares the destinies of the great democracies, the republics, and the superpowers of the past
7. Along with the lust for power, religion and spirituality are the most profound motivators in human history
8. Great nations rise and fall because of human decisions made by individual leaders
9. The statesman is distinguished from a mere politician by four qualities: a bedrock of principles, a moral compass, a vision, and the ability to create a consensus to achieve that vision
10. Throughout its history, the United States has chartered a unique role in history
Next Sunday we will continue our trek through James, looking closely at the first 10 verses of the fourth chapter.
Again, thank you all for your kind words and your support. We are pressing on for the glory of God!
Grace and peace,
Pastor David
If you missed this Sunday’s sermon, click here to listen now!
Fire!
Good Wednesday to you,
This past Sunday I said, “As we speak, we teach others what we think and believe.” As such we are all “teachers” of a sort. When the Scripture says, “Not many of you should presume to be teachers, my brothers (and sisters), because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly,” we should all sit up and take notice.
In striving to be both hearers and do’ers of the Word, we to need constantly maintain our internal (The Holy Spirit) and external (The Word of God) authorities. Otherwise, culture will assume a greater authority in our lives and, ultimately, lead us astray. As I said on Sunday, I need you to hear what I preach and hold me accountable as I hold you accountable. That way, we all grow together. While God loves us where we are, God does not want us to remain there, but to transform us into the image and likeness of Jesus Christ, so others can see the love of God through us.
This next Sunday we will finish looking at the third chapter of James (3:13-18) and the importance of godly wisdom over the wisdom of the world.
I remain grateful, beyond words, for all the prayer support and financial support you have provided to keep Graham Memorial moving forward. As we transition from the pandemic to dealing with an endemic, we need to continue being gracious toward one another. An endemic is now a part of our lives. We know what COVID is and we are learning to live with it responsibly. No amount of vaccine will ever eliminate COVID from our world. Therefore, no shaming (pro mask vs no mask; pro vax vs no vax) should ever take place among God’s people. Respectful conversation is always in season.
I covet your prayers. (I need the prayers and you need the practice! :) ) You are a blessing. I am thankful. May your speech always be consistent with your life.
P.S. Calling all dads! Join us this Saturday morning in the Parish Hall at 8:00 a.m. for breakfast. You’ll be treated to a home-cooked breakfast, fellowship, and stimulating conversations. RSVP appreciated, but not required!
Grace and peace,
Pastor David
If you missed this Sunday’s sermon, click here to listen now!
Faith At Work
Good Wednesday to you,
We have all seen those signs "Men at Work" (Have they changed those to say "People at Work?"), with several people just standing around seemingly doing nothing. Well, what would it look like if there were signs that said "Faith at Work?" What would we be doing? What does "faith at work" look like in our lives? According to James, it must look like a combination of both "hearing the Word" and "doing what it says." Our works, which were prepared for us to do ahead of time (Ephesians 2:8-10), are a reflection of our commitment to Christ. Salvation is a gift. We cannot earn it. But, effort is another subject. Effort demonstrates that our faith has substance, it makes a difference in what we say and how we live.
On Sunday, I encouraged us to "live our faith out loud." Jesus commanded us to love as He loved. His love was both service and sacrifice toward others. Love is to will the good of another. I suggested that there might be only eight "fruits of the Spirit," rather than nine. If we placed a colon after the word love in Galatians 5:22, then the "fruits" that followed would be descriptors of love. That’s not a bad way to look at the "fruits of the Spirit."
I also suggested that one way to "live our faith out loud" would be to choose a mission or missionary we support and find out everything you could about it or them. When someone asked you what was new in your life, you would have a ready topic, telling them what was new in the life of your selected mission/missionary. If you would like to pursue this and need some help, feel free to reach out to me and we will figure out which way to go. Next week we will be looking into James 3:1-12. I personally find this to be a frightening bit of Scripture.
Thank you all for supporting the moving of the 10:30am service to the beach on Sunday. It didn’t work out quite like we hoped, but it was great to see Tom jump from "D-Day Doll" and land in front of the Hotel Del Coronado. It was an honor to witness and participate in the event. Next week we will return to regular services.
We apologize for the technical difficulties we experienced with the livestream on Sunday. We still have people learning what to do. Those who watched on our Facebook page were unaffected. If you missed the sermon, you can watch it here.
Thank you for your ongoing support of the ministry here at Graham. You are an amazing blessing to us all.
Have a great rest-of-the-week!
Grace and peace,
Pastor David
If you missed this Sunday’s sermon, click here to listen now!
Fame
Good Wednesday to you,
To mask or not to mask… to vaccinate or not to vaccinate… Just more ways to divide people. With accessibility to the vaccination, I think it is safe to say that if a person wants the vaccination, they either have it or will get it. While one may struggle with those who do not want the vaccination (for whatever reason) we still need to be respectful and kind as followers of Jesus. We cannot judge our own motives clearly, let alone the motives of others. I am vaccinated. The death rate has plummeted. If I get sick, I get sick. At some point, I will die. God alone knows that date, but it is a fate we all share. (Unless Jesus comes back.)
We live in a divisive culture, but James tells us not to play favorites. We need to recognize favoritism wherever we see it. We judge (play favorites) by how much education one has, where one shops for clothes, the kind of car one drives, or even the neighborhoods we live in. In Christ, there is no favoritism. We all have equal worth and dignity in God's sight, for we are all created in God's image. Rather than judge or show favorites, we need to reach for mercy and grace. Remember, mercy triumphs over judgment. Next week we will focus on how our faith shapes our deeds on a daily basis. We will be looking at the remaining portion of the second chapter (2:14-26).
For those who missed it the first time around, this Saturday Jody will be delivering her presentation on critical race theory and the biblical worldview. It will be held in the sanctuary from 10:00am to 12:00pm. Please RSVP and let Jody know if you are planning on attending.
On Sunday we will be holding only one service on campus at 9:00am. We will be gathering on the beach in front of the Hotel Del at 10:30am to watch Tom Rice jump and land on the beach in celebration of his 100th birthday! Tom jumps annually on June 6th to commemorate his jump with the 101st Airborne in 1944. He is already looking forward to next year's jump! Come to the beach and look for the GMPC flag. I hope to see a great crowd of the Graham Family on the beach for Tom.
Thank you for your prayers and your support. You are a blessing.
Grace and peace,
Pastor David
If you missed this Sunday’s sermon, click here to listen now!
Mirror, Mirror on the Wall
Good Wednesday to you,
Mirror, mirror, on the wall… It is amazing how truthful a mirror can be. It shows us exactly what we look like in the moment. It is amazing how much God's Word is also like a mirror, showing us where we need transformation and restoration. (Remember, redemption is already ours – it's a gift!)
Looking around, we see so much inappropriate speech (reflecting the condition of the heart), combined with a lack of personal responsibility. James encourages us to be "quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to anger" (James 1:19). The best way to accomplish that goal is to let God's Word continually flow through our hearts and minds. A rise in biblical literacy and values is our best and only hope for the abundant life promised us in Scripture. Remember, the Bible is a "mirror" we hold in our hands. Next week we will look at James 2:1-13 and the dangers of "Fame."
Tomorrow, Steve and Sara Currey will be giving a presentation in the Parish Hall at 7:00pm. We have been supporting the mission work of the Currey's for several years. They oversee 930 church planters with Pioneers in Africa, the Middle East, and in Europe. If you are interested in joining us for an update on their ministry, please let email Steve at steve@thecurreys.org.
For those unable to attend Jody's presentation comparing critical race theory with a biblical worldview, you will have another opportunity on Saturday, August 14th, 10:00am to 12:00pm in the sanctuary. Feel free to "bring your own lunch" for further conversation in the Parish Hall following the presentation. If you are interested, please RSVP to Jody.
On August 15th we will only have one service on campus at 9:00am. At 10:30am, we will gather on the beach in front of the Hotel del Coronado to witness Tom Rice jump on his 100th birthday, landing right in front of the hotel! I hope many of us will be able to be present for this historic event! I know it is unusual to "cancel" an in-person worship service. Let me say this, anyone who jumps out of an airplane on their 100th birthday (falling on a Sunday, no pun intended) will be honored in a similar manner! :)
Keep the faith and fight the fight. We are in it to win it!
Grace and peace,
Pastor David
If you missed this Sunday’s sermon, click here to listen now!
Good and Perfect Gifts
Good Wednesday to you,
In life, we receive many gifts. Unfortunately, not all gifts are beneficial. The origin of the "white elephant" gift tells us that some gifts are actually intended to destroy us. James wants us to know the difference, and to remember that God is the giver of every good and perfect gift. These gifts help transform and restore us into the likeness of Jesus, resulting in the receiving of the "Crown of Life." I think James is referring to the abundant life Jesus promises in John 10:10.
The temptations we face are those things that lead to moral failure according to God's moral principles; these are the "white elephant" gifts of the enemy, or more often than not, "gifts" we give ourselves. Ultimately, left unabated, they will destroy us. Rather let us look for the good and perfect gifts God offers that we might be the "first fruits" of all God created. If you are wondering what that fruit looks like, just read (or memorize) Galatians 5:22-23.
Next week, we will complete the first chapter, verses 19-27. I would encourage you to read all of chapter one this week in preparation for Sunday.
August 15 is just around the corner. On that day we will only have one service on campus at 9:00am. At 10:30am, we will gather on the beach in front of the Hotel del Coronado to witness Tom Rice jump on his 100th birthday, landing right in front of the hotel! I hope many of us will be able to be present for this historic event!
For all those who responded to my "Aloha August" suggestion, thank you for your input. Starting next Sunday, (just for the month of August) I will not wear a suit (coat) during worship. This represents a radical departure for me. Some thought I was going to show up in shorts, flip-flops, and a Hawaiian shirt. I don’t think so. But it will be nice not to wear a coat on hot days.
Thank you all for your continued support. We are exceedingly blessed!
Have a great week. I hope to see you Sunday (live or livestream)!
Grace and peace,
Pastor David
If you missed this Sunday’s sermon, click here to listen now!
Mid-Term Exams
Good Wednesday to you,
While exams might not be a favorite pastime, they can serve as a measurement of how well one is doing in a particular subject. Sunday, I suggested that the book of James was sort of a "mid-term exam" for believers. How well are we doing in the subject of our faith?
James urges his readers to "consider it pure joy…whenever you face trials of many kinds." The reality is that we all deal with trials in our lives. No one is exempt. They come in many forms – physical, financial, emotional, and spiritual. I suggested that there were three sources of these trials – God (in which I want to pass to honor God), Satan (in which I want to pass so Satan doesn’t get the best of me), and my own stupidity, hubris, or arrogance (in which I want to fall on my knees, confess, learn, and do better next time).
While I might not consider these trials "pure joy," I am joyful in the knowledge that these trials are helping me to grow into spiritual maturity. Furthermore, if I am trying to understand the source or the reason of the trial, James invites me to ask God for wisdom, which will be given generously and without finding fault. Such a deal!
Whether one is rich or poor, regardless of our external circumstances, we are of value to God; we have inherent worth and dignity, being created in the image and likeness of God. God leads us in paths of righteousness for His name's sake. These are not paths of least resistance. Life can be hard, but we are never alone. Let's pass those tests and trials for the glory of God. Next Sunday we will be taking a closer look at James 1:12-26.
I want to thank all of you who expressed interest in Jody's seminar on looking at Critical Race Theory from a biblical worldview. More than 50 people gathered on Saturday to hear her. I thought she did a brilliant job. Some of you were unable to make it and wondered if she would do it again. She will. Saturday, August 14, 10:00am in the sanctuary with a "bring your own lunch" conversation to follow in the Parish Hall. If you are interested, please RSVP to Jody.
On a completely different subject, for years I have been encouraged to ditch the suit and tie during the heat of the summer. We have never had a dress code here at Graham. People dress in all different styles. I can count the number of times I've not worn a suit and tie on one hand (and have a finger or two left over). In Hawaii, they have "Aloha Friday," which is casual Friday on the mainland. What would you think about "Aloha August?" Please tell me what you think.
You continue to be a blessing in regards to your support, both in prayers and in finances. Thank you. I am grateful beyond words.
Have a great week, and I hope to see (or be seen by) you on Sunday.
Grace and peace,
Pastor David
If you missed this Sunday’s sermon, click here to listen now!
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.