Unhindered
February 25, 2011
Here some thoughts from 2006, on my mind as I head to Highlands PCA to speak at their Missions Festival…
Unhindered. The word is the final word of the book of Acts. Paul is in Rome, under house arrest, just coming off a rather unsuccessful meeting with the local Jewish leadership. We know from history that this about the time that Nero begins his rampage to ‘cleanse’ the city from the blight of Christianity. Paul will soon be a victim himself. Yet Luke describes Paul as preaching the kingdom of God and teaching concerning the Lord Jesus Christ with all openness, unhindered.
Unhindered (Greek, akolutos) seems a strange word to describe the situation. The situation of Acts 28 sounds pretty hindered to me. But does this not tell us something about the kingdom of God? Does it not tell us that we judge things wrongly if we judge by what we see, that what we consider hindrances to the gospel’s advance do not really constitute hindrances? I think of Paul writing to Timothy, Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, the offspring of David, as preached in my gospel, for which I am suffering, bound with chains as a criminal. But the word of God is not bound! Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory [2 Timothy 2:8-13]. The Word of God is not bound! Christ cannot be contained! The gospel cannot be silenced! The salvation of sinners cannot be stopped! This message is for everyone!
We look at obstacles: lack of laborers and money, uncertainty about vision and purpose, resistance and barriers in the community, hostile governments and religions. In the closing service I realized that the real hindrance is inside of me. I need the kingdom of God to get inside of me more and more so that unhindered becomes a reality in my life: content and relaxed, confident and humble, ready to spend and be spent, welcoming and bold, self-forgetting and Christ-remembering. Oh, that this would be the mark of our fellowship to increasing degrees! Oh, that we would see more of all openness, unhindered among us. Oh, that Christ would open our hearts, our mouths, our homes, our checkbooks, and our fellowship.
What we want
February 4, 2011
A great expression of what a gospel-driven church should want, adapted to FPC Kosciusko’s context. The original is from Kevin DeYoung of University Reformed Church in East Lansing, Michigan. It makes an excellent prayer guide. I used it as such in our Session meeting a couple of days ago.
We want what God’s people have always wanted:
• We want God to bless us that we might be a blessing.
• We long to see sinners saved by God’s free grace.
• We aim to raise up pastors and missionaries to serve near and far.
• We want to see neighborhoods and apartments converted.
• We want the stony hears of teenagers and children, and of colleagues and neighbors, to be turned to flesh.
• We want a church where the good news of justification by faith alone in Christ alone by grace alone to the glory of God alone is preached boldly and gladly to as many as the Lord brings.
• We want children nurtured in the word of God.
• We want to make disciples and teach them to obey all that Christ has commanded.
• We want to shepherd wisely and faithfully the flock that God has entrusted to us.
• We want to cultivate a caring, loving communion of saints that use their gifts to build up the body and fan out into our community to promote Christ in word and deed.
• We want to keep doing the things we do well, and grow in the things we can do better, all to the glory of God, by the power of the Spirit, for the joy of all peoples.
• We want to help one another know Christ, serve Christ, tell of Christ, and live for Christ.
PCA member among slain in Afghanistan
August 10, 2010
The following note was just received from the staff of Covenant Presbyterian Church in Harrisonburg. The Assoicated Press released the final two names of missionaries killed by the Taliban last week in Afghanistan, and one of them was from our Presbytery. Please put this family – both immeidate and church – on your prayer lists and, if possible, ask your Deacons and/or members to help with the funds needed for expenses.
We have received word that Brian Carderelli was in killed in Afghanistan while working with the medical team giving aid in Nuristan. Brian Carderelli was a dearly loved member of Covenant Presbyterian Church. He grew up in the church, was a 2009 graduate of James Madison University (Digital Video degree), and after graduation volunteered in many capacities in the church. He loved people and was particularly concerned for the poor. He had been in Afghanistan since last September and was serving the IAM and various other organizations using his photography and videography skills to produce promotional materials and donor reports. Doctors Little and Woo had invited Brian on the Nuristan trip to document their work.
Brian was an eagle scout who loved the outdoors including hiking, snowboarding and surfing. In his spare time, he enjoyed photographing the beauty and the people of Afghanistan; and he was compiling an album of photos he had entitled, “The Beauty – It’s not all War”. Brian’s gentle spirit and witty sense of humor endeared him to all who knew him.
Brian was a Christian who was killed as he was fulfilling his life ambition to use his talents and training to show the love of Christ to the poor and disadvantaged. Our church family will greatly miss Brian.
Covenant Presbyterian has established a fund to help the Carderellis with expenses associated with Brian’s death. Please send contributions, payable to Covenant Presbyterian Church (“Carderelli” on the memo line), to Covenant Presbyterian Church, Attn: Kendal Butler, 32 Southgate Ct., Suite 101, Harrisonburg, VA 22801.
Kendal H. Butler
Director of Administration
Covenant Presbyterian Church
32 Southgate Ct., Suite 101
Harrisonburg, VA 22801
540-433-3051; www.cov-pres.org
Lamentations and Haiti
January 21, 2010
Friday, January 29, First Presbyterian Church in Jackson, Mississippi, will host the annual Mid-South Men’s Rally. This year’s speaker will be Dr. Michael A. Milton, president of Reformed Theological Seminary in Charlotte, North Carolina. Dr. Milton has posted an essay in which he applies the form and theology of the Old Testament book of Lamentations to the devastation of Haiti. Take the the time to read it.
Here’s an excerpt:
The earthquake that hit Haiti last about 30 seconds. And in that time hundreds of thousands of souls left this planet. But even as I write, even more, all over the world, will suddenly pass from this world into the presence of the Creator. Are we ready to go? For the brevity of life is ever before us, beckoning, calling, crying that we turn to the Lord while there is time. Jesus also calls for us to repent, to examine ourselves and to turn to Him. For God will punish unrepentant sin.
Again, it is not a time to point fingers in judgment at people Haiti. It is not time to think we can explain it all. That is not only unbiblical but inhumane and just plain dumb. But it is a time to pray for them, and to weep for them, but also to realize again the brevity of life and that I will soon stand before God myself. It is a time to recall that every horror here reminds us of the horror of being separated forever from God. It is a time for me to turn again to God and repent.
Bach, hope, gospel, and Japan
January 14, 2010
Many of us at FPC Kosciusko were moved by the concert and presentation by Roger Lowther last September. I recently found this 2000 article in First Things about the popularity of Johann Sebastian Bach in Japan, and how that popularity has created surprising opportunities to connect gospel truth and hope with a hard-to-reach people group.
New courses from Third Millennium Ministries
December 29, 2009
Third Millennium Ministries has announced the completion of two new courses in their work to provide free seminary-level educational curriculum.
The Apostles’ Creed (click here for download information and list of instructors)
There are many denominations, divisions and theological disputes in the modern church. But despite these types of disunity, there is a common core of belief that all faithful Christians have affirmed throughout history. And for almost two millennia, this core of belief has been summarized in the Apostles’ Creed. This series explains the history and use of the Apostles’ Creed, as well as the details and significance of each of its articles of faith. The Apostles’ Creed is the first series in the Basic Christian Doctrine Course, and it aims to:
- Introduce viewers to the history and value of the Apostles’ Creed.
- Explain each of the doctrines listed in the Apostles’ Creed.
- Demonstrate the relevance of these doctrines to the modern church.
Building Biblical Theology (click here for download information and list of instructors)
Faithful Christians have always recognized the importance of the progress of biblical history, especially as it relates to humanity’s fall into sin and to God’s redemptive work. The discipline of biblical theology arose as a means to study this progress in responsible ways. Much like systematic theology, biblical theology organizes theological ideas in ways that increase our understanding of Scripture. But whereas systematic theology organizes its ideas according topics, biblical theology organizes its findings in historical periods or epochs. Used rightly, biblical theology is a powerful and helpful tool for interpreting and applying the Bible. Building Biblical Theology is the third series in the course Introduction to Theological Studies, and it aims to:
- Explain the history and justification of biblical theology.
- Describe the method and uses of biblical theology.
Sweet counsel 10.29.09
October 29, 2009
RETREAT
Preaching way off in Tennessee: This weekend I have privilege of being the speaker at a family retreat for Riveroaks Reformed Presbyterian Church in Germantown, Tennessee. The retreat will be held at Camp NaCoMe, which is somewhere in the hinterlands of rural middle Tennessee. Their associate pastor, Rev. Ford Williams, was the pastor of Grace Presbyterian Church in Starkville for part of the time that Judy and I were students at Mississippi State. Ford and I serve currently serve together on the Mississippi Joint Committee for Campus Work. Please remember to pray for the Palmertrees as we travel and as I preach in the worship times from the gospel of Luke. We will be driving back Sunday afternoon–not sure that we’ll be back in time for Evening Worship at FPC.
REMIND
Faith Promise deadline: Sunday, November 1 is the preferred deadline for Faith Promise cards. Of course, we will accept them after that date, but your Mission Committee needs to know the totals to make plans for support. As of Sunday, October 25, the totals were discouraging: pledges were 51% lower than 2009 pledges. The number of cards is roughly the same (39), but about a dozen of those are children participating in the Two Cans for the World Faith Promise drive, so their pledges are probably quite low. This seems to be an area where the economic downturn is hitting us hard. Maybe for some of us, Faith Promise has never been much about faith in previous years; after all, we had the extra money to give anyway. This year might be the first time that trusting God to provide will be an essential element. Please consider what God might have to commit under his gracious provision. In Faith Promise giving, you take a step of faith in seeking for God to provide what you pledge to give toward missions. When Faith Promise drops, then your Mission Committee must make decisions to end support for missionaries and/or reduce support for all our missionaries. Your participation in this “missions mutual fund” is an important investment.
Third Mill: Many of you have commented on how enthusiastic you are about Third Millennium Ministries, the ministry founded by Dr. Richard Pratt which is working to make seminary education available to all the world for free. Their website contains an amazing collection of resources. You should check it out at www.thirdmill.org.
REMEMBER
Happy birthday, John Calvin: This year marks the 500th anniversary of the birth of John Calvin, the Genevan reformer, preacher and theologian. Do you find yourself wondering why we mention his name often, yet you’re not sure you want to pick up his Institutes of the Christian Religion and actually read them? Wasn’t he mean and autocratic? Wasn’t he just a one-note theologian who kept harping on predestination? FPC has the great opportunity to hear one of our favorite theologians and preachers talk about one of our favorite theologians and preachers. On Wednesday, November 18, we will have as our special guest Dr. Derek Thomas, who will speak on Why John Calvin Matters. Dr. Thomas has been speaking all over the world this year at various conferences being held in observance of the 500th anniversary. Dr. Thomas’ address will take the place of our ordinary Wednesday Night Connection electives for adults and youth that night.
There is certainly more to Calvin than predestination. He gives us invaluable insight into the nature of biblical revelation, the Trinity, and Christ in his offices of Prophet, Priest and King. His teaching on salvation through union with Christ and the gift of ‘double grace’ in him is especially helpful. What he has to say on living the Christian life is full of practical wisdom. In the words of Dr. Thomas, Calvin’s “disciplined style, his determination never to speculate, his utter submission to Bible words as God’s words, his concern to be as practical as possible: godly living was his aim and not theology for the sake of it; these are some of the factors that make him a giant in the gallery of faithful expositors of Scripture.”
First Wednesday in November: November’s first Wednesday will be the last women’s study in The Prodigal God in the Jackson Room. As always, Men’s Forum will meet in the Mary Thornton Room.
RECONNECT
During November we will have a First Things seminar. First Things is a basics of healthy Christian living and prospective new members’ class. There will be a lot of give-and-take and discussion. Going through the class does not obligate you to join FPC. The format this time is as follows:
- Sunday, November 8 during Sunday School (9:45-10:30 am) in room C-405 (the PDS 5th grade classroom…take a left at the glass gym doors).
- Sunday, November 15 during Sunday School (9:45-10:30 am) in room C-405.
- Saturday, November 21 (TBA–will include food!).
Anyone can join in (even long-time members who would like refresher course).
REACH
ROH: The last Reaching Out at Home meeting in September was well-attended and full of ideas about reaching people we can reach close by. The next meeting will be held Sunday, November 15, right after Evening Worship.
Peru trip: A few slots remain for next summer’s Peru mission trip, July 2-10. If you are interested in going, you need to talk with Grant Carroll right away.
Lowthers almost there: Our friend Roger Lowther, who is raising support to go to Japan with MTW, writes, “Our prayers are being answered! We only need 11 more people willing to support us at $100 per month! Many have already responded with pledges totaling $800 per month. We are so very grateful for you and for God’s provision in spite of our lack of faith. Let me restate why we are raising this money. Without your help we will not be able to live in downtown Tokyo with the new church plant with which we will be involved. Excitement for this church plant is building. This month’s ‘Japan Harvest,’ the English publication for all pastors and missionaries in Japan printed a feature article about it, including the front cover picture. Thought you might like to read it: http://www.believinginjapan.com/wp-content/uploads/JH-article.pdf Please continue to pray with us THIS WEEK that God would provide.
MNA short-term & disaster relief newsletter
October 19, 2009
The short-term & disaster relief work of the PCA’s Mission to North America has published a ministry update available here.
World missions and good eats
October 6, 2009
FPC Kosciusko’s 54th World Mission Conference, “Bless the Nations,” begins Friday, October 9 and runs through Sunday, October 11. Dr. Richard Pratt is the main speaker. Rev. Bill Bradford of Peru Mission and Rev. Chad Smith, RUF campus minister at Belhaven College are special guests. Join us if you can.
We always display the flags of nations where we send and support church planters. I found four of the twenty-two flags on a site which displays the work of the advertising agency WHYBIN/TBWA. They were hired for the Sydney International Food Festival to promote the festival by creating food flags for the various countries represented. Each food flag contains a food that is generally identified with that country, and the color of the food corresponds with the color of the flag. (Click here to see the entire collection).
BRAZIL (banana leaf, lime, pineapple and passion fruit)
CHINA: pittaya, dragonfruit and starfruit
FRANCE (cheeses and grapes)
JAPAN (tuna and rice)
Sweet counsel 09.30.09
October 1, 2009
REMIND
Would you like some Sunday School with your coffee? Coffee is available in the Fellowship Hall from 9:00-9:30 am and from 10:30-10:45 am each Sunday morning. We want to encourage friendliness and visiting. We will have people there who can help visitors find classes for themselves or for their children. Maybe, just maybe, a cup of coffee might help you be a bit more alert for worship as well.
NOTE: Jesus Unplugged study guides: Each Monday a new weekly study guide for the Jesus Unplugged sermon series is posted. Go to fpckosciusko.org and read or download the pdf formatted document. Each guide contains individual and group study questions to prepare you for the upcoming sermon text, along with a daily suggestion of how to incorporate the material into family worship times.
Wanted: men who will fight: Men need to know their sin, fight their sin, and trust their Savior. Men’s groups are starting up again. The old groups will remain intact, and a new group is forming as well. If you are interested in joining the fight, let me, Grant, or Thomas Pound know. Men’s groups offer a practical way to apply the gospel to everyday life: small, simple, biblical, reproducible groups who meet regularly to help one another keep the gospel at the center of their discipleship. It’s time to start fighting…with the church, in the gospel, for the glory of Christ.
REVISIT
World Mission Conference prayer: Last Wednesday night we had a great international dinner put together by Women in the Church. We brought the whole church family together in the sanctuary for a review of the flags, and then the youth and adults had a pre-conference prayer meeting. We structured our prayer time around the fourfold objectives of the World Mission Conference:
- To glorify God through worship and praise.
- To provide spiritual nourishment by the preaching of the Word of God.
- To instill a keen awareness of our responsibility of spreading the Gospel to all parts of the world.
- To make firm commitments to support our mission effort by both prayer and financial giving through Faith Promise.
It would be contrary to whole analogy of our religion…to suppose that those whose great business is to die, should remitted to indolence and ease. They are called to sacrifice. Hence, it does not stagger my faith to be told of the magnitude of the enterprise and the comparative inefficiency of the means…of the obstinate and bitter prejudices which must be subdued…the cruel persecutions which must be endured…All these and a thousand more such obstructions are only proofs that the Church must tread in the footsteps of her Master, and bless the nations by the sacrifice of her own ease and life.–James Henley Thornwell, “The Sacrifice of Christ the Type and Model of Missionary Effort,”
Collected Writings, II.437-38
REFLECT
Faith Promise: World Mission Conference is a time when we seek commitment for Faith Promise, the primary vehicle for supporting world missions. FPC’s Faith Promise disbursements grew from $79,000 in 2002 to $112,515 in 2008. Faith Promise commitments for 2009 dropped to $97,552. As of August 31, Faith Promise giving is 24% behind commitments. When Faith Promise drops, then our Mission Committee must make recommendations to end support for missionaries and/or reduce support for all our missionaries. Your participation in this “missions mutual fund” is an important investment. What is Faith Promise?
It’s a promise. Faith Promise is a commitment to give a specific amount to FPC missions over and beyond your regular budget giving.
It’s a promise that requires faith. People without Jesus Christ are lost (John 14:6; Acts 4:12). We are responsible for sharing the message about Jesus Christ (Matthew 28:18-20). God will supply all we need to carry out the Great Commission (Zechariah 4:6). In Faith Promise giving, you take a step of faith in looking and waiting for God to provide what you pledge to give toward missions.
It’s a personal commitment between you and the Lord. No one but the Lord will know what you have promised to give. No names are required. No statement will be issued to you.
It’s a blessing. Accepting the challenge to reach the lost will lead you to a closer walk with the Lord as you trust him to do more through your life (Acts 20:35).
How does it work? A promise card will be given to you, and we ask that you prayerfully determine what you, with God’s blessing, can commit to missions. This is a promise made annually of what you will give for the coming year (January to December), whether given weekly, monthly, or yearly. This is a commitment made in addition to what you are giving to the church through the general fund, benevolence, etc. Each time you give your offering, mark either on the check or on the offering envelope how you’re dividing your gifts between general fund, Faith Promise, etc.
ANTICIPATE
Morning Worship: Luke 10:25-47 will be in front of us. This is one of Jesus’ most famous stories–”The One with the Neighbor.” “The Good Samaritan” has passed into folklore and along the way has imparted a new meaning to the word “Samaritan” in modern English. When Jesus used the word, it carried a truckload of religious and ethnic baggage. By contrast, think about how we automatically understand the purpose of an organization such as Samaritan’s Purse from its name. Check out their work at their website (www.samaritanspurse.org). It’s Communion Sunday. In the morning liturgy we will sing John Newton’s Let Us Love and Sing and Wonder and The Power of the Cross.
Evening Worship: Grant will preach from Ephesians 4.
