Sunday, November 9, 2008
Our theme for the past few weeks has been "unity within our diversity". We are staying on this theme for several key reasons all of which revolve around Christ's prayer, as recorded in John 17:20, that "we", the Church, would all be one. The importance of this is found in the context of the prayer where Jesus says.. our unity is "the sign" by which the world will know that He is, indeed, the Christ.
The reality is, and Jesus prayer is clear on this, true unity, without God, is impossible..that is why perfect unity and love...the "one-ness" Jesus prays for , can not be found in temporal relationships alone...it requires the grace of God which is possible only with the presence of God.
That is the reason true and enduring unity, within our human diversity, is the "sign" that God is real and present in such relationships.
There is also another key component to this sign and prayer... Unity, true unity, and true friendship, will never be possible unless both parties are "real". Obviously, if one party is a phoney, true friendship is not posssible beacuse at least one of the parties is nothing but a vapour.
We in Bikers Church, especially those of us in "The Order", seek true brotherhood with each other. In our studies of the Gospel, we are coming to the realization that in order to foster true brotherhood in a real and enduring way, we ourselves must be real..and enduring.
To do that, we must get to know ourselves intimately.... and to that end, we have come to realize that first...we must get to know our Creator intimately for, we are created in His image.
Jesus tells us that he alone is, in fact, the incarnation of God. He alone is the embodiment of God, he alone is the Character of God...and the essence of His character is Love .... Perfect, unconditonal, grace-filled love...for all. His entire life on earth, all His actions and all His words, model the power, the strength and the beauty inherant in a life submitted to god.
We are learining that true "brotherhood" is possible only if we "actualize" the love of Christ in our own lives and extend it unconditionally, and with grace, as He does. We know from His word this is possible, but only with God.
Submitting our lives to God is NOT easy... I fall in this regard (and many other regards) more often than I can count..but falling, which is common, is only the precursor to rising again, which is less common...As I have quoted before; "If we only have the will to walk, God is pleased with our stumbles" (C.S. Lewis).
Realization of true strength, true freedom, true brotherhood and true friendship is to be found only in the core character traits of God as revealed through His Son; boundless Grace flowing from unconditional love....
It takes a REAL man to do that.
The reality is, and Jesus prayer is clear on this, true unity, without God, is impossible..that is why perfect unity and love...the "one-ness" Jesus prays for , can not be found in temporal relationships alone...it requires the grace of God which is possible only with the presence of God.
That is the reason true and enduring unity, within our human diversity, is the "sign" that God is real and present in such relationships.
There is also another key component to this sign and prayer... Unity, true unity, and true friendship, will never be possible unless both parties are "real". Obviously, if one party is a phoney, true friendship is not posssible beacuse at least one of the parties is nothing but a vapour.
We in Bikers Church, especially those of us in "The Order", seek true brotherhood with each other. In our studies of the Gospel, we are coming to the realization that in order to foster true brotherhood in a real and enduring way, we ourselves must be real..and enduring.
To do that, we must get to know ourselves intimately.... and to that end, we have come to realize that first...we must get to know our Creator intimately for, we are created in His image.
Jesus tells us that he alone is, in fact, the incarnation of God. He alone is the embodiment of God, he alone is the Character of God...and the essence of His character is Love .... Perfect, unconditonal, grace-filled love...for all. His entire life on earth, all His actions and all His words, model the power, the strength and the beauty inherant in a life submitted to god.
We are learining that true "brotherhood" is possible only if we "actualize" the love of Christ in our own lives and extend it unconditionally, and with grace, as He does. We know from His word this is possible, but only with God.
Submitting our lives to God is NOT easy... I fall in this regard (and many other regards) more often than I can count..but falling, which is common, is only the precursor to rising again, which is less common...As I have quoted before; "If we only have the will to walk, God is pleased with our stumbles" (C.S. Lewis).
Realization of true strength, true freedom, true brotherhood and true friendship is to be found only in the core character traits of God as revealed through His Son; boundless Grace flowing from unconditional love....
It takes a REAL man to do that.
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Since we, at bikers Church are a"family'.. I thought I would share this letter which I wrote to my daughter recently.
She has been absent a church for some years now, due to a very bad experience she had at a "church" which became so enamoured with the blessings of God, and what they saw as manifestations of His presence, that they lost their way and began to worship the blessings instead of the "blesser". That led many of those well meaning people to what I think is almost a 'lunatic fringe' with frightening "manifestations" of something, real or imagined, that most certainly was not the God of the bible.
Sadly, this is common. Many people today have abandoned worship of the Creator for zealous experiential worship of creation. This, really, is just the religion of Pantheism, which is very prevalent today, especially in the Green Movement. (I am not referring to the Political party of similar name).
My daughter is very afraid of "church"... she is afraid of being deceived and hurt again. I understand that and I am sure many of you do too. Like most of us, my daughter desperately wants a relationship with God ... but she is uncertain if she wants a relationship with God's people.
I know many of you relate. I do too. We know all people are imperfect, but there is something particularly insideous, and odious, when that imperfection takes the form of judgment, religiosity, control and the mass hysteria of a group of tragic people blindly seeking physical and emotional "experiences", in place of the simple presence of a loving God who accepts us, "just as we are", and gently calls and guides us in our search for relationship with Him.
So, you are coming into this conversation between a father, me, and his cherished daughter after her plea for help which includes evaluating a certain church she has been thinking, fearfully, of "trying out"....
Hey Kate… since Bikers Church is too much of a commute for you … let’s explore together….
As you consider all this … please refer back to the e-mail you just sent called “meet me in the stairwell” … I understand completely about (the old church name) .. and, as the dad .., I deeply regret getting the family involved … However, God’s promise is that he is always “there” with us … even in the stairwell of (old church name)...
He brought you out Kate.
The great challenge for us all, as Christ followers, is learning to recognize His Character, His voice, His “style”….. so we can discern Him from the counterfeit.
That search must be predicated upon learning the character of Jesus as revealed in scripture …. You have heard the expression, “Living Word”, well Jesus is it. If you seek to know who He is, through what is written about Him, then the scriptures, the Word, comes alive and you will begin the journey to actually “knowing” Him.
I am all for churches that have programs and resources, we all enjoy that, but first and foremost, we need to begin a credible journey to learning who God, in Christ, is. The process cannot “honestly” be done without bible study …. but that study must begin with the question “Who is God?”, otherwise, it just deteriorates into a “religious study” and we will get bogged down with doctrines, dogmas and disciplines that have little to do with building a “real relationship” with the Person of Jesus, which, after all, was the whole point of the incarnation.
Jesus did not come to earth “just” to die, he came to show us who God “really” is. His willingness to die for His own creation, so that we can be released into freedom, (even the freedom to reject Him), is key to understanding His character
He came that, ultimately, we could have abundant life, which is only possible if we are “one with Him”… which in turn is only possible if we know Him … intimately … as the “friend” he called us to be. (He defines the profound meaning of the word, friend)
To my mind, at this part of my journey, the most important “question” for all of us, is in the bible when Jesus asks Peter, “who do you say I am”? (Matt. 16:15)
Peter answers, correctly, “You are the Christ, the Saviour”. Jesus asks us the same question, and that is really the fundamental question we must ask ourselves, before we answer Him. If we cannot answer as Peter answered, “with knowledge”, then all else will be in vain.
Remember, Peter knew the scriptures that foretold of the saviour’s coming. He was expecting a saviour even though he, like the others, did not “know the Character” of the saviour until they spent time with Jesus and then put 2 & 2 together.
They had the actual physical presence of Jesus and got to know Him that way. We get to know Him through the scriptures, and the leading presence of the Holy Spirit, Who will illuminate the scriptures if we are faithful in approaching them for the purpose of finding that light.
Bottom line though is this; in Jesus own words he said “you diligently search the scriptures thinking that by them you will possess eternal life. These are the scriptures that testify about me, yet you refuse to come to me to have that life.” (Jn. 5:39)
So, it is all about coming to an honest relationship with Christ and , in pursuit of that, we must know who Jesus is, know his character, know His voice, so we can gain confidence in His presence and “Know that He is God”.
It is also most important, ( because a true “relationship” goes two ways ), that we learn to discern the difference between (amongst other things), who He says we are and who satan says we are…
One example of why knowing the character of Jesus is so important can be illustrated by the following;
Satan condemns whereas Jesus, through the Holy Spirit, convicts.
We are all ‘sinners” and when I sin, Satan says “ Terry, you are hopeless. You did it again. You are a bad person and you are condemned”. He says this to all of us and in such a way that we believe it, because we “know” we are sinners, and that we did a bad thing. We are sure that voice is the voice of God. It seems logical to us, that a Holy God would say that, and so consequently, we become self-condemning and our self-image gets lower and lower until we turn away from God altogether, in shame or in disgust, which is, after all, what Satan wanted all along.
However, on the other hand, (or in the other ear), when I sin there is another voice, it is the voice of God, (the Holy Spirit), who says, “c’mon Terry, you are better than that. That action is unworthy of you because you are my friend, my child … and as my child you are a Prince of heaven. Come back to me (redeemed of Christ), and let’s work this out together”…..
My Kate, we need to know the difference between those two voices and the only way I know to do that, is to get to know Jesus, the REAL Jesus intimately and that is possible only through His word. When we do that…there is no contest between those two voices, the voice of God, ALWAYS builds us up , encourages us and speaks “life’ into us.
But we have to KNOW that… not just accept or believe it.
And there is the nub, we, like Peter, can answer the question correctly without having it “transform” our hearts and so we can go directly from telling Jesus we believe in Him and then deny Him the very next day when things get rough. We can go, in a heartbeat, from a bold proclamation of our confidence that Christ is directing our path … to fear ruling our lives … if we do not really “KNOW HIM”.
It is a journey …. a personal quest, to be sure, but one we don’t need to do alone. In fact, it is not wise to travel that road alone. That is why Jesus gave us the gift of His Church … a Church that is built upon the ROCK of Peters confession that Jesus, alone, is the Redeemer, the Saviour, the Christ.
Many churches have programs, resources and activities and that can be very attractive. They can also be distracting.
It takes some discernment to ensure these things “support” the central purpose of Jesus church, which MUST be dedicated to getting to “KNOW” Jesus so we can answer, with absolute conviction, the question … Who do you say I am ?”
Once we can answer that question, as Peter answered it, we make a way for the Holy Spirit to bring our own personal Pentecost after which, we, like Peter and the other the apostles, will never again deny Christ, never again lose hope, even in the midst of life’s greatest trials.
Know Jesus … no fear.
Before anything else, ask that Pastor who Jesus is, and, if he has that right, ask him how he brings that message to his flock. Then let’s talk some more.
I remain your imperfect, redeemed, loving dad.
She has been absent a church for some years now, due to a very bad experience she had at a "church" which became so enamoured with the blessings of God, and what they saw as manifestations of His presence, that they lost their way and began to worship the blessings instead of the "blesser". That led many of those well meaning people to what I think is almost a 'lunatic fringe' with frightening "manifestations" of something, real or imagined, that most certainly was not the God of the bible.
Sadly, this is common. Many people today have abandoned worship of the Creator for zealous experiential worship of creation. This, really, is just the religion of Pantheism, which is very prevalent today, especially in the Green Movement. (I am not referring to the Political party of similar name).
My daughter is very afraid of "church"... she is afraid of being deceived and hurt again. I understand that and I am sure many of you do too. Like most of us, my daughter desperately wants a relationship with God ... but she is uncertain if she wants a relationship with God's people.
I know many of you relate. I do too. We know all people are imperfect, but there is something particularly insideous, and odious, when that imperfection takes the form of judgment, religiosity, control and the mass hysteria of a group of tragic people blindly seeking physical and emotional "experiences", in place of the simple presence of a loving God who accepts us, "just as we are", and gently calls and guides us in our search for relationship with Him.
So, you are coming into this conversation between a father, me, and his cherished daughter after her plea for help which includes evaluating a certain church she has been thinking, fearfully, of "trying out"....
Hey Kate… since Bikers Church is too much of a commute for you … let’s explore together….
As you consider all this … please refer back to the e-mail you just sent called “meet me in the stairwell” … I understand completely about (the old church name) .. and, as the dad .., I deeply regret getting the family involved … However, God’s promise is that he is always “there” with us … even in the stairwell of (old church name)...
He brought you out Kate.
The great challenge for us all, as Christ followers, is learning to recognize His Character, His voice, His “style”….. so we can discern Him from the counterfeit.
That search must be predicated upon learning the character of Jesus as revealed in scripture …. You have heard the expression, “Living Word”, well Jesus is it. If you seek to know who He is, through what is written about Him, then the scriptures, the Word, comes alive and you will begin the journey to actually “knowing” Him.
I am all for churches that have programs and resources, we all enjoy that, but first and foremost, we need to begin a credible journey to learning who God, in Christ, is. The process cannot “honestly” be done without bible study …. but that study must begin with the question “Who is God?”, otherwise, it just deteriorates into a “religious study” and we will get bogged down with doctrines, dogmas and disciplines that have little to do with building a “real relationship” with the Person of Jesus, which, after all, was the whole point of the incarnation.
Jesus did not come to earth “just” to die, he came to show us who God “really” is. His willingness to die for His own creation, so that we can be released into freedom, (even the freedom to reject Him), is key to understanding His character
He came that, ultimately, we could have abundant life, which is only possible if we are “one with Him”… which in turn is only possible if we know Him … intimately … as the “friend” he called us to be. (He defines the profound meaning of the word, friend)
To my mind, at this part of my journey, the most important “question” for all of us, is in the bible when Jesus asks Peter, “who do you say I am”? (Matt. 16:15)
Peter answers, correctly, “You are the Christ, the Saviour”. Jesus asks us the same question, and that is really the fundamental question we must ask ourselves, before we answer Him. If we cannot answer as Peter answered, “with knowledge”, then all else will be in vain.
Remember, Peter knew the scriptures that foretold of the saviour’s coming. He was expecting a saviour even though he, like the others, did not “know the Character” of the saviour until they spent time with Jesus and then put 2 & 2 together.
They had the actual physical presence of Jesus and got to know Him that way. We get to know Him through the scriptures, and the leading presence of the Holy Spirit, Who will illuminate the scriptures if we are faithful in approaching them for the purpose of finding that light.
Bottom line though is this; in Jesus own words he said “you diligently search the scriptures thinking that by them you will possess eternal life. These are the scriptures that testify about me, yet you refuse to come to me to have that life.” (Jn. 5:39)
So, it is all about coming to an honest relationship with Christ and , in pursuit of that, we must know who Jesus is, know his character, know His voice, so we can gain confidence in His presence and “Know that He is God”.
It is also most important, ( because a true “relationship” goes two ways ), that we learn to discern the difference between (amongst other things), who He says we are and who satan says we are…
One example of why knowing the character of Jesus is so important can be illustrated by the following;
Satan condemns whereas Jesus, through the Holy Spirit, convicts.
We are all ‘sinners” and when I sin, Satan says “ Terry, you are hopeless. You did it again. You are a bad person and you are condemned”. He says this to all of us and in such a way that we believe it, because we “know” we are sinners, and that we did a bad thing. We are sure that voice is the voice of God. It seems logical to us, that a Holy God would say that, and so consequently, we become self-condemning and our self-image gets lower and lower until we turn away from God altogether, in shame or in disgust, which is, after all, what Satan wanted all along.
However, on the other hand, (or in the other ear), when I sin there is another voice, it is the voice of God, (the Holy Spirit), who says, “c’mon Terry, you are better than that. That action is unworthy of you because you are my friend, my child … and as my child you are a Prince of heaven. Come back to me (redeemed of Christ), and let’s work this out together”…..
My Kate, we need to know the difference between those two voices and the only way I know to do that, is to get to know Jesus, the REAL Jesus intimately and that is possible only through His word. When we do that…there is no contest between those two voices, the voice of God, ALWAYS builds us up , encourages us and speaks “life’ into us.
But we have to KNOW that… not just accept or believe it.
And there is the nub, we, like Peter, can answer the question correctly without having it “transform” our hearts and so we can go directly from telling Jesus we believe in Him and then deny Him the very next day when things get rough. We can go, in a heartbeat, from a bold proclamation of our confidence that Christ is directing our path … to fear ruling our lives … if we do not really “KNOW HIM”.
It is a journey …. a personal quest, to be sure, but one we don’t need to do alone. In fact, it is not wise to travel that road alone. That is why Jesus gave us the gift of His Church … a Church that is built upon the ROCK of Peters confession that Jesus, alone, is the Redeemer, the Saviour, the Christ.
Many churches have programs, resources and activities and that can be very attractive. They can also be distracting.
It takes some discernment to ensure these things “support” the central purpose of Jesus church, which MUST be dedicated to getting to “KNOW” Jesus so we can answer, with absolute conviction, the question … Who do you say I am ?”
Once we can answer that question, as Peter answered it, we make a way for the Holy Spirit to bring our own personal Pentecost after which, we, like Peter and the other the apostles, will never again deny Christ, never again lose hope, even in the midst of life’s greatest trials.
Know Jesus … no fear.
Before anything else, ask that Pastor who Jesus is, and, if he has that right, ask him how he brings that message to his flock. Then let’s talk some more.
I remain your imperfect, redeemed, loving dad.
Thursday, September 18, 2008
At the last two church nights....we talked about our statement of faith..."The Apostles Creed"...and how it is a "declaration" of who we are.
Proclaiming the Creed over our lives is a solemn and profound act. It defines us, it guides us and...to the world ... it announces us.
In the days of chivalry... when a person of stature was "presented" to dignitaries or ushered into a formal gathering ... he was "announced" with his name, rank and title. We have all seeen that depicted in movies and read about it in books ... we all know the scene.
And so it is, still, in this age. When we, as members of "The Order", enter into society, we are "announced" by the Cross and Wings and we say, in effect, (for example) ....
" I am Terry Mahoney, a member of The Order" of Bikers Church. My rank is servant of the servants of God...and my title is "follower of Jesus Christ. "
We need to understand this is a fact of our humanity ... it is not a rerun of an old movies or a throw back to yesteryear. This is how the world works, even today.
We all know, when introduced to someone new...we want to know the answers to those questions to help us "identify and define" who it is we are meeting. The answers, which are really "declarations", help us see the person in the context of our culture and our own values, spiritual and otherwise.
We need to be cognizant, always, that in some way... all living persons announce themselves to the world .... and the world responds with an instant assessment and then ... waits, and observes, to see if it's assessment is true and if the person is real and honorable and good.
THEN, true respect...or not...FOLLOWS.
For us in "The Order"... we must understand ... when we accept the cross and wings, we announce ourselves as Brothers in Christ.
In our case, when we wear the patch ... the world does not see and judge us only as individuals ... the world sees us as the unit we have chosen, announced, ourselves to be... and we are all then judged and respected (or not) according to the behaviours we present.
Much more importantly ... and as unfair as it is ... the world also judges Christ by our actions. It is the natural order of things and Jesus confirmed that when He said in His prayer to God ... "may they all be one , so the world will know, that You and I, Father, are One". (John 17:20)
Clearly, he wanted us to be one as His church ... yes .. but foundationally .. in order for us to be "real"... He wants us to be "one with HIM", the Real Jesus .. God incarnate ... the One whose name, rank and title ... defined the love and the character of God very God... our Creator.
We become one with Him when we willfully, truthfuly and purposefully declare the Creed, in our case, by the wearing of the cross, as the announcement to the world of "who we are" at our very core.
Nothing else sufficeient...nothing else required...except to be real..and walk the talk.
And on that note; we must remember ... we cannot do this alone .... The strength to overcome our sinful nature ... and live up to our "announcement" ... is dependent upon grace .. it is achieved only by submitting our will, daily, to the power of the Holy Spirit of God.
And remember my brothers ... if we only have the will to walk ... God is pleased with our stumbles.
With you....terry
Proclaiming the Creed over our lives is a solemn and profound act. It defines us, it guides us and...to the world ... it announces us.
In the days of chivalry... when a person of stature was "presented" to dignitaries or ushered into a formal gathering ... he was "announced" with his name, rank and title. We have all seeen that depicted in movies and read about it in books ... we all know the scene.
And so it is, still, in this age. When we, as members of "The Order", enter into society, we are "announced" by the Cross and Wings and we say, in effect, (for example) ....
" I am Terry Mahoney, a member of The Order" of Bikers Church. My rank is servant of the servants of God...and my title is "follower of Jesus Christ. "
We need to understand this is a fact of our humanity ... it is not a rerun of an old movies or a throw back to yesteryear. This is how the world works, even today.
We all know, when introduced to someone new...we want to know the answers to those questions to help us "identify and define" who it is we are meeting. The answers, which are really "declarations", help us see the person in the context of our culture and our own values, spiritual and otherwise.
We need to be cognizant, always, that in some way... all living persons announce themselves to the world .... and the world responds with an instant assessment and then ... waits, and observes, to see if it's assessment is true and if the person is real and honorable and good.
THEN, true respect...or not...FOLLOWS.
For us in "The Order"... we must understand ... when we accept the cross and wings, we announce ourselves as Brothers in Christ.
In our case, when we wear the patch ... the world does not see and judge us only as individuals ... the world sees us as the unit we have chosen, announced, ourselves to be... and we are all then judged and respected (or not) according to the behaviours we present.
Much more importantly ... and as unfair as it is ... the world also judges Christ by our actions. It is the natural order of things and Jesus confirmed that when He said in His prayer to God ... "may they all be one , so the world will know, that You and I, Father, are One". (John 17:20)
Clearly, he wanted us to be one as His church ... yes .. but foundationally .. in order for us to be "real"... He wants us to be "one with HIM", the Real Jesus .. God incarnate ... the One whose name, rank and title ... defined the love and the character of God very God... our Creator.
We become one with Him when we willfully, truthfuly and purposefully declare the Creed, in our case, by the wearing of the cross, as the announcement to the world of "who we are" at our very core.
Nothing else sufficeient...nothing else required...except to be real..and walk the talk.
And on that note; we must remember ... we cannot do this alone .... The strength to overcome our sinful nature ... and live up to our "announcement" ... is dependent upon grace .. it is achieved only by submitting our will, daily, to the power of the Holy Spirit of God.
And remember my brothers ... if we only have the will to walk ... God is pleased with our stumbles.
With you....terry
Monday, September 8, 2008
We attended the HA Poker run this past Saturday and, as usual, it was a well organized and well run event. The route was interesting offering all sorts of riding styles and the "punch" stops were at great locations. Not sure how many bikes were there in total but...a lot... so the stops were almost like a Show 'n Shine which was great fun too.
Several different clubs from around the Province were there and it was great to meet them. I trust we will all try to find our way to those towns to attend their events as they happen.
The event organizers were friendly and helpful, the after-ride hospitality was perfect and the food was outstanding! I know we all appreciate the opportuntiy to participate.
Specials thanks have to go to Brad and his crew. Their invitation to ride along and the hospitality at their house was great. These are good people we are proud to know.
The door prizes at the Coquitlam house were really very cool .. and our very own "Ken" won the first prize Poker hand ! Like that's a suprise. It's no wonder he rides a "glide'... it's the only frame that would hold a "bear" with all those horsehoes up his hoop.
Anyway, he was generous as always and used part of his winnings to cover the entry costs of his brothers. At least I think it was generosity ... could have been guilt.
Now speaking of "guilt"... let's all try to remember guilt is a feeling we, as Christ followers, should not be burdoned with. We may well be guilty of trespassing over God's laws but, we are redeemed, as scripture tells us, in the midst of our sin.
So...Confess it, get over it and get on with it.
Carrying a load of guilt about past transgressions is counter-productive to living in the joy set before us by our lord. It must also be insulting, or at least dissapointing, to Christ, who paid a big price to set us free. And it is a lousy example for others.
As we have said before... if you feel condemmed, you can be sure that impression comes from satan. If , however, you feel "convicted", well, that is most likely from the Holy Spirit and is His call to turn your eyes upon Jesus and accept the freedom he offers ... which is available to all ... just for the asking.
In any event...when we say "NO JUDGEMENT HERE" ( in bikers church), we include those who would judge themselves, convict themselves and then condemn thenmselves.
What a waste of life. Acting that way is to act as though God is sitting in YOUR chair.
He's not. Remember brothers, God is the judge ... we are only witnesses.
with you...pastor terry
Several different clubs from around the Province were there and it was great to meet them. I trust we will all try to find our way to those towns to attend their events as they happen.
The event organizers were friendly and helpful, the after-ride hospitality was perfect and the food was outstanding! I know we all appreciate the opportuntiy to participate.
Specials thanks have to go to Brad and his crew. Their invitation to ride along and the hospitality at their house was great. These are good people we are proud to know.
The door prizes at the Coquitlam house were really very cool .. and our very own "Ken" won the first prize Poker hand ! Like that's a suprise. It's no wonder he rides a "glide'... it's the only frame that would hold a "bear" with all those horsehoes up his hoop.
Anyway, he was generous as always and used part of his winnings to cover the entry costs of his brothers. At least I think it was generosity ... could have been guilt.
Now speaking of "guilt"... let's all try to remember guilt is a feeling we, as Christ followers, should not be burdoned with. We may well be guilty of trespassing over God's laws but, we are redeemed, as scripture tells us, in the midst of our sin.
So...Confess it, get over it and get on with it.
Carrying a load of guilt about past transgressions is counter-productive to living in the joy set before us by our lord. It must also be insulting, or at least dissapointing, to Christ, who paid a big price to set us free. And it is a lousy example for others.
As we have said before... if you feel condemmed, you can be sure that impression comes from satan. If , however, you feel "convicted", well, that is most likely from the Holy Spirit and is His call to turn your eyes upon Jesus and accept the freedom he offers ... which is available to all ... just for the asking.
In any event...when we say "NO JUDGEMENT HERE" ( in bikers church), we include those who would judge themselves, convict themselves and then condemn thenmselves.
What a waste of life. Acting that way is to act as though God is sitting in YOUR chair.
He's not. Remember brothers, God is the judge ... we are only witnesses.
with you...pastor terry
Friday, August 22, 2008
Time!! Darn it goes by quickly. Marilyn and I have been on vacation and it seems like a warm, bust distant, memory already. We are off to the Okanagan to help celebrate my Mom's 86th birthday and then we hope to throw the canoe in the ocean off Ladysmith next week for a couple of days. then, back to work.
Last week at church we talked about our "Statement of faith" .. the Apostles Creed. I went thru it line by line and offered scriptural references that are evidence of the truth of the claims and declarations of the Creed because , it is most important, I think, that we know not only What the Creed is, but "WHY" we believe it.
As I said, as human beings with free will and choices, we must first choose, as a matter of faith, what we take as the authority for our life and our beliefs. For Christians, this is the Bible. However, we cannot "scientifically prove" that everything in the bible is true, so we must first accept it, on faith, and then, see if our experiences in following it as a life plan prove it so.
This is a life-long journey but, nothong can possibly be more important than a thirst for truth... if you want to do more than wander aimlessly for the "4 score and 10" years you are actually breathing.
Ok, so I gave a much longer dissertation with many more examples but, let me share this one;
If you are going on a road trip, to a place you have never been before...you want to be sure you arrive at your destination so, you get directions. usually, you buy a map. Then, you follow the directions on the map, road by road and turn by turn. As you travel, and as the various places you go thru match the map...your confidence in the map increases....until you finally arrive at your intended destination. It is then, and only then, that you know, by personal experience, the map is true and accurate. BUT.. again,when you start your journey .. and as you continue your journey, you are accepting, and following, the map "on faith".
It is similar with the Bible. we know we are going somewhere in this life because we know life has a begnning and an end. We want to arrive at the right destination so, on faith, we, as Christians, accept the bible as the authority, that will get us there. We may, at first, accept the bible only because of the recommendation of a trusted friend or relative who we also see as an authority or at least an advocate but that is really no different from the person who buys and follows a road map based upon a decision to trust the directions based upon the reputation of the cartographer or publisher like "Rand McNalley".. the renowned map makers.
So, like the guy on a road trip, we begin to follow the precepts set out in scripture believing, by faith, that it is true and accurate and will not get us "lost".
At the begiining of our journey, of course, we have little experience and even less evidence (personal evidence I mean) but, as we go by milestones and touchstones that are foretold in the bible (map) we become more and more comfortable...and our confidence in the bible (map) increases.
In one way, I think that is what is meant by "testing scripture"... I mean we really have to follow it to find out, personnally, if we are ever get to the point of Knowing"... that the bible, as a map showing the way to God .. is really true and can be trusted ... as THE authority for this journey of life..
I have decided to accept the bible, on faith, and I am trying my best to follow it without too many of my own "detours" (I occasionally think I know a better route than the map maker) ... and you know what ?? So far so good ... I am really becoming convinced..really beginning to "know"... the bible is true.
Last week at church we talked about our "Statement of faith" .. the Apostles Creed. I went thru it line by line and offered scriptural references that are evidence of the truth of the claims and declarations of the Creed because , it is most important, I think, that we know not only What the Creed is, but "WHY" we believe it.
As I said, as human beings with free will and choices, we must first choose, as a matter of faith, what we take as the authority for our life and our beliefs. For Christians, this is the Bible. However, we cannot "scientifically prove" that everything in the bible is true, so we must first accept it, on faith, and then, see if our experiences in following it as a life plan prove it so.
This is a life-long journey but, nothong can possibly be more important than a thirst for truth... if you want to do more than wander aimlessly for the "4 score and 10" years you are actually breathing.
Ok, so I gave a much longer dissertation with many more examples but, let me share this one;
If you are going on a road trip, to a place you have never been before...you want to be sure you arrive at your destination so, you get directions. usually, you buy a map. Then, you follow the directions on the map, road by road and turn by turn. As you travel, and as the various places you go thru match the map...your confidence in the map increases....until you finally arrive at your intended destination. It is then, and only then, that you know, by personal experience, the map is true and accurate. BUT.. again,when you start your journey .. and as you continue your journey, you are accepting, and following, the map "on faith".
It is similar with the Bible. we know we are going somewhere in this life because we know life has a begnning and an end. We want to arrive at the right destination so, on faith, we, as Christians, accept the bible as the authority, that will get us there. We may, at first, accept the bible only because of the recommendation of a trusted friend or relative who we also see as an authority or at least an advocate but that is really no different from the person who buys and follows a road map based upon a decision to trust the directions based upon the reputation of the cartographer or publisher like "Rand McNalley".. the renowned map makers.
So, like the guy on a road trip, we begin to follow the precepts set out in scripture believing, by faith, that it is true and accurate and will not get us "lost".
At the begiining of our journey, of course, we have little experience and even less evidence (personal evidence I mean) but, as we go by milestones and touchstones that are foretold in the bible (map) we become more and more comfortable...and our confidence in the bible (map) increases.
In one way, I think that is what is meant by "testing scripture"... I mean we really have to follow it to find out, personnally, if we are ever get to the point of Knowing"... that the bible, as a map showing the way to God .. is really true and can be trusted ... as THE authority for this journey of life..
I have decided to accept the bible, on faith, and I am trying my best to follow it without too many of my own "detours" (I occasionally think I know a better route than the map maker) ... and you know what ?? So far so good ... I am really becoming convinced..really beginning to "know"... the bible is true.
Thursday, July 24, 2008
This past week, we have had a few good things happen in terms of blessing to Bikers Church and some of our members. Tom happened upon the perfect bike for him, a very cool Road King... Riding with him now, I can honestly say, is far more ummmm ... comfortable ... because he looks like he belongs in that saddle. It just looks right. and Jimbo, he too got a new ride...an EVO Heritage Softail.....again, it looks right....especially now that he changed the seat to a lower riding position.
We also were advised that Rory and Michael are off to California and other points south, then east as hey meet up with some Brothers from the Sons of God and head over to Sturgis...makes the rest of us jelous but, they represent "The Order " well and honourably...we pray they have a great trip.
The big news now is...we are moving!!! West Coast Bikers Church is moving from white Rock to Langley. We have received and accepted a VERY generous offer from Christian life Assembly to relocate yo their grounds. We will be getting a building of our own and full access to all the programs they offer from 12 steps to counseling for those of our people who require such. CLA has been MORE than generous and we are very excited. In the same vein, we are exceedingly grateful to Life Church for all they have done. they launched us, gave is a home, supported and encouraged us and prayed us into existence. We are forever joined with them in this initiative but, we have outgrown the facility, and we really are at the point we need a place of "our own"..... Please stay tuned for dates of the move and an announcement of our "open house" celebrations in mid September.
In meantime...we thank you all for your support and look forward to building this church as we "work out what we believe...together".... terry
We also were advised that Rory and Michael are off to California and other points south, then east as hey meet up with some Brothers from the Sons of God and head over to Sturgis...makes the rest of us jelous but, they represent "The Order " well and honourably...we pray they have a great trip.
The big news now is...we are moving!!! West Coast Bikers Church is moving from white Rock to Langley. We have received and accepted a VERY generous offer from Christian life Assembly to relocate yo their grounds. We will be getting a building of our own and full access to all the programs they offer from 12 steps to counseling for those of our people who require such. CLA has been MORE than generous and we are very excited. In the same vein, we are exceedingly grateful to Life Church for all they have done. they launched us, gave is a home, supported and encouraged us and prayed us into existence. We are forever joined with them in this initiative but, we have outgrown the facility, and we really are at the point we need a place of "our own"..... Please stay tuned for dates of the move and an announcement of our "open house" celebrations in mid September.
In meantime...we thank you all for your support and look forward to building this church as we "work out what we believe...together".... terry
Friday, July 11, 2008
This past week, we were discussing the scripture in John 5:31 where Jesus says; " You diligently study the scriptures because you think that by them you possess eternal life. These are the scriptures that testify about Me, and yet you refuse to come to Me to have that life"....
The point of this scripture, this "word" from Jesus is to tell us that "Life" in the context of the abundant and eternal life that God invites us to , is dependent upon relationship...not religion. Jesus is telling us that it is good to study the scriptures, but only so long as we do it to bring us closer to Him .. in right and real relationship. In other words, once we know, through scripture and credible teaching, who Jesus is, that knowledge should, indeed must, bring us to the point where we accept Him and surrender ourselves to His leading.
We also talked about the fact that real and effective prayer, is not launching a litany of petitions to God. Real and effective prayer is actually communing with God. ... that is, communicating with Him for the purpose of knowing Him and His will for our lives. Clearly, this can be accomplished only if we do more "listening" than talking.
That , I know, is often hard. Our minds wander and our thoughts quickly become anything but Godly.. However, with practice and determination..we can.. and we must...learn to discern and then heed the "still small voice" of God . Actually, I think God's voice is anything BUT still and small. I think it is our half-plugged ears and rebellious will that only makes it seem that way.
For as long as man has been on the planet...we have striven to connect with God...and for almost as long as that, the mystics and the saints have told us over and over...it is our hearts and our ears that need to be tuned..not his voice.
As the scripture says..."those who have ears to hear..let them hear"... Those ears , I believe, are not the ones hanging on the side of our head.. the real ears referred to are the ones embedded in our soul...and if we are honest..we actually hear with them very well...we just happen to be very good at pretending we don't. And so. as Jesus says...it is not that we do not truly hear His invitation, the problem is we "refuse" to respond to it... and the result is... we lose. If we never truly embrace the "source" of life we will surely never Have the life. Seems so simple so, how can we miss it. .. or more to the point ... WHY would we miss it? Hmmmm.. it always comes down to a decision doesn't it? I have decided... have you?
The point of this scripture, this "word" from Jesus is to tell us that "Life" in the context of the abundant and eternal life that God invites us to , is dependent upon relationship...not religion. Jesus is telling us that it is good to study the scriptures, but only so long as we do it to bring us closer to Him .. in right and real relationship. In other words, once we know, through scripture and credible teaching, who Jesus is, that knowledge should, indeed must, bring us to the point where we accept Him and surrender ourselves to His leading.
We also talked about the fact that real and effective prayer, is not launching a litany of petitions to God. Real and effective prayer is actually communing with God. ... that is, communicating with Him for the purpose of knowing Him and His will for our lives. Clearly, this can be accomplished only if we do more "listening" than talking.
That , I know, is often hard. Our minds wander and our thoughts quickly become anything but Godly.. However, with practice and determination..we can.. and we must...learn to discern and then heed the "still small voice" of God . Actually, I think God's voice is anything BUT still and small. I think it is our half-plugged ears and rebellious will that only makes it seem that way.
For as long as man has been on the planet...we have striven to connect with God...and for almost as long as that, the mystics and the saints have told us over and over...it is our hearts and our ears that need to be tuned..not his voice.
As the scripture says..."those who have ears to hear..let them hear"... Those ears , I believe, are not the ones hanging on the side of our head.. the real ears referred to are the ones embedded in our soul...and if we are honest..we actually hear with them very well...we just happen to be very good at pretending we don't. And so. as Jesus says...it is not that we do not truly hear His invitation, the problem is we "refuse" to respond to it... and the result is... we lose. If we never truly embrace the "source" of life we will surely never Have the life. Seems so simple so, how can we miss it. .. or more to the point ... WHY would we miss it? Hmmmm.. it always comes down to a decision doesn't it? I have decided... have you?
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
Over the past number of weeks, we have been discussing freedom in Christ, and "religion versus relationship". It is sure interesting to explore the different opinions and beliefs in this regard ... especially as they relate to our understandings of what is "required" of a Christian.
For example, what are requirements of baptism. is scripture says we must belive and be baptised, what happens to a person if they die in the mid-stream of their journey of faith and have only go to the "believe" part? And, eve if they have been baptized, what if they are only sprinkled? Is that as "effective" as pouring or dipping or dunking? Does that question seem simple to you or does it feel silly?
You know, people divide and create denominations over that question
What about the question of "civil authority".... many point to the bible and tell us we must obey all civil authority because, according to scripture, it is God who places them over us. Is this trtue> Do we believe this as "good" Christians? And, if so, what does that mean? Is it then a sin for a Christian Biker to go over the speed limit or split lanes in he I have been told it is ..and some "Christians" will not ride with me because I tend to "Transgress the law".... in that regard
What about voting ...some say we should not participate in civil discourse because "God is the only authority they recognize".. Some refuse military service because Christ did not appear to resist His tormentors and ordered Peter to put up his sword when the hordes came to take him in the garden of Gethsmane.
What about our Christian brothers in countries like China....where it is illegal to worship....should they "obey" or can they resist the civil authority and , if so, what are the permissable limits of resistance?
Some, denominations feel it is wrong to "insult" Christ by going to a doctor rather than "believe in His healing"... some feel it is wrong to utilize modern and "ungodly" inventions like the automobile (or motorcycle) and they limit themselves to horse and buggy, ... some handle poisonous snakes as "proof" of the truth of scripture.....some refuse to wear makeup and exempt women from positions of leadership....or ordination. Some refuse gays from priesthood...period....and some do so only if they are not "practicing" their "orientation".
Some say you must wear a suit and tie to church, and that church MUST be on Saturday....or Sunday...or ...well.. you get the picture, Christendom began dividing over such things right at the get-go. We all know that from scripture and we all know that from experience. We have all suffered rejection at the hands of "Christians"...... and , over what we might feel is a petty, or even serious issue...but..is it possible we too have rejected others over our own interpretations of what is the will and the mind of God in certain matters and, in doing so, begun to act like God's judge instead of as His witness?????
Or, are there certain non-negotiables upon which we must "draw the line"...? If so, what do you think they are ?? I would love to hear from you... Terry
For example, what are requirements of baptism. is scripture says we must belive and be baptised, what happens to a person if they die in the mid-stream of their journey of faith and have only go to the "believe" part? And, eve if they have been baptized, what if they are only sprinkled? Is that as "effective" as pouring or dipping or dunking? Does that question seem simple to you or does it feel silly?
You know, people divide and create denominations over that question
What about the question of "civil authority".... many point to the bible and tell us we must obey all civil authority because, according to scripture, it is God who places them over us. Is this trtue> Do we believe this as "good" Christians? And, if so, what does that mean? Is it then a sin for a Christian Biker to go over the speed limit or split lanes in he I have been told it is ..and some "Christians" will not ride with me because I tend to "Transgress the law".... in that regard
What about voting ...some say we should not participate in civil discourse because "God is the only authority they recognize".. Some refuse military service because Christ did not appear to resist His tormentors and ordered Peter to put up his sword when the hordes came to take him in the garden of Gethsmane.
What about our Christian brothers in countries like China....where it is illegal to worship....should they "obey" or can they resist the civil authority and , if so, what are the permissable limits of resistance?
Some, denominations feel it is wrong to "insult" Christ by going to a doctor rather than "believe in His healing"... some feel it is wrong to utilize modern and "ungodly" inventions like the automobile (or motorcycle) and they limit themselves to horse and buggy, ... some handle poisonous snakes as "proof" of the truth of scripture.....some refuse to wear makeup and exempt women from positions of leadership....or ordination. Some refuse gays from priesthood...period....and some do so only if they are not "practicing" their "orientation".
Some say you must wear a suit and tie to church, and that church MUST be on Saturday....or Sunday...or ...well.. you get the picture, Christendom began dividing over such things right at the get-go. We all know that from scripture and we all know that from experience. We have all suffered rejection at the hands of "Christians"...... and , over what we might feel is a petty, or even serious issue...but..is it possible we too have rejected others over our own interpretations of what is the will and the mind of God in certain matters and, in doing so, begun to act like God's judge instead of as His witness?????
Or, are there certain non-negotiables upon which we must "draw the line"...? If so, what do you think they are ?? I would love to hear from you... Terry
Thursday, June 19, 2008
It has been some time now since we last posted a comment ... no excuses but, we have been very busy with some traveling and many other projects...some of which will be announced here in the near future. There are some big things on the horizon for WCBC.
Having said that, we must always remember the main reason we exist... which is to work together to learn, live and share the Gospel of Jesus Christ. In some of our recent services, we have been focussing on the "Freedom" in Christ. This true freedom, which on the surface would seem rather simple, is actually deeper and more elusive than we might first think. This is not, however, beacuse it is complicated but, rather, because it is NOT complicated and we have a hard time believing that. Accepting the unconditional and boundless love of God almighty just seems "wrong" to our cluttered and fractured minds and heart. We tend to project our (fallen) human nature into the personna of God and , even if subconciously, we feel that is logical since 1) we are the only "beings" we really know and, 2) if we are made in the image of God, then, logically we think, God must be like us.
Wrong. God is not like us ... but He is like (in limited fashion of course) what He created us to be and how He wants us to be again. That is, God not judgmental, not capricious and not vacillating between acceptance and rejection based upon arbitrary rules, regulations and observance of religious rites.
God created us to be free...to have free will, to make our own decsiions...that is because he wants is to be "real". He wants us to "respond" to his overtures of love and grace not capitulate to them. This is not easy, for us or for God...for in order to do that we must "decide" to make ourselves vulnerable to the possibilty of rejection and the pain and loneliness which follows.
To that end, God made a covenant with mankind. He promised unequivocal and unreserved acceptance of us ... and eternal life with Him in heaven. he offers this to us''as we are" that is, still imperfect and still sinners. He then sealed that covenant, that promise, with the blood of His only Son, Jesus, and invited us, beseeched us really, to "sign-on" at no cost to us beyond putting aside our own pathetic agenda as to what our realtionship with God must look like. He did not "require" us to give up anything. He asks only that we be open to the "suggestions" he makes regarding what will bring us to a life of joy and fulfillment. This "prompting", He promised, would come gently from His Holy Spirit and would not be forced upon us. It would not come as a new form of bondage to religious law. (Matt. 23).
Doing this, made God vulnerable to rejection by us. In turn, we see that we would make ourselves vulnerable to His rejection if we respond to His call. However, we must see His invitation in the light of the cross .. God showed us, in blood, that his integrity and grace, while boundless, is not cheap when He put His Son up as the ransom.
Sadly, it seems that, in the main, only God has "willed" to make Himself vulnerable, and give His all, to this covenant. Most of us ignore the profound implications of the Ransom paid by God on our behalf, and "Will" to "hold something back", or "grab onto something more, which we think more exciting and worthy", or perhaps, just in case He does not honour His side of the promise.
How arrogant! How pitiful, that we, mere mortal creatures, would think we can outwit our Creator even as we call, His integrity into question.
How shallow that we do not accept the truth. God only asks us to offer what we cannot keep, (life) ... to gain what we cannot lose, (eternity). Yes, I did intend to say we cannot lose eternity. It will come, in time, and sooner than most of us would like. The only question about it then is, where will you spend it?
As for me and my house, we will willingly, and gratefully, sign on to the covenant.
Having said that, we must always remember the main reason we exist... which is to work together to learn, live and share the Gospel of Jesus Christ. In some of our recent services, we have been focussing on the "Freedom" in Christ. This true freedom, which on the surface would seem rather simple, is actually deeper and more elusive than we might first think. This is not, however, beacuse it is complicated but, rather, because it is NOT complicated and we have a hard time believing that. Accepting the unconditional and boundless love of God almighty just seems "wrong" to our cluttered and fractured minds and heart. We tend to project our (fallen) human nature into the personna of God and , even if subconciously, we feel that is logical since 1) we are the only "beings" we really know and, 2) if we are made in the image of God, then, logically we think, God must be like us.
Wrong. God is not like us ... but He is like (in limited fashion of course) what He created us to be and how He wants us to be again. That is, God not judgmental, not capricious and not vacillating between acceptance and rejection based upon arbitrary rules, regulations and observance of religious rites.
God created us to be free...to have free will, to make our own decsiions...that is because he wants is to be "real". He wants us to "respond" to his overtures of love and grace not capitulate to them. This is not easy, for us or for God...for in order to do that we must "decide" to make ourselves vulnerable to the possibilty of rejection and the pain and loneliness which follows.
To that end, God made a covenant with mankind. He promised unequivocal and unreserved acceptance of us ... and eternal life with Him in heaven. he offers this to us''as we are" that is, still imperfect and still sinners. He then sealed that covenant, that promise, with the blood of His only Son, Jesus, and invited us, beseeched us really, to "sign-on" at no cost to us beyond putting aside our own pathetic agenda as to what our realtionship with God must look like. He did not "require" us to give up anything. He asks only that we be open to the "suggestions" he makes regarding what will bring us to a life of joy and fulfillment. This "prompting", He promised, would come gently from His Holy Spirit and would not be forced upon us. It would not come as a new form of bondage to religious law. (Matt. 23).
Doing this, made God vulnerable to rejection by us. In turn, we see that we would make ourselves vulnerable to His rejection if we respond to His call. However, we must see His invitation in the light of the cross .. God showed us, in blood, that his integrity and grace, while boundless, is not cheap when He put His Son up as the ransom.
Sadly, it seems that, in the main, only God has "willed" to make Himself vulnerable, and give His all, to this covenant. Most of us ignore the profound implications of the Ransom paid by God on our behalf, and "Will" to "hold something back", or "grab onto something more, which we think more exciting and worthy", or perhaps, just in case He does not honour His side of the promise.
How arrogant! How pitiful, that we, mere mortal creatures, would think we can outwit our Creator even as we call, His integrity into question.
How shallow that we do not accept the truth. God only asks us to offer what we cannot keep, (life) ... to gain what we cannot lose, (eternity). Yes, I did intend to say we cannot lose eternity. It will come, in time, and sooner than most of us would like. The only question about it then is, where will you spend it?
As for me and my house, we will willingly, and gratefully, sign on to the covenant.
Monday, May 12, 2008
Power
I have been away for a few days at a conference for my "day job": broadcasting. Apart from catching some sort of bug that has me feeling down, I have to admit to feeling generally "down" as a result of some of the sessions we attended during the conference. It is not that it was a particularly bad conference...it was, as conferences go, quite average which is, I think, the problem. You see, there were the requisite number of "motivational" speakers who wax poetic about "The power within" or "the indomitable human spirit" and, of course, "desire to succeed:"...but, frankly, as always, I found it flat, empty and, most of all sad, because, as presented, it is all so futile..
Sure there is a germ of truth to it. We do have a degree of power within, we do have a human spirit and we do have, for better or worse, desire. However, unless those attributes are connected to the source of all wisdom and power .. we will come up short, and seriously off course, every time. The human spirit, alone, is always found wanting. It is incomplete, and it was intended to be that way.
We are created to have intimate relationship with our creator which is why we have that vague sense of "lack" in our spirit. Something is missing which, we know, is actually the "someONE who knocks" in the hope of being invited in to join Himself to us and, by so doing, complete us. It is in and through the hope of that relationship, and only through that relationship, that our "power within" can become whole, complete, unleashed and awe inspiring to all who are touched by it. Scripture is very clear that the spirit of God, His Holy Spirit, is the Spirit that enabled Jesus to walk on water or turn it to wine. It is the same Spirit that raised Lazarus from the dead and, later, even the Christ himself.
Jesus tells us we have access to that power, for our joy and the glory of the Father. It is clear however, this is only possible through relationship so intimate that we actually "die to self" and become one with Him in His death and resurrection. That is, in His own perfect submission to the Father.
Jesus tells us that the power behind all He has done, and more, is available to us if we only believe. Clearly, in the context of scripture, we cannot have perfect "belief" without perfect surrender. The "wonder working power", as the old hymn goes, flows only from "knowing" the Father with the same intimacy as had His Son.
Jesus said He only did what the Father instructed Him to do. Consider carefully the intimacy implied in that statement for it is key to the fullness of the truth of our "real Power within".
The power to heal our tortured souls and move the mountains before us, comes from one source ... and ONLY from one source ... the "I Am" of all creation who longs to join His spirit to ours and, in so doing, perfect us beyond our imagining.
Thing is my friends, we can access and enjoin with that power only through honest and intimate relationship with God which in itself is only made possible, (and perfect), in our weakness, that is; our total, complete and willing surrender ... even unto death.
Again, we see that great paradox of our faith ... we only "get" by "giving", even when it comes to the fullness of life itself. Behold, He knocks, will you open your heart and let Him in?
'Til next time..... Pastor terry
Sure there is a germ of truth to it. We do have a degree of power within, we do have a human spirit and we do have, for better or worse, desire. However, unless those attributes are connected to the source of all wisdom and power .. we will come up short, and seriously off course, every time. The human spirit, alone, is always found wanting. It is incomplete, and it was intended to be that way.
We are created to have intimate relationship with our creator which is why we have that vague sense of "lack" in our spirit. Something is missing which, we know, is actually the "someONE who knocks" in the hope of being invited in to join Himself to us and, by so doing, complete us. It is in and through the hope of that relationship, and only through that relationship, that our "power within" can become whole, complete, unleashed and awe inspiring to all who are touched by it. Scripture is very clear that the spirit of God, His Holy Spirit, is the Spirit that enabled Jesus to walk on water or turn it to wine. It is the same Spirit that raised Lazarus from the dead and, later, even the Christ himself.
Jesus tells us we have access to that power, for our joy and the glory of the Father. It is clear however, this is only possible through relationship so intimate that we actually "die to self" and become one with Him in His death and resurrection. That is, in His own perfect submission to the Father.
Jesus tells us that the power behind all He has done, and more, is available to us if we only believe. Clearly, in the context of scripture, we cannot have perfect "belief" without perfect surrender. The "wonder working power", as the old hymn goes, flows only from "knowing" the Father with the same intimacy as had His Son.
Jesus said He only did what the Father instructed Him to do. Consider carefully the intimacy implied in that statement for it is key to the fullness of the truth of our "real Power within".
The power to heal our tortured souls and move the mountains before us, comes from one source ... and ONLY from one source ... the "I Am" of all creation who longs to join His spirit to ours and, in so doing, perfect us beyond our imagining.
Thing is my friends, we can access and enjoin with that power only through honest and intimate relationship with God which in itself is only made possible, (and perfect), in our weakness, that is; our total, complete and willing surrender ... even unto death.
Again, we see that great paradox of our faith ... we only "get" by "giving", even when it comes to the fullness of life itself. Behold, He knocks, will you open your heart and let Him in?
'Til next time..... Pastor terry
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