Death: a Demonstration of God’s Love?

I know the title sounds a little strange. We, typically, have a hard time with death. Even for Christians – a group that, by rights, should welcome the passage from this life to the next – it is a difficult reality to deal with.

As a pastor I am called upon to help grieving families as they deal with the loss of loved ones. Recently it was my turn to deal with loss. Not that I haven’t lost loved ones in the past but it had been a while since the last funeral service for one of my family members. That changed July 11 when we lost one of my uncles. Paul lost a year and a half long battle with lung cancer (oddly enough he had never smoked anything and took good care of himself – cancer doesn’t discriminate).

Let me get to the point. As I said at the beginning the title “Death: a Demonstration of God’s Love?” sounds strange. Let’s face it – we know from a quick reading of the first few chapters of Genesis that death became a reality for us because of sin. It was the forewarned punishment for sinning. Genesis 2:16-17 puts it like this: “…the Lord God commanded the man, ‘You are free to eat from any tree in the garden; but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat of it you will surely die.'” (NIV)

If you’ve taken time to read through Genesis chapter 3 or, if you paid attention in Sunday school,  you know Adam & Eve didn’t do so well following the rules. They ate the fruit and got the boot. They were exiled from Eden and then subject to death (both physical and spiritual – but that’s another topic for another time).

The story doesn’t end there and that’s really what I want to look at. Go back to Genesis 2:9. it tells us that there was another tree in the middle of the garden. One that they were free to eat from as often as they wanted. It was the tree of life. When Adam and Eve were driven out of Eden God posted a guard – a “…cherubim and a flaming sword flashing back and forth to guard the way to the tree of life.” (Gen 3:24) The reason for the guard? 3:22 “…the Lord God said, ‘The man…must not be allowed to reach out his hand and take also from the tree of life and eat, and live forever.'” (NIV)

Some might think that sounds a little harsh. I mean, not only did the young couple have to leave the honeymoon suite, start wearing clothes and working for a living but their diet had been restricted – and God wasn’t about to trust them to not cheat on their diet.

This, I believe, was a true kindness by God. A demonstration of His love for His most prized creation. God was literally saying ‘I love you far too much to allow you to live forever in a fallen, hurt-filled world’! This is why the Psalmist writes, in Psalm 116:15, “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints.” (NIV)

 

 

 

What Does the Future Leadership of the Church Look Like?

Let me ask you a question: What does the future leadership of the church look like?

I asked that question a few weeks ago during our Wednesday night Bible study. I really wasn’t surprised by the answers: “bold”, “confident”, “gentle”, “compassionate” are just a handful of the adjectives that were listed.

Know what terms weren’t used? Terms like “reckless”, “zealous”, “violent” and “blasphemous” didn’t get mentioned once! That doesn’t exactly surprise me – those really aren’t positive personality traits!

Can I tell you something? I think we are missing something if that is our perspective! Give me a chance to explain what I mean. Those positive attributes that were listed are good – no, they’re great – but they represent the finished product. They describe the way leaders in the church should be. What they don’t take into consideration, though, is the way a future leader may be right now.

Case in point: The Apostle Paul was bold, confident, gentle and compassionate. However, the Pharisee Saul was zealous, violent and blasphemous! Same guy, different point in life. Nobody who knew – or knew of – Saul would, in a million years, peg him as a future leader of the church! He was busy trying to destroy it for crying out loud! And yet God saw beyond who/what Saul was to who/what he could be as Paul.

Transforming people is God’s Modus Operandi. Jesus looked over the crowds that followed him and picked hot-headed fishermen, a national traitor/tax collector and a political/religious zealot just to name a few. Why? Because he could see the potential. Of course he didn’t put them into leadership positions instantly. They committed themselves to him first. They walked and talked with him. They grew. They were transformed by their relationship with him.

I’ve got a hunch that, were we to ask Jesus what the future leadership of the church looks like, we might be shocked by his answer. My prayer is that we might begin to see people as God does – that we might learn to look beyond their past (maybe even their present condition) – and see the potential end product! 2 Corinthians 5:17 says: “…if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!” (NIV)

I wonder if that has anything to do with why Jesus told us to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us? Could it be that, in doing so, we could be loving on and praying for future pastors, missionaries and evangelists? Just a thought…

Open Letter to all Women

Hi ladies! As you, undoubtedly, know we are approaching Mother’s Day this weekend. Many of you are preparing to spend time with your Mom or, perhaps, looking forward to being spoiled by your kids (it is, after all, your day!). Among you, though, is another group of ladies. For them Mother’s Day is extremely difficult. I’m referring to those who have never had the joy of being a mother themselves. Whether they haven’t been able to conceive or, perhaps, they had the hope but lost their child. This is a very hard weekend for them. It’s actually to those ladies I’d like to direct my thoughts.

Now, before you write me off just because I’m a man, please bear with me. I admit it – I am a man and don’t know what it is like to be a woman. I don’t think, look, act or feel like one (my wife and I agree that that is a good thing!). I am, however, a pastor and that has afforded me experiences with people in all facets of life. I have rejoiced with young couples as they found out they were going to be parents for the first time and I have wept with and held them when their pregnancy tragically ended. I’ve dedicated newborns and celebrated birthdays and other milestones, and I’ve stood at the gravesides of infants and toddlers searching for words by which to bring comfort. I have prayed with those unable to conceive and laughed with those who, thinking they are ‘past that time’, found out they are about to add another member to their family. Life is strange that way. And difficult. And, yes, unfair.

Let me share a few thoughts now: (1) It’s not you. Or your fault. We don’t live in the garden of Eden we live in a fallen world and, unfortunately, pain, struggle and frustration is part of our reality. (2) I’ve learned that when we don’t know ‘WHY’ we can make it if we know ‘WHO’. The Apostle Paul wrote to his friend Timothy “I know whom I have believed…” (2 Tim 1:12 NIV).  And finally, (3) There is real power in applying scripture to our life. “Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.” (Romans 12:15 NIV)

That said – I know that while most churches around the country are probably preparing some way of recognizing, honoring and blessing mothers there are several ladies who will be avoiding church altogether this weekend because it’s just too hard. If that’s you, can I challenge/encourage you to rethink your plans and go ahead and be in church? It just may be that in rejoicing “…with those who rejoice…” you will find comfort and healing!

“Get to” or “Have to” depends on your perspective

I’ve heard more than one person, in my time, make the comment “I don’t have to go to church to be a Christian”. Fair enough, I won’t argue with you. But I will say this: you may just be missing out on something with that perspective!

One day, during basic training, we marched out to an old building in the middle of the woods.  The building, it turned out, was a gas chamber. We were about to have a ‘hands on’ experience with chemical warfare. Dividing into groups of 10 – 15 we donned our gas masks and marched dutifully into the building where we were shown the various forms of chemical warfare we might expect to encounter in combat. Solids, liquids and, of course, gas filled the room. After a brief block of instruction describing how to identify – and what to do in the event of – chemicals – we were told to remove the gas masks and breathe in the noxious fumes. Not until everyone in the room began to display the effects of inhaling the gas, would the doors be unlocked allowing us to venture back out into the clean winter air. This was a real “have to” situation! Every one of us took as deep a breath as we could before removing the masks hoping beyond hope that the Drill Sergeant wouldn’t notice and would let us out but, one by one, we began to succumb to the gas. Eyes, noses, throats and chests burned. Tears and snot flowed freely. Finally, after everyone had been successfully drawn into this near death experience, the door was open and we were free.

While in the building I “had to” breathe but once outside I “got to” breathe. Oh, sure, in one sense I “had to” breathe outside in order to stay alive – clear my lungs – process oxygen – but boy did it feel good now! What I once took for granted I now cherished!

Back to the church thing – in Psalm 122:1 David says “I rejoiced with those who said to me, ‘Let us go to the house of the Lord.'” (NIV) Although, under the Mosaic Law, the Jews were required to ‘go to church’ David didn’t view it as a burden but, rather, as a blessing! Were there other things David could’ve done? Did he have outside interests? Of course. He was a shepherd, warrior, hunter (bare handed even!) – not to mention king with a few royal obligations. Although he led an exciting life (read ‘adrenaline fueled’) and certainly experienced the hand of God in many places, he got excited about going to church! It was there he could worship, sing, learn, rest and celebrate the relationship he had with God and do so with friends and family. He could take a break from the week, get centered, focused, filled and simply enjoy the undistracted presence of his savior.

They say familiarity breeds contempt. Probably so. I never realized how great it was to “get to” breathe good, clean air until I “had to” breathe the bad. If going to church for you is nothing more than an item to check off the to do list – if it’s a “have to” and not a “get to” – I think you’re missing something. After-all Jesus said he came that we may have life, and have it to the full (Jn 10:10)!

A Real Love for God

I had an epiphany of sorts last night. Well, last night and this morning to be more precise.

Last night Deb and I went for dinner then decided to drive thru the parking lot to do some shopping at the local Fred Meyer. Winding our way around the curbs and parked cars we passed a small group of young men (late teens? early 20’s?) standing around their parked cars shooting the breeze and admiring each others rides. I snickered to myself and commented to Deb “Those poor kids ‘cruising’ their rice burners. In my day we cruised ‘real’ cars! Camaros, Chevelles, El Caminos, Mustangs – American muscle!” I mean it put me back in my Camaro cruising the loop in Puyallup with my friends, pulling into the Hi-Ho parking lot and standing around our cars bragging and drooling. These kids have no idea what it’s like cruising a ‘real’ car! Am I right?

That was last night. This morning, sometime between my devotions and heading to breakfast, a couple things hit me: (1) Kids are cruising the cars they are today because those are the cars we (my generation) gave them! Just like the Camaros and Mustangs we cruised were the product of my parents generation and the ‘lead sleds’ of the ’50’s were the product of their parents generation. (2) Under the surface we have a common bond and it is this: whether we’re cruising a rice burner or American muscle – we’re car guys. Modifying our rides to express ourselves and show off a little!

Let me shift gears here – It seems that in the church we often have the same mentality that I displayed last night – “these young people have no idea what it is to worship God” (or serve, sacrifice, etc). What we, too often, tend to forget is that they are dealing with the church, processes and traditions that they inherited from us. If you step back and take another look you just may discover that, underneath the surface, there is a common bond – a real love for God!

Pastor Brandon Hollis

 

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Get Up and Open the Door

From yesterday’s message in Matthew 8:5-13. This is a great story and a neat account of the power of faith. The centurion is even commended by Jesus for his incredible faith (and who wouldn’t like that?!). However, when I read it I see something very sad. Something I think happens all too often. It’s right there in verse 8. In response to Jesus’ offer to go to the centurions home he says ‘No’!

Okay, in the NIV he actually says: “…I do not deserve to have you come under my roof…” Same thing! Jesus was trying to invite himself over and this man wouldn’t let him! Why? He didn’t feel worthy! Well, none of are but, again, Jesus was trying to go to his house and he wouldn’t let him!

Sure his servant was healed but what did he miss out on by refusing to let Jesus go home with him? What blessing did Jesus want to bestow on him? His family? It’s sad how many people can have faith for a friend, relative, co-worker – someone they see as ‘deserving’ but completely miss out for themselves.

In Revelation 3:20 Jesus said “…I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in…”! He’s got the keys to death and hell but the key the the door of your heart is in your hand. That’s why he’s knocking!

Here’s an idea – get up and open the door, he knows you’re home!

Pastor Brandon Hollis

Given. Not Earned.

So I was at the gym this morning – now, I’m not the most hard core gym attender. In fact my motto is: “No pain, good!” I mean, really, wasn’t pain given to us to let us know something is wrong?

Anyway, I digress. I invited one of the ladies there to attend the women’s cookie exchange tonight and send her husband to the church for the men’s stupid movie night. I told her that I figure the more women I get to bring cookies to my house, the better my odds are to have a pile of cookies left over for me to eat. She laughed and told me that if I get too many cookies I’ll have to hit the gym extra hard to pay for it. My response? “I’m a Christian pastor – I believe in consuming cookies by grace. In fact, if I’m lucky, I might carry around about 15 extra pounds of grace!”

This Christmas, as you hustle and bustle and enjoy the holiday – can I challenge you to remember that the greatest gift ever given is just that – given. Not earned. Not paid back or worked off. Given. “…by grace you have been saved…” (Ephesians 2:8)

My prayer for you is that you enjoy the true meaning of Christmas and, by the way, you look good with a few extra pounds of grace!

Pastor Brandon

Lift My Eyes

I looked out our back window and was greeted by Mt St Helens to the North this morning and as I stepped outside to take a picture I saw Mt Hood to the South and this passage came to mind:

“I lift my eyes to the hills – where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth.”

Are you struggling today? We have a message of hope and help today! I hope to see you at 10:30!

Pastor Brandon

Mt. St. Helens

Mt. Hood

Thankful in the Tough Times

What if I told you that your ‘attitude of gratitude’, or your thankfulness, is more a reflection of your spiritual condition than the circumstances surrounding your life at any given time?

Think about it – if you’re only thankful when things are going your way you have fallen into circumstantial thanksgiving. The problem with that is the reality that circumstances change.

When we put our trust in Jesus – who is the same yesterday, today and forever – it becomes easier (no, I didn’t say easy) to be thankful in all things, regardless the circumstance. Why? Because it is when we are thankful in the tough times that we are really saying ‘I trust you’.

Have a great Thanksgiving!

Pastor Brandon

What is Your Word Worth?

I was asked an interesting question the other day: “Would you drink a beer for one million dollars?”

I must have had a confused look on my face because they followed up with “If there was a million bucks in a suitcase in front of you, and all you had to do was drink a beer and it would be yours, would you do it?”.

Before I could answer, Deb (my wife), said “he’s drank beer for free before!” which is true. In fact I’ve had a few (literally just a few) beers in my time. I never enjoyed them. I don’t like the smell and don’t care for the taste. Someone told me once that it’s an acquired taste but, honestly, I don’t want to spend the time it would take to acquire the taste. But, then again, there are a number of things I don’t want to invest the time it would take to acquire a taste for. Things like sauerkraut, liver and squash to name a few. Of course if someone were to offer me a healthy sum of money I might, well, probably would, eat some of those items.

Let me get back to the issue of the beer. My answer was no. The reason might surprise you. It’s not because I think drinking beer (or any other form of alcohol) is a sin, I don’t. I said no because when I applied for ministerial credentials with the Assemblies of God one of the conditions for receiving said credentials was agreeing to abstain from alcohol. I agreed. I gave my word and I was raised to believe that my word is my bond. For me it’s a matter of integrity.

Someone reading this might think I’m crazy but consider this: the word I gave when I said I wouldn’t consume alcohol is the same word I gave when I promised to be faithful and true to my wife ’til death do us part (another vow I intend to keep).
In Psalm 15 David asks the question: “Lord, who may dwell in your sanctuary? Who may live on your holy hill?” The answer comes: “He whose walk is blameless and who does what is righteous…who keeps his oath even when it hurts…” (Vs 1, 2, 4)
Jesus also spoke on the issue in Matthew 5:37 saying “Simply let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes’, and your ‘No’, ‘No’; anything beyond this comes from the evil one.”

The interesting thing about integrity is that it can be sold but it can’t be bought back. What is your word worth?

Pastor Brandon