Thoughts on the election...

Not mine - these come from J.P.
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Oakland Heritage Arts & Crafts Festival

Whew!

I am 1/2 way through my busiest week ever. 2 District meetings, 2 papers to write for my D.Min class, new sermon series to begin, preparing for parents coming in this weekend (a good thing!), new guitar class to prepare for, plus the regular responsibilities. But at least I get to turn the clocks back this weekend!

Benedictions need speed-bumps

"Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen." Hebrews 13:20-21

Benedictions need speed bumps. Too often the words of blessing spoken at the end of a service roll over us like water off a ducks back. Liturgical flourishes with little meaning. But take a moment to stop and smell the "good words" (literally "bene-diction") here. In this short sentence the writer of Hebrews gives us a 30,000 foot overview of the meaning of our lives. Consider:

God's chief end is the eternal glory of Christ: "Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen." God is orchestrating and accomplishing the flow of human and cosmic history to the end that the glory of His son would be on display! That is God's "big picture". That is what drives the heart of God.

His glory is best seen in his saving act of the cross and resurrection. "Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant…" We can see God's glory in a lot of thing – in creation, in his providential care, in his gift of the scriptures. But the ultimate display of his glory is the cross. The writer recounts the great saving act of Christ – shedding his blood to bring us into covenant with the Father and rising from the dead to fulfill redemption.

God is now restoring us to our original purpose and design. "…equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight". We were created to find our purpose in doing God's will. That is why his will is described as "good, pleasing, and perfect (Romans 12:1-2). We were formed to take pleasure in pleasing God. So being equipped to order our lives around God and his will for us is not a straightjacket, but a declaration of liberation! It is the restoration of the human heart to its original happiness.

So let this benediction be a good-word from God to you. And may it become your purpose and passion as well.

The well wisher of your soul's happiness,

Pastor Tom

Oakland Heritage Festival

Crisis in Leadership

Leadership is the buzz word today, especially with the presidential elections coming up. Each candidate is seeking to look more "presidential" than the other. But what are the qualities of great leadership? What models of leadership do we look to?

We need to ask these questions concerning church leadership as well. What are we to look for in church leadership? Hebrews 13:7, 17-19 give us a great outline of the role of leadership in the church.

First, Leaders speak the word of God: "Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God." (v.7). God's Word is our nourishment, our guide-book, and our authority. Therefore the main function of church leaders is to speak and teach God's word. Paul tells timothy that elders are to "be able to teach". That's why God's Word is front and center in the ministry of our church.

Second, leaders are to live out the word of God: "Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith." (v.7). The integrity crisis in leadership is at its most damaging when seen in the church. When one leader fails, every leader feels it. Hypocrisy in church leadership totally undermines the good of the ministry. That's why walking the walk must accompany talking the talk. Leaders have to live lives worthy of consideration and imitation.

Not that leaders have to be perfect. Some of the virtues we must model are humility and repentance. The world is not looking for perfect Christians, just perfectly humble ones!

Third, leaders keep watch over souls: "…for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account" (v.17). The humble, careful application of the word of God to the needs of the people is a mark of healthy leadership. In order to care for souls, leaders must be relationally connected and committed to people. The work "watch" means "pass sleepless nights". The shepherd must put up with long, cold nights in the pastures as they watch over the sheep.

These are tall orders indeed! Watchful leaders will be held accountable for the souls under their care. Anyone want that job? So, yes, soberness and seriousness will accompany leadership.

But don't miss the joy! Hebrews 13:17 says, "Let them do this with joy"! It works like this: It is a joy to see people grow in the lord! It is a joy to see people endure hardship by faith! It is a joy to see people following hard after Christ! It is a joy to see people leading their friends to Christ! It is a joy to see people sacrificing for the cause of Christ!

And ultimately it is the supreme joy of knowing we serve for the glory of "...our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep" (v.20). As we serve in His strength, for his honor, and with his love for the flock – joy overwhelms!

So give joy to your leaders by loving God's word, imitating the good you see in them, following their lead, and helping them through prayer (v.18-19)

The well wisher of your soul's happiness,

Pastor Tom

"Must Have" downloads from Tim Keller...

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p.s. Do yourself a big favor and listen to "The Prodigal Sons" and "Christ, Our Life". Please.