All In How You See It
An icon on the computer screen offers a daily opportunity to test my eyes/mind with illusions. First impressions often change with a studied look.
Proverbs 18:17 cautions that the first hearing of a matter can be very convincing, until the other witness presents Side Two.
Often I have sat in a courtroom and listened to the first witness. “This case is so simple it does not need a judge,” I would think. Later, after hearing the other side I would think: “I feel sorry for the judge. How can he know what is truth?” The New Testament carefully warns the Church in the last days to be wary of illusions. Many will come saying they are Christ. Many will declare strange doctrines.
None of this is new. I and II Peter and I, II, and III John address many of the same errors common in our day. Missionaries of the Early Church traveled and depended upon hospitality of other believers. Profiteers and religious salesmen saw an opportunity: travel with expenses being paid. False doctrine was sold.
It is always helpful to remember that sin has not changed. Lamech married two wives. Cain killed Abel. Nimrod was a mighty rebel against God. Nimrod’s wife established worship of the female body. Lust of the flesh, lust of the eye, and pride of life are endemic DNA of sin.
The sin of the contemporary church is that prosperity has not only cushioned our pews, it has cushioned our hearts. We want an Excedrin from God for our every pain. We want angels managing our stock portfolios. As one contemporary Christian song captures the spirit of our times: “I am going to get my blessing right now.”
Heaven is put in remission. Heaven is a nostalgic idea to be talked about only when pleasures of life have been milked and the body is too feeble to appreciate the exotic and erotic benefits of sin. Heaven is the preacher’s duty at the cemetery, issuing a bogus ticket to heaven.
Laila and I are on our way home from Pennsylvania as I am writing this. We left yesterday for Pittsburgh after Pastor Jerry called to say Kathy was being admitted to the hospital. These past several years have been difficult for the Steele family as Kathy has dealt with cancer. She is at an intersection with flashing caution lights.
Jerry and Kathy served on Covenant’s pastoral staff for 8 years. They have since served as pastor of New Covenant for 15 years in Markleysburg, PA.
I know no better folks than Jerry and Kathy. They are humble. God-fearing. Diligent. Kathy worked some last week at a public job. Jerry is a devoted pastor with a mission heart. He has made it his concern to address the moral issues of his community. He has reached out to other pastors and churches in cooperative efforts.
First glance. It is unfair and cruel for Kathy to suffer like she has suffered. An exceptional Christian woman, why should she bear the curse of cancer? It makes no sense. Second glance. Jesus loves her more than all her family and friends love her. Jesus died for Kathy. Jesus provides grace. The Holy Spirit is present for comfort. Jesus has good plans for Kathy (Jeremiah 29:11).
First glance. What has Haiti done that deserves an earthquake and mind-boggling human tragedy?
Second glance. There are hundreds of thousands of dedicated Christians in Haiti. Earthquakes happen in lots of places. It is not a time for judgment, but mercy. Jesus loves every person suffering, frightened, and prodigal from the Heavenly Father. The curse of sin is upon the righteous and unrighteous. These are troubling times. First glance is causing many to take wrong directions. May God give us wisdom to spend time in the Word and prayer until our eyes see past illusions. May we spend time with Jesus until we act like Him, talk like Him, and humble ourselves to be servants as Jesus did (Hebrews 12). Heaven is the brightest hope for those who love Jesus. Let us be sure that we stay in prayer and in the Word until illusions are past and focus is clear (Joshua 24:15).
Pastor Bare
Honoring God's House
We are moving rapidly to close in the Prayer Room and new Youth Center with an accessible restroom and kitchenette. We recovered an area that did not have proper access which can now be used as a conference room.
Great ideas are being shared about careful and limited projects that will help with people flow and save in cost of utilities. Thank you for prayerfully and generously giving to these improvements. You will be excited for the product, and you will be rewarded when you see new people who will come because of improvements. Every dime of cost is prayerfully considered. It is good to remember that in previous building improvement projects we walked by faith.