One Thing

Royal Priesthood-Worship

2012-01-16T07:32:00.000-08:00

In Revelation 1:6 Christ followers are refered to as a kingdom of priests. 1 Peter 2:9 the same are refered to as a royal priesthood. This is unusual language. What does it mean to be the royal priesthood? Royal is pertaining to a king, queen or other sovereign. Priesthood refers to priests collectively. Priests are those who conduct worship and act as a mediators between God and other humans.

Aristotle wrote about telos-purpose. He suggested that for humans to floursish we must live telos. In Genesis we are told that humans are created "in God's image." We were given the vocation of filling the earth and ruling over it. God's way of ruling the earth is through his image-bearing people. I believe this is what the philosophers we searching after. What is our purpose? Our purpose is found in virtuous living. Living for the benefit of others and creation itself is our highest calling as people. Of course, very few humans have ever lived this life. Most, if not all, live for self.

Then, Christ entered the world announcing, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven (God) is at hand." Here we have this kingdom talk again. Christ appeared as the ultimate human. Aristotle would have to admit that Jesus is the fulfillment of telos. Apostle Paul in addressing the crowd at Mars Hill in Athens proclaimed concerning Christ, "In him we live and move and have our existence." Jesus as a human reflected God into the world and reflected the world back to God. He is the eternal High Priest. Jesus demonstrated for us what is the wise rule over creation.

Christ brought healing, forgiveness, peace, joy and love to humanity. This is bringing God's kingdom into the earth. Christ has commissioned his church, his body with this same assignment. God's way of ruling the world is through his image-bearing himans. In order to do this as intended, we must stay in tune with God. Abuse of this authority does not abolish its proper use. Ruling the world as Christ would necessitates our need for worship. In worship our habitual choices are formed. As we allow the Holy Spirit to transform our lives, we demonstrate his fruit to the world-love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness and self-control.

We are a priesthood, priest collectively. There must be a greater emphasis on the collective effort of the church more than our personal Christian express. "The gates of hell will not prevail against the church" after all. We need to think in terms of litergy-an arrangement of public worship formed by a church. As we worship through the prayers, praise, teaching, fellowship, Sacraments and Scripture reading of the church we form a priesthood. Out of this worship we flow out the the wider world-mission.

Peace,
Stan

Unlikely Women of Christmas

2011-12-21T09:55:00.000-08:00

We all know about Josephand Mary, the Inn of Bethlehem, the shepherds, the star, and the wise men.They’re all part of the wonderful story we remember and tell this time of year.There’s more to the story, though. Obscure and often overlooked, buried inMatthew’s genealogy (Matthew 1:1-17) and leading up to the birth of Christ are four women-Tamar, Rahab, Ruth and Uriah's wife (Bathsheba).

Without elaborating with too many details, let me introduce you to these ancestresses of our Lord. Tamar posed as a prostitute and had sexual relations with her father-in-law resulting in the birth of a son. Rahab was the prostitute who hid the Israeli spies in her house before they conquered the city of Jericho. She was the ancestress to eight of Israel's prophets, including Jeremiah. Ruth was a woman from Moab, a despised and outcast people. The Moabites and Ammonites had their origin through the incestual relationship between Lot and his daughters. The daughters plotted together to get their father drunk, so they could sleep with him and produce heirs. The wife of Uriah is Bathsheba, with whom David had an affair. In order to cover his sin, David had Uriah put to death. Bathsheba was the mother of King Solomon.

No only did Christ come to seek and to save the lost, but was also the product of a less than honorable family heritage. In Hark the Herald Angels Sing, Charles Wesley succinctly penned, "Veiled in flesh the Godhead see. Hail the incarnate Deity. Pleased as man with man to dwell. Jesus, our Emmanuel." Christ identifies with all of the human condition, sinner, saint and those in between.

These four unlikely women in Christ's lineage remind us that it does not matter from where you have com. It does not matter what you have done, or left undone. God sought after you and me. When we were at our worst, God gave his best. The true beauty of Christmas is found in the eternal fact that, "while we were still sinners, Christ died for us."

The outsiders have become insiders.
Rejected ones have been accepted.
People who were put down have been lifted up.
Those that were cast out have been brought in.
The forsaken have been embraced.

The fifth unlikely woman of Christ's lineage is Mary, his mother. We no almost nothing about Mary, except that she quite ordinary. She hailed from an ordinary, out-of-the-way place. There seems nothing outstanding about her, other than willingness, obedience and faith. Yet, we know that these qualities are, in fact, extraordinary. In The Magnificat, Mary declared, "for he looked on the humble estate of his servant. For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed. For he has done great things for me, and holy is his name."

When God does something on earth, he does so through a person, usually an unlikely person such a you or me. No matter how small you think you are, no matter what terrible things you have done, no matter what horrible things have been done to you, Christ desires to be in your life. He wants you in his family. Christ came for sinners, outcasts, abused and forgotten people.

Merry Christmas,
Stan

Lessons From Mary

2011-12-14T12:37:00.000-08:00

A Sunday school class wrote letters to God. On little boy wrote, "Dear God, We had a real good time at church today. Wish you could have been there." During Advent we are doing our utmost to make sure God is here in the midst of our celebration and anticipation. Reader, I invite you to take a few moments to sit at the feet of a young bride-to-be, who became the mother of God-Mary.

In the Magnificat, Mary proclaims, "My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour, for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant. For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed." What lessons may we learn from Mary? What might she say to us?

First, I believe she would tell us, "Life is hard." Consider this teenage girl, who is betrothed to be married soon. The anxiety of becoming a bride must have been overwhelming. Then, an angel visited her with an unbelievable announcement, "God has chosen you to bring His Son into the world through your body." She risked her body, marriage, reputataion and her own life in agreeing to this. Her delivery was very difficult. After a long and grueling trip from Nazareth to Bethlehem she gave birth out in a barn.

The difficulties continued in Mary's life. After the wise men came worshipping and bearing gifts, they were warned in a dream to scram. King Herod ordered all of the male children under two years to be killed in Bethlehem. Joseph, Mary and baby Jesus took out across the wilderness to Egypt, where they lived as refugees in a foreign land. Somewhere between Jesus' twelth birthday and the beginning of his public ministry, Joseph must have died. We never hear about Joseph again. Mary's life is hard. The final blow was watching her son die on the cross.

Mary would tell us that life is hard, but that God is good. Mary continues in the Magnificat, "for he has done great things for me, and holy is his name. And his mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation."

Life is hard. The effects of sin are severe. God is good. He sent his Son to be our Savior and Lord. God expresses his goodness through us, his church. The church is the expression of the goodness of God. We proclaim to the world the gospel-good news.

On Christmas Eve of 1985 CNN reported on two emaciated young men who had just been released from prison. They both suffered from the affects of AIDS. They were placed in a home established by Mother Teresa's order. Holding the two men in her arms, Mother Teresa was challenged by the reporter, "Why should we care about criminals with AIDS?" She explained that these young men had been created in the image of God and derserved to know God's love.

Life is hard, but God is good.

Peace,

Stan

Christmas Is

2011-12-07T06:44:00.001-08:00

Christmas is fun and special. It is for buying gifts. Christmas is noisy and sometimes stressful. Certainly, Christmas is beautiful. Mostly, Christmas is necessary. Humanity, especially me, needs a Savior and Lord.

Throughout human history, we have proven that our ability to run the show has been a dismal failure. If given power and authority, we oppress. If we help people in the wrong way or too much, they stop trying and expect others to be responsible. We lie, cheat, steal, kill, abuse, etc. No government works very well for very long. The whole world system is a mess.

Christ came to earth declaring himself as supreme ruler. His kingdom is foreign to us. We want him to blow away our enemies; he tells us to love them, pray for them and do good toward them. We want him to promote us because we are his faithful followers; he tells us to die to our self-interests and to live for others.

The best human effort is a dismal failure. Perhaps, Christ's way is a better way. Perhaps his kingdom is superior to our ways. We looked for a conquering ruler; he came as a shepherd caring for his human sheep. Isaiah 40:10-11, "Behold, the Lord God comes with might, and his arm rules from him; behold, his reward is with him, and his recompense before him. He will tend his flock like a shepherd; he will gather the lambs in his arms; he will carry them in his bosom, and gently lead those that are with young."

In Ezekiel 34, God promised to send us a shepherd who will search for the lost sheep. He will rescue them from the places where they have been scattered. This good shepherd will feed them with good pasture. He will strengthen the weak and heal the sick. He binds up wounds. This shepherd brings justice to the oppressed. When God came to the earth, he came as a shepherd.

In this season of Advent, as we celebrate what the Lord has done in coming to us, we also look for his coming again. Peter exhorts us in 2 Peter 3:11-12, "...what sort of people ought you to be in lives of holiness and godliness, waiting for and hastening the coming of the day of God..." As we reflect on Advent and look forward to Christmas, let us hasten the coming of Christ by taking up his mission of tending to the human sheep. In Matthew's gospel, Christ looked with compassion upon the crowds coming to hear him and to be healed by him, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. They were harassed and helpless in this state. Christ made a statement in this moment, "The harvest is great but the laborers are few, therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest."

We, the body of Christ on the earth, are the answer to Christ's plea. Christmas is necessary, because we need a shepherd. Let us observe this season by seeking the lost, healing the sick, binding up wounds and feeding his sheep.

Peace,
Stan

Observing Advent

2011-11-28T06:31:00.001-08:00

Yesterday, Sunday November 27, marked the beginning of Advent. Advent means coming or arrival. We celebrate the First Advent of Christ while we anticipate the Second Advent. As the church celebrates God's breaking into history in the Incarnation, we also anticipate the consummation of history for which "all creation is groaning awaiting its redemption." In between these events the church confesses and expresses our responsibility to love God passionately and to love our neighbor genuinely.

Advent is filled with longing and preparation. We yearn for our deliverance from the present evil age. We long for the injustice of this world to be made right. We strain daily to overcome the curse of sin. We work out out our own salvation with fear and with trembling. Our hope is in the return of Christ.

So, in observation of Advent, I share with you a reading plan. I found this selection of reading concerning Christ's first and second comings. I hope you enjoy reading them along with me this year.

Peace,
Stan

Day & Date	First Coming	2nd Coming/ Prophetic Lit
Sun, Nov 27th	Matt 1-2	Deut 32
Mon, Nov 28th	John 1	Deut 33
Tues, Nov 29th	Luke 1-2	Psalm 2, 24
Weds, Nov 30th	Luke 3-4	Psalm 47, 48
Thurs, Dec 1st	Luke 4-5	Psalm 72, 75
Fri, Dec 2nd	Luke 6-7	Psalm 110, 118
Sat, Dec 3rd	Luke 8-9	Song 5, 8
Sun, Dec 4th	Luke 10-11	Isaiah 2, 4
Mon, Dec 5th	Matt 1-2, John 1	Isaiah 9, 11
Tues, Dec 6th	Luke 12-13	Isaiah 24, 25
Weds, Dec 7th	Luke 14-15	Isaiah 32, 35
Thurs, Dec 8th	Luke 16-17	Isaiah 40, 53
Fri, Dec 9th	Luke 18-19	Isaiah 62, 63
Sat, Dec 10th	Luke 20-21	Jer 25, 33
Sun, Dec 11th	Luke 22-24	Dan 2, 7
Mon, Dec 12th	Luke 1-2, John 1	Joel 2, 3
Tues, Dec 13th	John 2-3	Zeph 3, Hab 3
Weds, Dec 14th	John 3-4	Zech 13, 14
Thurs, Dec 15th	John 5-6	Mal 3, 4
Fri, Dec 16th	John 7-8	Matt 24, 25
Sat, Dec 17th	John 9-10	1 Cor 15, Heb 12
Sun, Dec 18th	John 11-12	2 Tim 3-4
Mon, Dec 19th	Matt 1-2, John 1	1 Thess 4, 5
Tues, Dec 20th	John 13-14	2 Thess 2, 3
Weds, Dec 21st	John 15-16	1 Pet 1, 2 Pet 3
Thurs, Dec 22nd	John 17-18	Rev 5-6
Fri, Dec 23rd	John 19-20	Rev 14-15
Sat, Dec 24th	John 21-22	Rev 19-20
Sun, Dec 25th	Matt 1-2, Luke 1-2	Rev 21-22

Staying Young

2011-11-15T06:23:00.001-08:00

As a lead pastor of a local church, it is important for me to honor people of all ages. We honor those who are aging. They have sacrificed much to build our church and to bless our community and world. We are grateful for all they have done. We also glean from their experience and wisdom.

However, the we must also tap into the passion of the young. When Christ chose his closest followers to be with him constantly, he chose young men. Many church historians believe that most of the twelve were teenagers, when they started following Christ. As a church we must appeal to the youth. Not only are they the future, but they are also the present. The world belong to the young. In the same way Baby Boomers changed the world forever, today's young people will change the world again.

Last night I had the great privilege of speaking to a group of university students. After, Michelle and I went out to coffee with a small group from our church. It is obvious that those with experience and wisdom mesh with those with zeal, energy and new ideas. It is also a great way to stay young.

Older people spend too much time groaning about "young people these days." It is time to connect with young people and to believe in them. Christ left his earthly kingdom to a small group of young people to lead. Perhaps we should follow his example. Let's be the ones who invest in the future, instead of glorifying and holding on to the past.

Peace,

Stan

Blessed

2011-10-31T13:44:00.000-07:00

People who abuse others have themselves been abused. However, not everyone who has been abused becomes an abuser. On a positive note, people who bless others are blessed themselves. The purpose of God's blessings in a person's life is to become a blessing. Are you blessed?

Ephesians 1:3-6, "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love he predestined us for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved."

In Christ we are blessed. We are blessed to be a blessing. You are blessed. Go out and be a blessing to others today.

Peace,
Stan

Seedtime and Harvest

2011-10-24T18:30:00.000-07:00

Grace allows us to receive what we do notdeserve—salvation. Our relationship with God is based on his grace.Our relationship with others and with the world around us is based mostly onreciprocation, or cause-and-effect. Newton’s Third Law of Motion is to everyaction force, there is an equal and opposite reaction force.

The Hindus and Buddhists talk of karma—theidea that action brings upon oneself inevitable results, good or bad. Icompletely reject the reincarnation aspect of karma. In everyday life karma, orwhat-goes-around comes-around, or planting and harvest is spot on. In myrelationship with God, I trust in the grace of God, not in planting andharvest. But, planting and harvest is a law that governs life on earth.

Ecclesiastes 3:1-2 (NKJV)
      To everything there is a season,
      A time for every purpose under heaven:
      A time to be born,
      And a time to die;
      A time to plant,
      And a time to pluck what is planted;

When is comes to planting and harvesting, like begets like. Whatever kind of seed you plant, you will harvest the same kind of produce. Apples produce apples, bears produce bears, hatred produces hatred, etc. Not all seeds produce in the same way. Some seeds multiply quickly. Others require more patience.

Farmers plant from 25,000 to 45,000 seeds per acre. According to the Iowa Corn Producers the average yield per acre of corn is 183 bushels. There are 72,800 kernels in a bushel of corn. So, each acre produces about 13,322,400 kernels. Every seed planted yields at least 300 kernels of corn at harvest, just a few months later.

Oak trees are far different from corn. Only 1 in 10,000 acorns become an oak tree. Oaks don't start producing acorns until they are at least 20 years old. They only reach their maximum production after they are 100 years old. A mature oak produces about 2200 acorns yearly. Their average life span is around 200 years. So, oak trees produce about 350,000 acorns in their life span.

Nearly everything in life can be considered a seed. Time, words and money are all seeds. Not every seed will produce the same. Some seeds will multiply quickly. Others are like acorns. Not every kind action will be immediately rewarded. Yet, kindness will certainly be rewarded richly if practiced continually over a lifetime. Kindness toward others will beget kindness in return.

A good portion of your time and money should be used to bless others and to advance God's kingdom. Words destroy, so you should put a guard on your lips. Words edify, so you should be generous with compliments and words of comfort.

All seed left in the bag will never produce, and will usually rot.

Peace,

Stan

I Love My Church Family

2011-10-17T14:19:00.000-07:00

I love my church family. Cornerstone Church is a warm, close, genuine church family. The church is Christ's answer to a cold, lonely world. At church we worship, serve and grow together. Mostly, church is where we connect with other Christ followers.

I appreciate my personal relationship with God. I am grateful that I can go to the throne of God's grace myself to receive the help I need. However, there is no such thing as Christianity outside of the context of body. We are the body of Christ.

The body of Christ is local. Paul wrote letters to local churches. Jesus addressed local churches in Revelation. I am so glad to be a member of the body of Christ known as Cornerstone Church in Chillicothe, Missouri. Cornerstone is a place where you do not have to put on airs. You can come as you are, but you will not stay that way. We grow together. We mourn together, and celebrate together. We pray for one another, and serve one another. We reach out with help and healing to our community and to our world.

We are close knit. Yet, there is always room for one more in the fabric of our community. I love my church family.

Peace,
Stan

Teamwork

2011-09-27T17:57:00.000-07:00

Everything is better together. We are not meant to go through life alone. When I was younger I tried to do most things myself. The stress was great. Additionally, there were so many things I was not proficient in. Therefore, many areas of my life and ministry were deficient. I found that I do only a few things very well. I discovered that God designed me to be dependent upon others. Most of us do not like being dependent; we would rather be independent.

1 Corinthians 12 uses the imagery of the human body. Just like the individual parts of the body are dependent upon each other part, so we as humans are dependent upon one another. Each of us have strengths and weaknesses. Instead of trying to improve my weakness, I try to surround myself with people who are strong where I am weak.

The Cornerstone Church pastoral staff is a great example of teamwork. We are all quite different. Yet, we share the same values and the same vision. I love my team. I love working with them every day. They love God and love people. They believe in other people. We have a great time dreaming and planning the future together.

I love to hear each of them preach or teach. Brent is quite different from me. I am quite different from Kortney, who is quite different from Aaron. Blend in Chad and Whitney and Michelle into our leadership mix, and we present a great flavor to the world. We are able to do together what we can never do alone.

Who is on your team?

Peace,
Stan

Marriage = Heaven or Hell

2011-09-13T06:49:00.000-07:00

Marriage is either heaven on earth or hell on earth. There seems to be little ground between these two extremes. What makes the difference? The best marriages can be described as intimate. Intimacy is a warm, loving and close relationship. Better communication leads to greater intimacy.

Too many couples play communication games. Hints, half-truths, manipulation and intimidation are poor forms of communication. Usually, straight-forward communication is the best. Say what you mean and mean what you say. Secrets will destroy trust. Trust is the foundation of a solid marriage.

To create a safe zone for the truth to be spoken in love, each spouse must be free to share opinions and feelings. Husbands and wives must value each others' opinions. We must give each other the freedom to think differently from ourselves. Forcing my opinion on my wife robs intimacy from our relationship. This leads to arguments or silence. Michelle, my wife, has freedom to share with me what troubles her in my behavior. I need to receive her thoughts without being defensive. We are seeking a solution to our problem, not blame. No one wins an argument. Both lose.

Does your marriage look and feel more like heaven or more like hell? Your ability to communicate will greatly determine which is true.

Peace,

Stan

Peace or Strife

2011-09-10T07:02:00.000-07:00

One's motives can be measured by the fruit that is produced.
James 3:14–18 (NKJV), "But if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth. This wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic. For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there. But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy. Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace."
Wisdom from above produces peace. Bitterness and envy is the product of earthly, sensual & demonic "wisdom". Seek the peace that comes from above.
Peace,
Stan

God is Love

2011-09-03T17:59:00.000-07:00

God is love, according to 1 John 4:8. God can never do anything outside of love. He is not loving; He is love. God loves when we do not. There is not one thing a person can do that will cause God to stop loving him or her. God's arms are open to us always. God forgives so that we can repent and reestablish right relationship with him.

If I am going to be more like God, then I must allow his love to grow in me. Romans 5:5 informs us that God's love has been shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Spirit. So, I now have the capacity to walk in unconditional love also.

Love is incompatible with the claim of my rights. Love is concerned for the rights of others. Self-absorption is the opposite of Christianity. My story is subordinate to God's story. God is glorified only when I love as he has loved me. Forgiveness is at the heart of love. Unconditional love means that I do not have a choice except to forgive and give.

Is there any person on earth, whom God does not love? I think not. Therefore, I must love every person on earth. Someone may hate me. Yet, I must love him. There are certainly people of all kinds who live differently from my values. They should not see my condemnation and disdain; they should see God's love shining through me towards them.

The essence of our belief system is loving God and loving our neighbor. According to Jesus, my neighbor is anyone I come in contact with, especially those who are hurt or in need. My actions prove what I believe about God. The golden rule is my best guide in how to relate with other people. I must always treat others in the same way I want them to treat me.

The church living together in the love of God is our best witness to those outside of our fellowship. Walking in love means that I hardly even notice mistreatment. Love is not touchy. Love does not demand its own way. Our love must also reach outside of the church walls. We love each other as the church gathers together. Our love reaches out to the world after the benediction. The church must be a preview of things to come. We must be the trailer the world views to draw them to the main event.

God is love, so must I be.

Peace,
Stan

Rescuing Children from Slavery

2011-08-22T12:01:00.000-07:00

Every day children in many parts of the world are forced into slavery. Eight year old children in the Middle East are forced to work in the brick factories every day. Twelve year old children are snatched from the streets all over Asia to be abused sexually by prostitution rings. Obviously, this sickens each of us. But, what can I do?

By myself, I can do very little. In partnership with others, I can do much. My friends, Todd and Julie Powers, are rescuing children from slavery. Their organization, Empower International, is building orphanages and schools to save children. They give these children a chance to have a better future.

You can contact Empower International at http://www.powersplanet.org/. A few dollars can prevent and rescue children from human trafficking. Would you consider visiting the website and consider helping the Powers rescue children?

Peace,

SS

Faith Prefers Others

2011-08-15T12:31:00.000-07:00

In Genesis 13 we read about strife that comes between Abram and his nephew, Lot. The rift occurs as a result of the increase of their business ventures. Their herds of livestock outgrew the available water and grazing. People believe falsely that financial increase will solve their problems. Often, increase creates new problems. Money issues can stir up contention and controversy. Lot's association with his uncle made him wealthy. Now, they are having issues.

The more spiritual of the two, Abram, was the first to speak up with a solution. Abram suggested they separate. Sometimes separation is the only way to keep harmony. Growth often brings division. When cells grow, they divide and start again. This is healthy. Division is usually associated with problems. Division can, however, lead to greater growth in the future.

Not only did Abram advise that separation occur, but allowed his nephew to choose which direction he preferred to go. Faith prefers others. Philippians 2:3-4, "Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others." Lot, of course, chose the better land with a more consistent water supply in the Jordan River valley. However, he moved his family into the region of Sodom, whose residents were wicked and great sinners against the Lord.

Business decisions without consideration to spiritual consequences is dangerous. Sensual choices are sinful choices, and seldom fare well for the chooser. That which is best for our spiritual life is the best for us. In the end, Lot's life was virtually destroyed. Abram's life continued to be blessed of the Lord.
Follow Abram by preferring others.

Peace,
Stan

Others

2011-02-23T07:10:00.000-08:00

The invention of social media networks has revealed much about the human condition. Social media gives us the wonderful opportunity to connect with our friends and family. It is a modern wonder. While my friend, Todd, traverses the globe sharing good news of God's eternal love, I receive daily reports. I can pray more effectively and be connected to the trip. Friends and family are able to rejoice with us as we share images of our children and grandchildren from dance recitals or ball games. This is wonderful.

I also notice what seems to be bragging by those in my network. No one knows the thoughts and intentions of others. It is not my place to judge others. I am not God. He alone is the judge. However, I am suppose to judge myself. According to 1 Corinthians 11:27-32, before we partake in Holy Communion we should examine ourselves. If we judge ourselves, we will not require further judgment.

Let's use social media as a means of fellowship with others, and to advance the cause of Christ. Let's reduce our need to brag of our latest exploits and opportunities. Let's follow the greatest command--love God and love others.

Peace,
Stan

Valentine's Day

2011-02-10T07:06:00.000-08:00

With Valentine's Day approaching, one's thoughts are drawn to love. Love is defined so widely. Love for many people is some squishy bit of goo. Love must be more than a capricious emotion. Our emotions are too unreliable. I believe the band Boston tried to capture this thought in the song-"More Than a Feeling."

I looked out this morning and the sun was gone
Turned on some music to start my day
I lost myself in a familiar song
I closed my eyes and I slipped away

It's more than a feeling
(More than a feeling)
When I hear that old song they used to play
(More than a feeling)
I begin dreaming
(More than a feeling)
'Til I see Marianne walk away
I see my Marianne walkin' away

So many people have come and gone
Their faces fade as the years go by
Yet I still recall as I wander on
As clear as the sun in the summer sky

It's more than a feeling
(More than a feeling)
When I hear that old song they used to play
(More than a feeling)
I begin dreaming
(More than a feeling)
'Til I see Marianne walk away
I see my Marianne walkin' away

When I'm tired and thinking cold
I hide in my music, forget the day
And dream of a girl I used to know
I closed my eyes and she slipped away
She slipped away

It's more than a feeling
(More than a feeling)
When I hear that old song they used to play
(More than a feeling)
I begin dreaming
(More than a feeling)
'Til I see Marianne walk away

I have been married to Michelle for 29 years. It's more than a feeling. Yet, the feelings of love are strong. Speaking from experience, there is nothing in life equal to loving a person for a lifetime. Love is defined by actions more than feelings. The feelings of love follow the actions of love. Love is intentionally doing for another something helpful that costs you something. Loving for a lifetime is living always to please the other person more than yourself. Love is not demanding, it is generous.

Happy Valentine's Day,

Stan

Black Hole of Self

2011-02-02T07:50:00.000-08:00

Wikipedia defines a black hole as, "a region of space from which nothing, not even light, can escape. It is the result of the deformation of space time caused by a very compact mass. Around a black hole there is an undetectable surface called an event horizon that marks the point of no return. It is called 'black' because it absorbs all the light that hits the horizon, reflecting nothing."

When I think about myself, live for myself, and am irritated when others don't do enough for me, I have just enter the event horizon. Self-interest is blinding. The event horizon is undetectable. I have been sucked down into the black hole before I realize it. I cry out for attention, but no one hears me. I demand respect. "What about me? What about my needs?" No response.

Jesus said, "You are the light of the world." (Matthew 5:14) The trouble is that I am like the moon, not the sun. I produce no light by myself. I can only reflect the light of the Son. Jesus is the light of the world. "Jesus spoke to them, saying, 'I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.'" (John 8:12)

Let's follow Jesus and reflect his light to the world. Let's live for others not for ourselves. My purpose is to reflect light so that others may come out from their darkness. My life should point the way to the source of light, God's Son. Avoid by a wide berth the event horizon. Don't be sucked down into the black hole of self. Stay close to the Light of the World.

Peace,
Stan

Better Together

2011-01-28T14:56:00.000-08:00

What is the most valuable substance on earth? Plutonium, gold, and diamond are like dirt compared to antimatter, which is valued at $1750 trillion per ounce. While antimatter is obviously valuable, I believe people are more valuable. Value is determined by the price paid. God spent the blood of his only Son to purchase our salvation. People are priceless!

Every person should be part of a small group. At Cornerstone Church we call our small groups LIFE Groups. LIFE is an acronym from Love In Full Evidence. Win Arn said, "Love is intentionally doing something caring or helpful for another person, in Jesus' name, regardless of the cost or consequence to oneself." Love is best expressed from close range.

Paul wrote to the church in Philippi, "Complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in one accord and of one mind. Do nothing from selfish ambition from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others as more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 2:2-5)

There are many reasons to NOT be part of a LIFE Group. More people means more problems. There is much conflict and disagreement in a group. Being part of a group is too much commitment for some. It requires accountability.

However, Psalm 133 promises that God commands his blessing on the place of unity. Jesus promised authority in the prayer of agreement (Matthew 18:18-20). Close friends have a way of dividing one's griefs and multiplying one's joys. Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego successfully stood up to the king's threats and the furnace together. Everything is better together.

Disciple One Ethos

2011-01-13T13:19:00.000-08:00

Ethos is the disposition of a community. It is the underlying sentiment that forms the beliefs, customs or practices of a group. There is a certain essence or ethos associated with every church. Disciple One is the ethos of Cornerstone Church in Chillicothe, Missouri. Jesus calls you and me to be his disciple. A disciple is one who is becoming a spiritually mature zealot for Christ. A zealot is one who shows earnest and diligent enthusiasm for a cause. Discipleship is the path we have chosen to follow. Disciple One is a map to guide us and to measure our progress.

Disciple One means that first I am one. We pray first. We put God's word first place in our life. We make fellowship a priority in our lives. We make a commitment to outreach. Disciple One means that I am helping one other person become a disciple also. Helping one other person is as easy as befriending a new person, inviting them to us in activities, then begin including them in the inner circle of our life.

The call to discipleship is a call to die. Jesus said that it is necessary for a seed to fall into the earth and die that is might bear much fruit. The cost of discipleship is death, "take up your cross daily and follow me." A cross is an instrument of death. Following Jesus requires the loss of personal identity and desire. The reward is righteousness and the inexplicable joy associated with spiritual growth and maturity.

Westminster Catechism of AD 1647 question #1 is, "What is the chief end of man?" The answer is, "Man's chief end is to glorify God and to enjoy him forever." Allow Disciple One to become the ethos of your life. Glorify God and enjoy him forever.

Peace,

Stan

Peace

2010-12-27T08:12:00.000-08:00

Some time ago I began using the word "peace" to close emails and letters. I suppose I started doing this in an attempt to be hip. As I have continued this practice, I do so more now in appreciation for peace. Peace is one of the most valuable commodities in my life. The Apostle Paul used this familiar salutation often in his letters to the churches, "Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ."

The angels announced the birth of Christ this way, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men!" Isaiah prophesied the coming Messiah would be called, Prince of Peace. When Messiah puts the government upon his shoulder on and for all there will be no end to peace. The description of life on earth after the Lord's second advent is one of peace. Swords will be beaten in plows. Wolves and lambs will live together. Children will play over the holes of cobras. Jesus will reign over this world with love and peace.

Until Jesus comes again to rule and to reign in the earth as Prince of Peace, let us do all we can to bring peace and to live in peace in our little corner of the world. While the world awaits the coming of God' kingdom, we live in his kingdom now. The Pharisees asked Jesus when the kingdom of God would come. He told them God's kingdom does not come with observation. In Luke 17:21 he declared, "The kingdom of God is within you." The Prince of Peace now rules in his kingdom. As his subjects let us yield our hearts, minds and actions to his peace.

Romans 5:1 declares, "Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ." Our sins and transgressions have been forgiven. May we receive this wonderful gift. Yet, the guilt of our unrepentant sin robs our peace today. We must boldly apply 1 John 1:9, "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."

Revenge, seething turmoil, anger and hatred robs peace. Forgive others. Do not judge others. Romans 12:18, "If it is possible, as much as depends upon you, live at peace with all men." Every person is looking for inner peace. Tennis star Boris Becker was on the brink of suicide said this, "I had won Wimbledon twice, once as the youngest player. I was rich. I had all the material possessions I needed, but I had no inner peace." There is a false assumption that different circumstances will bring inner peace and happiness. Peace is not the absence of problems. Peace is the absence of Jesus in the midst of my problems.

In Philippians 4 we are encouraged to pray instead of worrying. The promise is that peace beyond our comprehension will guard our hearts and minds, when we pray, praise God and give him thanksgiving in the midst of all of our circumstances. Until Jesus comes again to rule and to reign in the earth as Prince of Peace, let us do all we can to bring peace and to live in peace in our little corner of the world.

Peace,

Stan

Jesus Loves Sinners

2010-11-29T10:07:00.001-08:00

If I were a person outside of the church, I might think that Jesus hates me. To an outsider, it appears that Jesus is angry with me, because the church is angry with me. I have habits they reject; I have different values; and I don’t share their political leanings. I am confused. The church judges me, but seems very tolerant of its own hypocrisy. I am genuinely interested in Jesus. But, I don’t fit the culture of church. What am I to do? What would Jesus do? How did Jesus deal with sinners?

Notice Jesus’ interaction with sinners in Luke 5:27–32, “After this he went out and saw a tax collector named Levi, sitting at the tax booth. And he said to him, “Follow me.” And leaving everything, he rose and followed him. And Levi made him a great feast in his house, and there was a large company of tax collectors and others reclining at table with them. And the Pharisees and their scribes grumbled at his disciples, saying, “Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?” And Jesus answered them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I have not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance.”

Jesus is not afraid to call sinners to become followers. Christians are also known as Christ followers or disciples. A disciple is a learner or one who follows after a certain leader. We are Christ followers. We learn from him. The church must have a great love for sinner, because our leader does. Jesus purposefully mixed with sinners. He was not afraid of them. He did not treat them as enemies. He sought their company, and called them to become his followers.

Jesus spent enough time with sinners that the religious establishment accused him of sinful activity. About Jesus they said in Matthew 11:19, “He came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Look at him!’ A glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!” In John 9:24 they said, “We know this man is a sinner.” If the church starts loving sinners like Jesus did, they will say the same about us!

In John 8 the Pharisees brought a woman who had been caught in adultery and threw her down at Jesus’ feet. They questioned Jesus as to whether he agreed with them that she should be stoned to death, as according to Moses’ law required. Jesus said to them, “Let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone at her.” All the accusers walked away on shame. Jesus said to the woman, “Where are your accusers, does no one condemn you?” She said, “No one, Lord.” Jesus answered her with the most amazing words, “Neither do I condemn you; go, and from now on sin no more.”

Like Jesus, the church must adopt a non-condemning attitude toward sinners. A loving attitude will win sinners toward repentance. God loved the world so much that he sent his son to us. Romans 2:4, “Or do you presume on the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that God’s kindness is meant to lead you to repentance?” Jesus loves sinners. The church must love them also.

Who Is My Neighbor?

2010-10-07T09:26:00.000-07:00

Looking for a loophole in Scriptural obligation, a man asked Jesus, "Who is my neighbor?" So, as one might expect, Jesus told a story. In the story a man was travelling, and on his journey he was robbed and beaten half to death. Luckily for him a preacher came along. But the preacher did not stop to help. Likewise, a church leader came upon the scene. The church leader did not stop to help either. The only one of three people in the story to stop and help was a Samaritan.

Who might be a modern equivalent to a Samaritan--a Muslim, a Scientologist, or Mormon perhaps? The foundational truth of Judaism and Christianity is loving God passionately and loving our neighbors genuinely. In Jesus' story the ones who should be living this truth the most did not. The one who was outside of the faith did. Being a doer of God's Word is much more important than faith without action. Check this out further in the book of James.

It was not convenient to stop and help. It cost time and money. The Samaritan showed compassion through his actions. After hearing me preach this message, two men from Cornerstone Church picked up a hitch hiker. The men asked the hiker questions about his life. He shared a sad story with them. The two men shared sound counsel with him and prayed with him. Phone numbers were exchanged. The hiker was grateful for the ride down the road. He gladly received the love demonstrated to him.

Who is my neighbor? It could be any person who runs across my path today.

Peace,
SS

Jesus Way

2010-09-09T09:07:00.000-07:00

On Amazon.com I found titles such as: Artist's Way, Toyota Way, Wilderness Way, Way of the Turtle, The Way-Using the Wisdom of Kabala, and The Jesus Way. Let's examine The Jesus Way. Very often people outside of the church express great admiration for Jesus, while despising the church. They love Jesus, but not the church. The church represents rules, conformity, and narrow-mindedness. They loathe the political agendas, both internal and external. They don't like the holier-than-thou attitudes of some Christians.

Dan Kimball wrote They Like Jesus but Not the Church. He interviewed dozens of people outside of the church. Kimball found that people have very powerful opinions about Jesus and the church. A guy named, Duggan, said, "If I were to go to church, I'd want it to be like a family, a healthy family where you all are looking out for each other. Church should be a place where they are glad to see you and it really feels like a community. Church sould be a place where they love you, even when you aren't doing well. Love shouldn't be conditional. I feel that most churches will only accept you and love you when you obey them and do what they say. I think Jesus would accept me and be there for me when I am doing good or bad. I think church should be loving like that."

While I am not going to let Duggan or others determine what church sould be, I do think his point about church and Jesus being more closely related is right on. Church must be the representation of Jesus in the earth. "What would Jesus do?" is the correct question. All attention and effort must be given to following the Jesus Way. Jesus stated a revolution. A revolution is a sudden, radical or complete change, especially the overthrow of a ruler and substitution of another by the governed. A revolution is a mutiny. The question for every person is, "Who is going to rule my life?"

Jesus simple said to people, "Follow me." Following Jesus means that I become completely absorbed into what is important and priority to him. I believe we are living in a time when Christ followeres are more interested in the kingdom of God than the kingdoms of this world. "Jesus is Lord," is a radical expression of understanding that The King, Jesus, rules over one's life.

Walk with me as I atempt to "take up the cross daily" and follow Jesus.

Peace,

Think Great Thoughts

2010-02-04T18:14:00.000-08:00

Our lives are controlled by our most dominant thoughts. We need to think about what we are thinking about. We have the ability to control our thoughts. Romans 8:5-9 reads, "For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. To set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace. For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God’s law; indeed, it cannot. Those who are in the flesh cannot please God. You, however, are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if in fact the Spirit of God dwells in you. Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him."

Too many people have empty thoughts. They give little or no attention to what enters through eye and ear gates. When people do not guard their thoughts it leaves a void. A void will be filled. Writers, singers, actors, educators, politicians, businesspersons, everyone has a message to spread to further their cause. Someone else determines what you believe.

Others have distortional thinking. Many make negative comments like, "Nothing ever goes right for me," "Nobody likes me," and "I can’t do anything right." These kind of thoughts distort healthy successful thinking. Thoughts of infidelity, procrastination and ignoring problems lead to damaging actions. Infidelity never just happens. Cheating starts with thoughts. Ignoring problems usually leads to greater problems. Putting off unpleasant tasks causes problems and makes things more difficult.

We need to think better thoughts. Here are a few better thoughts I try to think. "My past does not define me." "I am a new creation." "God delights in things going well for me." "This trouble is not forever. It will pass." When temptations come, we must take our thoughts captive. 2 Corinthians 10:5, “We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ…”

Think great thoughts.

Peace,

Stan