This Sunday I have been asked to preach on the life of Joseph, a patriarch of the faith who demonstrated daring confidence and trust in God’s revealed message to him. Joseph is enshrined in the “Hall of Faith” recorded in Hebrews 11, and received glowing recognition in Stephen’s message on the occasion of his martyrdom in Acts 7. Joseph had every excuse for breaking the chain of faith handed down from Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. But, Joseph held fast to what he knew was right and what he had received in a vision from God.
Few people recognize the name, Ignaz Philipp Semmelweis. He is credited with saving the lives of countless women. A Hungarian physician, Semmelweis was an early pioneer of antiseptic procedures. Now known as the "savior of mothers", Semmelweis observed that the incidence of puerperal fever could be drastically cut by disinfecting physicians’ hands in obstetrical clinics. Puerperal fever was common in mid-19th-century hospitals with mortality at 10%–35%. Commonly, doctors in the 19th Century would dissect cadavers and then attend a birth without changing clothes or washing their hands. Semmelweis strongly promoted hand washing with chlorinated lime solutions in 1847 while working in Vienna General Hospital's First Obstetrical Clinic. He documented that mothers attended in childbirth by doctors experienced three times the mortality rate of those attended by midwives.
Despite various published reports where hand-washing reduced mortality to below 1%, Semmelweis's observations conflicted with the established scientific and medical opinions of the time. His ideas were rather violently rejected by fellow physicians. Some scoffed at the idea that hand washing had any value at all. Semmelweis could offer no scientific explanation for his findings and was reviled by his peers. One account I read tells how Dr. Semmelweis would approach pregnant women on the street and urge them to not allow a doctor to touch them while delivering their babies. Semmelweis's practice earned widespread acceptance years after his death, when Louis Pasteur confirmed the germ theory. In 1865, Semmelweis was committed to an asylum, probably because his interest in cleanliness became an obsession. The causes of Dr. Semmelwies’ death vary. One report says he died of blood poisoning, at age 47, another cause of death says it was at the hands of asylum attendants who beat him.
Heroic actions follow inward convictions. The one doing the deeds others consider heroic do not feel fearless and bold, just convinced of a “message” or principle that is worthy of life itself. Joseph’s now well-known words are recorded for our faith and practice, “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.” (Genesis 50:20)
The question we ought to ask, “Am I living live with a compelling conviction that has freed me from the fears of rejection and gives me the potential of saving lives?”
Friday, September 30, 2011
Friday, September 23, 2011
The Power of Praying Parents
An instructive story was told by the great American preacher, J. Wilbur Chapman.1 The event is set in Edinburgh Scotland more than a century ago, its lesson is as contemporary as tomorrow, and strongly reinforces my experience. My parents were praying people and taught their children, “Happiness is found in obedience, not understanding.”
Dr. Chapman’s story –
“The old clock in the church in the church steeple ... was striking nine o’clock one night when a company of young men were just passing the church on their way to a place of sin. Suddenly one of them stopped and said:
“‘I cannot go with you.’
“When they pressed him for an answer, he said:
“‘When I left my home in the country, my mother said, ‘My boy, you are going to a wicked town, and your temptations will be strong, but your father and I will pray for you without ceasing; and at nine o’clock every evening we will be on our knees saying, Oh, God, save our boy,’ and, said he, ‘I will not break their hearts.’
“They jeered at him and mocked him, but he turned back to his room, fell on his knees and cried out to God, for mercy; and today he is not only a Christian, but one of the leading merchants in Edinburgh.”
My father passed away twenty years ago, my mother, ten years ago. My father, paralyzed and nearly completely helpless physically, remained strong in faith and prayer. On at least one occasion, my mother went to his bedside at night thinking Dad had called out for help. She discovered he was praying in his sleep! My mother slipped away from us with the small steps of Alzheimer’s Disease, but prayer and singing familiar hymns were the last facilities to leave. While I miss conversations and raucous family gatherings over which my parents presided, I really miss their prayers.
The influence of people praying, especially the prayers of parents for their children, is unfathomable. The intercession of parents has turned the heart of a wayward child toward heaven more times than we know. If you have a child straying from God, hold on in prayer. If your children are walking as Jesus’ disciples, continue praying!
1. J. Wilbur Chapman, The Power of a Surrendered Life, The Bible Institute Colportage Association, page 117
Dr. Chapman’s story –
“The old clock in the church in the church steeple ... was striking nine o’clock one night when a company of young men were just passing the church on their way to a place of sin. Suddenly one of them stopped and said:
“‘I cannot go with you.’
“When they pressed him for an answer, he said:
“‘When I left my home in the country, my mother said, ‘My boy, you are going to a wicked town, and your temptations will be strong, but your father and I will pray for you without ceasing; and at nine o’clock every evening we will be on our knees saying, Oh, God, save our boy,’ and, said he, ‘I will not break their hearts.’
“They jeered at him and mocked him, but he turned back to his room, fell on his knees and cried out to God, for mercy; and today he is not only a Christian, but one of the leading merchants in Edinburgh.”
My father passed away twenty years ago, my mother, ten years ago. My father, paralyzed and nearly completely helpless physically, remained strong in faith and prayer. On at least one occasion, my mother went to his bedside at night thinking Dad had called out for help. She discovered he was praying in his sleep! My mother slipped away from us with the small steps of Alzheimer’s Disease, but prayer and singing familiar hymns were the last facilities to leave. While I miss conversations and raucous family gatherings over which my parents presided, I really miss their prayers.
The influence of people praying, especially the prayers of parents for their children, is unfathomable. The intercession of parents has turned the heart of a wayward child toward heaven more times than we know. If you have a child straying from God, hold on in prayer. If your children are walking as Jesus’ disciples, continue praying!
1. J. Wilbur Chapman, The Power of a Surrendered Life, The Bible Institute Colportage Association, page 117
Thursday, September 22, 2011
Stop to Think -- For Christ's Sake
Disciples of Jesus might spend their time well in asking and answering, “What are we doing, and why do we do what we do?” The world of religion can be brutally demanding. Expectations are high. The production of religious programming which satisfies the consumers consumes the producers. Leaders wonder, “What can we do now? We need to keep this rolling!”
I understand and sympathize. I have felt the load of expectations and am familiar with pressure. One noon time, while praying in Highway Tabernacle’s sanctuary, a glorious exhibit of pre-Civil War architecture, a gorgeous room in which to worship and preach, I startled myself by asking the question, “How much of this did Jesus have in mind when He said, ‘I will build my church?’” I realized that much of the pressure I felt was not because of my sterling faithfulness to Jesus, but self-imposed and in response to I felt what others expected.
Financial investments for real estate and stage productions are staggering. Maintenance costs of vast campuses and payrolls for professionals who keep multiple programs synchronized keep stretching upward. Materials are developed and monies invested to perfect manipulative techniques to motivate “volunteers.” “How to” manuals and seminars proliferate. I believe, one religious marketplace reality is, the American church is in danger of losing its reason for being for lack of serious thought and self-evaluation.
Isaiah describes the carpenter who selects a forest tree, chops it down, uses part of the tree to warm his meals and from the rest fashions a god to worship. And, the god looks like him! The opening words of the prophet’s assessment are arresting!
No one stops to think, no one has the knowledge or understanding to say, “Half of it I used for fuel; I even baked bread over its coals, I roasted meat and I ate. Shall I make a detestable thing from what is left? Shall I bow down to a block of wood?” (Isaiah 44)
Mere religious activity, without serious reflection is a slippery slope into mindless busyness. We must learn from Isaiah’s foolish carpenter and stop to think!
First, I believe, we must stop to think, asking, “Does Jesus really want this?” If Jesus’ reason for coming into the world is to save sinners, how well, or how poorly do our activities and investments move us toward fulfilling Jesus’ purposes? Dare we ask ourselves, “How much more in love with Jesus will people be because of this investment of human and financial resources?”
Second, we must think through the challenging question, “Am I really interested in others?” Do we already spend time with the people we want to introduce to Jesus when no one is observing? When no monies are needed? Am I engaged for their sake, for Jesus’ sake, or my own? Are we meeting with people where they live and work, or do we create venues for others to meet on our terms, in our place, when convenient for us?
And, last, are we willing to ask the probing question, “Am I really doing what I do for Jesus’ sake?” Or, is there an agenda through which I have yet to think and seriously consider?
• “For the sake of the Name” first generation disciples risked their lives and reputations. (1 John 3)
• Do we, like Moses, consider “the disgrace for the sake of Christ” of greater value than our personal pleasure or security? (Hebrews 11)
• Am I willing to consider (stop to think) Paul’s Spirit inspired, deeply probing words, “I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they too may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory. Here is a trustworthy saying: If we died with him, we will also live with him; if we endure, we will also reign with him. If we disown him, he will also disown us; if we are faithless, he will remain faithful, for he cannot disown himself.” (2 Timothy 2)
• What do the Holy Spirit words of Philippians 3 mean in my thoughts, my life? “But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in him ...
I am arrested with the words, “For whose sake?” And, “No one stops to think.” Do I need a stage in a crowded arena for “Christ’s sake” to occur in my life? Am I whittling a god who satisfies me out of wood that the True God created? Am I content with bringing people to Jesus or am I developing a following of my own?
I understand and sympathize. I have felt the load of expectations and am familiar with pressure. One noon time, while praying in Highway Tabernacle’s sanctuary, a glorious exhibit of pre-Civil War architecture, a gorgeous room in which to worship and preach, I startled myself by asking the question, “How much of this did Jesus have in mind when He said, ‘I will build my church?’” I realized that much of the pressure I felt was not because of my sterling faithfulness to Jesus, but self-imposed and in response to I felt what others expected.
Financial investments for real estate and stage productions are staggering. Maintenance costs of vast campuses and payrolls for professionals who keep multiple programs synchronized keep stretching upward. Materials are developed and monies invested to perfect manipulative techniques to motivate “volunteers.” “How to” manuals and seminars proliferate. I believe, one religious marketplace reality is, the American church is in danger of losing its reason for being for lack of serious thought and self-evaluation.
Isaiah describes the carpenter who selects a forest tree, chops it down, uses part of the tree to warm his meals and from the rest fashions a god to worship. And, the god looks like him! The opening words of the prophet’s assessment are arresting!
No one stops to think, no one has the knowledge or understanding to say, “Half of it I used for fuel; I even baked bread over its coals, I roasted meat and I ate. Shall I make a detestable thing from what is left? Shall I bow down to a block of wood?” (Isaiah 44)
Mere religious activity, without serious reflection is a slippery slope into mindless busyness. We must learn from Isaiah’s foolish carpenter and stop to think!
First, I believe, we must stop to think, asking, “Does Jesus really want this?” If Jesus’ reason for coming into the world is to save sinners, how well, or how poorly do our activities and investments move us toward fulfilling Jesus’ purposes? Dare we ask ourselves, “How much more in love with Jesus will people be because of this investment of human and financial resources?”
Second, we must think through the challenging question, “Am I really interested in others?” Do we already spend time with the people we want to introduce to Jesus when no one is observing? When no monies are needed? Am I engaged for their sake, for Jesus’ sake, or my own? Are we meeting with people where they live and work, or do we create venues for others to meet on our terms, in our place, when convenient for us?
And, last, are we willing to ask the probing question, “Am I really doing what I do for Jesus’ sake?” Or, is there an agenda through which I have yet to think and seriously consider?
• “For the sake of the Name” first generation disciples risked their lives and reputations. (1 John 3)
• Do we, like Moses, consider “the disgrace for the sake of Christ” of greater value than our personal pleasure or security? (Hebrews 11)
• Am I willing to consider (stop to think) Paul’s Spirit inspired, deeply probing words, “I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they too may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory. Here is a trustworthy saying: If we died with him, we will also live with him; if we endure, we will also reign with him. If we disown him, he will also disown us; if we are faithless, he will remain faithful, for he cannot disown himself.” (2 Timothy 2)
• What do the Holy Spirit words of Philippians 3 mean in my thoughts, my life? “But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in him ...
I am arrested with the words, “For whose sake?” And, “No one stops to think.” Do I need a stage in a crowded arena for “Christ’s sake” to occur in my life? Am I whittling a god who satisfies me out of wood that the True God created? Am I content with bringing people to Jesus or am I developing a following of my own?
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Friends - Part Eight
When Northeast Urban Church Planting (NUCP) began in 1988, one of the first disciplines we established was spending Friday mornings fasting and praying. The vision for NUCP was Owen Carr’s and included a training segment, an internship in urban church planting. Teams would form to plant churches. Most team members were Bible College students. The first group hailed from Missouri, Ohio, New York, Texas, and Florida, places Pat and I had only visited.
The team held few experiences in common. Neither lady had grown up in a family with a Christian father. One fellow’s parents had divorced and he shuttled between overly permissive parents. It is little wonder that his life spiraled downward and that he needed the ministry of Teen Challenge. One young man’s parents were pastors, college classmates of ours. Another student was the product of a severe legalism in his home and church which allowed him to excuse his judgmental attitude over everyone with whom he disagreed. One had been in the Army and had been delivered from alcohol abuse. All were attending Central Bible College except one, a student studying at Gordon-Conwell Seminary. Pat and I were suddenly responsible for organizing a team. We often felt that we were trying to stuff feathers back into a pillow and someone kept turning on a huge fan!
To illustrate, I once followed the van to the place we would be praying that day. I noticed a large white cloth pinched into a window opening, flapping wildly. I investigated when we arrived at the church. The cloth was a large pair of men’s briefs whose owner explained, “I didn’t have time to dry them and thought this would be a good way to finish my laundry.” No one had thought about writing a proscription for using the van as a laundry machine! On another occasion, the team was allowed to use the van to visit the sights of New York City. They all agreed to park in a “No Standing” zone in Midtown Manhattan. Within minutes the van was ticketed and impounded, costing the students over $20 each. Their explanation, “We thought ‘No Standing’ meant ‘No Loitering!’” That may be true in Missouri, but ...
Teaching strategic prayer was a daunting task considering the disparate cultures, varied experiences, and youthfulness of the team members. Our first prayer meetings were tentative, lacking much intensity. I quickly learned young students are well-intentioned, but easily distracted. The first meetings seemed like three days long rather than three hours. How much I was to influence the weekly sessions? How does one teach prayer in that setting? I felt responsible for teaching the youthful charges to move beyond personal devotions to meaningful, united intercession and competence in leading others in prayer.
That is when my friend taught me. Brother Carr made a visit to observe the progress of the work. On Friday morning he was fully engaged. After sharing a brief word of encouragement about prayer, he paced quietly and spoke, “Jesus,” softly, frequently, communicating to all who heard, “Jesus and I are friends, and I love Him!” He called out to Jesus as Savior, he appealed to Jesus to heal. We all learned from Brother Carr as he wept over the city sharing Jesus’ grief that people were living as sheep without a shepherd. And, the seasons of silent prayer communicated as powerfully as the times of impassioned intercession. As Brother Carr prayed in the Spirit, he was clearly communicating his spirit with God’s Spirit. We were learning from our friend.
Several months ago Pat and I were in a church where an intern from the next church planting team is now on the pastoral team ministering. Her testimony was, “I will never forget being frustrated when I was expected to pray for three hours. Ten or fifteen minutes was my limit. I thought, if I have to do this, I better learn how. So, I made sure I was near Brother Wegner and listened. That is how I learned.” What that young lady didn’t realize is, I had been listening to Brother Carr.
Thank God for friends!
The team held few experiences in common. Neither lady had grown up in a family with a Christian father. One fellow’s parents had divorced and he shuttled between overly permissive parents. It is little wonder that his life spiraled downward and that he needed the ministry of Teen Challenge. One young man’s parents were pastors, college classmates of ours. Another student was the product of a severe legalism in his home and church which allowed him to excuse his judgmental attitude over everyone with whom he disagreed. One had been in the Army and had been delivered from alcohol abuse. All were attending Central Bible College except one, a student studying at Gordon-Conwell Seminary. Pat and I were suddenly responsible for organizing a team. We often felt that we were trying to stuff feathers back into a pillow and someone kept turning on a huge fan!
To illustrate, I once followed the van to the place we would be praying that day. I noticed a large white cloth pinched into a window opening, flapping wildly. I investigated when we arrived at the church. The cloth was a large pair of men’s briefs whose owner explained, “I didn’t have time to dry them and thought this would be a good way to finish my laundry.” No one had thought about writing a proscription for using the van as a laundry machine! On another occasion, the team was allowed to use the van to visit the sights of New York City. They all agreed to park in a “No Standing” zone in Midtown Manhattan. Within minutes the van was ticketed and impounded, costing the students over $20 each. Their explanation, “We thought ‘No Standing’ meant ‘No Loitering!’” That may be true in Missouri, but ...
Teaching strategic prayer was a daunting task considering the disparate cultures, varied experiences, and youthfulness of the team members. Our first prayer meetings were tentative, lacking much intensity. I quickly learned young students are well-intentioned, but easily distracted. The first meetings seemed like three days long rather than three hours. How much I was to influence the weekly sessions? How does one teach prayer in that setting? I felt responsible for teaching the youthful charges to move beyond personal devotions to meaningful, united intercession and competence in leading others in prayer.
That is when my friend taught me. Brother Carr made a visit to observe the progress of the work. On Friday morning he was fully engaged. After sharing a brief word of encouragement about prayer, he paced quietly and spoke, “Jesus,” softly, frequently, communicating to all who heard, “Jesus and I are friends, and I love Him!” He called out to Jesus as Savior, he appealed to Jesus to heal. We all learned from Brother Carr as he wept over the city sharing Jesus’ grief that people were living as sheep without a shepherd. And, the seasons of silent prayer communicated as powerfully as the times of impassioned intercession. As Brother Carr prayed in the Spirit, he was clearly communicating his spirit with God’s Spirit. We were learning from our friend.
Several months ago Pat and I were in a church where an intern from the next church planting team is now on the pastoral team ministering. Her testimony was, “I will never forget being frustrated when I was expected to pray for three hours. Ten or fifteen minutes was my limit. I thought, if I have to do this, I better learn how. So, I made sure I was near Brother Wegner and listened. That is how I learned.” What that young lady didn’t realize is, I had been listening to Brother Carr.
Thank God for friends!
Monday, September 19, 2011
Friendship - Part Six
My last post was an account of how Owen and Priscilla Carr befriended Pat and me. Healthy friendships are learning experiences, and the teacher is often unaware that learning is actually occurring. The process appears to be spontaneous, is unplanned, and unexpected. But, I believe, friendships are arranged in heaven. Our God who declared that he works everything together for good, orchestrates encounters to form his people more perfectly into the image of his dear son. He even predestines our friendships. (Romans 8:28-30)
Shortly after we married, Pat and I attended an evening lecture lasting more than two hours. That memorable night Francis Schaeffer taught, “Everything we see began with an idea. Ideas, dreams, vision, he added, must then be shared with others. As a result of sharing what is hidden to the masses, others can embrace and help facilitate the idea or vision.” Schaeffer then went on, “Most dreams or visions die because the one with whom God has entrusted the idea is afraid to share it with others.”
Owen Carr taught and modeled several ministry and life lessons which have equipped us more to be more effective. I share the first. Brother Carr taught us to be comfortable with vision, the ability to see what is still hidden to others. From our first conversation until our most recent, Owen Carr dares to share what God has shown him, secrets from God’s heart.
During our first visit, Brother Carr nearly gushed with enthusiasm for Channel 38, a Christian television station whose power and influence was just beginning to unfold in Chicago. I was amazed because he could see everything, even though little of it actually existed. It seemed like he was flipping through an album of photos showing me what was still a dream. Faith was not a nebulous, foggy phantom. Faith was real and a motivating dream. Things were already happening, most people just couldn’t see it yet.
Several years later, I was reading Hebrews 13 and understood from a fresh perspective, By faith Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be known as the son of Pharaoh’s daughter. He chose to be mistreated along with the people of God rather than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a short time. He regarded disgrace for the sake of Christ as of greater value than the treasures of Egypt, because he was looking ahead to his reward. By faith he left Egypt, not fearing the king’s anger; he persevered because he saw him who is invisible.
Moses succeeded because he could see what was hidden to others. Others had ideas, dreamed, and harbored secret visions, but fell victim to their own cowardice, or failure to hold on until the secret thing could be shared and become reality.
Concerning vision, Brother Carr taught me by word and example
• How to properly share a dream. I learned how to take the right people into confidence and enlist their prayers. I have learned that God-given visions can be squandered when carelessly announced, before the germ of an idea is strong enough for exposure to the doubting elements of the masses.
• That dreams and hard work are constant companions. Owen Carr is more than 20 years my senior, but has often out-worked me and men younger than me.
Like Moses, visionaries can see the invisible. Like creative musicians who hear music before it is performed, God speaks entrusting people with what most cannot hear. Then He deploys them to do what everyone else believes is impossible. In short, visionaries like Owen Carr see the invisible, hear the inaudible and then do the impossible.
Thank God for the serendipitous introduction to an important friendship.
P.S. Yesterday we learned that Priscilla, Owen’s wife for over 70 years, has a malignancy in her right sinus. We enlist you to pray with us for the Carrs.
Shortly after we married, Pat and I attended an evening lecture lasting more than two hours. That memorable night Francis Schaeffer taught, “Everything we see began with an idea. Ideas, dreams, vision, he added, must then be shared with others. As a result of sharing what is hidden to the masses, others can embrace and help facilitate the idea or vision.” Schaeffer then went on, “Most dreams or visions die because the one with whom God has entrusted the idea is afraid to share it with others.”
Owen Carr taught and modeled several ministry and life lessons which have equipped us more to be more effective. I share the first. Brother Carr taught us to be comfortable with vision, the ability to see what is still hidden to others. From our first conversation until our most recent, Owen Carr dares to share what God has shown him, secrets from God’s heart.
During our first visit, Brother Carr nearly gushed with enthusiasm for Channel 38, a Christian television station whose power and influence was just beginning to unfold in Chicago. I was amazed because he could see everything, even though little of it actually existed. It seemed like he was flipping through an album of photos showing me what was still a dream. Faith was not a nebulous, foggy phantom. Faith was real and a motivating dream. Things were already happening, most people just couldn’t see it yet.
Several years later, I was reading Hebrews 13 and understood from a fresh perspective, By faith Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be known as the son of Pharaoh’s daughter. He chose to be mistreated along with the people of God rather than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a short time. He regarded disgrace for the sake of Christ as of greater value than the treasures of Egypt, because he was looking ahead to his reward. By faith he left Egypt, not fearing the king’s anger; he persevered because he saw him who is invisible.
Moses succeeded because he could see what was hidden to others. Others had ideas, dreamed, and harbored secret visions, but fell victim to their own cowardice, or failure to hold on until the secret thing could be shared and become reality.
Concerning vision, Brother Carr taught me by word and example
• How to properly share a dream. I learned how to take the right people into confidence and enlist their prayers. I have learned that God-given visions can be squandered when carelessly announced, before the germ of an idea is strong enough for exposure to the doubting elements of the masses.
• That dreams and hard work are constant companions. Owen Carr is more than 20 years my senior, but has often out-worked me and men younger than me.
Like Moses, visionaries can see the invisible. Like creative musicians who hear music before it is performed, God speaks entrusting people with what most cannot hear. Then He deploys them to do what everyone else believes is impossible. In short, visionaries like Owen Carr see the invisible, hear the inaudible and then do the impossible.
Thank God for the serendipitous introduction to an important friendship.
P.S. Yesterday we learned that Priscilla, Owen’s wife for over 70 years, has a malignancy in her right sinus. We enlist you to pray with us for the Carrs.
Friday, September 16, 2011
Friends - Part Seven
Looking back on serendipitous events is a luxury of aging. When we were much younger, we were often too busy parenting a family, addressing vocational challenges, and wondering about our futures to appreciate what we were experiencing. I am reliving one of those special which moments occurred more than 35 years ago.
Our family was taking a few days off to spend with Pat’s parents, allowing them to dote on their grandchildren. On Sunday, we decided to visit Stone Church in suburban Chicago, a landmark congregation then pastored by Owen Carr. On entering the building I was quickly approached by a man that I did not recognize. He reintroduced himself as the Baptist pastor who had visited the Christian bookstore Pat’s family owner. Pastor Ashburn visited the family store to peruse books about the Holy Spirit.
As my father-in-law showed the array of books on the theme, the conversation focused on Biblical evidence that speaking in tongues was normative for those filled with the Spirit. The store had several late Saturday afternoon customers, so my father-in-law introduced me to the pastor saying, “Here, I think Otto will be able to help you.” As I began pointing to the various texts in The Book of Acts, I would inject personal experience, to which, Pastor Ashburn would say, “No, I just want to know the Scriptures.” That had been the only time I had spent with the pastor. Less than an hour, until the day we visited Stone Church.
That Sunday Pastor Carr introduced new members joining the church. When the Ashburn’s names were read, Pastor Carr said, “There is a pastor from Michigan who has been helpful to these folk. Where are you, and would you please stand?” I looked across the aisle and saw another Michigan pastor, and assumed that he was the one who was to be introduced. He didn’t stand. Pastor Ashburn pointed at me! I shrugged, and stood, embarrassed at being recognized.
At the end of the service, Pastor Carr walked toward the foyer to greet people leaving the service, stopped near where we were seated, and said, “Don’t leave!” We waited until he and Sister Carr had finished greeting folk, and then they insisted on taking us to dinner. Pastor Carr said, “I want to know you and about your work.”
I was, and remain, an internationally unknown pastor, and Pastor Carr wants to know me? We had a delightful time of fellowship. The Carrs paid close attention to our children. And a friendship was born that led to more than thirty years of shared ministry. Our lives have never been the same! We have been blessed!
P.S. Pastor Ashburn joined Stone Church as part of the process of becoming an ordained Pentecostal pastor with the Assemblies of God. After our conversation that Saturday afternoon, and after tucking their children in for the night, the Ashburns read the Scripture passages we had reviewed, and prayed, “Lord, if these passages are for us today, fill us with the Spirit now.” The Spirit filled them!
Our family was taking a few days off to spend with Pat’s parents, allowing them to dote on their grandchildren. On Sunday, we decided to visit Stone Church in suburban Chicago, a landmark congregation then pastored by Owen Carr. On entering the building I was quickly approached by a man that I did not recognize. He reintroduced himself as the Baptist pastor who had visited the Christian bookstore Pat’s family owner. Pastor Ashburn visited the family store to peruse books about the Holy Spirit.
As my father-in-law showed the array of books on the theme, the conversation focused on Biblical evidence that speaking in tongues was normative for those filled with the Spirit. The store had several late Saturday afternoon customers, so my father-in-law introduced me to the pastor saying, “Here, I think Otto will be able to help you.” As I began pointing to the various texts in The Book of Acts, I would inject personal experience, to which, Pastor Ashburn would say, “No, I just want to know the Scriptures.” That had been the only time I had spent with the pastor. Less than an hour, until the day we visited Stone Church.
That Sunday Pastor Carr introduced new members joining the church. When the Ashburn’s names were read, Pastor Carr said, “There is a pastor from Michigan who has been helpful to these folk. Where are you, and would you please stand?” I looked across the aisle and saw another Michigan pastor, and assumed that he was the one who was to be introduced. He didn’t stand. Pastor Ashburn pointed at me! I shrugged, and stood, embarrassed at being recognized.
At the end of the service, Pastor Carr walked toward the foyer to greet people leaving the service, stopped near where we were seated, and said, “Don’t leave!” We waited until he and Sister Carr had finished greeting folk, and then they insisted on taking us to dinner. Pastor Carr said, “I want to know you and about your work.”
I was, and remain, an internationally unknown pastor, and Pastor Carr wants to know me? We had a delightful time of fellowship. The Carrs paid close attention to our children. And a friendship was born that led to more than thirty years of shared ministry. Our lives have never been the same! We have been blessed!
P.S. Pastor Ashburn joined Stone Church as part of the process of becoming an ordained Pentecostal pastor with the Assemblies of God. After our conversation that Saturday afternoon, and after tucking their children in for the night, the Ashburns read the Scripture passages we had reviewed, and prayed, “Lord, if these passages are for us today, fill us with the Spirit now.” The Spirit filled them!
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Friends - Part Six
This morning, like yesterday, I awaked to the melody and lyrics of J. Wilbur Chapman’s, “Jesus, What a Friend of Sinners.” While recently highlighting the role a few friends have played in my life, and there are more whose story I will share, a reflective pause to consider Jesus as friend is appropriate.
Along the path of life, friends taught me, “A friend is someone with whom you share honesty, and when something embarrassing is uncovered, says, ‘ Oh, you too?’” Friends are never condescending, and consistently lead to the higher way.
Instead of condemnation or railing accusations, Jesus, both Savior and Friend, says, “I understand, come follow me.” Have you noticed that following His resurrection, Jesus took special interest in Peter, the one who had so vociferously and publically denied Him?
Do you remember singing, and discovering truth the Spirit brought into your soul, “I’ve found a Friend, who is all to me, His love is ever true; I love to tell how He lifted me, and what His grace can do for you?” Years add warmth and meaning to the simple truth.
A word about J. Wilbur Chapman a pastor and revivalist whose ministry impacted the post Civil War American church like few others, in addition to his revivalist ministry Chapman pastored several Presbyterian congregations including Bethany Presbyterian in Philadelphia, 1890-1892, 1896-1899. A contemporary of D. L. Moody, Chapman was instrumental in grooming many younger preachers and songwriters. His primary pattern was to simply befriend those who expressed interest in pursuing ministry. Chapman’s deep insights into Jesus as friend and savior are captured in the lyrics of his most well-known song.
Jesus! what a Friend for sinners!
Jesus! Lover of my soul;
Friends may fail me, foes assail me,
He, my Savior, makes me whole.
Refrain
Hallelujah! what a Savior!
Hallelujah! what a Friend!
Saving, helping, keeping, loving,
He is with me to the end.
Jesus! what a Strength in weakness!
Let me hide myself in Him.
Tempted, tried, and sometimes failing,
He, my Strength, my victory wins.
Refrain
Jesus! what a Help in sorrow!
While the billows over me roll,
Even when my heart is breaking,
He, my Comfort, helps my soul.
Refrain
Jesus! what a Guide and Keeper!
While the tempest still is high,
Storms about me, night overtakes me,
He, my Pilot, hears my cry.
Refrain
Jesus! I do now receive Him,
More than all in Him I find.
He hath granted me forgiveness,
I am His, and He is mine.
Refrain
Along the path of life, friends taught me, “A friend is someone with whom you share honesty, and when something embarrassing is uncovered, says, ‘ Oh, you too?’” Friends are never condescending, and consistently lead to the higher way.
Instead of condemnation or railing accusations, Jesus, both Savior and Friend, says, “I understand, come follow me.” Have you noticed that following His resurrection, Jesus took special interest in Peter, the one who had so vociferously and publically denied Him?
Do you remember singing, and discovering truth the Spirit brought into your soul, “I’ve found a Friend, who is all to me, His love is ever true; I love to tell how He lifted me, and what His grace can do for you?” Years add warmth and meaning to the simple truth.
A word about J. Wilbur Chapman a pastor and revivalist whose ministry impacted the post Civil War American church like few others, in addition to his revivalist ministry Chapman pastored several Presbyterian congregations including Bethany Presbyterian in Philadelphia, 1890-1892, 1896-1899. A contemporary of D. L. Moody, Chapman was instrumental in grooming many younger preachers and songwriters. His primary pattern was to simply befriend those who expressed interest in pursuing ministry. Chapman’s deep insights into Jesus as friend and savior are captured in the lyrics of his most well-known song.
Jesus! what a Friend for sinners!
Jesus! Lover of my soul;
Friends may fail me, foes assail me,
He, my Savior, makes me whole.
Refrain
Hallelujah! what a Savior!
Hallelujah! what a Friend!
Saving, helping, keeping, loving,
He is with me to the end.
Jesus! what a Strength in weakness!
Let me hide myself in Him.
Tempted, tried, and sometimes failing,
He, my Strength, my victory wins.
Refrain
Jesus! what a Help in sorrow!
While the billows over me roll,
Even when my heart is breaking,
He, my Comfort, helps my soul.
Refrain
Jesus! what a Guide and Keeper!
While the tempest still is high,
Storms about me, night overtakes me,
He, my Pilot, hears my cry.
Refrain
Jesus! I do now receive Him,
More than all in Him I find.
He hath granted me forgiveness,
I am His, and He is mine.
Refrain
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