Resurrection Day

A friend sent me a little story that kind of touched me. I don’t know whether it touched me because it reminded me of the recent home-going of my earthly father or because it reminded me of the imminent return of my Heavenly Father.

This “Pine Tree Crosses For Easter” story was written by some unknown author. If you’ve never read it before, I hope that you are blessed by it. If you have read it before, read it again. Either way, I hope that you are blessed by it.

Last Spring on a Sunday afternoon we took one of our "nowhere" drives thru the country. My husband was quietly driving along some back roads. I was occupied in the front passenger seat watching out the window as the scenery went by.
I noticed out of the corner of my eye that my husband was straining to look out my window. This startled me, since his eyes should be on the road in front of him. I asked him what he was looking at out the windows, and he quietly replied, "Nothing. " He could have said he was looking for pine tree crosses for Easter. His eyes went back to the road in front of him.
After a few minutes, I looked over at my husband and noticed a tear running down his cheek. I asked him what was wrong. This time he told me, "I was just thinking about Pop and a story he had once told me." Of course, because it had to do with his Pop I wanted to know the story, so I asked him to share Pop's story with me.

He said, "When I was about 8 years old, Pop and I were out fishing and that's when he told me that the pine trees know when it is Easter."
I had no idea what he meant by that, so I pressed him for more information.
He continued on... "The Pine trees start their new growth in the weeks before Easter -- if you look at the tops of the Pine trees two weeks before Easter, you will see the yellow shoots. As the days get closer to Easter Sunday, the tallest shoot will branch off and form pine tree crosses for Easter. By the time Easter Sunday comes around, you will see that most of the Pine trees will have small yellow crosses on all of the tallest pine shoots."

I turned to look out the window and I couldn't believe my eyes. It was a week before Easter, and you could see all of the pine trees with the tall yellow shoots stretching to Heaven.

The tallest ones shone in the sunlight like rows of tiny golden crosses.

Just a remeinder that nothing could keep Christ from going to the cross to die for our sins. Just a reminder of the celebration of Resurrection Sunday. Just a reminder that he went away to prepare a place for us. Just a reminder that nothing will stop him from coming back again. Just a reminder that He loves us so much...

Just a reminder that these thoughts are from the heart and mind of Victor.

Real Faith

Faith is essential to the Christian life. And since you might be snowed in or simply enjoying a leisurely moment, I decided to drop you some words and thoughts on the subject. This is actually an installment of our current sermon series entitled, “Real Faith.”

Hebrews 11:1-3 (NKJV) 1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
2 For by it the elders obtained a good testimony. 3 By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that the things which are seen were not made of things which are visible.

From the first speck of light that penetrated the darkness and divided the sky, to the creation of birds of the air, animals of the land and fish of the sea. From the creation of man and woman to walk in a garden paradise and praise their creator, to the consequences of giving-in to temptation and yielding to sin. From the blood of the innocent crying out for righteous justice, to the blood of Jesus calling out to the souls of sinners. And from the advance of the church against the very gates of hell to the glory that we shall know when we see him face to face. All of these things, past, present, and future are understood by faith. Not just any faith but real Christian faith in the God of Christianity.

The Christian faith is assuring, insuring, and enduring. So assuring that the blind hymnist, Fanny Crosby, (in 1873), was able to pen the words, “Blessed assurance, Jesus in mine! Oh, what a foretaste of glory divine.” So Insuring that William Williams (in 1774) was able to compose the words, “Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah, pilgrim through this barren land; I am weak but thou are mighty, Hold me with Thy powerful hand. Bread of heaven…feed me till I want no more. So Enduring that Charles Wesley (in 1740) was able to write, “Jesus, Lover of My Soul, let me to thy bosom fly. Hide me O my Savior hide, Till the storm of life is past. While the nearer waters roll, whole the tempest still is high! Safe into the haven guide. Oh receive my soul at last! Faith is spiritual life in action. And one thing is for certain, it takes faith to successfully navigate the rigors of life. Faith in chance or fate is risky business. But faith that is assuring, insuring and enduring is founded upon the Savior.

Frankly, the Definition of Faith is not easily derived. We have often taken Hebrews 11:1 to be a formal definition of faith. Writes Leon Morris: “More likely, this is an observation concerning the nature of faith. The writer is bringing our attention to significant features of faith.” One observation is that the “is” in the phrase, “Now faith is…” indicates to us that Faith is a present and continuing reality. It tells us there are realities for which we have no physical evidence. Nevertheless, by faith, we know they exist. It tells us that Faith is a living thing. It tells us that Faith is a way of life. It tells us that Faith extends beyond what we learn from our senses, which is a good thing because our senses can yield uncertainty. They can fool us because they operate by feeling and, thus, are not fully reliable.

Another observation is that “Faith is the substance…” Substance is also translated surety, confidence, and assurance. The word in the Greek is Hypostasis. The literal translation is: “that which stands under.” It is the substructure; it is the foundation underneath the structure.

On Michigan Ave in Chicago stands the 24th-tallest building in the world. The John Hancock building. Built in the 1960s it contains some of the highest residential units in the world. It is characterized by the distinctive X-shaped external bracing. It was an architectural icon of its day. The Building design eliminated the need for inner support beams. The design allows 5 to 8 inches of sway in 60mph wind. It can withstand 132mph winds. There is enough steel in the frame to make 33,000 cars. The frame, alone, weighs 46,000 tons. Its four corner columns weigh up to 100 tons each. It contains over 1,250 miles of wiring and enough aluminum to cover 12 football fields. It contains enough glass to produce a single 5ft foot thick sheet of glass 13 miles long. The building itself weights 384 million pounds. But the only reason it can stand is because of its’ foundation. Its’ lakeside location required caissons (water tight structures) to be sunk 190ft into the ground in order to reach a foundation of bedrock.

Faith is the hypostasis, it is the bedrock, of all that the Christian believes and hopes for. The foundation of our faith is the Word of God. Our faith has to grow to a state where it simply takes God at His word. The goal is for our faith to develop to the point that we wholeheartedly trust and obey. Forthrightly, obedience to God’s word is, in and of itself, an act of faith. Remember, Faith never grows in a disobedient heart. “True Bible faith is confident obedience to God's Word, in spite of circumstances and consequences.”—Warren Weirsbe

A third observation is the phrase “word of God.” It’s usage in Hebrews 11 is not the same usage of “word” as in the gospel of John 1:1-3. John reveals to us that the Word of God is Jesus the Christ. The Greek word used is Logos. He further reveals that, everything that was made, was made through him and, apart from him, nothing could have been made. But in Hebrews the Greek word is rhema. Rhema refers to the utterance by which God summoned into existence all things that previously had no existence. Again quoting Leon Morris:

“Belief in the existence of the world is not faith, nor is it faith when men hold that the world was made out of some preexisting ‘stuff.’ But when we understand that it was the Word of God that produced all things, that is faith.”

Observe that the writer of Hebrews states that faith is the evidence of things not seen. It reminds us that, just as the eye is the organ that enables physical sight, which enables us to see the visible, faith is the organ that enables spiritual sight enabling God’s people to see the invisible. The point is, in creation, the visible things did not originate from visible things. The visible things originated from the invisible words of the invisible God. “By the word of the Lord the heavens were made, and all the host of them by the breath of His mouth. For He spoke, and it was done; He commanded, and it stood fast” (Psalms 33:6; 9). The bottom line is the writer wants his readers to know that this world, this solar system, this universe is God’s doing. We did not see it come into existence but by faith we believe it.

A major and significant example of faith is the testimonies of the elders of old. The author of Hebrews uses for his next object lesson the example of the “elders.” This is a reference to the heroes of the Old Testament. Though they did not physically see the object of their hope they, nevertheless, saw it very clearly through the eyes of faith. The writer does not compile his list of heroes in order to stress a theme of biblical heroes. To the contrary, the writer places his emphasis on faith and the biblical heroes are the examples of it. Their testimony is offered as proof that things that are outwardly unseen are visible through the eyes of faith.

“…There were many men who had nothing but the promises of God to rest upon, without any visible evidence that these promises would ever be fulfilled; yet so much did these promises mean to them that they regulated the whole course of their lives...”—F. F. Bruce

These heroes in Hebrews 11 were true living examples of faith. Yet, I can’t help but to think that, if you and I had made up the list, most likely, none of these names would have made the list, nor would yours or mine. This is because the list is made up of Lovers and Liars; Destroyers and Deceivers; the Affluent and Adulterer; the Helpless and the Homeless and the Prideful and the Prostitute. It is hard for us to accept that God would use sinners such as us. What the names on the list have in common is not their failure but their faith. Not faith in themselves; not faith in another person; not faith in just any god but faith in the living God, Creator of the universe, captain of souls. What a reassuring thought, that the creator of the universe cares about the souls of men and uses sinners such as I.

So, remember, faith is spiritual life in action. Therefore, my encouragement to you is, as your soul navigates the rigors of life, may it be by a faith that is learning to trust and obey. May it be by a faith that seeks to please Him. May it be by a faith that is evidenced both by creation and the testimonies of men and women of faith from times past. More importantly, may it be by a faith that has come to know that reward in the future is secured by the invisible God, creator of the universe and captain of souls.

“And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.” (Hebrews 11:6).

One final thing you should know. As imperfect as you are, by faith, your name has already been added to the list of heroes. Not in the book of Hebrews, but in the heart and mind of Jesus.

Just a few faithful words, from the faithful heart and mind of Victor

Baptism 101 Abbreviated

Have you ever been baptized?

Perhaps you’ve never given it much thought. I must tell you that one of my greatest joys as a pastor is to baptize believers. Not only do I find it thrilling but I also consider it an honor and a privilege.

Recently I made a decision to move the baptisms at our church to Sunday mornings. Now, they are part of our morning worship services. The response to this has been very positive. But you may be wondering why I feel so passionate about baptism. For that matter, if you haven’t been baptized, you may be wondering what the big deal is surrounding it. Well, I’ve decided to take the liberty to give you a crash course on baptism. Call it baptism 101, abbreviated.

The first most important lesson is baptism does not save. Baptism doesn’t make you a believer — it is a testimony to the fact that you are already a believer. Again, baptism does not “save” you, only your faith in Christ does that. Baptism is like a wedding ring —it’s the outward symbol of the commitment you’ve already made in your heart.

So, what’s the significance of baptism? The scriptures tell us that…

…It Illustrates Christ’s Burial and Resurrection in the life of a committed Christian.
Colossians 2:12 (NLT) 12 For you were buried with Christ when you were baptized. And with him you were raised to new life because you trusted the mighty power of God, who raised Christ from the dead.

…It Illustrates Your New Life As A Christian.
Romans 6:4 (NLT) 4 For we died and were buried with Christ by baptism. And just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glorious power of the Father, now we also may live new lives.

Let me sum it up this way. Baptism is an expression. It is a celebration of your new life in Christ. It is also a chance for your brothers and sisters in Christ to celebrate with you, as you honor your commitment to a new life in Christ. Baptism is not the act of salvation, but it is an expression of your faith. It is an opportunity for you to express publicly what you have already confessed privately.

Therefore, believers ought to get baptized…

…In Order To Follow the Example Set by Christ.
Mark 1:9 (NLT) 9 One day Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee, and John baptized him in the Jordan River.

…In Order To Follow the Commandment of Christ.
Matthew 28:19-20 (NLT) 19 Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. 20 Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

…In Order To Follow the Example of Obedience to Christ, as Practiced by 1st Century Christians.
Acts 18:8 (NLT) 8 ...Many others in Corinth also heard Paul, became believers, and were baptized.

The Bible teaches us that Christ is the way, the truth and the life; and walking with God means living out that truth in your personal life, daily. Your baptism is simply an acknowledgement that the desire of your heart is to walk with God faithfully and live for Him passionately. Placing your faith in Christ is the launching point for your spiritual journey. Baptism is a public acknowledgement that your journey is already under way.

You may also find it interesting to know that Jesus isn’t simply interested in guaranteeing you a spot in heaven. He wants you to fulfill the purpose for which you were created. You were created in his image in order to give him the highest praise. Even more, He is interested in a personal relationship with you. In fact, He wants to be your friend.

“For since our friendship with God was restored by the death of his Son while we were still his enemies, we will certainly be saved through the life of his Son. So now we can rejoice in our wonderful new relationship with God because our Lord Jesus Christ has made us friends of God.” Romans 5:10-11 (NLT)

So, if you are already on that spiritual journey and, in light of what you’ve read, if you want to be baptized, I’d be thrilled to do the honors.

Baptism 101,...abbreviated. From the heart and mind of Victor

A Letter From God

Ever wonder what God would say if he wrote a personal letter to you?

Years ago, Dr. Larry D. Stephens made an attempt to respond to this question in a book entitled “Please Let Me Know You, God.” His letter is God’s response to a believer who has suffered some pain, hurt, injustice, or has experienced tragedy in their life (this would include most of us). As a result, many believers have a tendency to question God and ask “why,” only to be met by seeming silence. Others have allowed this to cause them to pull away from their relationship with God or allow it to cause their faith to waver. The fact is, God is not deaf, nor is he blind, and he cares deeply for his children.

With this in mind, perhaps this letter from God will resonate with many of you:
My dear child, it has been a long time since I’ve heard from you. You haven’t’ let me hold you in my arms lately.
You may not understand this, but I really do get lonely when you are away from Me. I miss you very much. I miss being able to encourage you and help you with your problems. I miss sharing your joys and your sorrows. I miss the talks we used to have. It seems you come around only when you celebrate holidays or when you really get into a bind. Or when you get angry with Me or think I’m been unfair.
I understand how you feel. I know it’s difficult for you to trust Me, given all the things people say about Me these days. I also realize how hard it is for you to understand all the pain and suffering you’ve had to endure in your life. And there’s so much injustice in the world.
Believe Me, I understand.
And I want you to know how much I love you.
Every since you were born, I have loved you. You never saw Me, yet I taught you to walk. I provided your first nourishment. I was so proud of you when you took your first steps, when you spoke your first words.
My plan was for you to receive my love through your parents when you were little. Maybe your parents didn’t follow My wishes. Perhaps you didn’t receive the love I intended you to have. Perhaps the pain you’ve suffered in the past few years has caused you to lose sight of Me.
Even so, I have continued to love you. Year by year, I have drawn you to Me with gentle cords of love. I gave up My son for you so that we could be together, now and forever.
I will never cease to love you. I will never let go of you. I will never leave you or forsake you.
You may find this hard to believe, after all you have been through, but it is true.
You can learn to trust Me.
You can experience my love.
You can experience my presence with you in a real and intimate way.
My dear child, come a little closer. Let me show you the tenderness of this Father’s heart. Please let me love you.

Of course, this is not really a letter from God. This is Dr. Stephen’s creative attempt to articulate God’s sentiments. But do not be disheartened because God has, indeed, written a personal letter to you. In fact, he has written you so many letters that they form a book.

During this year of 2010, why don’t you make it a point to read it on a regular basis. Because time and time again and page after page you will find just how much he really loves you.

"The LORD appeared to us in the past, saying: "I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving-kindness." Jeremiah 31:3 (NIV)

Just a thought From the Heart and Mind of Victor.

Have a Healthy Season

As I sit staring at our Christmas tree (that came to fruition by no small amount of effort), I feel compelled to write something that rings with holiday overtones (pun intended). By way of confession: I always gain too much weight over the holidays. (I should probably go to the health club on Monday).

Thanksgiving is now behind us. A few of us are trying to work off the pounds we gained during that festive, extended weekend. Some of us began our workout by doing battle on Black Friday. God bless you folks who find the strength to forfeit sleep, endure the cold and engage ravenous crowds, all for the hope of securing a deeply discounted laptop at Best Buy or Wal-Mart (of which they only have one per store). In more recent years, some retailers have decided to honor the law of truth in advertising and include this in the fine print of the ad (that there is only one of these voraciously desired electronics per store). Nevertheless, this does not deter thousands of people from lining up for it. Ha! I’ll bet many of them gained weight over the holiday (They should probably go to the health club on Monday).

On the other hand, there are those who brave the elements, forfeit the sleep and fight the perpetual crowds, not because they think they will be that one in a million who lays hold on some deeply discounted and coveted prize that will fulfill their lives from here to eternity. They do it for the thrill. Others do it for the fun of being with friends and family. They find value in being out and about in the crowd; shopping, laughing and enjoying one another’s company. Admittedly, even I can see the value in that. Still, whenever I shop I tend to make a pit stop at the sweets shops along the way (I should probably go to the health club on Monday).

As I sit here gazing into twinkling lights, I feel just a tad bit excited about the days ahead. Like a child in anticipation of Christmas Day, I look forward the Christmas musicals, the holiday decorations, festive music and the scintillating aromas of the holiday season. And, as if I hadn’t already had more than my fill of turkey, dressing, eggnog and German chocolate cake, the atmosphere of this time of year causes me to yearn for more. By season’s end, my celebration will leave me exhausted from shopping and many pounds heavier (I should probably go to the health club on Monday).

I don’t know about you, but sometimes I am struck by my own carnality. It is so easy to think of all the sights and sounds of this holiday season and not think as much about the original reason behind the season. There is something more bright than tinsel and twinkling lights. There is something more fulfilling than turkey and dressing. There is something to be sought more passionately than that one deeply discounted item. There is the Savior; the Messiah; the Lord of Hosts, who came from the heavenly realms into a world of gluttons and shoppers so that He might save all who believe. He purchased, for us, salvation for our souls. However, the cost was not by way of a deep discount. The cost was by way of the shedding of his blood and the giving of his life. He also offers truth in advertising (and not in fine print). Prominently displayed in his ad are the words:

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” John 3:16

So, as we savor the holiday fare; as we enjoy Christmas musicals; as we shop till we drop and as we enjoy the company of friends and family, let us once again remind ourselves to set our sights on the Savior. Notwithstanding, we should also probably all make it a point to go to the health club on Monday…but we should make it our daily focus to go to the savior. Not only on Monday, but on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday…(you get the idea).

With a belly filled with food; a mind filled with the sights and sounds of the holiday season and a soul satisfied with Jesus, this is from the Heart and Mind of Victor.

Change Is Inevitable

Man! Does life get busy, or what?

Sometimes I find myself so busy with…stuff that I can’t seem to find any down-time. On the other hand, it sure beats being bored. It is interesting that there are some of you out there who probably have the opposite challenge; you are bored stiff and long for something to do. Maybe you should investigate your options. Find something to do. I have always felt that autumn is a great time to incorporate positive change. But for those of us who are already busy, we want change to stop for a minute. Just give us a moment to catch our breath. Nevertheless, over the years I have discovered that, whether you are ready for it or not, change is inevitable.

In autumn, seven years ago, these were the thoughts I wrote in my journal:

Sometimes I think about the things I do—the day to day tasks, the must do’s, the necessary, the the simple and the complex activities of life. When I take a really close look at them, many of them seem so very trivial. Especially when compared to the need for people to know you; know your mercy; your grace; your salvation.

I imagine that even in tropical climates there is something in the air that signals a changing of the seasons. Here, it is time for the changing of leaves, birds flying south, and days growing shorter. I imagine that for people like me, ordinary people, there are still other things that signal change in our lives. Such as our parents growing older, our children growing older, and we are growing older.

Lord, prepare me for the changes that must come in my life. Prepare me for the victories and defeats. Prepare me for the trials, as well as the triumphs. Throughout our journey together you have proven to me, time and time again, that you are a God of mercy, forgiveness and second chances. Now, use me to help others along their life’s journey. Help me to be content with where you have placed me, with what I am doing, and with how you are using me.

But, Lord, if it is time for another change…time for another season in my life, then, let me accept it, embrace it and trust you…all the way to the end. (Signed, your son, Victor)

My dear readers, I don’t know where you are in your life’s journey. You may be contemplating marriage, a veteran of marriage, or a married veteran. You may be seeking a career, changing careers, or retiring from a career. Perhaps you are beginning your spiritual journey as a new believer in Christ, cultivating your current walk with Christ or trying to figure out how you allowed yourself to slip away from a committed walk and into a casual stroll, with only occasional moments of faithfulness (Some changes are not so good).

My advice, reevaluate where you are. If you are off track, get back on track. Embrace positive change or, depending upon your present state, incorporate constructive change into your life. The kind that cultivates a committed walk and promotes spiritual growth. Because, one thing is for certain, no matter where you are in your life right now, it is a guarantee that you will not be there in the future. If only by reason of the seasons, change will come. Yes, change is inevitable.

This is why we need Jesus. Because in a world of change, we still desire (and need) stability, consistency, solidity, firmness, steadiness, reliability and strength. There is only one who can guarantee these for an eternity.

"Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever." (Hebrews 13:8)

From the ever changing Heart and Mind of Victor

Faithfulness in Service

During my time as a student at Moody Bible Institute, for a period of time, former president of the institute from 1971 to 1987, Dr. George Sweeting, as Chancellor, was keeping office hours there. He could sometimes be encountered walking through the hallways. Older married students, such as I, used to congregate in the Coffee Cove before, between and after classes. We would gather around a table, share a meal and debate our views on theological issues. More than a 100 times we debated the issues of Calvinism, Armenianism; eternal security, dispensationalism and anything else that allowed us to sharpen our theologically pointy heads. Just the thought of it brings back fond memories. Needless to say, each of us felt that we held the “right” view. The great thing about it is that our differences did not hinder our friendships.

Anyway, as I was saying, Sweeting would happen through the Coffee Cove every once in a while. What a grand old fellow. He was friendly and always seemed to have time to chat with a student. He once said to me that he was so glad to see more people of color having an opportunity to devote themselves to fulltime formal study in the scriptures, in preparation for ministry. He recognized that, due to economic inequities, the number of minority students was not large. Most worked during the day and took one or two classes during the night school. Frankly, that is exactly how I began my time at Moody.

Sweeting was often the speaker during our chapel time at Moody. I always loved to hear him speak. When he spoke of D.L. Moody it was as if he knew him personally and had just spoken to him last week. Dr. Sweeting is still at it and if you ever get the chance to hear him speak, take advantage of it. He is a grand and godly story teller. Recently, I was reading his thoughts on faithfulness in service. Here is an excerpt:
“Once, while Francis of Assisi was hoeing his garden, he was asked what he would do if he were suddenly told he would die that day at sunset. He answered, “I would finish hoeing my garden!” Hoeing his garden was a God-given assignment, and faithfulness in every task God gives is required of all who serve (1 Corinthians 4:2).”

Isn’t that thought provoking? The message is that faithfulness in service is expected of all Jesus-followers. How could Assisi serve even if he knew he were going to die that night. The answer must be because his confidence was in Christ. So should be ours. The apostle Paul once said, “So we are always confident, knowing that while we are at home in the body we are absent from the Lord. For we walk by faith, not by sight.” (2 Cor. 5:6-8).

Serving is more than a word. It is the epitome of what Christ came to do. He came to serve. Thank God that he did. Had he not, we, all of us, would be doomed and hopelessly lost.

So? What’s the point? The point is we too, all of us, are called to be faithful servants. The ramifications of this extend well beyond sitting in a church and listening to a Sunday morning sermon and then getting up and going home. The point is, you are called to serve. Perhaps your talent is to serve as a teacher, nursery worker, usher, singer or musician. Maybe you can volunteer in the homeless shelter and be a witnesses for the Shelter In The Time Of Storm (for you young folks, this is a title that older folks have given to Christ).

The point is, as you deal with the cares of this world; as you navigate the difficulties of life; as you experience the joys of living; as you debate issues in the coffee cove (or Starbucks) of your life; as you do life, don’t let it deter you from serving the Savior. Whatever you do, do it as one who walks by faith and not by sight. Do it well. Even if it’s no more than hoeing the garden, do it to the glory of God. Do it with the confidence of knowing that, if you were to die at sunset, you will be present with the Lord.

“…The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many." Matthew 20:28.

Just some thoughts on serving from the heart and mind of Victor.