August 2016

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THE CENTRAL CONNECTION

"We are an organization of churches that is committed to the mission of Christ to multiply disciple-making churches through evangelism, leadership training, and connection with other like-minded churches."

I did it!  I listened to all of the primetime speakers from both the Republican and Democratic Conventions.  I wanted to hear some political substance from both Presidential candidates and their constituents.  Like you, I want to offer an intelligent and well informed decision at the polls on Election Day.  Ok, back to the Conventions.  I saw an entire presentation of flowery invocations, notable music, routine business, moving tributes, political testimonies, inspiring videos and passionate candidates.  When I melted down all of the Convention rhetoric, I made an important observation.  I have heard a bunch of empty promises that will never be kept.

 

One candidate said, "It's time to have wage equality once and for all.  It will be great for the American economy when we finally close that gap."  I heard this promise, "I will not raise middle-class taxes."  Then there were promises from the other opponent.  "When I take the oath of office next year, I will restore law and order for our country."  How about this one?  "No one knows the system better than me, which is why I alone can fix it."

 

When it comes to the current political arena and all the rhetoric we are hearing, the best thing to say is, "Let's just leave it up to God."  Don't sweat.  Don't fret.  Don't cry.  Don't worry . . . just smile and leave it up to God.  Some super intense Christians could say, "That's a cop out!"  Philip Melanchthon and Martin Luther were once deciding on the day's' agenda.  Melanchthon said, "Martin, this day we will discuss the governance of the universe."  To which Luther responded, "Philip, this day you and I will go fishing and leave governance of the universe to God."   I love that attitude.  I wake up every morning wondering what a certain presidential candidate said on Twitter and how the other responded.   

Let's agree.  It is not about the candidates and how they can convince potential voters who is the best, most experienced, smartest, or most trustworthy.   It is completely about God and our ability to trust Him during current political upheavals.  It is about the vast handiwork of our incomprehensible God.  The psalmist was correct.  The heavens do indeed tell of the glory of God . . . their expanse does indeed declare the work of His hands. (Psalm 19:1)   I find God's incomprehensibility absolutely refreshing, especially in these days when our political candidates prance around like peacocks.   It is delightful to remember what the Psalmist said, "But our God is in the heavens; He does whatever He pleases."  (Psalm 115:3)   He doesn't ask permission.  He doesn't bother to explain.  He doesn't say, "May I?"  He just does whatever He pleases.  He is the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth, the Alpha and the Omega, the sovereign God of all the universe. 

 

For all you political junkies out there remember what old Zophar said in Job 11:7 when trying to understand God, "Can you discover the depths of God?  Can you discover the limits of the Almighty? "They are high as the heavens, what can you do?"  During this crucial year of unconventional politics, we must remind ourselves who is actually calling the shots.  It is not the Democrats or the Republicans either.  Let's face it.  We need to be brought down to size, we who think we know which candidate is best.  But we are so smart.  What a joke!  We're doing well to "trust and obey" on a daily basis.  It is time to discipline and refocus our minds.  It is time to rise above the nonsense of human opinions that are bombarding social media.  It is time to get reacquainted with the God who is incomprehensible. 

 

Promises from the National Conventions?  I don't count on any of them.  Not one.  I stand only on the promises of God because He alone is trustworthy.  I believe His Word, "Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and your dominion endures through all generations. 

Lord is faithful to all his promises and loving toward all he has made."  (Psalm 145:13) It is true.  Voters are looking for something radically different this election year.  We who are called to faith must demonstrate by our lives what Russell Carter wrote in the 1887 hymn, "Standing on the promises I cannot fall, List'ning every moment to the Spirit's call, Resting in my Savior as my all in all, Standing on the promises of God." Gone fishing!   Pat Phinney CB North Central Regional Director

Another shepherd has fallen! This time it's a popular pastor from one of the largest and fastest growing churches in America. On July 1, this gifted communicator and author was removed from his leadership position. In a statement read to the multi-campus congregation, it was said that he had made some unfortunate choices and decisions that caused much concern. Over the course of several months, the executive pastors met with him and discussed at length problems regarding his personal behavior and spiritual walk. This included the man's posture toward his marriage, increased reliance on alcohol and other things.

Because of these character flaws, church leadership confronted this shepherd and went through the steps of dealing with sin in the church as outlined in Matthew 18. Because he chose not to properly address these ongoing issues and didn't take the necessary steps toward correcting them, it was determined that he was no longer qualified, as outlined in 1 Timothy 3 and the church's bylaws, to continue as a pastor.

On Tuesday, July 19, the former church leader checked into a treatment center for alcohol addiction. In a video posted online he told his Facebook family, " I'll be there for about 30 days. I am going to be under the care of some excellent doctors and excellent psychiatrists.  They are going to work with me and I'm going to do whatever it takes to get better."
    I mention this pastor's story not to shame or condemn him in any way. I do not think I am any better than this man. In fact, I have been reluctant to even bring it up because scripture warns, "So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don't fall!" (1 Corinthians 10:12)  I know all too well the kinds of sins I am capable of committing. I wish the very best for him, and hope he will personally experience God's grace, forgiveness, and healing in what will most certainly be difficult days ahead.

My purpose in pointing out this pastor's failure is to remind myself and all of you who might read this, "There but for the grace of God go I." All of us spiritual shepherds, no matter who we are, could have the same thing or something similar happen to us. If we feed the sheep we lead but don't feed our own soul, there is a flashing sign on the road of our lives that says, "Danger Ahead!" If you and I don't maintain our spiritual health and guard our hearts, we can easily and quickly disqualify ourselves from pastoral ministry.

            

How do we keep that from happening? By following the example of the Apostle Paul who said, "No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize" (1 Corinthians 9:27).  You and I need to be spiritually disciplined and train ourselves to be godly.

We also must do what the author of Hebrews wrote, "Let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God" (Hebrews 12:1-2).

            

Christ finished the race on earth He was given to run. He defeated the devil and all the forces of darkness with His atoning death and resurrection. Because of Jesus' victorious performance, God the Father exalted Him to the highest place and gave Him the name above every name.

As you and I strive to finish this race God has specially called us pastors to run, let's get rid of the things in our lives that weigh us down spiritually and hold us back, let's avoid the attitudes and actions which can cause us to trip or fall, and let's keep our focus on Christ. In making these crucial choices, we not only avoid falling into sin and being disqualified from ministry, but can look forward to the Lord's commendation, "Well done, good and faithful servant!"

 

Pastor Jay Jentink

Calvary Baptist Church, Cedar Rapids, IA

Pastor Paul McKibben

Grace Community Church, Osage, MN

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