Mile High Rev

REVered - The Final Day of 2007

Several years ago, I gave Jan a devotional book called Daily Light for Every Day.  It’s a daily devotional guide that has a collection of Scripture readings for each morning and each evening.  Not commentary or stories, just the Bible.  It’s uncanny (led by the Spirit, clearly) how the verses will often coincide with events in our lives or challenges we are facing.  It’s not unusual for Jan to read me the texts at some point in the day.

As she read the one for December 31 this morning, I said, “I have to blog that one today!”  So, here it is…I hope it encourages you on this final day of 2007, as it did me!

“The Lord your God carried you,

as a man carries his son,

in all the way that you went

until you came to this place.” 

“I bore you on eagles wings and brought you to myself.  In His love and His pity He redeemed them; and He bore them and carried them all the days of old.  As an eagle stirs up its nest, hovers over its young spreading out its wings, taking them up, carrying them on its wings, so the Lord led him.  Even to your old age, I am He, and even to gray hairs, I will carry you!  I have made, and I will bear; even I will carry, and will deliver you.  This is God, our God forever and ever; He will be our guide even to death.  Cast your burden on the Lord, and He shall sustain you.  Do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on.  For your Heavenly Father knows that you need all these things.  Thus far the Lord has helped us.”

Amen…and best wishes for God’s blessings in 2008!

REVrant 32.7 - Heaven Quote on a Starbuck's Cup

A little bit of heaven on Earth - Los Angeles Times.

The controversy apparently started after several Christians read Joel Stein’s quote about heaven on a Starbucks cup and took issue with him.  Five people sent him Randy Alcorn’s book on heaven.  Some started a personal boycott of Starbucks.  Several contacted Stein, a columnist for the L.A. times – some were nice, and some were not so nice. 

Stein wrote the linked column in the L.A. Times to follow up on the experience.  Clearly, I found Stein’s perspective disrespectful…but also, insightful – meaning what?  His comments provide a window into the hearts of people who are not looking forward to heaven.  To all my Christian readers, what would YOU write on the side of a Starbuck’s cup about heaven?

This comes at a good time for me in that my sermon this weekend includes one point, based on John 14:1–4, about the hope of heaven as “our home.”  You can hear it tomorrow at 8:45 or 10:45 am, or check the church website – www.4fbc.org – for an audio or video podcast.  I’m going to think a little more before I suggest my five “heavenly” sentences for the side of a Starbucks cup!

REVerie - Record-Setting Snowfall On Christmas Day

Denver Breaks Record For Snowfall On Christmas Day.

It was beautiful!

And I’m back to my annual dilemma.  To purchase a snowblower or not, that is the question!

REVerie - Christmas Day 2007

“For to us a child is born, to us a Son is given, and the government will be on His shoulders.  And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”  Isaiah 9:6

“Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.  This will be a sign to you; you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”  Luke 2:11–12

MERRY CHRISTMAS

I hope you’re taking this day to ponder the hope and peace that comes from knowing that “a Savior has been born.” 

Jan and I are savoring the amazing experience of our Christmas Eve services yesterday at 1, 3, 5, and 7.  I don’t know the final attendance numbers, but based on my years of experience, I’m guessing we hosted over 3,500 people.  At the 3 and 5 services, it was standing room only, with overflow rooms filled as well.  Just seeing all of those people fill the church brought tears of joy to my eyes. 

The music sparkled, the candles twinkled, and the Lord moved in the hearts of many who received Jesus as Savior at the end of the services.  I spoke on Jesus as “The Light of the World.”  It was a very simple message – “Three Things Light Does For You”: 1) Makes You Look, 2) Helps You See, and 3) Brings You Home.  By my count (only the Lord really knows…) there were 42 people who raised their hands when I asked, “Who wants to receive Christ as Savior tonight?”  The Bible says there is rejoicing in heaven over “one sinner who repents…” – well, there was also great rejoicing at FBC last night over the dozens who responded to the simple Gospel message.

On a whole other level, we hadn’t eaten anything since lunch time, and by 9:00 pm, we were very hungry.  Some friends told us earlier in the evening that their Christmas Eve tradition was to eat at Village Inn after attending church.  Sounded really good to us!  But we weren’t sure it would still be open when we got done.  So, after the great joy of our Christmas Eve “marathon,” we drove to a nearby Village Inn, wondering whether they would still be open.   Great joy filled our hearts as we drove into the parking lot, saw the lights on, and realized that there was going to be “room for us at the Inn!”   I think we now have a new Christmas Eve tradition – pancakes and eggs at the “Inn!”

 

REVved - CHRISTMAS EVE 2007

Yesterday was an exciting day at FBC – Glorious worship, stirring Advent readings by two families, prayer for our men and women serving in the U.S. armed services, Biblical contemplation of Christ’s claim to be God in John 6, and at the end (of two services), a total of nine people who responded to say, “I believe in Jesus as Savior of the world, and I want to receive Him today!”  My heart is still rejoicing and praising God for the wonderful things He did.

Today…in a little over two hours, we begin our annual Christmas Eve “marathon.”  Four services at 1, 3, 5, and 7 pm.  We’re going to be contemplating Jesus as “The Light of the World.” – John 8:12  Each service will conclude with candle-lighting and the singing of “Silent Night.”  I’ll give you a full report tomorrow!

Meanwhile, enjoy this Christmas Eve and remember what it’s all about – “Christ The Savior is Born!” One more thing – if you’re reading this any time during the day today, I’d appreciate your prayers for Jan and me – we’ll be at the church today for over 8 hours with one goal – point people to “The Light of the World!”

REVrant 32.6 - Man Nails Santa to 15-Foot Crucifix

FOXNews.com - Man Nails Santa to 15-Foot Crucifix; Christmas Cards Read: 'Santa Died for Your MasterCard'.

I’m fully supportive of the sentiment that we have over-commercialized Christmas and turned it into a celebration of “stuff” that most people really don’t need.  Further, I clearly see the crass opportunism of retailers and their marketing departments in all of their glory at this time of the year.  You can’t escape it wherever you look in December.

However, the utilization of a cross (check www.foxnews.com) with Santa hanging on it and a Christmas card with these words – “Santa Died for Your MasterCard,” has stepped over the line into blasphemy.  The cross is a sacred symbol for billions of Christians world-wide.  The death of Jesus on the cross is the core theological hope for every Christian believer.  To mock this precious symbol in this way is offensive, disrespectful, and inflammatory. 

Art Conrad owes Christians around the world an apology for mocking our beloved Savior in such a vulgar manner.  Not funny, Art.

REVrant 32. 5 - Archbishop of Canterbury Struggles With Nativity

Archbishop's interview with Simon Mayo - Telegraph.

You can read it for yourself – I’ve attached an interview with a BBC reporter and the Archbishop of Canterbury.  What seems clear to me is that the respected Archbishop is heading down the same path that many within the emergent movement in the US are taking.

Do we really need the virgin birth?  Who really thinks that Magi came to see Jesus?  Nice legends though.  You can’t be serious about a star over Bethlehem!  It didn’t really happen the way most people think.

While I agree that the chronology of the shepherds and wise men would not have allowed for them to be there at the same time, I get a little nervous over deconstructionist trends among church leaders in our time.  They insinuate – “you have it all wrong.”  And along with their corrections, there is this air of superiority and sophistication that is gradually eroding the core of the Gospel message.

The Archbishop’s final quote in the interview is revealing – “That makes sense to me.”  Ahem…ah, my dear Archbishop, I think you’ve just identified the crux of many people’s problem when it comes to responding to Christ’s claims – they only believe what makes sense to them.

I don’t believe in Jesus because the whole story makes sense to me – but because it’s true!  God becoming a man?  A baby born of a virgin?  A young guy – Joseph – accepts his girlfriend’s pregnancy as Holy Spirit authored?  Jesus the boy is “The Christ?”  Angels announce his coming to lowly shepherds?  Star-gazers from the east come to worship Him as King?  He eventually dies for the sins of the world?  And He rises from the dead on the third day?  And He’s now sitting on the right hand of God in heaven?  Does this make sense?  Not really.  But I believe it all!

REVrant 32.4 - You Can't Take Christ Out of Christmas

Commentary: You can't take Christ out of Christmas - CNN.com.

Want to read a common sense approach to Christmas?  Check out Roland S. Martin’s CNN column.  Nicely said, Roland!

REVrant 32.3 - Huckabee Ad Delivers a Christmas Message...and Causes a Stir

Huckabee ad delivers a Christmas message - The Boston Globe.

By now, you’ve probably heard about and/or seen the new TV commercial featuring Presidential Candidate Mike Huckabee wishing people a “Merry Christmas.”  I love it.  But, oh the buzz it has caused!  Fellow Republican candidate Ron Paul mocked – he quoted Sinclair Lewis saying that "when fascism comes to this country, it will be wrapped in the flag, carrying a cross," then went on to tweak Huckabee for "using a cross like he is the only Christian, or implying that subtly."  (For the record, I believe Ron Paul is himself guilty of blaspheming a precious Christian symbol - the cross – by using this sleazy Sinclair Lewis quote and linking it to fascism.  How anyone can take this irreverent man seriously is beyond me.)

Two things seem to bother people: 1) Bookcase shelves in the background that form a white cross, and 2) Huckabee’s wish for a “Merry Christmas.”  I like how Huckabee joked about the idea of sending a subliminal message by referring to the old Beatles White Album urban legend – "I will confess this: If you play the spot backwards it says: 'Paul is dead. Paul is dead,' " 

Let’s suppose for a moment that the cross was intentional – good for Huckabee.  He’s not afraid to identify with the cross of Jesus, the saving hope of every Christian on the planet.  And secondly, there’s nothing wrong with a Christian candidate wishing people, “Merry Christmas.”  There is no law, constitutional or other, that forbids the free expression of religion by any candidate for any office.  The government is restricted from passing laws regarding the “establishment of religion,” but Americans are free to worship and practice their religion as they please.  What applies to the people also applies to the President…and candidates for the office.

“Merry Christmas, Mike.”

REVrant 32.2 - QUITE A MORNING - QUITE A CHURCH - QUITE A GOD

Our 8:45 church service started as usual this morning, with no indication that there would be anything unusual or upsetting that would take place.  Worship was energized and powerful under the leadership of our New Director of Worship – Daniel Sesay.  Our Advent candles were lit and scripture read by a delightful family with six children.  I made a brief announcement about our beefed up security plan in light of the shootings in Colorado churches last weekend.  And after our normal offering time and a beautiful rendition of “O Holy Night,” I stood to preach. 

I completed the sermon on John 3:16, titled, “Whoever Believes,” and we had planned to conclude the service by reciting the Apostles Creed and singing “We Believe.”  During the singing of “We Believe,” I was tapped on the shoulder and told that one of our men a few rows behind me was having a health crisis.  When I looked back to see him, the color had drained from his face, and it appeared that he was going to pass out.

I left my front row seat and went back to the man, who was now surrounded by concerned church members.  I wish you could have seen the response of FBC medical personnel who were sitting nearby.  Within 5 minutes, someone had dialed 911, and the man was on the floor in the center aisle, surrounded by three doctors, including a Cardiologist, an ER Doc, an ER Nurse, and several EMT’s.  As they sought to stabilize the man, an elderly man from the back of the church who was hooked up to an oxygen bottle came forward to volunteer his oxygen to the man who was in clear medical crisis.  This compassionate move took my breath away.

I made my way to the platform, informed the stunned audience what was happening, and asked everyone to pray.  I led them in prayer, and then I asked them to quietly leave the auditorium using the side doors and leaving the center aisle and doors for EMT access, as the ambulance was just arriving.  People were incredibly sensitive.  The medical personnel served, the ushers secured the area, the man was significantly helped within 5 minutes of the episode, and before the next service began, he was being wheeled out to the ambulance on a gurney. 

The good news is that he’s OK.  His wife returned to the church after the second service to let us know that he was OK and that the doctors had released him and were sending him home.  Apparently, there was some type of chemical imbalance that created his crisis.  It appears that he will be OK - a direct answer to our prayers.

QUITE A MORNING – After speaking of our security plan and mentioning that we hoped to be prepared for crisis, whatever it might be, who knew we would have a test case this very morning?

QUITE A CHURCH – I’m still misty-eyed over the way our medical professionals responded.  You should have seen them.  They were aggressive, competent, and thorough in their assessment of the man’s condition.  I felt so proud of the humble servants who all offered their medical expertise without hesitation.  This is exactly how the church was meant to function!

QUITE A GOD – God knew it would happen, when it would happen, to whom it would happen, and who would need to be nearby to assist.  It felt to me as though the Lord orchestrated the entire response.  I left church today, relieved to know that the dear man was going to be OK, and profoundly grateful to God for “never leaving or forsaking us.”  My faith in God was fortified as I watched God work through His people at FBC this morning!