Observing a child unwrapping a gift and an adult are two different things. Kids start ripping the wrapping paper off in wild enthusiasm to see what is inside. Adult take time to see who the gift is from…slowing unwrap the gift..then appreciate the thoughtfulness of the giver (and maybe even acknowledge thanksgiving/appreciation if that person is present. In both cases we do we consider— what impact the gifts had in that moment, what was the functionality of that gift…maybe most importantly, how do we use that gift. The same is true with Spiritual Gifts. We generally discover God has presented us with gifts that you may not even realize we already posses. It is up to us to open those gifts. So what are our Spiritual Gifts? I would begin with The Apostle Paul’s letter to the Ephesian church as he is giving them an illustration of how the church functions as a body. He concludes with this:

However, he has given each one of us a special gift according to the generosity of Christ. Ephesians 4:7

A special gift— has been given. It is not necessarily a natural/learned talent. One definition describes it as: a God-given ability which enables a believer to more effectively serve the body of Christ.

God -Given ability..more effectively serve. Paul tells the believers in Ephesus (and us) that we receive this/these gifts out of the generosity of Christ. To be able to do things we would never be able to do. There ARE several fundamental passages that tell of the spiritual gifts given to ALL believers. The first is found in Paul’s letter to Romans:

We have different gifts, according to the grace given Us…Romans 12:6

We are given different gifts than each other. It is how we are wired and how we function as individuals and as a group. (GK-Diaphoros)-A sailing term meaning what kind of sail and which way we are positioned—in order for God to use us/move us for his Purposes. We are all uniquely made to be used for God’s purpose.

Paul also tells the Corinthian Church:

A spiritual gift is given to each of us as a means of helping the entire church. 1 Corinthians 12:7

Helping the entire Church-(GK-Ecclessia)-The called people of God (not just a place to congregate). We are the Ecclessia in worship -we are the Ecclessia in our Community Fall Festival, in our Food Pantry. The gifts of Helps, Hospitality & Teaching are exhibited here on Sunday morning. This morning in Communion with God. There is also the realization that there are multiple gifts given to us by God. Based largely on out Faithfulness. Philip a great example.

Select seven men…We will put them in charge of this business…and they chose the following: Stephen (a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit), Philip… Acts 6:3-5—Gift of Helps

Those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went. Philip went down to a city in Samaria and proclaimed the Christ there. Acts 8:4-5—Gift of Exhortation

Later we are told that Philip even uses gift of Discernment & Teaching in an encounter with an Ethiopian who was needing to understand scripture. God does the same for us as we discover these gifts.

Paul also warns about neglected gifts. He tells Timothy:

Do not neglect the spiritual gift you received through the prophecies spoken to you when the elders of the church laid their hands on you. 1 Timothy 4:14

Why All of us need to discover gifts. Have you ever received a gift and didn’t see the immediate value. God allows us see & to use them. In fact Paul tells Timothy in his 2nd letter:

This is why I remind you to fan into flames the spiritual gift God gave you when I laid my hands on you. 2 Timothy 1:6

Fan into flames. Breathe life into them. Even when a fire is smoldering. You can revive it my adding Oxygen. Even in times of your life when the flames have died out. When the gifts that lie dormant. The Holy Spirit (Breathe of God) revives them. Generally the gifts are found in 4 Basic passages in The New Testament. Within these passages there are 4 distinct Categories of Gifts.

First there is the Category of Service which includes the gifts of Mercy…Giving…Helps…Service (often the most recognizable).

The next Category is Leadership—which includes the ability to Lead others (by the power of Holy Spirit), Faith, Discernment, Wisdom, Knowledge & Evangelism.

Then there is the category of Teaching-these include Teaching (God’s Word-in a way others can understand), Pastoring & Exhortation.

The Apostle Peter proclaims from his first epistle saying:

God has given gifts to each of you from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Manage them well so that God’s generosity can flow through you. Are you called to be a speaker? Then speak as though God himself were speaking through you. Are you called to help others? Do it with all the strength and energy that God supplies. Then God will be given glory in everything through Jesus Christ. All glory and power belong to him forever and ever. 1 Peter 4:10-11

Gifts to each of you…Great variety of Gifts…Manage them (and obviously know them)-so that God’s generosity can flow through you and ultimately all for the Glory of God. So finally as we begin to discover these gifts how & where do we begin?

We continue to READ God’s word and his instruction for each of us in the use of these gifts.
We PRAY for God’s Discernment in Understanding these gifts given us.
We ASK that God to reveal to us those gifts given to us and how he would chose to use us…for his Glory.

Combined Choirs from Splendora First Baptist and Splendora Countryside United Methodist. Lyrics posted below.

Statue of Liberty

In New York Harbor stands a lady,
With a torch raised to the sky;
And all who see her know she stands for
Liberty for you and me.

I’m so proud to be called an American,
To be named with the brave and the free;
I will honor our flag and our trust in God,
And the Statue of Liberty.

On lonely Golgotha stood a cross,
With my Lord raised to the sky;
And all who kneel there live forever
As all the saved can testify.

I’m so glad to be called a Christian,
To be named with the ransomed and whole;
As the statue liberates the citizen,
So the cross liberates the soul.

Oh the cross is my Statue of Liberty,
It was there that my soul was set free;
Unashamed I’ll proclaim that a rugged cross
Is my Statue of Liberty!

Listening to an old Beach Boys song this morning I was reminded of a passage I have used as a pastor, teacher, facilitator, and encourager of prayer. Not specifically what to pray, but how to pray. I remember before the days of Contemporary Christian Music. As musicians, many of us who came to faith in and through the Jesus Movement of the late 60′s/early 70′s found messages within the music of our generation. We either changed a few words of existing songs or sometimes even played the songs themselves (as written). The Beach Boys song  In My Room is one of those. When I read in the New International Version from Matthew’s gospel (6:6), Jesus states

” But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.”

I have found it amazing the difficulty some Christians have with prayer. Yet, this passage is usually helpful. When I am ministering to Baby Boomers,  I also suggest The Beach Boys. I encourage you to check out both. I also hope you remember the encouraging words of The Apostle Paul to the Ephesian Church (6:18)

And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.

AWAKE & ALIVE (PENTECOST SUNDAY 2011)

We had a powerful testimony by one of our youth yesterday morning as we celebrated the coming of the Holy Spirit into the world and the Birthday of the Church. Here are the lyrics and the video of the instrumental performance:

I’m at war with the world

And they try to pull me into the dark

I struggle to find my faith

As I’m slipping from your arms

It’s getting harder to stay awake

And my strength is fading fast

You breathe into me at last

I’m awake, I’m alive

Now I know what I believe inside

Now it’s my time

I’ll do what I want ’cause this is my life

(Here, right now)

Right here, right now

Stand my ground and never back down

I know what I believe inside

I’m awake, and I’m alive

I’m at war with the world

‘Cause I ain’t never gonna sell my soul

I’ve already made up my mind

No matter what, I can’t be bought or sold

When my faith is getting weak

And I feel like giving in

You breathe into me again

I’m awake, I’m alive

Now I know what I believe inside

Now it’s my time

I’ll do what I want ’cause this is my life

(Here, right now)

Right here, right now

Stand my ground and never back down

I know what I believe inside

I’m awake, and I’m alive

Waking up, waking up

Waking up, waking up

Waking up, waking up

Waking up, waking up in the dark

I can feel you in my sleep

In your arms, I feel you breathe into me

Forever hold this heart that I will give to you

Forever I will live for you

I’m awake, I’m alive

Now I know what I believe inside

Now it’s my time

I’ll do what I want ’cause this is my life

(Here, right now)

Right here, right now

Stand my ground and never back down

I know what I believe inside

I’m awake, and I’m alive

Waking up, waking up

Waking up, waking up

Waking up, waking up

Waking up, waking up

We celebrate Memorial Day to REMEMBER the men & woman who have made the ultimate sacrifice for us and for the cause of Freedom & Liberty. An essay I found reads:

As the flowers rest on the decorated graves and the sunlight shines on the beautiful sailboats, Uncle Sam whispers in my ear about how we should care for the soldiers and remember the ones that have died. Swimming pools open, BBQs fry. Today is the day to think of what they have done for us. There are blurs of red, white and blue marching down the street and flags are lowered at half-mast. But we should always remember and never forget what set us free, from this very day on. (Written by Ali a 3rd grader from Conn.)

In the 7th chapter of Revelation we are invited to remember service men & women of another kind. In many ways not unlike the those we honor this Holiday weekend. The Apostle John tells us in this portion of Jesus revelation to him:

After this I looked and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and in front of the Lamb. Revelation 7:9a

John wants us the reader to know that when we consider the saints that have gone before us. When we consider the ones who cheer us on. The ones we remember who have got us to this place. They are many & they are diverse. Every…Nation, Tribe, People & Language. John continues to describe this Multitude:

They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands. Revelation 7:9b

Holding Palm Branches. The symbol for the Jewish people Liberation. Palm Sunday. The people shouted Hosanna-(Free us now..Liberate us now). This is similar to stories I was told as a kid from veterans of WWII in Western Europe as they would liberate town after town following D-Day. The joy & thankfulness of the liberated people. The same as those people in Jerusalem. The same as these saints described here. John adds:

And they cried out in a loud voice: “Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb.” Revelation 7:10

Salvation—A now often used Religious term…saved from Sin. That which separates us from God. Maybe when we consider specifically what we are saved from we can better appreciate that Salvation and the true liberation that comes only from God through Christ. When we are set free from those things including physical addictions and/or things such as fear/worry/anger. The Psalmist says:

From the LORD comes deliverance. May your blessing be on your people. Psalm 3:8

Just like those people liberated in war. We can be set free-Salvation.

Then one of the elders asked me, “These in white robes-who are they, and where did they come from?” I answered, “Sir, you know.” And he said, “These are they who have come out of the great tribulation; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.” Revelation 7:13-14

This one elder referring to The Great Tribulation. Now there are many books speculating on the details of what this “Great Tribulation” actually is…suffice it to say it is a major struggle for the very souls of those who believe and are open in acknowledging, expressing and living out their faith. It reminds me of soldiers returning from battle. How can we honor them as “The Church?” What can we do to help then experience the grace, peace & love found by these described coming out of this tribulation.

John states that in some translations reads: That He who sits on a throne will spread his Tent on Them…Then goes on quote from Isaiah’s prophecy:

They will neither hunger nor thirst, nor will the desert heat or the sun beat upon them. He who has compassion on them will guide them and lead them beside springs of water. Isaiah 49:10

That those who face tribulation don’t have to go it alone…That if we allow him God WILL spread his tent over us…In His Compassion guide us through Christ and by the power of His Holy Spirit to springs of Water. Finally John reminds us :

For the Lamb who stands in front of the throne will be Their Shepherd. He will lead them to the springs of life-giving water. And God will wipe away all their tears. Revelation 7:17

Jesus leads us to refreshment from the battle-God takes away the sting . He will wipe away all our tears if we let him. Maybe in this observation of those who have sacrificed for us we can do the same for others who have known the pain and suffering from tribulation and war. Those in need of Life-Giving water-Those who need help in wiping away the tears.

Then on this Memorial Day Weekend. What is our response in Remembering those who have gone before us. Those who have faced literal tribulations and have made that ultimate sacrifice. I remember Jesus’ parable of the Talents. His response seems to fit as we honor and salute the fallen Service Men & Woman: Jesus Said…

Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!



At our annual Smith Family Reunion- I am generally asked to do two thing—-Bless the Food & do my impersonations—Elvis, Johnny Cash..and Willie Nelson…so I come up with of a song for each for…the most memorable Willie Nelson song to me is “On The Road Again”…For me personally  I relate because of how much we moved as a family growing up..the travels Robin, the kids & I have done…and then thinking of scripture and the gospels of Jesus describing several stories of The Road (particularly chronicled by Luke) There’s the Good Samaritan (who was on the road), the Prodigal Son (on the Road back to his father’s House) and then there is the Road to Emmaus…

The other Easter story: We find these two pilgrims following the resurrection of Jesus traveling to a place called Emmaus-Luke tells us:

Suddenly, Jesus himself came along and joined them and began walking beside them.   Luke 24:15

Jesus was walking with them-Yet they didn’t recognize him. The greatest day in the history of the world and these two didn’t even have a clue. Are there days when we do the same we get so caught up in stuff..the busy-ness that can overwhelm us if we let it. We miss it. In fact Jesus asks them what they are so concerned about..obviously it was apparent they looked/seemed concerned..Matthew records:

And when you fast, don’t make it obvious, as the hypocrites do, who try to look pale and disheveled so people will admire them for their fasting. Matthew 6:16

Matthew is more descriptive -Even for us who know about The Resurrection-even one week after the big celebration of Easter..How quickly do we get Disheveled?” These two pilgrims go on to tells Jesus:

He was a prophet who did wonderful miracles. He was a mighty teacher, highly regarded by both God and all the people. But our leading priests and other religious leaders arrested him and handed him over to be condemned to death, and they crucified him. Luke 24:19-20

These two were still amazed that Jesus wouldn’t have been aware of the events that had just taken place. It’s not that different when we pray in the midst of our times crisis. We are telling God what he already knows..not realizing he was right there with us all along.

These two even go on to say: We even though He was The Messiah …who had come to rescue Israel Luke 24:21

They had obviously forgotten the part about the suffering servant & probably even the bigger question rescue Israel for what? Little did they know they had already been rescued (Atoned). These Two Pilgrims do admit that they had heard about the “Alleged ” Resurrection-though it sounds like they weren’t buying it.

Some of our men ran out to see, and sure enough, Jesus‘ body was gone, just as the women had said. Luke 24:24

Some of our men (Peter & John)-& the Body was Gone…Still not enough evidence for these two. They instead left town. How much evidence do people need to believe that Jesus in fact has risen? Do we offer evidence as “Easter People” Do Others see it in us? Jesus finally has had enough and tells them: You are such foolish people to not even understand-based on what they had just been telling  Jesus as they were walking along the road-He continues:

You find it so hard to believe all that the prophets wrote in the Scriptures. Wasn’t it clearly predicted by the prophets that the Messiah would have to suffer all these things before entering his time of glory? Luke 24:25-26

All the prophets wrote the Messiah would have to suffer…then Jesus goes on to remind them what Moses had said:

The LORD your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your fellow Israelites, and you must listen to that prophet. Deuteronomy 18:15

Raise up a Prophet (Like Me)…Pharaoh/Herod, Early Years in Egypt, initially rejected by Jews, savior of Israel, shepherd of Israel, fasted for 40 days beginning ministry, Sent Out-12 Spies/12 Disciples. Fellow Israelite…Then Luke records:

They were nearing Emmaus and the end of their journey. They begged him to stay the night with them. As they sat down to eat, he took a small loaf of bread, asked God’s blessing on it, broke it, then gave it to them. Luke 24:28-30

They sat down to eat-Jesus was their guest & He grabs the Bread-(Gk-Risen Bread) vs. Unleavened—asked God’s Blessing on it…(Gk-Good Logos)-The Good Word…Jesus Himself was The Word. vs. Last Supper -Gave Thanks..Praising God for what he was about to do. Do we do the same—In the midst of our Great “Thanksgiving” we  say let this Bread & Wine be for us-Jesus (Blessing!) Then we are told that —Their eyes were opened….This is the Just like the other Easter Story the  Tomb was Opened. Now we find that for these 2 Pilgrims…They can now see Jesus for who he really is. (Gk-Opthamolus)-The Mind’s Eye..They had already seen Jesus they now understood Open = Opening of a Womb. A Transformation..& the Jesus they had seen Disappeared. The Encounter with the Living Christ-Transformation (Eye Opening). The Luke tells us:

They said to each other, “Didn’t our hearts feel strangely warm as he talked with us on the road and explained the Scriptures to us?” Luke 24:32

Thinking back..when they had been on the road with Jesus..the Grace that they would understand later was already there. For us the grace & power we experience everyday when we remember who has blessed us  & who invites us to his table to continue that Transformation.

I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust. Psalm 91:2

May 5, 2011

The National Day of Prayer has great significance for us as a
nation. It enables us to recall and to teach the way in which our
founding fathers sought the wisdom of God when faced with
critical decisions. It stands as a call to us to humbly come before
God, seeking His guidance for our leaders and His grace upon us as
a people. The unanimous passage of the bill establishing the
National Day of Prayer as an annual event, signifies that prayer is
as important to our nation today as it was in the beginning.

Like Thanksgiving or Christmas, this day has become a national
observance placed on all Hallmark calendars and observed annually
across the nation and in Washington, D.C. Last year, local, state
and federal observances were held from sunrise in Maine to sunset
in Hawaii, uniting Americans from all socio-economic, political and
ethnic backgrounds in prayer for our nation. It is estimated that
over two million people attended more than 30,000 observances
organized by approximately 40,000 volunteers. At state capitols,
county court houses, on the steps of city halls, and in schools,
businesses, churches and homes, people stopped their activities
and gathered for prayer.

We will have a community observance in:

Splendora on Thursday evening at the City Park Gazebo. We will begin at 7:00 pm.

I hope that if you are in the area you will join us for this important event.

Believing in The Holy Catholic Church…(is not the Roman Catholic Church)…The term catholic is a difficult word to describe. Some denominations & congregations substitute the word catholic with words like “Universal” or “Christian”. The problem is that even though those words work. They really don’t come close to describing what it means to be little “c” catholic. In fact here are a list of just a few of the words that go in to describing what this means as an adjective. The real question is what does it mean to be The Church? There is an entire discipline within theology called Ecclesiology which has to do with determining what it truly means to be God’s church. The looking back from the days of Jesus earliest followers. The early church Fathers, The reformation and even specifically the church in The US. What makes us uniquely The Church. Peter describes the church like this:

Come to Christ, who is the living cornerstone of God’s temple. He was rejected by the people, but he is precious to God who chose him. And now God is building you, as living stones, into his spiritual temple. 1 Peter 2:4-5

The word Ecclesiology comes from the Greek word Ecclessia which is used in the New Testament to describe the church the interesting thing is Jesus only uses this word twice and first to describe to Peter himself what he expected.

And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it. Matthew 16:18

The Ecclesia in Athens was the birthplace of Democracy. A place where everyone could come together regardless of class and have a voice. This was intentionally used in contrast with the idea of the synagogue. The literal meaning of the word Ecclesia is “The Called.” In Athens the people were called to meet and to serve their community. The same was and is expected of the church that Jesus brought into being. Just as he called His Disciples

He saw James son of Zebedee and his brother John in a boat, preparing their nets. Without delay he called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men and followed him. Mark 1:19-20

Maybe our Greatest Calling is the what Jesus considered to be the greatest of all the commandments and laws in the Old Testament/Hebrew Bible:

“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself.” Matthew 22:36-39

Love God..Love your Neighbor—How hard is that? Do we answer the Call?  Paul tells the church in Ephesus:

Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. Ephesians 4:2-3

Paul tells them As The Church-to be Humble & Gentle-Patient (more adjectives that go into being catholic). Keep The Unity of The Spirit-One in the Spirit. Paul even tells them this can be accom

plished through the Bonds of Peace. A reminder of what Jesus told his Disciples before his Passion:

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27

Paul goes on to include what we traditionally think of a catholic when he says:

There is one body and one Spirit–just as you were called to one hope when you were called. Ephesians 4:4

Paul also speaks of us as the church having One Hope. Another concept and idea that goes into being Catholic…Even the Psalmist said:

We wait in hope for the LORD; he is our help and our shield. In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name. May your unfailing love rest upon us, O LORD, even as we put o

ur hope in you. Psalm 33:20-22

As “The Church” we know that God through Jesus-We ALL have The Same HOPE because has proved & is proving to us that He is our Help & shield, his unfailing, unconditional, sacrificial Love rest upon us. Paul also tells the Ephesian Church & Us that as The Church there is only—One Lord…One Faith & One Baptism…He also reminded the Colossian church:

Having been buried with him in baptism and raised with him through your faith in the power of God, who raised him from the dead. Colossians 2:12

That is why I like doing the extended version of the Baptism ceremony & liturgy to include the Credo of our Faith. Paul concludes his assessment of what it means to be the church:

One God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. Ephesians 4:6

As The Church we have already stated that we Believe that there is One God…Father of All…who is Over All—The Highest Place (Glory/Majesty).Through All (God created Everything)-He is everything we encounter in Life and God is IN All…In everyone of us he created…he allows us to be made knew in our relationship with Christ & to be Filled with His Holy Spirit.

So as we say we Believe in The Holy Catholic Church—Its more than just Universal (yet it is)…more than just Christian (though many people consider themselves Christian)…It is ultimately those of us who agree by God’s Holy Spirit to be—One with Christ, One with each other & one in ministry to all the world.

Today we look at the ominous words… “He will judge The Quick & The Dead”…As a kid when I learned the Apostle Creed & heard the words “The Quick & the Dead”…I wondered what about the people who run slow or just walk..maybe they won’t be judged. It is in the book of The Acts of The Apostles (The King James Version) where we find these two intriguing words used to describe this part of The Apostles Creed:

And he commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is he which was ordained of God to be the Judge of quick and dead. Acts 10:42

The first word is “Judge” (Greek-Krites)— means Critic/Arbitrator/Advocate (not a judge like in a court room). The other more perplexing word in the Old KJV is “Quick” (Greek-Zao). Usually translated Life or Living. (Jesus says he is The Way, The Truth and ..The Life (Zao). Quickness seems to imply Really Alive-(in Christ). Peter in his second Epistle answers the question on the minds of the people in the early church as to what happens after we die. Jesus has risen & ascended with the promise of Eternal Life. But what about Judgment Day/The Day of the Lord? The writers of Hebrews in their Book of Faith address this right from the beginning:

In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he made the universe. Hebrews 1:1-2

The prophets talked about The Day of The Lord-To those who had forgotten God. Now God has sent Jesus (as a reminder) that we all should live as if these were The Last Days..not out of Fear..but out of Obedience (to Jesus). Peter states:

I want to remind you that in the last days there will be scoffers who will laugh at the truth and do every evil thing they desire. This will be their argument: “Jesus promised to come back, did he? Then where is he? Why, as far back as anyone can remember, everything has remained exactly the same since the world was first created.” 2 Peter 3:3-4

Jesus promised to come back-(20-30 yrs-Peter)/2000 yrs us..so is that even an argument. Where is He? Here is the problem with non-believers/scoffers…They don’t realize…WE are The Body of Christ..He IS coming back one day..but for now…If we are doing our part..they Will See Jesus. Here is part of the problem that we have as well as the scoffers…Two Simple Words..I Forgot—Whatever our age we all have tendency to forget—Human Nature…We believe because of what we have seen, experienced & encountered in our lives and what we have learned from those who have gone before us. However in difficult times its easy to forget. Peter tells the early church:

They (The Scoffers)deliberately forget that God made the heavens by the word of his command, and he brought the earth up from the water and surrounded it with water. 2 Peter 3:5

Peter was warning the early church and us…how easy it is to Forget about the Big Picture…Why at the beginning our Credo/The Apostles Creed —we clearly state that we Believe in God…The Father Almighty…MAKER of Heaven & Earth. Then Peter says:

And God has also commanded that the heavens and the earth will be consumed by fire on the day of judgment, when ungodly people will perish 2 Peter 3:7

Several things to notice…Fire..Judgment..Ungodly People. First Ungodly people…The Greek word Asebo (The opposite of someone who worships God)..doesn’t say people who worshiplike us ..it simply says people who do the opposite the opposite of worship God. John The Baptist weighs in on this early in Matthew’s gospel proclaiming Jesus as a fulfillment of The prophets he reminds them:

Even now the ax of God’s judgment is poised, ready to sever your roots. Yes, every tree that does not produce good fruit will be chopped down and thrown into the fire. He is ready to separate the chaff from the grain with his winnowing fork…storing the grain in his barn but burning the chaff with never-ending fire. Matthew 3:10,12

Every Tree (Jewish understanding of family) in a sense even a congregation..why we are teaching our kids. Why we are now focusing on what WE believe-To Bear Good Fruit (in our Community & World). Separating Wheat from Chaff—other places Jesus uses the illustration of Sheep from Goats. The Never Ending/Unquenchable Fire is symbolic of Permanency. What is burned returns to that basic Carbon element. One reason we observe Ash Wednesday. Realizing we can begin again starting with the basic element of our beginning. Then Peter concludes:

The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness.He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. 2 Peter 3:8

The Lord is not slow…He is Patient—PRAISE GOD! I for one am so Thankful that God is patient with me (as he is with all of us)…He knows our hearts & our minds. He doesn’t want ANYONE to Perish…But…Everyone come to Repentance…He hasn’t given up on us.. We Can’t Give Up. So as we consider as part of our Credo that Jesus will come to Judge…The Quick (Those who are REALLY Alive) and the Dead (Spiritually/Non-Worshipers). When we are Believers who are truly Alive….we help those around us to know that “Quick” Life…and have nothing to fear. Jesus shared this parable toward the end of his ministry to those who chose to follow him (how to truly serve God):

For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home. I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me.’ And the King will tell them, ‘I assure you, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!’

Then Jesus addresses those who refused to help others…Then they will reply, ‘Lord, when did we ever see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and not help you?’ And he will answer, ‘I assure you, when you refused to help the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were refusing to help me.’ Then he concludes: And they (those who refuse to worship God) will go away into eternal punishment…but the righteous…(Those Who serve and worship God)… will go into eternal life.”

On The Christian Calendar we have Good Friday & All of Holy Week to Commemorate Jesus Suffering & Crucifixion. We have Easter to celebrate His Resurrection. There is actually a special day of celebration commemorate the Ascension (though its often overlooked). We generally move on to Pentecost. However, I want to take a few minutes looking at this important event…important enough to it be part of our Credo. There is limited Biblical details of the Ascension itself however Luke tells us as he concludes his gospel account:

When he had led them out to the vicinity of Bethany, he lifted up his hands and blessed them. While he was blessing them, he left them and was taken up into heaven. Then they worshiped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy. Luke 24:50-52

What a way to close out the story…Jesus—Taken into heaven…They (his followers/witnesses) worshipped-w/Joy! One of the interesting things in understanding the term Ascension is the Greek word that is translated from which is “Basis.” The Apostle Paul writes:

He who descended is the very one who ascended higher than all the heavens, in order to fill the whole universe. Ephesians 4:10

He who Descended (Jesus came down to Earth) & then Ascended..back to Heaven. The context in Greek tells us that he went to the “basis” (or more literally “base”— a safe place of ultimate destination). When I think of the word “base” I think baseball. In baseball the overall objective is to win… the primary objective is to get on Base…where you are Safe. In Christ ascension he was going to a safe place they could relate to where God was. Even before his Passion at The Last Supper-John tells us how Jesus explained to his Disciples after promising The Holy Spirit coming to them tells them:

I came from the Father and entered the world; now I am leaving the world and going back to the Father. John 16:28

Leaving the World..Going back to the Father. Again as an example for us. Another reminder as in the story of The Prodigal Son..who came to his senses…left “The World” and returned to his Father’s House. At some point in our lives we need to realize the same need to leave the world…go/return to The Fathers House. We also add to our Credo…”that as he has ascended into Heaven”..He also “sits at the Right Hand of God.” This was important in the ancient world. Your place at the table. Sitting to the Right was always a place of prominence. The saying my “Right-Hand Man or Woman” still used today. The “Go to” person. It is important to us to realize it is in part why he ascended. Paul tells the Roman Church:

Christ Jesus, who died–more than that, who was raised to life–is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. Romans 8:34

Just as we pray for others as intercessors, Jesus does the same for us and sits at God’s right hand to be our intercessor. Jesus Ascension also signals for us that His work of Redemption is Complete. He came to earth to take away the sins of the world-so that he could become sin for us. Jesus said before his passion:

Now this is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent. I have brought you glory on earth by completing the work you gave me to do. John 17:3-4

Jesus by returning home to The Father has completed the work his Father required him to do. In fact because of that the rest is up to us: To Believe.The writers of The book of Hebrews refers to Jesus in a way that accentuates his Status/ Importance & just as important His Humbleness and Grace. They write:

Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has gone through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. Hebrews 4:14,16

What a great description of the Resurrected & Ascended Jesus..A Great High Priest…who sits on a Throne..of Grace and provides freely Mercy & Grace as we come to Him. As a kid our family moved all around the country from city to city. My Father would calls us together and tells the next place we would/might be moving to. He had gone there before to interview for the job..My parents would go ahead and look for a house..then call the family together and share about the place we would be moving often showing pictures of our new house. Then one day my Dad said. We’re moving back to Texas…no need to tell us about that place..the only thing we needed to know…was we’re going Home. That what Jesus is telling us and those who would follow him through His ascension. I’m going ahead and one day soon… We’re going Home.