Monday, April 25, 2011
Easter morning we witnessed
another miracle! No, not the raising of
the dead, but the incredible numbers of people who come to church on Easter
Sunday!? Where do they all these people
come from (and where do they all go)?
Nevertheless, I simply view this as a great opportunity to preach the
glorious Gospel of Christ to them again and hope that the Holy Spirit will
penetrate their hearts. The real issue
was not the numbers but the presence of God that was present. You’re playing on your home field, and you’re
playing on Easter, which most people have no real argument against, and it’s
like the Holy Spirit loves to pour it on!
It also helps when both the kid’s choir and the adult choir, minister
before you preach. The kid’s choir is
simply too much! They put an incredible
amount of work and practice in to each time they perform. No wonder Jesus said “a little child shall lead them” because they completely disarm
people with their innocence (some are a standup comedy routine), but they are
dead serious about wanting people to get saved!
Then, the adult choir is just simply anointed. It makes me think what a heavenly choir of
10,000 times 10,000 and 1000's of 1000's is going to be like. Overwhelming is the word that comes to my
mind. Talk about setting the stage for
the Word to go forth! Thank you to both.
I preached on The Day That
Changed The World. That was not a good
title, but Pastor Rubi asked me for my Easter title long before I even had a
sermon! This was for advertising
purpose, so, I gave him that one (it obviously was the Day that changed the
world). After studying the text that
really inspired me I would have preferred to call it “Resurrection Horizons”
from (Rom.1:1-7). The passage that
really inspired me was, “Jesus Christ our
Lord, who was... declared to be the Son of God with power according to the
Spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead.” The word “declared” is the word “horizo” where we get our word horizons
from. It means to mark out or to bound
like a boundary-line. It is a word all
about clarity and not ambiguity. It
carries the idea of a surveyor marking off a lot and saying “Here are the
boundary lines of this property...no question.”
Jesus’s unique Personhood as the “Son
of God” and His purpose to save from sin was clearly marked off and
confirmed unequivocally by His resurrection for the dead. The resurrection was God’s seal or
confirmation on the authenticity of
who Jesus was, His atoning death, and His ability to bring salvation to
men. The Amplified Bible says “in a striking, triumphant and miraculous
manner by His resurrection from the dead.”
To quote Albert Mohler, he said:
“The literal, historical, bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead is the vindication of Christ’s saving work on the Cross. The issue is simple - no resurrection, no Christianity. For this reason, believe in the resurrection of Christ is essential in order to be a Christian the Resurrection represents the Father’s complete satisfaction in the obedience of the Son – even unto death. Sin and death do not have the final word. Indeed, they are defeated through the saving work of Christ”
One final event of real note
that might have been missed by many.
Sister Cara Montoya just had surgery on Friday which was an important
procedure. She was released to come home
on Friday evening. I was sitting at the
back of the church on Sunday night following the Communion Service, and getting
ready for the play, when Cara and her husband Manny and their son Toby walked
in! What a trooper! She could have had lots of reasons for
staying home from church on Sunday night but they wanted to be in the house of
God! I am humbled to Pastor people with
that kind of devotion and faithfulness.
We love them and are praying for a miracle and complete restoration.
OK, enough! I’ve got to go because even though yesterday
was a great blessing and joy......SUNDAY’S COMING!
Pastor Warner
No, I’m not thinking of dyeing my hair...grey is beautiful you know! What brought this to my mind was this past week. I returned from preaching in Santa Monica not feeling very well. It turns out I had a UTI (urinary tract infection) and ended up running a fever of 103.1. Needless to say, I did not feel too well, and completely ignored the work piled up on my desk, and the Easter preparations which were fairly demanding, and slept on and off for seven hours during the day on Friday. Well, I had a haircut appointment for Friday at 10:00 with Art Benavidez (Art’s Hair Studio) who has cut my hair for years and years, and knows me quite well. I slept through my appointment, and at the time I didn’t realize it or care all that much. But, you see "only his hairdresser knows" and mine happens to know me well. He thought, "Pastor never misses one of his appointments.". This is not a statement to my discipline or punctuality, it probably has more to do with my vanity or my commitment to my military style crew cut! So in Art’s mind he’s thinking that something bad must’ve happened to me to just miss my appointment (isn’t it amazing how we always think the worst has taken place?!), and he called to make sure I was alright. I really appreciate that. At the time, not too many people knew that I wasn’t well.....but my hairdresser knew!
I mention this for a reason. I am continually amazed at the number of people who tell me, "Pastor, we pray for you all the time." This amazes me. Every time I am humbled and very grateful that there are people who care enough to lift me up before the throne of God’s grace. I thank you and covet those prayers. I am convinced that any fruitfulness I am experiencing and the fact that I am standing and ministering in Christ’s strength is due to the people like this who pray for me. They do it even when they don’t know me like my hairdresser. To you, I say thank you.
Thursday, April 21, 2011
It was not a trip that I was
particularly looking forward to. Pastor Ross Hownslow in Port Elizabeth, South
Africa had invited me to preach in their Harvester’s
Homecoming, which essentially meant flying halfway around the world for a
weekend filled with ministry! So, I
tried to back out at first. “I’ll send you Pastor Rubi? I’ll send you Pastor Smith? How about a two-for one?” Ross, however
was persistent, which meant that I had to give it a serious amount of
thought. I felt God telling me that I
needed to go; and the reason was wrapped up in one word that was important to
Him and His kingdom, HERITAGE! Heritage is defined as property, status, conditions or character
acquired by being born into a particular family. True heritage are things of value that are
passed from generation to generation.
You see, our church, had sent Alan & Laurie Kern to pioneer a
church there 14 years ago. There was a sizeable investment in personnel, money,
resources, and in prayer and vision for world evangelism. Since that time Isaac & Doris Cortez (San Antonio, TX) took over that
pastorate, and when they left, Ross &
Judy Hownslow (Perth, West Australia) took over that work and labored in an
admirable fashion. “P.E.” was part of our
church’s “heritage” in that nation, and I felt God telling me I needed to go,
not just for my sake, but as our congregation’s representative to acknowledge
the seeds of investment all of these people
were working to make. I can certainly
tell you, now, I was so glad I went! To
see the continued outpouring of God’s grace and Spirit that our church had initially
made, was priceless.
Biblically, when we talk about
heritage, we’re talking about the realm of sacred things! (Acts 26:18). Part of the miracle of salvation includes
this vital transaction! “To open their eyes, so they may turn from
darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God. Then they will receive
forgiveness for their sins and be given an inheritance among God's people, who
are set apart by faith in me.' ” Paul’s “last will and testament” to the
Ephesian elders is the truth that none of us got here on our own! (Acts 20:32) “I commend you to God and to the word of his grace, which is able to
build you up and to give you the inheritance among all those who are
sanctified.” One essential for
identity and purpose, and for giving healthy direction to people, is a strong
sense of and appreciation for our heritage in Christ and His Kingdom!
This is the “missing piece” in so many people’s lives, both individually as
well as nations! The October 22, 1996
headlines of the Times of London
read: “Lost Forever: A Nation’s Heritage Looted By Its Own People.” It spoke about Afghanistan’s National Museum
in Kabul which is in rubble. It once
held one of earth’s greatest multi-cultural antique collections: Persian,
Indian, Chinese, Central Asian, and beyond.
Mujahidin rebels blasted into vaults and shattered display cases, looted
the relics, and sold them here and there around the world for quick cash. Pottery from pre-history was thrown into bags
like cheap china. The Bagram collection,
one of the greatest archaeological finds of the 20th century,
disappeared. Nearly 40,000 coins, some
of the world’s oldest vanished. The
museum, once a repository for Afghan history, became a military post, and the
storied past has now been ruined by the unbridled present. A nation has lost its history. With no
history, there is no heritage. And with
no heritage from the past there is no legacy for the future!
What we have is a potent
reminder about a real danger.
(Heb.12:16,17) “That no one is
sexually immoral or unholy like Esau, who sold his birthright for a single
meal. For you know that afterward, when
he desired to inherit the blessing, he was rejected, for he found no chance to
repent, though he sought it with tears.”
Esau sold his birthright! This is
not a story of Esau being tricked or swindled out of something, but it is the
sad record of his selling things because he wanted to feed his flesh. The Old Testament uses a strong word here, it
says, he “despised” his
birthright. He failed to place the
proper price tag on spiritual things, namely heritage! The “Esau
spirit” is definitely not dead today.
We see that God is not happy with the attitude of anyone who despises or
fails to cherish the importance of their spiritual
heritage.
Heritage should also be a
powerful reminder of a two-fold responsibility. The first measure of a man is to treat
heritage with honor and respect. This
was the posture of Naboth when King Ahab wanted to negotiate with him about his
property that was adjacent to Ahab’s palace.
(1Kgs 21:3) “The Lord forbid that
I should give you the inheritance of my fathers.” This was not an ordinary piece of real
estate, but if carried a sacred quality because it was about his heritage. He refused to sell it at any price. To do so would leave him with no meaningful
future. The second responsibility that
heritage brings to us is to transmit it
to the next generation! (Ps.78:4)
says, “We will not hide them from their
children, telling to the generation to come the praises of the Lord, and His
strength and His wonderful works that He has done.” The gift of faith brings a burden and
responsibility to declare, demonstrate and pass on those spiritual realities to
the next generation. Listen, there is a generational
quality to life that is transmitted and being passed on, for good or
for bad. The Pentecostal promise of the
Holy Spirit carries this dimension (Acts 2:39) “For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are
far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself." Think beyond just yourself and your
circumstances, and realize there is a wonderful and powerful spiritual heritage
involved. Those who’ve come before us as
well as those who are to follow you!
This past week I received a
letter from a young man who has caught some of this in his life and
ministry. He wrote to me, “Pastor Warner.....I wanted to write to you
because in my heart I felt that I should.
Even though my relation to The Door Ministries was from my childhood, I
remember my salvation like it was yesterday, and I recognize that something was
spiritually planted into me that I cannot always explain. But nevertheless it is there. I have served the Lord since I was very young
and if not for The Door, this may not have been the case - Thank you.” He
spoke of some things that he was stepping out into in the future. He said, “This
process may take some time but I know that the Lord will open doors as He sees
fit. I wanted to ask you to pray for me
— I understand the power of blessing that can only come from Spiritual Fathers. Sir, I am asking nothing from you except that
you lift me up in your prayers as I strive to be obedient.” He’s echoing what David said centuries ago,
“your lines have fallen unto me in pleasant places, yes, I have a good
heritage.” It is not accidental that the
Hebrew word for “inheritance” (heritage) comes from two roots: stream
(valley where things grow) and a shaft (of a mine) where treasure is
found!
SO THANK YOU PORT ELIZABETH FOR
BEING SUCH A BLESSING AND MEMORIAL TO ME ABOUT OUR “GOOD HERITAGE!” There is an old hymn by Frederick Faber: “Faith of our fathers, living still, in
spite of dungeon, fire and sword; O how our hearts beat high with joy, whenever
we hear that glorious word! Faith of our
fathers, holy faith, we will be true to thee ‘till death.” He’s calling attention to more than a song,
but to sacred responsibility to give us in Christ Jesus our Lord. When I think of all that God has done for us,
I can say, “what a wonderful inheritance!”
Follow my more frequent updates on
Sunday, April 10, 2011
Jesus taught us that there would
be “joy in heaven over one sinner that
repents.” This is not a subtle hint
but a straightforward insight into what is truly important and valuable in
heaven! A soul that repents and is saved
by grace through faith in Jesus Christ.
By way of contrast, we hear a lot of talk about heaven’s streets of gold as one of the things we’re looking forward
to. I’m sure this speaks of the overall
magnificence of heaven, but, remember, it’s still just pavement!
Forgive me for bringing out the
old poem “The touch of the Master’s Hand”
read it again:
It
was battered and scarred,
And the auctioneer thought it
hardly worth his while
To waste his time on the old violin,
but he held it up with a smile.
And the auctioneer thought it
hardly worth his while
To waste his time on the old violin,
but he held it up with a smile.
"What
am I bid, good people", he cried,
"Who starts the bidding for me?"
"One dollar, one dollar, Do I hear two?"
"Two dollars, who makes it three?"
"Three dollars once, three dollars twice, going for three,"
"Who starts the bidding for me?"
"One dollar, one dollar, Do I hear two?"
"Two dollars, who makes it three?"
"Three dollars once, three dollars twice, going for three,"
But,
No,
From the room far back a gray bearded man
Came forward and picked up the bow,
Then wiping the dust from the old violin
And tightening up the strings,
He played a melody, pure and sweet
As sweet as the angel sings.
From the room far back a gray bearded man
Came forward and picked up the bow,
Then wiping the dust from the old violin
And tightening up the strings,
He played a melody, pure and sweet
As sweet as the angel sings.
The
music ceased and the auctioneer
With a voice that was quiet and low,
Said "What now am I bid for this old violin?"
As he held it aloft with its' bow.
With a voice that was quiet and low,
Said "What now am I bid for this old violin?"
As he held it aloft with its' bow.
"One
thousand, one thousand, Do I hear two?"
"Two thousand, Who makes it three?"
"Three thousand once, three thousand twice,
Going and gone", said he.
"Two thousand, Who makes it three?"
"Three thousand once, three thousand twice,
Going and gone", said he.
The
audience cheered,
But some of them cried,
"We just don't understand."
"What changed its' worth?"
Swift came the reply.
"The Touch of the Masters Hand."
But some of them cried,
"We just don't understand."
"What changed its' worth?"
Swift came the reply.
"The Touch of the Masters Hand."
And
many a man with life out of tune
All battered with bourbon and gin
Is auctioned cheap to a thoughtless crowd
Much like that old violin
All battered with bourbon and gin
Is auctioned cheap to a thoughtless crowd
Much like that old violin
A
mess of pottage, a glass of wine,
A game and he travels on.
He is going once, he is going twice,
He is going and almost gone.
A game and he travels on.
He is going once, he is going twice,
He is going and almost gone.
But
the Master comes,
And the foolish crowd never can quite understand,
The worth of a soul and the change that is wrought
By the Touch of the Masters' Hand.
And the foolish crowd never can quite understand,
The worth of a soul and the change that is wrought
By the Touch of the Masters' Hand.
Myra Brooks Welch
The
emphasis is mine, “the worth of a soul.” One of the great contributions of
Christianity is to bring us the understanding of the value of human life and
the worth of a human soul. This comes
from three sources: 1st, Creation: human beings
are made in the image of God. This
accounts for the cultural debate over the sanctity of human life that still
rages in our nation. 2nd,
Redemption: which is the apex of understanding. If Jesus died for the sins of the whole
world, He settled forever the value of the souls we encounter everyday of our
lives. 3rd, New way of assessing
people and things: “So we have stopped
evaluating others from a human point of view.” (2Cor.5:16a) We no longer
use a worldly measurement, especially an external one, to assess someone’s
worth or value. This should remind us
that Christianity is first and foremost a “rescue religion.”
There
is no question that God’s priority and the heartbeat of heaven is for souls.
Jesus called us “follow me and I
will make you fishers of men.” The two go together: following Christ leads
to a partnership in His enterprise as well.
The religious people were constantly criticizing him by saying “this man receives sinners and eats with
them.” Their criticism was actually
a back-handed complement! Jesus Christ
is the supreme example of a soul-winner.
He is the consummate “soul
Physician” in the way that He worked with people. After winning the woman at the well to
Himself, He told his disciples “I have
food to eat that you know nothing about!”
They’re wondering whether or not He stopped by McDonald’s or Taco Bell
or something. Jesus had to straighten
them out by saying, “My food is to do the
will of Him that sent Me, and to finish his work.” His “soul food” was all about touching people
with the Gospel and bringing people to Himself and God’s salvation! This is what caused D.L. Moody to say, “I would rather save one soul from death than
have a monument of solid gold reaching from my grave to the heavens! I tell you the monument I want after I am
dead and gone is a monument with two legs going about the world—a saved sinner
telling of the salvation of Jesus Christ.”
To
finish up, this is why if you’re looking for employment how about (Prov.11:3) “The fruit of the righteous is a tree of
life, and he who wins souls is wise.”
This winning implies a number of things: First, it is a word of burden,
or responsibility. Our calling has already
been determined for us by the Lord Jesus.
Second, it is a heart word, a word of romance (i.e. “wins her
hand”). A love for Christ, for His
church and for souls turns a work into a labor of love. Finally, it is a military word, talking of
winning a battle or winning a city. In
this case it is the fortress of the human heart with all its defenses that must
be breached. The divine appraisal is “he that wins souls is wise.” Not only is this
a developed skill but it tells us that this is truly worthy employment for every Christ follower. In choosing something to give your life to or
to make the aim of your life, then it’s hard to find a more noble
ambition! The prophet Daniel
put this in the final context of an everlasting reward and inheritance, “Those who are wise will shine as bright as
the sky, and those who lead many to righteousness will shine like the stars
forever.” Shine on, my brother and
sister, shine on!
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