Faith in Action

Hebrews 11:1 declares, "Faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the convictions of things not seen..." This statement provides a simple way to live life with confidence and at peace. It is by faith. Faith however is not some abstract concept, nor a logically deducted conclusion, nor is it based on a fleeting feeling . When we look at the list of the those who exercised faith in the remainder of the chapter, we are assured that faith is not founded on circumstances. Faith is centered in one's understanding of the very nature of God--to know Him in His power, in His holiness, in His steadfast loving kindness, and in His redeeming grace. Jesus said, "He who has seen Me has seen the Father."

We see Jesus

• in His compassion for all those who do not understand the nature of their God.
• as He calms the waters of the storms.
• as He provides for multitudes with the most meager of offerings.
• as He heals the sick.
• as He hung on a cross out of His love for us.

And we see Him in the power of His resurrection, all to glorify the Father as He redeems those who will trust in Him.

Let us hear the Lord say, "Come unto Me, learn of Me, and find rest for your souls..." (Matthew 11:25-30).

It seems to me that the first act of faith is to abide in Christ through Bible study, prayer, and submission. In this we learn of the very nature of our God, and to know Him is to trust Him. "Faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the convictions of things not seen..." and faith rises from knowing the Father in His Son. From this we will live according to His ways, as we serve in His strength and are fruitful for His Kingdom.

Let us abide with Christ.

Lessons for the tongue

As I consider putting things behind me that are behind me, I have been reminded of the power of the tongue. About three years ago I was invited to serve in an important position. I accepted in the hope I could satisfy a long-standing desire to support people attempting to plant churches. Shortly afterwards I attended a conference for which a well-known, very knowledgable, and committed person was invited to speak. I was excited and anticipated being part of a wonderful experience in kingdom growth. The conference opened with a worship service. What I recall from the worship service was my being publicly ridiculed by a person I had never met before. The next evening I once again gave way to allowing myself to being wounded as I overheard a guest leader publicly asking what I was even doing in the room. Needless to say I did not benefit from the remainder of the conference. In fact I learned a significant lesson on the power of the tongue. I allowed these two experiences to so condition my attitude that several months later I resigned the position. The focus on my hurt did grieve the Holy Spirit. My hurt contributed to the hurt of others and denied the body of my support. Today I am grateful for the redeeming grace and mercy of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, for I and I alone am responsible for my response to the hurt I felt.

The lessons to be learned are significant. We must understand the importance of walking in the ways of our Lord as we experience the inevitable offenses that come our way. We must remember to bless those who would curse us (Matthew 5:43-47). We must forgive others (immediately) as we ourselves are forgiven (Matthew 6:12). Failure to observe these ways of our Lord will complicate our lives and lead us to be agents of hurt in the lives of others. The greatest impact this experience has had on me is the power of the tongue. It is an example how the use of the tongue can spark a fire which will generate compromise in the lives of people and taint the witness of the gospel of Christ. It is a flame which can spread from one person to another creating hurt and compromise that no follower of Christ who spoke it would desire and could never forsee. Once again the ways of God and instruction from scripture are vitally important.

This experience has profoundly impressed the truth of James 3:1-12 on the tablet of my life. It has reminded me of the importance of the Apostle Paul's counsel in Ephesians 4:29-32. As we abide let us put that which behind us behind us. Let us reach out for the upward call in Christ Jesus as we are careful to edify each other, to be forgiving and tenderhearted toward each other, and to be mindful that we will give account of every word spoken. To do so will bless our lives, and it will ensure we do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God.

New Growth Philippians 3:12-17

Our return to Munich was marked by edification and encouragement. We were met with much love and enthusiasm. The evening we arrived we were blessed to meet new people and be re-acquainted with others as the Lord was praised. We were encouraged through a word from our Lord as children quoted entire passages of scripture for us. The fellowship was positive and conducted prayerfully. The blessings continued. We moved through registration and official documentation easily, thanks to the preparation made before our arrival. Our return was capped by a wonderful worship service provided by our music leader and the members of the praise band. We focused on the "steadfast love of God" and authentic love for others in Bible study and in the worship message.

Our Lord also blessed us with a "chance" meeting with a fellow pastor along the way, who welcomed us back with great enthusiasm. Then as we entered the worship center, I was embraced by yet another fellow pastor and his wife as they affirmed their ongoing friendship and support of us. The deacon of the host church was next to embrace us with a welcome. Truly we have been edified by the heart and love of our Lord's people.

As we begin a new ministry, I am very much conscious of the need to seek my Lord and allow Him to examine my heart in order to discover anything which I must put behind me. Then I must put it behind me in a manner which honors the nature and ways of our Heavenly Father, i.e., granting or seeking forgiveness, repenting, seeking healing of the Lord, etc. As I appropriately put all that is behind me behind me, I must focus with a daily renewal on the upward call in Christ Jesus.

The more I grow to know and understand the heart and character of our Lord Jesus Christ and our Heavenly Father revealed in Him, the more amazed I am at the privilege of calling the one true God, the Creator and Sustainer of all reality, "Father." To know Him is truly to love Him, and it is the only power which purifies His followers continually. Let us join in prayer for each other that we will continue to abide as we stretch out for the upward call in Christ Jesus.

Free to Accept

Acceptance is identified by most psychologists as a basic human need. Often people speak of the peer pressure which is so much of a force in the life of youth and young adults. The desire for acceptance is a force which motivates social involvements, career paths, pursuit of personal accomplishments, and desire for position. These things are pursued in order to find acceptance.

When we realize acceptance by others we can feel warmed and even secure. We find ourselves to be valued. When we do not sense an acceptance, it can give rise to all manner of resentment, bitterness, self-loathing, and depression. The desire for acceptance can be a tremendous bondage.

When a person looks to the acceptance of others for self-authentication or to feel valued, it is tempting to drink at a false well. This results in self-focus and concern. How then does a person avoid such bondage and defeat?

We look to the Cross and there realize just how much our Heavenly Father loves us. We understand his desire for us to know and enjoy relationship with Him. We find He has provided for us to be accepted unconditionally in Christ Jesus. When we come to Him we find Him to be the true well of living water. He invites all who thirst to come to Him and He will satisfy our thirst. In Him we find we are accepted and valued and discover His faithful steadfast love for us. The freedom which comes from His acceptance enables us to love others as we are loved by the Father. This is beautiful. This satisfying of our need for acceptance through our relationship to God delivers us from a self-focus. When we have a God Focus, we can accept others.

This is another "fruit" of abiding in Him - He continually enables us to live the abundant life.

Preparations for our transition to Munich are drawing to a close on this side of the ocean. We have experienced wonderful fellowship at the Northwood Church in Maple Grove, Minnesota. Through the ministry of the church, pastor, and through our small group the Lord has blessed and strengthened us for our joyful reunion with His people in Munich. Many of the members of IBC Munich have been active in preparing for us. They are graciously making preparation for our arrival, checking with the government offices to facilitate registration, visas, etc., and preparing the apartment. Our bags are packed and weighed, we have checked in for our flight, and looking forward to the trip to the airport tomorrow. These last hours are being spent calling our children, spending time with our youngest daughter , and praying that our hearts and our wills are prepared to be the shepherd our Lord would desire us to be in Munich. We are excited about our return to be with His people who are the IBC Munich.

Thinking of the Cross

It has been a very busy week for us as we continue the process of transition. I, or perhaps I should say "we," are beginning to feel a sense of relief and excitement as the day for our return to Munich draws closer. Today of course is the day we traditionally observe as "Good Friday." Today I, like many of you, am thinking of the Cross of our Lord Jesus Christ. As I thought about it today I was reminded of I Peter 3:18, "For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous that he might bring us to God."

John Piper in his book God in the Gospel encouraged me to remember that Good Friday is not simply about God forgiving our sins and getting us to Heaven, but about getting us to God, to know a personal and real relationship with Him, to continually grow in our knowledge of Him and His Glory in Christ Jesus. When we realize the wonderful privilege of knowing such a reconciliation, we can truly and freely enjoy our relationship with Him and live with hope now and for the future. Our Lord gave Himself for us on the Cross so that all who believe are brought to God and His Glory revealed in Christ. In this we can know and grow in His grace and liberty.

One important aspect of liberty is on my mind as I am preparing to return to Munich. But for now, let us join together, praying for each other to behold His Glory by His Spirit in a fresh and deeper way than ever before. Let us think on the Cross and look forward to the celebration of His glory and victory on Easter Sunday.