Posted by Pastor Pat on May 10, 2009
Read Mark 4:1-20
This parable of the soils is part of our Lord explaining the mystery of the kingdom of God. There are aspects of the promised kingdom presently being manifested.
An aspect of the kingdom revealed is pictured in the wide broadcasting of seed. The seed finds various receptions. The truth of God’s kingdom will be openly resisted by some. And because of misunderstanding of the true program of God, others will initially receive it with joy, but in time will abandon it because of failed expectations. Only a remnant will receive it with joy and see enduring fruit. This parable explains what is happening. In Mark 1 the authority of the King is established. In chapters two and three there is open resistance to the authority. Now in chapter 4 the reason this is true is explained. The primary idea in the parable of the soils is not to emphasize the ¾ who resist, but the ultimate triumph of God’s kingdom in the world.
So far in the narrative, Mark has placed the person and work of Jesus in a context of strenuous opposition, whereby the religious establishment and political authorities are openly hostile to Him and are desirous of seeing Him destroyed. In this context, anyone who would claim to be His disciple would be discouraged and depressed. This parable seeks to show them the end of God’s program. In so doing, His disciples are to be greatly encouraged.
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Posted by Pastor Pat on April 3, 2009
The essence of the Christian life is the relationship His people have with Him. There is nothing else comparable to or capable of replacing this. No amount of form, asceticism, indulgence, discipline, method, structure, program, or religion can replace the centerpiece of the Christian faith which is a relationship between God and His people.
This relationship is secured by God in the offering up of His Son for the sins of His people. The relationship begins in God and is sustained by God. Unfortunately, all we seem to do is clutter the relationship with nonessentials. Everything created and all biblical revelation points us to Him. Somehow in the journey we deviate and find detours that lead us from God by stopping us short of enjoying Him, and we end up existing in the shadow-lands of God’s person and work.
I cannot speak for everyone, so I will not attempt to. What I will do is speak what I know and experience. I have a propensity to replace the best with the good and the good will always be the enemy of the best. Bible reading, prayer, church attendance, singing, reading, and fellowship (to name just a few) are all good things, but none of them were ever meant to be ends in themselves. Such things, if noted incorrectly, will becomes ends, and in so doing, take us away from God and will not draw us to God. Is it not simply amazing how something that is good can become the enemy of the best? When any of our disciplines become duties, then its time to take a break and evaluate why we do what we do. WAIT! There is more to read… read on »
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Posted by Pastor Pat on December 14, 2008
Do we really understand what we have in Christ? I know we are Christians, but do we really know what that means? To be sure we are not Buddhists or Muslims or Hindus, but do we know what it means to be Christian?
Unfortunately, Christianity is more noted for what we do or not do than for who He is, what He has done, and who His people now are because of it. Do we openly and regularly celebrate the nature of His cross-work and confirming resurrection?
Christians are different than non-Christians for the simple reason that we are forgiven of all our transgressions (Col. 2:13). As Christians we no longer carry the burden of guilt that daily and habitually grind the non-Christian into fine dust fragments of what it means to be made in His image. We no longer live with fear of the unknown or of God. We have a peace that passes all human understanding (Phil. 4:7). Christians are different because we live contented lives and die with hope (1 Thess. 4:13).
Christians do not live with the burden of trying to please their God and somehow in ways unknown they try to stumble into His favor and blessing (Eph. 1:3, 1 Thess. 5:23, 24). Christians do not carry grudges or judge people ruthlessly or live intolerant lives toward those who are different in culture, worship, or belief (Rom. 14). Christians love their enemies and do good to those who despitefully use them (Luke 6:27). Christians forgive even as they have been forgiven (Eph. 4:32).
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Posted by Pastor Pat on December 12, 2008
“As the deer pants for the water brooks, So my soul pants for You, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God; When shall I come and appear before God? My tears have been my food day and night, While they say to me all day long, “Where is your God?” Ps. 42:1-3
Every believer has gone through periods when they simply do not have the motivation to read their Bible, pray, or even want to attend church.
For those of us in the Midwest we are very much accustomed to the 4 seasons of the year.
Winter is that season of the year where everything lies dormant and appears dead and unyielding. The two bookends to winter’s tenure are the seasons of transitions; fall and spring. Fall leads us into winter and spring leads us out of winter. Summer is somewhat enigmatic. Because of our present schooling year, summer becomes a time of family vacations, cookouts and visitation.
I enjoy the seasons. Each one makes me glad for the other three. In the summer I look forward to winter and in the winter I look forward to the summer. One of the tremendous beauties in our seasons is the changing of the leaves. Many in the Mid-West take time out to run up North for the changing of the colors. Even here in our own communities we find the color of the leaves breathtaking.
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