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B I G I D E A
“The time has come,” he said. “The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!” (Mark 1:15).
Pastor Bob
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Recent Posts
20
Jul '22
Do We Really Have to Choose: Church OR Jesus?
20
Jul '22
There’s been a whole bunch of talk in recent years about Jesus and the modern-day mainstream churches. The hypothesis goes something like this: To meet, or even learn about the “real” Jesus, the Jesus of the Gospels, one had to seek him out somewhere other then “the Christian Church.”
Don Follis is a former minster from this area who now counsels other pastors and writes a column for the weekend edition of the News-Gazette. The column is called: “On Religion.” He is a very insightful and reflective writer and there is an angel in our congregation who makes sure I get a copy of his best work. Last week, my angel and several other angels, made sure I got a copy of Don’s latest column.
The title of the column: “Young people are leaving the church, staying with Jesus.” Yes, that got my attention! The headline seems to be saying that if “young people” are looking for Jesus, then they better look somewherre besides “the church.” I think if someone said that about Vine Street Christian Church, I would be heartbroken. And that’s because I think of our church, our commuity of beleivers, our family of faith, as enthusiastically centered around Jesus.
Isn’t it?
Don Follis quotes writer Scott McKnight in listing 9 reasons that the church is perceived as missing the one person that the whole church was created by and for – Jesus. Let’s see if you agree. Do you think these perceptions are accurate? Do you think the mainstream church has lost it’s focus on Jesus? And, if you’re willing, I’d love to see how you would rank VSCC on each of these perceptions. Are we peddling a false message and missing the point, or are we committed to learn about, meet, and follow Jesus?
Scott McKinght’s 9 areas of concern for young people about today’s church:
- “The God of the Bible” that is primarily taught and lifted up in the church is the “Old Testament God.” That God is perceived as a wrathful and judgmental god who is willing to wipe out entire towns and villages, women and children included.
- The church’s unwillingness to accept in any form the notion that science can help explain how our world works, and thus, how God has been working throughout history. Many of these “Creationists” believe that science is “patently wrong” and not compatible with the truth as articulated in the Bible.
- Hell! It’s really that simple. The church has continuously and fervently used their notion of “hell” as a way to scare people into church. The church positioned itself as the gateway to heaven, so it really is very simple: “Church People” go to heaven, and EVERYONE else is wrong and burns in hell.
- As more young people study and come to know about the Christian Church’s history of severe, indiscriminate and deadly violence through the ages; the oppression and condemnation of millions of people who weren’t “us”; and even today, the way that the modern church has failed to embrace, protect, and minister to those who are most marginalized in our society.
- Promises of the church. Regrettably, scores of people throughout the centuries have been led into a dark valley by the church because the church’s promises do not stand up to daily life in this world. For example, rather than telling folks that they lost a loved one because of their lack of faith, the church should (always) be there to provide comfort and peace to those left behind.
- The Christian Church claims to be the one and only interpreter of what the Bible means and how God (Jesus) calls us to live. For instance, when Jesus proclaims to his disciples that he is “the way, the truth, and the life,”, the church interprets that fiercly literal and thus concludes that they, the all-knowing all-powerful Christian church, (not Jesus) is the one and only way to God, and thus to heaven. So sorry for the billions who aren’t Christian. Unfortunatly, you were born in the wrong part of the world and practiced another form of religion, or no religion at all!
- Christian churches often fail the “meek and humble” test. Ironically, that test refers to Jesus – the most powerful leader and force that the world has ever known. Jesus was meek. Jesus was humble. Jesus loved everyone. Jesus was a force for peace. Jesus comforted and healed. More often than not, the Christian Church is a power-hungry institution that that has “little tolerance” for differences and easily becomes coercive and manipulative.
- Many young people want to completely enjoy their liberties and freedom, and live only according to how they themselves prefer to live. And after all, why would anyone give up their liberties and freedom to a bunch of power hungry people who have rarely said the words, “I (We) could be wrong.”
- And finally, none of us like to be told how to live or how to love. But the church steps way over the line when it tells it’s congregants how to think. It’s one thing to tell people what to know, but it’s anopther when the church tells people what and how to think about religious and spiritual matters. Again, the church is guilty of putting itself between the individual and God.
I wonder … do you think Vine Street looks more like a Jesus church than what is described above? Is being a Jesus church what we should be striving for? If not, what should be the “main thing”? If so, how are we doing – what are some examples of “Jesus in our church”? in worship? In ministries? In our church life together? In our own life? And finally, do you consider VSCC a “Jesus Church?”
Hope to see you in church this Sunday. I’m hoping, and planning, that Jesus will be there too!
Pastor Bob <><
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13
Jul '22
“Smile and Laugh!”
13
Jul '22
I know what you’re thinking … that’s where Pastor Bob got that line. But actually, I prefer the term “message” to “sermon.” And I just hope that it’s not the title of next week’s sermon/message!
Every now and then I like to take a break from the more serious and refelctive articles and put some laughter and fun back in my heart. That’s when I run a series of “Pastor/Church Jokes” for our entertainment and enjoyment.
But before we go any farther, let’s share a pause … still our minds and calm our hearts … and allow ourselves a few laughs. Trust me – it’s good for the soul. And it’s a good time for some soul healing.
Finally, many of these jokes came from a website that I like a lot called Pastoral Care, Inc. It’s a great resource for our own healing and the healing of others. Website: www.pastoralcareinc.com
Now, enjoy!
7 Good Jokes:
- Forgiving Others
The preacher’s Sunday sermon was Forgive Your Enemies. Toward the end of the service, He asked his congregation, “how many of you have forgiven their enemies”?
About half held up their hands. He then repeated his question. As it was past lunchtime, this time about 80 percent held up their hands. He then repeated his question again. All responded, except one small elderly lady.
“Mrs. Smith?” inquired the preacher, Are you not willing to forgive your enemies?
“I don’t have any.” she replied. smiling sweetly.
“Mrs. Smith, That is very unusual. How old are you?” “Ninety-three,” she replied.
“Oh Mrs. Smith, what a blessing and a lesson to us all you are. Would you please come down in front of this congregation and tell us all how a person can live ninety-three years and not have an enemy in the world.”
The little sweetheart of a lady tottered down the aisle, faced the congregation, and said “I outlived the old hags.”
- Rest In Peace
One Sunday morning, the pastor noticed little Alex staring up at the large plaque that hung in the foyer of the church. The plaque was covered with names, and small American flags were mounted on either side of it. The seven year-old had been staring at the plaque for some time, so the pastor walked up, stood beside him and said quietly, “Good morning, Alex.”
Good morning, Pastor,” replied the young man, still focused on the plaque. “Pastor McGhee, what is this?” Alex asked.
“Well, son, it’s a memorial to all the men and women who have died in the service.”
Soberly, they stood together, staring at the large plaque. Little Alex’s voice was barely audible when he finally managed to ask, “Which one, the 9:00 or 10:30 service?”
- Pastor’s Wives Sewing
Two Pastors wives were visiting and sewing their husband’s pants. One wife said: My husband is just beside himself, he does not know what to do anymore and he is so tired and depressed he said he is ready to just give up and resign.
The other wife said: I am sorry to hear that because my husband has never been happier. Our membership is growing and we are out of our financial burden, we have such a large and loving congregation. Life could not be any better than it is right now.
One woman was mending the seat of her husband’s pants, the other was mending the knees.
- Bragging Boys
Three boys in the schoolyard were bragging about their fathers. The first boy says, “My Dad scribbles a few words on a piece of paper, he then calls it a poem, they give him $50.00.”
The second boy says, “That’s nothing, My Dad scribbles a few words on a piece of paper, he calls it a song, they give him $100.00.”
The third boy says, “I got you both beat. My Dad scribbles a few words on a piece of paper, he calls it a sermon, and it takes eight people to collect all the money!”
- Poor Sick Little Boy
Marty, a little boy, was in church one Sunday with his mother Doris, when he started feeling sick. ‘Mummy,’ he inquired, ‘can we leave now?’
‘No,’ his mother replied, ‘the service isn’t over yet.’
‘Well, I think I’m about to throw up.’ Marty announced.
‘Then go out of the front door and around to the back of the church and throw up behind a bush.’ said Doris.
After about sixty seconds, Marty returned to his pew, alongside his mother.
‘Did you throw up?’ Marty’s Mum asked quietly.
‘Yes,’ Marty answered, embarrassed.
‘How could you have gone all the way to the back of the church and returned so quickly?’ Doris demanded.
‘I didn’t have to go out of the church, Mummy. They have a box next to the front door that says, “For the Sick” ‘.
- A Backyard Neighbor Funeral
Mr. Green peered over his fence and noticed that the neighbor’s little boy was in his backyard filling in a hole. Curious about what the youngster was up to, Mr. Green asked, “What are you doing, Jimmy?”
Tearfully, little Jimmy replied, “My goldfish died, and I’ve just buried him.”
“That’s an awfully large hole for a goldfish, isn’t it?” Mr. Green said.
Patting down the last bit of earth, little Joey replied, “That’s because he’s in your cat!”
- God is Left-Handed
Little Philip was spending the weekend with his grandmother after a particularly trying week in infant school. His grandmother decided to take him to the park on Saturday morning. It had been snowing all night and everything was beautiful.
His grandmother commented, ‘Doesn’t it look like an artist painted this scenery? Did you know God painted this just for you?’
‘Yes, ‘replied Philip, ‘God did it and he did it left handed.’
This confused his grandmother so she asked him, ‘What makes you say God did this with his left hand?’ ‘Well, ‘said Philip, ‘we learned at Sunday School last week that Jesus sits on God’s right hand.’
<>< <>< <>< <>< <><
HaHaHaHaHa! Holy God … that felt good!
Pastor Bob <><
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06
Jul '22
“Losing People”
06
Jul '22
It’s such a paradox. I don’t think there are words to clearly descibe the emotions. It’s that deep bittersweet feeling of losing someone really important in your life, and also rejoicing in their personal victory over death.
Last week, 2 Very Loved People (VLPs) in my life here in Arthur, left this world, to begin anew with God.
Sandy Dolan: an amazing trailblazer of a young woman and a saintly teacher of God’s Word as an older woman. The number of people whose lives she touched and changed seems to be endless. I just happen to come along toward the end of her earthly life, but still I reaped all the blessings of her spirit for God and for children. And we are ALL Sandy’s children. Even now … or maybe even more so now … she continues to bless us all. After all, as Sandy’s children, we now have our own personal Sunday School Angel in heaven. And as hard as the loss of her earthly life is, we now have her spirit for eternity. Let’s apply it wisely.
Lucas Otto: one of the most happy-go-lucky superstars I’ve ever encountered on a ballfield. Lucas had the precious and rare gift of liking everyone on the team. And showing it! Does that sound simple or naïve? It’s neither. It’s difficult and profound. And it’s such a beautiful thing to be around … the way Lucas would joke around and share that great smile (one that I’ll never forget), not just with his friends on the team, but with every player on the team. He united our starters and upperclassmen with our rookies and subs. How? He liked them all … and he loved them all. Lucas was a gifted young man who never put himself above other players. He made friends with all of them. And that’s why so many opposing players and teammates of Lucas – are hurting over this loss. Let’s hold all of them, as we hold Lucas’s family – close to our hearts as we keep lifitng them in prayer.
Funerals are hard for me to attend. My heart breaks to be with so many heartbroken loved ones of the deceased, and the overwhelming expressions of love and gratefulness for one life. Funerals show our true nature – in the end, it’s all about the love, isn’t it? People have many names for funerals these days … for me, it’s more like a love-fest. I just wish we would have more of them for the living, rather than waiting till death comes.
Despite the sadness of losing people in our lives, people that we have risked to love with all we have, there is still, and always, light in the darkness. For everyone. Death is merely a human experience. Earth is the only place that it happens. Sandy and Lucas have left earth, and death, behind. They are free from all that would hold them back from God. And as Jesus told us, there’s a room just for us, too, when we leave death behind. And that day, like these past days, will be full of sadness for those left behind, but then as now, God will bring victory over death, and peace to His people.
Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. (Matthew 5:4)
Pastor Bob Silvanik <><
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