A Better Country

1/26/17

“But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: Wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city.” Hebrews 11:16

Dear Congregation,

      I have seen so much division amongst Christians this past year and a half over mere politics that I have become quite frustrated with the daily chatter of events. It would seem that in the last week the division has intensified even more. When I make an argument for something, or take a stand, I want to make sure I have a firm foundation to stand on. I want to be sure I am right. To preach God’s Word is to have an authority beyond myself to point to. With politics, so much is unknown and untested. So much is distorted, neglected, or glossed over that I never can quite discern where the truth is or where the right is. I like to think that moral issues are clear if they come directly from the Word of God but even here politics has a way of tainting them with worldly distortion.

            In my frustration I turn to the Scriptures for direction and answers with politics. In them I find precious little instruction. I see Apostles concerned with individuals rather than nations and empires. I see people going out to teach, disciple, and baptize one soul at a time. I never see Paul, James, Timothy, John, or Peter lobbying the Roman Senate. I never see the Church of Corinth or Ephesus organizing political marches or passing around petitions for new laws. In fact I see a church so separate from the state that they truly are only rendering unto Ceasar what is his and focusing on God and His power to rule and transform. I see a church that appreciates the power in its own political weakness. It may sound like I am advocating a separatist withdrawal, but I am not. I am merely stating that Christianity was never meant to be a political force. It never has and never will work well as one. It became that when it was adopted by Rome in the 4^th century and we have seen the trouble that caused. We desire a better country, an heavenly. That country does not allow for political division as we understand that politics will not solve problems, Christ will!

            He has prepared for us a city. With knowledge of that, how can we get so bogged down in minute by minute talking heads? How can we become frustrated with our brothers and sisters who disagree over money matters? We are called to better and bigger things. We are called to a heavenly purpose with heavenly work and otherworldly goals. The church does not influence through law making and petition, the church influences one individual or family at a time. We are salt and light by acting differently from the world; loving our neighbor, leading, discipling, and teaching all nations in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. For governments pass away, but Christ is with us even unto the end of the world, Amen.

In Christ,

Pastor Basile

Demas Hath Forsaken Me

1/19/17

“For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed unto Thessalonica…” II Timothy 4:10

Dear Congregation,

      This verse has always stabbed at me in a particularly aggressive way. Here is the Apostle Paul, dwelling in a most miserable prison, awaiting his death. When he considers his friends and loved ones, those who have supported him over the years, he must also think of those who have forsaken him. Demas, mentioned elsewhere in good report, has now left. But he did not leave for other business, or other ministry, or even because he no longer liked Paul. He left because he loved this world. Why shouldn’t he? Paul was in prison and about to die, other Christians had gained nothing from their faith. Demas may have found that the Gospel was not making him any friends. Perhaps his children were also mocked and lonely? Ministry with the Apostle just became too sad of an existence and too great of a burden. So he left Paul in prison and went and did his own thing.

            I have often thought about what Demas’s side of the story would have been. I can imagine that he would have still professed faith in Christ. Perhaps he still worshiped with a group of professed believers on Sunday. He may have said that he did not abandon his faith, just the strict and narrow lifestyle of Paul. Perhaps Paul’s philosophy was just too rigid for him and he wanted to please more of the Roman and Greek public. I can imagine that Demas surrounded himself with people who claimed Christianity, but never wanted to offend those who did not. He loved this world and he wanted to have all that this world offered socially. So he left the Apostle and his narrowness.

            I fear we are all this illustration of Demas at heart. We all love this world too much. It is so full of sensory appeal. Its gratification can be so immediate. When in worship on Sunday, I fear we think about this world and what we are going to do next. When in prayer, I fear we think about this world and its requirements. When reading the Scriptures I fear we want it to end so we can get back to “reality”. Worst of all, when faithfulness to the whole Word of God causes us to loose out on a life experience, a relationship, or money, I fear that we like Demas may forsake the truth. Take note of this man Demas. He is recorded in the Scriptures as a warning. His end was perhaps worse than we know. Though he gained temporary comfort, experience, and favor, he lost his soul. What can a person give in exchange for his soul? Therefore beloved, endure harness as a good soldier of Jesus Christ, finish the course, keep the faith, keep the devil angry, hold the fort.

In Christ,

Pastor Basile

Prayers of The Saints

1/12/17

“ And when he had taken the book, the four beasts and four and twenty elders fell down before the lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of the saints.” Revelation 5:8

Dear Congregation,

       So much of the Book of The Revelation is written with descriptive and often figurative imagery. Yet that imagery is not to be dismissed or ignored due to its complexity or abstraction. Some of it even in its figurative nature gives us a clearer glimpse at God and His covenant with His people than straight doctrine. Such is the above verse. Do not miss the vivid image of how the prayers of the saints are described. Golden vials full of odors, or incense. Do you ever stop to think about your prayers? We know from other passages in Scripture that God hears them all and that he delights in them. Here we are told that they even take on a form of sweet smelling incense.

            Protestants generally do not use incense in worship as we are not told to and it has potential to become a ritualistic idol. However, consider incense in the context of the first century. No deodorant, limited soap, all people dependent on a surrounding of farm life and animals of some sort. Incense of any sort could be the best smell one could come into contact with. That description is what the prayers of the saints are like. Personally, I am not one for incense, so if you are like me, think of the smell of your favorite food coking or your favorite desert baking. Your prayers rise to God with that pleasing aroma out of golden bowls.

            So many of us want to serve and please the Lord but are often discouraged at either a lack of opportunity, lack of ability, or sheer intimidation of the undertaking. Never neglect prayer as a ministry or as a means to serve and please God. The world and indeed our own nature is prone to scoff at prayer as a waste. Not your Lord! Prayer is more powerful, more effective, and more pleasing to God than perhaps all the physical labor you could do on a two week mission trip and more. I can say that because of how much commendation the Scriptures give prayer. Grace Community Church often belittles itself because of few physical ministries. I call us to devote ourselves even more strongly to prayer as a ministry. That ministry has the potential to be one of the best and most pleasing to God. God saves souls, God causes conviction of sin, God brings people to church, God opens doors for physical service. Lets pray to Him! As we are not in the business of pleasing people, let us please God and daily send up the best aroma in faith with the most powerful ministry we can have. The prayers of the saints!

In Christ,

Pastor Basile