TONGUE CANCER BEGINS IN THE HEART

I have noticed it creeping in, stealing my joy, making me tired, for several weeks now. But the doctor says there is a mass, and it is cancer.

I'm not sure how it started: maybe it was letting myself defend my reputation by focusing blame on someone else, maybe it was passing on a bad report to my wife, or in not interrupting someone who was complaining about another ministry. Or maybe it was in letting down my guard, being tired of doing ministry among people who have not changed, and letting myself grumble. Or maybe it was in dwelling on a fault I noticed in a saint, or feeling sorry for myself for being overworked and underappreciated.

I don't know where it started, but I've been allowing myself the luxury of nursing disappointment or hurt toward some saints, judging sinners, and talking bad about my brothers and sisters. From the fresh spring of my mouth of praise has come bitter water of cursing my brother.

Suddenly I am awakened to the truth that I have allowed myself to slide down the slippery slope, and back into the mire I came from. The Doctor says it is cancer of the tongue. He says it started in my heart. He says it's going to take a transplant, but that He has a new heart waiting for me, and we can do the surgery anytime. It will be painful, but will restore my life.

"LORD, deliver me! Clear my conscience and let me live an honorable life of integrity with my mouth and unconditional love with my heart. Forgive me for judging others, for not protecting them behind their backs. Please, God, remove this cancer from me and make me clean again. Give me courage to reconcile and to ask forgiveness--again--for the sins of my mouth. In Jesus' name. Amen."
-ker

THE PASSION OF THE CHRIST

I just returned from watching The Passion of the Christ. The movie covers exactly what the title states, the Passion, from the Garden through the cross, with a very brief statement of the Resurrection. People with Roman Catholic background will recognize the movie as basically a two-hour enactment of the Stations of the Cross. To say that the movie is graphic and powerful is an understatement. As Michael Wilson said, I am still trying to process its impact on me.

One of the most powerful scenes is the scourging of Jesus. Biblically and historically accurate, the soldiers begin by chaining Jesus up to a post, and then they take turns using rods to soften Him up. Then they switch to give the Lord 39 lashes with a cat of nine tails, and the lashing itself nearly kills Jesus.

I have heard that every time I sin, it drives a nail into Jesus' hands. Well, on the way home from seeing the movie, I thought how powerful it would be for me to see that scourging scene again, with every blow having a sin attached to it. As the movie clip goes by, I would narrate it to myself:

"Remember when you were in third grade and you lied to your teacher in order to win a contest? (lash)
"Remember in fourth grade when you joined in on making fun of the fat girl in class? (lash)
"That first exposure to pornography at your uncle's house? (lash)
"When you lied to get your sister in trouble? (lash)
"Cutting through the neighbor's yard without permission? (lash)
"Stealing donuts from the bakery in seventh grade? (lash)
"Telling dirty jokes on the way home from school in junior high? (lash)
and so forth.

Then with the scourgings come the adult sins. Yes, they are uncomfortably graphic and personal, even more serious, with a greater impact on the body of Christ.
"Remember crossing that line into sexual sin in high school? (lash)
"Remember returning to it again and again? (lash)
"What about when you thought you were an exception to the rule about church budget and you obligated the elders to back you up? (lash)
"And when you hurt your best friend by telling a confidence to someone else, and it got back to him? (lash)
"When you joined in on complaints against the senior minister? (lash)
"When you went to someone behind someone else's back and said hurtful things? (lash)
"When you hated that enemy in your heart and refused to forgive? (lash)
"When you said you would go to someone's event, but you never really intended to go? (lash)
"When you led in prayer, all the while thinking how godly your wording makes you seem? (lash)

and the list goes on, as do the lashes.

Only I know the sins that were really hurtful to my conscience, but that scene makes them more heinous to realize that Jesus had to die because of my sins.

"Thank You, LORD, for Mel Gibson, and for the visual and graphic reminder that Jesus bore the punishment for my peace. Instill in me a desire for holiness. I ask it in the name of Jesus Christ, Lord and Savior, Crucified, dead and buried and raised again on the third day. Amen."
-ker

PIGS, PAWNS AND KINGS

I enjoyed the game of chess when I was younger. Chess is a game in which you must see several moves ahead, take calculated risks, and follow a flexible long-term strategy. It requires discipline, concentration and patience. Perhaps most importantly, you have to know the difference between a pawn and a king. You always sacrifice the pawn and keep the king.

In Mark 5, Jesus enters a chess match with the devil in the region of the Gerasenes. Jesus went all the way across the Sea of Galilee for this one confrontation. I suppose He knew well who was there and what would happen that day, but it was worth it to Him. There, He has a rather odd confrontation with the devil's demons.

A man comes running to Jesus. He screams for mercy, knowing that Jesus has come to deal with the demons in him. Surprisingly, Jesus does not instantly cast the demons out and send them to The Pit. Rather, He spends some time (a minute? an hour?) identifying them and negotiating terms for the man's release. They beg not to be destroyed and not to leave the region, and Jesus shockingly agrees. (Did Jesus just sacrifice a knight in order to save a pawn there? is He losing this strategic match?).

The legion of demons looks around for somewhere local where they can all go. After all, this graveyard, these nearby towns, this region is their dominion here on earth, and they want to continue to work from their stronghold. They see a herd of pigs. "Send us into the pigs," they request. Perhaps they think that with this move, they can continue to operate, perhaps waiting until another human becomes open enough to let them take residence in his or her vulnerable soul. Again, Jesus surprises me by agreeing to their request (is that a bishop he just sacrificed?). He gives a one-word command, "Go!" and they finally leave the man and enter the pigs. The man is free. Jesus smiles. He has sacrificed 2000 pawns, but saved a king. "Check," He says.

The devil wasn't ready for what happened next: he had thought his demons could reside in the pigs for a while, but had not estimated that when the demons enter the pigs, it would send them into a sudden insane stampede down the steep hillside and into the sea. Two thousand pigs gracelessly lose their lives as they squeal and slide down the hill into the water and to their deaths. Perhaps the demons were not able to stay in the region, after all.

Don't let it be lost that what happened to the pigs is what happens to all of us when we mix with our spiritual enemy. Demons destroy, no matter how pleasurable sin may seem for a moment. As Jesus said in John's gospel, the thief comes to steal and destroy; Jesus comes to give life more abundantly. The man is now in his right mind, so he clothes himself and controls himself and is for the first time at peace. A hog today might be worth $300 or more when full grown. So a herd of pigs might be worth over half a million dollars in today's market! But in the math of Jesus, one man's soul is worth more than a legion of pigs.

But then it is the devil's turn to smile. The game is not over yet. Satan and his demons stop working on pigs and start working on people. They whisper in the ears of the owners of the pigs, who see what happens and are frightened and angry. These men had spent a lifetime slowly building up a huge herd, they were worth a fortune, and this was their entire inventory. Every dollar of their value in life was suddenly and unrecoverably lost. They run to Jesus and beg Him to leave their region. Had it not been for this impressive display of spiritual power, they probably would have lynched Him. The freed demoniac was no king; he was just a pawn of the devil. "Check," says the enemy, and he sits back to enjoy his victory. His demons stayed in the region and his power base has only increased through this little diversion. Apparently, Jesus has gambled it all on this one man, and now He has lost in the long run.

Jesus, unbelievably, turns to leave. This is apparently the time to surrender, not the time to continue in direct battle. As He gets into the boat, the former demoniac pleads with Him again, this time to come with Him and His disciples. After all, the demons who had plagued him until moments before are still active in this region, he is new to the faith, and he needs more training, or protection, at least. What's more, Jesus' reputation is tarnished so that He can never do ministry in this region again. He is labeled a pig killer and a fortune-destroyer, and He has traded His own reputation all for just one soul.

But our Lord is a master chess player, you know. The Lord knows that His own earthly reputation is worth less than one soul. He can sacrifice His reputation. What's that worth? He will die before long, anyway. (So why do I keep my pride intact when a soul can be rescued, even if it is only one?) Jesus lets them send Him away. He has given up His queen and seems backed into a corner. He tells the man to stay. (There is no reason to fear spiritual confrontation, you know.) "Go back home and tell your friends and family about what God has done for you." And Jesus gets into the boat and leaves.

Teh devil's smile fades as Jesus calls back from the boat: "Checkmate."

The evil one can't believe it. He looks over the board, tries one escape, then another. But it's true, captivity is led captive, his king has been captured, and the game is over in this region. Satan can only watch what unfolds over the next weeks and months, powerless, as that one man whom Jesus has rescued goes home and talks to his family and friends. At first, they can't believe it is him! His changed life brings spiritual revival to the entire region. In fact, when Jesus returns a few months later, many miracles are done because in an entire ten-town region this one former-demoniac-turned-evangelist has piqued a spiritual interest in everyone, perhaps including the former pig owners!

As Satan reluctantly knocks over his king, admitting defeat in this region, Jesus reminds His enemy, "Never underestimate the value of one soul. In my game, one soul is king."

And Satan must wait for a later confrontation at a more opportune time in another region. I wonder how that chess match turned out?

"LORD, I praise You that You always lead us in triumphal procession in Christ! You have bought my soul, which, incredibly, is worth more to you than an entire day of Your time, or a half million dollars, or Your own reputation. You sacrificed Yourself for me, even before You died on the cross. No wonder we call You the Savior! I will thank You forever and ever! Amen."

It was a shock..of course...to hear of Chip Vater's passing in December. It tests our faith. Now, today, we hear of our dear sister Tanya Babik being diagnosed with lymphoma. As we gathered, as the Master Provisions crew tonight, I saw the faith that I expected to see. Sure...we are concerned, but faith is there! Roger's faith as a husband and father. Tanya's faith as a wife and mother. And what a household of faith! Just as the Vater family's faith has sustained them, the Babik's faith will sustain them. When bad news...or tragic news, knocks, faith is all we have to go on. And Jesus is enough! When He said "My grace is sufficient for you"....He meant it! So, as people around the world...literally around the world...pray for Tanya and the family, It will be a great example of how we are supposed to operate in this life. On faith...knowing that He works all for good for those who love Him and are called for His purpose...........mark s.

It was a great time to be in the presence of God Sunday at Rolling Hills. Not that everyone there was experiencing the presence....but God was there because we worshipped in HIS name! The Holy Spirit is not obliged to be there in manifestation if we just 'meet'. Where two or more are gathered IN HIS NAME! Another day...another church...! I am...as probably no one here at cciph knows, not a Falwell, Robertson, Buchannan fan. But I do still recieve Jerry Falwell's newsletters. The latest echoes what I have felt and SAID for many years. That church leaders have allowed secular teaching to accompany Biblical teaching in the name of 'tolerance' and 'seeker-sensitivity' for too long. When that happens, the foundations are already destroyed! Now, we are back-pedaling to un-do the damage. But while we are, churches are falling like flies. MEN refuse to give up THEIR ground to GOD! MEN refuse to give up THEIR doctrine for GOD"S. MEN refuse to give up their HIGH PLACE to allow GOD to occupy it! And the buriel ground is becoming crowded. When almost HALF of CHRISTIANS believe there is no absolute truth....we are in dire straits.
If I call myself a nazi...but I love the Jewish people, I am NOT a nazi. If I am a Boy Scout and I hate the woods, I hate America, and hate authority, I am NOT a Boy Scout. If I am a Christian and I do not believe CHRIST.....I AM NOT A CHRISTIAN! But as Christians, we have fallen into the trap. We are afraid to confront. Jesus spent His life confronting...sinners, Pharisees, Saducees, leaders, SATAN! But we call it 'judging'. Confronting is not judging. If the people I have known in my Christian life had not CONFRONTED me when I needed it, I shutter where I would be now. They did not judge me...they CONFRONTED me! Fear is too much a part of the Christian life in the new day and age. Shall we be courageous? ......mark s.

Yesss...
It IS always hard to see churches fall apart (is it my imagination and limited experience only, or does it seem like EVERY church ends up dispersing its original members, these days? All 4 churches I attended regularly in my lifetime before CCiPH have been divided up and dwindled.).
I grew up in a Baptist church that was venerable and world-without-end unchanging, but now I hear it's down to under 50 people, most of whom were not members when I was there. It's sad when it happens, and I'm glad to see, Ken, that you feel it can be avoided, even Should be avoided.

Yet, I have to add that in the past I've seen people quit a church and go to another for very good, even godly reasons. Reasons I felt were founded in the will of God, and not merely over a disagreement. Sometimes things happen in a church that are against God's will, and unfortunately sometimes they keep on happening until the members feel they have to leave, if they want to ever be able to do the things that God calls them to do. In fact, I guess CCiPH wouldn't have half its members, if everyone had stayed with the church they started out with! I'm glad I got to meet them and fellowship with them here at CCiPH!

Of course, the reasons for leaving are often more to do with selfish things, as you brought up for an example. the Rest of the Story is that once in a while, it's the right thing to do to walk away from a church and go to another. I can say that I myself never left a church over a battle, but always because God urged me to go.

The hard part is to figure out God's will when you've had your toes squished in a battle of wills with someone else at your church. It becomes PERSONAL, then, and the first reflex is to fight and then leave in a huff. To stay and try to smooth things over is the hardest and yet most loving task a person can do. - It benefits me, when I attempt it, and it benefits the one I'm disagreeing with, and it benefits the body of Christ.

Peace is the blood of the body of Christ- it keeps things flowing as they should, keeps every part healthy and working well.
-cel

RECOGNIZING THE BODY

Our small group visited a church that my family and I had helped to plant some years ago. The church has gone through tough times in the nine years since we left, and we wanted to encourage them by our attendance and contributions.

What I sensed from the church was mostly discouraging to me. Only two people we knew were still there this morning. Everyone else has left, for one reason or another, over the years. Now, I don't know who is at fault here, and I don't really want to know the negative stories of what has transpired in the last few years, but one thing is certain: divisions have arisen among brothers and sisters in Jesus, and that is wrong.

Somehow, somewhere along the way someone chose to love his or her ideals more than the unity of the body. And so, when the Lord's Supper has been taken, someone has stopped recognizing the body. Oh, they probably say the right words, and perhaps they think pious thoughts about Jesus and His sacrifice. But they have forgotten that the body of Christ is embodied in the living church today. And so splits and power struggles have reigned instead of a spirit of love and unity.

Again, I emphasize that I don't know and I don't care who was "right" and who was "wrong" in the battles. In truth, no one was "right." I fear that the enemy has won another battle over the church. Jesus promised that the gates of hell could not prevail against His church, and that may be true on a large scale, but hell is winning far too many local skirmishes. Satan is like a terrorist, shooting at small groups of believers, even though he cannot win the war.

"LORD, I thank You that when we praise You with united voice, the enemy flees. I thank You for building Your church and inhabiting Your people. Heal us and restore us to what we are. In the name of Jesus I ask it. Amen."

LIFTING JESUS UP

For many years, I have been aware of how John 12:25 was misused in Christian circles. Worship leaders especially have quoted Jesus' words out of context. He said, "If the Son of Man is lifted up from the earth, He will draw all men unto Himself." Worship leaders declare, "Let us lift Jesus up, and as we worship Him, He will draw all men unto Himself!" That sounds almost like an exact quote and application of Scripture, except for one thing: the context. Jesus was referring to His crucifixion, not to His exaltation.

So, Jesus was crucified. And through that monumental offering, He began the process by which He draws all people to Himself. Jesus had been praised by thousands in a triumphal entry into Jerusalem on Sunday. But the only act that can bring people into relationship with God is that horrific event that took place on Friday. Let us not misdirect the words of Jesus to mean something other than what He said.

But wait a minute. Maybe I have over-reacted for these years. Maybe Paul had it right when he said that he determined to know nothing but Christ and Him crucified. Paul lifted up Christ as One crucified for the sins of many. Peter on the day of Pentecost glorified God by declaring that the same Jesus whom those witnesses had crucifed was now made both Lord and Christ. Zechariah the prophet declared that every eye would see Him, even those who pierced Him, and that they would mourn. The death of Jesus is where the power of the Gospel is found. And even today, when a movie is made depicting the reality of the events of the crucifixion of Jesus, it becomes both controversial and spiritually powerful. The enemies of Jesus don't mind people lifting up Jesus in worship; it's declaring the crucifixion that cuts to the heart and brings conviction (and persecution).

So maybe it's not a matter of either the crucifixion or worship. Maybe it is a matter of lifting Jesus up as the crucified Lord of heaven and earth. Indeed, let us lift up Jesus! Lift Him up from the earth, put Him again on that tree in humiliation and pain. Let us see Him afresh, suffering and crucified. Lift up Christ, you saints of His! Lift up Christ, repentant Jews! Lift up Christ, Mel Gibson! Lift up Christ, and let us see the glory of the cross!

"Thank you for the cross, Lord Jesus. Thank you for the blood that You shed. I honor You for Your sacrifice, because Good Friday declares my deliverance. Glory be to You, Lord God, King of the universe, the Father who raised Jesus the Son through the overwhelming power of the Spirit, one God without end. Amen."