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Messages from Pastor Mark Borseth
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Pastor's Message, Aug 2017
Pentecost: Not Meant to be a One-Time Event
The day of Pentecost was the birth of the church. As the Holy Spirit came down upon 120 people gathered for prayer and worship, they were filled with the love of God and power of the Holy Spirit. This small band of Jesus followers would begin a movement which would transform the world.
Too bad Pentecost only happens once, right? Wrong! Pentecost was never meant to be a one-time event. It was meant to be repeated over and over in the lives of followers of Jesus. Pentecost would happen again approximately 1700 years after the first Pentecost. This time, it would be with a small group of worshipers in Hernnhut, Germany called the Moravians.
On August 13, 1727, the heavens were unzipped and the Holy Spirit fell upon a Communion service being held by the Moravians. Signs and wonders, experiences of God’s power and love came with such intensity that all knew God had come to meet them in their worship.
This small group would be transformed by the experience. Some of the effects of this outpouring:
After 20 years of ordained ministry, I have come to the conclusion that all of my training, cleverness and hard work will never accomplish what I want God to accomplish in and through me. The only way I can fully carry out my call is to be part of a community who experiences our own Pentecost. Who are filled with and transformed by God’s love, goodness and power. I don’t want to remembered as one who helped to faithfully maintain an institution. I want to be known as one who helped lead a community to a Pentecost experience which causes us to be known for.
The day of Pentecost was the birth of the church. As the Holy Spirit came down upon 120 people gathered for prayer and worship, they were filled with the love of God and power of the Holy Spirit. This small band of Jesus followers would begin a movement which would transform the world.
Too bad Pentecost only happens once, right? Wrong! Pentecost was never meant to be a one-time event. It was meant to be repeated over and over in the lives of followers of Jesus. Pentecost would happen again approximately 1700 years after the first Pentecost. This time, it would be with a small group of worshipers in Hernnhut, Germany called the Moravians.
On August 13, 1727, the heavens were unzipped and the Holy Spirit fell upon a Communion service being held by the Moravians. Signs and wonders, experiences of God’s power and love came with such intensity that all knew God had come to meet them in their worship.
This small group would be transformed by the experience. Some of the effects of this outpouring:
- Prayer – a 24-7 prayer meeting would begin which would keep going for 100 years.
- Bible Study – The Word came alive in such a way that many hungered to study the Bible.
- Small Groups – The community, which had been going through a period of broken relationships and lack of unity, was inspired to create small groups where they could help each other go deeper in their relationship with God.
- Evangelism – They would send out as many missionaries in the next 100 years as all of the rest of the Protestants in Europe combined.
After 20 years of ordained ministry, I have come to the conclusion that all of my training, cleverness and hard work will never accomplish what I want God to accomplish in and through me. The only way I can fully carry out my call is to be part of a community who experiences our own Pentecost. Who are filled with and transformed by God’s love, goodness and power. I don’t want to remembered as one who helped to faithfully maintain an institution. I want to be known as one who helped lead a community to a Pentecost experience which causes us to be known for.
- Powerful prayer
- Hunger for the Bible
- Small Groups where people can grow deeper in their relationship with God and walk of faith
- Evangelism
Pastor's Message, July 2017
Freedom: Not an Opportunity for Self-Indulgence
For you were called to freedom, brothers and sisters; only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for self-indulgence, but through love become slaves to one another. Galatians 5:13
Many see freedom as their opportunity to indulge themselves. “Nobody can tell me what to do, so I will eat, drink, behave or think however I want.” But freedom used only for self-indulgence is wasted, spoiled freedom. Freedom is designed to only be properly used when it is used to love and serve the other.
There are two ways of misusing freedom I want to invite you to think about today. Both are misuses of freedom because they focused on self and not on the other.
Misuse #1 – Using your freedom to ignore the needs of your neighbor
Proper use of freedom causes us to use that freedom to serve and meet the needs of a neighbor in their time of need. No one is limiting what we can use our resources for, so we are free to use our resources for the sake of our neighbor.
It is easy to see that the use of your freedom to ignore or fail to meet the needs of your neighbor is selfish.
Misuse #2 – Imposing Your Values on Others Who Have Different Views
In this day of Political Correctness, it is very tempting for those who have cultural influence to use that influence to impose their values and standards of behavior on others. “I have decided that ___ is the proper way to love and serve my neighbor, so now I will use my influence and power to make sure others are forced to do things the way I do them. Because I am sure I am right, I am justified in using the means of stealing freedom from those who disagree with me to accomplish the results I desire. More people will be doing the right things (according to my agenda), so the ends justify the means (people being forced to go against their values or conscience because I want them to live according to my values and conscience).
This way of self-centeredness is not so often recognized by well-wishing people who just want to be nice and make sure others are treated nice. They don’t realize that trampling the values and consciences of those who disagree with you to accomplish your “nice” goals is not really being nice.
Whether it is “my resources for my pleasure over your need” or “my agenda over your freedom, values or conscience”, both are clearly self-indulgent use of the freedom we have in Christ and are misuses of that freedom.
Thank You from Pastor Mark and family
Thank you for the ways you have blessed me and my family over the past weeks. The cards, the gifts to help with out of pocket medical expenses, the meals and the prayers for me and my procedure and recovery are greatly appreciated. It is such a blessing to be surrounded by such a loving family here at RLC!
Pastor Mark Health Update
I had the Brachytherapy (inserting radioactive seeds) procedure to treat my Prostate Cancer on June 16. The procedure went well. The only complication was a urinary infection for which I am taking antibiotics which seem to be solving the problem. I am back at work as of June 27. My only limitations are spending too much time, too close to people because I will be radioactive for a couple of months. There is no problem being close for a short period of time, I just need to keep more distance from pregnant women, and can’t hold children or pets in my lap. I will not be offended if you choose to keep your distance. I welcome any continued prayers for this time of recovery, that the cancer will be gone and not come back and that the healing will be quick and complete.
For you were called to freedom, brothers and sisters; only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for self-indulgence, but through love become slaves to one another. Galatians 5:13
Many see freedom as their opportunity to indulge themselves. “Nobody can tell me what to do, so I will eat, drink, behave or think however I want.” But freedom used only for self-indulgence is wasted, spoiled freedom. Freedom is designed to only be properly used when it is used to love and serve the other.
There are two ways of misusing freedom I want to invite you to think about today. Both are misuses of freedom because they focused on self and not on the other.
Misuse #1 – Using your freedom to ignore the needs of your neighbor
Proper use of freedom causes us to use that freedom to serve and meet the needs of a neighbor in their time of need. No one is limiting what we can use our resources for, so we are free to use our resources for the sake of our neighbor.
It is easy to see that the use of your freedom to ignore or fail to meet the needs of your neighbor is selfish.
Misuse #2 – Imposing Your Values on Others Who Have Different Views
In this day of Political Correctness, it is very tempting for those who have cultural influence to use that influence to impose their values and standards of behavior on others. “I have decided that ___ is the proper way to love and serve my neighbor, so now I will use my influence and power to make sure others are forced to do things the way I do them. Because I am sure I am right, I am justified in using the means of stealing freedom from those who disagree with me to accomplish the results I desire. More people will be doing the right things (according to my agenda), so the ends justify the means (people being forced to go against their values or conscience because I want them to live according to my values and conscience).
This way of self-centeredness is not so often recognized by well-wishing people who just want to be nice and make sure others are treated nice. They don’t realize that trampling the values and consciences of those who disagree with you to accomplish your “nice” goals is not really being nice.
Whether it is “my resources for my pleasure over your need” or “my agenda over your freedom, values or conscience”, both are clearly self-indulgent use of the freedom we have in Christ and are misuses of that freedom.
Thank You from Pastor Mark and family
Thank you for the ways you have blessed me and my family over the past weeks. The cards, the gifts to help with out of pocket medical expenses, the meals and the prayers for me and my procedure and recovery are greatly appreciated. It is such a blessing to be surrounded by such a loving family here at RLC!
Pastor Mark Health Update
I had the Brachytherapy (inserting radioactive seeds) procedure to treat my Prostate Cancer on June 16. The procedure went well. The only complication was a urinary infection for which I am taking antibiotics which seem to be solving the problem. I am back at work as of June 27. My only limitations are spending too much time, too close to people because I will be radioactive for a couple of months. There is no problem being close for a short period of time, I just need to keep more distance from pregnant women, and can’t hold children or pets in my lap. I will not be offended if you choose to keep your distance. I welcome any continued prayers for this time of recovery, that the cancer will be gone and not come back and that the healing will be quick and complete.
Pastor's Message, June 2017
Maximizing Power
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." Acts 1:8
It almost seems inappropriate to focus on power in the church. It gets so deeply ingrained in us to focus on love and gentleness and humility that we start thinking there is something wrong with focusing on power. Yet, Jesus says that the Kingdom he came to bring with him and invite us into is one of power. Pentecost is the first installment of that power into his church as the Holy Spirit is poured out.
So, if power is a significant part of the Kingdom, how fully do we experience it and demonstrate it as his church? If we are lacking in power, just as with a gasoline engine, the problem may be with the fuel, the fire or the exhaust.
An engine can’t provide any power without fuel. When it comes to your relationship with God, are you running low on fuel? If so, take time each day to read the Bible, to pray, to do devotions, to be part of a small group at church. Each of these things adds fuel which will be available for the next ingredient for power – fire.
Even with a full tank of fuel, there will be no power without fire/spark. When it comes to your relationship with God, do you have the fuel of study and prayer and other things you are using to fill yourself but no fire? Without the fire of the Holy Spirit, all you are is full of yourself, and of little good to anyone else. If you have the fuel, pray for the Holy Spirit’s fire to come upon you today and transform that fuel into power to be a blessing to the world around you. Which brings us to the final ingredient for power – exhaust.
It seems odd, but one of the greatest limiting factors to power for an engine is not the fuel or fire, it is the exhaust. Without having the result of the explosion being released outside the engine, the power will be minimized. The more efficient the release, the more power. When it comes to your relationship with God, do you have fuel and fire in your worship and personal time with God, but it never effects anyone other than you? If so, you will discover very little power to your faith outside your personal interaction with God. If that is the case, pray for the courage, love and motivation to start sharing your faith, praying for people, serving your neighbor. You will discover more power coming into your life as you give more away.
What does your power audit reveal? If you are lacking fuel, start filling your tank with the Word and prayer. If you are lacking fire, pray for a fresh touch of the Holy Spirit. If you are lacking an outward release for the explosion of fuel and fire, start praying for people, sharing your faith with people and serving people.
You were created for God’s Kingdom, and that Kingdom is about power. The more fuel, fire and outward release of God’s activity, the more of the Kingdom you will experience and the more you will be able to share to meet the needs of the world around you.
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." Acts 1:8
It almost seems inappropriate to focus on power in the church. It gets so deeply ingrained in us to focus on love and gentleness and humility that we start thinking there is something wrong with focusing on power. Yet, Jesus says that the Kingdom he came to bring with him and invite us into is one of power. Pentecost is the first installment of that power into his church as the Holy Spirit is poured out.
So, if power is a significant part of the Kingdom, how fully do we experience it and demonstrate it as his church? If we are lacking in power, just as with a gasoline engine, the problem may be with the fuel, the fire or the exhaust.
An engine can’t provide any power without fuel. When it comes to your relationship with God, are you running low on fuel? If so, take time each day to read the Bible, to pray, to do devotions, to be part of a small group at church. Each of these things adds fuel which will be available for the next ingredient for power – fire.
Even with a full tank of fuel, there will be no power without fire/spark. When it comes to your relationship with God, do you have the fuel of study and prayer and other things you are using to fill yourself but no fire? Without the fire of the Holy Spirit, all you are is full of yourself, and of little good to anyone else. If you have the fuel, pray for the Holy Spirit’s fire to come upon you today and transform that fuel into power to be a blessing to the world around you. Which brings us to the final ingredient for power – exhaust.
It seems odd, but one of the greatest limiting factors to power for an engine is not the fuel or fire, it is the exhaust. Without having the result of the explosion being released outside the engine, the power will be minimized. The more efficient the release, the more power. When it comes to your relationship with God, do you have fuel and fire in your worship and personal time with God, but it never effects anyone other than you? If so, you will discover very little power to your faith outside your personal interaction with God. If that is the case, pray for the courage, love and motivation to start sharing your faith, praying for people, serving your neighbor. You will discover more power coming into your life as you give more away.
What does your power audit reveal? If you are lacking fuel, start filling your tank with the Word and prayer. If you are lacking fire, pray for a fresh touch of the Holy Spirit. If you are lacking an outward release for the explosion of fuel and fire, start praying for people, sharing your faith with people and serving people.
You were created for God’s Kingdom, and that Kingdom is about power. The more fuel, fire and outward release of God’s activity, the more of the Kingdom you will experience and the more you will be able to share to meet the needs of the world around you.
Pastor's Message, May 2017
Christianity: Practice of God’s Presence
“I cannot imagine how religious persons can live satisfied without the practice of the presence of GOD. For my part I keep myself retired with Him in the depth of centre of my soul as much as I can; and while I am so with Him I fear nothing; but the least turning from Him is insupportable.”
― Brother Lawrence, The Practice of the Presence of God
In 17th Century Paris, the monastery did not draw the attention of people from around the region because of high-ranking dignitaries in the church or fancy architecture or exquisite rituals. The monastery became a magnet for visitors because of a simple, uneducated monk who worked in the kitchen – Brother Lawrence. His life and teachings, as recorded in his book “The Practice of the Presence of God” were drawing priests and bishops and dignitaries to visit him and see what made him different from the normal religious person.
As he cleaned the floor, or as he washed dishes, he kept up a constant conversation with God and had a constant awareness of God’s presence. When you visited Lawrence, you couldn’t help but experience the one with whom he was in constant fellowship – God.
What if the thing the world is hungriest for the church to share with them is not morality, pomp, ritual, systematic theology, or fancy buildings? What if the thing for which the world hungers and thirsts is to experience the presence of God?
I have a sense that the way I can be most influential in spreading God’s kingdom is to spend more time and more attention hearing God’s voice and practicing God’s presence. If I am in constant communion with God, then those who spend time with me will also get a taste of the presence of God. And, as I practice the presence of God for myself, the thing I must not neglect doing is to teach others to practice the presence of God in their own lives.
The influence of that 17th Century monastery was most clearly manifest in the life of a kitchen worker who knew the presence of God. Maybe the influence of my ministry will be most clearly manifest through a school child, a stay at home mom, a garbage man, a mechanic, or a McDonalds employee I help teach how to practice the presence of God where they are – hearing God’s voice, in constant conversation with God.
What do I want my life and ministry to inspire and produce? Yes, I would love to have Pastors raised up by my influence. A seminary professor or Bishop or missionary or two would be great. But, I would trade all of those for one person who practices the presence of God moment by moment wherever they are. In the church, the monastery, the seminary or mopping floors or doing dishes at McDonalds.
Pastor’s Health Update
Thanks to everyone for your prayers, encouragement and support as I move closer to treatment for my Prostate Cancer.
Here is the latest update:
Thursday, May 11 – A scan to map out my prostate and calculate its volume to help plan how many “seeds” to implant and where to put them.
Friday, June 16 – This is when I will have my Brachytherapy (implanting of radioactive “seeds” in my prostate). It is an outpatient procedure, so I will by home that night.
Saturday, June 17-Monday, June 26 – I plan to take some sick-leave/vacation to rest and recover. Thanks to Dr. Paul for preaching and leading worship on June 17-18 and to Bishop Mike for preaching and leading worship on June 24-25.
“I cannot imagine how religious persons can live satisfied without the practice of the presence of GOD. For my part I keep myself retired with Him in the depth of centre of my soul as much as I can; and while I am so with Him I fear nothing; but the least turning from Him is insupportable.”
― Brother Lawrence, The Practice of the Presence of God
In 17th Century Paris, the monastery did not draw the attention of people from around the region because of high-ranking dignitaries in the church or fancy architecture or exquisite rituals. The monastery became a magnet for visitors because of a simple, uneducated monk who worked in the kitchen – Brother Lawrence. His life and teachings, as recorded in his book “The Practice of the Presence of God” were drawing priests and bishops and dignitaries to visit him and see what made him different from the normal religious person.
As he cleaned the floor, or as he washed dishes, he kept up a constant conversation with God and had a constant awareness of God’s presence. When you visited Lawrence, you couldn’t help but experience the one with whom he was in constant fellowship – God.
What if the thing the world is hungriest for the church to share with them is not morality, pomp, ritual, systematic theology, or fancy buildings? What if the thing for which the world hungers and thirsts is to experience the presence of God?
I have a sense that the way I can be most influential in spreading God’s kingdom is to spend more time and more attention hearing God’s voice and practicing God’s presence. If I am in constant communion with God, then those who spend time with me will also get a taste of the presence of God. And, as I practice the presence of God for myself, the thing I must not neglect doing is to teach others to practice the presence of God in their own lives.
The influence of that 17th Century monastery was most clearly manifest in the life of a kitchen worker who knew the presence of God. Maybe the influence of my ministry will be most clearly manifest through a school child, a stay at home mom, a garbage man, a mechanic, or a McDonalds employee I help teach how to practice the presence of God where they are – hearing God’s voice, in constant conversation with God.
What do I want my life and ministry to inspire and produce? Yes, I would love to have Pastors raised up by my influence. A seminary professor or Bishop or missionary or two would be great. But, I would trade all of those for one person who practices the presence of God moment by moment wherever they are. In the church, the monastery, the seminary or mopping floors or doing dishes at McDonalds.
Pastor’s Health Update
Thanks to everyone for your prayers, encouragement and support as I move closer to treatment for my Prostate Cancer.
Here is the latest update:
Thursday, May 11 – A scan to map out my prostate and calculate its volume to help plan how many “seeds” to implant and where to put them.
Friday, June 16 – This is when I will have my Brachytherapy (implanting of radioactive “seeds” in my prostate). It is an outpatient procedure, so I will by home that night.
Saturday, June 17-Monday, June 26 – I plan to take some sick-leave/vacation to rest and recover. Thanks to Dr. Paul for preaching and leading worship on June 17-18 and to Bishop Mike for preaching and leading worship on June 24-25.
Pastor's Message, April 2017
Fully Alive
10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly. John 10:10
I wonder sometimes which team the church is on. The sign that we are on Jesus’ team is that we make people more alive so they can live more abundantly. The sign we are on the enemy’s team is that we steal life, kill spirits and destroy dreams.
Sometimes I wonder if sometimes Christian discipleship’s real intent is to set people free to dream dreams, take risks and be free or to be tamed, emotions calmed, risks minimized, to make us into people who are nice and safe and easily manipulated.
Nice people who avoid taking risks and making mistakes may make a nice peaceful congregation, but they make pretty ineffective change agents in the world. They look more like obedient slaves trying to not create waves and please their master rather than free sons and daughters of God ready to confront evil, take risks, dream dreams of a better world and allow the Holy Spirit to fill them with love and courage and send them to spread God’s kingdom in the world.
What if the sign of effective ministry is not so much that I have a nice group of people who obediently fill all of the committee and ministry needs to keep the church functioning? What if effective ministry means many people don’t have time to be on a church committee because they are living out their faith at work and in the world? What if church growth does not mean more “nice” members who willingly stay busy at church? What if it means there are more people announcing they are leaving the church because God is calling them to be part of a ministry in Africa or to quit their job to go get a degree which will allow them to follow their dreams.
What if making people into nice, submissive, servants who will faithfully do the work of the church (often in areas they have no passion but feel like they need to help where they can) is not following the strategy of Jesus which is to make people more alive and free? What if we are unwittingly stealing the joy, the passion, the adventure, and the hopes and dreams of people to just accomplish our agenda of maintaining the business of the church?
What if settling for creating safe, obedient servants to accomplish church business is precisely what is causing those looking from the outside to say, “If that is what Christian maturity looks like, I want nothing to do with it!”
What if the key to expanding God’s kingdom is empowering creative, risk-taking, spirit-let, fully alive sons and daughters of God who likely to be too busy doing the ministry of transforming the world to spend all of their time on church committees talking about mini?
10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly. John 10:10
I wonder sometimes which team the church is on. The sign that we are on Jesus’ team is that we make people more alive so they can live more abundantly. The sign we are on the enemy’s team is that we steal life, kill spirits and destroy dreams.
Sometimes I wonder if sometimes Christian discipleship’s real intent is to set people free to dream dreams, take risks and be free or to be tamed, emotions calmed, risks minimized, to make us into people who are nice and safe and easily manipulated.
Nice people who avoid taking risks and making mistakes may make a nice peaceful congregation, but they make pretty ineffective change agents in the world. They look more like obedient slaves trying to not create waves and please their master rather than free sons and daughters of God ready to confront evil, take risks, dream dreams of a better world and allow the Holy Spirit to fill them with love and courage and send them to spread God’s kingdom in the world.
What if the sign of effective ministry is not so much that I have a nice group of people who obediently fill all of the committee and ministry needs to keep the church functioning? What if effective ministry means many people don’t have time to be on a church committee because they are living out their faith at work and in the world? What if church growth does not mean more “nice” members who willingly stay busy at church? What if it means there are more people announcing they are leaving the church because God is calling them to be part of a ministry in Africa or to quit their job to go get a degree which will allow them to follow their dreams.
What if making people into nice, submissive, servants who will faithfully do the work of the church (often in areas they have no passion but feel like they need to help where they can) is not following the strategy of Jesus which is to make people more alive and free? What if we are unwittingly stealing the joy, the passion, the adventure, and the hopes and dreams of people to just accomplish our agenda of maintaining the business of the church?
What if settling for creating safe, obedient servants to accomplish church business is precisely what is causing those looking from the outside to say, “If that is what Christian maturity looks like, I want nothing to do with it!”
What if the key to expanding God’s kingdom is empowering creative, risk-taking, spirit-let, fully alive sons and daughters of God who likely to be too busy doing the ministry of transforming the world to spend all of their time on church committees talking about mini?
Pastor's Message, March 2017
A Season of Repentance
On March 1, we begin the season of Lent in the church. It is traditionally looked at as a time of repentance and preparation for a deeper walk with God.
The problem is that we so often have way too small an idea of what repentance looks like. We think of the tears and regret over what we have done wrong and how we have not trusted or honored God. Yes, repentance will lead us to admit what we have done wrong and our need for God to do for us what we can’t do for ourselves. But that is not the full extent of the repentance to which Jesus calls us.
The Greek word which we translate as repentance literally means change the way we think, the way we see and experience reality. Yes, the beginning of repentance is to start with admitting we are broken and sinful and in need of God. But Jesus seeks more than just enough repentance to get us to admitting and being forgiven for our sins. He seeks to lead us into the repentance which will help us more fully experience God’s love, power, presence and activity in our lives. Enough repentance for us to live as free, forgiven sons and daughters of God and not just as forgiven sinners.
So, where are you in your repentance? That is the place to begin this Lent. Are you still having trouble admitting you have messed up and are in need of Jesus? For you, my prayer is that you would repent enough to honestly admit your brokenness and need and to receive the forgiveness made possible by Jesus’ death on the cross this Lenten season.
But maybe you have traveled that route in your journey of repentance every year, over and over…”I’ve got to remember how messed up I am so I can keep on being forgiven.” For you, I suggest a simple prayer of thanks for bringing you that far in the journey of repentance and, instead of going back there to re-travel that route, to seek God’s help to repent into a new part of the journey - to the place you see yourself as more than a forgiven sinner.
Part of what Jesus came to do was to invite people to see differently, to see the Kingdom of God. He came to reveal a loving Father, to reveal a world where God’s love was the motivation for life instead of fearful obedience to God’s law. He came to show them a God who chose them, rather than a God they needed to choose. He came to show them that life was about more than saving yourself, but rather to be part of God’s activity in the world for the sake of others.
So, if you have repented (over and over) of your sin and brokenness, it’s time to repent in such a way that it opens the door to the fullness of God’s, life and purpose. A place where you learn to see God as a loving Father and not scary master. A place where you delight in God’s presence rather than fearing it. A place motivated by love and not fear. A place where you were chosen by your Father to glorify him by joining him in loving and serving the world.
It’s time to repent more than enough to become a forgiven sinner. It’s time to repent (learn to see and approach life through the eyes of God) enough to be fully free, fully loved, fully alive, children of God.
On March 1, we begin the season of Lent in the church. It is traditionally looked at as a time of repentance and preparation for a deeper walk with God.
The problem is that we so often have way too small an idea of what repentance looks like. We think of the tears and regret over what we have done wrong and how we have not trusted or honored God. Yes, repentance will lead us to admit what we have done wrong and our need for God to do for us what we can’t do for ourselves. But that is not the full extent of the repentance to which Jesus calls us.
The Greek word which we translate as repentance literally means change the way we think, the way we see and experience reality. Yes, the beginning of repentance is to start with admitting we are broken and sinful and in need of God. But Jesus seeks more than just enough repentance to get us to admitting and being forgiven for our sins. He seeks to lead us into the repentance which will help us more fully experience God’s love, power, presence and activity in our lives. Enough repentance for us to live as free, forgiven sons and daughters of God and not just as forgiven sinners.
So, where are you in your repentance? That is the place to begin this Lent. Are you still having trouble admitting you have messed up and are in need of Jesus? For you, my prayer is that you would repent enough to honestly admit your brokenness and need and to receive the forgiveness made possible by Jesus’ death on the cross this Lenten season.
But maybe you have traveled that route in your journey of repentance every year, over and over…”I’ve got to remember how messed up I am so I can keep on being forgiven.” For you, I suggest a simple prayer of thanks for bringing you that far in the journey of repentance and, instead of going back there to re-travel that route, to seek God’s help to repent into a new part of the journey - to the place you see yourself as more than a forgiven sinner.
Part of what Jesus came to do was to invite people to see differently, to see the Kingdom of God. He came to reveal a loving Father, to reveal a world where God’s love was the motivation for life instead of fearful obedience to God’s law. He came to show them a God who chose them, rather than a God they needed to choose. He came to show them that life was about more than saving yourself, but rather to be part of God’s activity in the world for the sake of others.
So, if you have repented (over and over) of your sin and brokenness, it’s time to repent in such a way that it opens the door to the fullness of God’s, life and purpose. A place where you learn to see God as a loving Father and not scary master. A place where you delight in God’s presence rather than fearing it. A place motivated by love and not fear. A place where you were chosen by your Father to glorify him by joining him in loving and serving the world.
It’s time to repent more than enough to become a forgiven sinner. It’s time to repent (learn to see and approach life through the eyes of God) enough to be fully free, fully loved, fully alive, children of God.
Pastor's Message, February 2017
Lutheran Lenses
The lenses through which you view God, faith, other people and yourself make a huge difference. Two different people can see the same people or same events and interpret them differently which will lead them to respond differently.
When it comes to faith issues, different religions see through different sets of lenses. But, it is not just different religions that have different sets of lenses, it is just as likely to be the case with different groups within the same religion. Christianity, for example.
During the season of Lent, we will be focusing on the lenses used by Lutherans to see God, faith, other people and themselves. The purpose for this is to better understand why we see things the way we do, but also to realize that other Christian groups aren’t less “Christian” than we are, they just have a different set of lenses through which they see the issues of faith and life.
I personally believe Lutherans have a great set of lenses, but I also believe our view of God and the world will be limited and lacking if we don’t spend time with other Christians who may help us see things and perspectives which we are not likely to see and appreciate because of our preferred lenses.
During Lent Wednesdays we will take time to explore some lenses Lutherans and other protestant traditions have trusted in. In the five Wednesdays of Lent, we will look at what some would call the “Five Solas.”
Sola Scriptura (Scripture Alone) – Our tradition tells us to focus on the Bible. For Lutherans, the ultimate source of truth and authority is the Bible, not human doctrines or traditions.
Sola Gratia (Grace Alone) – Into a Christian atmosphere where there was much confusion about how we are made right with God – works, indulgences (paying money for forgiveness), etc. – Luther made it clear it is all about grace – what God has done, not what we do, what God has paid for, not what we need to pay for.
Sola Fide (Faith Alone) – How do we access the free gift of God? Being really smart? Being really good or worthy? No. The free gift of God is received by faith, by trust in the goodness of the giver of the gift, Jesus.
S
olus Christus (Christ Alone) – Into a Christian atmosphere where there seemed to be multiple access points to God’s grace – the saints, the priests or the Pope, indulgences – Luther affirmed that we have and need only one access point to God’s grace – Jesus.
Soli Deo Gloria (Glory be to God Alone) – We live our lives of faith not to bring glory to ourselves but to God. It’s not about us. It’s about him!
Wednesdays during Lent we will explore what difference it makes to see life and faith through these lenses.
The lenses through which you view God, faith, other people and yourself make a huge difference. Two different people can see the same people or same events and interpret them differently which will lead them to respond differently.
When it comes to faith issues, different religions see through different sets of lenses. But, it is not just different religions that have different sets of lenses, it is just as likely to be the case with different groups within the same religion. Christianity, for example.
During the season of Lent, we will be focusing on the lenses used by Lutherans to see God, faith, other people and themselves. The purpose for this is to better understand why we see things the way we do, but also to realize that other Christian groups aren’t less “Christian” than we are, they just have a different set of lenses through which they see the issues of faith and life.
I personally believe Lutherans have a great set of lenses, but I also believe our view of God and the world will be limited and lacking if we don’t spend time with other Christians who may help us see things and perspectives which we are not likely to see and appreciate because of our preferred lenses.
During Lent Wednesdays we will take time to explore some lenses Lutherans and other protestant traditions have trusted in. In the five Wednesdays of Lent, we will look at what some would call the “Five Solas.”
Sola Scriptura (Scripture Alone) – Our tradition tells us to focus on the Bible. For Lutherans, the ultimate source of truth and authority is the Bible, not human doctrines or traditions.
Sola Gratia (Grace Alone) – Into a Christian atmosphere where there was much confusion about how we are made right with God – works, indulgences (paying money for forgiveness), etc. – Luther made it clear it is all about grace – what God has done, not what we do, what God has paid for, not what we need to pay for.
Sola Fide (Faith Alone) – How do we access the free gift of God? Being really smart? Being really good or worthy? No. The free gift of God is received by faith, by trust in the goodness of the giver of the gift, Jesus.
S
olus Christus (Christ Alone) – Into a Christian atmosphere where there seemed to be multiple access points to God’s grace – the saints, the priests or the Pope, indulgences – Luther affirmed that we have and need only one access point to God’s grace – Jesus.
Soli Deo Gloria (Glory be to God Alone) – We live our lives of faith not to bring glory to ourselves but to God. It’s not about us. It’s about him!
Wednesdays during Lent we will explore what difference it makes to see life and faith through these lenses.
Pastor's Message, Jan 2017
Does Anybody Else Know?
One generation shall laud your works to another, and shall declare your mighty acts. Psalm 145:4
What are the things I want my sons to know about me which I have never taken the time to tell them? What if something happens to me before I have a chance to tell them? What should they know about family health history, how I see them, my relationship with God?
As I get older, I realize there are many things I don’t know about my parents. They have both died, so I no longer have an opportunity to find out anything more from them. What were some of the health issues they had that they never told us kids about, but which would be good to know now? How did they look at certain issues they never discussed with us kids? There are many things I would love to know.
The people of Israel were told that one of the greatest gifts they had to give their kids was to talk about their relationship with God. They were to tell about the ways God had provided for them, the times God intervened when things seemed impossible, the way they had experienced God’s loving presence and power in their lives.
I know it is a popular idea today to not talk too much about such issues to our kids to they can make their own decisions about such matters. I’m not saying we are to force our kids to believe or act in any particular way, but it is dumb to not share our own testimony of God’s presence and activity in our lives.
I have seen God provide in miraculous ways. I may have written about it or mentioned it in a sermon, but have I talked with my kids about it? I have had times when I was physically overwhelmed with the love and power of God? Have I talked with them about that? I have been in meetings where the presence of God was thick and tangible, where I once saw what I think was an angelic presence in the midst of the meeting. Have I talked with them about that?
If all I have done is take my kids to church and Sunday school. If all I have done is have them go through Confirmation class and memorize the catechism so they could say they know about God and about Lutheranism, but have never shared my testimony of God’s presence, power and love in my life, I have cheated them.
No wonder so many young people see the church as weak, meaningless, unappealing. We carry on the ritual, the morality, the show…but don’t share the testimony of our personal experience of a living God. I have a feeling that if what we shared with the next generation was our testimony of our experience with God, the church would catch fire.
But most are not sharing…the church in not on fire…one who is not sharing has been me…what about you? Does anybody else know about your testimony of God’s presence, love and power in your life?
One generation shall laud your works to another, and shall declare your mighty acts. Psalm 145:4
What are the things I want my sons to know about me which I have never taken the time to tell them? What if something happens to me before I have a chance to tell them? What should they know about family health history, how I see them, my relationship with God?
As I get older, I realize there are many things I don’t know about my parents. They have both died, so I no longer have an opportunity to find out anything more from them. What were some of the health issues they had that they never told us kids about, but which would be good to know now? How did they look at certain issues they never discussed with us kids? There are many things I would love to know.
The people of Israel were told that one of the greatest gifts they had to give their kids was to talk about their relationship with God. They were to tell about the ways God had provided for them, the times God intervened when things seemed impossible, the way they had experienced God’s loving presence and power in their lives.
I know it is a popular idea today to not talk too much about such issues to our kids to they can make their own decisions about such matters. I’m not saying we are to force our kids to believe or act in any particular way, but it is dumb to not share our own testimony of God’s presence and activity in our lives.
I have seen God provide in miraculous ways. I may have written about it or mentioned it in a sermon, but have I talked with my kids about it? I have had times when I was physically overwhelmed with the love and power of God? Have I talked with them about that? I have been in meetings where the presence of God was thick and tangible, where I once saw what I think was an angelic presence in the midst of the meeting. Have I talked with them about that?
If all I have done is take my kids to church and Sunday school. If all I have done is have them go through Confirmation class and memorize the catechism so they could say they know about God and about Lutheranism, but have never shared my testimony of God’s presence, power and love in my life, I have cheated them.
No wonder so many young people see the church as weak, meaningless, unappealing. We carry on the ritual, the morality, the show…but don’t share the testimony of our personal experience of a living God. I have a feeling that if what we shared with the next generation was our testimony of our experience with God, the church would catch fire.
But most are not sharing…the church in not on fire…one who is not sharing has been me…what about you? Does anybody else know about your testimony of God’s presence, love and power in your life?
We publish the last six months of Pastor Mark's messages here. For older messages, please refer to the newsletters.
