A Time To Mourn...

A Time To Mourn…

Matthew 1:18 – “A voice was heard in Ramah, weeping and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children; and she refused to be comforted, because they were no more.”  (Taken from Matthew’s story of the events surrounding the birth of Christ.)

It’s Christmas time… we should we celebrating the joy of the season.  We should be talking of peace and goodwill.  We should be thinking of Christmas pageants, mistletoe, and eggnog.  But instead, today we think of pain, tragedy, death, and evil. 

This morning, children at the Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newton, Connecticut should have been thinking about Christmas plays, the holidays, and presents under the tree.  Instead, they were forced to think about the sound of a gun, a crazed gunman, and diving under their desks for survival.  By the end of the madness, 27 people lost their lives… 18 of them children, mostly kindergarteners.  It is a tragedy of unthinkable proportions.  For families across that community, Christmas will no longer proclaim a time of peace, joy, and gladness, but instead, horror, pain, and unending grief.  It is such a perversion of what Christmas should be about.  It is a reminder that evil is still very real in the world in which we live.  How much we still need the Prince of Peace to come.

I’m not sure that any of us can make sense of today’s events.  The shooting was a tragic, senseless, and horrific act.  It hurts the human soul and boggles the mind.  Like Rachel, we weep and refuse to be comforted, “for our children are no more.”  Let us pray for those families.  Let us pray for our families.  Let us pray for the day when evil will finally be defeated and peace will reign.

Prison Break

"But the Scriptures declare that we are all prisoners of sin, so we receive God’s promise of freedom only by believing in Jesus Christ." (Galatians 3:22 NLT)

In this third chapter of Galatians, Paul goes to great lengths to illustrate why freedom in Christ is better than the oppression of the Law.  The Law can only point to our sinfulness.  It can only tell us what we have done wrong.  It can do nothing to correct the problem and provide forgiveness. Only in Christ can our sins be erased and our lives find grace and forgiveness.

For years, Alcatraz was said to be the most "escape proof" prison in the country.  Because it was constructed on a island, there was only one way of escape.  Too far to swim, prisoners could only escape by boat.  Many of course tried to escape through the years but very few ever had success.  In fact, during the 29 years the prison was in operation, 36 attempted to escape, but none were known to survive.  (Five are stilled listed as missing and are presumed to have drowned.)  By all accounts, it was a very secure prison that offered no real hope of escape.  
       Paul writes about a different kind of prison in Galatians 3.  He reminds us that God's Word declares that we are all prisoners of sin and have no way, in our own strength and intellect, of having any hope for escape.  Our sins, our past mistakes, and our failures enslave us and keep us from experiencing the life that God longs for us to know.  But, there is hope...  The promise of freedom comes through only one source, Jesus Christ.  Apart from His grace extended to us through the cross, we have no hope of freedom and no hope of eternal life.  John 8:36 reminds us, "That if the Son sets us free, we shall be free indeed."  A lot of us struggle in prisons of doubt, despair, guilt, loneliness, anxiety, fear, and grief.  But Christ has come to offer us new life, joy, hope, and freedom.  Through our faith in Him, all the barriers and chains that keep us separated from God are removed.  We escape the past to live expectantly in the present.  How long have you been in your private prison?  How long will you choose to stay there?  Christ offers you a better life... a life of freedom.  Put your trust in Him and ask Him to break the chains.  A better life awaits you.

The Evidence We Leave Behind...

My dog Zack is a little ambivalent about Halloween.  He hates the strangers at the door and barks his head off with every “costumed neighbor,” but on the other hand, he loves the stash of candy that lingers around the house for a few days.  He’s smart enough to know that if he is patient enough, and if he will beg sweetly enough with his big, brown eyes, that just maybe he will get a taste of some sweet treat.  His favorite piece of candy is a bite of Tootsie Roll… don’t judge.  I know that’s wrong on many levels.  I discovered recently that he also has a taste for an occasional Tootsie Pop.

A couple of mornings ago, I awoke early and headed to my usual spot in my study.  Underneath my desk, where my dog often rests at my feet while I work, I discovered the following things… a shredded wrapper from a Tootsie Pop along with the remains of the safety stick that once held the candy.  It didn’t take much to put it all together… my dog had eaten an entire Tootsie Pop.  (The fact that he had bits of red candy stuck in the fur around his mouth also tipped me off.)  He might have avoided the guilt of his crime had he not left the evidence behind.

Let’s talk about us.  We do tend to leave a trail, don’t we?  There is evidence, not of candy eaten, but of where we have been, what we have done, and the legacy lived.  So here’s my question… “What does the evidence that you leave behind say about your life?”  When the record of your life is written, what will it reveal?  Is there a trail of kindness offered, grace extended, and forgiveness granted?  Or do we leave evidence of bitterness, anger, and selfishness?  Someone once said, “You can’t leave a legacy if you don’t live a legacy.”  So pay attention to your life.  What messages both verbal and non-verbal do you send to others?  What fruit does your life produce?  Will there be enough evidence to suggest that the Spirit of Christ lived in your heart and governed your days?

I would think that at the end of our lives, the greatest joy we could imagine would be that of knowing that our lives mattered… that we made a difference.  I would also think that the greatest sorrow would be knowing that we didn’t.  Pay attention to the evidence that you leave behind.

Hearing From God

Yesterday, during my sermon, I gave some attention to this idea of “hearing from God.”  In fact, when I asked our congregation how many of them felt as though they had actually received a “specific, deliberate, individual word from the Lord,” nearly every hand in the building shot up.  And yet when I asked who among the audience had heard an actual “audible” voice, only one or two hands were raised.  The response was expected.  Although most of us have never heard an actual voice, most of us have heard from God in some way… maybe through the whisper and prompting of the Spirit, maybe through the words of a friend, or maybe through the reading of Scripture.  As I stated yesterday, I really believe that God speaks and that He speaks often.  The problem with our communication with God lies within us, and not with God.  Sometimes, we just don’t listen for His voice.

This past weekend I was in Tuscaloosa for the Alabama game.  A few minutes into the game, a young woman sitting in front of me turned and asked, “Are you from Nashville?”  I said, “Yes.”  And then her follow-up question… “Aren’t you a minister?”  Again I said, “Yes.”  “I thought so,” she replied.  I recognized your voice from your television broadcast.”  Turns out she lives here in town and teaches in East Nashville.  Interesting. She knew who I was, because she heard my voice.  Would we recognize the voice of God if He spoke?  Maybe that’s the problem.  Maybe His voice sounds very different from what we might expect.  Maybe instead of a booming voice from the heavens, His voice sounds like a gentle whisper, or the laughter of a child, or the shaky voice of a senior adult who offers a word of counsel.  Think about it… God has billions of voices to use, each one with a different accent, a different inflection, a different pitch.  God can “borrow” a voice from one of His children at any time in order to speak in our direction.  And just maybe, at times, God borrows your voice to speak to someone else.  How about that thought?  What if God wants to use your voice today to speak a word of hope, a word of correction, or a word of encouragement to someone He places in your path?  Are you willing to be used that way?  Take care with your words… speak with grace, hope, civility, and respect.  You just never know what God may be saying.

Woodmont Goes Green

The following is an excerpt from last Sunday's sermon in which I challenged our congregation to honor God by taking seriously, the things that God takes seriously.  One of the things that I discussed was God's care for His creation.  Here's the excerpt...

"Go back and read the Biblical record carefully and you will discover God’s love and care for all of His created order. It is not just people that catch His attention. He also cares for all that He made in addition to human flesh.  In Genesis 1:26-27, man is given dominion and the responsibility of stewardship for the planet. Plants, shrubs, birds, fish, livestock, are all placed under humankind's care. God expects us to practice good stewardship of our resources. A “go green” conversation is a responsible, moral, and needed conversation for Christians to have. It is not a political issue to be debated; it is a “people of God” responsibility to undertake. Why would anyone be opposed to responsible care for our planet? We need to care about the earth and it’s resources. We need to figure out ways at the individual and corporate level for our “care-taking” task to be accomplished. The problem is that ecology is such a huge task. It’s one of those jobs that is everyone’s responsibility which means from a practical standpoint it becomes “no one’s” responsibility. The earth must receive our consideration, not our exploitation.

"It is interesting to me that in all of our conversations about rethinking, reviving, and renewing our church, in all our dialogues and town hall meetings, that the topic of green earth as a moral/spiritual imperative never came to the surface. We need to get a better handle on this topic as a congregation. Sure we recycle cans, but is that enough? Is that all that we should consider doing? How much paper could we recycle? How many Styrofoam cups do we use to keep our coffee hot and our soft drinks cold? How much water do we waste? How many plastic bottles do we toss out? Let me give you some figures to consider for a moment. That Styrofoam cup that you use and simply toss aside, will take up to a million years to decompose. A glass bottle? The same decomposition time. A plastic water bottle? It’s going to be around for another million years as well unless it is recycled. An aluminum can will decompose in about 500 years. Monofilament fishing line in about 800 years. That little plastic ring that keeps a six-pack together in your grocery cart… it’s here for another 450 years. We really do have to get serious about recycling initiatives, reusable packaging, and earth-friendly products. Each family needs to look for ways to be more responsible. And quite honestly, we need someone to emerge in the life of our church who will help to understand this issue more fully so that we can act more responsibly. A green earth policy is a part of the stewardship that God has placed at our feet. He is serious about His creation."

The response from those words has been exciting.  I have heard from a number of members who are excited about moving this issue to a more prominent point of discussion.  Several have already volunteered to be part of a Ministry Team that can provide some helpful suggestions.  I'm interested in your thoughts.  I will be glad to post your ideas and thoughts about the ways in which we can make a difference here at Woodmont.

Accepting our Acceptance...

"But the people of Israel, who tried so hard to get right with God by keeping the law, never succeeded. Why not? Because they were trying to get right with God by keeping the law instead of by trusting in him. They stumbled over the great rock in their path." (Romans 9:31, 32 NLT)

Boil down Paul's discussion in Romans 9 and you will discover that he offers a simple truth about God's acceptance and rejection of Israel.  Most Jews had bought into a mentality that declared a keeping of the Law would justify them in the eyes of God.  It was a salvation-by-works kind of mentality.  "Do the right things and God will have to accept us."  But Paul offers a different word.  It is not about a rigid keeping of the Law that makes one right in the eyes of God, but simple faith instead.  When we are joined to God through simple faith, not by birthright or works, it is then that we find ourselves in the right relationship with Him.

To be honest, it's still pretty hard for most of us to escape a salvation-by-works theology.  We tend to think that the more "good things" that we do, the more that God will like us.  We act as though we will "earn" our salvation by the things that we can do.  If we go to church, give to the poor, use the right language, and treat people fairly, how can God resist loving us?  Don't get me wrong... all those things are good practices, but they should be the result of our faith and not the catalyst for it.  We simply don't "do" enough good things until the day comes that God is pleased with us.  Instead, we discover that God already loves us and in response to that love, we do good things.  That's a different way of thinking about God.  Paul's message still needs to be heard by a modern audience.  Getting right with God is still all about having a trusting relationship with Him.  He loves us, promises to save us, and offers the gift of His Son.  It is as we begin to trust in those promises that our salvation comes to life.  Remember that we are already loved by God.  We are already the objects of His grace.  Those who try to "earn" their salvation labor in vain.  The gift is already offered.  All we do is accept it and let His grace begin to transform us.  As you start your day, instead of trying to do enough good things to be loved by God, why not accept the fact that you already are and then concentrate on ways to draw closer to Him?

When we don't know what to pray...

"And the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. For example, we don’t know what God wants us to pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words. (Romans 8:26 NLT)

One of the greatest promises of the Bible is contained in this verse.  Paul is describing the work of the Spirit reminding us that God has sent His Spirit to help us in time of need and weakness.  As an example, Paul talks about this matter of prayer.  He reminds us that even when we don't know what to pray or how to pray, that the Spirit prays on our behalf, speaking the deep longings of our hearts that we cannot even express with words.

Ever been to the point of not knowing what to pray or even how to begin to pray about a certain need?  Most of us have experienced such a moment during some portion of our spiritual journey.  Sometimes needs are so complex, problems so great, and solutions so vague, that it is beyond our wisdom to even know how to lift our petition before God. Sometimes, we don't even know where to start.  It's odd... so often we work through the solution that we desire from God before we even begin to pray.  Our prayers sound something like this, "God I need for you to do this or that and solve this problem, working in just this way..."  We don't really need God to solve the mystery surrounding our needs.  We just need Him to do we what tell Him to do.  Maybe there is a better way.  Maybe the soul-searching, no-idea-what-to-do kind of prayer is more honest, more humble, and more effective.  Not knowing what to pray is not always a bad thing.  Sometimes it forces us to be totally God-dependent.  It takes our wisdom, our thoughts, and our opinions totally out of the mix.  Such praying says to God, "I have no idea what to do.  I just need You to take control and demonstrate Your miraculous power."  Let me give you an example... Not long ago I was praying for a friend who has made a total mess of his life.  He has ruined his marriage, his career, and his reputation.  Though I have prayed for him on many occasions, I find myself at a loss currently, to know what else to pray or how to even go about it.  What I find myself doing is simply praying a prayer in which I place my total trust in God by saying, "Thy will be done."  The truth is, I don't have the answer to my friend's needs.  But God does.  So I have chosen to get out of the way and let God work.  The Spirit groans the inexpressible words of my heart and I am comforted, knowing that a better prayer than I can pray has been offered.  So take a little comfort today... the Spirit works mightily when your simple life falters.

Doing the Right Thing

A couple of days ago I was walking along the seashore at one of my favorite spots... the Georgia Coast at St. Simons Island.  I was out on the beach fairly early, which meant I had most of the beach to myself.  Except for a few pesky Seagulls, it was a rare moment of solitude.  I passed by an abandoned beach chair, that someone had obviously placed earlier in the morning hoping to claim a prime spot once the sun got a bit higher in the sky.  It was one of those canvas kinds like you see at picnic or ball game that comes folded up in a cloth cover.  About the time I passed the chair, the wind picked up the cover and sent it dancing down the beach.  It would tumble for a few feet and stop... and then tumble a bit further.  I looked around and there was not another soul in sight... no one to retrieve the cover.  I knew that within a few moments, it would find it's way into the surf and would be lost forever.

And so I started a pursuit of the tumbling cover.  It took a moment or two, but I finally clutched it in my hand and began walking back to the chair.  I took the time to wrap it around one of the legs and tied it off with a big knot.  Being assured that it was there to stay, I turned and continued my walk along the shore.  The owner would no doubt return to the chair at some moment and discover that "someone" had  secured the chair cover.

It was a simple act of kindness, simply done.  It was not the kind of noble act that will change the world or even be noticed.  But sometimes, we just need to do the right thing for the sake of doing the right thing.  Sometimes we need to act responsibly because that's what believers do.  We seize opportunities. We take advantage of a moment.  Walk through life long enough and you will discover a lot of opportunities to do good.  Faithful Christians should view such moments as opportunities to minister and not as distractions which interrupt life.  Get out your New Testament and read James 4:17.  "Therefore, to one who knows the right thing to do, and does not do it, to him it is sin."  Something about living the Christian life forces us to get involved.  We cannot simply look the other way when God brings an opportunity to our doorstep.  So keep your eyes and ears open.  Before this week ends, you may have an opportunity to do the right thing... to help, to heal, or to offer a hand.  It won't matter if no one else is looking.  The praise of men is not why we do what we do, but instead, it's the gentle nod from our Father that matters.

The Accidental Minister

Sometimes, you're just in the right place at the right time, or, depending on how you look at it, you're in the wrong place at just the right time.  Ever notice how God just has a way of arranging the events and people in your life in such a way that suddenly you find yourself thrust into a position to minister?  A couple of days ago a friend asked the question... "Are you willing to let Jesus interrupt your day in order to be used by Him for His glory?"  Good question.  Haunting question.  Is our faith important enough, vibrant enough, and life-altering enough that we would actually let Christ interrupt the routine of our lives?  I hope so.  Sometimes it happens that way.  In the course of an ordinary, mundane afternoon, you find yourself in a situation where you have the opportunity to get involved in the life of someone who needs you at that moment.  Ministry is never convenient.  It's messy, time consuming, and schedule altering.  But it is what we are called to do.  I hope that all of you are willing to deal with the interruption of ministry.  You may have one of those God-ordained moments even today.  I hope that when the interruption comes and a need is placed in your path, that you will actually see in the interruption an opportunity to help.  I hope you will see in the face of the one needing help, the face of Christ.

In the Image of God

       “God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them." Gen. 1:27

There is a lot going on in this single verse from the first chapter of Genesis.  Read the chapter carefully and you will see the image of Creator God as He brings order to what was once a "formless void."  At the height of His creative work, He brings humankind into being... made in His own likeness.  The power of God is demonstrated throughout the chapter as He simply "speaks" all things into existence.  Also, notice that God chooses to make humankind in His image.  Something about who we are, how we think, and perhaps even how we look, somehow reflects the image of our Father.  Also notice the instantaneous creation of both male and female.  From the beginning, the image of God is placed in both sexes.  There is no second class citizenship given, but rather an equality of creation.

Let's focus on what it means to be made in the image of God.  First, there is a sense in which we possess certain qualities that our Father possesses.  We can think, reason, exercise limited dominion, experience relationship, communicate, love, and re-create.  God has given us the ability to be like Him in many ways, though certainly never His equal.  He is Creator, we are still the creations.  But here's a second thought.  In the ancient Hebrew texts, the verse could be translated as... "God created man as His image" rather than using the word, "in His image." Of all things created, humankind alone is called upon to bear the image of God before the nations.  Think about it.  God has created us to represent Him before all creation.  What the world must know of God, it should begin to learn from each of us.  What a challenge... Are we like our Father?  Do we love unselfishly, share abundantly, forgive extravagantly, treat others patiently?  It's something to think about.

        So what do you think it means for you to have been made in the image of God?  What does it take, day to day, to represent Him before the nations?  If you fail to represent The Father, then what image do you share with others?  Give me some feedback... Tell me what disciplines are needed in your life to bear His image.  Has anyone seen in you, the love of Christ and the compassion of The Father?  Who has borne the image of God to you recently, and how did you recognize His appearing in others?  Let's start a conversation.

jrr

As you can see, Woodmont is in the process of trying to create a new forum for on-going conversation about the Bible and other Spiritual matters.  My goal is to add a post early each week about a particular topic or Bible passage and ask all of you to join in the conversation.  This blog should provide us with the opportunity to hear from each other, share thoughts, and offer insights throughout the week.

Welcome To Woodmont Baptist Church

There are many words that can describe what it means to be "church."  Here at Woodmont, one of the most important words we use is the word, "family."  We believe through the love of Christ that God has knit us together as one body.  At Woodmont you will truly experience a sense of belonging.  We take very seriously the call to be brothers and sisters to one another.  We rejoice, cry, pray, serve, celebrate, and grow together in faith.  It is our goal to ensure that all who come under the Ministry of our Congregation will be included, loved, and nurtured.  Let me invite you to plug-in to life here at Woodmont and discover what it really means to be part of a family of faith.

Dr. Jon Roebuck,
Senior Pastor