The Saints of CLF

My wife was right. As usual I drove myself through the holidays, took no real time off and once more paid for it in January. First of all, praise the Lord that there is a lot going on at CLF. Our activities (who would have thought so much for a small church) have kept me going as we continue to lay the foundation for a church that hopes to grow strong in our knowledge, delight and love for our Lord and strong in sustained outreach to our community. All of this and more kept me going pretty much non-stop until last Friday when my body cashed in on the year long I.O.U. I had given it. By this time last week I was down and out for the count.

It couldn’t have come at worse time. I had been gearing up for another fun-filled weekend of teaching, worship, fellowship and outreach. We had scheduled a couples fellowship for Sat. evening, I was in the middle of a series of messages for the new year and had begun a special Sunday school class on spiritual health that I intended to wrap up on that Sunday. Along with that we had our regular bi-weekly leadership training (which of course was to be followed by a viewing of the Pack vs. the Gmen.) The MLK Day of Service was to be a fitting cap to the weekend as the building we use was a registered site and we were expecting a few dozen volunteers whom we would work with and serve lunch to.

And yet there I was, confined to my room, getting no sleep and wondering (when I was somewhat coherent) how I could have chills and still sweat enough to soak through a couple of undershirts. But while I was down and out the Lord was working through the people of God. My wife remained with me to care for, comfort and console me. And the saints of God continued with the work of ministry. One of our good young brothers took over and preached the word of God, and one of our newer brothers (who coordinated the day of service for the local rec center) led our efforts on the MLK day of service. A couple of our faithful sisters thoroughly cleaned my office (I didn’t even know the carpet was green) and the saints called, prayed, dropped by and reaffirmed their love for me and my family. Through this short, light sickness the Lord reminded me of how grateful I should be for those I’m privileged to serve as pastor. They truly are my joy and I praise Him for their love for me, our Lord and His kingdom. Lord willing I’ll recall some of the lessons of this past week and learn to slow down, eat better and learn to say no. But if I don’t and the Lord suffers to put me on my back again for a week or so I can at least rest knowing that He will continue to work through His people for His glory and the praise of His glorious grace in Jesus Christ.

To Him Who Loves Us…
Pastor Lance

Bishop O.T. Jones Jr.

This past Saturday marked the passing into glory of one of God’s servants, the honorable Bishop O.T. Jones Jr. who served as pastor of the Holy Temple Church of God in Christ and presided over the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania jurisdiction of COGIC for many, many years. Due to declining health Bishop Jones had not actively served his church since the late 90’s. Though I’ve never been an active member of COGIC I have many family members who are and have attended many worship services at Holy Temple through the years. I greatly admired Bishop Jones for his humble demeanor and genuine love for those he pastored. He never came off to me as one who was caught up in being a bishop and though he was treated with great respect, love and care by those he served he never seemed to view them as pawns to be used to move onto bigger and better things.

One of the things I appreciated about Bishop Jones was the way he took time to speak with everyone who wanted to talk with him following a service or event at Holy Temple. I admired the way he spoke to those he served during the Commonwealth’s convocations when he exhorted God’s people to press toward holiness and witness of the gospel of Jesus Christ. I remember Bishop Jones when reflecting on God’s call for me to view and treat those I serve with gentleness, love, humility and respect. I deeply respect that Bishop Jones didn’t seem to need an opulent lifestyle to validate his status and that he lived in the community where he served. I’m especially grateful for how gracious and encouraging he was to me a young minister who was not apart of his church. It seemed that whenever I attended a service my mother, and aunt or cousin would take me to the front and once more introduce me to Bishop Jones. He was patient, kind, always smiled and never failed to encourage me to persevere in God’s calling.

My guess is that many within the wider evangelical church never even heard of Bishop Jones and as far as I know he wrote no books and didn’t have much interaction with mainstream evangelicals. Was Bishop Jones as Calvinist? No he was not. But he was what I hope to become. A man of God who loved his Lord, loved his people and served them faithfully until death.

The Lord’s Peace
Pastor Lance

West Side Story

Before blue-ray, dvd, and vhs there was CBS, NBC and ABC. Before disc, dish and cable there was CBS, NBC and ABC. Before Blockbuster, you tube and internet streaming there was you guessed it CBS, NBC, and ABC. When I was around 8 my mother told me of a movie called West Side Story that was coming on network television. Being in that stage between Chitty-Chitty Bang-Bang and Enter The Dragon I pretty much blew off some dumb musical based on a play. However being the dutiful son I sat down and watched the first few scenes before going onto bigger and better things (btw what did we do before play station and Madden?)

Anyway from the first bars of the opening song I was hooked. That movie was baaaaaaaaaaaad. And the Jets were da bomb. I still remember the first few words of their theme song ‘when you’re a Jet you’re a Jet all the way from your first cigarette to your last dying day‘. I watched mesmerized as the actors danced and sang across the screen exulting in their complete control of their small piece of turf. Their joy in being a Jet was contagious and it seemed that nothing or no one stood in their way until the song was abruptly cut by Ricardo. Ricardo clearly wasn’t from the West Side and he definitely was not a Jet nor did they have any intention of making him one. At first Ricardo wasn’t much of a threat. However little by little more of his friends began showing up. (before I go on you need to know that this is not a piece on immigration or racial reconciliation) By the end of the movie the Jets are in a turf war with the Sharks.

Sometimes I feel like a Jet (stay with me here folks). I walk the streets of my community, shop at the local supermarket (which is a pretty decent one) for groceries and once in a while drop in on the local big box store and see the growing influence of Islam. I see African-American men and women who may or may not have had some kind of Christian influence adopting the garb of muslims. I look and wonder if the church is taking note of this and if so do we have any plans to address it. For all our wrangling over the supposed blackness of the church my guess is that these new converts aren’t embracing Islam because the music at Temple # 2 is more stimulating than that of Second Baptist or the local imam can bring the hoop with more power and eloquence than Rev. Brown. I’m concerned because while some of our churches are mainly focused on buying and filling abandoned sports stadiums local Muslims are investing themselves in our communities and working the youth. I’m concerned because the conviction that what one believes about God, scripture, mankind, sin, salvation, Jesus Christ and the church is an irrelevant matter of personal preference has left many of our members without the slightest clue of how to accurately and adequately present a cogent account of the gospel or explain other important aspects of biblical truth.
I’m concerned that when those looking for spiritual direction do drop in on us they’re treated to a superficial show that focuses on temporary bling (called blessings) and are told that these ‘blessings’ are directly tied to ensuring that the voodoo guru up front lives a fabulously lavish lifestyle generated from their income.

I'm concerned that my West Side Story might turn into a tragedy when what is now a trickle mushrooms into a flood as our older churches will close only to be purchased by those who declare ‘all praises due to Allah who has no son’.

To Him Who Loves Us…
Pastor Lance

I Like Mike!

I like Mike! (no, not that Mike, more on him later) I’m talking about Michael Nutter the new mayor of Philadelphia. Mayor Nutter was elected with well over 80 percent of the vote meaning that he pulled overwhelming support from the vast majority of city neighborhoods and voting public. In a city usually defined by our divisions Mayor Nutter did very well among all demographic groups. Blacks, white, the well to do and those not doing so well have marked Mike as our man for at least the next four years. Hyzone was sworn in yesterday and gave a stirring address regarding the problems, challenges and opportunities the City of Brotherly Love faces as the last years of the first decade of this new millennium drain away.

And what challenges they are. Like most large American cities Philly is plagued with violence, corruption, poor schools, dated infrastructure and an entrenched bureaucracy. Those however are just the symptoms of a city whose sense of hope, unity and optimism seemed to be in a deep freeze the last several years. In my pastoral prayer this past Sunday I prayed for our mayor and also those of us who populate the speed bump between N.Y. and D.C. I prayed that we would realize that Mayor Nutter is the mayor, not superman or a savior. That he’s one man and that this is our city and therefore we have a responsibility to get connected, get involved and do our part.

Praying for Mayor Nutter reminded me of the church’s witness within a city, community and region. Just how should we respond to a city struggling with a 45% high school drop out rate, senseless and random murder among our youth, an economic system that seems tilted to the well heeled and well to do, and politicians who many times seem more interested in a photo op than in tackling the issues of their constituents? How does the church’s mission to make disciples of Jesus Christ intersect with our ministry to the city? How far do we go in working with those who don’t believe in or acknowledge Jesus Christ? I voted for Mr. Nutter in the primary and general election. Does my responsibility end there? I also voted for our new councilman (we needed a new one since our old one just became the mayor) and am thinking of organizing a community meeting where he can come and address the issues of our neighborhood. In fact if I had the time I would seriously consider Mayor Nutter’s call to public service. The mayor has asked anyone who wants to submit his or her resume and take a position working for his administration. The position could be paid or unpaid and would involve working on the behalf of the city.

While some might argue that this is not my place I would beg to differ. God has ordained the institution of government and politics for the protection of the poor and powerless and the general order of society. Is the political process flawed? Of course it is. Politics along with every other human institution is populated by fallen, sinful, selfish people. However that doesn’t mean that believers must opt out of politics completely. And contrary to popular belief the church cannot and for the most part has no intention of really seeing to all of the needs of the dependent poor. It’s therefore superfluous and disingenuous of us to say that government should get out of the business of addressing the needs of the poor so that the church can do so even as we pour our resources into sound and light systems costing tens of thousands of dollars. Is government the answer to all our social ills? Not it is not. As I said before Mayor Nutter is neither superman nor savior. As such he needs both the church’s prayers and participation.

To Him Who Loves Us…
Pastor Lance

Obama 08?

The recently concluded Iowa caucuses have crowned (for now) two new front runners for this year’s presidential campaign. From what I hear and read it appears that many Christian conservatives are cautiously optimistic about Gov. Mike Huckabee’s showing and hope that he will eventually secure the Republican parties nomination. The Democratic winner in Iowa, Sen. Barack Obama surprised more than a few by boasting around 37 or 38% of the democratic tally. This is in a state sits squarely in America’s heartland and is 90% white. Though much of black America is still wondering if Barack is black enough, it seems his message of change, hope and unity is hitting home with many of those who make up ‘white’ America.

Both however would agree that there is a long way to go and a whole lot can happen within the next couple of weeks. Now that we’re waist deep into the next presidential election I’d like to offer a few thoughts (just thoughts no endorsements) for those who swear allegiance to the Lord of lords and King of kings, Jesus Christ. These thoughts stem from Sen. Obama’s showing which could indicate that a great many folks regardless of age, ethnicity and political leanings want change even if they don’t know what it means. One could posit that if Sen. Obama could do that well in Iowa he could easily carry most of the western, southwestern, mid-western and northeastern states in a general election. In fact he might even pick off a southern state or two. It could be that by this time next year the United States of America may be preparing to swear in its first African-American president who was elected largely on the notions of hope, change and unity.

Should that be the case I wonder how bible believing Christians would respond? Will the election of Sen. Obama send us into a state of lament and woe as we await (and perhaps secretly hope for) God’s judgment on the nation for making such a ‘bad’ choice? Will we consider checking out of the political process, circling our wagons and try and wait it out until 2012? Will evangelicals respond by joining the vitriolic conservative media army and take every opportunity to disrespect, insult and demean the man? And how might we respond to those who voted for Sen. Obama? Will we write and circulate caustic articles challenging the faith of anyone who dared to cast a ballot for him? Will we let it be known that neither President Obama, his wife, his children, those who support him and anyone deceived enough to vote for him are welcome in our churches? Instead of genuinely praying for the man and his administration will be waste our time hoping for his demise and impeachment? Should Sen. Obama win largely because people truly believe he’s an agent for hope and unity will we take that as a sign that God has finally forsaken America and absolutely refuse to have anything to do with him, our neighbors (yes I mean our democratic ones) and this country?

Sound far fetched you say? Bible believing evangelicals would never do such things you say? Believers who are committed to inerrancy and authority of scripture would never disrespect their leaders? Evangelicals who claim that God has revealed truth that is absolute and thus binding for all people at all times would always seek to do good and even treat those who oppose us with respect and dignity? Really now? Well here’s a little test. For those old enough to remember recall the last time a liberal democrat was elected to the nation’s highest office. Did you read and pass on any disrespecting jokes about President Clinton and his wife? Would those who voted for him felt welcome in your church’s coffee hour after worship? Was he and his administration the subject of our prayers or more the object of our scorn and derision? Having lived among and served with an evangelical church during President Clinton’s time in office I can only pray that we’ve grown more humble and more godly. I hope and pray that we put our belief in God’s sovereignty and goodness into practice by seeking to be agents of unity and peace in our community. And if we do not. If we decide to treat President Obama much the way we treated President Clinton then maybe evangelical conservatives should just drop the label and just call ourselves conservatives. Maybe we should accept what we are which is simply another political power bloc concerned only with getting our guys in office so that we can get what we want and willing to use anything including religion to achieve our ultimate purpose.

To Him Who Loves Us…
Pastor Lance

Happy Kwanzaa?

Watch it now folks. Be sure to set those phasers to stun. I want to talk a little about the other holiday. No not Chanukah. I’m talking about Kwanzaa. My guess is that most of you don’t flow with the big K but that doesn’t keep you from having an opinion about it. From what I can see most black folks I know don’t do the Kwanzaa thing either. For one it’s a week long trek and most of us are just plain wiped out after the Big Toy day. Second there seems to be too much involved especially for those of us who’ve splurged our energy quota on the Winter Solstice holiday. For most Kwanzaa passes with a few obligatory ‘Happy Kwanzaa’s’ to maintain the façade that we’re keeping it real and are still down with whatever blackness we have left.

A few years ago I wrote a response to an article that warned black Christians to stay as far away from Kwanzaa as possible. The writer seemed to believe that Kwanzaa was deliberately intended to take the focus off of Christmas and draw unsuspecting black Christians into a man-made celebration of culture that had nothing whatsoever to do with the birth of Christ. He then urged black Christians refrain from all references to Kwanzaa and to be sure they keep the Christ in Christmas. I responded to this brother for a number of reasons. Firstly, I would never tell him to refuse to celebrate July 4th just because political and not spiritual freedom is the core of the celebration. Secondly, I presume he wouldn’t tell believers of other ethnicities to refuse to celebrate holidays that had particular meaning in their culture as long as that meaning wasn’t a religious one. Thirdly if European Christians could transform an overtly pagan holiday into the celebration of Jesus’ birth then why can’t black Christians celebrate Kwanzaa with a Christian emphasis?

For those who aren’t aware of the actual genesis of Christmas it may be helpful to do a little research on it. In the ancient Roman empire Dec. 25 in all likelihood featured the celebration of the ‘re-birth’ of a pagan deity. Pagan priests would go throughout the city and its temples celebrating his birth with singing, gift-giving and other aspects we associate with the celebration of Christmas. It appears that sometime between 330 and 340 AD Emperor Constantine declared this pagan celebration a Christian holy day commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ and thus Christmas as we know it was born.

I wonder if some of our ancient brothers and sisters questioned this decision? I mean one year they’re ignoring yet another debased pagan celebration and then the next they’re told that Dec. 25 is now to be celebrated as the birth of their Lord. If some of the early saints had reservations I’m sure you could see why. For one the scriptures are quite clear as to some of the most important details surrounding the birth of Jesus Christ and yet nowhere do they mention the date of His birth. If that weren’t enough they may have raised the issue that uniting the birth of the world’s savior with a pagan holiday was a tad bit syncretistic. Isn’t it possible that if the church brought the practice of singing, gift-giving, etc. that pagans might assume it’s alright to intermingle other aspects of pagan idolatry with biblical Christianity? Others however could have responded that celebrating Dec. 25th as the birth of Christ could give the church a golden opportunity to declare the gospel to the very pagans who are already open to the belief of deity coming into the world via a human birth. Whether or not those concerns were raised we now know and live with the reality that the vast majority of Christians celebrate Dec. 25th as the date of Jesus’ birth. In effect ancient European Christians converted a pagan holiday into a celebration of worship of our Lord even while keeping many of pagan details of the holiday.

Could the same be said of Kwanzaa? I’m not saying that black believers should try and convert Kwanzaa into another Christian holiday. However, could we not observe it with a Christian emphasis? Some would say absolutely not! They could claim (rightly) that the creator of Kwanzaa did not want religion to be apart of the celebration and actually disdained biblical Christianity. Of course one of the main problems with that stance is that the notion of any communal celebration divorced from the Creator is very un-African. Since Kwanzaa means a celebration of the first fruits couldn’t we use this holiday to lift the eyes of those searching for purpose, unity, community and faith to the real Lord of the harvest?

And even if you have no intention of celebrating or observing Kwanzaa it may not be necessary for you to cast a pharisaic gaze at those who bid you a Happy Kwanzaa. Just reciprocate their wish and pray that the Lord of the harvest will grant you the opportunity to share with them the ultimate blessing of the first fruits.

Happy Kwanzaa
Pastor Lance

How Then Shall We Vote?

It’s less than a month until the Iowa caucuses which begins the 2008 presidential election race. I’m sure many of you have followed the candidates, issues, debates and gaffes from the consistent coverage provided on blogs, newscasts, mags and newspapers. I’m not here to offer an endorsement (not that it would matter) but to offer some thoughts on politics in general and this election in particular.
I offer these thoughts because bible believing Christians are an influential and much sought after constituency for both parties. It seems unlikely that the eventual republican nominee will attain that position without significant support from conservative evangelicals who by the way are mainly white. Nor is it probable that the eventual democratic nominee will lead his or her parties ticket without the support of liberal bible believing Christians most of whom are African-Americans.

How then shall we vote? For many the answer to that question is concrete and clear even while it remains quite divisive. The vast majority of my conservative evangelical brothers, sisters, colleagues and friends are committed to voting for the republican nominee. On the flip side the vast majority of my liberal bible believing brothers, sisters, colleagues and friends are just as committed to voting for the democratic nominee. Both groups are convinced that biblical convictions are driving their decisions. How could one group of people that agree on some of the deepest issues involving eternity have such a divide on some of the most significant issues concerning life in this age? I suspect the reasons are many and perhaps I’ll have time to explore them in future posts.

For now I want to give you an idea of where I’m coming from and hopefully offer some helpful counsel regarding pursuing our witness through the murky waters of politics.
My initial thoughts on the role of politics and government are taken from Deut. 16:18-20

Appoint judges and officials for each of your tribes in every town the LORD your God is giving you, and they shall judge the people fairly. Do not pervert justice or show partiality. Do not accept a bribe, for a bribe blinds the eyes of the wise and twists the words of the righteous. Follow justice and justice alone, so that you may live and possess the land the LORD your God is giving you.
Those of us who wish to be guided by scripture with regards to our political decisions have to take this important passage into account.

This passage differs from those in the New Testament that address the issue of government in that it is not given in response to a question. Jesus, Paul and Peter responded to questions concerning how God’s people they were to live in the midst of ungodly governments. It seems that many believers today tend to confine what scripture says about government and politics to those texts alone. In my view however the Deuteronomy passage speaks more to God’s basic motivation for instituting government. God instituted government among His people to carry out biblical social justice. This justice was to be applied to great and small, rich and poor, native Hebrew and immigrant. Other passages indicate that God was particularly concerned with social justice for the poor and powerless (see Exod. 23:1-9, Psalm 82, Isa. 10:1-4 and take special note of Deut. 10:17-19).

How then shall we vote? I’m not entirely sure nor do I plan to encourage you to pick one candidate over another. And that isn’t even the most important aspect of this discussion. As I said before, bible believing Christians from various ethnicities, socio-economic groups and political parties will have a large say in who become the next President of the United States. The question is will that person ride the crest of bible waving support focused on pursuing justice and justice alone or simply use God’s people to pursue the narrow and selfish interest that seems so rampant in politics today?

To Him Who Loves Us…
Pastor Lance