Pastor's corner
April 6, 2025
Missions Month 2025 is now in the rearview mirror. However, missions is not. Missions is an ever-present calling of the church. And all those who have been born again through the sacrificial work of Jesus Christ accomplished on the cross and confirmed through the resurrection are to be a part of this thing we call missions. After all, it’s this same Jesus who said, “Go…” So we are to go.
The going of missions, though, looks a little bit different for each and every follower of Christ. If all Christians were to go to the uttermost, packing their bags and moving to another part of our world, there would simply be a reshuffling of Christ followers all over the world. Christians from North America will have gone to South America, Africa, and Europe. Asian Christians will have come to North America, Europe, and Australia. Australian Christians will have gone to Africa, South America, and Asia. I think you get the point.
The fact of the matter is, most Christians will remain in their “home” contexts; their home country, likely region of the country, and often times even the same city or town they grew up in. That’s not a bad thing. In fact, that’s a good thing. The work of missions requires a strong “home front.” In order to fulfill the calling of Jesus, that call to go—the Great Commission, churches need the stability and consistency that faithful Christians who are growing in sanctification and in their desire to be obedient to Christ provides.
Prior to going to India in 1793 William Carey famously said, “I will go down into the pit, if you will hold the rope.” Carey was metaphorically speaking of being willing to leave England to go to the country of India, going down into the pit, if his church and other supporting churches were willing to help him by holding the rope, supporting him through prayer and finances. But it wasn’t Carey who established that model. It was there from the very beginning of the spread of the gospel.
In Philippians 4:15-16 the Apostle Paul wrote, “Now you Philippians know also that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church shared with me concerning giving and receiving but you only. For even in Thessalonica you sent aid once and again for my necessities.” Paul (and others) went, while the church of Philippi sent. We could also say that the church of Antioch sent Paul (Saul) as well Barnabas. In Acts 13:2-3 we read, “As they ministered to the Lord and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, “Now separate to Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” Then, having fasted and prayed, and laid hands on them, they sent them away.”
What did that sending away entail? Was there financial support? Was their material support? We don’t know exactly. But we do know that there was a strong “home front,” sending church, Antioch, which affirmed the calling of God upon the lives of Paul and Barnabas. Their sending church supported them in their endeavors, sought the Lord through prayer and fasting, laid their hands on them, and then sent them out. Undoubtedly they continued to pray for the missionary endeavors of Paul and Barnabas and would stay faithful to them as co-laborers in the gospel. It’s a beautiful picture of the way that God designed missions to work.
So what does all of that have to do with us, Berean, or more specifically, me, a member of Berean? Well, the answer to that question brings us back to Christ’s command to go. Yes, all Christians are to be a part of this commission to go, but some are to faithfully hold the ropes at home, while others physically and faithfully go. As a church, we need to be doing both. It’s the model of the New Testament.
One more question still remains, then, “How is the church to determine who goes and who stays to support those who go?” Ultimately the answer is found back in Acts 13 as the Holy Spirit led the church to separate out Paul and Barnabas for specific missionary work. In order for that to happen, though, there was preparation for that work. That preparation begins at the end of Acts 7, as we’re first introduced to Saul, and Acts 4, as we’re first introduced to Barnabas. God first did a lot of work in the hearts and lives of these two men before they were affirmed by the church in Antioch to be sent out as missionaries.
It’s here where I want to introduce something to and for our church that will help us as a church to better do both the work of sending/supporting as well as going. It follows the biblical model, and it’s called the Berean Missions Collective (BMC). This ministry is being birthed out of a vision and desire that God, through His Word and the working of His Spirit, has laid upon the heart of Scott Hudgins. Much of what follows comes from Scott. However, this is also a vision and desire already of many others within our church, it simply hasn’t been as clearly articulated.
So what is the Berean Missions Collective? The purpose statement of the BMC is as follows: “The Berean Missions Collective exists to inspire and equip members through reading and studying about missions for the purpose of increasing corporate and individual obedience in the Great Commission.”
Who can participate? The Berean Missions Collective is for anyone who loves missions and wants to learn more about missions. Participants will purchase their own books. We will start with a book on missions and follow-up with a missionary biography. The first book we will be reading and working through is a small book entitled Missions: How the Local Church Goes Global by Andy Johnson. We will read a chapter a week. At the end of the month (only once a month), we will gather online on the Google Meet platform. Scott will send a link to any and all who sign up for the virtual interest meeting and then express interest in the BMC. The purpose of the monthly online meetings will be to talk about what we are learning through our reading. Scott (or someone who has been trained) will then guide the discussion in order to stay focused and accomplish the specific goals of the time together.
Following this initial book, we will then read and discuss the missionary biography of John G. Paton by Paul Schlehlein. That’s the pattern of the study of the BMC, a book about missions, a missionary biography, a book about missions, a missionary biography, etc.
What are the potential benefits of this group? Many, some of which are increased desire, knowledge, and obedient action in missions. This can be seen through personal evangelism, Faith Promise Missions giving, and greater participation in short-term missions trips. This also creates a natural pool of potential Missions Committee members, as well as seeing individuals called to stateside ministry and/or full-time cross-cultural missions as they are prepared for the work that God will call them to, and the church, through the leadership of the Holy Spirit, is ready and able to affirm.
Personally, I am extremely excited for the beginning of the Berean Missions Collective. I hope that each of you reading this would at least consider being a part of this group. Together we will become better equipped for our role in helping to fulfill the Great Commission. To God be all honor, glory, and praise as we pursue His heart, a heart to see people from every tribe, tongue, and nation worshipping at His throne.
The going of missions, though, looks a little bit different for each and every follower of Christ. If all Christians were to go to the uttermost, packing their bags and moving to another part of our world, there would simply be a reshuffling of Christ followers all over the world. Christians from North America will have gone to South America, Africa, and Europe. Asian Christians will have come to North America, Europe, and Australia. Australian Christians will have gone to Africa, South America, and Asia. I think you get the point.
The fact of the matter is, most Christians will remain in their “home” contexts; their home country, likely region of the country, and often times even the same city or town they grew up in. That’s not a bad thing. In fact, that’s a good thing. The work of missions requires a strong “home front.” In order to fulfill the calling of Jesus, that call to go—the Great Commission, churches need the stability and consistency that faithful Christians who are growing in sanctification and in their desire to be obedient to Christ provides.
Prior to going to India in 1793 William Carey famously said, “I will go down into the pit, if you will hold the rope.” Carey was metaphorically speaking of being willing to leave England to go to the country of India, going down into the pit, if his church and other supporting churches were willing to help him by holding the rope, supporting him through prayer and finances. But it wasn’t Carey who established that model. It was there from the very beginning of the spread of the gospel.
In Philippians 4:15-16 the Apostle Paul wrote, “Now you Philippians know also that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church shared with me concerning giving and receiving but you only. For even in Thessalonica you sent aid once and again for my necessities.” Paul (and others) went, while the church of Philippi sent. We could also say that the church of Antioch sent Paul (Saul) as well Barnabas. In Acts 13:2-3 we read, “As they ministered to the Lord and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, “Now separate to Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” Then, having fasted and prayed, and laid hands on them, they sent them away.”
What did that sending away entail? Was there financial support? Was their material support? We don’t know exactly. But we do know that there was a strong “home front,” sending church, Antioch, which affirmed the calling of God upon the lives of Paul and Barnabas. Their sending church supported them in their endeavors, sought the Lord through prayer and fasting, laid their hands on them, and then sent them out. Undoubtedly they continued to pray for the missionary endeavors of Paul and Barnabas and would stay faithful to them as co-laborers in the gospel. It’s a beautiful picture of the way that God designed missions to work.
So what does all of that have to do with us, Berean, or more specifically, me, a member of Berean? Well, the answer to that question brings us back to Christ’s command to go. Yes, all Christians are to be a part of this commission to go, but some are to faithfully hold the ropes at home, while others physically and faithfully go. As a church, we need to be doing both. It’s the model of the New Testament.
One more question still remains, then, “How is the church to determine who goes and who stays to support those who go?” Ultimately the answer is found back in Acts 13 as the Holy Spirit led the church to separate out Paul and Barnabas for specific missionary work. In order for that to happen, though, there was preparation for that work. That preparation begins at the end of Acts 7, as we’re first introduced to Saul, and Acts 4, as we’re first introduced to Barnabas. God first did a lot of work in the hearts and lives of these two men before they were affirmed by the church in Antioch to be sent out as missionaries.
It’s here where I want to introduce something to and for our church that will help us as a church to better do both the work of sending/supporting as well as going. It follows the biblical model, and it’s called the Berean Missions Collective (BMC). This ministry is being birthed out of a vision and desire that God, through His Word and the working of His Spirit, has laid upon the heart of Scott Hudgins. Much of what follows comes from Scott. However, this is also a vision and desire already of many others within our church, it simply hasn’t been as clearly articulated.
So what is the Berean Missions Collective? The purpose statement of the BMC is as follows: “The Berean Missions Collective exists to inspire and equip members through reading and studying about missions for the purpose of increasing corporate and individual obedience in the Great Commission.”
Who can participate? The Berean Missions Collective is for anyone who loves missions and wants to learn more about missions. Participants will purchase their own books. We will start with a book on missions and follow-up with a missionary biography. The first book we will be reading and working through is a small book entitled Missions: How the Local Church Goes Global by Andy Johnson. We will read a chapter a week. At the end of the month (only once a month), we will gather online on the Google Meet platform. Scott will send a link to any and all who sign up for the virtual interest meeting and then express interest in the BMC. The purpose of the monthly online meetings will be to talk about what we are learning through our reading. Scott (or someone who has been trained) will then guide the discussion in order to stay focused and accomplish the specific goals of the time together.
Following this initial book, we will then read and discuss the missionary biography of John G. Paton by Paul Schlehlein. That’s the pattern of the study of the BMC, a book about missions, a missionary biography, a book about missions, a missionary biography, etc.
What are the potential benefits of this group? Many, some of which are increased desire, knowledge, and obedient action in missions. This can be seen through personal evangelism, Faith Promise Missions giving, and greater participation in short-term missions trips. This also creates a natural pool of potential Missions Committee members, as well as seeing individuals called to stateside ministry and/or full-time cross-cultural missions as they are prepared for the work that God will call them to, and the church, through the leadership of the Holy Spirit, is ready and able to affirm.
Personally, I am extremely excited for the beginning of the Berean Missions Collective. I hope that each of you reading this would at least consider being a part of this group. Together we will become better equipped for our role in helping to fulfill the Great Commission. To God be all honor, glory, and praise as we pursue His heart, a heart to see people from every tribe, tongue, and nation worshipping at His throne.
March 30, 2025
As we as a church come to the final Sunday of our Missions Month, I wanted to reflect a little bit upon what we’ve heard, what we’ve been challenged with, and just think through “next steps.” Some of this is for my own purposes, to be able to process what I’m thinking by putting my thoughts to the page through writing, while another side of this is me wanting to encourage anyone who reads these words to think through their next steps. So, hopefully, it won’t just be rambling, but rather a focused attempt to honor God by being a doer of the Word and not hearers only (James 1:22-25).
The first thing that has been really impactful to me with this year’s Missions Month is the way in which missions work has been so clearly presented from so many perspectives. We’ve seen local ministries, regional ministries, support ministries, as well as global ministries, and each, in their own unique ways, are reaching across boundaries so that others may know Christ—missions. With that thought, let me give you my functional definition of missions—crossing cultural, ethnic, and/or geographical boundaries to reach people with the message of the good news of Jesus Christ. That can take place in our own city, in our own state, in our own country, or when we leave our country for the purpose of making disciples of Jesus Christ. It’s the living out of the command of Acts 1:8, and what it takes is intentionality and follow through of action to cross one or more of those boundaries out of love for God and love for others.
The second take away, at least for myself, from Missions Month is an encouragement to serve with even greater joy. Each of our speakers showed an awesome commitment to missions and a love for the work that God has called them to. When we fully embrace the work of the believer, the call to go and make disciples, and we find the avenue that God is calling us to commit to, it’s a joy not drudgery. Now don’t take me wrong, I do take joy in pastoring, the work of teaching, equipping, discipling, loving the flock, as well as evangelism, but this month I’ve been all the more encouraged to lean into the calling and work that God has given me, especially as my work intersects with missions. I hope that you too are being encouraged to find how you can best serve the Lord in this area of missions.
Then, thirdly, I’ve been challenged to step out by faith financially and prayerfully. I’m excited to be able to increase the amount that my family is giving to Faith Promise missions, as I’ve seen the faithfulness of the Lord over and over again. I have come to learn that we can never out give God. I’ve also committed to daily praying for one of the missionary families or missions ministries that our church supports. I’m going to use our missionary directory for this, and look forward to an even closer connection to our missionary family.
Maybe some of these thoughts are similar to those of your own. If so, I hope you will take action. When the Holy Spirit prompts our heart, it’s never just to get an emotional response. He’s doing so to initiate a step of action from us.
Missions Month only happens once a year here at Berean. However, missions work happens every day, and if we yield ourselves to the working of the Spirit, we will be in line with the plan of the Father that always leads to the glorification of the Son. Let’s get to work and rejoice in the fact that we even have the privilege to do so.
The first thing that has been really impactful to me with this year’s Missions Month is the way in which missions work has been so clearly presented from so many perspectives. We’ve seen local ministries, regional ministries, support ministries, as well as global ministries, and each, in their own unique ways, are reaching across boundaries so that others may know Christ—missions. With that thought, let me give you my functional definition of missions—crossing cultural, ethnic, and/or geographical boundaries to reach people with the message of the good news of Jesus Christ. That can take place in our own city, in our own state, in our own country, or when we leave our country for the purpose of making disciples of Jesus Christ. It’s the living out of the command of Acts 1:8, and what it takes is intentionality and follow through of action to cross one or more of those boundaries out of love for God and love for others.
The second take away, at least for myself, from Missions Month is an encouragement to serve with even greater joy. Each of our speakers showed an awesome commitment to missions and a love for the work that God has called them to. When we fully embrace the work of the believer, the call to go and make disciples, and we find the avenue that God is calling us to commit to, it’s a joy not drudgery. Now don’t take me wrong, I do take joy in pastoring, the work of teaching, equipping, discipling, loving the flock, as well as evangelism, but this month I’ve been all the more encouraged to lean into the calling and work that God has given me, especially as my work intersects with missions. I hope that you too are being encouraged to find how you can best serve the Lord in this area of missions.
Then, thirdly, I’ve been challenged to step out by faith financially and prayerfully. I’m excited to be able to increase the amount that my family is giving to Faith Promise missions, as I’ve seen the faithfulness of the Lord over and over again. I have come to learn that we can never out give God. I’ve also committed to daily praying for one of the missionary families or missions ministries that our church supports. I’m going to use our missionary directory for this, and look forward to an even closer connection to our missionary family.
Maybe some of these thoughts are similar to those of your own. If so, I hope you will take action. When the Holy Spirit prompts our heart, it’s never just to get an emotional response. He’s doing so to initiate a step of action from us.
Missions Month only happens once a year here at Berean. However, missions work happens every day, and if we yield ourselves to the working of the Spirit, we will be in line with the plan of the Father that always leads to the glorification of the Son. Let’s get to work and rejoice in the fact that we even have the privilege to do so.
March 23, 2025
In the book of Revelation, we read these words from the Apostle John, words that he used to describe an almost indescribable scene: “9 After these things I looked, and behold, a great multitude which no one could number, of all nations, tribes, peoples, and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, with palm branches in their hands, 10 and crying out with a loud voice, saying, “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!” 11 All the angels stood around the throne and the elders and the four living creatures, and fell on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, 12 saying: “Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom, thanksgiving and honor and power and might, be to our God forever and ever. Amen.”
Can you imagine that scene? Can you imagine that throne? Can you imagine that representation of peoples from all the nations of the earth? Can you imagine seeing the one who sits upon the throne and the one beside Him, the Lamb of God? It’s all astounding. But one day, that is what all Christians will behold when they stand in heaven. One day we will see the culmination of all of the missionary endeavors from all of time. One day we will see the fullness of that which God loved, the peoples of the earth.
Whenever I stop to contemplate this scene from Revelation 7, or the events of Revelation 5 and 6 that lead up to this scene as the Lamb of God, the Lord Jesus Christ, is declared worthy to open the seals, and then does so, there’s just something that wells up within me. Perhaps it's the Holy Spirit pointing me back to this glorious truth. Perhaps it’s a longing to see these people from every tribe, tongue and nation worshipping God alongside me. Perhaps it’s the desire to know that the work of evangelism, the work of missions, has a purpose so much greater than ourselves. Whatever the reason, it’s powerful, and God uses the truth of His Word in passages like this to motivate, challenge, and encourage faithfulness to the plan that He put into motion and that He will bring to completion.
The big question then becomes, what will I do with this glorious truth? If this truth is meant to motivate, challenge, and encourage faithfulness, what is it that God expects of me in that faithfulness? The answer is action. It’s the living out of James 1:22, “But be doers of the word, and not hearers only.” God expects us to be motivated to help fulfill the great commission, to be a part of going and making disciples of all nations. For some people that means literally going, going to another people, another nation, another language group to proclaim the message of salvation by grace through faith in Jesus Christ and Him alone. For others, that means helping to send those who do go by the giving of finances and the offering up of prayers. What we can’t do is say that we have no role to play in this work of missions. All Christians are called to be a part of what one day leads to Revelation chapter 7. What a wonderful truth and wonderful opportunity. Let’s make the most of it and be “all in” for the sake of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Can you imagine that scene? Can you imagine that throne? Can you imagine that representation of peoples from all the nations of the earth? Can you imagine seeing the one who sits upon the throne and the one beside Him, the Lamb of God? It’s all astounding. But one day, that is what all Christians will behold when they stand in heaven. One day we will see the culmination of all of the missionary endeavors from all of time. One day we will see the fullness of that which God loved, the peoples of the earth.
Whenever I stop to contemplate this scene from Revelation 7, or the events of Revelation 5 and 6 that lead up to this scene as the Lamb of God, the Lord Jesus Christ, is declared worthy to open the seals, and then does so, there’s just something that wells up within me. Perhaps it's the Holy Spirit pointing me back to this glorious truth. Perhaps it’s a longing to see these people from every tribe, tongue and nation worshipping God alongside me. Perhaps it’s the desire to know that the work of evangelism, the work of missions, has a purpose so much greater than ourselves. Whatever the reason, it’s powerful, and God uses the truth of His Word in passages like this to motivate, challenge, and encourage faithfulness to the plan that He put into motion and that He will bring to completion.
The big question then becomes, what will I do with this glorious truth? If this truth is meant to motivate, challenge, and encourage faithfulness, what is it that God expects of me in that faithfulness? The answer is action. It’s the living out of James 1:22, “But be doers of the word, and not hearers only.” God expects us to be motivated to help fulfill the great commission, to be a part of going and making disciples of all nations. For some people that means literally going, going to another people, another nation, another language group to proclaim the message of salvation by grace through faith in Jesus Christ and Him alone. For others, that means helping to send those who do go by the giving of finances and the offering up of prayers. What we can’t do is say that we have no role to play in this work of missions. All Christians are called to be a part of what one day leads to Revelation chapter 7. What a wonderful truth and wonderful opportunity. Let’s make the most of it and be “all in” for the sake of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
March 16, 2025
We’re now into week 3 of Missions Month 2025, half way through, and today we start talking about Faith Promise Missions. Faith Promise is the way in which we fund the missions endeavors of the church. It’s the way we financially support the missionaries, projects, and organizations doing the work of missions across the street and around the world. For some, Faith Promise Missions is something you’re very familiar with, and perhaps something you’ve been a part of for years if not decades. For others, Faith Promise may be a concept that’s totally new.
So whether this is your 100th time hearing about Faith Promise Missions or your first, let me just give you a little bit of background as to what it is, and why it’s so critically important to our church. First off, I think it’s probably important to note that roughly ¼ of all financial giving that comes in to the church is given with the designation of Missions, and most of that is from people who have made a commitment to Faith Promise giving. Faith Promise is a way of giving to support that task of missions, the process that Jesus called all those who follow Him to be engaged in. What happens is that members of our church ask the Lord through prayer how much they should give to missions over the next twelve months; giving a one time gift, monthly gifts, or weekly gifts. They then commit to that annual total as a "Faith Promise." It’s a commitment between the giver and the Lord. Each person participating in Faith Promise turns in an anonymous commitment card with the amount they have promised to give for that year, designating that they are giving that amount yearly, monthly, or weekly.
The church then totals all of the commitment cards to strategically and practically determine how much more we can do for missions in the coming twelve months. The ideal goal is for each person who gives to Faith Promise missions to yearly increase their giving as the Lord blesses their faithfulness. While not the only way of giving to missions, this method has been used by the Lord to do great things all around the world for the cause of Christ.
If you’ve never given to Faith Promise missions, let me challenge you this year to get involved and make a commitment to the Lord to help support the missionary endeavors of the church. There are Faith Promise commitment cards in the pocket of the pew in front of you, as well as in your bulletins. Your bulletins also have a bi-fold pamphlet giving even more detail about Faith Promise Missions. I would love to see every member of Berean involved in giving toward missions, as missions truly is the heartbeat of God.
So whether this is your 100th time hearing about Faith Promise Missions or your first, let me just give you a little bit of background as to what it is, and why it’s so critically important to our church. First off, I think it’s probably important to note that roughly ¼ of all financial giving that comes in to the church is given with the designation of Missions, and most of that is from people who have made a commitment to Faith Promise giving. Faith Promise is a way of giving to support that task of missions, the process that Jesus called all those who follow Him to be engaged in. What happens is that members of our church ask the Lord through prayer how much they should give to missions over the next twelve months; giving a one time gift, monthly gifts, or weekly gifts. They then commit to that annual total as a "Faith Promise." It’s a commitment between the giver and the Lord. Each person participating in Faith Promise turns in an anonymous commitment card with the amount they have promised to give for that year, designating that they are giving that amount yearly, monthly, or weekly.
The church then totals all of the commitment cards to strategically and practically determine how much more we can do for missions in the coming twelve months. The ideal goal is for each person who gives to Faith Promise missions to yearly increase their giving as the Lord blesses their faithfulness. While not the only way of giving to missions, this method has been used by the Lord to do great things all around the world for the cause of Christ.
If you’ve never given to Faith Promise missions, let me challenge you this year to get involved and make a commitment to the Lord to help support the missionary endeavors of the church. There are Faith Promise commitment cards in the pocket of the pew in front of you, as well as in your bulletins. Your bulletins also have a bi-fold pamphlet giving even more detail about Faith Promise Missions. I would love to see every member of Berean involved in giving toward missions, as missions truly is the heartbeat of God.
March 9, 2025
Wow, what an awesome start to Missions Month 2025! Last Sunday was such a great day as we heard from the local ministry of Alpha House as well as the regional and statewide ministry of the Missouri Baptist Children’s Home. To top that off with three people following the Lord in believer’s baptism, it doesn’t get much better than that. It was a very vivid picture of the Acts 1:8 missions model where followers of Christ, empowered by the Holy Spirit, are to be witnesses of Jesus Christ in their local cities, regions, nations, and to the ends of the earth.
Today, as we’re now into week two of Missions Month, we consider the later part of Christ’s command to be witnesses to the ends of the earth. We have the privilege of hearing from recently retired missionary Fran Lingo, retired after more than 50 years of missionary service, as well as the Saliba family, all of whom are/were missionaries serving in Colombia, South America. From the panel discussion, to personal testimonies, times of specially dedicated prayer, to the preaching of God’s Word, our minds will be focused on global missions, the ends of the earth. My prayer, however, is that more than just our minds will be engaged with global missions. My prayer is that we will allow God to capture our hearts.
When our hearts are in tune with the heart of God the Father, which is reaching people with the good news of His Son Jesus Christ, we know that we are in the right place. When we care about those who are lost and dying without Jesus, and then ready and willing to do something about it, we are in the right place. When we ask God to use us in the task of missions, praying for missions and evangelism, giving to missions, and being willing to go wherever God leads, whether that’s across the street or around the world, we are in the right place. My prayer is that our church, all who are in Christ and members of our local body, will be in the right place. And the reason I’m praying for this is because God is doing a good work in us, that is quite clear, but God also wants to do a good work through us. That’s the work of missions.
So what is it that I’m encouraging you to do? A few things, first; really first, second and third, be sincere in prayer. My challenge to you is to sincerely pray and ask God what He would have you to do concerning missions, reaching those who are lost without Christ. Second, and it’s related to the first, sincerely pray and ask the Lord to increase your burden for those who are without Christ. Third, sincerely pray for our church, as well as the missionaries sent and supported by our church, that we would all be passionately focused upon the gospel of Jesus Christ. Fourth, be willing to say “yes” to God when He answers your prayers, because He will.
The truth of the matter is that God is faithful in all of His ways, and when we respond to His faithfulness with faith in Him, great things happen. It’s not wrong to desire God to do great things. In fact, it’s right to do so, because when God does great things through His children, He receives great honor and praise, resulting in more great things. William Carey once said, “Expect great things from God. Attempt great things for God.” He was right on target, and that’s ultimately my challenge to each of us, and all of us as a church. Expect great things from God. Attempt great things for God. Take up that challenge and be ready for the ride of your life.
Today, as we’re now into week two of Missions Month, we consider the later part of Christ’s command to be witnesses to the ends of the earth. We have the privilege of hearing from recently retired missionary Fran Lingo, retired after more than 50 years of missionary service, as well as the Saliba family, all of whom are/were missionaries serving in Colombia, South America. From the panel discussion, to personal testimonies, times of specially dedicated prayer, to the preaching of God’s Word, our minds will be focused on global missions, the ends of the earth. My prayer, however, is that more than just our minds will be engaged with global missions. My prayer is that we will allow God to capture our hearts.
When our hearts are in tune with the heart of God the Father, which is reaching people with the good news of His Son Jesus Christ, we know that we are in the right place. When we care about those who are lost and dying without Jesus, and then ready and willing to do something about it, we are in the right place. When we ask God to use us in the task of missions, praying for missions and evangelism, giving to missions, and being willing to go wherever God leads, whether that’s across the street or around the world, we are in the right place. My prayer is that our church, all who are in Christ and members of our local body, will be in the right place. And the reason I’m praying for this is because God is doing a good work in us, that is quite clear, but God also wants to do a good work through us. That’s the work of missions.
So what is it that I’m encouraging you to do? A few things, first; really first, second and third, be sincere in prayer. My challenge to you is to sincerely pray and ask God what He would have you to do concerning missions, reaching those who are lost without Christ. Second, and it’s related to the first, sincerely pray and ask the Lord to increase your burden for those who are without Christ. Third, sincerely pray for our church, as well as the missionaries sent and supported by our church, that we would all be passionately focused upon the gospel of Jesus Christ. Fourth, be willing to say “yes” to God when He answers your prayers, because He will.
The truth of the matter is that God is faithful in all of His ways, and when we respond to His faithfulness with faith in Him, great things happen. It’s not wrong to desire God to do great things. In fact, it’s right to do so, because when God does great things through His children, He receives great honor and praise, resulting in more great things. William Carey once said, “Expect great things from God. Attempt great things for God.” He was right on target, and that’s ultimately my challenge to each of us, and all of us as a church. Expect great things from God. Attempt great things for God. Take up that challenge and be ready for the ride of your life.
March 2, 2025
The day, the week, the month that I’ve been waiting for and so excited for has finally come. It’s our first Sunday of Missions Month 2025, and this year’s Missions Month is going to be one of the best yet. Now, you may think that that’s what I’m supposed to say because I’m the pastor, and to a certain extent, that’s probably right. I’m the one who should be informing and encouraging the church about opportunities and ways for us to be even more engaged in God’s calling upon the church, which is missions, local, regional, national, and global. I’m the one who has the proverbial “inside track” with our guest speakers, and if I’m not excited about what’s going on in our local area and around the world, how can I expect others to be excited about it.
However, there’s a lot more to my excitement for Missions Month 2025 than just the feeling of necessity to encourage others concerning the task of missions. This month is really is something special. The Lord has been moving in some amazing ways in our church family, especially with regard to our understanding of our role in missions. We’ve seen several people recently come to faith in Christ. This is our Jerusalem according to the model of Acts 1:8. We’re seeing a great desire by so many to grow in their relationship with Christ, and taking the necessary steps to do so. That’s the process of discipleship that Jesus said we are to engage in in Matthew 28:19, “Go therefore and make disciples…” We had an amazing short-term missions trip to Colombia this past fall, and we will be hearing from some of the missionaries we were able to visit and work with while there during this Missions Month. God is opening up doors of opportunity and working in the hearts and lives of so many within our church concerning missions. How could I not be excited for a month-long focus on the heart of God, which is missions, going forth and reaching others with the gospel, the good news of Jesus Christ?
Beyond my excitement for Missions Month 2025 I also wanted to make you aware of a few resources that I highly recommend you take advantage of. The first resource is connected to one of today’s guest speakers, our own Monette Roberts with Alpha House PRC. Monette is the client services director for our local pregnancy resource center, Alpha House. She will be sharing about the work and ministry of this great, faith-based nonprofit here in Bolivar. She has some information that I encourage you to take and use to pray for this important ministry. I would also encourage you to read the March issue of “The Announcer,” the quarterly rundown of many of the things happening at Alpha House. You can read that here. You can also personally subscribe to the announcer so that you can receive it by email each quarter.
Another resource, really resources that you can take advantage of, are resources which will be made available to you by the Missouri Baptist Children’s Home. Joe Nogalski will be speaking about the many ministries of the MBCH, and will have information that you can take that will give you a better understanding of all that they do. These resources will also better inform you of how to pray for this great ministry that’s helping families all over the state of Missouri.
Then, lastly, I want to really encourage you to listen to a podcast that was released two weeks ago that releases a new episode weekly for the next three weeks. The podcast is called “A Storm in the Desert.” This is a highly encouraging and motivational podcast centered around the faithfulness of God in missions. You can listen to it here, as well as through Spotify or Apple podcasts. Just search the title, “A Storm in the Desert.” This would be a great podcast to listen to once a week throughout Missions Month. It’s going to be a great five weeks!
However, there’s a lot more to my excitement for Missions Month 2025 than just the feeling of necessity to encourage others concerning the task of missions. This month is really is something special. The Lord has been moving in some amazing ways in our church family, especially with regard to our understanding of our role in missions. We’ve seen several people recently come to faith in Christ. This is our Jerusalem according to the model of Acts 1:8. We’re seeing a great desire by so many to grow in their relationship with Christ, and taking the necessary steps to do so. That’s the process of discipleship that Jesus said we are to engage in in Matthew 28:19, “Go therefore and make disciples…” We had an amazing short-term missions trip to Colombia this past fall, and we will be hearing from some of the missionaries we were able to visit and work with while there during this Missions Month. God is opening up doors of opportunity and working in the hearts and lives of so many within our church concerning missions. How could I not be excited for a month-long focus on the heart of God, which is missions, going forth and reaching others with the gospel, the good news of Jesus Christ?
Beyond my excitement for Missions Month 2025 I also wanted to make you aware of a few resources that I highly recommend you take advantage of. The first resource is connected to one of today’s guest speakers, our own Monette Roberts with Alpha House PRC. Monette is the client services director for our local pregnancy resource center, Alpha House. She will be sharing about the work and ministry of this great, faith-based nonprofit here in Bolivar. She has some information that I encourage you to take and use to pray for this important ministry. I would also encourage you to read the March issue of “The Announcer,” the quarterly rundown of many of the things happening at Alpha House. You can read that here. You can also personally subscribe to the announcer so that you can receive it by email each quarter.
Another resource, really resources that you can take advantage of, are resources which will be made available to you by the Missouri Baptist Children’s Home. Joe Nogalski will be speaking about the many ministries of the MBCH, and will have information that you can take that will give you a better understanding of all that they do. These resources will also better inform you of how to pray for this great ministry that’s helping families all over the state of Missouri.
Then, lastly, I want to really encourage you to listen to a podcast that was released two weeks ago that releases a new episode weekly for the next three weeks. The podcast is called “A Storm in the Desert.” This is a highly encouraging and motivational podcast centered around the faithfulness of God in missions. You can listen to it here, as well as through Spotify or Apple podcasts. Just search the title, “A Storm in the Desert.” This would be a great podcast to listen to once a week throughout Missions Month. It’s going to be a great five weeks!
February 23, 2005
For today’s Pastor’s Corner I’m writing about the crucifixion of Christ. However, I’m not writing about the doctrine or the theology behind the crucifixion, but rather my own reaction to the crucifixion. For the last several weeks in our study of the gospel of Mark we have been following the path of Christ that leads to the cross. From the upper room, to the garden of Gethsemane, to the arrest of Jesus, to the religious trial, and then last week’s look at the Roman trial(s) of Jesus, it’s all been heading toward the cross. Then, today, is the account of the actual crucifixion, at least the first half of that account. In addition to that, for our church podcast, the 17:11 Podcast, we’ve been looking at the doctrine of Christology, the study of who Christ is, while at the same time preparing for a look at soteriology, what Christ has done for our salvation—again, the cross.
I tell you all of that because, quite simply, it’s been a lot to take in. Literally every day for at least the last month I’m reading something, listening to something, or writing something about the cross, the price that Christ paid to forgive us of our sins. The betrayal by men, the unjust treatment of Jesus, an innocent man, the mockery and cruelty by those of self-magnified power and status, the torture that Jesus endured, again, it really is a lot to take in. However, the compounding days of looking into what Jesus Christ did for my salvation has been very good—hard, but good.
During this season where I’ve thought more about what Jesus willing endured for me and my ultimate good than at any other season of my life, I’ve come to realize that taking a hard look at the cross is an important part of continuing to grow as a Christian. To become a Christian I didn’t have to think long and hard about that which Jesus went through to secure my salvation, I simply had to know that He did go to the cross and that He did die in my place, calling me to turn from my sin and trust in Him. That repentance and trust/faith changed my life and my eternal destiny. Then, however, God says that I am to be conformed to the image of His Son (Romans 8:29). I’m to grow in sanctification.
That process of growing in sanctification, becoming more like Jesus, is multifaceted, but the key ingredient is the reading and studying of God’s revelation to man, the Bible. The reading and studying of God’s Word is all of His Word, Old and New Testament alike. I’m to read the letters of the Apostle Paul that teach what I need to know and how I need to live. I’m to read the letters of Peter and John, as well as James and Jude. I’m to read the Pentateuch, the first five books of Moses, as well as the books of history, poetry, and prophecy. But perhaps, most importantly of all, I’m to read the gospels to see how Jesus lived, and to see ultimately how and why Jesus died. Now, don’t get me wrong, I’ve read all of the gospels many times over. But to really narrow your focus on the sacrificial death of Jesus, and to just sit and soak in the truth of what Christ accomplished, that’s something different than just reading the gospels.
So what has this done for me? First of all, it’s produced many varied emotions. When I think of what Jesus endured, there is definitely a sadness present, a somber recognition of evil perpetrated not just on an innocent man, while that, but also upon God Himself. Jesus, fully man and fully God, allowed Himself to be beaten, mocked, and scorned. There’s a real sadness there.
But that’s not the only emotion, there’s also a definite feeling of thankfulness and appreciation. I know I couldn’t earn salvation. No one can. That’s why Jesus willingly died. And the more I look at Jesus’ substitutionary atonement, His taking the penalty that I deserved, paying for my sin, how could I not be thankful?
Then, there’s also a feeling of obligation, a feeling of necessity. What God has given to me through Jesus Christ is so good, so great; I must share it with others. The Apostle Paul described it this way in 1 Cor. 9:16, “For if I preach the gospel, I have nothing to boast of, for necessity is laid upon me; yes, woe is me if I do not preach the gospel!” Though those were the words of Paul, and his perspective toward sharing the good news of Jesus with others, I believe that should be the response of all believers. Because of what Christ has done on my behalf, necessity is laid upon me to tell others about the gospel, the good news of Jesus.
It’s been quite the roller coaster and quite the experience to really look into all that Jesus did so that I, through Him, could be forgiven of sin and given new life. I know that I will never fully understand all that went into my salvation, and that’s ok. It’s enough to know that God loved me, despite my sin, and that He loved me enough to not leave me in my sin. He gave me Jesus Christ, and as long as I seek to know Him more, that's what's expected of me. And let me also just say, my experience is not unique. In fact, any Christian who looks deeply into the truths of what Christ did to accomplish their salvation will come away from that look with a new perspective, new desires, and a greater motivation to serve the Lord by pointing others to Him. So I challenge you, look deeply into what Christ has done for you, and be ready to come away changed because of it.
I tell you all of that because, quite simply, it’s been a lot to take in. Literally every day for at least the last month I’m reading something, listening to something, or writing something about the cross, the price that Christ paid to forgive us of our sins. The betrayal by men, the unjust treatment of Jesus, an innocent man, the mockery and cruelty by those of self-magnified power and status, the torture that Jesus endured, again, it really is a lot to take in. However, the compounding days of looking into what Jesus Christ did for my salvation has been very good—hard, but good.
During this season where I’ve thought more about what Jesus willing endured for me and my ultimate good than at any other season of my life, I’ve come to realize that taking a hard look at the cross is an important part of continuing to grow as a Christian. To become a Christian I didn’t have to think long and hard about that which Jesus went through to secure my salvation, I simply had to know that He did go to the cross and that He did die in my place, calling me to turn from my sin and trust in Him. That repentance and trust/faith changed my life and my eternal destiny. Then, however, God says that I am to be conformed to the image of His Son (Romans 8:29). I’m to grow in sanctification.
That process of growing in sanctification, becoming more like Jesus, is multifaceted, but the key ingredient is the reading and studying of God’s revelation to man, the Bible. The reading and studying of God’s Word is all of His Word, Old and New Testament alike. I’m to read the letters of the Apostle Paul that teach what I need to know and how I need to live. I’m to read the letters of Peter and John, as well as James and Jude. I’m to read the Pentateuch, the first five books of Moses, as well as the books of history, poetry, and prophecy. But perhaps, most importantly of all, I’m to read the gospels to see how Jesus lived, and to see ultimately how and why Jesus died. Now, don’t get me wrong, I’ve read all of the gospels many times over. But to really narrow your focus on the sacrificial death of Jesus, and to just sit and soak in the truth of what Christ accomplished, that’s something different than just reading the gospels.
So what has this done for me? First of all, it’s produced many varied emotions. When I think of what Jesus endured, there is definitely a sadness present, a somber recognition of evil perpetrated not just on an innocent man, while that, but also upon God Himself. Jesus, fully man and fully God, allowed Himself to be beaten, mocked, and scorned. There’s a real sadness there.
But that’s not the only emotion, there’s also a definite feeling of thankfulness and appreciation. I know I couldn’t earn salvation. No one can. That’s why Jesus willingly died. And the more I look at Jesus’ substitutionary atonement, His taking the penalty that I deserved, paying for my sin, how could I not be thankful?
Then, there’s also a feeling of obligation, a feeling of necessity. What God has given to me through Jesus Christ is so good, so great; I must share it with others. The Apostle Paul described it this way in 1 Cor. 9:16, “For if I preach the gospel, I have nothing to boast of, for necessity is laid upon me; yes, woe is me if I do not preach the gospel!” Though those were the words of Paul, and his perspective toward sharing the good news of Jesus with others, I believe that should be the response of all believers. Because of what Christ has done on my behalf, necessity is laid upon me to tell others about the gospel, the good news of Jesus.
It’s been quite the roller coaster and quite the experience to really look into all that Jesus did so that I, through Him, could be forgiven of sin and given new life. I know that I will never fully understand all that went into my salvation, and that’s ok. It’s enough to know that God loved me, despite my sin, and that He loved me enough to not leave me in my sin. He gave me Jesus Christ, and as long as I seek to know Him more, that's what's expected of me. And let me also just say, my experience is not unique. In fact, any Christian who looks deeply into the truths of what Christ did to accomplish their salvation will come away from that look with a new perspective, new desires, and a greater motivation to serve the Lord by pointing others to Him. So I challenge you, look deeply into what Christ has done for you, and be ready to come away changed because of it.
February 16, 2025
Psalm 19:14, “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer.” That was one of the verses this last week from the read through the Bible in a year plan that many of you are doing, and it’s a verse that really stood out to me. In fact, in the “Talk it Over” section at the end of the daily Bible readings I made a simple comment, “A good prayer for today and everyday.”
When I typed that simple comment, what I didn’t realize is how the Lord would keep bringing me back to that verse as well as the comment I had made. Multiple times each day over the last week, the Lord recalled to my mind Psalm 19:14, each time prompting me to pray that I would yield my heart, my mind, my words, and my actions to Him. What has been the result? – An amazing awareness of the presence and power of God.
Each time as I have prayed that my heart and my actions and words would be acceptable to God, I became refocused, better focused, God focused. I was thinking, and am thinking more about His will and His way, and the privilege that I’ve been given to serve Him and represent Him to a lost and dying world. I’ve been thinking about the power of words, and how I use them. I’ve been thinking about my motives and desires. It’s truly been paradigm shifting. One little verse, and one little prayer, “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer.”
So why do I write this today? Is it to brag on my spirituality and closeness to God? Most certainly not. I know myself. I know my weaknesses, my sins, my faults, and my failures. I know that there are times when I simply am not focused on the things of the Lord as I should be, and I know that I gravitate toward pride and selfishness. That’s why I need to be reminded of something that’s seemingly so simple like Psalm 19:14.
Why do I write this? I write this because I want to be transparent about my need for God to work in my life. I write this because I know God changes us from the inside out. I write this because if I need these things, chances are; there are other believers who need the exact same thing. If that’s you, let me challenge you to pray Psalm 19:14, not just once, but daily. Taste and see if God will move in your heart and mind in similar fashion. My guess is that He will if you yield yourself to Him. That’s the faithfulness of God.
When I typed that simple comment, what I didn’t realize is how the Lord would keep bringing me back to that verse as well as the comment I had made. Multiple times each day over the last week, the Lord recalled to my mind Psalm 19:14, each time prompting me to pray that I would yield my heart, my mind, my words, and my actions to Him. What has been the result? – An amazing awareness of the presence and power of God.
Each time as I have prayed that my heart and my actions and words would be acceptable to God, I became refocused, better focused, God focused. I was thinking, and am thinking more about His will and His way, and the privilege that I’ve been given to serve Him and represent Him to a lost and dying world. I’ve been thinking about the power of words, and how I use them. I’ve been thinking about my motives and desires. It’s truly been paradigm shifting. One little verse, and one little prayer, “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer.”
So why do I write this today? Is it to brag on my spirituality and closeness to God? Most certainly not. I know myself. I know my weaknesses, my sins, my faults, and my failures. I know that there are times when I simply am not focused on the things of the Lord as I should be, and I know that I gravitate toward pride and selfishness. That’s why I need to be reminded of something that’s seemingly so simple like Psalm 19:14.
Why do I write this? I write this because I want to be transparent about my need for God to work in my life. I write this because I know God changes us from the inside out. I write this because if I need these things, chances are; there are other believers who need the exact same thing. If that’s you, let me challenge you to pray Psalm 19:14, not just once, but daily. Taste and see if God will move in your heart and mind in similar fashion. My guess is that He will if you yield yourself to Him. That’s the faithfulness of God.
February 9, 2025
So you may be asking yourself, “Why would pastor Derrick be promoting a class on financial management?” Well, let me attempt to answer that question and also encourage you to be a part of our next Financial Peace University class starting Sunday night, Feb. 16th, at 5:30 p.m.. To begin with, however, let me reference an important passage of Scripture to get us thinking, Matthew 6:19-21, “ 19 Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; 20 but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
At first glance you may look at these verses and say that God is telling us not to focus on material things like money and possessions, but instead to focus on spiritual things. In a way, that’s right, but when we zoom out to see the entire context of Matthew 6, that chapter is about what should and shouldn’t be the desires of our heart. For example, the chapter begins with talking about doing charitable deeds for others, helping others. We’re clearly told that we aren’t to do good works for the applause of men, but rather because it’s what God has called us to. It’s a matter of the heart, doing what’s right because it honors God. And by the way, how is one to do a charitable deed if at first they don’t have the money to do that charitable deed in the first place?
As Matthew 6 continues on it also talks about prayer being not for the show of man, but for the sincerity of our relationship with God. It talks about the spiritual discipline of fasting, that the intent of our heart isn’t to show others how spiritual we are, but to rather draw us closer to the Lord. The rest of the chapter also talks about our relationship with God as being of primary importance, with the things of this world being secondary. So it’s clear that Matthew 6 is dealing with the true desire of the heart.
So how does all of this come back to financial management? I’m glad you asked. The answer is, that no matter how you look at it, it takes finances, money, to pursue the things in life that truly matter. God’s Word is clear that we are to take care of the needs of our families, even to the extent to where if a man is not willing to work (to earn money), the Bible says he also does not deserve to eat – 2 Thess. 3:10. In Proverbs we read about how a good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children, and yes, the inheritance is in reference to material things.
We are told to give unto the Lord for the work of the ministry. How are we to give for the work of the ministry if we have nothing to give? As Matthew 6 said, we are to do charitable deeds. That requires money. Money, however, is never to be the final pursuit. 1 Timothy 6:10 says that it’s “the LOVE of money that is a root of all kinds of evil.” Money in and of itself is simply a tool to pursue those things that really matter, especially those things of eternal significance. This point is clearly driven home just a few verses later in 1 Timothy 6.
1 Timothy 6:17-19 says, “ 17 Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy. 18 Let them do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share, 19 storing up for themselves a good foundation for the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.” Paul didn’t say that material wealth was wrong. In fact, if anything, he was exhorting those with more money than others, the rich, to use their money to do good and to not trust in money but in God. That’s the whole point. Trust God in everything in life, be faithful to what He has called you to, and be faithful to manage the money He entrusts you with. That’s what financial management is all about—faithfully managing that which God has entrusted you with so that you can do good.
If you’ve never taken part in Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University, let me just say, no matter your age, you should take this 9-week course. Commit to an hour and a half on Sunday nights for 9-weeks. It’s a $70 investment that will pay for itself multiplied times over. Do it for yourself. Do it for your family. Do it for the furtherance of the gospel of Jesus Christ. I guarantee you, you will not be disappointed for taking part in this course. Then, for those of you who have taken FPU before, you can go through the course again for free as many times over as you would like to. Let’s use the money God has entrusted us with wisely, using it for those things that really do matter in life, this life, and the life to come.
At first glance you may look at these verses and say that God is telling us not to focus on material things like money and possessions, but instead to focus on spiritual things. In a way, that’s right, but when we zoom out to see the entire context of Matthew 6, that chapter is about what should and shouldn’t be the desires of our heart. For example, the chapter begins with talking about doing charitable deeds for others, helping others. We’re clearly told that we aren’t to do good works for the applause of men, but rather because it’s what God has called us to. It’s a matter of the heart, doing what’s right because it honors God. And by the way, how is one to do a charitable deed if at first they don’t have the money to do that charitable deed in the first place?
As Matthew 6 continues on it also talks about prayer being not for the show of man, but for the sincerity of our relationship with God. It talks about the spiritual discipline of fasting, that the intent of our heart isn’t to show others how spiritual we are, but to rather draw us closer to the Lord. The rest of the chapter also talks about our relationship with God as being of primary importance, with the things of this world being secondary. So it’s clear that Matthew 6 is dealing with the true desire of the heart.
So how does all of this come back to financial management? I’m glad you asked. The answer is, that no matter how you look at it, it takes finances, money, to pursue the things in life that truly matter. God’s Word is clear that we are to take care of the needs of our families, even to the extent to where if a man is not willing to work (to earn money), the Bible says he also does not deserve to eat – 2 Thess. 3:10. In Proverbs we read about how a good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children, and yes, the inheritance is in reference to material things.
We are told to give unto the Lord for the work of the ministry. How are we to give for the work of the ministry if we have nothing to give? As Matthew 6 said, we are to do charitable deeds. That requires money. Money, however, is never to be the final pursuit. 1 Timothy 6:10 says that it’s “the LOVE of money that is a root of all kinds of evil.” Money in and of itself is simply a tool to pursue those things that really matter, especially those things of eternal significance. This point is clearly driven home just a few verses later in 1 Timothy 6.
1 Timothy 6:17-19 says, “ 17 Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy. 18 Let them do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share, 19 storing up for themselves a good foundation for the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.” Paul didn’t say that material wealth was wrong. In fact, if anything, he was exhorting those with more money than others, the rich, to use their money to do good and to not trust in money but in God. That’s the whole point. Trust God in everything in life, be faithful to what He has called you to, and be faithful to manage the money He entrusts you with. That’s what financial management is all about—faithfully managing that which God has entrusted you with so that you can do good.
If you’ve never taken part in Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University, let me just say, no matter your age, you should take this 9-week course. Commit to an hour and a half on Sunday nights for 9-weeks. It’s a $70 investment that will pay for itself multiplied times over. Do it for yourself. Do it for your family. Do it for the furtherance of the gospel of Jesus Christ. I guarantee you, you will not be disappointed for taking part in this course. Then, for those of you who have taken FPU before, you can go through the course again for free as many times over as you would like to. Let’s use the money God has entrusted us with wisely, using it for those things that really do matter in life, this life, and the life to come.
February 2, 2025
There were a lot of great things that happened and that were announced during our last Member’s Meeting this past Wednesday night. Just a side note, if you are a member and were not present for that meeting, you can request a link to the video. But that’s not really why I’m writing this week’s Pastor’s Corner. This week I’m writing about the value of a personal note. What do I mean by that? Well, let me tell you.
Near the end of our Member’s Meeting we passed out a missionary directory with pictures, bios, and contact information for all of the missionaries and organizations that our church supports each month with finances and prayers, 24 missionary families and 3 organizations in all. Whenever we get new prayer letters or updates from our missionaries we’re going to be inserting those into the weekly church bulletin so that everyone has access to all of our church’s missionary correspondence.
What we hope you will do with these letters and updates is to first read them. Familiarize yourself with what’s happening around the world with the missionaries we support. Get to know their families, their needs, and their desires. Get to know their ministries, and learn about the people they’re ministering to. Learn about projects that they are raising money for, and events that need our prayers.
Then secondly, if you’re not already doing so, begin regularly praying for our missionaries. Whenever you receive a new letter, let me encourage you to make a point to pray specifically for the requests of that missionary. Pray for them and their family and the ministry that God has entrusted them with. Pray that God will encourage them when they’re facing difficult times. Pray for wisdom when they need to make decisions. Pray for people to come to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ, and for them to then grow through discipleship. Pray for local churches to be strengthened and for new, strong, and healthy churches to be established. Pray that God will move mightily.
Let me give you a quick little anecdote. When my wife and I were missionaries to Poland we always had prayer cards with us whenever we went into a new church or a church that already supported us financially. On those prayer cards we had one verse printed on the back that really meant a lot to us, 2 Thessalonians 3:1. That verse says, “Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may run swiftly and be glorified, just as it is with you.” That verse, as well as the entire letter of 2 Thessalonians was written by the Apostle Paul, a missionary, asking the church of Thessalonica to pray for him and other missionaries, and for the work of the ministry. That was our desire as well. We sincerely wanted others to pray for us, our family, the ministry in Poland, and the people of Poland. We were asking pastors and churches, “Please pray for us.” Now that I’m on the other end of the sent/sending side of the missionary equation I’m asking you, the members of the church who are supporting missionaries, support them by faithfully praying for them.
Then, lastly, once you do pray for the missionaries, let them know you have prayed for them. You have all their email addresses in the missionary directory, so drop them a quick email to say that you’re praying for them. Tell them you’re praying for the specific situations and needs that they had mentioned. That will mean a lot to them. Another idea is to maybe send them a physical card. The times that we received an actual card from a church, or from a member of a church; that was really special. And let me also say, it didn’t happen very often. Most people, sadly, just aren’t thinking about communicating with missionaries that their church supports. I would love for our church to shatter that stigma of churches hardly ever communicating with their missionaries. We have the privilege to partner together with people all over the world to advance the kingdom of God. Let’s rejoice in that, and let’s celebrate what God is doing as we support our missionaries well.
Near the end of our Member’s Meeting we passed out a missionary directory with pictures, bios, and contact information for all of the missionaries and organizations that our church supports each month with finances and prayers, 24 missionary families and 3 organizations in all. Whenever we get new prayer letters or updates from our missionaries we’re going to be inserting those into the weekly church bulletin so that everyone has access to all of our church’s missionary correspondence.
What we hope you will do with these letters and updates is to first read them. Familiarize yourself with what’s happening around the world with the missionaries we support. Get to know their families, their needs, and their desires. Get to know their ministries, and learn about the people they’re ministering to. Learn about projects that they are raising money for, and events that need our prayers.
Then secondly, if you’re not already doing so, begin regularly praying for our missionaries. Whenever you receive a new letter, let me encourage you to make a point to pray specifically for the requests of that missionary. Pray for them and their family and the ministry that God has entrusted them with. Pray that God will encourage them when they’re facing difficult times. Pray for wisdom when they need to make decisions. Pray for people to come to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ, and for them to then grow through discipleship. Pray for local churches to be strengthened and for new, strong, and healthy churches to be established. Pray that God will move mightily.
Let me give you a quick little anecdote. When my wife and I were missionaries to Poland we always had prayer cards with us whenever we went into a new church or a church that already supported us financially. On those prayer cards we had one verse printed on the back that really meant a lot to us, 2 Thessalonians 3:1. That verse says, “Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may run swiftly and be glorified, just as it is with you.” That verse, as well as the entire letter of 2 Thessalonians was written by the Apostle Paul, a missionary, asking the church of Thessalonica to pray for him and other missionaries, and for the work of the ministry. That was our desire as well. We sincerely wanted others to pray for us, our family, the ministry in Poland, and the people of Poland. We were asking pastors and churches, “Please pray for us.” Now that I’m on the other end of the sent/sending side of the missionary equation I’m asking you, the members of the church who are supporting missionaries, support them by faithfully praying for them.
Then, lastly, once you do pray for the missionaries, let them know you have prayed for them. You have all their email addresses in the missionary directory, so drop them a quick email to say that you’re praying for them. Tell them you’re praying for the specific situations and needs that they had mentioned. That will mean a lot to them. Another idea is to maybe send them a physical card. The times that we received an actual card from a church, or from a member of a church; that was really special. And let me also say, it didn’t happen very often. Most people, sadly, just aren’t thinking about communicating with missionaries that their church supports. I would love for our church to shatter that stigma of churches hardly ever communicating with their missionaries. We have the privilege to partner together with people all over the world to advance the kingdom of God. Let’s rejoice in that, and let’s celebrate what God is doing as we support our missionaries well.
January 26, 2025
Today in the Pastor’s Corner I’m thinking about and looking forward to our next Member’s Meeting that will be taking place this coming Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. This is only our second officially termed “Member’s Meeting,” as these gatherings were formerly called business meetings, but they are already proving to be an important part of the unity of our church family. The transition from a more business-structured meeting to more of a family get together actually reflects the model of the New Testament church. Acts chapter 2 saw the church gathering daily from house to house, breaking bread together, praying together, growing in the knowledge and practice of the Apostle’s doctrine, and serving one another. That too is to be our model for the church—in short, life together.
That’s what we’re striving to foster within our church family, a desire and an expectation that we genuinely love one another and compel one another to good works to the glory of God. Yes, we’ll conduct a little bit of “in house business” at our Member’s Meeting, but that won’t be the focus or the investment of the majority of our time. The focus will be upon what God is doing in our midst and how we can better come alongside Him in what He is doing in His church—God’s will, God’s work, God’s church.
The role that we play in God’s church and in His work and will is that we are what make up the church. God has chosen to use those who are His children, those who are born again through repentance and faith, to carry out the task of making more disciples who then become parts of more churches who make more disciples, and on and on the process goes. It’s the ongoing fulfillment of the Great Commission, and we have the privilege to be a part of it. That, to me, is very exciting! Those are words that haven’t often been uttered in a business meeting, but I hope that they are a regular part of our ongoing Member’s Meetings.
So, what would I ask of you, church member? First, please show up! That would be great. Just showing up in support of your church is hugely important. If the church is a family, and it is, why would the family not gather together to celebrate what God is doing through the family? So please show up this coming Wednesday night at 6:00 p.m. And just to entice you all the more, we will be serving snacks following the meeting. Food, I knew that would get your attention. Well, it at least got my attention.
Second, please pray for this meeting, and I mean it. Pray that a majority of our members would attend. Pray for God to be honored in all that is said and done. Pray that there would be a great spirit of unity. Pray that people would be challenged to serve and minister to others in the name of Christ. Pray that everyone would be encouraged by the many good things that God is doing, has done, and will continue to do here at Berean.
Then, lastly, be ready and willing to share some of the good things that God is doing right now in your life. One of the things that we’re adding to this Member’s Meeting is a time of sharing of testimonies of the goodness of God. Sometimes we just need to hear from our brothers and sisters in Christ as to what God is doing. It encourages the whole church, and it motivates us to step out in ever-greater faith. This coming Wednesday is going to be a great night. Don’t miss it!
That’s what we’re striving to foster within our church family, a desire and an expectation that we genuinely love one another and compel one another to good works to the glory of God. Yes, we’ll conduct a little bit of “in house business” at our Member’s Meeting, but that won’t be the focus or the investment of the majority of our time. The focus will be upon what God is doing in our midst and how we can better come alongside Him in what He is doing in His church—God’s will, God’s work, God’s church.
The role that we play in God’s church and in His work and will is that we are what make up the church. God has chosen to use those who are His children, those who are born again through repentance and faith, to carry out the task of making more disciples who then become parts of more churches who make more disciples, and on and on the process goes. It’s the ongoing fulfillment of the Great Commission, and we have the privilege to be a part of it. That, to me, is very exciting! Those are words that haven’t often been uttered in a business meeting, but I hope that they are a regular part of our ongoing Member’s Meetings.
So, what would I ask of you, church member? First, please show up! That would be great. Just showing up in support of your church is hugely important. If the church is a family, and it is, why would the family not gather together to celebrate what God is doing through the family? So please show up this coming Wednesday night at 6:00 p.m. And just to entice you all the more, we will be serving snacks following the meeting. Food, I knew that would get your attention. Well, it at least got my attention.
Second, please pray for this meeting, and I mean it. Pray that a majority of our members would attend. Pray for God to be honored in all that is said and done. Pray that there would be a great spirit of unity. Pray that people would be challenged to serve and minister to others in the name of Christ. Pray that everyone would be encouraged by the many good things that God is doing, has done, and will continue to do here at Berean.
Then, lastly, be ready and willing to share some of the good things that God is doing right now in your life. One of the things that we’re adding to this Member’s Meeting is a time of sharing of testimonies of the goodness of God. Sometimes we just need to hear from our brothers and sisters in Christ as to what God is doing. It encourages the whole church, and it motivates us to step out in ever-greater faith. This coming Wednesday is going to be a great night. Don’t miss it!
January 19, 2025
“ 13 For You formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother’s womb. 14 I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; marvelous are Your works, and that my soul knows very well. 15 My frame was not hidden from You, when I was made in secret, and skillfully wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. 16 Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed. And in Your book they all were written, the days fashioned for me, when as yet there were none of them. 17 How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God! How great is the sum of them! 18 If I should count them, they would be more in number than the sand; when I awake, I am still with You.”
Those verses are Psalm 139, verses 13-18. They’re amazing poetry, phenomenal imagery, but most importantly they are the truth from the Word of God concerning life. Today is Sanctity of Human Life Sunday, and today we direct our thoughts to the crown jewel of God’s creation, mankind. Out of all living things that God created, God created man differently. He created him in His image. He gave him a soul and spirit. He gave him intellect with which to reason, understand, create, and ultimately to know Him.
From the moment that God breathed the breath of life into Adam immediately after forming him from the very dust of the ground, and as God said, “man became a living being” (Genesis 2:7), everything changed. God had created something, someone, with the ability to communicate with Him and the ability to learn from Him and to learn of Him. This man, as well as all other people who would follow after, bore the very image of God. That means that you and I, at our very nature, are image bearers of God Himself. Theologians have long delved into the depths of what this means, and there’s a lot to it, but in its simplest form is the fact that because we are image bearers of God, we have infinite value and worth. All people have infinite value and worth. That’s what Sanctity of Human Life Sunday is about.
So today, as we think about God’s precious gift of life, remember that there is still a battle going on for the least of these, the most vulnerable, those who are yet unborn. Even though Roe v. Wade was overturned, abortion did not go away. If anything, the fight has gotten all the more fierce. Even here in the state of Missouri we sadly lost a battle back in November of last year to where abortion has now been added into the very constitution of our state through amendment 3, which was enacted on Dec. 6, 2024, bringing the murder of the unborn back into practice.
I want to state this as clearly and yet kindly as possible. As Christians, we must stand on the side of life. We must pray that evil men with evil intentions, motivated by money, or power, or position, that they would be restrained, and that people would see abortion for the evil that it is, the murdering of another human created in the image of God. We must also stand with the least of these on the other spectrum, the elderly, and speak up for their dignity and worth as well. And all those in between those two bookends of life, they too are more valuable than gold. We must stand for life.
Those verses are Psalm 139, verses 13-18. They’re amazing poetry, phenomenal imagery, but most importantly they are the truth from the Word of God concerning life. Today is Sanctity of Human Life Sunday, and today we direct our thoughts to the crown jewel of God’s creation, mankind. Out of all living things that God created, God created man differently. He created him in His image. He gave him a soul and spirit. He gave him intellect with which to reason, understand, create, and ultimately to know Him.
From the moment that God breathed the breath of life into Adam immediately after forming him from the very dust of the ground, and as God said, “man became a living being” (Genesis 2:7), everything changed. God had created something, someone, with the ability to communicate with Him and the ability to learn from Him and to learn of Him. This man, as well as all other people who would follow after, bore the very image of God. That means that you and I, at our very nature, are image bearers of God Himself. Theologians have long delved into the depths of what this means, and there’s a lot to it, but in its simplest form is the fact that because we are image bearers of God, we have infinite value and worth. All people have infinite value and worth. That’s what Sanctity of Human Life Sunday is about.
So today, as we think about God’s precious gift of life, remember that there is still a battle going on for the least of these, the most vulnerable, those who are yet unborn. Even though Roe v. Wade was overturned, abortion did not go away. If anything, the fight has gotten all the more fierce. Even here in the state of Missouri we sadly lost a battle back in November of last year to where abortion has now been added into the very constitution of our state through amendment 3, which was enacted on Dec. 6, 2024, bringing the murder of the unborn back into practice.
I want to state this as clearly and yet kindly as possible. As Christians, we must stand on the side of life. We must pray that evil men with evil intentions, motivated by money, or power, or position, that they would be restrained, and that people would see abortion for the evil that it is, the murdering of another human created in the image of God. We must also stand with the least of these on the other spectrum, the elderly, and speak up for their dignity and worth as well. And all those in between those two bookends of life, they too are more valuable than gold. We must stand for life.
January 12, 2025
This week in the Pastor’s Corner I wanted to write about something that is a great resource that many of you may not know about, and that resource is RightNow Media (RNM). For several years now, our church has subscribed to RNM for the benefit of all members and visitors to our church. RNM has over 25,000 videos in the forms of Bible studies, documentaries, seminars, conferences, children’s programs, etc., all from a Christian worldview. All of these videos are free for you and your family, and we want you to take advantage of all that RNM has to offer.
As Hollywood, and the vast majority of network programming goes further and further away from endorsing that which is God-honoring, it’s good to have a source of truth and a source of media that supports that which is. That’s what RNM does. It provides God-honoring materials and media to families. If you’re married, you will find hundreds of options for biblical marriage enrichment. If you have children, there are hundreds of children’s episodes for all ages. If you enjoy studying through books of the Bible, you will find countless studies that do that. If you enjoy topical studies, you’ll find those as well. Archeology and history, RNM has those types of programs in abundance as well. If you enjoy specific topics or certain pastors, speakers, or authors, you can search for things that way too. RNM is a wonderful video library and source of discipleship and means of spiritual growth.
If you aren’t currently using RNM, I highly encourage you to do so for the simple reason being that there is so much great content to help in the area of discipleship and growth. If you aren’t signed up for it, you can sign-up in less than a minute, and it’s free. Just go to rightnowmedia.org/account/invite/BEREANB to get started. You can sign-up and use RNM on a smartphone, tablet, computer or SmartTV. We also have a link to RNM at the bottom of our church App as well. If it’s easier, you can also just stop by the welcome center in the foyer and pick up a QR code that you can scan to get it onto any device that supports QR code readers.
Also, once you have an account for RNM, you can check out our specific Berean page, just look for our logo, and once there you will find content that I’ve recommended for LifeGroups or individual studies. You can catch some of our past sermon series from Berean that I’m highlighting there, and I’ll also be including more special interest libraries that you can use for recommendations of good content. If you have any questions about RNM or how to navigate it, don’t hesitate to ask. And one more thing, if you’re currently using RightNow Media, let me know how you’re using it and your thoughts about it. I hope that this is a tool that all families will continue to regularly use or begin using.
As Hollywood, and the vast majority of network programming goes further and further away from endorsing that which is God-honoring, it’s good to have a source of truth and a source of media that supports that which is. That’s what RNM does. It provides God-honoring materials and media to families. If you’re married, you will find hundreds of options for biblical marriage enrichment. If you have children, there are hundreds of children’s episodes for all ages. If you enjoy studying through books of the Bible, you will find countless studies that do that. If you enjoy topical studies, you’ll find those as well. Archeology and history, RNM has those types of programs in abundance as well. If you enjoy specific topics or certain pastors, speakers, or authors, you can search for things that way too. RNM is a wonderful video library and source of discipleship and means of spiritual growth.
If you aren’t currently using RNM, I highly encourage you to do so for the simple reason being that there is so much great content to help in the area of discipleship and growth. If you aren’t signed up for it, you can sign-up in less than a minute, and it’s free. Just go to rightnowmedia.org/account/invite/BEREANB to get started. You can sign-up and use RNM on a smartphone, tablet, computer or SmartTV. We also have a link to RNM at the bottom of our church App as well. If it’s easier, you can also just stop by the welcome center in the foyer and pick up a QR code that you can scan to get it onto any device that supports QR code readers.
Also, once you have an account for RNM, you can check out our specific Berean page, just look for our logo, and once there you will find content that I’ve recommended for LifeGroups or individual studies. You can catch some of our past sermon series from Berean that I’m highlighting there, and I’ll also be including more special interest libraries that you can use for recommendations of good content. If you have any questions about RNM or how to navigate it, don’t hesitate to ask. And one more thing, if you’re currently using RightNow Media, let me know how you’re using it and your thoughts about it. I hope that this is a tool that all families will continue to regularly use or begin using.
January 5, 2025
What do you do when a pastor says something that is not true? That’s the question that I was thinking through this past week not because I was reflecting upon something another pastor said, but because I was reflecting on something I said as the pastor. For context, I’m referring to the message that I preached a week ago from Mark chapter 14. We were looking at verses 12 through 21, and upon hearing Jesus’ statement that one of the ones who was eating with Him would betray Him, the Bible says that, “they began to be sorrowful, and to say to Him one by one, “Is it I?” And another said, “Is it I?”
Now Mark doesn’t give names to all those who asked, “Is it I?” nor do the other gospel writers. We’re left to speculate who actually asked out loud, who was wondering in their hearts if they were the one, or who didn’t ask or think it at all. Matthew 26:22 said, “…each of them began to say to Him, “Lord, is it I?” That term “each of them” is used to reference the whole group of the disciples, the twelve, so it’s obvious that Jesus’ words caused quite a disturbance and some level self-examination of each of them. In fact, perhaps each of them did ask out loud, “Is it I?” We simply don’t know.
Here’s where the not true part comes in, though. I made the statement that Judas did not ask, “Is it I?” I said something to the effect that he didn’t ask because he knew that he was going to betray Jesus. Nice thought, except for the fact that that wasn’t true. If we continue reading in Matthew’s gospel, after Jesus spoke woe to the man who would betray Him, saying, “It would have been good for that man if he had not been born,” Judas then says, “Rabbi, is it I?” It’s interesting that Judas asked Jesus, “Is it I?” after Jesus spoke those incredibly heavy words of it being better for that man to never have been born and not before. Seemingly, if that evening’s events were being recounted chronologically, which seems to be the case, the other disciples who asked the question did so prior to Jesus’ weighty statement. Nevertheless, Judas still clearly asked, “Is it I?”
I, unfortunately, did not remember Judas asking that question. Since we are studying the gospel of Mark, Mark is my primary text. I do, however, usually try to cross-reference the other gospels to make sure I have a clear understanding of all of the details, since Mark doesn’t usually give a lot of additional detail to the rapid-fire events he records of Jesus’ ministry. On this occasion I did read both Luke’s account and Matthew’s account. It was from Luke’s gospel that we learn the names of the two disciples, Peter and John, who went to prepare for the Passover meal. When it came to Matthew’s account though, I stopped reading before I came to Judas’ response to Jesus, thinking it was the same information contained in Mark. I was wrong, and because of my carelessness in handling Matthew’s narrative, I completely said something that was not true. For that I am very sorry.
Now to the question of what to do when a pastor says something that is not true. First, if you hear something from a pastor or Bible teacher that you believe to not be true, make sure that you first go to the source of truth, the Bible. Check and see if what you know, understand, or believe is correct, as it is the Word of God that is always to be the judge of what is right and what is not. I always want to encourage people to not just “take my word for it,” whatever the “it” is, but to search the Bible for themselves, to check what I say against the truth of God’s Word.
Secondly, I think it’s wise to be willing to give the benefit of the doubt that what the pastor said he believed to be true. That was my situation. I thought I was making a truthful statement, even though it turns out I was not. I would hope that pastors would never intentionally say something untruthful to those they are called to shepherd. If they take their responsibilities of pastoring seriously, lying to those you are called to shepherd would be the worst way possible to undermine what God would have you to do. Sin, in any form, is never the answer to any issue.
Third, ask the pastor to clarify the statement or statements he made that are in question. Perhaps the issue was simply phrasing something wrong, or a wrong word choice. That happens. In my case, it has happened a whole lot more than I’d like to admit. My wife or children will sometimes ask me, “Did you know what you said?” Usually what follows is something that I totally didn’t remember saying, or something that becomes quite laughable. In most cases, it’s clear that I used a wrong word or phrase. It never hurts to clarify.
Then, lastly, if what the pastor said has theological and/or doctrinal significance, especially if it concerns the gospel of Jesus Christ, ask to meet with him to discuss what was said. Perhaps what was being taught or preached was something that you misunderstood or something that you haven’t fully studied or learned yourself. Maybe you felt that the pastor was saying something that wasn’t true because it’s something that you weren’t fully comprehending. Or, on the flip side, perhaps it’s something that the pastor, himself, didn’t understand well, and in turn didn’t teach or preach well, or even taught contrary to the true teaching of Scripture. In this case, it would be like the situation of Apollos and Priscilla and Aquila. Apollos was a good orator, and a man who wanted to honor God with his teaching, but there were some things he had not yet learned. In Acts 18:26 we read, “When Aquila and Priscilla heard him, they took him aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately.”
Whenever a pastor says something that isn’t true concerning the teachings of the Bible, whether it’s by complete accident, a slip of the tongue, or because of a lack of understanding, it isn’t something that should be taken lightly. Yes, I do firmly believe pastors should be given the benefit of the doubt when they may say something that’s off, because it’s likely unintentional, but pastors are called to study the Word of God and then faithfully teach the Word of God and lead God’s people. Then, if for some reason, that doesn’t happen, it isn’t something that should be swept under the rug and forgotten. It’s for the benefit of all people involved to search the Scriptures, clarify things that are taught, and then seek deeper understanding of theology and doctrine.
Now Mark doesn’t give names to all those who asked, “Is it I?” nor do the other gospel writers. We’re left to speculate who actually asked out loud, who was wondering in their hearts if they were the one, or who didn’t ask or think it at all. Matthew 26:22 said, “…each of them began to say to Him, “Lord, is it I?” That term “each of them” is used to reference the whole group of the disciples, the twelve, so it’s obvious that Jesus’ words caused quite a disturbance and some level self-examination of each of them. In fact, perhaps each of them did ask out loud, “Is it I?” We simply don’t know.
Here’s where the not true part comes in, though. I made the statement that Judas did not ask, “Is it I?” I said something to the effect that he didn’t ask because he knew that he was going to betray Jesus. Nice thought, except for the fact that that wasn’t true. If we continue reading in Matthew’s gospel, after Jesus spoke woe to the man who would betray Him, saying, “It would have been good for that man if he had not been born,” Judas then says, “Rabbi, is it I?” It’s interesting that Judas asked Jesus, “Is it I?” after Jesus spoke those incredibly heavy words of it being better for that man to never have been born and not before. Seemingly, if that evening’s events were being recounted chronologically, which seems to be the case, the other disciples who asked the question did so prior to Jesus’ weighty statement. Nevertheless, Judas still clearly asked, “Is it I?”
I, unfortunately, did not remember Judas asking that question. Since we are studying the gospel of Mark, Mark is my primary text. I do, however, usually try to cross-reference the other gospels to make sure I have a clear understanding of all of the details, since Mark doesn’t usually give a lot of additional detail to the rapid-fire events he records of Jesus’ ministry. On this occasion I did read both Luke’s account and Matthew’s account. It was from Luke’s gospel that we learn the names of the two disciples, Peter and John, who went to prepare for the Passover meal. When it came to Matthew’s account though, I stopped reading before I came to Judas’ response to Jesus, thinking it was the same information contained in Mark. I was wrong, and because of my carelessness in handling Matthew’s narrative, I completely said something that was not true. For that I am very sorry.
Now to the question of what to do when a pastor says something that is not true. First, if you hear something from a pastor or Bible teacher that you believe to not be true, make sure that you first go to the source of truth, the Bible. Check and see if what you know, understand, or believe is correct, as it is the Word of God that is always to be the judge of what is right and what is not. I always want to encourage people to not just “take my word for it,” whatever the “it” is, but to search the Bible for themselves, to check what I say against the truth of God’s Word.
Secondly, I think it’s wise to be willing to give the benefit of the doubt that what the pastor said he believed to be true. That was my situation. I thought I was making a truthful statement, even though it turns out I was not. I would hope that pastors would never intentionally say something untruthful to those they are called to shepherd. If they take their responsibilities of pastoring seriously, lying to those you are called to shepherd would be the worst way possible to undermine what God would have you to do. Sin, in any form, is never the answer to any issue.
Third, ask the pastor to clarify the statement or statements he made that are in question. Perhaps the issue was simply phrasing something wrong, or a wrong word choice. That happens. In my case, it has happened a whole lot more than I’d like to admit. My wife or children will sometimes ask me, “Did you know what you said?” Usually what follows is something that I totally didn’t remember saying, or something that becomes quite laughable. In most cases, it’s clear that I used a wrong word or phrase. It never hurts to clarify.
Then, lastly, if what the pastor said has theological and/or doctrinal significance, especially if it concerns the gospel of Jesus Christ, ask to meet with him to discuss what was said. Perhaps what was being taught or preached was something that you misunderstood or something that you haven’t fully studied or learned yourself. Maybe you felt that the pastor was saying something that wasn’t true because it’s something that you weren’t fully comprehending. Or, on the flip side, perhaps it’s something that the pastor, himself, didn’t understand well, and in turn didn’t teach or preach well, or even taught contrary to the true teaching of Scripture. In this case, it would be like the situation of Apollos and Priscilla and Aquila. Apollos was a good orator, and a man who wanted to honor God with his teaching, but there were some things he had not yet learned. In Acts 18:26 we read, “When Aquila and Priscilla heard him, they took him aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately.”
Whenever a pastor says something that isn’t true concerning the teachings of the Bible, whether it’s by complete accident, a slip of the tongue, or because of a lack of understanding, it isn’t something that should be taken lightly. Yes, I do firmly believe pastors should be given the benefit of the doubt when they may say something that’s off, because it’s likely unintentional, but pastors are called to study the Word of God and then faithfully teach the Word of God and lead God’s people. Then, if for some reason, that doesn’t happen, it isn’t something that should be swept under the rug and forgotten. It’s for the benefit of all people involved to search the Scriptures, clarify things that are taught, and then seek deeper understanding of theology and doctrine.