In C. S. Lewis' classic children's book, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, the four English children enter the land of Narnia and discover a world of dwarfs and talking animals.  They discover the displaced king is Aslan, the Lion is on the move to return. Aslan is a symbol of Christ.   At the house of the Beaver's they have this conversation:

"Is ----is he a man?", asked Lucy.

"Aslan a man!", said Mr. Beaver sternly.  "Certainly not.  I tell you his the King of the wood and the son of the great Emperor Beyond the Sea.  Don't you know who is the King of the beasts?  Aslan is a lion-the lion, the great Lion."

"Ooh!", said Susan, "I'd thought he was a man.  Is he-quite safe?  I shall feel rather nervous about meeting a lion."

"That you will dearie, and no mistake, "said Mrs. Beaver, "if there's anyone who can appear before Aslan without their knees knocking, they're either braver than most or else just silly."

"Then he isn't safe?" said Lucy

"Safe?" said Mr. Beaver, "...Who said anything about safe?  'Course he isn't safe.  But he's good."

Following Christ is never safe.  It is risky and an adventure.  To follow Christ is to know not where you are going, but know Who is ever leading and guiding.  It may not be safe, but it will be good.

Until next time,

Frank

Posted by Frank_Pur on Wed 18 Nov 2009 9:37:20 am     | no comments

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Who would image seeing yourself in a movie?  I think we make a mistake of seeing movies just mere entertainment.  While I would admit that movies can be dumb and trashy and a waste of time.  But some works of film can be meaningful.  Recently, I took my youngest daughter to see Walt Disney's "Christmas Carol" and though everyone knows the storyline...I am still captured by the redemption and transformation of Scrooge.  I see some of him in myself.  What of my "Christmas Past"?  What have I done in the past...my choices and decisions which still have consequences today?  What of my "Christmas Present?" where I have been blind to the needs of others around me....like Scrooge was to the poor whom he ignored.  What about my "Christmas Future"?  Like with Scrooge, will people think nothing of my death as people would for Scrooge?

More importantly...will I, like Scrooge, be willing to change, grow and become a better man that I have been?  Well, the answer to these questions will take a lifetime to discover.  In the meantime I will seek to examine myself daily and ask the Lord to show me where to repent, what to change and to help me govern my choices.

The next time you take a seat of the movies....you just might see your own life on the screen.

Until next time,

Frank

Posted by Frank_Pur on Tue 10 Nov 2009 10:14:53 am     | 1 comments

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It is told of Charles Spurgeon, the prince of preachers of London, that a young preacher approached him and said that the night before he preached and 15 people came forward.  Spurgeon replied, "May you and your sermon be hanged!  God gets all the glory."  There is great truth in that.  For the temptation for those of us in Christian ministry is to believe the "press" about ourselves.

Over the years, there have been those occasions when people have said to me after a service or a revival meeting. "You are such a man of God and so annointed!"  And I think to myself, "If you only knew my struggles and what I am really like, you would not say that!"  Now I must admit there have been those times that I have liked the comments and praises.  Hey, who among us do not like to be stroked once and a while?  But one must be careful to realize that if anything was accomplished by anything we do, it was the Lord who enabled us.

In I Peter 5:6 it reads:"Humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God that He may exalt you at the proper time" (NASB)  If there is any promotion or exalting...the Lord does it and not we ourselves.  And surely we do not look to the superfical statements of praise given at a moment which is soon forgotten.  The true test of our service is to be humble and knowing that all that I am and all that I do comes from His hand giving me the ability and opportunity.  Many years ago I read this statement; "You cannot think yourself great and that Christ is mighty to save at the same time."  How true. 

Until next time,

Frank Purvis

 

Posted by Frank_Pur on Fri 6 Nov 2009 8:29:59 am     | no comments

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C. S Lewis said, "Many religious people lament that the first fevours of their conversion have died away.  They think-sometimes rightly, but not, I believe always-that their sins account for this.  They may even try by pitful efforts of will to revive what now seem to have been the golden days.  But were those fevours ever intended to last?"

I think Lewis had a point. The temptation is to live on the mountain top and 'feel" the Lord.  Oh I could tell you of some wonderful spiritual moments in my own life.  And I must confess that there are times that I have longed for those days gone by when my faith was so young and exciting.  Too many conflicts and struggles have gone under the bridge.  I can't recapture those days.  They are gone.

However, what I have found in the journey is my place of service for Him.  Instead of looking for feeling and fun....I am learning that an ounce of faith is more important than a ton of thrill.  My place as a husband, father and a pastor does not always have the thrill of spiritual highs...but in that daily walk of growing, learning, struggling and following Him gives more satisfaction that all the spiritual mountain tops one could climb.  In my humble opinion my place is not on the mountain top...but at His feet, like Mary of old, listening and learning from Him.

Until next time,

Frank

Posted by Frank_Pur on Sun 25 Oct 2009 6:45:33 pm     | 2 comments

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It is not difficult in these times to worry.  With the HINI flu, the downturn of the economy, and all the other ills of our world.  Yet, if we live by worry and fret we do not gain release, but add to it.  Now let me confess;  I too find those times that I do worry and allow the threat of the moment to get my eyes off of Christ and His control.

A popular song years ago said, "Don't Worry, be happy".  My advice is 'Don't worry, trust Christ."

"Said the Robin to the Sparrow; "I should really like to know why these anxious human beings rush about and worry so?

Said the Sparrow to the Robin, "Friend I think that it must be that they have no Heavenly Father such as cares for you and me."

Let us not live in worry, but in waiting on the Lord to move in our lives at His timing and His purpose to meet our needs and calm our fears.

Until Next Time,

Frank

 

Posted by Frank_Pur on Sun 18 Oct 2009 8:03:27 pm     | 1 comments

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Have you ever had a spiritual vacation?  A time or a place or an event whereas you get away from it all and think about the Lord and your walk with Him. I had that last week at the Billy Graham Training Center at the Cove in Asheville, NC.  Dr. Alistair Begg, orginally from Scotland, the pastor of the Parkside Church in Cleveland, talk that week on suject of forgivness and grace.  Man, was I renewed!  The greatest blessing was the reminder of the need to be an expositor of the Word of God and be faithful to the task of preaching.

In the book of Acts 3:19, Peter said,

Repent therefore and return that your sins may be wiped away in order that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord."

You may not be able to get away like to the Cove...but I suggest that the Lord will lead us to set aside some time of seeking His face, opening His Word, and yielding to His Spirit to know Him in a fresh way.  Do you feel burned out?  Worn out?  Just simply tired?  Ask the Lord to grant to you a time of refreshing from His presence to renew your life.

Until next time,

Frank Purvis

Posted by Frank_Pur on Mon 5 Oct 2009 10:35:48 am     | no comments

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In Psalm 131: 1, we read,

"O Lord, my heart is not proud, nor my eyes haughty; Nor do I involve myself in great matters, or in things too difficult for me."  (NASB)

Now that I am easing up to age 50, I realize that I don't know as much as I use to know!  What I mean is that I have come to understand that there is not only a lot of mystery about life, but there is also a lot of mystery about God.  I know that God has revealed HImself and is incarnate in Christ Jesus.  I know that the Bible gives us so much truth that it takes a lifetime to study and apply.  Yet, you just can't package it all so neatly all the time.  I hear those preachers on TV who seek to be God's 'spokesman" and just give a word on what the Lord wants us to do....well call me unspiritual...I just don't think the the Lord speaks all that casual.  I do believe we can know Him through salvation and the Bible and His presence throughout life's experience.  And yet....there is that element of the unknown we just did not factor in.  When our son Carlisle was killed in an auto accident my whole understanding of God's plan and purpose was turned upside down.  Mystery burst on the surface which required me to refigure and reconsider my understanding of God's hand in my life. 

The answers for me are not always easy as they use to be....not always black and white.  But I am willing to let a little "gray" in and trust the Lord in the process.

Until next time,

Frank

 

Posted by Frank_Pur on Fri 18 Sep 2009 9:19:58 am     | no comments

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Next week, we have our community revival...six churches involved in five nights of worship, fellowship and the preaching of the Word.  But I have to remember that these things alone do not guarantee revival.  Only the Lord out of His grace sends revival.  I've preached recently that while we cannot make a revival happen...we can make ourselves ready for one.  Being repentive, reflective and open for the restoration that Christ can bring to us.

The psalmist asked this question:

"Will You not revive us again that Your people may rejoice in You?" Psalm 85:6 (NKJV)

It is a fitting question to be asked.  Not in a demanding way, but a humble way.  A way of trying to not box God in a corner to get results.  Rather, to sit at His feet as Mary of old did, and learn from Him the way of life that only He can provide.

Until later,

Frank

 

Posted by Frank_Pur on Wed 9 Sep 2009 6:41:18 pm     | no comments

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It took me almost 30 years of Christian living to be myself in Christ.  For a long time I sought to copy other Christians.  I wanted to be like famous Christians, Billy Graham, Stephen Olford, and others.  Or I wanted to be like "spiritual giants" I knew personally.  I would try to mimic their style of preaching and try to image myself being like them with all their spiritual depth. 

It took a lot of frustration and a lot soul searching to realize that the Lord made me to be me in this life.  For truly, I can be no one else.  Part of that process was trying to make sure that I can hold to my own convictions and beliefs without having to compromise in the presence of someone who may disagree with me on some finer point.  I  for a long time tried to merge to become like the Christian crowd I was with at the time.  Why?  Because I wanted to be accepted and love.  You see my real problem was a low self esteem.  I lacked self confidence and was afraid to stand up for what I believed in for fear that I might have to stand alone.  But I have learned and  I am learning to relax and let God be God.  I don't have to have all the answers.  All I have to be is faithful to what the Lord has called me to be.

The apostle Paul said: "But by the grace of God, I am what I am...."  I Corinthians 15:10a     And the older I get that is what I want to be.

Until next time,

Frank

Posted by Frank_Pur on Sun 30 Aug 2009 6:36:27 am     | no comments

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For the first several years of my Christian journey, I sought to have a daily dynamic spiritual walk.  I mean I wanted to "feel" the Holy Spirit and sense the presence of Jesus in real fashion.  Looking  back now I have see that in reality that I had stirred my own emotions to the point that I thought it was the Spirit.  Now mind you, there is a place for spiritual ecstasy.  There are those moments that the Lord can invade and intervene in a powerful way....but is it to happen daily?

What I have learned is that discipleship means...discipline.  Many of our brothers and sisters in previous generations knew the value of that daily time of prayer, Bible study and contemplation.  It is not always exciting, but it keeps one focused on Christ and not experience as the norm of Christian living.

One of my favorite authors, Eugene Peterson, wrote a book years ago on the subject of discipleship.  It was called, A Long Obedience in the Same Direction.  I have learn that the best measurement of one's spiritual life is not spiritual episodes, rather that daily routine of spending time with the Lord and walking with Him in the ordinary life.

My Christian routine of prayer, journal writing and Bible study has not always had thrills, but it has given me consistency in my walk with the Lord.

Until next time,

Frank

 

Posted by Frank_Pur on Wed 26 Aug 2009 11:00:05 am     | no comments

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For many years in my Christian life, I was determined to live a holy life.  Now it was not a bad goal at all and matter of fact it is biblical to strive for such.  However in my attempt to be holy, I was legalistic.  I had all my rules and 'do's" and "don'ts".  And for a while it worked.  But as time marched on and I grew in my faith, I began to see that I was not free in Christ, I was in bondage.

Sometimes before a TV program or a movie, a warning is displayed; "viewer discretion advised".  Now I use to see that and immediately turn the channel.  But wait a minute....note that word 'discretion".  It means to discern and to determine if it is suitable.  It is the easy route to quickly judge something as unholy...but perhaps the freedom way is to look and discern first.  Now there is some obivous things in this world that are no brainers for the Christian.  Adultery, drunkeness, lying and cheating.  These activities are to be avoided at all cost.  But it is not always black and white.  To be free in Christ is to look at life's choices with prayer and biblical guidance. 

Paul said in I Corinthians 10:23 and 31

"All things are lawful, but not all thngs are profitable.  All things are lawful, but not all things edify.....whether then you eat or drink or whatever you do; do all to the glory of God"

As a Chriatian, I must ever learn to 'discern" what it good and bad for me.  What will help me and what will hinder me.  It is easier to have a list of "do's and 'don'ts"  But to be free in Christ is to discover that the life of grace is not a map of a narrowly defined path, but rather a journey of faith.

Until next time,

Frank

 

Posted by Frank_Pur on Mon 17 Aug 2009 7:26:18 am     | no comments

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Someone said one time that the middle letter of the word 'sin" is the letter "I".  That most sin starts with ourselves.  I tend to agree.  When I was a younger Christian, I used to look at sin as an issue of the culture.  Movies, music and the actions of others.  When I was in college the going thing at that time was to take an LP record or a 45 record and with the the player turn the table backward and some music would have these "hidden" messages that was hellish in nature.  I forgot the name of the song, but one song when you played it backward was to sound like 'Satan, Satan".  It sounds laughable now, but we were dead serious about getting rid of music that was demonic in nature.

Looking back now, it all sounds silly.  While I know that we must be discerning about what we watch or listen to and activities we engage it; it seems that the sin problem is much deeper.  The sin problem is with me!  My attitude, my lust, my temptation...there lies the problem.  So I am aware that there is sin out there, God will handle that.  The real issue is coming to realize that I am a sinner, not only needing salvation....but needing the constant cleansing power of Christ.

I John 1: 9 says:

If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness"(NASB)

So as long as "I" am here in this life, I imagine that my confessing mode will always need to be working.  Because the real problem with sin is my own failure to reisit it.  I am so grateful today that we serve a Christ who cleanses  the "I" of sin.

Until next time,

Frank

 

Posted by Frank_Pur on Mon 10 Aug 2009 3:14:53 pm     | no comments

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The older I get, the more that I see my "feet of clay".  I am a man, a human being and very much fallen!  Oh, it is not that I want excuse my self and my failures.  Surely the Christian life is a life that is to strive for growth in grace and seeking to be more spiritual and more in tune with Christ.  But my probelm is that just about the time I think I am really making progress....wham!  I reveal my humanity in some way which reminds me how  much more work there needs to be done.  I have come to see that the Christian life is a journey which like all journeys has it's bumps and twists and rough spots.  And  what I seek to do is be more dependent upon His grace and remain in the shadow of the cross.  To see myself for what I am and not try to wear a mask of pretense of what I am not is more healthy in the long run.

Charles Spurgeon said it right, "The best of men are men at best."

And so with my "feet of clay" I'll keep following Jesus and being thankful that He holds my hand in the path of faith.

Until next time,

Frank 

Posted by Frank_Pur on Thu 6 Aug 2009 10:01:31 am     | no comments

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Posted by Frank_Pur on Thu 6 Aug 2009 9:48:09 am     | no comments

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This past month, my two sisters and I have had to deal with our aging parents.  My mother has had back surgery which has required therapy that included an extended stay in the hospital.  To see our mother in much pain in bed has been hard for us.  Also my father has had to undergo some tests which so far has been negative.  With almost 60 years of marriage under their belts, Mama and Daddy have been blessed with good health.  Now that they have entered that stage in life that health issues and other issues prevail...well lets say that it has shown their "age".  That is not to disrespect them, but to see the reality that for the first time in my life there is a role reversal.  Now they are dependent on us to help them make some decisions and to be with them in doctor visits and who knows what else down the road.

It has forced me to look at how I am "growing older".  Will I handle my limitations and my failures as an old man?  Will I listen to my children give me "advice".  Will I listen to the doctor and follow the orders?  I guess what I am saying is that I want to grow old gracefully.  I don't want to be abrasive and ill natured.  I want to be sweet and easy going.  I want people to see me as a 'gentle" old man...not an old man that nobody wants to have around.

In Proverbs 16:31 it reads:

"A gray head is a crown of glory; it is found in the way of righteousness."

If I lived to be an old man, I hope as my hair gets even more gray...that my heart will retain a sweetness that shows an openess to learning, listening and letting others lead me when I need the hand of another to help me.

Until next time,

Frank

 

Posted by Frank_Pur on Mon 27 Jul 2009 3:37:10 pm     | no comments

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Posted by Frank_Pur on Mon 27 Jul 2009 3:17:49 pm     | no comments

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Today marks the one year anniversay of the death of our oldest child and only son Carlisle.  He and a good friend Andrew Britt were killed on July 19th, 2008 in an auto accident less than five miles from my house.   I cannot give the words to describe the pain we felt at the loss of our son.  Some have said that when you lose your parents, you are an orphan and when you lose a spouse, you are a widow or widower.  But when you lose a child, there is no word for it.  But at this anniversary, I want to share three lessons I have learned.

1. Lesson in Anguish:  The pain and grief was overwhelming.  I've cried a million tears it seems. My wife Sandy and our girls, Patricia and Rebekah were just broken over his death.  Not only through the funeral but the months that followed with the "firsts'  Thanksgiving, Christmas,family birthdays, Mother's Day, Father's Day and his own birthday.  Each first brought a sense of his loss.

2. Lesson in Anger:  I have never been angry with God, but I got angry that Carlisle and his friend were not more careful in driving.  I got angry with the idea that Carlisle lost a chnce to live his life...dying at 18.  I got angry with myself for not spending more time with him than I did.  I got angry at some of the stupid things people would say to try to be comforting, but they were only shallow words.

3. Lesson in Acceptance: Now at the year of  his death I have accepted it.  Time has been the major factor in this.  I've learn to adjust our family life without him on a daily basis.  I've learn that no matter how much I wish he was here...he is not.  I have heard of many stories of others who have lost children...so my loss is not the first nor will it be the last.  I have had to learn to trust the Lord for those things I don't understand and realize that I don't have to have all the answers to follow Him.  I am at peace for I celebrate his life and am thankful for all the good memories I have had.  I know where Carlisle died and how he died.  But mostly importantly, I remember how he lived.

"I thank my God in all my remembrance of you."  Philippians 1:3

With the Love of a Father,

Frank

 

Posted by Frank_Pur on Sun 19 Jul 2009 9:10:10 am     | no comments

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One of my favorite preachers was Stephen Olford.  He was from Great Britian and when he preached his "r's" would roll and his voice would boom.  What I  know about expository preaching, I learned from him.  One of his favorite sayings was "Obedience is the hinge that swings the door of the Christian life".  Think about that.  All that we believe and all that we say about the Christian life is dependent on our obedience.  No matter how orthodox we are, if we do not obey; what is the point?

In the book of I Samuel 15:22, we read:

"Has the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrfices as in obeying the voice of the Lord?  Behold to obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed than the fat of rams."

The context is that king Saul was given certian orders to fulfill as God's word to him required.  He did not do what the Lord said and instead did it his way and then rationalize about it.  The prophet Samuel called his hand and let him know that God did not want his sacrifices and offerings....the Lord wanted his obedience.  The Lord wants the same from us.  Not only to believe what he says, but to do what he commands.  You see it does not matter how beautiful the door of your Christian life is....the most important thing is that it swings on the hinge of obedience.

Until Next Time,

Frank

 

Posted by Frank_Pur on Mon 13 Jul 2009 8:58:04 am     | no comments

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My laptop was in the shop ths week getting a tune up.  Nothing really major wrong, but just needed a going over in the power department.  Come to find out I could get more "maximum performace for $39.99."

Too bad when we need "spiritual tune ups" it is not that easy.  There are no quick formuals or rituals you can do to get in "shape" spiritually.  Now mind you there are those out there who would lead you to believe that all that you have to do is just read your Bible more, pray more, do more.  Now I am all for spiritual formation and service.  Yet, often our spiritual slump usuaully is much deeper than an extended prayer time can fix.  It takes perhaps some deep soul searching and some contemplation.  Nothing over night.  But careful reflecting where we are and we we are doing and discovering the way to change it. 

David said in Psalm 19:13-14

"....Cleanse me from secret faults.  Keep back your servant also from presumptuous sins.  Let them not have dominion over me.  Then shall I be blameless and I shall be innocent of great transgression.  Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer." (NKJV)

If we could apply that to our lives as David did, I think a spiritual tune up would be well on its way!

Until next time,

Frank

Posted by Frank_Pur on Wed 8 Jul 2009 3:53:11 pm     | 1 comments

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Well if you have watched any TV lately you know two major pop icons have passed away.  Michael Jackson and Farrah Fawcett.  Neither one was one of my icons as a teen or even in young adult hood.  Actually, I've grown tired of the media hype about Michael Jackson especially.  But what little I have watched, it seems for many, Michael Jackson's death was a blow to them and on Youtube there has been some very emotional spots.  What do you do when your hero dies?

It would be tempting for me to dismiss those who weep over Michael Jackson.  But what if Billy Graham died?  Would not I be "glued to the tube" to watch the coverage?  Don't know for sure, but I know that my heart would be greatly sadden will he passes away.  Whether it is a Christian icon or a pop star, hero worship always has its limitations.  The hero does not live for ever and as human beings they can disappoint.

The Bible says in Hebrews 12:2a

"looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith..."

Christ Jesus will never disappoint or die...He lives forever.  While it is true that we can't see Him or watch Him on TV...yet we can know His presece and power on a daily basis.  There may be those "heroes" we look up to as young people.  Someone we admire or like how they sing, play ball or even preach.  But human heroes come and go.  Christ will be with us until the end of the age.

Until next time,

Frank

 

Posted by Frank_Pur on Mon 29 Jun 2009 8:26:15 am     | no comments

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I have always been a war movie buff.  Back in 1979, one of the early films to address the Vietnam war was a movie entitled, Apocalypse Now, starring Martin Sheen.  Sheen plays a Special Forces officer who is to go behind the lines to assassinate an Army colonel who has gone rogue.  A very dark and deep film.  There is one scene in the movie when Sheen's character comes upon a firefight and he asked a soldier, "Who is in charge here?"  The soldier looks at him confused and says, "Ain't you?"

Sometimes in our world, we ask the same thing, "Who is in charge here?"  And no one seems to know.  From poverty, AIDS, famine, and war.  Plus the current money crisis...no one seems to be in control and can fix it. 

I've been reading the book of Isaiah for my devotions lately and I was comforted by this verse:

"For thus says the Lord, "Who created the hevens?  Who is God who formed the earth and made it?  Who established it?  Who did not create in vain?  Who formed it to be inhabited?  I am the Lord and there is no other."  Isaiah 45:18 (NKJV)

While the answers and the solutions to the world's problems and our problems are not simple.  My hope and my confidence is that God is in charge and Jesus is Lord.  His will "will be done on earth as it is in heaven".  I am so glad that the Lord is in charge.  Aren't you?

Until next time,

Frank

 

Posted by Frank_Pur on Mon 22 Jun 2009 9:43:37 am     | no comments

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Posted by Frank_Pur on Mon 22 Jun 2009 9:19:32 am     | no comments

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Today I am suffering for Jesus at the beach.  Well..not really..but I am with my family here for the whole week.  Generally speaking I am not much of a beach person, but my wife and girls are.  I have to admit that vacations are not my favorite thing to do.  I give it to the fact of growing up in a home whereas the work ethic was so strong that all of life was about work.  And that idea has spilled over into my ministry.  But as I get older I am begining to see that taking time away is good for the body and the soul. 

Even Jesus ate fish with disicples on the beach.(John 21:12-14). The best passage in the Bible to support the idea of vacation is found in Mark 6:30-31:

"Then the apostles gathered to Jesus and told Him all things, both what they had done and what they had taught.  And He said to them, "Come aside by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while."  For there were many coming and going, and they did not even have time to eat." 

Whether it is at the beach or the mountians...or whereever...taking a vacation is something that Jesus saw as important.  So I need to get on my sunscreen and head for the sand with a good book and "rest awhile"

Frank

 

 

Posted by Frank_Pur on Mon 15 Jun 2009 7:14:27 am     | no comments

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All my Christian life I have loved devotional books.  Not the kind of "thought for today" stuff, but the writers who made me think and even brought me conviction and humility.  One such writer is Oswald Chambers.  In his book, "My Utmost for His Highest", he wrote;  Jesus never meaured His life by how or where He was of the greatest use.  God places His saints where they will bring the most glory to Him, and we are totally incapable of judging where that may be."

Wow!  That makes me ponder all those times that I have tried to figure out my "sucess" based on "how many came" or "how many responded" or how many "thank yous" I received.  The servant of God is serve and leave the results up to the Lord.  My role as pastor and preacher is not to "measure" the results.....rather my role is to be faithful to the task at hand and live for the glory of God!  That is the true measure of ministry.

Until next time,

Frank

 

Posted by Frank_Pur on Mon 8 Jun 2009 1:16:28 pm     | no comments

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Yes, I admit it....I am a Star Trek fan.  My sister Ruth and I grew up watching this space adventure and loving Capt. Kirk, Mr. Spock and of course Bones or Dr. McCoy.  I have seen the recent film which is what I think they call a "prequel".  It was enjoyable and yet I am showing my age and still perfer the original cast and crew.   Now the other "Trek" series that followed were good  in their own right and yet I still can't pass by a rerun of the original and now you can get in on DVD!

The one thing that was used in every episode of Star Trek was Capt. Kirk saying that their mission was to "go boldly were no man has gone before."  Now of course he was speaking of space.  But it got me thinking about our own Christian walk and service.  Isn't it easier just to find our niche and just be comfortable there?  To serve and go and do church without having the challenge of finding a new way to minister?  To have the same way of praying or the same Bible translation?  Safe and easy Christian living.  How much in my own walk as a Christian...and even as a pastor....have I "played it safe" and just going through the routines of ministry.  The Spirit of God calls us on occassion, "to go boldly where you have not gone before."  It may mean a nursing home, to a neighbor who is unchurched and without Christ, a area of service that you vowed you would never do.  The Holy Spirit will give us the boldness and the grace to do what needs to be done.  But we have to have the faith and the adventure to reach out into new ways of living for Christ and serving Him.

I have never been "beamed up by Scottie", but I can go boldly where I have never gone before and live for Christ!

Frank

 

Posted by Frank_Pur on Tue 2 Jun 2009 2:31:32 pm     | no comments

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Today is Memorial Day and we remember those who paid the ultimate price on battlefields around the world for the freedoms that we so easily take for granted.  I remember back in the 1980's that those who served in the Vietnam War were finally given recognition for their service in an unpopular war.  The Wall as it is called in Washington D.C. is a permament reminder of the over 58,000 who died in that war.  It was long overdue and yet they have been remembered. 

Sometimes in the service of our Lord, we wonder if people ever notice what we do or have done.  I am reminded of the story of the missionary couple who came home after a long career overseas arriving in a harbor.  As they departed from the ship there was a great celebration for a fellow passenger who was leaving the ship at the same time.  Once the couple arrived at their destination, the husband of the couple said to his wife, "We've served the Lord for 40 years and there was no celebration for our years of sacrifice and service."  With that he retired  for the evening.  As he prayed before he went to sleep, the Lord spoke to his heart and said, "You did not get a celebration when you arrived at the harbor because you are not home yet."

In the book of Hebrews 6:10 it says, "For God is not unjust so as to forget your work and the love which you have shown toward His name, in having ministered and in still ministering to the saints."  This verse speaks to me that even if others never see or give praise for my efforts in Christian service, God does!.  Others may forget, but the Lord never will.  We may have to wait until we get "home" before others will know.  In the meantime, let us serve and let God get the glory!

Frank

Posted by Frank_Pur on Mon 25 May 2009 7:40:44 am     | no comments

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Warren Wiersbe said that it is better to have 200 books that you use as opposed to having 1000 books sitting on a shelf gathering dust.  I wish I had listen to Wiersebe!  Over the years my library has grown too much and I add another bookshelf only to have it fill up so quickly.  At any rate..Wiersebe has a point.  It is not how many books you have, rather it is what you have read.  If I could advise anyone it would be to get quality books.  Choose authors that have been read for many years.  Avoid the latest fluff on the shelf at the  book store.  Chrstian bookstores are just as bad as secular ones.  it is all a  marketing trap!  Read Books and Culture published by Christianity Today magazine to know what it out there and the reviews look at it in light of a Christian worldview.  Authors like J.I. Packer, John Stott, and many other gaints are the ones to get.  Of course everybody has their favorites.  Be willing to read to be challenged.  I don't have agree with everythng an author says to get something from their book.  Read to enjoy.  Read to be changed. Read to grow.  Read to learn.  See Christ's truth coming through the pages.

Until next time,

Frank

Posted by Frank_Pur on Mon 11 May 2009 4:52:11 pm     | no comments

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The Prince of Preachers Charles Spurgeon said, ''A student will find that his mental constitution is more affected by one book throughly mastered than by twenty books merely skimmed."  I think that is a wise word for book lovers in a day of audio books and Kindle- e-books.  Now I am not knocking the advance of technology, but we can learn more and know more by knowing what one author has said compared to what is the latest.  Of course for the Christian the foremost book to know is the Bible.  I''ve read somewhere that only 4% of all Christians have ever read the Bible completely through.  We''ll read the latest best seller that "we could not put down" or the daily newspaper or our favoirite magazine.  But what about the Bible?  Christians are to seek to read it every day.  I have said more than once from the pulpit that you don''t find time to read the Bible, you "make" time.  Read a chapter a day at least.  Read through a book of the Bible.  Tackle those Old Testament books you''ve never looked at.  Challenge yourself with the discipline of daily reading and let God''s word be a "lamp unto your feet and a light unto your path"  As Spurgeon said, let us allow our mental constitution be affected by not only mastering the Bible; but letting God''s Word master us! 

 

Frank

Posted by Frank_Pur on Sun 3 May 2009 8:55:14 am     | no comments

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"Bring the winter coat I left in Troas with Carpus; also the books and prachment notebooks." II Timothy 4:13(The Message)   It is amazing that the apostle Paul at the end of his life in prison knowing that death is near, still wants to read!  He asks for the "books and notebooks".   Charles Spurgeon said of this text, "He had seen the Lord, and yet he wants books!  He had a wider experience than most men, and yet he wants books!  he had been caught up into the third heaven and had heard things  which is unlawful for a man to utter, yet he wants books."  The idea that the more one grows spiritually, the less one needs to study or learn is far from the biblical witness.  While it is true that not everybody is a "reader", it is important to challenge the mind and the heart with good reading.  And good reading can come from many sources that may surprise you.  More about that next time.

Posted by Frank_Pur on Mon 27 Apr 2009 9:16:38 am     | no comments

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Still thinking about what it means to have the "mind of Christ" (I Corinthians 2:16).  The key I think is discernment.  Some Christians may think that the mind is to reject all that is in the world and culture without weighing the value of it.   I contend that a Christian can learn great truths of Christ in a book of fiction that may not necessarily be a Christian book.  For example in Dickens or Twain or Melvin there can be great insights about life that apply to the Christian without it being Christian with intent.  Going back to discernment, we read with a critical eye.  Not just to get info. By all means enjoy the story!  But as you read, see what Christian truths may be hidden between the lines or in the undercurrents in the plot.  The same is truth for television or movies.  Not all TV or movies are trash.  Some of it is not worth the time watching it.  Again, use discernament.  A movie or an episode may not be Christian in content..but Godly truths that apply to Christian living may sneak in there.  Enjoy the movie and enjoy the TV show...but look at it as a Christian to see if there is a value that enable you to engage in the world you live in.  By being able to discuss the world of art or pop culture with a degree of awarness of what is out there will at least enable us to be better informed to have a greater witness for Christ.  At least that is what I think.

Posted by Frank_Pur on Tue 21 Apr 2009 1:13:28 pm     | no comments

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Been Thinking lately how important it is to think in the Christian life.  The Bible says in I Corinthains 2:16, "...we have the mind of Christ".  What does that mean?  That we only qoute Scriptures and theological jargon?  I don't think so.  It is to engage the mind in all of life as to what it means to be Christian.  Whether it is fixing a plumbing probelm at home or making a sales call or reading a good book or watching a movie.  All of our activities are are to engage the process of using our minds for the glory of God.  I do not mean just the idea of "WWJD".  Rather to ponder, to explore and to muse in life of how the Lord is working with me and in me in this situation.  Christianity is just not about the heart...it is also about the mind.  More later on this.  Have a great day.

Frank

Posted by Frank_Pur on Fri 17 Apr 2009 6:39:30 am     | no comments

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Posted by Frank_Pur on Fri 17 Apr 2009 6:30:51 am     | no comments

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