Assignments

I believe life is an assignment or a series of assignments, which is particularly significant for followers of Christ.  Mistreating or abusing our bodies, disease or accidents can cut our lives short, but that’s another blog!

Jesus saw His life as an assignment.  In His High Priestly Prayer, recorded in John 17, He says, “I have glorified You on the earth.  I have finished the work which You have given me to do.  And now, O Father, glorify Me together with Yourself, with the glory which I had with You before the world was” (verse 4). 

Before facing the executioner’s sword, Paul wrote to the young preacher, Timothy, “The time of my departure is at hand.  I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race (course), I have kept the faith” (2 Timothy 4:7).  He too, indicates that life is a series of assignments.  Among others, Paul’s two main assignments were to preach to the Gentiles and to write two-thirds of the New Testament.  Your Bible in part is the result of his completed assignments!

I’m the middle of seven kids, and we lost our mother when we were all teenagers. Mom died at age 40.  Understandably, I struggled with her untimely death, and became angry toward God.  My anguished heart found no peace until Mrs. Thelma Hoffman, pastor’s wife of the Jefferson Church of the Nazarene, came to our home.

She gathered my siblings and me around the kitchen table and what she prayed altered my thinking and began a healing process.  I loved school and understood and valued the necessity of completed assignments.  The Holy Spirit knew that, too.  Mrs. Hoffman prayed, “Heavenly Father, thank you for Joyce and the life you gave her.  Thank you Lord Jesus, that Joyce finished her assignment and you have called her home.”  That simple, yet profound prayer brought me comfort.

I believe our assignments are given according to the gifts placed inside us.  These God-given gifts manifest as we grow toward maturity and direct our life’s work.  I have never understood the will of God for my life to be that “mysterious unknown” and difficult to determine.  Rather, I think that God puts gifts (desires) within us even from birth to help guide our assignments!  We are called to tap into what God places within us and develop it for His glory and our fulfillment.

I’ve been amazed at individuals in our previous five churches that insisted they were called to sing solos, but could not “carry a tune in a bushel basket!”  Or those who felt called to preach or teach, but never studied the Bible; could not look people in the face or had the personality of a porcupine!  You gotta love it!  First and foremost, unrealistic or delusional people need to get honest with themselves.

As a boy, I was often found loitering in the kitchen, listening to the adults (usually my mom and aunts).  There I learned to listen and there I came to understand the necessity of holding confidences.  Seldom did mom say, “Roger, go play with the rest of the kids,” for intuitively she knew that God was doing something special in my heart – mainly preparing me for a lifetime of ministry. 

I stand in awe even today when I realize that those “kitchen conversations” prepared me for my subsequent pastoral and hospice chaplain “assignments.”  Much of my ministry has consisted of one-on-one encounters, where good listening skills and confidentiality were necessary.  I pray I have fulfilled my assignments to date with integrity and trust.  Now, it’s on to the next assignment – Hope Community Church!

The Naked Lady

I still chuckle when I think about Don’s * tattoo.  He was raised in a godly, but strict southern home, where tattoos were regarded as worldly and unacceptable.  He often heard, “Only those kind of people allow their bodies to be pierced with needles.”  At any rate, Don joined the army after high school.  Following some heavy drinking one night, he joined several of his buddies at an off-base tattoo parlor.  Before the night and alcohol wore off, Don proudly displayed a naked woman on his forearm. 

As time passed, Don of course, got out of the Army and returned home with his “lady.”  Eventually, he met a wonderful Christ-loving girl, who was less than impressed with his naked spectacle.  Don and she fell in love and subsequently the subject of marriage arose.  Jean happily accepted his marriage proposal, but with condition.  “I’ll marry you if you’ll get a dress tattooed on your arm to cover her nakedness.  I WILL NOT marry you until she’s covered up!”

The rest of his life, Don’s original design was covered by a frilly green dress!  I fondly think of him most every time I see a tattoo.

I’m often asked, “What do you think about tattoos?   My answer:  “They’re not for me, but I don’t put my personal preference onto others.”  Anti-tattoo proponents usually quote Leviticus 19:28 to support their stand:  “You shall not make any cuts in your body for the dead nor make any tattoo marks on yourselves; I am the Lord.”

A proper exegesis must be done on this passage before we take a stand either way.  Proper biblical interpretation requires that we look at individual passages in light of the intended original readers and cultural practices of the day.  The Bible seems to approach this subject as a “side issue,” one that is not addressed head on.  Only the above passage seems to teach against such things.

However, only nine verses earlier in the same chapter, the people of Israel were also commanded to avoid mixing fibers in garments:  “Nor shall a garment of mixed linen and wool come upon you” (19:19).  Therefore, if people consider a tattoo sinful, then they have to throw away all their cotton/polyester clothing, too!

God originally set aside the Jewish people as a “higher standard” among the pagan nations, through whom the Messiah would come.  As a result, many of their laws were given to wean them from pagan customs.  The book of Romans (and the rest of the New Testament) emphasizes that we are no longer under the Law.  Jesus paid for our sins, so people no longer have to try “cleaning themselves” to be worthy of being around a holy God.  Stated another way, the Old Testament made it clear that individuals could NOT stay clean on their own, so God sent His Son, who could and did live a sinless, “clean” life.  By accepting Christ, we benefit from His work, not ours.

For that reason, the “ceremonial cleanliness” laws were done away with once Christ provided a new way to get right with God.  Still, some laws were not ceremonial or fashionable in nature (to set people apart from other nations) but rather civil and moral.  Those laws are still valid and many of them were repeated often in the New Testament. The bottom line is that the Bible does not clearly define tattoos and body piercings as a sin. 

One thing to consider:  Although tattoos are easy target for naysayers, Christians, in my opinion, should look at tattoos as a “matter of conscience.”  Don* had a dress tattooed on his naked lady, as a matter of conscience and to protect his Christian testimony.  I personally believe that dirty, demonic or distasteful tattoos should be avoided by Christ followers, as a matter of conscience.  Take the time to Read Romans 14:1—15:6 and modify your appearance or behavior accordingly.  (Copyright 1999 by Clarifying Christianity)

*Don—Not his real name.

The Rapture!

One of the cornerstone doctrines of our Faith is the Rapture of the Church.  This is when, according to 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18, Jesus Christ will “airlift” the redeemed from across the ages to be forever with Him.  The late Dan Ronsisvalle used to say, “It will not be an airplane ride, but a plain air ride!”  The Scriptures are clear.  This glorious event will take place “in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye” (1 Corinthians 15:51).  This is called the Church’s Blessed Hope. 

Yet as a kid, I feared the Rapture because of my unhealthy theology.  During my youth, a popularly acclaimed Christian film hit the church scene.  Most of my Christian acquaintances gave A Thief in the Night raving reviews, but I left the theater greatly disturbed.  I remember thinking, “I don’t have a chance.  I’m not as holy as those people who disappeared!  Certainly, I’m not good enough to go in the Rapture.”  I’m not blaming the producers of the film, but I viewed it through the lens of fear and law-based theology.

My fear of the Rapture continued for several years.  The blessed hope became the terrible tormentor.  The Scriptures tell us that “the trumpet will sound and the dead in Christ will rise first” (1 Thessalonians 4:16). 

During my boyhood, my family lived seven miles south of Ashtabula Harbor.  Distant train whistles and ship foghorns penetrated the still summer nights and I can remember lying in bed crying – afraid that I missed the Rapture.   That’s how tormented I was.  It was wonderful when later I saw godly people and realized I had not been left behind.

Subsequently, a sermon on the “Catching Away” was the catalyst the Holy Spirit used to bring me under conviction and to saving grace!   It was Tuesday, August 4, 1970.  The late Donald Schorsch used as his text,  “For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who alive and remain until the coming of the Lord, will not precede those who have fallen asleep.  For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first.  Then we who are alive and remain will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so shall we always be with the Lord.  Therefore comfort one another with these words” (1 Thessalonians 4:16-18).

He painted wonderful word pictures when he preached.  I “saw” Jesus stepping down on a cloud, as those who died in Christ rose from their graves.  Then we who were alive on earth joined them in the clouds.  I “saw” teeming masses of people “caught up.”  I “heard” the trumpet blast.  I was SO READY to give my life to Christ.  I couldn’t wait for him to quit preaching and to give the invitation to accept Christ.  That night, I became “Rapture-Ready!”

I still love to hear preaching on the Rapture.  It never grows old!   During difficult days, the Holy Spirit reminds me that Jesus is coming again!  “And everyone who has this hope fixed on Him purifies himself, just as He is pure” (1 John 3:3).  I’ll see you on the way up.  Get ready.  It could happen today!

John 3:16

You probably can quote it.  It’s been referred to as “the Gospel in a nutshell.”  I memorized John 3:16 during a boyhood Vacation Bible School:  “For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son that whoever believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life.”  This verse alone, if acted upon, would be enough to lead one to salvation.  Its components bring life.  Allow me to dissect it for you.

“For God…”

This speaks of Divine Origin.  Our salvation was set into motion immediately after the fall of man, when Adam and Eve fell by was of transgression – when they disobeyed God.  The Bible tells us that the fall brought sin into the world and with sin came death.  But God orchestrated a plan to win lost mankind back to Himself!  Genesis 3:15 relays God’s prophetic intent. “And I will put enmity between you and the woman.  And between your seed and her seed.  He shall bruise you on the head.  And you shall bruise him on the heel.”

“So loved…”

This speaks of Divine Intensity.  God didn’t “just love,” He SO-O-O-O loved!  Do you sense the intensity of God’s resolve to win back lost mankind?

“The world…”

This speaks of the Divine Target.  You and I are the objects of God’s love.  He targeted us to be saved!  God’s plan was to not only win back this physical planet, but more wonderfully, each one of us.  Put your name inside this phrase and rejoice!  “For God so loved Roger Loomis…” Wow, what love!

“That He gave…”

This speaks of Divine Strategy.    God is a giver.  His nature is to give.  He would give His only Son on the cross to win back a lost and dying world.

“His only Son…”

This speaks of a Divine Person.  Jesus is the Son of God, the only One qualified to save us from sin.  He is God and He is the author of eternal life!       

“That whoever believes on Him…”

This speaks of the Divine prerequisite.  Many ask, “What must I do to have eternal life?”  And many are amazed that the Gospel is so simple.  Placing our faith in the precious blood of Jesus to forgive sin sounds too easy.  But it’s true! 

“Will not perish…”

This speaks of Divine protection.  Those who place their faith in Christ are delivered from eternal judgment.  Remember, God’s wrath toward sin was satisfied on the cross when our sinless Savior gave His life.  We escape His wrath and make heaven our home, not hell!

But have eternal life.”

This speaks of the Divine promise.  God promises eternal life for those who place their faith in Him.  He alone can save us!  And He alone has promised us a place in heaven after our life on earth is over.

Now you know why John 3:16 is so often quoted.  It outlines the essence of the Gospel!  Have you place your faith in Christ?

My Teacher

Do you remember your elementary school teachers?  I do!  At Jefferson Elementary School I had in chronological order: Mrs. Baber, Miss Knapp, Mrs. Gibbs, Mrs. Kasefang, Mrs. DelPriore, Mrs. Haines, Miss Hamilton, and Miss Johnson.  All of them were fine teachers, but I remember Miss Carolyn Johnson with great fondness.

She was in her late 30’s when I walked into her classroom that September day in 1967.  I took note immediately that this woman was different than most. As I recall, most of my other teachers smiled little during the first six weeks of school, but Miss Johnson met each of us with a smile and a hug.  Most notably, she possessed a distinct walk, which I assumed was a “teacher thing.”  After all, Mrs. Haines had also walked with a limp.  One day, a fellow classmate imitated her walk for the entire class to see, when she suddenly appeared in the doorway.  He subsequently spent quite a long time leaning against the chalkboard with his nose buried in a small circle!

Miss Johnson made learning fun.  We never knew what to expect!  One day our class was learning about the sinus cavity.  Miss Johnson tried and tried to make us understand about mucus.  After several failed attempts, she yelled, “In other words, snot!”  Sixth graders understand that!

Another day, I was standing on the school playground when suddenly a football struck the back of my neck with such force that it knocked me to the ground.  Miss Johnson came running and immediately began rubbing my hurting neck.  Because sixth graders do not cry, I fought back tears.  To protect my dignity and to insure my welfare, Miss Johnson laid my head on her shoulder.  I then cried profusely and literally soaked her blouse.  But no one knew.  Having the assurance that I was okay, she winked at me and said, “You’re going to be just fine.  Run along.”

Some years back, I was saddened to learn that my wonderful teacher has passed away.  She certainly died before her time.  My life is better because of her!  Hope Community Church honors all teachers, specifically our current Jefferson Elementary School teachers.  Thanks for all you do to impact young lives!

The Empty Tomb

Bible writers often used directional words when describing places and events.  “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he fell into the hands of robbers…”(Luke 10:30).  “Who can ascend the hill of the Lord” (Psalm 24:3)? 

Lori and I were privileged to travel to the Holy Land in December, 1999.  We saw the lofty heights of Jerusalem and the terraced slopes of Mount Zion.  In all probability, David’s palace was situated on one of these slopes, thus enabling him to view the terraces below.  Had he not been looking down from his rooftop, perhaps his tryst with Bathsheba would never have occurred.  One translation says he “looked down and saw…”

Our tour included a bus ride from Jerusalem down to Jericho.  We held our collective breath as the bus wound its way down the narrow road.  Several times it appeared that we were going to fall off the edge, as there were no guardrails. 

Israel is an intense, complex, and absolutely fascinating country.  Although it is a small nation, even tiny, it is densely packed with immense geographical diversity and a long, rich history.  Fractious politics, along with religious and cultural differences exist that defy belief.  Israel is home to three major world religions.  Most profoundly, it is the land of the Bible.

It’s intriguing to actually visualize specific locations while reading my Bible.  I stood near the spot in Caesarea Philippi where Peter made his great confession, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God” (Matthew 16:16).  I stood outside the foundation of Peter’s home in Capernaum wondering if Jesus ever slept there. 

I read the Christmas story and I see the Shepherd’s Field outside of Bethlehem, where the angelic host delivered earth’s greatest birth announcement.  When I read of Jesus carrying His own cross, I picture the Via Dolorosa, the “way of the cross.” and I remember my walk.  When I read about earth’s final battle against evil, I see the Valley of Jezreel, a narrow, peaceful plain.  One day, blood will flow like a river where cattle now graze.  Lush, irrigated fields now produce bumper crops.

I read about the show down between Elijah and the 450 prophets of Baal, and remember standing on that very slope.  Jesus’ early ministry took place around the Sea of Galilee.  I rode on a boat much like those of His day, and I remember the Sea Walker and his fishermen-disciples.  I marvel that the Sea of Galilee is really a large lake.

Going down to the Dead Sea, I picture a man lying on his lounge chair with his legs crossed and his arms folded above his head.  I floated in the waters of the Dead Sea in that very posture – only without the chair!  It is virtually impossible to sink in that body of mineral-laden water.  I stood in the Garden of Gethsemane beside olive trees that bent low the night Jesus prayed, “Not what I will, but what you will” (Mark 14:36b).  I contemplated the Savior’s agonizing death as I viewed Golgotha, the “place of the skull.”  Tour buses now park beneath its rocky cliff. 

However, nothing moved me more than the garden situated just yards away from Golgotha.  The empty tomb of Joseph of Arimathea testifies, “He is not here; He has risen” (Luke 24:6).  My salvation was secured when the Holy Spirit breathed into the lifeless corpse of Jesus of Nazareth.  Now we sing with conviction, “Up from the grave He arose, with a mighty triumph o’er His foes…

Calvary speaks of His death. The empty tomb confirms His resurrection, and the Mount of Ascension reminds me that He’s coming back in like manner that He left.  The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob has changed countless lives, including mine.  Through this tiny nation all the nations of the earth have been blessed.  In the closing days of time God’s power will be seen in and through this precious real estate. 

Hope Community Church is tentatively planning a trip to Israel during September, 2018.  Be looking for further details on our website.