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Pastor's Corner

somewhere, over the rainbow

6/27/2015

3 Comments

 
The familiar song Somewhere Over the Rainbow made famous, first perhaps by Judy Garland, has some interesting lyrics to be sure. The first line of the song which states “Somewhere over the rainbow, way up high, there's a land that I heard of, once in a lullaby” speaks of a place perhaps all of us would want to see – or for that matter; live! We who know Jesus Christ know that we did not hear this necessarily in a lullaby only, but in the Word of God. Many may be surprised to find out, however, that for whatever reason, this song and the primary subject couched within its title has had particular appeal in the last 50 years or more to the homosexual community. In an article written by columnist Forrest Wickman almost exactly two years ago (June 26, 2013), we read this bit of history regarding the “rainbow significance”.

The rainbow … wasn’t popularized as an official symbol of the gay community until the 1970s. In 1978, San Francisco artist Gilbert Baker designed what is believed to be the first modern gay pride flag by combining eight stripes, each a different color with its own symbolism: pink for sex, red for life, orange for healing, yellow for sunlight, green for nature, blue for art, indigo for harmony, and violet for the human spirit. When he wanted to manufacture the flag for sale, he found that hot pink wasn’t as available as the other colors, and so the flag dropped to seven colors. Baker later dropped indigo to maintain an even number, and the flag arrived at its contemporary six colors. When San Francisco gay activists marched to protest the 1978 assassination of city supervisor Harvey Milk, they marched with Baker’s rainbow-colored flags.

Pop culture also gave the rainbow resonance with gay activists, perhaps because of Judy Garland and her signature song “Somewhere Over the Rainbow.” Garland was a major star to the gay community throughout the 1950s and 1960s. Gay men came out in droves for her performances, and, from World War II forward, many in the LGBT community referred to themselves as “friends of Dorothy,” a phrase that seems to have derived from Garland’s performance in The Wizard of Oz. The pivotal riots at the Stonewall Inn occurred just hours after Garland’s funeral, and her death may have helped provoke the unrest. Garland had earlier bragged, “When I die I have visions of ____ singing ‘Over the Rainbow’ and the flag at Fire Island being flown at half mast.” Garland died in 1969, before the popularization of the modern LGBT flag, but some Fire Island houses were reportedly draped in black.

Of course, rainbows and rainbow flags carry significance outside the LGBT community. The rainbow is an important symbol in the Bible, representing a promise of peace from God to Noah, and some Christian groups have used that symbol in their iconography.

The physical rainbow is indeed a beautiful thing to behold; even more so when we consider its origin. We find in Genesis 9:8-17 that God created the rainbow just as He created all things. To be sure, we are not talking about just any icon. This particular creation, and more to the point, was to signify a covenant that He was making with not only man, but with all living creatures for all generations in perpetuity (verses 10-12, 15-17). The rainbow was His personal signature, as it were; a reminder to both Himself and man of this very important covenant (agreement).

As an apparent affront to God Himself, it should not surprise us in our generation that the symbol of the rainbow these days now somehow has been made to symbolize something of which He (God) clearly has warned human beings to abstain from.  As if the deceiver, the devil  himself would continue to throw dirt in the face of God, so it would seem that what was intended to be a sacred symbol for thousands of years is now perverted in the eyes of so many. As always, be reminded that God will have the final say. As such, we as believers should not succumb to mud-slinging or dirt-throwing ourselves.

It is at this point that I must mirror, at least in part, what our Assemblies of God General Superintendent, George Wood, recently wrote in his Statement Regarding the Supreme Court's Same-Sex Marriage Decision:

Today is a sad day for America.

As a Christian minister and general superintendent of the Assemblies of God, I am deeply concerned with the Court's redefinition of marriage and the negative effects that it may have on religious freedom.

Scripture defines marriage solely in terms of the union of a man and a woman (e.g., Matthew 19:4–6; Mark 10:5–9; cf. Genesis 1:27–28, 2:20–24; Ephesians 5:21–32). Not only that, Scripture prohibits same-sex intercourse (Romans 1:26–27; 1 Corinthians 6:9; I Timothy 1:10; cf. Leviticus 18:22, 20:13). When it comes to same-sex marriage, Scripture clearly prohibits what the Supreme Court permits.

As Christians, Assemblies of God adherents affirm that the Bible determines what we believe and how we behave. Our Statement of Fundamental Truths puts it this way: "The Bible is our all-sufficient rule for faith and practice." And: "The Scriptures, both the Old and New Testaments, are verbally inspired of God and are the revelation of God to man, the infallible, authoritative rule of faith and conduct".

Our Scripture-based definition of marriage and understanding of sexual morality shapes what our Constitution and Bylaws require as behavioral standards for credentialed ministers, finds reflection in the Assemblies of God position paper on homosexuality, and provides the rationale for the conduct codes of our denominational offices, affiliate organizations, and colleges and universities.

While I am grateful that in its decision the Supreme Court acknowledged that our opposition to same-sex marriage and behavior arises from "good faith" rather than animus, I am deeply concerned, however, about how the Court will rule when government laws and regulations that reflect its redefinition of marriage conflict with our biblical behavioral standards. For example;

•              Will public accommodation laws be interpreted to require Assemblies of God congregations to rent their sanctuaries to same-sex weddings if they also rent their sanctuaries to weddings involving a man and a woman?

•              Will Assemblies of God ministers be required to solemnize same-sex marriages?

•              Will Assemblies of God colleges and universities be required to enroll same-sex married students, even though that constitutes a violation of their student conduct codes?

•              Will our schools be able to access federal student loans and grants if our student conduct codes prohibit same-sex behavior?

•              Will Assemblies of God organizations that provide psychological counseling, adoption services, or other services that require professional licenses be stripped of their licenses because of their faith-based opposition to same-sex marriage and behavior?

•              Will Assemblies of God organizations lose their tax-exempt status because of their opposition to same-sex marriage because of the Bob Jones precedent?

 As an American, I believe that this decision represents a judicial usurpation of politics. Proponents of same-sex marriage like to draw analogies between their movement and the Abolitionist and Civil Rights Movements. The analogy is false, but it is nonetheless instructive in this particular case.

Whereas abolition and civil rights were enacted democratically by amending the U.S. Constitution in the 1860s and passing national civil rights legislation in the 1960s, same-sex marriage has actually only been democratically enacted in just 11 States and the District of Columbia. It has been imposed on 39 States and American territories by State and Federal Courts that overturned democratically enacted definitions of marriage as a man-woman union. Think of it: The power of just five votes! (The decision passed on a 5-4 vote)

I cannot help but think that this is an unhelpful way to resolve the political, social, and moral conflicts that divide the American people. I close with three words of pastoral advice:

First, to Assemblies of God ministers: Politics reflects culture, and culture reflects religion. If you are concerned with the political drift of American culture, preach the gospel! As it sends out roots in the lives of believers, the seed of the gospel will change hearts and minds.

Second, to Assemblies of God adherents: You are privileged citizens of a blessed nation. Use your citizenship well! Seek the common good. Advocate for the last, the lost, and the least. Speak the truth in love. And vote for candidates and issues that reflect a biblical perspective on issues. The difference in so many conflicts in American politics and culture turns on who turns out to vote.

Third, to all Christians: If you are troubled with the Supreme Court's decision, keep perspective! In this and every other matter, always remember the words of our Lord Jesus Christ: In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world (John 16:33).

Let us all pray for a great spiritual awakening in our country!                                                                      (George Wood)

Somewhere over the rainbow not only do bluebirds fly, but most definitely our God reigns! We do not like to talk about these things much, but we are clearly in the days wherein Jesus spoke – “this is the beginning of birth pains.” Paul also reminded Timothy (and us) in II Timothy 3 – “perilous times will come.” I among a host of others would describe the recent supreme court decisions and subsequent happenings as perilous times. So what now?

Reflecting on the words and testimony of Jesus and Paul the apostle, even in the face of certain opposition and perhaps even persecution, we also must stay the course. Keep on keeping on dear friends. We are to hold to biblical standards and simultaneously love our neighbor as ourselves, whoever they are. We must finish the race well. We are to live godly lives in Christ Jesus, despite the times we live in, and despite the worldly standards which apparently can change on a whim. Hold fast to Christ and continue to emulate His life in every way and to everyone and in His power. We will do well to do this, and we will most certainly finish well if we do. On a final note, remember that there is a higher court than the supreme court – the courts of the living God! He is the final judge. We are not. He has all authority. Figuratively speaking, He is over the rainbow; the physical kind He created as well as any other kind...

Pastor Bob
3 Comments

god... & father

6/20/2015

2 Comments

 
Father’s Day… again! On this Father’s Day, 2015, what might we consider about this holiday, or fathers in particular, that we haven’t already considered in our lives? This holiday, as history records, in the USA was instituted sometime during the first decade of the 1900’s. There apparently is some discrepancy, and therefore argument, as to who instituted it and exactly when. However you may be surprised to know, if you don’t already, that Father’s Day is celebrated throughout the year in various countries and in nearly every month, depending on which country you speak of. For example, and it just so happens like this year, in many of the eastern Mediterranean countries as well as Egypt and Uganda, they celebrate Father's Day ALWAYS on June 21st. The country of Bulgaria celebrates it the day after Christmas, December 26th.

There are obviously reasons, good or bad, why the recognition occurs at different times for different people. I will purposely use the term “recognition” here, as celebration may not necessarily pertain to everyone everywhere. The truth is that not every person considers the word “father” as a positive term. Unfortunately, some fathers (literally) have given the term a bad rap. This is none other than tragic. It always has been and always will be.


Although I did not have my earthly father in this life nearly as long as I would have liked, he was a good father, and I tend to think “good thoughts” when I hear the term father referred to. This is not the case for too many people I know. In their case, “good thoughts” are not necessarily connected to “father”.

For those familiar with the Bible and scripture in general, it should be familiar that God is referred to as Father countless times, both in the Old and New Testaments! It is important to see how this term is used in its broad variety, and to see how and under what circumstances it was introduced. For example, in the Hebrew writings, the OT among many, God is referred to as Father (‘ab – pronounced ahv) in Psalm 89:26. Interestingly enough, this word is listed FIRST (H1) in the Strong’s concordance; the Hebrew lexicon of the scriptures, and prior to every other word. Perhaps we can take a cue from that? Let's continue.

Even the Old Testament prophet acknowledges that there is something about God which describes Him to be more than some super divine being who simply “lords it over us”. He is certainly LORD, but also consider here what Isaiah has to say:

Isaiah 63:16        Doubtless You are our Father, though Abraham was ignorant of us, and Israel does not acknowledge us. You, O LORD, are our Father; our Redeemer from Everlasting is Your name.

Isaiah 64:8           But now, O LORD, You are our Father; we are the clay, and You our potter; and all we are the work of Your hand.                                 (NKJV)

Taking a hint from the recognition of Father’s Day in Germany, which evidently falls on Ascension Day, we can perhaps think about not only what happened, but what was said that day. In Jesus’ departing words to his disciples just before he ascended to heaven, he spoke the words of what we know now as the Great Commission. We know it so well perhaps that we miss the significance of the fact that not only are we to make disciples, but we also are to baptize believers in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. That’s right… the Father. I notice here that name is in the singular tense rather than plural?

To be sure, there are a wide variety of names given to God as well as to Christ and the Holy Spirit. At times those names are synonymous with all members of the Trinity. For example the Spirit of God and the Spirit of Christ are synonymous terms, both in reference to the Holy Spirit. The term “I Am” referred specifically to God in the Old Testament, in Exodus 3:14, and ultimately to Jesus in the New Testament in John 8:58. This should not cause us alarm. After all, we serve ONE God, not three. (see Deuteronomy 6:4)

What is noteworthy though is to consider that in the time of Jesus, and to the Jews in particular, that the name of God was extremely sacred.  This is a good thing – the Name of God should be sacred to us also! Jesus, being a Jew Himself, would certainly have known this. For example, the name Yahweh originating from the tetragrammaton “YHWH” came into being because the Israelites thought that the name of God was too sacred even to pronounce or utter. Yahweh is simply the sound (pronunciation) of how the tetragrammaton (that referred to God) sounds when spoken. However, in this most crucial moment of history and in Christianity, when Jesus is about to exit the earth’s scene for a considerable (and yet undetermined) length of time, he chooses to use another term to announce the Great Commission. Here he shies away from "the sacred" as it were. Not I Am, nor Jehovah, nor Yahweh, nor any other “name” given to God in the scriptures - by Himself or anyone else. Rather, it was the term Father he used instead.

Close examination reveals that Father is the term that Jesus consistently used to refer to God! In fact, he used it more than any other term, both to others he taught and to God the Father directly. In his personal relationship with God, Jesus repeatedly calls him Father. Should this not again reveal its importance?

And if that were not enough, consider how most of the letters to the churches reveal the proper place of the Father in our lives. Specifically, hear the words of these scriptures written by Paul the apostle:

Romans 1:7         To all who are in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

I Corinthians 1:3      Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.  (II Cor. 1:2)

Galatians 1:3      Grace to you and peace from God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ…

Ephesians 1:2    Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. (Phil./Col. 1:2)

I Thessalonians 1:1          To the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

I Thess. 3:11       Now may our God and Father Himself, and our Lord Jesus Christ, direct our way to you.

II Thess 1:1-2      Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy, To the church of the Thessalonians in God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

I Timothy 1:2                      To Timothy, a true son in the faith: Grace, mercy, and peace from God our Father and Jesus Christ our Lord.

II Timothy 1:2                    To Timothy, a beloved son: Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.

Titus 1:4                               To Titus, a true son in our common faith: Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ our Savior.

Philemon 1:3                     Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

No one would argue that there is clearly a pattern here. If we were just to consider Paul’s letters, then we might conclude that this is simply a way that he personally greeted the saints in writing. However, look also at what other apostles tend to write:

I Peter 1:2-3       To the …. elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace be multiplied. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, ...

II Peter 1:17        For He received from God the Father honor and glory when such a voice came to Him from the Excellent Glory: “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”

I John 1:2-3         ... the life was manifested, and we have seen, and bear witness, and declare to you that eternal life which was with the Father and was manifested to us— that which we have seen and heard we declare to you, that you also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ.

I John 3:1             Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God! Therefore the world does not know us, because it did not know Him.

I John 5:7             For there are three that bear witness in heaven: the Father, the Word, and the Holy Spirit; and these three are one.

II John 1:3            Grace, mercy, and peace will be with you from God the Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, in truth and love.

Jude 1:1               Jude, a bondservant of Jesus Christ, and brother of James, To those who are called, sanctified by God the Father, and preserved in Jesus Christ:

This great and awesome privilege we have as believers is so limitless. But perhaps one of the lessons from this examination we have taken together is this - we are not just believers. For us to understand that the basic reason that the term “father” comes into play in all of life is a result of children, this brings special significance to the fact that we are to think of ourselves as children of God, as stated in I John 3:1. It may sound rudimentary and ridiculous, but if I understand the term correctly, no one qualifies as a father unless they have children. It therefore stands to reason that we are also to think about God, call on God, proclaim God, and celebrate God, as our father. The Spirit of adoption, which we are so privileged and honored to have dwell in us as children of God, constantly announces this within in celebration form:

“Abba, Father”                 The Spirit Himself (the Holy Spirit) bears witness with our spirit that we are (not just believers, not just Christians, nor even just disciples, but...) children of God. (Romans 8:15-16)

In addition to all the truth of scripture we have reviewed already, and whether your earthly father (biological or otherwise) has filled the role as a father to your satisfaction and expectation or not, this scripture (speaking of God) makes this great promise to us: He is a father to the fatherless. (Psalm 68:5)

Let us pause to celebrate again: Our Father in heaven, (most) Hallowed be Your name. (Matthew 6:9)

Pastor Bob


2 Comments

lord, teach us also

6/14/2015

1 Comment

 
Consider for a moment all that you "know".   To be sure, some of us know more than others, and about a variety of subjects. But consider further that which you have been "taught". Chances are, that which you know is a result of someone teaching you. Whether it’s a mother teaching her daughter how to cook, or a father teaching his son how to hunt or fish, we all have experiences of being taught a variety of things. In the area we live, seemingly surrounded by water, I think it is a good idea (practical) that we be taught how to swim! Whether it be from a coach or someone else, we hope that those teaching us, regardless of what it is, know how “to do it themselves”. In the movie, “Father of the Bride”, we learn early on that George Banks (played by Steve Martin) has obviously taught his daughter how to dribble and shoot the basketball. There are multiple scenes where the two of them are doing so "together". Such things as this are best learned “by doing it” and are also best learned by someone accompanying us to show us how. As the old adage goes, some things are better caught than taught. Speaking of catching- when I was a boy, my dad did teach me how to fish; how to “catch fish”. The greatest lessons I learned, however, were from accompanying him and watching him fish.

When it comes to our spiritual life; our walk with Christ; perhaps we can narrow the focus a little bit here.  As I think about my own walk with Him, I cannot help but think about how I learned to do what, and who it was that taught me, and under what circumstances. For example, I am grateful for those people placed in my life who have taught me how to study the Bible, serve with excellence and humility, and to follow through with what the scriptures themselves teach me.

Forty-five years ago at the age of twelve, I lost my dad. His funeral was the day before my birthday, and my birthday that year, (as well as this year), fell on Father's Day. Just prior to my dad passing away from his battle with cancer, he wrote a poem, which includes a couple lines I have never forgotten:


Through life I stumbled and fell and lost my way,
Until ones like you taught me to pray.


In thinking about all that I have been "taught", it occurred to me that my very first lessons about prayer were taught to me by my father. Our chief subject in this article is this topic of prayer, this skill of prayer, this great privilege we call prayer. Let's consider some things Jesus says about the subject:

Luke 11:1-4                 Now it came to pass, as He was praying in a certain place, when He ceased, that one of His disciples said to Him, “Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples.”  So He said to them, “When you pray, say: Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your Name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us day by day our daily bread. And forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who is indebted to us. And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.”  (NKJV)

Many of you will recognize this (verses 2-4 in particular) as what has become known as the "Lord’s Prayer" or the "Model Prayer". We see a nearly identical rendering of it in Matthew 6:9-13. Because of this, many have had the notion that Matthew and Luke are simply giving an account of the same historical occasion in their respective gospels. Indeed, Jesus’ words in both accounts are nearly identical, but friends, we are in error if we think that they are one in the same occasion. So how can and do we know this with certainty?

In Matthew’s account, Jesus teaches from atop a mountain to his disciples (known as the Sermon on the Mount) just after he has been swarmed by the multitudes and has just arrived there and been seated (Matthew 5:1-2). In Luke’s account, we discover that Jesus has actually been praying in a certain place and has just finished praying when a disciple comes and poses the question; “Lord teach us to pray…”. We know that this disciple is not alone because in Luke's gospel, Jesus (verse 2) then said to them.

The “them” in each case is different. The multitudes are actually present for the teachings of Jesus in Matthew (verses 7:28-29) whereas only the disciples are present in Luke’s account. The specifics of what Jesus teaches about prayer (not the pattern or recited words only, but the entire teaching) are completely different in each case. In Matthew, the context is, when praying, to do so in secret and not for “a show”. We are told to pray in secret, where our reward is from heaven, and not to put on a display in front of others. In Luke, the context is, when praying, to keep persisting in the asking. We know this from the parable Jesus shared in Luke 11.

From our main text in Luke 11:1-4, I must say that I marvel at something disclosed; a few things actually:

First, I have to wonder which of these occasions happened first? In either event, it is clear that Jesus has indeed, more or less, repeated himself to his disciples, at least with the model (pattern) words he used. Not unlike these first disciples, we also may need to be taught time and again about such important, and in fact crucial, subjects as this. I pray that you and I may listen each time, and learn from each lesson the Lord brings our way.

Secondly, it was just one of his disciples who posed the question about teaching them to pray. I have to wonder if they had discussed among themselves who would ask him? It is obvious from the account that either they had all been watching him pray, or the one disciple certainly had. It was clearly right on the heals of this particular observation that the question was asked. I suppose that this was not his/their first observation, either. Jesus has clearly displayed a pattern, and it is often patterns in people’s lives that grab our attention. I am also reminded that sometimes a hesitant but humble question will result in the entire group benefitting from the answer. Such is the case here; and not just the twelve, but the multitudes of people through the centuries who have had the privilege of knowing Jesus’ answer.

Thirdly, and perhaps most significantly, I marvel at the subject matter itself in which the disciple asked Jesus to teach them. The disciples had observed so much: How Jesus spoke and taught with authority, the power of God on display in His miracles, the love and compassion with which he reached out to people. Amongst “all that Jesus began both to do and teach” (Acts 1:1) which the disciples had the privilege of witnessing and hearing, the subject matter with which we find this specific question, “please teach us”, being asked is this: LORD, TEACH US TO PRAY! The fact that praying was asked to be taught to them is not necessarily the only significance here. Apparently and according to Luke 11:1, John the Baptist had been teaching his disciples to pray. However, I marvel at the fact that the Bible states ONLY ONE TIME what the disciple(s) wanted to be taught about.

First, let’s consider examples of what the critical question wasn’t; valid as these may be:

  1. Lord, teach us to speak to the people with the authority in which you clearly do.

  2. Lord, teach us how to study the scriptures which we hear you quote so often, and more than that, teach us what the scriptures really mean.

  3. Lord, teach us to know how to perform the miracles in which you have displayed time and again.

  4. Lord, teach us to have the mercy and compassion with which you always clearly demonstrate to people, which includes us. Teach us to have the patience which you have with all people.

The disciples may have asked these questions, or many like them, as time spent with Jesus went on. In fact, I am certain they did. I marvel, however, at the fact that the New Testament not once accounts for any such question from the disciples – not once! The only time that the phrase, “Lord, teach us to…” has anything attached to it is in this specific instance. I believe that this is incredibly revealing and important. What must this say about our subject matter?

In perhaps an indirect way, we discover here (again) that prayer must have preeminence in our lives; it must be chief among the items in which we have Christ teach us also. If he was willing to teach them, he is certainly willing and able to teach us also. The Spirit of God (Christ), the Holy Spirit, is here as our helper now. We are taught that He will teach us and help us in this critical endeavor we call prayer (Romans 8:26). Moreover, He will help us teach others, both by word and example.

I believe what Jesus taught here regarding prayer, as well as during the Sermon on the Mount, was not meant to become a recital to be quoted every time we prayed. Unfortunately, to some the words have been made into a sort of ritual which people believe have some special mystical power if quoted. I had a gentleman visit me in my office one time who had concerns about the activities that his wife was involved in. Despite the fact that this man was far from living a godly life himself, this was his proposed solution - his words went something like this: “Pastor, would you please pray the Lord’s Prayer over her?” I was so dumbfounded and struck at his recommendation that I honestly don’t remember what I prayed or if I adequately spoke to his ignorance at all. I found it hard to fathom how he could misconstrue Jesus' intentions so badly.

Moreover, we know that Jesus did not recite these words every time that HE went to prayer. There are plenty of examples in scripture to clear that up, John 17 being one of them. Why then would he teach his disciples to recite a ritualistic set of phrases? We can conclude, therefore, that what Jesus intended from this teaching, and in answer to the question, was to represent the motive and attitude with which we pray. Although he used nearly the same words on at least two occasions we know of, it is important that we be taught more than what is seen on the surface. From the writings of the well-known Jack Hayford, we read these thoughts:

Jesus’ words, “Your kingdom come”, are more than a mere suggestion to pray for a mere future millennial day, for everything in this prayer is current. This prayer is not a formula for repetition so much as it is an outline for expansion. For example, worship is to be longer than a sentence. Our petitions are not, nor should they be, confined to mere bread. Our forgiveness is to be requested with specifics, not mere generalities, and prayer for the entry of God’s kingdom into present –day realities and situations is not, and cannot, be accomplished in a momentary utterance. The “mood tense” in which Jesus states “Your kingdom come” essentially means, “Father, let your kingdom come, here and now!”  This calls for an intervention in prayer, what we come to know as intercession. Motivation for such prayer comes when we recognize the importance Jesus placed on prayer in helping us serve OUR ROLES in asking for his kingdom to come. 

This is learned not just from His words taught, but from His example caught.
Most if not all of his early disciples "caught this" as demonstrated by the teaching that many of them provide in scripture about the absolute necessity of prayer in the life of believers. Peter, James, and Paul are only a few examples.


My prayer not just this moment, but one of endurance and until Christ shall come again, is what our message title suggests. Lord, teach us also (to pray)! It is also my prayer that there will be countless people in our lives who hopefully one day utter, or pen words similar to those my father once penned; “Through life I stumbled and fell and lost my way, until ones like you taught me to pray.”

Commit yourself again today to a life of prayer; for the sake of your walk with Christ, and that of your children, and of those you serve with in the family of God, and of those who as of yet have not yet been adopted into that family. Moreover, for Jesus’ sake, and for His kingdom, continue to ask - Lord, teach us to pray.

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