Last week we had another ESCC (El Segundo Christian Church) ecumenical meeting with 13 people, pastors and other church folk, discussing topics and concerns of today. We dipped our toes in the murky waters of racial reconciliation. We do not expect to exhaust this issue by any means, but we know it is at the heart of the Gospel, and we must try. Opening up communication in Christ’s name is a start, always remembering that Christ died to break down the dividing wall of hostility.
To that end, and to the goal of mutual understanding and respect, we are committed to seeking unity in Christ’s kingdom. This is a daunting task to be sure, not for the faint of heart, but necessary if we want to live authentically in Jesus’ name.
We are continuing our “international” Zoom Bible studies on Thursday nights, as well as our Sunday morning outdoor gathering, with social distancing. This seems to be of great benefit to all those participating. This week we will be working on apologetics, equipping the saints to always have an answer for the hope that lies within us. Please continue to pray for all our outreach endeavors.
This week a few old friends stopped by, and it reminds us how great it is to be found faithful where people can still locate us.It seems to bring comfort to people through the years to know that we are still here. We were glad to hear some wonderful memories of Rich, how he has touched peoples’ lives, and how he loved others so deeply and so well. A young man recounted that Rich was the first person who said “I love you” to him when he was 14 years old. That’s the Spirit.
We wish you all well and are grateful for your prayers, support, encouragement, and interest in our lives. We can’t be us without you, and we believe the reverse is also true, according to God’s word. Stay well and faithful. Grace and peace to you all.
It is irrational, although understandable, to judge Jesus based upon negative reflections of him. The only logical method of considering Jesus is to be presented with the genuine article.
In one of my chapters of my dissertation topic, I wrote about a McDonalds security employee who defrauded the company of millions of dollars in the Monopoly game. I contend that while it is understandable (and probably unavoidable) that the reputation of McDonalds’ brand suffered, it is actually illogical to critique McDonalds based upon the actions of this criminal employee. It can be reasonably assumed that he was acting inconsistently with the values and mission statement of the McDonalds’ corporation; therefore, his abhorrent actions do not reflect the principles of the company founders, or the guidelines of his employee contract. If I were to conclude that McDonalds was not worthy of my lunch money because of his malfeasance, I would be unfairly projecting the misdeeds of the employee and conflating them with the parent company. Similarly, if I bought a pair of knockoff Levi jeans and they disintegrated after one washing, and I then concluded that Levis are of poor quality, I would be committing a similar error, driven by emotion, not logic. The knockoffs don’t reflect the quality of an actual pair of Levis anymore than the McDonalds’ Monopoly scam reflects the vision of McDonalds.
I believe the converse is true. McDonalds and Levi brands should only be logically judged through an examination of employees or products that accurately replicate the intentions of the brands themselves. I may decide that I do not like the feel of the REAL Levi jeans, or the taste of the Big Mac, but unless I decide the case upon the merits of the genuine articles, I have not rejected the actual article of consideration, merely a cheap copy or counterfeit agent.
I have not really made an evaluation at all, just the illusion of one. The circumstances necessary to make a valid assessment have been concealed from me, and my judgment is erroneous because it is misinformed.
Is this same scenario not true of those who have rejected Jesus? I don’t know if they have ever even had the chance to consider him, the authentic evidence has been veiled, and therefore the opportunity to reject or accept Jesus has been thwarted altogether.
For my 70th birthday I got a Kindle, something quite new and different for me. It’s amazing and thoughtful; there are 1000’s of books at one’s fingertips. It’s so lightweight and compact that it’s entirely portable. I shall never again be stuck somewhere without something to read.
Strangely, this wonderful gift caused me to do some serious reflection on something very dear to me-books. I grew up in homes surrounded by books of every kind. Both my parents were serious readers; I looked forward to going to the library to get…more books! The Kindle is ingenious, and I will make great use of it, but there’s nothing to compare with books, at least in my book.
Some think of books as relics of a bygone era, bound for obsolescence, but I object! The feel of a book in your hands, turning the pages, now that’s sublime. A new book has a smell rivaling that “new car” smell. And leather binding really seals the deal for me. Or what about holding the book of a loved one, and seeing all their notes and observations, or just cherishing the thoughts of someone no longer here? That’s a privilege not for everyone but the very blessed.
Not everyone gets the joy of having a book, but today it’s much taken for granted. When people misuse or abuse books, it makes me a little sad. They just don’t understand the treasure they possess. When kids dog ear book pages, it’s a bit outrageous. And when the book is turned upside down to hold a place, well, that’s simply cruel and unusual punishment. Sometimes I will say, “Can’t you hear that? It’s your book crying because you are breaking its spine.” Okay, so that’s a little weird. Tear a book’s pages? Write in it? Leave it on the ground and step on it? Perish the thought!
Many years ago Rich taught a class on how to read a book. You might think that’s rather obvious, but I’m just sorry that most of you missed it. First, look it over. Then, read the table of contents. Anticipate what you are about to discover. Thumb through the pages, carefully, of course. Scan for meaning. But most important of all, “skim the cream.” Anyone can critique a book, pick out its flaws and deficiencies, but it takes discipline to purposefully choose to find what is good. Sometimes there’s more chaff than wheat, but there may always be a nugget you might have otherwise overlooked.This lesson will serve you well in life; seek what is good, right, and true, and you will more likely encounter it.
We all know that books are full of words, and we know that Jesus was the Word from the beginning, so we must never take words, nor books lightly. From them we can discern truth from falsehood. A discerning reader can find truth in myriad places. After all, our Lord was a consummate storyteller, and the ultimate truth teller. In fact, He is the Truth, and the Way, and the Life. And of course, we have The Book, the word which is sharper than any two-edged sword. Many have given their life for it, dedicated their lives to translating it, taken it to the ends of the earth. Do not make theirs a vain sacrifice.
In many a doomsday scenario, there is no electricity, power source, civilization. Only darkness. Once there were Dark Ages, where it seemed light, and truth, and wisdom, and culture, and history, and words, and knowledge were in danger of extinction. Who were the keepers of these treasures? The dedicated God fearers, who preserved for future generations the words of life and light. Who will keep them for those who come behind us? There is yet beauty to behold in the pages of a book, to edify, instruct, delight and bring joy to others. But today we have books. Let’s treasure them.
If I were a poet, I’d write an ode to the glory of books, or if I were a musician, I could write a symphony. But for today, I will let this small tribute to one of my favorite things suffice. And I will try to keep my own counsel, never again to take a good book, or The Good Book for granted. May it be so.
Another busy week flies by here at Church of the Servant King. We are getting ready to celebrate Labor Day weekend with a barbecue and a celebration for Abby’s third birthday. A heat wave is expected, so we may need to barbecue in our wading pool.
“We do well to remember that the early church was based in the households of Rome. The Christians of the New Testament worshiped together in their homes, welcomed and supported missionaries in homes, evangelized in homes, assisted the poor in homes and challenged the undue claims of Caesar in homes. On all counts, they regarded the home as something more significant, more challenging, more exciting than a haven.”
The book is remarkably relevant today though it was written in 1993.
Our new babies are thriving. Surprisingly although close in age, Rocky has far outdistanced Julia in size (and appetite!) They’re gradually getting the hang of nighttime vs. daytime, for which their parents are very grateful.
We give thanks for our Thursday night Zoom Bible study which is taking us and our guests through the book of Matthew. We have new folks “Zooming” in, as well as our “regulars.” In spite of Corona-virus, we are able to reach into our community and even further in the world (Mexico and Myanmar.)
Please continue to pray for us. Further up and further in.
