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Matt 25:12-13 But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not. 13 Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh. (KJV)

Life is metered out in seconds, not days, weeks, months or years. For most of our lives, our attitude is as if it were measured in endless decades. Only when we grow old do we begin to sense the lie. Even then, we squander precious moments that become years; precious years. We recognize there are no guarantees, and then proceed as if we were going to live for an eternity. Perhaps, but not in this life.

Life is now, not tomorrow or next year. It is in the elusive seconds that rush by and, before we can grasp them, flee unnoticed into an irrevocable past. It is in the evasive present He calls us into service. At a funeral, a minister said that we can do nothing about the past and that we have no assurance of the future. All we have assurance of is now. He was right. It is now that we are called upon to serve the Lord.

Look about you, as your life goes fleeting by. This is the time for your ministry. This is the place. These are the people. Wherever you are this very second is where you are called to serve. You are uniquely situated, like no one else has ever been or ever will be, to serve the Lord Jesus Christ in this very instant of your life. You are uniquely qualified, like none other to fill this moment.

"Take time to be holy," the hymn tells us, "Speak often with God; Find rest in Him always, And Feed on His Word. Make friends of God's children, Help those who are weak," "The world rushes on," it continues, and in another stanza, "…Thy friends in thy conduct His likeness shall see." Amen.

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Hang the curtain from the clasps and place the ark of the Testimony behind the curtain. The curtain will separate the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place. Exodus 26:33 (NIV)

There was a time when the people of God were separated from Him by a curtain dividing the Tabernacle. He dwelt among them. For that purpose, the Tabernacle was built. However, it was to be on His terms. Unatoned Sin kept everyone from His presence. Death awaited any other but Aaron and his sons who dared to violate the sanctuary. They were an anointed priesthood to serve God through the generations. Each detail of their robes was to consecrate Aaron and his descendants to be His ministers. In a pocket of the breastplate he wore, the high priest carried the Urim and Thummim through which he advocated God's people to Him and through which God spoke to them. Even so, they had to be vigilant in observing God's rules for dress, ritual and sacrifice or death was the consequence.

Jesus Christ ended the rituals, the sacrifices. He ended God's need to distance Himself from His people. The price was paid. The sacrifice made. None other was required. He is our high priest. The Old Testament Priesthood offered the blood of animals that could never take away sin. Jesus Christ offered His own cleansing blood; one time; forever. Paul wrote,

We may therefore come directly into the presence of God through the "one Mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus." (1Tim. 2:5)

And again in the fourteenth chapeter of Hebrews,

15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. 16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. (KJV)

In the name of Jesus, we, each one of us, can come directly and bodly before the throne of grace.

The Levitical priesthood would never be required again. There is no more Urim and Thummim. No longer would daily sacrifice and cleansing be required. Christ's blood sacrifice paid the price. He ended the enmity. That which separated us from our heavenly Father was rent asunder at His crucifixion. We may enter the Most Holy Place. We may approach God. Each of us who accepts the gift of Christ's sacrifice may petition God through Him. Jesus Christ is our blood sacrifice. He is our high priest. Each of us who believes in the message of Christ is filled with the gift of the Holy Spirit.

That was where it stood. Pentecost filled us with the gift of the Holy Spirit. We could directly petition the Living God. The People of the Way were on their way. But, not for long. By AD 67, Linus had succeeded Peter as "Bishop" of the Roman Catholic Church. Then, for over nineteen hundred years, there followed an endless procession of "Bishops of Rome," "Vicars of Christ," Popes of Rome, ad nauseam, ruling Christendom and, in many instances, nations. Magnificent ecclesia cathedralis (churches of the throne) were built as seats of power and authority for the bishops of the Church. Once again, as in the temples of the Old Testament, there were places within these edifices where the average worshiper could not go, things they could not do.

Ignatius, (circa 110 AD) Apostolic Father, as he was called, the reputed disciple of the Apostle John wrote, "Do ye all follow your bishop as Jesus Christ followed the Father. Do nothing without the bishop." Heresy was just beginning. By reasoning and deliberation, the Council of Nicaea (circa 325) decided that Christ is God! The Council of Constantinople deified the Holy Spirit. The Council of Chalcedon determined that Jesus was both divine and human. As with the Apostles casting lots to replace Judas, they did not wait on the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Aparently, they did not accept the fullness of the Gospel either.

Pope Gregory taught that the Eucharist, through a process called transubstantiation, was a repetition of Christ's blood sacrifice. He also introduced the concept of purgatory - one of the most profitable fund raising schemes of all history. Other popes made clear distinctions between the clergy and the laity. Martyrs were venerated. Saints were distinguished from the average Christian and then adored - particularly Mary. Magical powers were assigned to relics, icons and altars in the church. Elaborate clerical vestments were reintroduced into an increasingly ritualistic worship service. The pope was infallible.

This was the church Martin Luther was educated and grew up in. It was the church he served. It was the church he rejected. Greg Ogden in his book, The New Reformation, observes,

Luther made such explosive statements as, "Everyone who has been baptized may claim that he already has been consecrated a priest, bishop or pope" and "let everyone, therefore, who knows himself to be a Christian be assured of this, and apply it to himself - that we are all priests, and there is no difference between us," (p. 11)

Indeed, this was a flat rejection of fundamental Church doctrine. The Reformers believed, Ogden writes, that, "Being made right with God is not mediatediated through the church institution, but directly through Jesus Christ."

Neither pastors, bishops, archbishops, cardinals nor the pope can represent an individual before God; Jesus Christ alone has that function. (p. 49)

The tide, it appeared, had begun to turn. Almost fifteen hundred years after the ministry of Jesus Christ, Luther, Calvin and other reformers appeared on the verge of implementing the "priesthood of all believers" and the central role of the Holy Spirit in the lives of Christians.

A cornerstone of the Reformation was the belief that all of us have direct access to God through the sacrifice made by our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. No Aaronic priesthood is needed to intercede on our behalf. No mortal priest, bishop, pope or pastor is needed to mediate between God and His people. We, who are Christians, are consecrated to minister to each other in addition to presenting our own petitions to our God. Christ, sitting at His right hand, is our Melchesedec high priest. Amen. Reformation theologians agreed with the Scriptural truth that the curtain of the Temple was rent.

Today, there is need for another reformation, a new reformation, not based on self-esteem but on self-perception. That begun by Luther fell short of the mark. Within a few years of its beginning, it was difficult to distinguish the Christian "church" from that of Rome. Clerical vestments, ordained/laity distinctions, proper performance of sacraments, all were virtual replicas of the Church of Rome.. Perhaps the only real distinction was the great profusion of denominations.

Ogden defines the perception of this "New Reformation" as,

Followers of Christ in this age will see themselves as Spirit-filled ministers who are a part of the ministry given to all Christians. In a word, Christians are priests ministering the presence of God on behalf of the people of God and the lost world.

The equalizer, the great teacher, guide and comforter is the Holy Spirit. Either we believe in Him or we do not. If we do not, we fall back on the "wisdom" of men. If we do, we have the Living Word in our hearts and His infinite wisdom as our shepherd.

For nearly two thousand years, we have relied upon the wisdom of apostles, popes, priests and preachers to lead and teach us. The history of the Roman church speaks for itself. The record of divided Protestantism is eloquent testimony to the fruitlessness of human wisdom, insight and judgment.

"The broken world we live in," writes Ogden, "needs a called army to address the enormous pain that is the result of our sin. " We are the Christian soldiers in that army called to witness everyday of our lives. The institutional church is our training camp and field support team.

Unless we believe that Jesus Christ was speaking specifically and soley to the Apostles, we must heed his call.

Matt 28:19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, (NIV)

We must have the self-perception of being filled with the Holy Spirit. We must have the self-esteem of knowing we are God's people. Who, if not ourselves, is to make disciples of all nations? This is not the time for a "Few Good Men," to take up the cross. It is time for all Christians to muster.

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Now that she is dead, there is some talk about canonizing Sister Theresa. Her life was an outstanding example, unlike any other. Her humility and contrition are equalled only by her caring for those, in this world, who are totally destitute and despised. Who is more deserving?

Canonization is, according to the dictionary, to declare a deceased person to be a saint and entitled to be fully honored as such. To treat them as sacred and to glorify them.

The authors of the Gospels are saints; St. Mark, St. Luke, John and Matthew. It is Saint Paul and Saint Peter. Over the centuries, others have been added with more or less distinguished lives. There is St. Christopher and St. Joseph, Mary, Agnes, Ambrose, Andrew. And we haven't even gotten out of the "A's!" Why not Saint Theresa? Why not indeed?

The dictionary tells us that a saint is A person officially recognized, especially by canonization, as being entitled to public veneration and capable of interceding for people on earth.

Who canonizes? Who makes the decision, evaluates the evidence, judges the person's life? Aside from having to be dead, and the matter of being "entitled to public veneration," it all seems pretty worthwhile. Maybe that's appealing too. It would be impressive (for the next-of-kin) to have a saint in the family tree. Perhaps as grand as having a duke or princess or Her Majesty. But who decides?

The Revell Bible Dictionary tells us that a saint is a person "set apart to God by virtue of a personal relationship with him." Well now, that's an interesting spin on things. In the Bible, "saints" were people who belonged to God. Paul's letters were written to the "saints," the "believers."

God does the deciding, evaluates the evidence, judges the person's life. Who else? He is the last word in canonizing!

Are you a saint? Do you have a personal relationship with God? Have you accepted the gift of His son? Are you saved? You are a saint! Now, spread the Word. Share the Good News. Don't be selfish, help God canonize the world. How?

Paul has a pretty good suggestion, Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. Ephesians 5:1-2. Amen

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For many years, critics of religion have noted national patterns to religious belief. Strange it is that most Algerians are Muslim while most Japanese are Shinto. Italians are Roman Catholic and Greeks are Orthodox. English are Episcopalian and Germans are Lutheran.

True, these are patterns with many exceptions, but even in the United States patterns of religious preference are compelling. The "Bible belt" is a recognizable fact. Southern Baptists do not have their strength in Connecticut and Jimmy Jones did not build his insane empire in North Dakota.

Religious preference, contend the critics, is a matter of cultural factors rather than personal choice, conversion or conscience. We will, overwhelmingly, "choose" the religion of our parents, and they of their society and culture.

In a recent interview Dr. Steven B. Sample, President of the University of Southern California, admitted that for many years he was a "cultural Christian." His comments suggested he had a superficial association with Protestant Christianity. One, perhaps, of convenience. It was a shallow and thoughtless affiliation with the religion of his parents.

It is such lack of commitment critics use to belittle religion as a moving and dynamic force in human affairs. Nationality and social class, they contend, are far more influential in determining what we do. These things actually determine religious preference rather than religious preference determining behavior. Religion is not a predictor of behavior; nationality and class are.

Indeed, it is difficult to otherwise explain the lack of Christian principles in a Christian nation. How is it that moral corruption and degradation are not just prevalent but defended? Instead of moral principles and character, we turn to government to enforce our moral laws. Has Christianity failed, or is it not supposed to impact our daily lives?

Christian life appears to be much like Christian worship - a spectator sport. Christianity is, evidently, to be left in church. Meaningful participation in church activities seems ordained to the professional clergy.

If the current Christian passivity is not the model of life intended by the Word of God, we need to ask why. Actually, no question could be more critical as we approach a new century and a new millennium.

What if just two Christian principles were to govern our lives? If each of us were to, in the things we do every day, apply the morality of Jesus Christ. What about Matthew 6:27? How would the lesson of the lilies of the field affect our lives. What about Matthew 22:39 that tells us to love our neighbors as ourselves?

Maybe, there is the answer. If we took our religion seriously, our lives would be dramatically, inconceivably changed. Greed, deceit, selfishness, contempt and viciousness, vice and depravity would be given up. Can you imagine?

Possibly that is why our religious worship is so passive. We are content to sit in our pews and let the professionals play their parts unopposed. What could be easier? What could require less effort, concern or involvement? Maybe the term laity really means uninvolved and indifferent.

Are we all something of the way Dr. Sample described himself - "cultural Christians?" How often have we heard the phrase, "I grew up in a Christian family" as a reason for ones current religious beliefs? Possibly we grew up but we did not mature in the faith.

Just for a minute, let us set aside our own cares, concerns and worries and consider God's glorification as the focus of our religion. Turn to this frequently quoted passage, Matthew 5:16, "LET YOUR LIGHT SO SHINE BEFORE MEN, THAT THEY MAY SEE YOUR GOOD WORKS, AND GLORIFY YOUR FATHER WHICH IS IN HEAVEN." If we listened to that, how could we possibly be counted as cultural Christians?

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Our Master teaches us not to worry about the material things of this life. Instead, we are to, "seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." Matt 6:33 (NIV)

To worry is time wasted because we cannot really do much of anything to help. Furthermore, it is a distraction from our true mission - the kingdom of God.

Listen, again to the words of our Lord, but the worries of this life, the deceitfulness of wealth and the desires for other things come in and choke the word, making it unfruitful. Mark 4:19 (NIV) Could anything be more clear?

Many whom Jesus calls put Him on hold until the worries of life and the wealth they covet are satisfied. Yet, who has promised to care for us? What is the pursuit of wealth but a deceitful distraction? We are so thoroughly conditioned by this secular-materialistic world. It is so difficult to trust that which is beyond all science - faith. Yet we are called apart.

If we seek first His kingdom, we are assured of His care. Now, imagine that, our Lord and Savior will take care of us. Isn't that better than money in the bank?

Remember the house built upon sand, "The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash." Matt 7:27 and the one built upon a rock, "The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock". Matt 7:25

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PROSPERITY
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Oh yes, the good life! We Christians are promised a rich and prosperous life, aren't we? .In the book of John it recorded that Jesus said, I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. (10:10 KJV) Once again, the same suggestion is made Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth. 3 John 2 There is more - seemingly.

Listening to this sermon topic in the United States of America is an incredible experience. It is further enhanced when you look about at your fellow parishioners or, as the case may be, when the TV cameras pan into the congregation. In either event, immediately apparent is their obvious affluence. Not so apparent is the stark contrast in living conditions of the rest of the world. Oh yes, we know, "teach them to fish," or "the poor will always be with us." The first is arrogant in its assumption that ignorance and/or laziness cause poverty. The second is blasphemy because is presumes that our God is uncaring enough to have ordained millions of people to live out their lives in abject poverty - as if that, in some way, excused our self-centered gluttony.

Just how stark is the contrast? Information from BREAD FOR THE WORLD a nationwide Christian citizens movement seeking justice for the world's hungry people, shows us this picture. More than 800 million people-about one-fifth of the population of the world's developing nations-are malnourished, and 200 million of them are children. In developing countries, one child in 10 dies before his fifth birthday. The majority of these deaths are hunger-related, totaling 6 million deaths every year. The richest fifth of the world's people consumes 86 percent of all goods and services while the poorest fifth consumes just 1.3 percent. Some 1.3 billion people don't have access to safe drinking water.

Nothing could more dramatically illustrate greed and the corruption of carnal, worldly things than Christians in the richest country in the world on their knees asking God for more. Nothing could be more distressful than espousing prosperity as a "God-given right" from a people who have everything. The three richest people in the world have assets that exceed the combined gross domestic product of the 48 least developed countries. The world's 225 richest individuals, of whom 60 are Americans with total assets of $311 billion, have a combined wealth of over $1 trillion-equal to the annual income of the poorest 47 percent of the entire world's population. Bill Gates, the richest man in the world, is in a state of depression because he lost 57 billion in recent stock reversals. Some 1.3 billion people-one third of the population of the developing world-live on less than a dollar a day. In contrast, an American with a paltry $60 million could spend over $2,500 a day without exhausting his fortune. Reality for the average Haitian is an annual income of $380. In the United States, the average annual income for an individual is $35,000.

Tell the story of prosperity Christianity, preach that "gospel" to those without enough food, clothing or housing. Tell it to those without any medical care, let alone competent or adequate care, for which illness is the "kiss of death." Tell those who are defending their Christian faith with their lives that American Christians are praying for more wealth. Here we are living in the lap of absolute luxury petitioning our loving God for more. This would be like the prodigal son complaining the feast set for him at his fathers table was not enough. The robe thrust upon his shoulders was insufficiently elegant. Even our poor are the envy of the world. Are we daring to; are we actually asking, "Father, give me the portion of goods that falleth to me?" (Luke 15:12) Even worse, are we suggesting the "portion of goods" He has provided us is not enough?

Our pets eat better and live longer than the majority of the world's children. Do you know of another people with doctors, medical insurance and cemeteries for their house pets? Now, how do you suppose our prayers for prosperity are received in heaven? And, we reply, For ye have the poor with you always -- The poor will always be with us? Is that the lesson? Finish the quotation, and whensoever ye will ye may do them good: but me ye have not always So much for that. What about these passages? Hath not God chosen the poor of this world --- But ye have despised the poor. Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren----. Prosperity? Christianity? You've got to be kidding.

And, somehow, since God is not the author of confusion, we have to reconcile this interpretation of prosperity as a Christian virtue, if not a demand, with the many-fold warnings against materialism. Reading 3 John 2, Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth, certainly makes the case for the saved, the chosen of God to be rich. Yet, Matthew 13:22 He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful, seems an even more forceful argument against Christian prosperity.

More fundamentally, in the face of other forceful Scriptures warning about and condemning materialism, how is it even remotely possible to translate the Bible in such a carnal fashion? One commentator offers an interpretation other than material wealth for the word "prosperity" found in John. "It would be vast mercy to keep men merely from annihilation or hell; but Jesus will give them eternal joy, peace, the society of the blessed, and all those exalted means of felicity which are prepared for them in the world of glory." (from Barnes' Notes on John 10:10) There you are, joy, peace, great happiness and bliss. These are the attributes of a Christian life that don't insult every other word Jesus Christ spoke. Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's Commentary, uses the phrase "rich and unfailing exuberance." to describe the abundance promised to the followers of Jesus. Adam Clarke's Commentary for John 10:10, translates the word "prosperity" as, "Jesus is come that men may have abundance; abundance of grace, peace, love, life, and salvation." What greater prosperity or abundance could one possibly ask? Maybe our prayers should be for forgiveness for our unbounded materialism. Here is Biblical prosperity: Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me. Matthew 19:21

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Boxes are fine. They help us separate and organize the important things in our lives. They are efficient containers in which to store our worldly goods. We can box things up; compartmentalize, bundle and package them.

With boxes, we can put things away - out of sight. But, while boxes organize and separate, they also isolate and fragment. How much of our religious life is "boxed up? How efficiently do we contain the Good News to those times and places convenient for us? Is it separated, cloistered, from our living? Christianity is comfortable that way, sealed off and secluded from everyday.

That comfortableness must have been discovered early. Not long after Jesus' ascension, the early Christians rushed to organize religion right out of their lives. "Apostolos" according to Strong's Greek/Hebrew Dictionary, is "a delegate, a messenger, one sent forth with orders." By the time Luke writes Acts, the term "apostle" appeared to be a generally accepted title for Christ's disciples conveying honor, respect and authority to the disciples. As early as the fourth chapter of Acts, people were laying gifts at the apostles feet (Acts 4:35). As for themselves, the apostles acted as though they were in charge. Among other things, they assumed responsibility for replacing Judas (Acts 1:26) and for sending Peter and John to Samaria (Acts 8:14).

Jesus, is an apostle of a different sort. He is the greatest missionary in the entire universe. He is "the messenger of our confession." Read the magnificent words from Paul's letter to the Hebrew peoples. Therefore, holy brethren, partakers of a heavenly calling, consider Jesus, the Apostle and High Priest of our confession. Heb 3:1 Now, reconsider the first part of the verse. "…holy brethren, partakers of a heavenly calling,…" Who was Paul addressing? Were those with a "heavenly calling" the other apostles?

Paul considered apostleship a gift of the Holy Spirit. In 1 Cor. 12:28, he writes, "And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues." He repeats the claim in Ehpesians 4:11, Romans 1:5, and Luke makes very much the same statement in Acts 13:2-3.

How would our lives be changed if we regarded ourselves as apostles? For just a moment, set aside the seeming presumptuousness of the suggestion and consider the question. How would our boxed up existence differ? Where would our priorities be? What would change in our daily routine; in our outlook? Recently, a Christian was pondering the matter of service to the "church." "I want to serve." he said "I would like to give time to the church. However, I have to earn a living. I have a family. I don't have much time to spend over here at the church."

What if this good Christian family man were a "partaker of a heavenly calling?" Suppose he were a "delegate," a "messenger" for our Lord and Savior - in short, an apostle?

The early Christians seemed to have no appetite for such involvement. They seemed more than content to let such weighty matters rest upon the shoulders of the apostles.

We can understand why, can't we? How dramatically would our lives be changed if we encountered the living Jesus Christ on the road to Dana Point? My God, such an awesome responsibility. Best left to the experts.

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BY WHAT AUTHORITY
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By what authority do we Christians act and speak? That question was asked of Jesus in the Temple at Jerusalem. And when he was come into the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people came unto him as he was teaching, and said, By what authority doest thou these things? and who gave thee this authority? Matt 21:23 KJV

The Temple priests and elders believed only they had authority on such matters as Jesus was addressing. He wasn't a priest, He had no authority to cast out the moneychangers or to teach. They could claim hereditary rights to their duties. Jesus could make no such claim. Now, imagine yourself there on the day of that fateful confrontation. Without the benefit of the Bible and the 2000 years of accumulated knowledge about Jesus, wouldn't you wonder about this brash young man if He walked into your church and started to "take over?" What about in the middle of a service? Suggest you drink a glass of Cool-Aid?

The challenge is just as fresh today as it was when Jesus was ministering upon this earth. In many ways it is even greater. After all, those priests and elders could ask Him directly. In contrast, the Christian church speaks with a multitude of divided voices on even some of the most fundamental issues. Who are we to believe? By what authority are statements of faith and doctrine made? In an era of Jimmy Jones and Branch Davidians, and other "doomsday cults," we must have a clear sense of the authority with which one leads and by which we follow. If you are asked to explain Christianity to a non-believer, what will you say? What about expressing a view on a religious issue, how will you know the truth? How do you defend yourself against heresies?

There are answers for us today to the riddle of authority within Christianity in the Twenty-first century. First, we can look to the authority of the Bible. But we must be careful because it needs to be read with discernment. Even in its formation there was controversy and divisiveness. Before we know it, we are embroiled in the matter of Scriptural canons. Who officially recognized the 27 books of the New Testament? It wasn't until the fourth century that there was agreement on what writings should make up the New Testament. Were none of the sayings of the other Apostles recorded or worth noting? What about the "secret tradition of the Apostle Matthias?" Of course, there were some who argued there had to be just four gospels because there were four winds and four corners of the earth. Were all the letters of Paul preserved and included? What about the "Shepherd of Hermas?" The Epistle of Barnabas? Who wrote the letter to the Hebrews? These unsettling issues and we haven't even read the first page. If it were a simple matter of reading and studying the Bible, it doesn't seem likely there would be such diversity and divisiveness within Christianity. While, by faith, we accept the fact that God preserved the sufficiency of Scriptures, there must be and there is additional foundations for Christian authority.

Second is the authority of the church. But, you exclaim, the church is fraught with schisms and controversy. Which one are we to believe? Depending upon how it is defined, one can (and must) rightly say that it is not divided at all. Unfortunately too many people use the term "church" without telling us what they mean. Even worse, there are those who switch their meanings right in the middle of a discussion. We might even go so far as to say that not only is there no controversy within the church, but that there is only one acceptable way in which it may be defined. Too much? Well, let us see.

As you are most likely aware, the Biblical word for "church" is ekklesia meaning "called out." According to Fausset's Bible Dictionary church, "in the New Testament never means the building or house of assembly." The FBD also points out that, "its unity does not depend on its being met together in one place; not an assemblage of atoms, but members in their several places united to the One Head, Christ, and forming one organic living whole" (1 Corinthians 12). And then, the FBD provides a list of names for the "church" commonly found in the Bible: "The bride of Christ" (Ephesians 5:25-32; 1:22), "The household of Christ and of God" (Matt 10:25; Ephesians 2:19). "The temple of the Holy Spirit" Read this from Ephesians 2:19-22 Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God; And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit. From the NIV translation we get this interpretation of how Peter describes the "church." As you come to him, the living Stone-rejected by men but chosen by God and precious to him- you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. (1 Peter 2:4-5) In the passage in which He is speaking to Peter, ekklesia is nearly synonymous with the Kingdom of Heaven, And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven (Matthew 16:19) Now that is the church about which there can be no dispute. This communion and fellowship of saints must be one of the sources of authority for what we write, speak and do.

We Christians get our authority first from the Bible, Second from the "Spiritual House" and the "Holy Priesthood" of saints. In fact, the "glue" validating and uniting each of these is the Holy Spirit. Regardless of how much of our past has been, official decrees, democratic votes or power politics, these things do not, cannot guide Christianity. We are to be inspired by the Holy Spirit and led by the Son of God everywhere in everything.

But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. Romans 8:9 KJV

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Enter into life is God's timeless invitation to His people. Enter and enjoy its fullness. It was there for Adam; his to enjoy. Isn't that so? . (Genesis 1:28-30 KJV) Wow, what an invitation! We, His people, are to possess life and live a long time. The Word is full of such images. Christ, in John 10:10 tells us He came so that we could lead an abundant life. In the parable of the prodigal son, the younger returning home after squandering his inheritance (Eden?) is not given the job of slopping the hogs. Instead, he is given the robes of a prince. (Luke 15:22-24) When we accepted Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior (returned home), we become the children of God.

We are to enter into life with some purpose rather than gluttonous self-indulgences. The prodigal son entered into life that way and squandered his inheritance. He wanted a life without stricture. He got it. Later would come worry about the hogs.

However, it was and is a conditional inheritance. The condition? "To love the LORD your God, and to serve him with all your heart and with all your soul," (Deuteronomy 11:13, KJV) This very same commandment is repeated in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark and Luke. Jesus Christ tells us this is the greatest of all the commandments. The invitation is clear. It is ours to accept. The commandment is straightforward. It is ours to obey.

Moses recorded that we are to love God AND to serve Him. Later, Isaiah, the prophet records how He is to be served, "Ye are my witnesses that I am God."(43:12) In First Kings, it is written that we are to tell the world He is God. "That all the people of the earth may know that the LORD is God, and that there is none else." (1 King 8:60, KJV) In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus proclaims, "And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come." (Matt 24:14, KJV) Wow!

That is not sitting idly by, "just lovin the Lord!" Where did we ever get the idea that we were to sit beside the road and watch the world go by? How did we ever come to believe we were to enter into tabernacle, synagogue, church or shrine and pay our obeisant sacrifice? What do we have to offer to one who has and is everything? Where did we get the idea we were to forsake life? The Scriptures are replete with the call to ENTER INTO LIFE as His witnesses!

Raynard Vander Laan in a series for Focus on the Family titled, appropriately enough, That The World May Know, puts it this way, "God put His people in a public place so that the world would come to know them, and through them, it would come to know God as well. God intended the world to know who He was based on how His people lived." (Teacher's/Leader's Guide, p 11) Crossing the Jordan river was an essential step for the Jewish Nation. It was a first step. Even had they obeyed the Lord their God and occupied all the land, they would have just begun. They were to live the life as He commanded. The people of ancient Israel chose to step aside. The centers of life they left to others and missed their calling. Instead of witnessing to the world, they chose to cloister themselves in synagogues of worship and cloak themselves in theological legalisms.

In his book, Becoming a Contagious Christian, Bill Hybels presents an interesting formula for entering into life and impacting your world: HP + CP + CC = MI. High Potency is having enough of Christ's influence in our lives that His presence is undeniable to others. Close Proximity means we are most effective when we are near those to be reached. For Clear Communication, we "must know the gospel message cold and be ready to communicate it concisely and clearly." (p.46) Prayer, Study and the Holy Spirit, together, produce a Maximum Impact for the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

We, as a people and a nation, are at the crossroads of the world. No other people in the history of the world have ever been so centrally located. Should we decide to remain in the cloistered citadels of Christendom, God's plan will not be thwarted. We may be. Assembled worship is a necessary, essential, part of the equation of worship and service, but it is not the entire formula.

It is easy for some and gratifying for others to sit in a building with those of like intent. For, at least an hour, we can "let the rest of the world go by," while being supremely entertained with robed eloquence. Even, on occasions, rising in ovation. Then, shoving and pushing to avoid the traffic snarl, we can resume life's pace as dictated by the Cannanites of our contemporary time. We can pretend to believe, as we have been taught, that there is no more needed, no more required of us. Nonetheless, we are commanded to enter into the mainstream of life as His living witnesses. We are His apostles, "apostolos." We are His "delegates" sent with the special message that He is the loving God. There is no other God. None.

It isn't the world waiting at the crossroads as much as it is the Lord God Almighty. Perhaps, just perhaps it is the effort He waits upon not the accomplishment. Try? Good faith In ancient times, twelve took a look at life and only two saw His hand and His plan. Ten saw the job was just simply impossible and didn't even try. A generation was lost. Two entered into life, a life of faith and belief in God. A promise was kept.

Pray that we may be found as Joshuas and Calebs. Recall, Joshua was given a charge, "...Be strong and of a good courage: for thou shalt bring the children of Israel into the land which I sware unto them: and I will be with thee. Deuteronomy 31:23 (KJV) It was Caleb who, "...stilled the people before Moses, and said, "Let us go up at once, and possess it; for we are well able to overcome it." Numbers 13:30 (KJV) Let us, at once, enter into life in the service of the Lord for the sake of humanity and love of the Lord.

You are standing here in order to enter into a covenant with the LORD your God, a covenant the LORD is making with you this day and sealing with an oath. Deuteronomy 29:12

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For non-believers who accept the life and ministry of Jesus Christ as historical fact, His resurrection is still a totally unacceptable theory. In a way, it is a backhanded complement because their rejection recognizes its significance. Jesus as a historical character, even His crucifixion is one thing. To accept His resurrection is to accept His divinity. It goes without saying that non-Christians would be unwilling to make that admission. Yet His tomb was empty. His body was gone. Where'd He go? Where is the corpse? The first of many schemes over the centuries concocted to explain that empty tomb is recorded in Matthew, And when they were assembled with the elders, and had taken counsel, they gave large money unto the soldiers, Saying, Say ye, His disciples came by night, and stole him away while we slept. Matthew 28:12-13

Those involved in Jesus' execution fully appreciated what was at stake and took every precaution. Pontius Pilate, the Roman procurator and personal servant of the emperor, understood the implication of an empty tomb. While most procurators of the Roman Empire were concerned with finance, Pilate had authority over civil and military matters as well as criminal jurisdiction. He was a busy and important man. Yet, he took time to assure the body would remain entombed. It is recorded in Matthew (27:65-66) "Go, make the tomb as secure as you know how." So they went and made the tomb secure by putting a seal on the stone and posting the guard.

The chief priests of the church and the most prominent religious and political leaders of the day, the Pharisees, understood the significance of what was taking place. It was their visit to Pilate that prompted him to set a guard and seal Jesus' tomb. The next day, the one after Preparation Day, the chief priests and the Pharisees went to Pilate. "Sir," they said, "we remember that while he was still alive that deceiver said, `After three days I will rise again.' So give the order for the tomb to be made secure until the third day. Otherwise, his disciples may come and steal the body and tell the people that he has been raised from the dead. This last deception will be worse than the first." Matthew 27:62-64 Isn't that just simply astounding? They were expecting some underhanded tricks from Jesus' followers.

How did the People of the Way, His disciples respond to His death? Did they announce the glad tidings of His pending resurrection and make plans to celebrate? Did they proclaim the victory of His empty tomb? Did they plot to come by night, and steal Him away while the guards slept? No, no they did none of this.

Mary Magdalene was the first to discover the empty grave. But, she wasn't there waiting to greet Him. She had come to anoint His dead body! It isn't that all the others were standing around waiting for the great event and she was the only one out of sync. They had all gone home - they ran away, they hid themselves. For them, it was all over, finished. Now, isn't that strange? In one part of the Bible we have Jesus telling His followers that He is going to be killed, but that was OK, He'd rise on the third day. (Matthew 16:21, 20:19, 27:64, Mark 9:31, 10:24, Luke 9:22, 13:24, 18:33, 24:7, 24:46) It wasn't a secret, even the chief priests and Pharisees knew of Jesus' claims. He told His followers over and over that He would rise up on the third day after His crucifixion. So, He is crucified and all of them run away - they hide in fear for their lives. Doesn't that seem odd? So instead of a plot to steal His body, here is what we get.

First, the execution, their disgrace, was very public. Not only public, but certified by none other than Pontius Pilate. Wouldn't it be more logical for His disciples to publicly announce His pending resurrection? If they were conspirators, wouldn't it make sense that they would attempt to prove, with an empty grave, that He had risen? They didn't do that. They didn't act that way. They denied they ever knew Him and shrank from His crucifixion. They went home full of shame and doubt.

Secondly, they did not seem to believe He was risen. Their total surprise on seeing the empty tomb must have caused the Romans and Pharisees to wonder. His followers weren't going to conspire. Instead, they seemed completely demoralized. They must have been amazed that His followers were acting so strangely. Conspirators would more likely have responded, "Well, of course the tomb is empty, He is risen as He told all of us He would be. Hey, everyone, come look! See, He is gone, He is not here." Nope, not our disciples they didn't even act like sheepish little con artists, they were totally dumbfounded. They hadn't a clue.

Third, and even more astounding, when He appeared to them, they didn't believe it was Him. More than one of His followers seemed to share the doubting of Thomas Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into his side, I will not believe. (John 20:25) When the rest were told about His resurrection, the empty tomb, they don't believe it. At first, it "seemed to them like idle tales" (Luke 24:11), They weren't as vocal, but they weren't any more prepared for His resurrection than Thomas. Wow, and that was those who believed in Him, who had most profited from His personal ministry.

How is one to account their most unusual behavior? One thing to remember is that they were like fledglings, pups tossed out of the nest. It was the first time they were truly alone. Surely they must have felt abandoned. The weight of all they as Jews had expected of a Messiah that was not fulfilled by Jesus must have come crashing down around them. With the benefit of centuries, more pointedly, with the benefit of the New Testament, the behavior of Jesus' followers may appear to us as odd and inexplicable. Surely more than one of us has thought how differently we would have behaved in those circumstances. Really, or is that hindsight?

Also remember that they were just ordinary people at that point. Like so many of us, they had heard the Word, but they didn't seem to fully grasp its fullness. They couldn't because they had not yet been anointed by the Holy Spirit. Consider that, they were trained and tutored by the Master and yet they faltered in the absence of the Spirit. Imagine how much more likely we are to do the same without His guidance. Imagine how much more we need His Spirit present in us.

One of the overlooked lessons in the events surrounding His crucifixion and resurrection is just how helpless we are without the Holy Spirit to guide us. All human intelligence, understanding, and good intentions are inadequate. No amount of training or education sufficiently equips us to be disciples of Jesus Christ. The only sure and certain compass we have is His guiding Spirit Reading the Bible, preaching and teaching, theological discourses, creeds and confessions are all useful as long as the Holy Spirit is in place as a filtration system for the Truth. Without Him we are as helpless as they were.

Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. John 16:13

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