“Looking Forward”
“Looking Forward” for Sunday
February 5, 2012
The very best relationships we have on this earth (if we have any that we even consider “best”) are messy. They will require a lot of work. Yet we usually think that most of the problem resides outside of ourselves, with the other person. Sure we know we’re not perfect, but we need to recognize that the Bible says that we have a heavy hand in our messy relationships. Our sinful desires are so deep seated that we gravitate towards destroying all good things around us, including our “good” and meaningful relationships. And the worst news is that we can’t fix them on our own. We need a whole new operating system to make things work.
I hope you will be around this Sunday as we continue in our series Relationships: A Mess Worth Making. We need help. There is help. And plenty of hope.
In addition, Rich and Jenny Shannon will be sharing some news concerning the upcoming 30-Hour Famine that our 412 youth will be participating in very soon. As usual we will have a wonderful time of corporate worship and also share the Lord’s Supper together. I hope you will be with us.
Don’t forget to keep Eve Burris in your prayers. Her mom succumbed after a long battle this past week. From everything that I can tell, Eve was a great daughter and served her mother in an extraordinary way until the end. She really honored her mom. Information on the viewing and funeral are listed at the end of the Looking Forward.
Blessings,
Pastor Tim
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January 29, 2012
There was a popular television commercial for frozen pizza some years back that asked the question: “What do you want on your tombstone?” It was a commercial for Tombstone Pizza. You can still buy them at Shoprite. When that commercial played, the company obviously was not concerned that the audience pause thoughtfully, and right there on their couch plumb the depths of the philosophical and spiritual implications that that question would raise. Basically they wanted to know if you wanted pepperoni or sausage on your pizza.
And yet that single query is perhaps the most profound question we could ever ask. One day we will appear before God and some great questions will be asked of each one of us. “What did you do with your life? How did you spend your life? If you could, how would you sum it up?”
The parable of the talents in Matthew 25 prepares the reader to one day answer the question that a mid-western pizza company, in a rather cavalier way, asked of a vast television audience some years back. If you could write in a few words what was chiseled into the granite of your own tombstone, what would it say? “Rest in Peace?” “Gone but not forgotten?” What would your tombstone say about you?
One of our elders in a meeting once asked the rest of us seated there a sobering question, “If our church ever sunk into the ground, how long would it take for Livingston to even know we were gone?” In other words, do we really matter?
Look, when someone dies, friends and family try to pull together the kind of funeral that puts front and center all the best attributes of that person. It is altogether fitting and right that we do that. We don’t mention the D.U.I conviction. We remain silent over the fact that he was, at best, an absentee father, or that her alcohol abuse brought a certain level of sorrow to all those around her. We highlight the best (even if it takes some hard digging). Now I have been at funerals where a picture has been painted of the deceased that only faintly resembled the actual person. I have been at services where I was pretty sure the person did not know the Lord, but the preacher, by the end of the service, had preached them right into heaven. Glory.
I understand how that all happens, but listen. When you leave this world, will you leave a void? Will your footprints be like those imprinted at the sea shore that are washed away by the next wave, or will your walk have been one which impressed an indelible mark on those whom you traveled this life with?
When I read the scriptures, it occurs to me that some of the most precious principles in the word of God are not stated in black and white, but are discovered in observing the lives of God’s great servants.
One of the most beautiful epitaphs ever written about any person is found in Acts 13:36. “For when David had served God’s purpose in his own generation, he fell asleep . . .”
When I think about David, I usually think about his humble beginnings as a shepherd. I picture him out in the fields at night, forming in his mind, thoughts, that years later would become songs which we still sing (or at least read) today. I think of David the soldier, battling men up close and personal. I think of David the statesman, running a vast, expanding kingdom. I can barely run our small church, yet he was administrating a kingdom. When I think of David, I think of a king. When I think of him, I think of his attributes, his childhood, his encounter with Goliath. When the subject of his life comes up there is just so much we could talk about. One hardly knows where to start.
But isn’t it significant that as the infant New Testament church was forming, that the Holy Spirit inspired doctor Luke to write concerning Israel’s greatest king, this simple statement: “When David had served God’s purpose in his own generation, he fell asleep.” Instead of mentioning anything specific that filled the incredibly impressive resume of this giant personality, all he said was that he accomplished God’s purpose in his life.
David Virkler died this past week. The first time I saw him, I was a student at Northeastern Bible College and he came to speak at some sort of gathering; I think it may have been chapel, I can’t quite remember now. What I do remember was that I was mesmerized by the guy. Here was a preacher who grabbed you by the throat for forty minutes (or longer) and wouldn’t let go until you understood that what he was talking about was the most important thing you would hear that week. Or any week. Later on I heard him again, and I got the impression that that was the most important thing I would hear that week. That was his way. That is the way of the really good ones. I have come to know that it’s a pretty rare thing.
After graduating from Northeastern, by God’s providence, I traveled with Dave, assisting him in old-style two, three, and sometimes four day “crusades” that was heavy on evangelism (of course) and light on subtly. When someone walked away from one of his meetings, they had heard the gospel, and had been given an opportunity to choose between heaven and hell. Many times people chose heaven.
One of the first churches I traveled to with him was up in New York state. He asked me five minutes before the service was to begin, “Have you ever led a song service before?” I sheepishly said “Well, I’ve led some songs at times in my church back home.” He said “Well why don’t you lead us tonight.” I was scared spit-less, but I did it. I ended up leading congregations all over the region in the great hymns of the faith for the next ten months. I was his Cliff Barrows.
On the long car rides he would talk and I would mostly listen. He would speak of ministry and challenges and the old days and politics. His political interests gave birth early on in his ministry to a radio broadcast, “The Word and the World,” which was carried weekly on dozens of stations across the country. I was amazed how every week he found a way to take the news events of the day and string them together with biblical themes and come out the other end with an arresting, helpful, powerful commentary. Every week. How did he do that?
One of my clear memories of that year was following Dave to the National Religious Broadcasters Convention in Washington D. C. Jerry Falwell was a real big deal back then and I remember passing him in the hallway and feeling very important. It was all quite exciting to a young kid who had, up till then, lived so little of life.
If you had asked me then who David Virkler was, I would have said, a powerful speaker. A highly informed radio commentator. A loving father and husband. Maybe, most of all, a magician (after watching him run an impactful ministry on a financial shoestring). That is who I would have said he was.
But if you ask me now who he was; if you pushed me up against the wall, pressed your forearm against my throat and demanded that I give you an answer as to who this guy was, I would say, that he was a servant. And I would feel pretty good and safe about that answer.
Jesus once said to a group of men who were climbing over each other to lay claim to the leader mantle, “ . . . whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave– just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many,” (Matthew 20:26-28). I don’t know when it happened, but somewhere along the line Dave came to understand that. Better I think than most vocational workers in ministry that I have known in my lifetime.
Aside from the somewhat ‘glamorous’ parts of the ministry, I saw that there were a ton of things that, well, really weren’t all that fun. Travel, though interesting, gets tedious. Having to constantly do too much work with too few hands, and too little money gets old. Fast. But I know it kept him on his knees. It also kept him grateful to those who supported the ministry with tens and twenties, and to God whom he always credited as the ultimate source.
Only one time did I ever see Dave get angry. We had traveled to a church one Sunday to do a sort of “audition” for a possible series of meetings later that year. After a couple of hours of travel, Dave taught the adults, then preached in the service, then met with church leaders to discuss the possibility of the crusade. It was an exhausting day for me, and I was just listening!
We had just finished loading the car and were ready to pull out of the driveway of that church when the man who had originally contacted Dave to consider conducting the series of meetings approached the car. He had just gotten out of the after-meeting of church leaders who were deciding whether to extend the invitation for Dave to come later that year. With a forlorn look on his face he said “I’m sorry they just don’t want to go with additional meetings.”
Now that was disappointing. After all the effort of that day, the powers that be decided that they didn’t want or didn’t need what we had to offer. But the really galling thing was that they didn’t even give him an honorarium for the ministry he had done among them that day. Not even gas money.
As we pulled away I could tell Dave was angry. I was too. I tried to comfort him with a series of personal observations pertaining to the lack of intelligence and good looks of the congregation as a whole, and the leadership in particular, but he wasn’t buying it. I would have gladly shot out the tires from a few cars parked in the lot that day if he had asked me to.
But the next morning when I saw him, he was OK. It wasn’t about the money, (although I knew it was a particularly difficult financial time just then). It was about ministry. It was about lost people. It was about doing the Lord’s work. It was about trusting Him. It always was. He had merely forgotten that for a few hours.
Servanthood does not come naturally. It comes over time. It comes to those who themselves come to understand the meaning of the cross. Ultimately ministry is anything but glamorous or even fun. And if you think it is a great place to park yourself to have your ego stroked, well, you haven’t been around long enough. No, there’s only one reason you do it. You do it because God has softened and warmed your brazen, calloused heart, and has begun to mold it like his own.
I sat with Dave in his office the day before his recent heart surgery. He welcomed me graciously and ushered me into the inner sanctum of his office. I’m not sure it had changed at all since I had last been in there twenty-five or more years before. We talked about his upcoming surgery, his recovery from a recent stroke, and his future. He explained how meetings had dried up. Churches just didn’t want extended series from outside speakers anymore. Though the radio ministry was still going pretty well he was unsure what was next for him. I said “Dave, did you ever think about retiring?” His slightly startled look was his answer.
We talked some more. We prayed. On his desk was a Bible verse. I was later told by his daughter Gayle that it was his life verse. It was from Acts 13:36. It said “For when David had served God’s purpose in his own generation, he fell asleep.”
Although we didn’t have regular contact over the years, I would talk to Dave every so often. After I became pastor of this church, he would fill the pulpit occasionally and we would get together. There were times over the years when I was pretty sure Dave had fallen behind the times. That though the wine remained the same (the gospel) his wineskins (methods) needed a change. I’m not sure. I guess it all depends on the individual and on whom God has called him or her to reach.
But this much I’m very, very sure of. David Virkler served God’s purposes for his generation. He served those purposes faithfully and with great distinction. He went where God sent him. More often than not that meant ministering to small, under financed, struggling little works where his presence and passion encouraged the weary and challenged the lost to faith in Christ.
If I could trade the silver, gold, and precious metal that he accrued over the years (and which he will one day lay at the feet of Jesus) with my own . . . I would do so in an instant.
There is a hymn made popular by George Beverly Shea which he often sang at Billy Graham crusades. The words go . . .
I’d rather have Jesus than silver or gold;
I’d rather be His than have riches untold:
I’d rather have Jesus than houses or lands.
I’d rather be led by His nail-pierced hand.
Than to be the king of a vast domain
Or be held in sin’s dread sway.
I’d rather have Jesus than anything
This world affords today.
I’d rather have Jesus than men’s applause;
I rather be faithful to His dear cause;
I’d rather have Jesus than worldwide fame.
I’d rather be true to His holy name.
He’s fairer than lilies of rarest bloom;
He’s sweeter than honey from out the comb;
He’s all than my hungering spirit needs.
I’d rather have Jesus and let Him lead.
Than to be the king of a vast domain
Or be held in sin’s dread sway.
I’d rather have Jesus than anything
This world affords today.
With all his might David Virkler served God’s purposes in his generation.
The apostle Paul wrote at the end of his life, “Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day–and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing,” (2 Timothy 4:8).
Early Monday morning, having served God’s purposes for him in his own generation, Dave Virkler’s journey ended.
If I could, I know what I would chisel on Dave Virkler’s tombstone. I would put, David Virkler: He Served God’s Purposes In His Own Generation. I can’t think of anything else that would better sum up this purpose-filled life.
-Pastor Tim Chicola
Love Christ, Love His Church, Serve His World
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January 8, 2012
An economist in Los Angeles wrote a book some years back titled, The Short Story of Money. The book contains just seven words. ”Here it is and there it goes.”
There was a time when a fool and his money were soon parted. Now it seems to happen to everybody. Braces, baby strollers, piano lessons, college tuition, car payments, old debt, medical costs, and mortgages seem arrayed against us. Some, like a weary juggler, wonder how much longer they will be able to keep all the balls up in the air. Our unstable economy has only added to our uncertainties when it comes to our money.
The good news is that Jesus walked on this earth. Things were not so different than they are now. People had many of the same concerns. Yet, he said to those who would listen, “I tell you do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? . . . . and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness and all these things (food, clothes, houses) will be given to you as well,” (Matthew 6:2525, 32-34).
He said in effect, “Let my Father worry about the things that cause you such concern right now. You occupy your efforts in making his concerns your concerns and all the things you run so hard after will be thrown in as a bonus.”
His concern is to see people cross over from the domain of the evil and enter into His Kingdom. His concern is for people to be brought into a right relationship with God by having their sins forgiven. He is interested in his children caring for the poor and forgotten. He knows the demands on us and what we need for life. He has promised to provide. He just asks us to take care of first things first. God has entrusted his people with time, talent, gifts, intelligence, and money. He expects us to use His distributed gifts wisely and for His glory. To do otherwise would not only be unwise but invites eternal disaster, (Matt. 25:14-30).
Money always seemed to be of special concern to Jesus. In fact, one verse in every six in the first three gospels relates either directly or indirectly to money. Sixteen of his forty-four parables deal with the use or misuse of money. A loving, joyful, liberal giving to the Lord’s work seems to have been an acid test of a spiritual heart that was growing towards the things of God, (Matt. 6:21). Not only that, but it seems clear that our pattern of giving to God is a no-risk growth investment that will pay dividends at a fantastic rate of return for all eternity, (Matt. 19:28, 29). We can’t take it with us, but we can, as believers, send it ahead, (Luke 16:8, 9).
This past calendar year, evangelical churches, like our own, have seen a dramatic dip in giving. I know there are reasons for that. The most obvious one being that the economy has been down, as I already mentioned. Companies have cut back. Some folks have lost what they thought were secure jobs. People are fearful of “discretionary” giving in these uncertain, economic times.
But really, is there such a thing as sure economic times? The rich fool in Luke 12 thought there was. Business was so good that he made plans to expand his warehouses for growth that would surely come. “But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you.’” Yes, we are encouraged to plan for the future(Prov. 6:6) but God reserves the right to change our plans at any time, (James 4:13ff). It is all a bit uncertain. Who knows what tomorrow will bring?
Here’s one thing that is certain. God rewards those who are faithful to his kingdom work. If we have been faithful in the past we are commended to continue to do so and if we haven’t, we need to start. Our very future reward depends on it, (Matt. 6:20). Paul urged his congregation to work toward that reward. He wanted to see each of them receive great spiritual dividends then, and at some predetermined day in the future, (Phil 4:17).
Sunday, January 15th, is Stewardship Sunday here at The Crossing. I know that this is a new concept to many of you. About ten years ago we began asking people to commit a defined amount of their treasure for the year ahead to the Lord’s work at TCC. It took a little getting used to by some, but we found two benefits immediately. First, the church leadership was able to plan, in a more exacting fashion, for the year ahead. We began to move as far and as fast as the family of believers indicated we should through their support. It is hard to plan when you have no idea what you are working with. It really freed us up in a way that we had not experienced before. Nineteen of the previous twenty years before instituting this practice our church had had a budget shortfall. We have worked in the black ever since. Nice.
The second thing that happened was perhaps the most important. As we challenged folks to give sacrificially, something amazing happened. They actually listened. And their faith was stretched. And many, many experienced first hand the joy of seeing God provide faithfully to his children who were faithful to him in their giving. It was all good.
OK here goes. Would you begin praying to see at what level God may be asking you to support The Crossing’s work in 2012? Don’t assume that you know the answer. God may have other things in mind. He usually does. The success of this new ground upon which we have stepped (the merger) is going to take the full and complete support of everyone, and I mean everyone, in all areas.
Near the conclusion of our service on the 15th, I will let you in on the particulars of how you can let us know that you are standing with us, and to what level of support you are trusting God to have you participate.
If you cannot be here on that day because of health reasons, travel etc., but still want to be included, I would ask that you either request a Stewardship Commitment Card from the office (which will be handed out on the 15th), or pick one up at the Welcome Center in the lobby. Then, sometime in the month of January, let us know how you will participate. Even if you are only able to commit a very small amount, say as a one-time gift, we would like to know so that we can include it in our budget plans.
Let me urge parents to use this time as a way of teaching lifetime lessons to your children concerning the importance of giving back to God generously and cheerfully. Over the past few years an increasing number of young people have been developing godly patterns of giving by participating in Stewardship Commitment Sunday. This pattern of obedience will reap blessings for a lifetime. Though the amount given may be small, God does not see as we do, and he blesses far in excess to that which we trust Him with. Jesus marveled at the widows mite and she was blessed beyond measure for her faithful giving (Mark 12:41). We are still talking about her two thousand years later. After all, He is after our hearts, not our wallets.
One more thing; offering envelopes will be provided to any individual or family that makes a Stewardship pledge for 2012. Some have already signed up at the Welcome Center for them. You can do so any time in the month of January. When you do, you will receive quarterly and annual statements reflecting your giving for your record keeping.
God has promised to provide all that we need as we decide to make His concerns our concerns. Let’s face it, when we look at the totality of our lives we have a little bit of time and a little bit of opportunity to assist God in the expansion of the kingdom and store up rewards in heaven that will never lose their value. That’s not just preacher talk, it’s the real deal. May God bless you as you participate in the gospel going forth from The Crossing.
Blessings,
Pastor Tim
Love Christ, Love His Church, Serve His World
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