Whatever Takes Us Away

For those very few loyal readers I have, forgive me for my inconsistent writings of late.  Summer, what little of it is left, has once again blown by me and blown me over.  I have finished my Associates Degree in religion, the kids are growing and swimming (when the weather cooperates), and things around the Mundy house have been usual - busy, busy, busy.

I haven't been writing here, for no good reason, and while I have intended to write more often, it just hasn't happened.  I could say that will change, like I have in the past, but I now know that I will not respond (even to myself) in kind in that respect.  Get used to the fact that I won't be posting here as often as I once did, but this has become more of a last place for me to put my thoughts out. 

Summer has once again come and gone, and I have once again lived another year to tell the stories.  Oh well, at least I have this beautiful wife to help keep me on track with all aspects of my life.  See you around!

Just a quick note of thanks for my first receipt from my Amazon wish list.

Two books have been removed from my wish list this past week, and in the coming weeks I hope to at least begin reading these two. They both came from the same source and I am glad to have scratched them off the wish list. Thanks to my mom I got Ravi Zacharias' "The End of Reason" and St. Augustine's "Confessions" and look forward to getting into these two works.

Thanks Mom!

For those who keep asking on Facebook, here's my sermon from today - well, for the most part.

I’m sure many of you know who Penn & Teller are, so I’ll spare you the gory details of some of their comedic skits. At the end of my message today I want to share a short video that Penn Jillette put out not too long ago that I hope will put an emphasis to all I want to talk about this morning. What is that? Missions and evangelism.

At the beginning of the year Pastor Don spoke about traveling in New Testament times. Today, as we sit here in the very same space in which he spoke then, he is traveling in a far-off land. In Vietnam today, he will be attending a church service like none other he has ever experienced. On top of that he may have opportunities to share his faith journey and the gospel message of Jesus with people who may have never heard the name Jesus. Now, we are not all called in the same manner, to go abroad in missions to foreign countries, be we are all called to follow the Scriptures and the Great Commission. Jesus, just prior to His ascension told His disciples to go . . .

We can read this charge to “go” in four places in the New Testament: Matthew 28, Mark 26, Luke 24 and Acts 1. They do not all state the exact same thing in the exact same manner, but the message is the same. Let’s suppose you and I were to witness a car accident while standing near a busy street intersection, a few of you on one corner, some on another, and I on yet another corner. When the police show up to question us and retrieve our “eyewitness testimonies” some things throughout our stories will inevitably be somewhat different. I noticed that there was a large glare from a store window that caused one driver to swerve, you only saw a car out of control, yet we still saw the same accident. These different story lines do know mean we are all wrong, it doesn’t even mean that one of us was wrong. What it does indicate to us is that regardless of stories, there is a message that carries throughout – we all saw a car accident that was caused by a certain driver. The same can be said for the writers of the New Testament. Two of these four accounts, Luke and Acts, are presumably written by the same author, Luke. Now, we know some things about Luke from his own writings and from the writings of the Apostle Paul. Luke was a doctor of some sort. He liked to give good detailed accounts of the things he wrote about. He also gives us differences in his own writings, but his message does not vary in its meaning. There are no contradictions in his two accounts, yet they do differ in the manner of deliverance. The same message is found, however, in all four of the accounts of the Great Commission. All nations are to receive the good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Looking back and doing a little study will do us all some good when we approach the Bible. Some background: Jesus had been with the disciples for just over three years. In that time it could be rightly assumed that they knew and understood what it was that Jesus was commissioning them to do. They had seen His miracles, witnessed the healings, heard him speak numerous times (and were even given deeper insight when he spoke in parables and they did not understand those parables), not to mention that he had lived with and among them all that time. If anyone understood what to do it would indeed be these remaining disciples; a motley bunch of Jewish men.

A couple of historical notes of importance.
#1. Jerusalem was part of the Roman Empire at this time, roughly A.D. 33 #2. The Romans did not like exclusivity in religious matters. It is well known and attested that when Romans conquered people, they usually adopted and added whatever gods there were into their own pantheon of gods. They would also adopt some of the religious practices like sacrifices to idols. One of the main religious movements in the empire however, was emperor worship. At the time of the death and resurrection of Jesus was Tiberius Caesar; following him were Caligula and Nero – two of Rome’s most brutal, notorious, and bloody emperors. This new sect of Judaism was different from most other religions. This new sect, by its very nature, had no intentions of sharing a throne with a myriad of other sub-deities. In John 14:6 we read, “Jesus told them, ‘I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.’” Statements like this the Romans did not like. In this system there was only one way. Jesus. Exclusivity at its pinnacle.

The message the disciples received in the Great Commission was a daunting task. Again, I think it can be rightly assumed that these men knew what challenges were ahead of them. Persecution, jail time, beatings and mass unbelief – yet they persisted. The message to the disciples was to carry the message of Jesus to an unbelieving world.

I wanted to know a little more about what was being asked of the disciples by Jesus, so I looked to see what the original language said. In particular I looked at the word used for witnesses in Acts 1:8. Martys is the Greek term used, which is where we get our English word for martyr. The meaning here in Acts 1:8 helps us understand further what the task of the disciples, and of us today, was and still is. Most of us know what a martyr is, right? Someone who is willing to do anything, even dying, for their cause. Jesus was asking these men to do just that; go out in my name, regardless of the consequences, and be my witnesses – even unto death. They were to testify, give testimony, witness, or perhaps, become martyrs for the sake of Christ. A most difficult and challenging task.

What else sticks out in this passage? Do you see any relevance to how they were sent? Look at Acts 1:8 again. Where were they to be Jesus’ witnesses? He moved them out in concentric circles, gradually moving them further away from the center of their known world. Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and the ends of the earth.

Jerusalem. Here was the starting point. When I went to my Walk to Emmaus retreat several years ago a Jewish proverb was told. I’ll paraphrase: Noticing that things were bad around him, a young Rabbi decided to change the world. Realizing that the world was much too large he decided he would have to narrow his scope. I’ll change my country he thought, but soon realized, this too, was a large and daunting task. I’ll change my county, my region, but this too was too much. Maybe if I start with my city I can change things. Yet again, upon review, this was too much. Perhaps my street. No, maybe my house? Maybe, he thought, I should start with myself. The disciples had a starting point, which began with themselves, their households, and their city. From that point, the circle grew, eventually leading them and their followers, including Jesus’ disciples today, to expand throughout the world.

An important thing to note here is that in these passages of Scripture the same principle applies to our day and age as it did back then. Here we are nearly 2,000 years later and the same charge applies to us. All who are followers of Jesus are to do one thing. Does anyone know what one of the shortest proper sentences in the English language is? Go. Interesting isn’t it? That Jesus would give us a command so brief, so concise, yet so difficult. That’s you and that’s me – we are all to go. Pastor Don is doing above and beyond his duty right now by traveling overseas to go! Within that simple word are a host of things we can do. Our first priority though is to go and make disciples. After this we can break go into sub-categories. Go and share the gifts, talents and abilities God has given you. Go help the poor and needy, the widows and orphans. Go. Go. Go. Go! We aren’t all called to go in the same manner, direction or fashion, but we are all to go.

Most of you may know that I have a passion for music. I enjoy sharing my faith through that passion (though I still say I am not much of a singer). I also love to teach the things of the Bible, it’s history, relevance to today and how it can be applied to our lives. As a matter of fact I can spend hours talking about it at length . . . . . . did anyone order lunch in for us today? Just kidding. Some of you here do share your gifts, talents and abilities on a very regular basis. Some of you love to visit people who need a visitor or someone to talk to. Some of you may feel compelled to share your faith with a complete stranger. Others may love to cook things and give that to those in need. Maybe you have been financially blessed and can give from your pocketbook, great, keep doing it. Turn to Matthew 25:31-40, let’s read this (When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his throne in heavenly glory. All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left. Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me. Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you? The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.) Each time you or I do any of these things, or others not explicitly mentioned here, we share our gifts and talents. And, when we do this in the name of Christ – for His sake – He recognizes those things and will remember them when at last we reach our final destination. My point here is this; each of us has been called personally by God. We who call ourselves disciples of Jesus Christ have, as our first priority, to share Him and His message. Sure, you might have to befriend someone before you jump into the gospel message, but we are disciples of the Master and He will do all of the hard work.

There is something else too, you, I and everyone we come in contact have in common with another biblical person. In each of these four accounts of the Great Commission, one Apostle was not present – Paul. He had his own commissioning, and just like him we are to travel into a darkened world to share the message of Light. Paul was a Jew’s Jew, studying under the best of Jewish teachers, yet he ended up following Christ, he too was commissioned. How we share this message is as individualized as the gifts, talents and abilities we all have. Let’s look briefly at what Paul taught in I Corinthians 9:19-23. (Though I am free and belong to no man, I make myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible. To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. To those under the law I became like one under the law (though I myself am not under the law), so as to win those under the law. To those not having the law I became like one not having the law (though I am not free from God's law but am under Christ's law), so as to win those not having the law. To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some. I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings.) The message is the same, only the delivery changes. We have Jesus as our prime example and Paul helps flush out how we might go about this. Jesus held the company of sinners and tax collectors – any sinners here today? Jesus would have hung out with me for sure!

Where does this lead us? Let’s take a quick look at Romans 10:8-15. (But what does it say? "The word is near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart,"that is, the word of faith we are proclaiming: That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved. As the Scripture says, "Anyone who trusts in him will never be put to shame."For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, for, "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, "How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!) Here, the gospel message is laid out for us. If you don’t know how to say it or share it, here it is in print. Believe in your heart and confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord. We are all sinful creatures by nature, but we can have our sin cleansed if we believe in the only One who can save us. We are justified not by any actions or deeds, but by grace through faith, which comes from the Lord. Pastor Don has traveled several thousand miles to share this good news and we are still here. Within the context of the passage we just read, he has the beautiful feet which bring the good news. He has been sent to preach. Who sent him? God, of course! Moses was sent by God to lead Israel out of Egypt, Joshua was called to take Israel into the promised land, Jeremiah, Isaiah, Joel and the other prophets were all called by God to share His message. You and I have been called and sent forth. All of us have been sent by God.

What I am submitting to you today is that each of us has a calling. A call into ministry isn’t always a call into becoming a pastor or preacher. We all have a mission field. That mission field may be your own house, your extended family, your friends, or co-workers. It could be that your mission field is at a local food pantry helping to serve people in need of a meal, maybe it is building houses or it could be that you are called to serve like Pastor Don overseas. As I’ve said before, I could stand up here for hours and talk about this stuff, but at some point there is nothing more I can do for you. This is where you come in. Each of us has been gifted in a special way and called by God to use those gifts, talents and abilities He has endowed to each of us. You have to be discerning as to the Holy Spirit’s call on your life. Spend time with God in reading His Word to see how your life fits into His plans – but try not to put your plans into God’s purpose for you, going against Him seems daunting and, I am sure, a battle that cannot be won. We have been given something to help us with this task. In Luke 24:48 we read the words of Jesus, words first meant for His disciples, and now for us. “And look, I am sending you what my Father promised . . .” that promise is the Holy Spirit who guides us, and our missions.

As I draw this towards a conclusion I ask each of you to consider something while our Pastor is away, think and pray about how God wants you to go and make disciples. In Matthew 6:33 we read, “but seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” Seek the guidance of God and find out what your calling is. It may not come to you overnight, it may not happen over the course of a few weeks – it may, in fact, take several years before you really know where God wants you, but if you continually seek the counsel of God first, He will direct you and His will for your life will be known. Be drawn closer to God and he will draw you towards those He intends to save.
While I preparing for this week I came across something by chance . . . okay, God put this stuff in my hands purposefully, and I felt compelled to share it with you. In a study about building a deeper relationship with God I read a small portion about service. The main point was “we follow Jesus as we serve our world.” Fitting isn’t it? I’d like to read just a small portion of it and then we’ll close.

"Some people feel content to help people only when and if it’s convenient. Others fit service into time slots such as a spring break missions trip or a Saturday service project once in a while. But following Jesus means that we will allow service to spread into our whole lives. Jesus calls his followers to a deeper level of service that helps people anytime, anywhere, anyhow, no matter if it’s convenient or fun. This kind of service might be truly difficult stuff, but it also leads to a worthwhile and more fulfilling life.

Jesus served people wherever he went. He taught them God’s truth, he showed them the way to have a relationship with God, he healed their broken hearts and bodies, and he loved them. In fact, Jesus’ mission on earth was to serve humankind. We all have needs, and because we can recognize our own needs, it becomes easy for us to recognize that Jesus might want us to serve anyone – even the person on your left or right!
It may be harder to serve those right around you because their needs aren’t as visible as those living in foreign countries or on the streets without a home. But don’t let that stop you! Look a little deeper. What deep needs do people have that you might be able to do something about? Is someone lonely? Does someone need encouragement? Can you give someone your time?" (Follow Me, Group Publishing, 2004)

I end with those questions intentionally. We have looked at passages of the New Testament where Jesus sent his disciples, both then and now, to go and make disciples of all nations. We’ve looked at what that meant back then and what it means to us now. We read how we can respond to the gospel message, and briefly at how we can find God’s will for us in service by reading the Word, seeking first the kingdom of God not the kingdom of man. What’s left is for you and I to walk out from this place and begin our goings. We all have a purpose and a service. What will your service be and who will you reach for the kingdom?

As I mentioned in my opening many of you may know Penn Jillette, he’s Penn from Penn & Teller – the comedy duo that has given many crass skits for over two decades. It is a well-known fact that Penn is a fairly devout atheist, and he has stated it publicly many times. Our service in God’s kingdom can have an impact on the world, even among those who do not believe in an all powerful, all loving God. Sometimes it isn’t what you say, but how you say it.



How much do we have to hate someone to not share Christ with them?

What is required of us to enter heaven?

This is a tough question, and one that raises many more. The answers, you may find, are varied from denomination, but don’t most Christians come to believe the same thing based on the same book, the Bible? Yes and no.

In the Cincinnati Enquirer online, Sunday, February 15, 2009 was an article about the Catholic church reviving an old practice, one I have read about and heard about, but did not believe was still viable today. Plenary Indulgence anyone? Here's the article http://news.cincinnati.com/article/20090215/NEWS01/902150...

Not familiar with this term? Fear not, oh sluggish Protestant. Most Catholics seem to not even understand this practice. Here is where the great schism has had a lasting effect on a knowledge based faith, and where sense and sensibility have been broken. For the Protestant, getting into heaven is a matter based solely on faith. Protestants are justified by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. For the Catholic there are a myriad of other requirements that must take place prior to a soul entering into heaven. There is purgatory that must be gone through. If you confess your sins the eternal punishment for those sins is removed, but the temporal punishment (the physical, time centered punishment that is paid for in purgatory) remains. The indulgence removes either in whole, or in part, that temporal punishment.

I’m not trying to offend either side in this, but I believe most of you are good thinking people that can read through and between the lines here. Open your Bibles once in a while and find out if these things are true. Don’t read anything into the text, but rather, seek the historical background of a book or chapter, find a commentary to help expand your knowledge of a particular book of the Bible. Some doctrines seem way off base and not even closely related to the Christian faith – if it seems odd, find out where it comes from and research it. Many heretics were cast out of the faith centuries before we came about, but here we are nearly 2,000 years after Jesus and some of those heresies still linger on.

We are justified by grace through faith, and that not of ourselves. Read through Ephesians 2 sometime to see what role we play in our salvation. We bring nothing more than our sins that need to be forgiven and an empty hand of faith. I feel for you if you feel that you need to DO something in order to receive the gift of God in salvation. Do you honestly think you would have anything of value for Him to begin with? In my estimation He needs nothing from you or I and is more than powerful enough to accomplish above and beyond what I could ever conceive, this includes my salvation. No amount of works or deeds will ever pull me into a right relationship with my Creator.

What is required to enter heaven? Faith in Jesus Christ. This, I submit to you is what is necessary.

In this digital age of (in)convenience it is overwhelmingly easy to reconnect with people from our pasts. And this post is about just that thing; reconnections with old friends.

A few months back I started a Facebook account, not really knowing what Facebook is/was/could be. As it turns out, people really dig deep into their mental memory banks to try their hardest to remember the most obscure people they could possibly remember from their pasts (yes that sentence was intentionally long and arduous). I happen to be one of those people (on both sides of the account). Finding friends from years gone by, friends that I worked with, friends that shared common interests - I am finding that there are some connections that just were not meant to be lost.

Now, take into account that not everyone wants to be found. There was a point in my life that I wanted as few people from my past to remember me or know how I was doing or where I was living, I've gotten over myself since and hence, I can be found as YOUR friend on Facebook. Some people from my past haven't changed much, others have. Me, take me for example. Many of the people I am linking up with through Facebook know me in a short time span (three years or less time spent in "friendship"), and the person they remember was vastly different from who I have become. Over the last 10 years my life has changed in dramatic ways. As a young teen I wasn't really a fan of children, yet here I am with four kids of my own and the fifth added teenager in the house. There was a span of five years that I didn't really attend church on a regular basis, but here I am studying Christian Theology and finishing my first degree in the coming months. Some knew me as one of the fun party guys, hitting the "regular" spots on Friday and Saturday nights from San Diego to Los Angeles, and here I am staying at home on those days.

All of this to say, it is interesting to catch up with old friends, acquaintances, and keep in touch with new friends that have moved away. If you have some time and wish to find old friends, take the time to check it out. You might be shocked, you might be sad or you might find that old familiar friend lives in the town next door.