George Kreger

Martin Lloyd-Jones

Martin Lloyd-Jones served as pastor at Westminster Chapel in London, England for many years.  In his book "Preaching and Preachers" he shares a great insight from Acts 6 related to the role of the pastor:

But, and in many ways the most interesting statement of all, I sometimes think in this connection, is one that is found in the sixth chapter of the book of the Acts of the Apostles where we are told that a great crisis arose in the life of the early Church. I know of nothing that speaks more directly upon the present state and condition of the Church, and what is her primary task, than this sixth chapter of the book of the Acts of the Apostles. The essential message is in the first two verses: ‘And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration. Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not reason that we should leave the Word of God, and serve tables.’

This is surely a most interesting and important statement, a crucial one. What was the Church to do? Here is a problem, here are these widows of the Grecians, and they are not only widows but they are in need and in need of food. It was a social problem, perhaps partly a political problem, but certainly a very acute and urgent social problem. Surely the business of the Christian Church, and the leaders particularly, is to deal with this crying need: Why go on preaching when people are starving and in need and are suffering? That was the great temptation that came to the Church immediately; but the Apostles under the leading and the guidance of the Holy Spirit, and the teaching they had already received, and the commission they had had from their Master, saw the danger and they said, ‘It is not reason that we should leave the Word of God, and serve tables’. This is wrong. We shall be failing in our commission if we do this. We are here to preach this Word, this is the first thing, ‘We will give ourselves continually to prayer and the ministry of the Word.’

Now there the priorities are laid down once and for ever. This is the primary task of the Church, the primary task of the leaders of the Church, the people who are set in this position of authority; and we must not allow anything to deflect us from this, however good the cause, however great the need. This is surely the direct answer to much of the false thinking and reasoning concerning these matters at the present time.

When I was ordained to ministry some 35 years ago, the challenge given me was to "Preach the Word."  There are many pulls in ministry to supplant that primary mandate with other worthy causes.  But as the Apostles demonstrated 2,000 years ago, none of those causes should take the place of the high calling of the Word of God.

Thanks Larry!

I have appreciated Larry Carter filling in for me five Sundays over the past five months.  This morning was the first time I was also present, having returned from our family vacation last evening.  As I listened to Larry preach, I loved the preciseness of his words and his handling of the Word of God.  I was reminded of a quote from Charles Spurgeon encouraging this type of speaking from his students and warning them against the opposite.  Here's what he wrote long ago:

“Above all things beware of letting your tongue outrun your brains. Guard against a feeble fluency, a garrulous prosiness, a facility of saying nothing.  My brethren, it is a hideous gift to possess, to be able to say nothing at extreme length.”

While on vacation, I heard the type of speaking Spurgeon refers to at the church we chose to attend.  We all left disappointed. It was a blessing to return to New Hope and hear the antithesis from Larry.  Thanks Larry!

A few weeks ago I was asked my thoughts on the book, "The Hole in Our Gospel" by someone at New Hope.  Then a few days later, I was asked essentially the same question again.

Here's a great review of the book that really helped me.  Over the past months, I've grown to greatly appreciate the writings of Kevin DeYoung, who pastors just north of us in Lansing, MI.  He's able to critique well, without coming across as harsh in any way.  The book and Kevin's accompanying review are reflective of much dialogue and writing that's taking place in our day on this subject.  I think this review will be helpful to you!

The Reality of Two Worlds

More than a decade ago I read a quote from Peggy Noonan, former speech writer for President Ronald Reagan that has stayed with me.  She wrote, "Our ancestors believed in two worlds, and understood this to be the solitary, poor, nasty, brutish and short one."  As I study history, I regularly see the truth of her assertion confirmed.  As an observer of this present time we live within, sadly I most often see the reality of two worlds ignored.

As a preacher of the Gospel, I certainly desire to help people live well in this life.  But a far greater responsibility is to prepare people for the next life, the second world. That's a significant challenge as those who are youthful and healthy have a difficult time imagining the comfort Jesus Christ provides for precious Christians in their last days of life.

John Newton told about going to visit a young woman who was dying.  She had lived a very simple existence in the years she had been granted.  While she had read her Bible faithfully, her education was minimal.  Newton stated she had never traveled more than a few miles from her home.  Shortly before her death, he prayed with her and praised God for the wisdom of this young woman in never having followed "cleverly-devised fables".  The woman then responded with these words to Newton:

"Sir, you are highly favored in being called to preach the gospel. I have often heard you with pleasure; but give me leave to tell you, that I now see all you have said, or can say, is comparatively but little. Nor, till you come into my situation, and have death and eternity in full view, will it be possible for you to conceive the vast weight and importance of the truths you declare. Oh! Sir, it is a serious thing to die; no words can express what is needful to support the soul in the solemnity of a dying hour."

In the world in which we live, people are heavily focused on their daily bread and the latest self-help techniques.  And the reality is they may not even realize the importance of the truth of the Gospel until the end of this life catches their attention.  But at that time, I guarantee you they'll be eternally joyful they were told about and received the "Bread of Life".

Thank You!

I want to take a moment to thank everyone for the many kind comments and notes related to our announcement that I have received over the past two weeks!  The combination of your expression of sadness coupled with your endorsement for New Hope being proactive about this important reality is very much appreciated.  While there's a lengthy transition and future ahead of us, we're off to a great start on this journey together.

This coming Sunday, Deb and I will be away spending time with my childhood friend Tim Hughes and his wife Martha.  Tim and I were called to ministry the same summer night of 1971.  He now pastors a growing church near Indianapolis.  I'm looking forward to spending time together.  God has been so good to both of us since that pivotal evening 39 years ago.

Larry Carter will be returning to share God's Word with us this Sunday in my absence.  I know he was well received in April when he preached at New Hope and he shared with me how much he enjoyed being here.  Larry will be sharing with us four times beginning this Sunday.  He will be here once in June, once in July and then once in August.  Those four Sundays will be combined into a study of the book of Jude.  I know you'll be blessed through Larry's ability to handle the Word of God!

Excited About Sunday?

I'm really looking forward to this coming Sunday!  While I look forward normally to every Sunday, there are times I have a special sense of anticipation.  That's the case this week!  As I have worked on the second message in our "Going All In" Series on the life of Simon Peter, I've become increasingly excited about preaching Sunday.  As Brice and I met this week to work on details related to Sunday's service, my sense of anticipation increased even more.  And as I have interacted with some of you during the first half of this week, my thoughts about Sunday have only been confirmed. 

Don't forget this is time-change Sunday!  It's always fun each year to see a few forget this and show up for a different service than they thought they were coming to.  Two years ago while I was preaching I noticed a young couple come in at the end of third service and find a seat.  We then immediately stood and sang together to close the service.  They thought they were arriving at the beginning of third service when they were really arriving at the end.  We laughed about it together afterward in the lobby. 

I look forward to seeing you Sunday.  I hope you'll have guests with you.  If so, I'd love to meet them. 

Prayer for Haiti

Here's a prayer that has been circulated in the aftermath of the earthquake in Haiti.  We'll be sharing Sunday how you can help financially.  The following may be of benefit as you help spiritually.

Holy Father,

We are able to see a small glimpse of the devastation and human tragedy that has been visited upon this desperately poor nation of Haiti. The anguish on the faces of mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles, cousins, friends and neighbors speaks volumes. O Lord, you alone know how many lie dead in the streets and under the rubble...

You alone know how many children have lost their parents and how many parents have lost their children. You alone know how many thousands upon thousands of husbands and wives have lost their beloved spouse. The shock and numbness is pandemic. Have mercy upon those who have been hurt but have no means of treatment. Provide the medicines and medical personnel to ease the pain and suffering of these desperate people. Speed the search and rescue teams and the aid from many humanitarian sources to help relieve the horrific human suffering that we see played out across our television screens. 

Grant that the air corridors would be opened in the early morning hours so that planes can arrive since every minute is precious and undoubtedly for someone is a matter of life and death. Father, a city is devastated with thousands of people who have no food, no water and no place to pillow their head while terror strikes their hearts as the aftershocks come over and over again. The women who cannot hold back the birth of her child have no one to help and no clean place to deliver the baby so we pray for your provision and mercy in the a time that should be joyous. And Lord, we would ask that you enable families who have been separated by this devastation to find one another. Grant that word may come to loved ones in other parts of the world so that they might know whether family members are among the living or the dead.

Merciful God, pour out Your Spirit upon these benighted souls in a nation that knows nothing but hardship, suffering, corrupt government and the demonic religion of Voodoo and superstition. May the gospel come as refreshing rains upon a parched desert. In the days and months ahead, may the Haitian people be open to the good news of the gospel and many be converted. Bring much good out of this tragedy. Open the hearts of your people in generosity. Protect the care givers who are able to help. Keep this country from succumbing to violence in their time of desperation. For your servants who minister in Your name, give them the extreme grace to face the specter of death and destruction in Port a Prince yet effectively minister to the living through it all. We lift all of these requests and more up to you – Father of all mercy.

We pray this in the name of our Savior and Lord.

Amen.

You alone know how many children have lost their parents and how many parents have lost their children. You alone know how many thousands upon thousands of husbands and wives have lost their beloved spouse. The shock and numbness is pandemic. Have mercy upon those who have been hurt but have no means of treatment. Provide the medicines and medical personnel to ease the pain and suffering of these desperate people. Speed the search and rescue teams and the aid from many humanitarian sources to help relieve the horrific human suffering that we see played out across our television screens. 

Grant that the air corridors would be opened in the early morning hours so that planes can arrive since every minute is precious and undoubtedly for someone is a matter of life and death. Father, a city is devastated with thousands of people who have no food, no water and no place to pillow their head while terror strikes their hearts as the aftershocks come over and over again. The women who cannot hold back the birth of her child have no one to help and no clean place to deliver the baby so we pray for your provision and mercy in the a time that should be joyous. And Lord, we would ask that you enable families who have been separated by this devastation to find one another. Grant that word may come to loved ones in other parts of the world so that they might know whether family members are among the living or the dead.

Merciful God, pour out Your Spirit upon these benighted souls in a nation that knows nothing but hardship, suffering, corrupt government and the demonic religion of Voodoo and superstition. May the gospel come as refreshing rains upon a parched desert. In the days and months ahead, may the Haitian people be open to the good news of the gospel and many be converted. Bring much good out of this tragedy. Open the hearts of your people in generosity. Protect the care givers who are able to help. Keep this country from succumbing to violence in their time of desperation. For your servants who minister in Your name, give them the extreme grace to face the specter of death and destruction in Port a Prince yet effectively minister to the living through it all. We lift all of these requests and more up to you – Father of all mercy.

We pray this in the name of our Savior and Lord.

Amen.

Christmas Eve Services (looking back)

The forecast early on Thursday morning called for freezing rain to begin in our area about 3:00 in the afternoon on Christmas Eve, or right about the time those attending our first of three Christmas Eve Services would be leaving their homes.  Terry Fitzcharles, who handles our parking lot snow removal and salting, called me around noon and let me know his truck was loaded with salt and was ready if needed.  Kelsey Roth was prepared to spend the evening making sure the sidewalks were safe for all those coming and going.  But the freezing rain did not come after all, and more than a 1,000 were a part of our three services on Christmas Eve.

I'd like to thank all those who served during the afternoon and evening.  We had members of our music and technical teams arrive shortly after lunch and many did not leave until after 8:00 in the evening.  Their talent and level of dedication always amazes me, but on Christmas Eve the music was even more inspiring.  Our First Impressions Team were all in place from the parking lot, to greeters, to welcome center, to ushers and did a great job!  We had many of you volunteer to serve in the nursery and provide childcare during our services.  We did not have to ask anyone to assist because of the eagerness to serve we saw take place once again.  I so appreciate each of you! 

After each service I had the chance to meet several who were visiting with us.  I always love it when you bring guests with you, that you take a moment to introduce them to me.  I must have met 50 or more people on Christmas Eve, some from out of town, but many from our area.  It was evident from both their words and their countenance that they had been blessed during the service they had attended.  A couple of them told me they would be seeing us again beginning this coming Sunday.  It's always great to hear someone respond that way and indicate they're taking a step toward Jesus.  Likely they're reflective of others who will be doing the same!  But that's what often takes place when we glorify Jesus and work together! 

Enjoy this time between Christmas and New Year's Day.  We have a lot of work to do for the kingdom in 2010! 

Christmas Eve Services

I always look forward to our Christmas Eve Services!  This year is no different.  Our times for the three identical services are 3:30, 5:15 and 7:00 today.  They're all planned to be just about an hour in length.  I hope that not only are you going to be a part of one of them, but that you have guests coming with you.  Don't miss out on this great opportunity to help someone take their next step toward Jesus Christ.

I want to thank all those who will be serving today.  There are many who will arrive around 1:30 this afternoon and not leave until 8:30 this evening.  They do so because they love Jesus Christ and His church, but it's still a long time of serving on a day when they could certainly be doing something else with family and friends.  Thank you for loving Jesus and having the desire to help others do the same!

See you all this afternoon!

Our Last Financial Peace Group Meeting

For the past thirteen weeks, Deb and I have met each Thursday night in New Hope's North Campus with our Financial Peace Group.  We've had a great time!  Our group is made up of a number of people from New Hope as well as a good representation from our community.  It's been fun to watch this group of more than 30 develop relationships with each other.  It been great to see Thursday night become a time not just when we get together to learn about finances, but a time that's valued and looked forward to because of those developing relationships.

This past Thursday was our final meeting, so Deb and I decided to host the group at our home.  We met an hour earlier than normal so we could eat together.  The interesting thing was we also ended up meeting later than normal.  While the idea of having Thursdays open again appeals to most of us from a time standpoint, the reality of not being together with people we enjoy being with saddens us simultaneously.  That's a positive by-product of being part of a group.  People did not want to leave!

Our practice has been for our large group to break into two sub-groups for discussion, one led by Jack and Amy Brace and the other by Kevin and Stacey Bock.  Toward the end of the discussion time, Kevin asked his group for some overall thoughts about the past 13 weeks.  The responses I heard were so encouraging to me.  Those from the community could not have been more appreciative about our willingness as a church to open FPU to them, to care for them in this manner.

I asked the group out of curiousity how they came to be aware of this opportunity.  One couple shared they read about it in the newspaper which encouraged the person who wrote the article since she coincidentially was in our group.  A couple others shared how they had heard about it from someone who attends New Hope and invited them to be a part.  Another gal shared through tears how a caring person from New Hope had reached out to her and funded her registration fee.  All were so thankful they had followed up on the opportunity and become a part.  Did I mention it was a great night!