A View From The Hill

More Evidence of God Doing a New Thing

2006-08-10T22:23:00.000-04:00

Since my last post, I gathered with my usual Thursday prayer group, consisting of an African-American Baptist minister, a caucasian Assemblies of God minister, a caucasian independent church pastor, and myself. My friend Shawn, the Baptist pastor, brought along a one hour video called Transformations, and after it was done, we were lead to forty-five minutes of very, very heartfelt prayer, and I was brought to tears. I just had to share...

The documentary features four supposedly-lost cities in the world, in which God unleashed a mighty work. The first, and most notorious, was Cali, Columbia, heart of the illegal drug trade. Groups of pastors, from multiple denominations, got together, sought God, fasted, prayed and asked God to move mightily. God showed them a stronghold of the occult, involving sooth sayers and others whose clients were the drug lords, and led them to specific prayer against that stronghold. Conversions started taking place. Eccumenical, Bible-believing joint worship and prayer events began to occur. Then the most prominent pastor in the group was literally martyred - gunned down outside his church by two assassins who were waiting for him to arrive. This served to accelerate the process, as pastors who hadn't talked in years got together in grief, but stayed together in mission.

You would not recognize Cali today, or the city in Kenya, or Guatemala, or San Jacinto, Califorina - the other cities profiled.

I think Shawn said it best when he said that God honors areas where Bible-believing pastors (and churches) come together in unity and prayer. He is about a mighty work. It was awe-inspiring to see it four distinct areas of the world, which all had a common characteristic: they appeared lost and beyond hope. That seems to be the places where God works incredibly, because then you know it has to be God.

The prayer of Shawn, Bill, Paul and I was an acknowledgement of how lost the Pittsburgh area seems to be, and how a stronghold of religiosity, masonry, heroin addiction, and lethargy seems to grip the region - as if God left when the steel mills closed and so let's just numb the pain. (Pink Floyd's Comfortably Numb would be a very appropriate song for this area).

But He is doing something. He is aligning things. We even feel that our little pastor's prayer group may be a big part of that. Certainly the vision of the New Wineskins in our own denomination follows this tear-down-the-walls-and-let's-worship-in-spirit-and-in-truth idea. Pray that our eyes would be opened that we might join Him in His effort. Pray that we not sway to the left or right when it comes to biblical truth. Pray that He pour out His Spirit like a mighty river, that the walls that humanity has put up, may come down, and keeping the main thing the main thing, we might join, and serve Him, and give it all out for Him. Come quickly, Lord Jesus. Use us. Shock us. Revive your church, and make it one.

I'll keep you posted...

The Lord Seems To Be Up To Something

2006-08-05T19:32:00.000-04:00

I first heard about it during my regular, Thursday pastors prayer group. Then I heard more about it when I met with Dean Weaver, co-founder of the New Wineskins Association of Churches. I heard about it yet again during my meeting with a Wineskins ministry network in southeastern Pittsburgh. And then I read an article in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette that confirmed things yet again.

The Lord seems to be realigning His people to do a mighty work in the 21st century. Let me explain further the fascinating things I have heard about, and observed for myself.

First, I met with Dean Weaver, right after our disappointing GA vote. In the midst of describing the goals of the Wineskins group - which was first and foremost a movement back to our early Presbyterian history of evangelism to win souls for Jesus - he mentioned to me that the Wineskins board sensed tha God was realigning things to reach out to the lost in a Bible-believing, cross-denominational way. It was classic Henry Blackaby stuff: God was at work in the world, and the Wineskins wanted to join Him in the effort.

Second, I met with my pastors prayer group - a gathering of Bible-believing, multi-denominational pastors every Thursday for a time of intense sharing and incredible prayer before our Lord. Besides myself - the Presbyterian dude - there's an Assemblies of God pastor, a Baptist pastor, and an independent church pastor. The other week, my friend Bill from the Assemblies of God church shared that he sensed the Lord wanted all of us to become involved in some joint outreach that stretched across our denominational lines - that God was wanting to break down the walls that we had put up.

Third, I met with the ministry network of pastors and elders from the southeastern suburbs of Pittsburgh. They talked a lot about joint mission projects, but also about reaching out to other conservative churches, and getting them to join the Wineskins Association. The idea was that God is working incredibly through many denominations of Bible-believing Christians, so why not join in with what He is doing.

Finally, I read an article in the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review (sorry I can't find it yet to link to it) in which it mentioned the rise of "house churches" (really small cell groups) made up of - you guessed it - young Christians who were tired of the junk associated with traditional religion, and seeking an more intimate setting to get to know other Christians, do projects with them, and get to know God together.

It's incredible to see this pattern developing. And the keys are Bible truth, a desire to know and worship Jesus, and a passion to reach out to the lost, and connect in a smaller setting.

This is the bandwagon that the PCUSA needs to jump on - not its current trend of worshiping at the altar of tolerance.

In the midst of the tragedy that occurred in our denomination this summer, our God is still a god of hope.

I'll keep you posted...

New Wineskins Convocation: Final Thoughts

2006-07-23T13:58:00.000-04:00

I write this in after twelve hours of sleep - the most I've had in years - as my exhausted body recovers from the phenomenal New Wineskins event.

Unfortunately, my travel schedule did not permit me to stay for the Saturday voting delegates meeting, in which an overture from the Constitutional Presbyterians was considered (you can probably read about that result on another blog), but I did get to sit in for Saturday worship, another extended time of prayer, and for voting delegates to share their hearts after the previous day's momentous votes.

I was particularly stuck by one pastor, whose church had about 55 members, committing to the New Wineskins Association of Churches, but fearing what would happen to his health insurance, his family, and especially his little daughter, should the PCUSA "come after him." After all, he said, if some Administrative Commission came at his little church, they couldn't afford to help defend him, and he would lose his home.

Isn't it tragic that a man of God, called to the church to preach the good news about Jesus with biblical accuracy, should fear the recriminations of his own denomination? What does it say about the moral standing of those in the far left of our denomination - who supposedly claim enlightenment - that they should instill such fear? (It was reported at the convocation that some presbyteries had discussed seriously forming Administrative Commissions to pursue churches and pastors even associated with the New Wineskins.)

The entire gathering was moved to tears by the response that came next. Another pastor, whom I had the pleasure of meeting this year at the Purpose-Driven Church conference in California, stood and reminded all assembled of our commitment to Christ's Great Commission and His Great Commandment (love each other). Then, he turned to the other pastor and said, "If anything happens to you and your family. I'm here to tell you right now. You come and live with me."

To the PCUSA, I would say this: unless you are more interested in your thirty pieces of silver than in the justice so many openly espouse, grace should be shown to all pastors and churches who are wrestling in their souls, as a result of the Trinity report and the PUP report. That, at the very least, is owed to men and women who haved labored long and hard on behalf of their Lord.

We'll keep you posted...

New Wineskins Day Three: Witnessing a Birth

2006-07-22T07:37:00.000-04:00

Yesterday I witnessed a birth. It was spoken of so eloquently by an Elder, who watched the meeting of voting delegates, and reflected upon her secular work as a mid-wife. And I agree with her.

Yesterday I witnessed the birth - or maybe the rebirth - of Presbyterians united in the belief that the Bible is the authoritative Word of God, that Jesus is who He says He is, and that His standards have not changed. I witnessed the birth of the New Wineskins Association of Churches, a legal entity within the PCUSA, that will gather to worship Christ, live as He would have us live now, and move forward together in mission.

I witnessed the rebirth of a true sense of mission among Presbyterians. It was not about promoting a social agenda, or a radical, unbiblical lifestyle; it was not about worshiping at the altar of the false god of tolerance; but rather, through speaker after speaker, and prayer after prayer, I witnessed a gathering of Presbyterians desperately, achingly, wanting to see where God is at work, so that with everything they had, they could join Him in the effort.

I witnessed the rebirth of true fellowship. You should have seen the voting delegation, as they agreed upon next steps, and voting on language to communicate those next steps - to Sessions of individual churches, and within the New Wineskins Association of Churches. It was unlike any presbytery meeting I have ever seen! These folks loved, and laughed - yes, there was debate, but it was couched in prayer and love - and they agreed on a Christ-inspired, Bible-believing boldness. As I prayed this morning, I could almost feel the flash of lightning, and the sound of thunder, as the Lord unleashes a long-held-back torrent, and the joyful flood of revival pours through the parched land of Presbyterianism.

Last night I saw something special. Because Christ was present. And He was pleased. And He is already responding to our community plea to pour Himself out among us. The New Wineskins are willing to join with Him, and serve Him - no matter what.

I have never stood in greater awe of what God will do, when His people respond in obedience. Look out world! Because under the banner of Christ, following Him in obedience, confessing to Him our inadequacy apart from Him, the 21st century Presbyterians are riding. Riding alongside Jesus.

Praise God from whom all blessings flow...

New Wineskins Convocation: Day Two Thoughts

2006-07-21T07:34:00.000-04:00

It was a long day, but it was a good day. Here are some of the highlights for me, as well as some thoughts about some of the peripheral conversations that went on during breaks and lunch:

There is a need for bold, first-century, active faith. As we met in regional gatherings during the afternoon, I was shocked to hear that some presbyteries, at the very mention of the New Wineskins, have discussed forming Administrative Commissions to go after the pastor and the congregation. I couldn't help but think of the Pharisees and Sadducees. If the truth hurts, then let's try to kill the truth.

The "association" idea seems like a sensible approach. The New Wineskins leadership suggested that the endorsing congregations gathered here formalize into an association to exist inside the PCUSA. This is good because, I believe, it enables people to take action, and yet continue to discern and hold out hope that the Judicial Counsels of the PCUSA will in fact endorse the Fidelity and Chastity clause of our constitution. I am here, along with my Elder, Andy Park, as some watching, listening, gathering information, and praying. If I were to go back to my Session and say, "Here's what the New Wineskins believe. They also want to leave right now, so let's vote and join them," I don't believe my Session would follow. This association idea allows us to network (and, most exciting! do mission) with other Bible-believing congregations in our area. It's a breath of fresh wind, fresh Spirit into a denomination that has grown stale due to an excess of cultural accommodation.

"Double-speak" is indeed alive and well in the PCUSA. Robert Gagnon did an incredible presentation that garnered a four-minute standing ovation at its conclusion. In it, he laid out just how ludricrous the GA vote on the PUP report really was. Yes, we affirm the Fidelity and Chastity Clause, but we also acknowledge at the local level that it really doesn't mean anything anymore. In this particular case, binding language has been rendered non-binding. It reminded me of the Law of Non-Contradiction, as taught by my old seminary professor, the late Ron Nash. " 'A' cannot be both 'B' and 'non-B' at the same time, and in the same sense." Yet as Gagnon laid it out for us, that's precisely what the PCUSA now finds itself trying to do. "We are going to both abide by the constitution, and not abide by it, at the same time, and in the same sense." Hey, maybe it's just me, but that sounds a little nuts.

We need to move together, no matter what the outcome. Prof. Gagnon stated it in his presentation; it's been an underlying them of Dean Weaver's words; and the Regional Networks that gathered all affirmed this. I was especially mindful of Prof. Gagnon's advice that we the various renewal movements all need to continue to communicate with each other.

The time for talk is done. The three pillars of this event are to enjoy God together (there's been lots of marvelous worship and prayer here); to live it now (the Regional Networks gave us the chance to associate with like-minded presbyterians and start doing ministry together right now without all the agendas that exist with the liberal faction of our denomination); and to move forward together (the group assembled not only want to formalize the association, but to form a working group to explore such crucial issues as property and possible dismissal; and then gather again in 2007 to vote on how to proceed).

I have been energized being here. I have felt the Holy Spirit here. I have heard biblical truth pronounced here. And I would encourage pastors and congregations reading this to step into the stream, without fear, realizing that in true presbyterian manner, whatever happens next will happen in an orderly manner, while looking to our Lord the whole time.

I'll keep you posted....

From Day One at the New Wineskins

2006-07-20T07:29:00.000-04:00

Praise to the Lord, the Almighty, the King of creation! Oh, my soul praise Him, for He is our rock and salvation!

The New Wineskins convocation opened with a strong call to worship and lament, lead by the phenomenal music of Michael Card. I'm sure that many others in attendence, like myself, felt moved to lift hands to God and to pray to Him, even in the midst of the singing.

Rev. James Logan delivered the sermon for the evening, a message which from Ephesians 4:1-6 that called us to faith, not fear and to unity, however a unity found within the framework of belief in "the B-I-B-L-E" as we used to sing about in Vacation Bible School. (By the way, it was kind of cool to hear Elders and Pastors from all over the country sing that same VBS song spontaneously!)

For myself, I found that Rev. Dean Weaver, co-moderator of the New Wineskins, closed out the evening with an inspiring note, and, one that set the stage for our remaining days together. In his brief talk entitled Why We Are Here, he stated that the macro vision was our response to what God is doing in the world. There is fresh wind and fresh fire breaking out throughout the globe, and we are called to do what I read Henry Blackaby describe years ago in his Experiencing God course: we are to join God in the effort. Part of this gathering is to facilitate that effort.

Secondly, Dean reminded us that our denomination is in crisis, and that we need, as conservative Presbyterians, to be seeking God's voice together. I wish you could have seen the time of spontaneous prayer that took place earlier in the evening, as men and women from around the country prayed that Jesus would take them right there, right now, to a new level of faith and service.

Thirdly, Dean mentioned, and the Wineskins board passed out, a proposal to form a formal association within the PCUSA. The group would agree to proceed together through the murky waters of a denomination in crisis, and not just to talk, but to act. We were called to live it now by meeting in regional networks; by taking back suggestions for our Sessions to consider; and by voting delegates appointing a working group to draft proposals for dismissal or continued association with the PCUSA.

I felt the Holy Spirit working in Day One. Most importantly, I felt that in seeing these men and women together, that God is still in control - that a radical, unbiblical fringe cannot ultimately win in His eyes, if they neglect His Word, accomodate culture, and worship at the altar of tolerance.

It is good to be here. It is good to taste new wine. It is good to hear of His Spirit moving in the world. It is good to see it moving inside a denomination that many might consider no longer relevant.

I'll keep you posted...

Random Thoughts Before New Wineskins Meeting

2006-07-18T14:11:00.000-04:00

Tomorrow, myself and Elder Andy Park travel to Tulsa to discern the future of the denomination. As my previous post certainly indicates, I was angry and crushed by the vote at the General Assembly to authorize the PUP report.

Since that time, I have had numerous conversations with ministers and fellow Presbyterians that I respect. My emotions have cooled somewhat, but I am still praying for God's guidance as to how to proceed next.

From my own point of view, I found a one-on-one meeting I had with Dean Weaver, of the New Wineskins group, to be very helpful. I will watch, and pray, and ask questions, and ask the Lord to show me whether this group, within our denomination (at least. for now), is the Tribe with whom He wants me aligned. I pray for wisdom for Elder Andy Park, who joins in on this journey. I pray for our church. I pray for the denomination.

But God is good, and His love endures forever. And His invisible church will be victorious. I'll keep you posted...

We Gotta Live For The Sun

2006-02-13T16:55:00.000-05:00

That title is from an old sixties beach song by the Surfers, and, I've got to admit, it's been coming to mind quite a bit as I get ready to clear out of Hillcrest for one week's R & R in Florida.

There's something about sunshine, warm temperatures and blue skies that makes you re-energize. Having spent most of the last 20 years living in warm weather climates, it's definitely something that this now-Pittsburgh-pastor needs to do!

But you know, as I look back upon my life, and those 8+ years living in California, the 2 years living in Texas and the 4+ years living in Florida, it seems that the old Harry Chapin song is more true that the Surfers' song. Harry wrote in the song, Taxi, that "you can travel all around the world and still be who you are."

Living in California did not make me a more spiritual, creative person - although it was a very creative place. Living in Texas did not increase my drive - although it was a very driven place. And living in Florida...well, I guess living in Florida wasn't all Mickey Mouse! In all those warm weather places, the burning desire was not to stay warm, but to know Jesus more. As He connected with me in California, He became the forecast of how my life was doing.

I guess what I'm trying to say is that "living for the sun" isn't what it's all about. Instead, it's living for the SON. Life is not better because of the climate. It's better because of one relationship - a relationship with Jesus Christ. If you don't know Him, spend some R & R in His Word - that's ultimately the most satisfying. If you don't know Him, talk to others who do - that's one of the most important things you can do.

I'm looking forward to some sun this week. But I'm looking forward to meeting The Son face-to-face someday. Until then, He lives inside me by the power of the Holy Spirit.

No matter what the locale, or the weather conditions.

Does the "Steeler Nation" Love God, Too?

2006-02-09T00:44:00.000-05:00

It was certainly an incredible sight to witness - 250,000 gathered in downtown Pittsburgh to honor the Super Bowl Champion Steelers.

And yet, as a pastor, there was a certain part of my heart that ached in watching the television reports later that evening.

Sure, it was a unifying event to have the beloved home team win the championship. But I could not help but wonder what impact there would be on this area if those same people put the same energy into worshiping Jesus Christ that they did a football team.

I saw people driving back from Detroit waving Terrible Towels, and talking about how the big game was an experience they would never forget. And it was fine. And yet, I remembered the words of Jesus as He entered Jerusalem. "If you, even you, had only known on this day what would bring you peace - but now it is hidden from your eyes" (Luke 19:42 NIV).

Yes, cheer for your team...but cheer for Jesus more. Yes, sing songs of victory...but sing louder for the Lamb who takes away the sins of the world.

A Super Bowl brings temporary revitalization to an area. A relationship with Christ brings eternal rewards, and can change a city for good.

May there come a time, I pray, when Pittsburgh and Allegheny County might transfer from being "Steeler Nation" to part of "Jesus' nation." Amen!

Steelers Win Shows "Teamwork Makes The Dreamwork"

2006-02-06T00:20:00.000-05:00

Wow.

Nervewracking at times, visually impressive at others, the Steelers' "one for the thumb" demonstrates once again the NFL trend of the past several years: an unselfish team orientation wins championships.

Who could not be impressed by the tears shed by Ben Roethlisberger for his teammate, Jerome Bettis, when the realization hit that "the Bus" was going to go out on top.

Who will soon forget MVP Heinz Ward's comments that he was so proud to win this for Coach Cowher and Dan Rooney.

So many times lately, it seems as if athletics provide negative examples when compared with biblical principles. The 2005 Pittsburgh Steelers proved that loving "your neighbor as yourself," (Matthew 22:39 NIV) is an attitude that works in life - championship or not.

It's been a long time coming for the city of Pittsburgh. It's been a joy to be here to witness it, as someone relatively new to this region. May the lessons of this team permeate the hearts, minds and consciences of this region for many years to come.

To God alone be the glory...

Islam Protests; Christians Are Silent

2006-02-03T17:12:00.000-05:00

The world - and world leaders - are sitting up and taking notice, as riots occur across Europe about the charicatures drawn of the Islamic prophet Mohammed.
Christians, we can learn from this.

I don't mean from the violent attempts by some to curtail free speech. We all know radical Islam for what it is - a blight on the world and an attempt to impose forcibly a worldview that is just, plain wrong.

I don't mean that we are to bow down and revere Islam's prophet - for Jesus proclaimed in the Bible: "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me," (John 14:6 NIV).

What I mean is that we Christians have been numbed from expressing the same outrage when our Lord's Name is blasphemed, or ridiculed, or held up as an image of artistic scorn.

Listen to the dialogue from virtually any feature film or premium cable program, and count the number of times the Lord's name is taken in vain. Make note of the fact that an artist, once funded by our government, created a piece of "art" in which Jesus was displayed in a jar of urine.

The hymn says, "Stand up, stand up for Jesus." As the only personal revelation of the One True God, and the only way to heaven, doesn't He deserve the same concern as being expressed currently across the globe, for the writer of the Koran?

Playing Hockey At 46 - A Personal, Painful Reflection

2005-11-17T00:06:00.000-05:00

Well, I strapped 'em on tonight and played my first C-league hockey game here in the Pittsburgh area.

And about ten minutes into it, I felt like I needed to be strapped on a gurney and driven to the nearest hospital!

It does not matter how in shape you think you are, the game of hockey requires a conditioning that years of NHL-watching, NFL-watching, MLB-watching couch potatoism is not going to easily overome.

The standard shift is about two minutes on, and two minutes off. I was on for two, and off for seven or eight - disappearing entirely in the last 10 minutes of the game (which we lost by the way, 5-1). I think that in my exhaustion, I only saw three goals actually being scored.

So what deep theological insights can I draw from this? Well, I guess one would be the reason I am on the team in the first place. It's not to score goals (that's for sure). It's not to contribute in a mighty way defensively (man, is that ever true!) No, the real reason I'm there is to spend time around unchurched folk, and hopefully have the opportunity - should the Lord allow it - to share Jesus with them.

In his book, Becoming A Contagious Christian, Rev. Bill Hybels reminds us that for those who have been Christians a long time, they may never have contact with the people who don't know the Lord. That makes the Great Commission - "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations," (Matthew 28:19 NKJV) - a little bit difficult to accomplish. But if we take a hobby we enjoy (I thought I enjoyed hockey - until tonight!) and get involved in a secular organization, well, as Hybels writes, the opportunities are plenty.

I hope this little blog gives you some inspiration to go where the unchurched are. One important safety tip for you, however, if you try hockey. Be in shape!

One of my fellow players asked me if I needed last rites after the game. I told him, "Naw, I'm already covered." Covered with sweat, but also...covered by the blood of the Lamb!

Saturday Reflections of a Canadian Kid A Long Way From Home

2005-11-12T17:07:00.000-05:00

I've been reading the biography, Stompin' Tom: Before the Fame, once again this Saturday afternoon, and as I drove back from the Monroeville Starbucks - where I often do my Saturday reading - I found myself waxing nostalgic on God's plan, and how it brought a Canadian kid from Toronto to New York, San Francisco, Dallas, Chicago, Mobile, Orlando and now to the beautiful Three Rivers' region to pastor a church.

As Canadian folk singer Stompin' Tom Connors reflects in his biography, we don't always know where we're going to end up when our lives start out. For the Canadian music icon, it took him from an orphanage in Saint John, New Brunswick, to Skinners' Pond, Prince Edward Island, to literally roving all over Canada - with guitar in hand - until his first big break came in 1968.

For this Canadian kid, God began by implanting a dream to become a broadcaster, got me an undergraduate degree in Radio-TV Arts - even though I came from a neighborhood where a lot of kids didn't go to college; caused me to meet and fall in love with an American girl, living in New York; and then took me on an incredible career journey that led us both all over the United States, and eventually, into seminary and a ministry career.

As I've mentioned to my congregation during this latest sermon series - Managing The Storms of Life - what has sustained me over the years has been the Bible verse from the Old Testament book of Jeremiah - "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord. Plans to prosper you and not to harm you. Plans to give you hope and a future," (Jeremiah 29:11 NIV).

If Godcan protect an orphan kid like Tom Connors; if He can watch over a wandering Canadian kid like me - and even orchestrate in such a way to lead him into the ministry - then surely He will watch over you. The key, is to acknowledge Him, and to rely upon Jesus Christ - God in the flesh - as the only way to heaven.

Though oftentimes in our lives we can feel a long way from home - as reading Stompin' Tom's book has made me feel this afternoon - we are as close to our real home (heaven) as a brief "thank you" to God; as a glimpse at the beauty of fall (a hint of the wonders of heaven), and as we pray and worship to our Creator.

Home is where the heart is. In my own heart, there will always be Canada - where I was born and raised. But more importantly, there will always be Jesus - who will usher me into eternity.

Won't you join me, someday, in heaven, by proclaiming Him?