A PHONE CALL

   
                                                                   A PHONE CALL

    This Easter sermon is on a subject related to Easter that I'm certain has never been used by anyone else previously. I say that with confidence because it is a personal experience my family had many years ago. If you're not a believer in the inerrancy of scripture, which includes angels, this message is not for you. If you have a problem with major disappointments or depression, the message may help you. Always remember Christ died for those committed to Him, and He never abandons you if your heart is attuned to Him.

    Many years ago when our daughter was about 11 years old, my wife found it necessary to return to her former employer some 180 miles away from our farm and ministry. That meant she had to rent a place near her work, and limited her time at home to two or three days a month during  the three times a month she normally had  regular time off, excepting overtime. Our daughter was very resourceful and a hard worker for
her age, and between us, we managed to handle the house, the farm, and the ministry. The heavy workload actually helped us handle the hurt of separation.

    Unfortunately, my wife's work schedule was such that she usually had to spend holidays away from home, including Easter. That had always been a special family day because we included both the serious part of  Christ's sacrifice with a family egg and Easter basket hunt. I usually had the honors of hiding eggs and baskets. Helga seemed to have radar and found very difficult hiding places. For her mother, it was not so good. I had more fun than they.

    On the farm, Easter was a normal work day with hours of chores and livestock care. The animals and fowl were an important part of the ministry, and we knew their care could not be shortcut for Easter or any other day. With some 40 head of large animals, a smattering of smaller farm animals and the flock of chickens, Helga and I didn't have time to feel the emotional hurt caused by my wife's absence. 

    You may note our ministry did not hold an Easter service. In the years my  wife had to work away from home, we discontinued services except for special occasions when she was home. Our home was well suited for church services, as the living room with fireplace and dining room were connected  by a large arch, giving everyone a good seat. We occasionally hosted people from the area in special services brought to us through our television dish. Without my wife to handle a large share of the load, my daughter and I had
our hands full with other ministry work, including a book of children's stories.

    While the separation did not hit Helga and me until the day's work was finished, my wife's day at work was very discomforting. She went to work in a joyful mood, knowing Christ had risen. As she met the various other  people at work, she gave them a happy greeting, observing the special day. However, it appeared she was the only happy worker. Most of her co-workers grumbled because they had to work on a holiday. This continued throughout the day, and by evening, she was very disheartened and depressed that not
one person recognized the importance of Easter's observation.

    She usually called me every day after work. She rented a room in a large apartment house. The rooms did not have telephones and this was before we had cell phones. Apartment dwellers shared a phone in the hallway. I couldn't call her--she had to call me. She did, and I could tell she was really depressed because no one she had met all day shared her feelings about Easter. This left me pretty depressed, too.

    Helga went to her room, which was next to my bedroom. I usually read scripture and went over a lengthy prayer list at bedtime. This night, before I began this usual regimen, the telephone rang at beside. I answered, and a very melodious male voice asked if "Skeeter" was there. I did not recognize the voice, which was odd, because there was a relatively small circle of people who called her by that nickname. I was a bit taken aback since I didn't know who it was, and only managed to respond that she wasn't home.

    Before I could say anything else, the man said to tell her not to be concerned about the others not sharing her feelings about Christ and Easter's meaning,  because he had been preaching the Word all day and the Good News was being proclaimed everywhere. Before I could comment, he hung up. Helga had heard the call from the next room, and she came in and asked who had called. I told her I didn't know who the caller was.

    I related the entire exchange between the caller and me. She was as  surprised as was I. We both thought of who it could have been, and that list was pretty short. The next day we began our search to determine who the caller could be. I was very anxious to tell my wife about the call to see if she had any idea of the caller's identity. When my wife called, I gave her the man's message. She, too, was surprised. She suggested names as possibilities, but we had already determined none was the caller. We thought we would eventually discover the caller's identity, but as time passed, it remained a mystery.

     We later had at least two other mysterious experiences, and came to realize we had been visited by angels. The telephone call did have a marked effect on all three of us. Our depression was lifted, and we felt there were more real Christians serving the Lord's purpose than we realized. Although we may be surrounded by professing Christians, most don't seem to be concerned about our mission.

    Christ gave us Himself that we  may have eternal life. He gave us a commission:
"And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, 'All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo I am with you always , even to the end of the age. Amen. (Matt. 28:18-20)

    In the event you may not remember why we have Easter, let me remind you He gave us His commands. You will find them in the Four Gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. These commands clearly explain how we are to treat our fellow man and how we are to live our life. It must have been quite lonely, hanging on that cross. How can we ignore everything He stands for, and  begrudge one day of respect for the Person who freely gave us eternal life? This Easter, be one of those Christians who is out there fulfilling the mission Christ gave us.

Rev. Walbear

(PS: For the record, I never forgot that day and I requested it be posted because it made a profound impact on me...in a good way. HAPPY EASTER! HE IS RISEN!)

ZACCHAEUS' EMANCIPATION

And get pats on your back as you pass, But your final reward will be heartaches and tears. If you've cheated the man in the glass. - By Dale Wimbrow

                                                          ZACCHAEUS' EMANCIPATION

    When we become a product of our surroundings and culture, we sooner or later have to make choices. Zacchaeus faced these choices, if we follow his life in Luke, chapter 19. He was born into a fine Jewish family,  and his parents gave him a name that means "pure". He received a fine education, and became a community leader. Although raised with regular synagogue attendance, he came to a major point of decision. Should he keep his strong religious ties, or accept a very lucrative political position?

    The position was that of tax collector, which would make him a hated publican and servant of Rome. If he accepted this position, he would be cut off from the mercy seat, the equivalent of losing his connection to God. It was a tough decision, but being a tax collector would get him on the road to wealth. He wasn't making big bucks because of his attendance in the synagogue.

    A tax collector was actually an agent for the Roman government. He would collect taxes from his countrymen for Rome, AND collect taxes for himself. It was a very profitable situation. Zacchaeus was not a big man physically, but the position of tax collector gave him a very powerful standing in the community. He was so good at his position, he became a leader of tax collectors. With money, goes political influence. Things haven't changed much over the years. Christ gave us many warnings about coveting money and wealth. One of the best examples of what's happening now in America is found in Luke chapter 19:11--27. It is no coincidence the second half of chapter 19 is devoted to money. I would guess you've never had those verses explained properly because people want to read about money's success. Those verses are about corruption that comes with power. Think seriously about that story before you write 
me off. Back to Zacchaeus.

    Several things happen now in our account of Zacchaeus's life. It's all according to God's plan. First of all, Christ is on His way to Jerusalem, and travels through Jericho on His way. He knows someone in Jericho needs to return to God. Zacchaeus, being short, could not see over the crowd that usually accompanied Christ, so he climbed a tree. He needed to at least see Christ, because he had come to the conclusion God was needed more
than money or wealth. His conscience told him he needed salvation.

    Obviously he did not expect to actually meet Christ or he would not have climbed up in that tree. It was a smooth bark sycamore, which is not easy to climb. He must have been surprised that Christ saw him, and even more surprised when Christ told him to come down because Christ had need to accompany him to his house. The crowd murmured because Christ was stopping at a publican's (sinner's) house instead of some dignitary's home. Christ went into Zacchaeus's house, and they shut the door. The crowd  milled around outside, gossiping about what might be going on inside. 

    Scripture tells us to raise children properly, and they will turn out all right. Zaccheus had been raised properly, but the pull of the material world had overcome his upbringing. Now he realized his mistake, and he had the opportunity to repent. As a tax collector, he had overcharged citizens to enrich himself, had foreclosed property from the poor, and taken property from widows. In short, he was a corrupt politician living only for money
and power. Those with money didn't mind paying him a little over their actual taxes, because it gave them privileges over the common man.

    When evening came, the door opened, and Zacchaeus came out and addressed the crowd. They wondered what happened inside with Christ. If this would happen today, wouldn't you be stunned? I can hear the comments from many in the crowd, "He's nuts!" Here is what he said. (Beginning in verse 8), "Lord, I give half of my goods to the poor; and if I have taken anything from anyone by false accusation, I restore  fourfold."

    And Jesus said to him, "Today salvation has come to this house,  because he also is a son of Abraham; for the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost."

    If you know scripture, you can tell from Zacchaeus's announcement exactly what Jesus said to him behind the closed door. Go to Exodus 22, verses 21-28. "You shall neither mistreat a stranger nor oppress  him, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt. You shall not afflict any widow or fatherless child. If you afflict them in any way, and they  cry at all to Me, I will surely hear their cry, and My wrath will become hot, and I will kill you with the sword; your wives shall be widows, and your children fatherless.

    If you lend money to any of My people who are poor among you, you shall not be like a moneylender to him; you shall not charge him  interest. If you ever take your neighbor's garment  as a pledge, you shall return it to him before the sun goes down. For that is his only covering, it is his garment for his skin. What will he sleep in? And it will be that when he cries to me, I will hear, for I am gracious."

    These were among the laws God gave Israel, adding them to the Ten Commandments. You might also note Ex. 21:2, "If you buy a Hebrew servant, he shall serve six years; and in the seventh he shall go out free and pay nothing" Slaves in America were not freed until
nearly 100 years after our Constitution became law. You can offer the excuse slaves in America weren't Hebrew. But think again: it didn't matter their nationality, because the Constitution set them free, although it took the Civil War to enforce the law of the land.

    Another thing Christ told us was the Eleventh Commandment.  Matt. 22:39, "And the second is like it: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.'" The circumstance that brought Christ to Jericho was Zacchaeus's need to repent and end his backslide through two factors. His heart had to accept Christ's offer, and he had to declare with his public announcement that he repented and would restore his ill-gotten gains. 

    James 1:22-25 sums this up quite accurately. "But be doers of the  Word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the Word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror; for he observes himself , goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was. But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does."

    Attending church and reading the bible is not enough to be able to be a doer of the Word. There has to be an understanding of Christ's gift as well as the responsibility when you accept the offer. Just throwing money in the collection plate is not sufficient--for many people it is the easy way. Remember what Christ told His disciples when He observed the offering, as told in Mark 12:41-43, and Luke 21:1-4.  Sometimes personal service is better than money. Whatever you give or do, it is in His service, and He knows the condition of your heart. It is never too late to repent, but your heart has to be honest.

Rev. Walbear 

Taxes and Christ

                                                               Taxes and Christ   

    In a way, this is another manger story. This time, the subject  is something dear to everybody's heart---money. While we are  approaching an event (Easter) that should stir the passion of Christians, I see much more passion about taxes and the IRS. This is an honest appraisal of what actually is first in the hearts of mankind. Much of the four Gospels is about money, and we may start with the virgin birth.

    The reason Christ began His worldly mission in a manger at Bethlehem is taxes. That was Joseph's precinct, and that was the place he had to register under Roman law. You should note there was no protesting or whining. Joseph understood why it was necessary to pay taxes. More on that later. We're going to follow the tax trail through scripture. If you disagree with this message it can only be because you don't believe in the inerrant Word of God as presented in the bible.

    Luke tells us in Luke 2:1-5, "And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. This census first took place while Quirinius was governing Syria. So all went to be registered, everyone to his own city. Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called  Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David,
to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child." Luke was a physician, while Matthew was a tax collector.

    Now, if you think you had a tough beginning, consider Mary. She was on the verge of delivering a child. She had to ride a burro a long distance in cold weather. There were no hotel vacancies, so she had to stay in a barn or cave. There was no attending physician,
no midwife, no bed. There was no crib, only mangers. There was no mattress, only straw or hay. And all this bother was to sign up to pay taxes.  There is a symbol here you may have missed. The name Bethlehem means bread, and it is fitting Christ, the bread of life, began life in a place of that name. By the way, trip from Nazareth to Bethlehem covered 60 miles as the crow flies, and was more likely to have been 75-100 miles by road.

    Why was it understood that taxes were necessary?  We go back to the Book of 1 Samuel in the Old Testament, chapter 8:4-7. The people of Israel clamored for a human king like other nations, instead of being led by a prophet who heard directly from God. God gave Israel His plan for welfare of the people--all the people. Jewish law and customs took care of all citizens. But, the people wanted to be like the secular people. God told Samuel (8:7) "Heed the voice of the people in all that they say to you; for they have not rejected you, but they have rejected Me, that I should not reign over them." God told Samuel to forewarn them of the trials and tribulations they would face under a human king. The people wanted a human king, and that was the beginning of secular taxation.

    The customs and laws God gave Israel provided for the care of every person--not only the Jews, but their servants and slaves. You should note in Ex. 12:38, "A mixed multitude went up with them also, and flocks and herds---a great deal of livestock." If you were
a servant of God, you had the confidence you would receive any care necessary for your well-being. If you continue to read scripture from this point on, you will see that under man's rule this care for everyone eroded into what we call "classes" from super rich to
beggars.

    Now, back to why Joseph understood the need for taxes. Rome collected the money, and as mankind always does, used some for corruption and some for the state. If you recall Luke 10:30-37, the parable of the Good Samaritan, travel in those days was perilous.
Mary and Joseph had a safe trip because the land was under Roman rule and law. Taxes paid not only for roads, but for soldiers to enforce laws giving travelers safety. Rome was a savage civilization, but you can compare their actions with those of our country. We have looked the other way when prisoners of war were tortured, and permitted an execution with experimental drugs that basically tortured a condemned convict for a considerable time before he died. We also must remember Rome did  not really kill Christ. The Roman judge wanted to let Him go, but the Jewish religious leaders and their
followers insisted Christ should die. 

    More on taxes; Christ addressed the subject both for His disciples and the religious leaders of the temple. In Matt. 17:24-27, Christ directs the disciples to pay personal taxes. Peter was asked if Christ and His followers paid the tax, and the answer was "Yes." Christ
directed Peter to cast a net in the sea, and to take a coin out of the mouth of a fish in the net (verse 27). From this reading of Matt. 17 we probably get the popular saying by those who believe only lazy people seek financial help---teach them to fish. If you are a fisherman, you are probably aware that catching fish isn't a slam dunk.

    Christ later was questioned about taxes by the Pharisees, the religious leaders. Matt. 22:15-22 gives us the answer. Christ said, "Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's." This is one of the many places in scripture warning us that material wealth may be wonderful here on earth, but it is meaningless in Heaven. Note elsewhere in the four Gospels that Christ repeatedly tells us that we cannot replace our heart's love of Christ with any amount of material success. 

    We go now to our present day tax system. I have been a taxpayer for over 60 years and have become all too familiar with our taxing system. There are rules for a regular job, a profession, a business, an investor, a farm, etc. Many people think workers in some jobs
that are low paying don't pay taxes. Anyone who earns a paycheck of any size pays taxes. They are deducted before the worker gets his/her share. Unemployment benefits are not a gift. That money is earned through employment, and the fund is money deducted from
both his/her paycheck and the employer. Social security is money that actually belongs to a worker who has paid into a fund as directed by rule of law. These are all taxes, and everyone who has received a paycheck has contributed.

    All the above should be easily understood, and few workers are passionate about these up front deductions. The passion usually comes from federal or state income taxes, especially the federal taxes. While these taxes may be painful, they are based on earnings, and if your earnings are small, the taxes will be small. These taxes are more painful to those who generate a sizable income, which frequently is actually not earned income, but dividends from investments. 
    
    For most people in the middle and lower classes, the really painful tax is the school tax. This is based on property value and is set by the school board. The federal and state governments do not directly affect this tax. It is established by locally elected people. The danger here is that the income of the property owner may fluctuate, while the tax is never adjusted for lower earnings. The county, town or occupational taxes are very small compared to the school tax. Even though you have no children in school, you must pay the school tax. If you can't pay the school (and related county and town taxes) your property may be sold at tax sale. If your income changes drastically over a three year period, you lose what you have worked for your entire life. Since your federal and state taxes are based on the ups or downs of your income, they do not place your property in jeopardy.
If you don't pay your federal or state taxes, you may lose your property, but since taxes are based on income, you should be able to pay them.


    Everyone benefits from federal and state taxes. That money provides our military, roads and other material improvements that require the contribution of all citizens. If you consider the Jewish customs and law that  became a secular lifestyle, you see that God gave them a system that provided for all. Christians can emulate that system if they adopt
a WE attitude instead of a ME attitude. Everything you have actually  belongs to God. He is a silent partner who can break His silence whenever He decides it is time for your change. It is far better for you to take a serious look at the four Gospels to understand what
Christ taught. 

    To summarize, consider the origin of material and spiritual wealth. You can see and evaluate your material wealth. For many people, that is their evaluation of you. You are successful, intelligent, well off financially, etc. However, how you arrived at your secular status is often not of consequence. Did you follow Christ's teachings--His explanations and examples in the parables? Spiritual wealth is not easily evaluated. Appearances may be deceptive. And, after all, it is not our place to judge. Any judgment we make, must be an evaluation of ourselves. It's easy to grade ourselves if we honestly respond to Christ's principles. Here's your test, Matt. 22:36-40. "Teacher, which is the great commandment in the law?" Jesus said to him, "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets."  I repeat: we must change our attitude from ME to WE, and stop classifying others by race, education, sex, money or other differences. Matt. 7:1 warns us not to classify (judge) others, "Judge not, that you be not judged." Taxes are
necessary under man's rule, but the money should be used to insure our Constitution's guarantee to all citizens, for each person is our neighbor.

Rev. Walbear


    

    

EASTER PART 3

                                                              EASTER PART 3

    For both truly and pretending Christians, Easter is an emotional time. The pain, suffering and humiliation Christ endured as an innocent person we can only imagine. For some, this experience is happening today. When the Lord taps you on the shoulder, it usually means you will be directed in His service, and you can expect to suffer some type of injury, physical or mental. You can't earn salvation, but you  can earn rewards collectible in heaven. These rewards don't come cheap.

    When we truly accept Christ's offer of salvation, we need to understand that acceptance is just like the testimony a military person gives on entering service. You agree to defend the Constitution and the nation with your life if necessary. You agree to follow military rules and directions. Service under Christ is no different. He gave us rules and directions in the Four Gospels. If you don't follow His rules, you never truly committed to Him.

    I've warned previously (in Easter Part 2) about singling out verses of scripture that suit your personal agenda. I used verses from Proverbs as an example. Many professing Christians are using isolated verses of scripture to COMPLETELY DENY some of Christ's teaching/directions in the Gospels. The cause can be any of the following: greed, envy,
hate, and a complete lack of scripture knowledge. This is not only divisive, but very hurtful and harmful to those you have pre-judged to not actually be Christian.  Think about many of the people Christ ministered to. They were not elite, wealthy, politicians, lawyers, fancy
dressers, entertainers  or the leaders of society. They were the ones ignored by main-stream people and the pious. Many American Christians are even denying poor people the use of their personal savings (social security). Christ will take a hard look at this, because that money  belongs to the people who placed it in savings for retirement. 

    If you didn't like the message about social security, please read the following verses of scripture. These verses represent the qualifications necessary to occupy a home in heaven, and are Christ's own words.

    Matt. 25:31-46 (this is lengthy, but exactly Christ's expectations for you). "When the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the holy angels with Him, then He will sit on the throne of His glory. All the nations will be gathered before Him, and He will separate them one from another, as a shepherd divides his sheep from the goats. And He will set the 
sheep on His right hand, but the goats on the left. Then the King will say to those on His right hand, 'Come you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared  for you from the foundation of the world: for I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me.'  Then the righteous will answer Him, saying 'Lord , when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You drink? When did we see you a stranger and take You in, or naked and clothe You? Or when
did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?' And the King will answer and say to them, 'Assuredly I say to you, inasmuch as you did to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.'

    "Then He will also say to those on the left hand, 'Depart from Me, you cursed, into the everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels: For I was hungry and you gave Me no food; I was thirsty and you have Me no drink; I was a stranger and you did not take me in,
naked and you did not clothe Me, sick and in prison and you did not  visit Me.'

    Then they also will answer Him, saying Lord, when did we see You hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked  or sick or in prison, and did not minister to You?' Then He will answer them, saying, 'Assuredly I say to You, inasmuch as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to Me. And these will go away into everlasting punishment, but the righteous into everlasting life." I pray these passages will serve as a wake up call for professing Christians who are so concerned about their personal life that envy and greed override consideration for others. 

    We go now to Matt. 22:35-40. 'Then one of them (Pharisee), a lawyer, asked Him a question, testing Him, and saying, "'Teacher, which is the great commandment in the law?" Jesus said to him, "'You shall love  the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all  your mind; This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' On these TWO
COMMANDMENTS hang all the Law and the Prophets." Christ added the selfless commandment to be certain Christians would understand everyone should have the opportunity for salvation and dignity. I know needy people who do not seek help because of the judgment of others.

    If you are a professing rather than a practicing Christian, you are ignoring the obligation---no, the requirement---Christ carefully outlines in the Gospels. He sacrificed for you; now it's your turn to sacrifice for Him by denying self. Matt. 25:1-13: "Then the kingdom of heaven shall be likened to ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Now five of them were wise, and five were foolish. Those who were foolish took their lamps and took no oil with them, but the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. But while the bridegroom was delayed, they all slumbered and slept.

    "And at midnight a cry was heard: 'Behold the bridegroom is coming; go out to meet him!' Then all those virgins arose and trimmed their  lamps. And the foolish said to the wise, 'Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.' But the wise answered, saying, 'No, lest there should not be enough for us and you; but go rather to those who
sell, and buy for yourselves.' And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding; and the door was shut. "Afterward the other virgins came also, saying,  'Lord, Lord, open to us!' But he answered and said , 'Assuredly, I say to you, I do not know you.'  "Watch therefore, for you know neither the
day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming."

    Easter is about sacrifice and redemption. If you accepted Christ in your heart, you will show evidence to the world that your claim to be a Christian is founded on Christ and His teaching. There is no wiggle room for exceptions because you have a personal agenda
separating people because of your ill conceived judgment that certain sins are different than some others. God loves all men/women, but He hates all sins. We all sin, even after salvation. Homosexuality and abortion are sins, just as murder, stealing and adultery are sins. They are valued equally by Christ, who will be your final judge. A word to the wise when that image of Christ on the cross comes to mind on Easter: Do you have your Christian affairs in order--oil in your lamp is the knowledge and obedience of the Word of God.

Rev. Walbear