November 2024 Newsletter

Posted on October 31, 2024 by admin

“A Piece of My Mind”

November 2024 Newsletter

Advancing Christian Faith and Values,
Defending Religious Liberty for All,
Supporting Civility and the Common Good
through Preaching, Teaching, Writing, Activism and Reasoned Conversations

www.donaldshoemakerministries.com

A Practical Word on Reformation Day
October 31, 2024

October 31, 2017 is the day, according to the reformer Philip Melanchthon, when Martin Luther nailed his 95 Theses (written in Latin) to the door of All Saints’ Church in Wittenberg, in the Electorate of Saxony. Intending to spark an intellectual debate, Luther instead sparked a reformation, in part thanks to the invention of the printing press.

In our day of narrow-minded activism and divisive causes, we might do the political process a favor by remembering a word of advice from Luther:

“He is a mighty poor Christian who for the sake of a single castle would put the whole land in jeopardy.”

Back the Badge

“Blessed are those who maintain justice.”
– Psalm 106:3

Adieu to “Blue Bloods”
But NYC Law Enforcement Must Go On

My wife and I have been avid watchers of “Blue Bloods” (the NYC police department led by Commissioner Frank Reagan [Tom Selleck]). At our dinner table we even use the prayer that the Reagan household shares around their family dinner table:

Bless us O Lord, and these Thy gifts
which we are about to receive from Thy bounty.
Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Alas, the still-strongly-popular “Blue Bloods” will be gone from its network in December after fourteen seasons. Quite a run! We still will watch reruns, as we regularly do, but we wish the program would continue.

The series featured dramatized police work in many difficult situations. I saw one report that 95% of NYPD officers would never fire their weapons during an enforcement situation throughout the course of their careers. Detective Danny Reagan (Donnie Wahlberg), on the other hand, seemed to dispatch a bad guy in every other episode or so.

Why going off the air? I wondered if perhaps its in-your-face anti-Woke scenes played a part. Production costs, however, seem to be the reason, even though the cast had agreed to pay cuts.

One perspective of law enforcement that stands out is what’s called the “broken window” theory—if enforcement of the law breaks down over smaller crimes, this will spill over into greater disrespect for the law and still larger crimes. Which leads to an ongoing debate over NYC law enforcement…

“Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities…
Rulers hold no terror to those who do right, but for those who do wrong.
If you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword for nothing.
He is God’s servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer.” – excerpts from Romans 13:1-5

“Gate-jumping” is no victimless crime. It deprived NYC transit of $690 million dollars in 2023. It violates a covenant of trust. It leads others to say, “Why then should I pay?” Or to justifiably feel unsafe and violated. Would you like to sit in a subway car with your family with several gate-jumpers around you?

Two officers took action, as they were supposed to, when a man jumped the gate on Sunday, September 15. When he later refused to comply with lawful orders, when a Taser was ineffective, and when he drew a knife and moved toward the officers, they opened fire. Tragically, a bystander was critically wounded. It took six officers 15 minutes to subdue the gate-jumper, who was also wounded by gunfire. The wounded suspect had 20 prior arrests.

Critics abounded, accusing the officers of endangering lives in an enclosed space, not de-escalating the situation, and for using lethal force.

But NYC mayor and former NYPD captain Eric Adams defended the officers. “He was not shot for fare evasion. He was shot because he had a knife and he went after the police officers. I thought those officers responded accordingly.”

Officers put themselves in harm’s way when necessary to protect others and uphold the law. They know that in an unexpected instant they could become the center of controversy that could spread near and far. Their careers, families and their own lives could be permanently altered. How tempting would it be to look the other way in such situations?

But that is not their calling or oath, or God’s will. Because of situations like what happened in NYC on September 15, we must all the more…

““Back the Badge”

Donald P. Shoemaker
October 2024

“The Apostles’ Creed”
(Part 10 – Final Lesson)

I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy catholic Church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,

the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting. Amen.

There’s a place for us,
Somewhere a place for us.
Peace and quiet and open air
Wait for us
Somewhere.

Somewhere.
We’ll find a new way of living,
We’ll find a way of forgiving
Somewhere . . .
– 1957 Broadway musical “West Side Story”

Somewhere over the rainbow way up high
There’s a land that I heard of once in a lullaby.
– Dorothy sings in “The Wizard of Oz”

Statue donated to the United Nations
by the Soviet Union in 1959
Inscribed with the biblical words of Isaiah 2:4 –

“They shall beat their swords into ploughshares,
and their spears into pruning hooks;
nation shall not lift up sword against nation,
neither shall they learn war any more.”

Humanity yearns for a brighter, better future “somewhere.” How can we not yearn for a world at peace in light of today’s turmoil? Jesus spoke of “wars and rumors of wars” until the end of this era—short-term discouraging but ultimately hopeful words (read Matthew 24:6 and Luke 21:9-10).

The answer to the yearning is found in how God will bring a Better Tomorrow.
That’s what the final two phrases of The Apostles’ Creed are all about as they highlights two major, essential teachings of Bible prophecy: Resurrection of the body and Life Everlasting.

10A – The Apostles’ Creed is a Trinitarian Creed.

Not, of course, Trinitarianism at the level of development found in later creeds, but certainly in essence, as the formula for Christian baptism is “in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit” (Matthew 28:19).

The first segment of this creed focuses on God the Father, the second on Jesus Christ his only Son. Now the focus is on the Holy Spirit.

The third and final segment of The Apostles’ Creed begins with “I believe in the Holy Spirit.” We have tied these words to the phrases “I believe in the holy catholic church” and “the forgiveness of sins.” Now we complete this final part of the divine triad by linking the Spirit to resurrection and eternal life.

The Spirit is not “third and therefore last in importance.” The Spirit’s primary ministry is to exalt the Lord Jesus Christ, and this creed indeed does that in the main second portion. Thus, The Apostles’ Creed is a Spirit-filled creed.

The Spirit is not to be ignored or side-lined, nor is he to be made most prominent. So these two extreme tendencies in Evangelical thought and life must be avoided. Sadly, a large segment of the Evangelical community has not only made the Spirit most prominent, but has a made a particular understanding of the Spirit (post-conversion baptism in the Spirit evidenced by speaking in tongues) a test of spirituality or even of true acceptance and fellowship. At the other extreme, a very different understanding of the Spirit (often some version of “cessation” of spiritual gifts) has likewise excluded those who disagree.

The Resurrection of the Body
10B – The resurrection of the body is uniquely the work of the Holy Spirit (or, if you please, the work of the Father through the Spirit).

The Apostle Paul taught in Romans 8:11 (ESV) – “If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit, who lives in you.”

No Holy Spirit within, no resurrection to Eternal Life!

10C – Resurrection, not a disembodied existence in Heaven, is the goal of our salvation.

“Heaven” is the location of our “intermediate state.” This suggests a way-station prior to the ultimate goal of life’s journey. Much preaching and many songs present Heaven as the ultimate goal and journey’s end. This puts us, to use N. T. Wright’s rather blunt words, into a state of blissful post-mortem disembodiment. Yes, this is bliss, for we are “with the Lord.” But it is not the completion of our humanity. Resurrection and the attendant glorification are.

10D – Resurrection of the body puts Jewish/Christian anthropology at odds with other ways of understanding “who we are”.

Biblical anthropology sees us as “whole persons,” not as embodied souls or spirits. Our make-up is one of psychosomatic unity, not separation. Whatever “parts” we may have, God sees us as whole persons.

Our body and soul dimensions belong together. Death rips this unity apart. Resurrection rejoins it and completes our salvation as we become what God created us to be.

10E – Resurrection of the body is a miracle not dependent on the preservation of the body.

Certainly both ancient and modern humans realize that the human body decomposes. Only rarely is this process prevented or slowed through ancient and modern efforts to preserve the body.

Resurrection of the body will happen not because it has been preserved like canned vegetables or by cryogenics. Resurrection will happen because of Jesus’ divine power to subject all things to his will. “We eagerly await a Savior from [heaven], the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body” (Philippians 3:20-21).

There is both continuity and discontinuity between our mortal bodies and their resurrected essence. “The body that is sown is perishable, it is raised imperishable; it is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory.” See 1 Corinthians 15:35-54 for extensive teaching on this.

The Life Everlasting

10F – The Creed simply declares “The Life Everlasting” and leaves us to search out the fine points of what this means.

The lesson I see from this is that a confession accepting the biblical reality of eternal blessed existence is essential. How we systematize the biblical information into ideas on what it will be like should not be made a test of orthodoxy or the basis for fellowship (such as for church membership).

Now for some “fine points”:

The Book of Revelation engages in “recapitulation” at times, which is to say that the writer hits the “rewind” button and backtracks to look at things in a different way (such as topically). But is a “rewind” justified in Revelation chapters 19-20? Or can we simply take the details sequentially?

If we take the details sequentially we will have: (1) Jesus’ second coming, (2) the binding of Satan, (3) the first resurrection (much preferred!), (4) the millennial rule of Christ on earth, with the saints as co-regents, (5) a final satanic rebellion and Satan’s banishment forever, (6) the second resurrection and judgment, (7) the eternal state in the New Jerusalem.

There. If that sequence is yours, you are a “Pre-millennialist,” which is to say, you believe Jesus will return and establish his millennial rule. There are other options (see the box below for one).

11F – “Pre-millennialism” does not speak with one voice. Rather, it has sub-options.

Church history shows developing forms of Pre-millennialism, A-millennialism and Post-Millennialism co-existing while jockeying for widest acceptance. It’s appears to me that Pre-millennialism was preferred in the Early Church. See Contemporary Options in Eschatology by Millard Erickson for a summary.

In the 20th Century “Dispensationalism” was a dominant version of Pre-millennialism. It sees the Millennium as a period of restoration and blessing for Israel, including a Temple and its worship particulars. Another version calls itself “Historic Pre-millennialism.” It sees God’s children enjoying millennial bliss without a sharp distinction between the Church and Israel.

The above summary is simplistic almost to the point of embarrassment. But the reader needs to grow in his or her understanding of “Bible prophecy” with these distinctions in mind. We need to understand the differences, depict each view fairly, and chose what appears to be the best option. I was not afforded this challenge in my theological education.

I do see a millennial role for a restored Israel, trusting in its Messiah and being a blessing to the world. I have many questions as to details. No, I don’t believe it is necessary to hold that a Millennial Temple will be built that reconstitutes sacrificial practices and excludes all who are “uncircumcised!”

Nor do I believe that a future restored Israel legitimatizes the current State of Israel as a prophetical fulfillment (but today’s Israel does have a historical claim for land and country). Nor do I believe in a rapture of the church at any time separate from Jesus’ glorious return, which is our “blessed hope.”

I do believe in a millennial world of remarkable abundance, peace and safety, with Messianic rule and justice and with never-seen-since-Eden harmony between a redeemed humanity and the created order. I don’t claim to understand how all the pieces will fit (I’ll still run from a rattlesnake).

“Peace” – 1896 Painting by William Strutt
The wolf will live with the lamb,
the leopard will lie down with the goat,
the calf and the lion and the yearling together;
and a little child will lead them – Isaiah 11:6

12F – How do we receive Life Everlasting?

“God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whoever believes in him might not perish but have everlasting life.” – John 3:16

“The Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let him who hears say, “Come!” Whoever is thirsty, let him come, and whoever wishes, let him take the free gift of the waters of life.” – Revelation 22:17

May God bless this study and fill us with hope for a bright Tomorrow of completed redemption. And may all of us be open in heart and mind to the thoughts that were expressed.

May the entire Apostles’ Creed become part of our understanding and regular recitation. Abundance of blessing will be ours.

Some suggested reading on biblical “Future Events”:

• Evangelical Theology by Michael Bird. Part 3 – “The Gospel of the Kingdom: The Now and the Not Yet.” (Pre-millennial)
• The Christian Faith by Michael Horton (my former student!). Part 6 – “God Who Reigns in Glory.” (A-millennial)
• A Case for Historic Premillennialism edited by Craig Blomberg and Sung Wook Chung.
• And if you are interested in the “rapture” question, my 2024 essay The Second Coming of Christ and The Rapture of the Church, is available to you free by email upon request. (Post-tribulational)

Fine reading on The Apostles’ Creed, among many good options:

• Affirming The Apostles’ Creed by James Packer.
• What Christians ought to Believe by Michael Bird.
• The Faith by Pope Benedict XVI.
• The Creed by Luke Timothy Johnson.

May the entire Apostles’ Creed become part of our understanding and regular recitation. Abundance of blessing will be ours.
Is there an answer?

“Blessed and holy is the one who shares in the first resurrection! …they will be priests of God and of Christ, and they will reign with him for a thousand years.”
– Revelation 20:6 (English Standard Version)

Many Christians see this “rule with Christ” as a literal 1000-year period following Jesus’ “Second Coming.” So they are known as “Pre-millennialists.” Other Christians see this as a present “rule with Christ,” a non-literal Millennium. So they are known as “A-millennialists.” Actually, they are more accurately “Realized Millennialists,” for they see the “Millennium” being fulfilled in the “now.”

But I see a problem! The Book of Revelation says this millennial period will NOT be a time of satanic activity. An angel seizes the Devil (Satan) and casts him into a pit, “so that he might not deceive the nations any longer, until the thousand years were ended” (read Revelation 20:1-3). If the Millennium is being realized now, it cannot be a time of satanic activity throughout the world of nations!

No, the Devil isn’t a released prisoner with a tracking device attached to his ankle to monitor and limit his movements. The Devil is bound and sealed into prison!

What do the Scriptures say?

“The field is the world, and the good seed is the sons of the kingdom. The weeds are the sons of the evil one, and the enemy who sowed them is the devil. The harvest is the end of the age, and the reapers are angels.” – Matthew 13:38-39
Clearly, in this parable Jesus taught the devil is active and deceptive in the present age before the time of the end, striving to frustrate the work of God in the world.
“Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” – James 4:7
“Give no opportunity to the devil.” – Ephesians 4:27
“Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.” – Ephesians 6:11
A church leader “must be well thought of by outsiders, so that he may not fall into disgrace, into a snare of the devil.” – 1 Timothy 3:7
“Satan has so filled your heart that you have lied to the Holy Spirit” – Acts 5:3 (Peter’s admonishment to Ananias)

And most significantly, “Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” – 1 Peter 5:8

Sounds like “Satan is alive and well on planet earth,” to use the title of a book by prophecy guru Hal Lindsey. Christians honest with themselves acknowledge the constant struggle with Satan that marks the present life:

For still our ancient foe doth seek to work us woe.
His craft and power are great.
And armed with cruel hate, on earth is not his equal.
– “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God” by Martin Luther

The present age, as scripture testifies, is a time of significant satanic activity. The devil is on God’s leash, yes, but he certainly isn’t bound that he might not deceive the nations, let alone the church. This being the case, how can the present age be the “realized Millennium”? Maybe Pre-millennialism is a better option.

Food for thought! But perhaps A-millennial readers whom I respect have an explanation and will let me know.

Civil Discourse in a Political Season
Over 50 years ago, shortly after I arrived from Indiana to begin a pastorate in Long Beach, California, I was invited to give a prayer at the Long Beach City Council. I knew from reading the local newspaper that there was a lot of ill will in city government at the time that led to harmful speech, so I began my prayer with a reading from the Epistle of James (3:17-18):

The wisdom that comes from above is first of all pure; then peace loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.

The words of James are still applicable to modern politics (and all conversations). As theologian Michael Brown says, “Coarse rhetoric may get the crowds going, but is fleshly, unproductive, and contrary to the Spirit.”

www.donaldshoemakerministries.com

Don has been a member of the clergy in the Long Beach, California area since 1970. He has served as Pastor Emeritus of Grace Community Church of Seal Beach (where he was senior pastor 1984-2012) and as Senior Chaplain of the Seal Beach Police Department (2001-2024). He previously was an assistant professor of Biblical Studies at Biola University (1976-84) and chaired the Social Concerns Committee in the Fellowship of Grace Brethren Churches from 1985 to 2019.

His graduate work includes a Master of Divinity magna cum laude from Grace Theological Seminary, a Master of Theology from Fuller Theological Seminary with a concentration in Christian ethics, and a Doctor of Ministry from American Baptist Seminary of the West (now Berkeley School of Theology) with a concentration on the Charismatic Movement. His law school studies included a course on the First Amendment.

Don and his wife Mary have been married for 58 years. They have two children and six grandchildren, plus now a grandson-in-law. They recently moved to Temecula, California

October 2024 Newsletter

Posted on October 8, 2024 by admin

“A Piece of My Mind”

October 2024 Newsletter

Advancing Christian Faith and Values,
Defending Religious Liberty for All,
Supporting Civility and the Common Good
through Preaching, Teaching, Writing, Activism and Reasoned Conversations

www.donaldshoemakerministries.com

Should Biblical Values Impact Secular Rulers?

Answers range from “Not at all” to “Only Christians are qualified to rule.” Neither extreme is acceptable in my view. But is there a middle position that is reasonable and good for a country and its leaders?

Here’s a thought: The Prophet Daniel informed Babylon’s king that God would afflict him with insanity because of his pride, misrule, and failure to see that God rules over the kingdoms of man. Read the Book of Daniel, chapter 4.

Daniel then told King Nebuchadnezzar how to avoid the coming punishment—words of wisdom for all rulers:

“Break off your sins by practicing righteousness, and your iniquities by showing mercy to the oppressed, that there may perhaps be a lengthening of your prosperity.” – Daniel 4:27

“I will show wonders in the heavens and on the earth, blood and fire and billows of smoke.
The sun will be turned to darkness and the moon to blood before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord.”
– Joel 2:30-31

I thought of this scripture as the apocalyptic scenes of incredible fires appeared recently west and north of where we live in S. California.

In the Old Testament’s “Book of Joel” God used terrible happenings to shake complacency and turn hearts to him (Joel 2:32 – “Everyone who calls on the name of the rd will be saved.”).

Politics and God’s Kingdom

Be involved in both, but don’t forget which has priority!
Temper your political activism with Kingdom values.

By Donald Shoemaker

We’re hearing a lot today about “Christian Nationalism” and most of what we hear is negative. I intend to study this topic more, though right now I think the concern is overblown and being used by critics to raise money.

Christian activism in the realm of politics is both necessary and fraught with dangers. Before we embark on it, and to give ourselves a periodic “tune-up”, we must ponder how the world of politics interfaces with the rule of God. The Apostle Paul’s words on the nature of God’s Kingdom are instructive as we do this.

“The kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.” – Romans 14:17 NIV

What the Apostle Paul is teaching us here is, God’s kingdom rises above temporal issues like what we eat and what we drink. Our choices on foods and beverages are choices that belong to this passing age (not that we won’t eat and drink in the Kingdom—we will, I’m happy to report!). Decisions we make on things like these are not to become issues of spirituality or judging others (religious rules we create to the contrary). Jesus taught the same truth (Matthew 15:17) and Paul did elsewhere as well (1 Corinthians 6:13).

If issues of eating and drinking don’t matter for the kingdom, what about issues of politics? What about labels like “conservative” or “liberal”? What about economic systems like Capitalism and Socialism? What about political issues that, in spite of a careful search, don’t seem to be highly laden with moral concerns (like term limits)? What about when people of good will differ on various ways to address common concerns (such as health care or immigration or gun control or homelessness)?

Christians seem prone to confuse the limited issues of the political sphere with the sweeping issues of the Kingdom sphere. We confuse the time-bound and temporary realm of politics with the timeless and eternal realm of God’s rule. We confuse political Band-Aids with God’s decisive moral victories.

We regard some candidates for high office as messianic. We divide the Body of Christ improperly over temporal issues and solutions. When religious leaders go on the stump for political causes and do so in the name of the Gospel, they cheapen and dilute our high calling and our glorious announcement—the good news of the Kingdom.

Does this mean we withdraw and isolate ourselves and let everything “go to the dogs”? No, not at all. Christians are dual citizens. We do “polish the brass on a sinking ship.” Biblical imperatives and citizenship rights both drive us into the public and political spheres so we can speak out and influence the course of our society. The Kingdom message we profess is, after all, a comprehensive moral and social vision, not just a “personal relationship with Jesus” and an ethereal, other-worldly “heaven to come.”

Yes, we pray and work for the welfare of our community (Jeremiah 29:7). But we must look for incremental gains and not much transformation. We choose our battles wisely and graciously. We must save a lot of our idealism for the Kingdom and be “as wise as serpents and as harmless as doves” here and now. Thankfully, God may grant us a profound victory now and then, like the abolition of slavery. But William Wilberforce fought slavery a step at a time with no sure hope of beholding sweeping victory with his own eyes.

Politics is the art of compromise. It blends the ideal with realism and pragmatism. If we insist on the whole righteous pie, we are likely to get no pie at all. Political leaders are prone to sin like the rest of us and are out to serve self-interest. Sin is in all of us, not just in “them” on the other side. And God’s grace is working through “them” as well as us. No politician wears a white hat or a black hat like in the old “westerns.”

In light of the majesty of God’s Kingdom and the limits (yet God-ordained validity) of Caesar’s kingdom, we must lift up our eyes to the former and lower our present expectations with the latter. We must embrace and long for God’s kingdom while engaging and appreciating man’s.

That’s our calling and struggle, and I struggle with it all the time.

“Good Government Starts Here”

A Useful Guide in an Election Season

By Donald Shoemaker

Thomas Jefferson spoke in his first inaugural address (1801) of our need for a “wise and frugal Government, which shall restrain men from injuring one another, shall leave them otherwise free to regulate their own pursuits of industry and improvement, and shall not take from the mouth of labor the bread it has earned.”

In this spirit, I’ve thought about certain non-partisan values that should characterize good government and the officials who are elected and appointed to its many positions. Here are seven qualities I wish to see as I evaluate those seeking office this election season:

• Frugality – viewing public funds as a limited resource to be prudently handled with great care and not as a constant spring where there is always more to be tapped. It must always be remembered that every tax dollar, regardless of its source and our political good intentions, takes money from people and not from impersonal things.
• Accountability – recognizing that managing public funds and exercising power are solemn trusts. Those who do these things must see themselves as stewards answerable to the people. Most of us believe accountability is due “in the sight of both God and man.” But even if a politician doesn’t think God exists, he knows the citizen does. Accountability also measures actions by their impact on the future long after a term of office has ended.
• Integrity – being people of truthfulness and fairness and good character in light of reasoned principles acknowledged by almost everybody.
• Efficiency – getting the most “bang for the buck” by avoiding wasted time, squandered resources, incompetence and bloated bureaucracy. Jefferson’s call for “suppression of unnecessary offices, of useless establishments and expenses” needs to be heeded as never before.
• Productivity – ensuring that resources of funding, time and talent are used for intended and effective purposes and not, as examples, for self-aggrandizement or for programs likely or proven to fail. A good leader regards no program as sacrosanct and regularly evaluates them for both effectiveness and efficiency.
• Accessibility – demonstrating openness to the people they are selected to serve, whether these people are supporters, detractors or indifferent.
• Temperance – realizing that the state’s power to compel behavior is a great and potentially dangerous power and therefore exercising great reserve and wisdom in its use in our free society.

We may then move beyond these qualities to the issues we cherish and the inevitable partisanship of any election. But without these qualities even our most favored office seekers will be compromised in their missions, to everyone’s damage and cynicism.

“The Apostles’ Creed” (Part 9)
[I believe in]
“the forgiveness of sins”

“Praise the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits—
Who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases,
Who redeems your life from the pit
and crowns you with love and compassion.
He does not treat us as our sins deserve
Or repay us according to our iniquities”

– Psalm 103:2-4, 10

“Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love;
according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions.
Wash away my iniquity and cleanse me from my sins.”

– Psalm 51:1-2

“Blessed is the one whose transgressions are forgiven,
whose sins are covered.”

– Psalm 32:1

“…we have sinned in thought, word, and deed,
and…we cannot free ourselves from our sinful condition.
Together as His people let us take refuge in the infinite mercy of God,
our heavenly Father, seeking His grace for the sake of Christ,
and saying: ‘God be merciful to me, a sinner.’”

– Lutheran Service Book, “Divine Service, Setting Four”

9A – The Holy Spirit leads us to conviction of our sins.

The third and final segment of The Apostles’ Creed begins with “I believe in the Holy Spirit.” We have tied these words to the next phrase, “I believe in the holy catholic church.” Now we tie them to the phrase, “The forgiveness of sins.” God’s Spirit moves our hearts to conviction of our sins (genuine remorse leading to repentance and resolve to abandon the wrongs we have done).

9B – Forgiveness assumes that a standard of right and wrong exists.

Without a standard we would need no forgiveness. We’d only have mistakes needing attention: “I’ll drive more carefully and pay less for insurance.”

Our search for standards should start with The Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:1-17) and The Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7). It should then consider scriptures that focus on human wrongdoings (e.g., Romans 1:18-32; Romans chapters 12 & 13; 1 Corinthians 6:9-11; Galatians 5:19-26; Ephesians 4:17-5:14). And nothing can replace our overall reading of the Bible to see how it confronts human evil then and now, by others and ourselves.

9C – God’s forgiveness is not for those who think they are good, but for those who know they are bad.

“If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us.
If we confess our sins, [God] is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins
and purify us from all unrighteousness.” – 1 John 1:8-9

Jesus told a story of two men who illustrate the verses above.

Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee, standing by himself, prayed thus: “God, I thank you that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I have.”

But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, “God, be merciful to me, a sinner!”
I tell you, this man went down to his house justified, rather than the other.

9D – Forgiveness of sins is necessary for true reconciliation to occur.

Can we name one single word that summarizes the Christian faith as we understand it? I think that word may be “RECONCILIATION.” Reconciliation is when two sides at odds with one another are brought together by removal of the issue or issues that have divided them.

The ultimate reconciliation is, as we sing at Christmas season, “God and sinners reconciled.” How can this be? “God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting men’s sins against him” (2 Corinthians 5:19).

Reconciliation isn’t only vertical (God and sinners); it’s horizontal too—between people who wrong others and are wronged by others. Jesus taught the one who has wronged another: “If you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift” (Matthew 5:23-24).

Likewise Jesus had a word to the one who had been wronged: “If your brother sins against you, go and show him his fault, just between the two of you. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over” (Matthew 20:15). Jesus also set forth additional steps that should be taken (vv. 16-17—see next point).

9E – Jesus commissioned his church and its God-ordained leaders to play a vital role in the process of forgiveness.

Continuing Jesus’ teaching on reconciliation (or the lack thereof) found in Matthew 18:15-20, if a wrongdoer “refuses to listen even to the church [as it calls him to reconciliation], treat him as you would a pagan or a tax collector [exclude him from the church for his unrepentant heart]” (Matthew 18:17).

Perhaps anticipating negative reaction to this, Jesus declared strongly,. “I tell you the truth, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven” (v. 18). When the church acts in accord with Jesus’ teaching and by his (delegated) authority, heaven will back the church when it retains or remits a person’s sin.

In our day of weak attitudes toward church authority, this strong word by Jesus (“I tell you the truth” or if you will, “truly, truly”) needs to be heard.

But there’s more! The Risen Lord gave to his disciples, as leaders of the church-that-is-to-come, a similar authorization (John 20:22-23)—one that causes many an evangelical Christian to have a severe allergic reaction:
“He breathed on them and said, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive anyone his sins, they are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven.’”

NOTE: the future perfect passive verbs in Matthew 18:18 and here in John, rendered “they will be bound/loosed” and “they are forgiven/not forgiven,” are difficult to translate and no version does it more awkwardly than The New American Standard Bible: “shall have been bound/loosed in heaven” and “have been forgiven/retained.” Of these renderings the New Testament scholar F. F. Bruce said, “Whatever this is, it’s not English.”

The NASB would render the verdicts of heaven as prior to the verdicts by the church. It’s doubtful this is Jesus’ point. Regardless, the two texts are saying the verdicts of the church and its leaders are in tandem with the verdicts of heaven regarding retaining or remitting sin. This issue is bigger than my space here, and I leave it at that.

Many a church has “retained sin” willy-nilly when a member violates legalistic rules. This is not what Jesus authorized nor what the Holy Spirit would empower. But when a church disciplines its own by forgiving or retaining sin (positively or negatively), in Jesus’ name and by his authority, it is not an action to be taken lightly. Let’s liken this to a pastor’s refusal to unite a couple in marriage for some serious reason, versus his positive word in a different instance: “By the authority of the Lord Jesus, I now pronounce you husband and wife in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit!”

9F – Thus, we are reminded that both forgiveness and the subsequent reconciliation are conditional.

Forgiveness isn’t unconditional, either vertically or horizontally. God forgives our sins based on the sacrificial death of Christ who bore our sins, and conditioned also upon our own genuine repentance. Forget the words of the old song: “Though it makes him sad to see the way we live, he’ll always say, ‘I forgive.’” No, he won’t.

So also it is with horizontal forgiveness. The notion “when someone wrongs you, immediately forgive that person in your heart” turns interpersonal forgiveness into self-therapy and trivializes the evil that people do against others. To the contrary, Jesus taught, “If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him” (Luke 17:3).

9G – What does “The Nicene Creed” (AD 381) say on this point?

It throws water on “the forgiveness of sin”:
“I acknowledge one baptism for the remission of sins.”

The Nicene Creed generally follows the points of The Apostles’ Creed but definitely enlarges most of them. This statement, which actually confesses Christian Baptism, certainly does that.

What can we say? We start with Scripture:
• John the Baptist preached “a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins” (Luke 3:3).
• When convicted listeners to his sermon on the Day of Pentecost asked Peter, “What shall we do?” he said, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit” (Acts 2:37-38).
• Saul, who would soon be an apostle of Christ, was told by Ananias what his apostolic mission would be. Then Ananias said, “Now, what are you waiting for? Get up, be baptized and wash your sins away, calling on his name” (Acts 22:16). Baptism and calling on the name of the Lord (Acts 2:21; Romans 10:9) were kept together.
• “Baptism…now saves you also—not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a good conscience toward God” (1 Peter 4:21).

The sacraments of Baptism and Holy Communion have outer and inner realities, sealed together by the Holy Spirit in the Words of Institution.

That is to say, the outward signs of water or bread and wine are united with the inner reality of remission of sin by the words “I now baptize you in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit” or “Take and eat; this is my body given for you” and “This is my blood poured out for you for the forgiveness of sins.” (The accounts in Matthew, Mark, Luke and 1 Corinthians all teach the same truths though their specific words vary.)

Because of this union, it is just as valid to say “my sins were washed away in baptism” as to say “my sins were forgiven when I confessed Jesus as Lord.” (A married couple might speak of “the day we exchanged our rings” or “when we said our vows.” Same reality, two ways of expressing it.)

In our evangelism this union of outer and inner realities should not be broken. One way it’s broken, leading to confusion, is by having an unnecessarily long gap between one’s confession “Jesus is Lord” and one’s Christian baptism.

The Apostle Peter was caught off-guard when the Holy Spirit fell on uncircumcised gentiles as they heard the word of salvation (Acts 10:44-46). He rightly responded to this fait accompli by ordering the baptism of the converts. Peter kept the outward sign and the inner reality together.

Much modern Christian evangelism doesn’t even mention baptism, unlike the examples we find in the New Testament. (Acts 2:37-41; 8:12, 37-39; 9:17-19; 10:47-48; 16:14-15, 29-33; 18:8; 19:3-5; 22:16)

Many evangelical churches have separated baptism from the saving confession in practice through the introduction of another “sacrament” – the “walking forward invitation” to receive Christ, followed sooner or later by baptism (hopefully) when one gets around to it.

Better that we invite one who wishes to receive Christ to enter the waters of baptism as soon as it is feasible (see Acts 8:34-38 for the baptism of the Ethiopian by Philip the Evangelist after he heard the Gospel).

www.donaldshoemakerministries.com

Don and his wife Mary have been married for 58 years. They have two children and six grandchildren, plus now a grandson-in-law. They recently moved to Temecula, California

September 2024 Newsletter

Posted on August 29, 2024 by admin

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September 2024 Newsletter

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Advancing Christian Faith and Values,
Defending Religious Liberty for All,
Supporting Civility and the Common Good
through Preaching, Teaching, Writing,
Activism and Reasoned Conversations

LABOR DAY – September 2
A Liturgy For Those Who Are Employed

LABOR DAY

A Liturgy For Those Who Are Employed
by Douglas Kaine McKelvey

O Christ who supplies my every need, I praise you for all provisions and for the means by which they are provided.

For my current employment, in this season of life, I give you thanks. By it, may I meet my own needs, and contribute to the needs of others.

Let me work and serve in this position with mindfulness, creativity, and kindness, loving you well by loving all whom I encounter here.
Jesus, be ever present as mediator between me and my employer,
between me and my supervisors and co-workers,
and in all my dealings with others in this work,
reminding me that my treatment of them
is the strongest evidence of my affection for you.

Grant me therefore the patience to listen to others,
the humility to learn from them,
the compassion to consider their needs as my own,
and the grace to wear well the name of the Lord in this place,
remembering that I arrive here each day as an emissary of your kingdom.

And so I offer this small service to you, O Lord,
for you make no distinction between those acts that bring a person the wide praise of their peers and those unmarked acts that are accomplished in a quiet obedience without accolade. You see instead the heart, the love, and the faithful stewardship of all labors, great and small.

And so, in your loving presence, I undertake this task.
O God, grant that my heart might be ordered aright, knowing that all good service faithfully rendered is first a service rendered unto you.

Receive then this my service, that even in the midst of labors that hold no happiness in themselves, I might have increasing joy, Amen.

See “A Liturgy For Those Who Employ Others” in my September 2023 Newsletter or email me and ask for a copy. Used by Permission of Rabbit Room Press.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]

2024: The Re-Paganizing of the Olympics?

Leonardo da Vinci’s “The Last Supper” (c. 1495-98)
Group 1 – Bartholomew, James, son of Alphaeus, and Andrew. Group 2 – Judas Iscariot, Peter, and John. Jesus.
Group 3- Thomas, James the Greater, and Philip. Group 4 – Matthew, Jude Thaddeus, and Simon the Zealot

The Olympic games began in Greece in 776 BC. In 396 AD the now-Christianized Roman Empire banned the games as a pagan ritual in direct conflict with Christianity. 1,500 years later, in 1896, the modern Olympic games began.

I remember the fascination of reading The Iliad and The Odyssey as ancient works of literature in high school. I didn’t think I was acknowledging paganism in any way. Seems we moderns had demythologized the Greco-Roman gods. Or have we? A revival may be in the works. This was part of the opening ceremony of the Olympics:

The Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople, which holds a primacy of honor among the Orthodox churches, condemned the drag parody of the Last Supper at the opening ceremony of the Olympics in Paris.

“Blasphemy towards God is not progress, nor is it right to insult the religious beliefs of our fellow men,” the Ecumenical Patriarchate stated. “The spontaneous expression of aversion and disapproval by the world, hopefully, has sent a sufficiently loud message to those responsible and is a source of hope to avoid similar actions in the future.”

But the director of the opening ceremony, Thomas Jolly, insisted that “The Last Supper” wasn’t the inspiration behind the scene. “Dionysus arrives at the table because he is the Greek God of celebration and that sequence is called ‘festivity.’”

“The God of wine, which is also a French jewel and father of Sequana, the Goddess linked to the River Seine. The idea was to create a big pagan party in link with the God of Mount Olympus.”

If the above showed disregard for the 1st Great Commandment, to love the Lord our God with all our hearts, what happened when women’s boxing violated the 2nd Great Commandment, to love our neighbor as ourselves?

Imane Khelif of Algeria, who a year ago failed a gender eligibility test by the International Boxing Association, went on to win Gold in women’s boxing after (earlier) defeating Angela Carini of Italy who, despite her skill and physical conditioning, lasted only 46 seconds in the ring. She would later say she had never been hit so hard (in the face) as she was by a blow from Khelif.

The Bible isn’t a manual on sports and gender issues, nor on questions about gender ambiguity or dysfunction. But it makes gender identity a foundational feature of our humanity as bearers of God’s image. “Male and female he created them” (Genesis 1:27). Who would have thought that the push for equality would trample legitimate differences, prevent women from reaching their goals in sports, and countenance men pummeling women?

Reference: What does science tell us about boxing’s gender row?, Sofia Bettiza, BBC (August 9, 2024)[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]

“The Apostles’ Creed” (Part 8)
[I believe]
…in the holy catholic Church,
the fellowship of the saints

We continue in the third section of The Apostles’ Creed. Remember that the first section is about God the Father. The second section is about The Lord Jesus Christ. The third section begins with our confession of The Holy Spirit and then quickly moves on to other points, all stated briefly.

8A – It is fitting that confession of the Church follows right after confession of The Holy Spirit. Without the Holy Spirit there is no Church.

Sure, religious communities can go right on with rituals (now stripped of the Spirit’s presence) and messages void of the Spirit. H. Richard Niebuhr once said that the message of religious liberalism is:

A God without wrath brings people without sin into a kingdom without judgment through the ministrations of a Christ without a cross.

The Holy Spirit is not necessary for such a message and would never empower it. Such a church should be called “Ichabod” (“The glory has departed”).

Here are some of the ministries of the Spirit in relation to the church:
1. The Spirit baptizes us into the Body of Christ, which is the church
(1 Corinthians 12:13).
2. The Spirit distributes various charismatic gifts within the church as HE so determines, not as WE determine or demand (1 Corinthians 12:4-11). Pentecostals have often told us what the Spirit MUST do; non-Pentecostals may tell us what the Spirit CAN’T do. Truth is, the Spirit does what he WILLS TO DO in the church.
3. The Spirit indwells the church (Ephesians 2:21).
4. The Spirit guides and invigorates church worship (Ephesians 5:18-20).
5. The Spirit helps guard the truth of the Gospel (2 Timothy 1:14).

8B – What are the “Marks” of the true Church?

Protestants speak of different “marks” of the true church. Some reduce this to trivial things like calling your church by just the right name. More substantially, one common list (from Reformed, or Presbyterian theology) is that a true church will (1) teach the Bible as God’s Word, (2) observe the Sacraments, and (3) discipline its members. Good points!

The Apostles’ Creed gives us three marks of the true Church.

1) The Church is “One”

This mark draws from the teaching of Jesus: “I pray for those who will believe in me…that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me.
– Jesus (John 17:20-21)

• This is more than a spiritual “oneness” which no one can see.
• It is more than an organizational “oneness”.
• It is more than an eventual oneness—together in heaven.
• And for sure it is not a “oneness” over non-gospel issues (like political or racial or cultural or social identity, etc.). These “unities” actually divide Christians and make things other than “The Gospel” the gospel.

No, Jesus said this “oneness” would be observed by the world of non-believers, who would draw right conclusions about God’s gift of his Son when they see genuine Christian oneness in life and action. If non-Christians walk into our church gatherings, would they see a true oneness that gives them positive thoughts about God? Or would they see _____ (fill in the blank)?

2) The Church is “Holy”

“The holiness that marks the church is both a divine gift and an urgent task,” says Michael Bird in his excellent book Evangelical Theology. He’s talking about moral, ethical holiness that separates us from evil, which we pray for when we pray, “Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.”

Sad are the occasions, big and small, when the world of non-Christians observes the Church and wonders where the “Holy” has gone!

3) The Church is “Catholic” – we better make this a separate point!
8C – Wait a minute! I’m a Protestant! How can I say, “One holy catholic church”?

Several years ago my church got new hymnbooks. They had a page with “The Apostles’ Creed”. And that page changed this phrase to “One holy Christian church.” What’s going on? Well first, of course it’s correct to say “Christian” church. We are that and it should mean a lot to us.

But that’s not what the historical Creed says! Deep and wide and long in Christianity stands the confession, “One holy catholic church.” Small “c”.

The word “catholic” means “universal.” It comes from the Greek word “kathalou” – “entire, according to the whole.” So this is a confession of the togetherness of all true Christians and Christian communities everywhere, now and throughout history and into eternity.

“The church is not restricted by geography, ethnicity, gender, class or status. It is a universal assembly that is made up of people from every tribe, language, culture, and place.” – Michael Bird

Revelation 5:9 – “With your blood you have purchased people from every tribe and language and people and nation.”

Please excuse me if quoting from Wikipedia is a problem, but this is well said:

Applied to the Church, the adjective “catholic” means that in the Church the wholeness of the Christian faith, full and complete, all-embracing, and with nothing lacking, is proclaimed to all people without excluding any part of the faith or any class or group of people. The adjective can be applied not only to the Church as spread throughout the world but also to each local manifestation of the Church, in each of which nothing essential is lacking for it to be the genuine body of Christ.

8D – What does “Apostolic” mean in the Nicene Creed?

The Nicene Creed adds “apostolic” to “one holy catholic…church.”
Ephesians 2:20 teaches us that the church is “built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone.” So the apostolic office played a critical role in the founding of the Christian church.

One of the commendations of the first Christian community in Jerusalem is that “they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine” (Acts 2:42). The apostles were selected by Jesus, taught by Jesus, observed Jesus, and promised by Jesus that the Holy Spirit would remind them of everything He had said (John 14:26). Being, then, an “apostolic” church means being faithful to the apostolic message about Jesus—who He was, what He did, what He taught. This deposit of truth is to be guarded and perpetuated by the church of all ages. “Guard the good deposit that was entrusted to you” (2 Timothy 1:14).

A doctrine worth our strong embrace is grounded in apostolic teaching and broadly held throughout the orthodox Christian world. Any so-called “Bible prophecy insight” [or other peculiar doctrine] that pops up late in time within a narrow segment of the Christian community fails these tests.
–From my essay The Second Coming of Christ and the Rapture of the Church

[Note: the issue of “apostolic succession” enters this word as well, and I don’t deal with that here. Also, it is important to note that The Apostle Paul’s apostolic credentials put him on a par with “the Twelve” but did not make him one of “the Twelve.” And the word “apostles” seems to include a number of believers on whom the Holy Spirit bestowed this charismatic missionary/church-planting gift. I also don’t deal here with the question of modern apostleship, which can lead to quite a debate—and lots of problems too.]

8E – “The communion of the saints”

This confession has both horizontal and vertical aspects. Horizontally, it refers to a bond of truth and love with all Christians who live (and sometimes languish in persecution) everywhere on earth. Therefore we sense a special bond with believers everywhere. And we have a call to be of service to all believers here and elsewhere, especially those facing suffering and persecution for their faith throughout the world.

For years I have said that prayer and care for The Persecuted Church is a great omission in many missionary circles today.

Second, this confession has a vertical aspect: our thanksgiving for and union with the saints who have gone on before us into Jesus’ presence.

Yet she on earth hath union with God the Three in One,
And mystic sweet communion with those whose rest is won.
– “The Church’s One Foundation” by Samuel J. Stone (1866)

The greatest hymn to sing about the church “below” and the saints “above” is, in my opinion, “For All the Saints, Who from Their Labor Rest” by William Walsham How (1864). Be sure your church sings it around “All Saints Day”!

O blest communion, fellowship divine!
We feebly struggle, they in glory shine;
Yet all are one in Thee, for all are Thine.
Alleluia, Alleluia!

I conclude our examination of this topic in The Apostles’ Creed with a warning about the church in our present world.

“The Western world has changed; [it is] very quickly becoming post-Christian and radically secular. The church is no longer the chaplain for Christendom; it is now a recalcitrant resistance to the secularizing agenda.” – Michael Bird

Our calling more than ever is to be salt and light in our world, offer a radical alternative to destructive establishments and trends wherever found.

A first-century critic of Christianity had this to say when Paul’s apostolic mission team reached the City of Thessalonica: “These men who have turned the world upside down have come here also” (Acts 17:6). It was not a compliment. But it is always a witness to be sought by the “one holy catholic and apostolic church.”[/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner css=”.vc_custom_1724954989199{background-color: #dd9933 !important;}”][vc_column_inner][vc_column_text]Can I be a part of the universal church without joining a local congregation?

Sorry, no (rare exceptions)! That’s a false separation. You can’t obey the many biblical commands or follow biblical examples without meaningful involvement with a local body of believers that displays the “marks” of the church. It’s like wanting to be a firefighter in the City of Long Beach but then refusing assignment to one of its 24 local fire stations.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1598373738095{border-radius: 3px !important;}”][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Are Churches Preparing Their People for
“The Coming Distress”?

“You have not yet resisted unto blood” – Hebrews 12:4

Theologian Robert McTeigue, SJ, considers the state of the contemporary church and answers…

I’d have to say no – for a variety of reasons. First, serious talk about serious topics would work against “Father Cheerful’s” commitment to forming “a welcoming community”; trying to prepare people for martyrdom would fail to “meet people where they’re at.”

What would happen to the “Typicalians” [members of the typical lukewarm church] if they ever had to face or surmount aggressive or even kinetic persecution? What if “bird flu” suddenly makes worship a “non-essential service” again? What if a federal agency suspects that “St. Typical’s” is a hotbed of “far-right…Christian nationalist domestic terrorism”?

The dearth of sound teaching and the trivialization of worship at “St. Typical’s” will not ready anyone for [martyrdom, whatever its form]. The bodies, minds, and hearts of the “Typicalians” are, humanly speaking, unprepared to receive the graces necessary for any form of costly fidelity—whether the cost of fidelity is paid all at once in blood or paid over decades of hidden yet heroic daily duty. “Fr. Cheerful” has made clear that he will not offer the necessary preparation; the “Typicalians” have made clear that they will not receive it.

Here I can’t help but recall the observation of A. W. Tozer: “A church that can’t worship must be entertained; and people who can’t lead a church to worship must provide entertainment.” “Fr. Cheerful” [has] agreed to provide the entertainment.
– Robert McTeigue, Crisis magazine (on line), August 12, 2024

Nickolas Kristof—“Progressive” No More

As I’d read Nickolas Kristof’s columns in the NY Times I came to regard him as a “Realist Liberal.” Not merely theoretical, he’s seen the world in real time from the streets and trenches.

Now Edward Felsenthal has reflected in the NY Times (May 12, 2024) about why Kristof no longer considers himself to be a political progressive.

Felsenthal: “You write that ‘as progressivism became an ideology of the educated, it distanced itself from the people it nominally championed’ and [you] criticize what you call a progressive impulse to ‘address problems by revising terminology.’ Do you consider yourself a progressive?”

Kristof: “No…five or ten years ago I might have. But the metric of progressivism should be progress. And in the West Coast cities, where progressives have dominated policymaking, we see regress.

“And I just think we can’t blame this on Republicans. Because there aren’t any in Portland. This is our mess. We created it. Seeing the challenges in Portland, Seattle, San Francisco, Los Angeles, have made me more wary of progressivism. Outcomes are what matter. And our outcomes on the West coast cities are not good.”[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

www.donaldshoemakerministries.com

Don and his wife Mary have been married for 58 years. They have two children and six grandchildren, plus now a grandson-in-law. They recently moved to Temecula, California.

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August 2024 Newsletter

Posted on August 2, 2024 by admin

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August 2024 Newsletter

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The Black Family Reunion

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1598373738095{border-radius: 3px !important;}”][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”2062″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]Colbert King writes – “I am setting aside this weekend to engage in a historic ritual: a Black family reunion.

“It is a tradition that grows out of the post-emancipation era when formerly enslaved men and women sought to be reunited with family members who had been separated from them or sold away by enslavers.”

The Washington Post (Jun 29, 2024)

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George Gentry—
A Soldier of Christ and of Country

A Bronze Star for Heroic Military Service

December 8, 1967 was special for me—my 23rd birthday. Half a world away in Vietnam, that day was also significant for U.S. Army Lt. George Gentry. While leading his platoon on an assignment he was severely injured by a land mine. With wounds and paralyzed from the waist down, George was taken to several hospitals. He retired from the Army in March 1968, and later settled in So. California. During one hospitalization he met his future wife, Chris.

I became George’s pastor in 1984 at Grace Brethren Church (later to be Grace Community Church) in Seal Beach, California. George had intense passion for the men and women in the armed forces and for our missionaries around the world. Knowing that our church was in a denomination that had a tradition of military “non-combatance” (derived from, but not the same as pacifism), George asked me early on if I supported that position. He was firm. If I did, he would have to leave the church, he told me. I didn’t and so he didn’t either!

George regarded each day of life after that December 8 as a bonus gift from God. He took his service for God seriously, all along supported by Chris, who shared in his travels, church ministries, many hospitalizations and more.

His recent years saw many lengthy hospitalizations at the VA Hospital in Long Beach, California. Finally, on June 7, he departed this life at age 82, to be with the Lord he had loved and served.

Citizens of our nation must honor and never forget our veterans, especially those like George Gentry who paid a high price for their service, and those who paid the ultimate price.

[PICTURE: George is honored by U.S. Congressman Dana Rohrabacher at a “9/11 Remembrance” sponsored by Grace Community Church of Seal Beach in 2005.]

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1598373738095{border-radius: 3px !important;}”][vc_column][vc_column_text]Soon the Summer Recess Will Be Over…
What Universities Should Be Doing
What Universities Should Be Doing

Students march and rally on Columbia University campus in support of a protest encampment supporting Palestinians, despite a 2pm deadline issued by university officials to disband or face suspension, during the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas, in New York City, U.S.,
April 29, 2024. REUTERS

1. Assure the safety and security of all on campus.
All, including Jewish students, should have access to all campus spaces (classrooms, dorms, libraries, cafeterias, extracurricular spaces). [Comments under main points are abbreviated.]

2. Clarify and enforce existing rules surrounding protest.
Provide appropriate avenues for protests and clarify consequences for those who opt to break the rules. Warn those who break the rules about next steps, including calling in civil authorities. Protests must abide by time, place, and manner restrictions and not create a hostile atmosphere.

3. University leaders and especially student-facing administrators must check in with their Jewish community on campus.
Ensure their needs are being met and concerns taken seriously and communicate with Zionist students whose Jewish identities are increasingly targeted for hostility and invectives at protests.

4. Administrators should never cede ground to protesters who break clearly-established campus rules.
Administrators must not tolerate tactics of rule-breaking, bullying, harassment and violence, or reward these protestors by treating their conduct as starting points for negotiations.

5. Administrators should communicate clearly and unequivocally about what constitutes free speech versus unlicensed disruption.
Interfering with access to campus spaces, occupying buildings, vandalism, cancellation of classes, interruption of scheduled events—all are disruptions that interfere with free speech and the free exchange of ideas.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1598373738095{border-radius: 3px !important;}”][vc_column][vc_column_text]Religious Liberty Vigilance

Weigh Church Activism Carefully
in this Politically-Charged Season

“I contemplate with sovereign reverence that act of the whole American people which declared that their legislature should ‘make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof,’ thus building a wall of separation between Church & State.”

– Thomas Jefferson (1802) Letter to Danbury Baptists

Radical secularists like to raise “the wall of separation” against all religious activism, which is not what our founders envisioned. But the opposite extreme—churches heavily involved in politics—is not healthy either for the country or for the churches.

We are entering a political season where religious involvement will be active as never before. Some is necessary, much is permissible, little is prohibited by the Constitution. Let’s be careful. What is permissible may not be wise.

I recommend that pastors and activist lay members consider the counsel from Pastor/Theologian John Piper about patriotism in the sanctuary and pastors introducing politics into the worship experience.

The Sunday church gathering should be wonderfully and gloriously vertical in its focus. We gather to focus on God. But those gatherings can get horizontally hijacked by other good things…

If the Godward focus gets lost, Sunday becomes “man-centered” and “the vertical focus is blunted.” We need political activism, but not on Sunday morning. The Pledge of Allegiance, even American flags, do not belong in a worship service that is called to highlight the absolute allegiance that we have to Jesus.

– John Piper, Theocracy, Igniting Revolutions, and Patriotism in the Church
June 29, 2024

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“Idolatry” – Have we crafted an idol?

And the Lord said to Moses, “Go down, for your people, whom you brought up out of the land of Egypt, have corrupted themselves. They have turned aside quickly out of the way that I commanded them. They have made for themselves a golden calf and have worshiped it and sacrificed to it and said, ‘These are your gods
[or: “This is your god”], O Israel, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt!’”

– Exodus 32:7-8 (ESV)

“Idolatry” comes in several flavors. Here’s a common one: “Idolatry is our attempt to fashion the god we would like to see, rather than seeing God as he has revealed himself, whom we should honor and accept and, as appropriate , strive to exemplify.”

Fashioning a god to suit ourselves was Israel’s sin when it made the golden calf. They were not turning to other gods.They tried to fashion God into an image of their own making, which they could relate to more easily.

I was listening to a Christian contemporary music station recently. Now, listening to the music isn’t wrong. In fact, it can be quite uplifting and edifying (sometimes not!). But the chatter between songs can become tedious to listen to (like the guest singer you bring to your church who rambles on between songs). Worse than tedious, the host can speak nonsense or even heresy.

On this occasion the radio host used many words to say something like this: “I saw a painting of Jesus holding a little child who pinched his nose, and Jesus laughed and laughed. Now, that’s the kind of Jesus I can believe in.”

Now Jesus probably was a guy who could be humored, just as he could be sorrowful or angry. But the biblical revelation doesn’t present the humor.

Better to repent of this idolatry and look at the Bible’s depictions. Better to see Jesus weeping than laughing. I’m glad English translators emphasized “Jesus wept” by making these words the Bible’s shortest verse (John 11:35). Jesus deeply empathizes with our sorrows, as the Gospel song says: “He took my sins and my sorrows and made them his very own.” Paint him that way!

Don’t create an image of God; let’s BE God’s likeness (Ephesians 4:24+).

“The Apostles’ Creed” (Part 7)

I believe in the Holy Spirit
“Without the Holy Spirit, God is distant, Christ is in the past, the Gospel is a dead letter, the Church is simply an organization, authority is domination, mission is propaganda, worship is the summoning of spirits, and Christian action is the morality of slaves.”

– Ignatius Hazim, Patriarch of Antioch

We come now to the third and final section of The Apostles’ Creed. The first section centered on God the Father; the second on Jesus Christ, God’s Son.
The third section has only ONE STATEMENT on the Holy Spirit before moving on to other topics—topics not unrelated to the Holy Spirit, but not focused on him either.

How much of the Latin Creed is devoted to the Father, Son and Holy Spirit?
God the Father – 9 words
Jesus Christ, God’s Son – 51 words
The Holy Spirit – 4 words, out of 16 in the third section

“Credo in Spiritum Sanctum”

7A – Does the Creed minimize the person and work of the Holy Spirit?

Yes and no. Certainly, it might make it easier for us to pass quickly over the Spirit in our minds. Lots of Christians have done this, sometimes from sheer negligence or from fear because we think the Holy Spirit is overplayed in some churches and movements—and that’s not an unfounded fear.

But the way to respond to this fear is not to minimize the Spirit but to teach on the Spirit correctly, that we might then experience the Spirit genuinely. Are some congregations fearful of what might happen if the Holy Spirit ever got “loose” in its midst? We’d rather play it safe and keep the Dove in a cage!

7B – The Holy Spirit’s primary ministry is to direct us to Jesus Christ.

“When he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth… He will bring glory to me by taking from what is mine and making it known to you.”
– Jesus (John 16:12-15)

“No one can say, ‘Jesus is Lord’ except by the Holy Spirit.” (1 Corinthians 12:3).

Of course, we can “mouth” the confession “Jesus is Lord” without the Spirit. Jesus himself said many will say “Lord, Lord” and not know him (Matthew 7:21-23). But a genuine, heart-felt confession/commitment to the Lordship of Christ, including in my opinion embracing Jesus’ deity, is only possible by the unction and empowerment of the Holy Spirit.

NOTE: In 1 Corinthians 12:3 the confession “Jesus is Lord” is set against the absolute denial of Jesus’ Lordship—“anáthema Iēsous,” which is definitely not by the Holy Spirit. It is possible this can be seen in the context of persecution, where one who claims to be a follower of Jesus is called on to curse him. The curse can’t be by the Spirit, nor is the confession “Caesar is Lord” of the Sprit. But the confession “Kúrios Iēsous” in the face of persecution is definitely of the Holy Spirit (see Mark 13:11). It is hard for modern Christians who enjoy religious liberty and free speech to grasp how significant this confession induced by the Spirit would be in a world where Caesar is Jesus’ arch-competitor.

For a discussion of confessing or cursing Jesus in a persecution context: Oscar Cullmann, The Christology of the New Testament, chapter 7, especially pages 215-22.

I also note that this confession is at the introduction to the Apostle Paul’s very lengthy teaching on charismatic gifts (1 Corinthians 12-14). Being Spirit-filled is not proven by some kind of rapturous display—even pagans can do that, Paul says! No, the Spirit’s empowerment is evidenced by a credible, mindful conviction and confession that “Jesus is Lord.” See the opening three verses of 1 Corinthians 12 for this.

Since the Spirit is in the world to draw people to Jesus, it is fitting that the Creed devotes so much space to highlighting Jesus. In my mind, this doesn’t mean overlooking the Spirit. It means responding to the ministry of the Spirit.

“Where Christ is prominent, the Spirit is at work.
Where the Spirit is prominent, he is not being allowed to do his work.”

To put it another way, the Christ-filled church (the church where Jesus is highlighted and worshipped, taught and served) is the truly Spirit-filled church, whether that church be Pentecostal or not, Charismatic or not.

Ponder the parallel between the very well-known Ephesians 5:18 and the lesser known Colossians 3:16:

“Be filled with the Spirit” – Ephesians 5:18
“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly” – Colossians 3:16

I suggest: to be filled with the Spirit and to have the word (message) of Christ dwelling in us richly are essentially the same thing. Read the contexts.
The Apostles’ Creed is “right on” with its emphasis on Jesus!

7C – How does the Nicene Creed (381 AD) expand teaching on the Holy Spirit beyond the four words of The Apostles Creed?

The Nicene Creed is important is that it is the only creed proclaimed throughout the Christian world. Here are its clear words about the Spirit:

And we believe in the Holy Spirit,
the Lord, the giver of life.
He proceeds from the Father and the Son,
and with the Father and the Son
is worshiped and glorified.
He spoke through the prophets.

7D – What was the “filioque” controversy?

The Latin text of the Nicene Creed (as recited in Western churches) says: qui ex Patre Filioque [“and the son”] procedit. Does the Holy Spirit proceed from the Father alone, or “from the Father and the Son”? Here is what Jesus said:

“When the counselor comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the spirit of truth who goes out from the Father [qui a Patre procedit—Latin Vulgate], he will testify about me.” – John 15:26-27

So, Scripture is explicit that the Holy Spirit proceeds from the Father. But from the Son also? The Spirit is sent by Jesus according to verse 26. And John 14:15 (NIV) tells us Jesus “will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor…the Spirit of truth.” Furthermore, Revelation 22:1 depicts the “water of life” flowing “from the throne of God and of the Lamb.”

It seems to me that the Spirit proceeds from the Father in a direct sense, and proceeds from the Son in a supportive sense. But the explicit teaching of scripture establishes that the Spirit proceeded from the Father.

If you wonder why this issue (over one word in Latin) should split Christianity into East and West in 1056 AD, you wonder with me. But, as is typical in all church splits, there is more to it than what lies on the surface.

The surface issue: Should the phrase “and the son” be in the Creed?

The much bigger underlying issue: The question of where authority ought to reside in the church under the ultimate rule of Christ.

Here is a very brief summary of the controversy:
• The word “filioque” was NOT in the Nicene Creed of 381 AD.
• From the 6th Century on, many Latin (Western) liturgies added the phrase.
• In 1014 the pope approved adding “and the son” into the liturgy of Rome but this was rejected by Eastern Christianity.
• The phrase was an issue in the East/West division of Christianity in 1054 AD.

As I see it, the fundamental issue was the question: ”Who has the right to change the Nicene Creed?” The Eastern Churches insisted that a decision by an ecumenical council could only be altered by another ecumenical council. Nothing or no one else had the authority to do so, not even the pope.

Beyond this, some thought that leaving out the phrase diminished the position of God the Son. Others thought that including the phrase diminished the position of God the Father.

Very frankly, I have trouble making an issue over the “filioque” clause. Proper teaching can present the roles of God the Father and God the Son appropriately. The Nicene Creed is correct with or without the clause.

Am I missing something or being simplistic or in error on this? Your input to me is welcome. I’ve tried to think of an analogy. A newborn “proceeds” from the mother and father, but not in the same way. The father “issues forth” the seed; the mother “issues forth” the ovum and the newborn “proceeds from” her womb. The two “proceedings” seem to be on two different planes. But if we must pick one, I’d say the newborn “proceeds from” the mother.

7E – What are the key ministries of the Holy Spirit?

Rather than giving lengthy points, I simply pass on six important ministries of the Holy Spirit, the first four coming from Dr. James Packer. The Holy Spirit:

1. Convinces us of the truth of the Gospel
2. Assures us we are God’s children (Romans 8:16)
3. Moves us to bear witness to Christ
4. Bestows one or more spiritual (charismatic) gifts on every Christian
5. Intercedes for us according to the will of God (Romans 8:26-27)
6. Will someday give life to our mortal bodies (Romans 8:11)

The Spirit also must guide and fill our worship services, empowering us to sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs from our hearts (Ephesians 5:18-20).

I fear that today’s trend toward technology, professionalism and showiness in worship can quench the Holy Spirit and make his presence superfluous.
What difference would it make in our worship time if the Holy Spirit didn’t show up at church next Sunday?

7F – What must I “do” to receive the Holy Spirit?

The first thing to do is toss away all the lists of things you may have tried that tell you what you must do to receive (or be filled with) the Holy Spirit, whether it is Kenneth Copeland’s seven points, Oral Robert’s four points, Campus Crusade’s four points, John Walvoord’s three points, Don Basham’s breathing exercises, or any others.

The second thing to do is read what Peter told the convicted crowd on the Day of Pentecost (the bold is mine, not Luke’s or Peter’s):

Now when they heard this [Peter’s message about Jesus—his death, resurrection and exaltation—read Acts 2:22-36] they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself.”

(1) Repentance (a “change of heart” about our sin and our rejection of Jesus) and (2) water baptism—these are the two “steps” Peter told the crowd of seekers to “do.” “Do” is in quotes because ultimately repentance and baptism are not works we do but rather God’s works in us and for us.

Baptism is better understood as the visible sign of the gift of the Holy Spirit rather than its effective cause. We see this from Acts 10:44-48, where the gift of the Holy Spirit preceded the gift of baptism. As I see it, the gift of the Spirit is not bestowed through baptism nor is it to be separated from baptism. Check it out in the New Testament, which is always a good thing to do. And remember this: “The idea of an unbaptized believer does not seem to be entertained in the New Testament” (F. F. Bruce, The Book of Acts, p. 70).

“The work of the Holy Spirit is to manifest the active presence of God in the world, and especially in the church.”
“The Holy Spirit gives stronger or weaker evidence of the presence and
blessing of God, according to our response to him.”
“The Holy Spirit’s influence will be to bring a Godlike character or atmosphere
to the situations in which he is active.” – Wayne Grudem, Systematic Theology

Holy Sprit, ever living as the Church’s very life;
Holy Spirit, ever striving through us in a ceaseless strife;
Holy Spirit, ever forming in the Church the mind of Christ;
You we praise with endless worship for your fruits and gifts unpriced.

– Timothy Rees (1921)

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] An Unexpected
Dinner Guest

As my wife and I dined at a popular restaurant in Old Town Seal Beach we realized we had a surprise guest at our table!

www.donaldshoemakerministries.com

Don and his wife Mary have been married for 58 years. They have two children and six grandchildren, plus now a grandson-in-law. They recently moved to Temecula, California.

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July 2024 Newsletter

Posted on July 1, 2024 by admin

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July 2024 Newsletter

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www.donaldshoemakerministries.com[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_single_image image=”1304″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1598373738095{border-radius: 3px !important;}”][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”2051″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]

June 6 –
D-Day plus 80 Years

I was but a gleam in my father’s eye and an embryo in my mother’s womb when Allied troops stormed the beaches of Normandy, France on June 6, 1944. This invasion would prove, along with the Russian push from the east, to be the end of Hitler’s “Third Reich” less than a year later.

The Allied invasion included 6939 ships and delivered 156,000 troops. An additional 23,400 troops parachuted over France.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1598373738095{border-radius: 3px !important;}”][vc_column][vc_column_text]One of the parachutists was Lt. Col. Robert L. Wolverton, 29, from West Virginia. Hours before his battalion (3rd Battalion, 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment of the 101st Airborne division) made its jump, Col. Wolverton addressed the 759 troops under his command and prayed with them.

Men, I am not a religious man and I don’t know your feelings in this matter, but I am going to ask you to pray with me for the success of the mission before us. And while we pray, let us get on our knees and not look down but up with faces raised to the sky so that we can see God and ask His blessing in what we are about to do.

God almighty, in a few short hours we will be in battle with the enemy.
We do not join battle afraid. We do not ask favors or indulgence but ask that, if You will, use us as Your instrument for the right and an aid in returning peace to the world.

We do not know or seek what our fate will be. We ask only this, that if die we must, that we die as men would die, without complaining, without pleading and safe in the feeling that we have done our best for what we believed was right. O Lord, protect our loved ones and be near us in the fire ahead and with us now as we pray to you.

After two minutes of silence, he ordered: “Move out!”

A few hours later Wolverton was killed by German machine gun fire as he hung with his chute tangled in an orchard tree outside of St. Come-du-Mont. Using him as target practice, the Germans put 162 bullet holes into him. Of the 15 parachutists who jumped from his plane, five were killed, seven were captured, and three fought on.

Though I was yet unborn on June 6, 1944, D-Day is an annual emotional experience for me. Veterans of this war who still survive* are now 100 years old, give or take. We need to keep the memory alive so that generations born after the war will appreciate the sacrifices made for their freedoms and not take these freedoms for granted or ignore them or, even worse, oppose them.

* NOTE: In 2023 there were 119,500 veterans of World War 2 still alive, less than 1% of the 16.4 million who served. (Source: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs)[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1598373738095{border-radius: 3px !important;}”][vc_column][vc_column_text]

In just two years we will celebrate, God willing, the 250th Anniversary of our Declaration of Independence. Will we live out its meaning?

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. – That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed…

– The Declaration of Independence, July 4, 1776

These compelling words about the values imbedded in the Declaration of Independence were delivered by David Boaz, long-time vice president of the Cato Institute, in his last official address before his passing on June 7, 2024:

For millennia, with few exceptions, the world was marked by despotism, slavery, hierarchy, rigid class privilege, and literally no increase in the standard of living over hundreds of years. And then, the Western world experienced the Enlightenment, a new perspective on the world based on reason, science, a belief in progress, and freedom.

And the ideas about freedom eventually came to be known as liberalism. Human rights, markets, property rights, religious toleration, the value of commerce, the dignity of the individual. Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Peace, human flourishing.

That brought about what Deirdre McCloskey calls the Great Fact of human history, the enormous and unprecedented growth in living standards, starting around 1800 in the Western world. And these ideas spread to more aspects of society and more parts of the world. Europe and America to the rest of Europe, to Latin America, to parts of Asia…[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1598373738095{border-radius: 3px !important;}”][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Back the Badge

“Blessed are those who
maintain justice.” – Psalm 106:3
Concluding My Chaplain Service

[/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/4″][vc_single_image image=”2054″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]After “Backing the Badge” for 22 years, 7 months as Chaplain for the Seal Beach Police Department, I retired from that role as my wife and I transitioned to our new home in Temecula, CA.

The police department and the City of Seal Beach were incredibly gracious in their appreciation acknowledgements. In May I was given opportunities to address members of the department at an awards breakfast, and the community and its leaders at a meeting of the City Council.

Here are selected comments I made at one or both of these gatherings:

“What led to my chaplaincy? First, I came across a scripture that would change the course of my ministry. Jeremiah 29:7 (my paraphrase) – ‘Seek the shalom (the well-being) of the city where I have placed you, and pray to the Lord in its behalf.’”

* * *

“Second, the board at my church made a recommendation that would change my life and refocus my ministry. ‘Don, you should find some avenue of service in the Seal Beach community.’ It was great advice. Pastors easily become insular. We already have a lot on our plates serving the needs of the church. So it was good to be told to look above the fence and see how you might serve the community around you.”

* * *

“When I did become chaplain, I often said that I’d know I had been accepted when two things happened: [1] the officers wouldn’t watch their language around me and [2] they wouldn’t spell ‘chaplain’ as if it were my last name and my first name was Charlie. ‘Chappy’ was how many officers came to greet me and I liked that.”

* * *

“An officer and I looked on the body of a man at an accident scene. The officer said to me, ‘You never get used to that.’ I’ve often thought, ‘That’s the way we must think.’ If we ever get used to it, we have lost a piece of our souls.”

* * *

“Police chaplains serve in several ways. But I think the most significant is responding to call-outs. The chaplain’s phone rings any hour of the day or night and away you go. What will I encounter and what should I say and do? Well, here’s a great word of encouragement to chaplains: ‘Yours is a ministry of presence.’ On the way to the location, I’d pray ‘The Prayer of St. Francis.’ Lord, make me an instrument of Thy peace!”

* * *

“I’ve been at hospitals with parents whose little boy or girl just died. I’ve been to fiery accident scenes to comfort those who got out of the car in time but others didn’t. I’ve been to suicide scenes and to homes where a spouse awoke in the morning to find his or her partner deceased. And more.”

* * *

“I’ve prayed with police officers at their request, that they might have an extra measure of strength and grace to do whatever the job demanded.”

* * *

“The greatest challenge of all—the mass murders on 12 October 2011. Less than three months from my retirement as a church pastor the most traumatic event of my career unfolded. The stress, short-term and long term, on officers, dispatchers, and medical providers was beyond words. You were all doing God’s work. May he hold you up by his strong hand.”

* * *

“Don’t forget to support chaplains as they support you. When you debrief those who faced the traumas, debrief the chaplains. They may be emotionally out of gas. I would return home in the middle of the night after a traumatic situation and wake up my wife. She’s the best debriefer I could possibly have.”

* * *

“Our law enforcement officers are called on to do their best as they face a challenging and often evil and dangerous world. Our culture has been losing its spirit of civility and community values and its respect for authority. Your police officers are there to restrain and resist and possibly reverse this trend.”

* * *

“My prayer is that God would lead us all to ‘do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly before our God.’”[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/4″][vc_single_image image=”2055″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1598373738095{border-radius: 3px !important;}”][vc_column][vc_column_text]

“The Apostles’ Creed” (Part 6)

[I believe] He ascended into heaven,
and is seated at the right hand
of God the Father almighty.
From thence he shall come to judge
the living and the dead.

As they were looking on, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight. And while they were gazing into heaven as he went, behold, two men stood by them in white robes, and said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.”

– Acts 1:9-11 ESV

This Jesus God raised up, and of that we all are witnesses. Being therefore exalted at the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, he has poured out this that you yourselves are seeing and hearing. For David did not ascend into the heavens, but he himself says,

“‘The Lord said to my Lord,
“Sit at my right hand,
until I make your enemies your footstool.”’

Let all the house of Israel therefore know for certain that God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified.”
– The Apostle Peter’s Pentecost Sermon (Acts 2:32-36)

To my readers: if you recognize the painting above and can send me the name of the artist and the date, I’d appreciate it much! I looked at many depictions of the ascension, good and bad, and liked this one best.

I also looked at depictions of Jesus seated at the right hand of God. Perhaps I’m being legalistic, but I don’t like depictions of God the Father. Would he really look that old, like he’s “Father Time” in late December? Do the depictions violate the Second Commandment? The New Testament declares that Jesus himself is the proper depiction of the Father (John 14:9). He is “the radiance of God’s glory and the exact imprint of his nature” (Hebrews 1:3).

This Confessional portion of the Creed has three elements:

1) Jesus ascended into heaven.

6A – Jesus had a teaching ministry with his disciples before he ascended.

He taught about the Kingdom of God (Acts 1:4-8). The disciples posed a question, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?” Jesus gave a two-fold reply. Without challenging in any way the “restore the kingdom to Israel” part of the question, Jesus replied,

• The TIMING of the kingdom is not theirs to know. Given the amount of speculations by Christians in my lifetime and before, Jesus might as well have saved his breath. The timing and nature of “End Time Events” have often become topics of unhealthy speculation. So Jesus’ warning is unfortunately necessary and should be ever heeded.

• Instead of concern over TIMING, they should concern themselves with their upcoming TASK. Once the Holy Spirit comes upon them, these eye-witnesses to the ministry of Jesus shall testify to the Good News of Jesus starting from Jerusalem, extending through Judea and Samaria, and then throughout the world.

Important: Acts 1:8 is “time and place and personnel sensitive.” It is NOT a call for mission work by all generations to evangelize, beginning at home, then to their country, then to the whole world.

6B – Jesus ascended into Heaven before his disciples’ watchful eyes until a cloud hid him from their sight.

Luke’s account is powerful in its simplicity (Acts 1:9-11). Once the ascension commenced it soon became “cloud-concealed” and there is nothing more to be known or talked about. “Which way, how high, where?”

What they and all heaven-gazers in generations to come need to know is Jesus will return “in the same way” as he ascended. Nothing less than a visible, physical return to earth will satisfy this promise. Jesus doesn’t “return” when we die and go to heaven, or when the Spirit came at Pentecost, or at the fall of Jerusalem in AD 70, or through the church’s words and ministries (in spite of these half-truth words in the great hymn Lead On, O King Eternal: “With deeds of love and mercy the heavenly kingdom comes.”).

Just as the band of disciples watched his ascent with the naked eye until a cloud concealed him, so also “He is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him…and all the earth shall mourn because of him [due to the world’s evil ways]” – Revelation 1:7. More unanswerable questions come to mind, but this angelic word must suffice.

2) Jesus is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty.

6C – The Enthronement of Jesus in Heaven

Christians who observe Good Friday and Easter miss a chance to underscore vital Christian truth if they fail to observe Ascension Sunday. When we remember Jesus’ ascension we will also recall his enthronement at the Father’s right hand.

When Jesus ascended to heaven and took his seat at God’s right hand, it signaled the successful completion of his earthly priesthood ministry:

After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high… – Hebrews 1:3

Now at God the Father’s right hand, Jesus receives the honor that is properly his.The Apostle Paul explained Jesus’ exaltation this way:

God exalted him to the highest place
And gave him the name that is above every name,
That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
…and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord
to the glory of God the Father. (Philippians 2:9-11)

Jesus possesses the very name of God himself—the name above every name. When every knee is bowed before him and every tongue confesses that Jesus is Lord, the prophecy of Isaiah 45:23 is fulfilled, where Jehovah God says:

‘To me every knee shall bow,
every tongue shall swear allegiance.”

Now his present heavenly priesthood ministry includes intercessory prayer before his Father in behalf of his followers (you might say, “He has God’s right ear.”). As our high priest, he is able to sympathize with our weaknesses, having been tempted in every way just as we are, yet without sin. “Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need” (Hebrews 4:14-16).

From his throne Jesus also sent the Holy Spirit to his awaiting disciples and upon his church ever more. This includes the impartation of spiritual gifts for the service and spiritual upbuilding of his church. This is what the apostles taught: “Exalted to the right hand of God, he has received from the Father the promised Holy Spirit and has poured out what you now see and hear” (Peter on the Day of Pentecost, Acts 2:33) and ‘“To each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it. When he ascended on high, he led captives in his train and gave gifts to men” (Paul in Ephesians 4:7-8).

Another thought on this point. In one unique instance Jesus arose from his seat and stood as the first Christian martyr gave his life for his Lord. Stephen testified before he died, “I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God” (Acts 7:56). I can’t dogmatically generalize this thought, but at least in this one case Jesus stood to welcome his faithful servant home!

6D – So, where is Jesus now?

Jesus “localized” is seated at the right hand of his Father. To that position he personally and bodily ascended. From that position he will, at the appointed hour, return personally and bodily to earth.

But Jesus has a “special presence” in certain ways:

• Where two or three (or more) are gathered in his name, there he is in their midst (Matthew 18:15-20), authenticating the church’s authority when it acts in his name. See the “disciplining presence” of Jesus with his church in 1 Corinthians 5:1-5.

• He is “with” his church always as she fulfills the Great Commission he gave her before his ascension (Matthew 28:16-20).

• Jesus has a Eucharistic presence when his church breaks the bread (“This is my body”) and drinks the cup (“This is my blood”). Rather than “tokens” or “symbols,” the Eucharistic bread and cup constitute a dynamic sharing together (koinonia) between believers and their Lord. Read Paul’s teaching on this dynamic encounter and how it contrasts with the dynamic encounter between demons and feast-goers at a pagan temple feast (1 Corinthians 10:14-22).

The time is long overdue for Christians to move from the “just symbols” notion of the bread and the cup at the Lord’s Table to recognizing this dynamic encounter between the church and her “really present” Lord.

3) Jesus will come from his throne in heaven to judge the living and the dead.

The version of the Creed that I recited weekly in church as a child said Jesus would judge “the quick and the dead.” And I was puzzled. The “quick?”
Here in California, pedestrians who would carelessly cross our busy streets are either “quick” or “dead.”

6E – In Jesus, God will judge all humanity.

I’m impressed that our Declaration of Independence not only refers to God as “Creator” but also as “Judge.” Humankind, male and female, are answerable to the God who made them in his image and who guided them by his laws and, ultimately, by the life and teachings of Jesus.

God will judge humanity through his Son Jesus—a delegated responsibility. At his sermon on “Mars Hill” the Apostle Paul said God “has fixed a day on which he will judge the world in righteousness by a man whom he has appointed; and of this he has given assurance to all by raising him from the dead.” (Acts 17:31). To speak of the “Judgment Seat of God” (Romans 14:10) or the “Judgment Seat of Christ” (2 Corinthians 5:10) is to say the same thing.

If naturalism dominates our thinking, we will regard any notion of final judgment as a relic of a superstitious, pre-scientific age. But science is ill prepared to call into question whether there is a Creator or Judge.

Biblical revelation in numerous places speaks of a final judgment. Christians will differ and dicker over specifics, but this much is clear: God will judge every person in fairness and justice for the deeds done while in our earthly bodies (Matthew 25:31-46; Romans 2:5-11; 1 Corinthians 4:5; 2 Corinthians 5:6-10; Revelation 20:11-15).

6F – A word about “Living between the Two Advents”

The Kingdom of God was inaugurated in Jesus’ first coming. His enthronement in heaven displays his kingship over all things. We might call this inaugural phase of the Kingdom the “Kingdom in Mystery.”

The “Kingdom in Mystery” will someday yield to the “Manifest Kingdom.” The Second Coming of Jesus will usher it in. His return will be dramatic, powerful, decisive, transformative. The Lord Jesus will be “revealed from heaven in blazing fire with his powerful angels.” See 2 Thessalonians 1:7-8; Revelation 1:7, 19:11-16, 22:12.

When the church prays, “Thy Kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven,” we are praying for the Manifest Kingdom of God to arrive.

During the present phase of God’s Kingdom, God governs “behind the scenes.”
The rule of God is extended through the ministries of the church (be it ever so flawed) and the church’s faithful teaching about Jesus—his life and words and ministries, his death, resurrection, ascension and return. The Holy Spirit empowers and enables the church to fulfill God’s call and purposes.

God’s rule is also extended through human governments that establish and encourage justice even, if necessary, by force (Romans 13:1-7).

During this Mystery Phase the church does not seek to establish the Kingdom of God through force or politics, but through witness and godly living. But certainly the church supports religious freedom and the societal implications of biblical morality. Now during the Kingdom in Mystery the church seeks and shows “righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit” (Romans 14:17). When we sing, “With deeds of love and mercy the heavenly kingdom comes,” we must have this phase of the Kingdom in mind.
Theologian Michael Horton describes the present nature of God’s Kingdom this way: ‘”The Kingdom of God is no longer identified with any geopolitical kingdom on earth. It is no longer the era of driving the nations out of God’s holy land but of living side by side with unbelievers in charity. …It is the hour of grace, not judgment” – Michael Horton, The Christian Faith.
Just think of the neighborly implications of the present kingdom!

Both Christians and secular people who yearn for a new era of tranquility and peace are wrong if they think this “Manifest Kingdom” or “Golden Age” is fully achievable now, though we may make incremental progress. Isaiah’s prophecy that “the wolf will live with the lamb, the leopard will lie down with the goat, the calf and the lion and the yearling together “ (Isaiah 11:6) is not attainable in the present age. If you attempt to mix animals that way now, you will need a lot of lambs and goats and calves!

Likewise, world affairs require that we strive for peace but at the same time not be naïve toward the power of evil. A state governed by peace principles alone will see itself subjected to evil domination. It’s too soon to beat our swords into plowshares and our spears into pruning hooks.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

June 30, 2024 – Ninety years since Adolph Hitler got rid of many whom he perceived as threats to his power in a purge known as:

“The Night of the Long Knives”

Chancellor/dictator Adolph Hitler, at the urging of Heinrich Himmler and Hermann Göring, ordered executions to consolidate his power. The violence from June 30 through July 2, 1934 was directed against the paramilitary group known as “Brown Shirts,” which had supported Hitler’s rise to power but which was seen as a threat by the German military. Other political enemies of Hitler were also purged by execution, including Gustav Ritter von Kahr, a political leader in Bavaria who had suppressed Hitler’s Munich Beer Hall Putsch in 1923.

This example of extra-legal suppression of political opposition was a foretaste of much worst to come.

www.donaldshoemakerministries.com

Don and his wife Mary have been married for 58 years. They have two children and seven grandchildren, including a grandson-in-law. They recently moved to Temecula, California

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May-June 2024 Newsletter

Posted on May 27, 2024 by admin

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A Solder Worth Honoring
May-June 2024 Newsletter

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My Opening Prayer at the May 2 Awards Breakfast Seal Beach [CA] Police Department

Police Department “Our God in Heaven, we begin by asking your very special comfort and encouragement for the families of the four officers killed in Charlotte. Guide the law enforcement departments and their leaders through this very difficult time.

“We express our concern over the lawlessness on campuses which not only damages property but also damages our ability to have genuine freedom of speech and to discuss our differences with civility. Again, guide the law enforcement agencies and their leaders that are called on to uphold the law and enforce the peace in these difficult circumstances.

“Keep your workers safe and lead us, in the words of the Prophet Amos, to do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly before our God. In his name we pray. Amen.”[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1598373738095{border-radius: 3px !important;}”][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Deputy Sheriff Tobin Bolter
End of Watch: April 21, 2024

Back the Badge

“Blessed are those who
maintain justice.” – Psalm 106:3
A Line-of-Duty Death
Strikes Close to Home

Deputy Tobin Bolter, 27, served the people of Ada County Idaho. With Boise as the county seat, Ada County is by far the state’s largest county.

On April 20 at 9:00 p.m. Deputy Bolter made a traffic stop in Boise. According to Officer Down Memorial Page:

He had just exited his patrol car and was approaching the vehicle he stopped when the driver opened fire on him before fleeing. A witness to the shooting called 911 and performed CPR on Deputy Bolter before medics arrived and transported him to a local hospital.

The subject was located … a short time later. He was shot and killed by Boise police officers after opening fire on them as they attempted to take him into custody. It was later determined that the man was wanted.

Deputy Bolter succumbed to his wounds at about 10:00 am the following morning.

While he had seven years’ experience in law enforcement, Deputy Bolter had served the Ada County Sheriff’s Department for only four months. The Bolter Family said in a statement, “Tobin’s life has been a reflection of God’s grace. He was a selfless man of conviction, giving God the glory in all circumstances.”

Deputy Bolter is survived by Abbey, his beloved wife for almost six years. Abbey’s parents were part of Grace Community Church of Seal Beach when she was a child and before they moved. I was privileged to be their pastor.

We mourn this senseless killing and uphold this devastated family with our prayers and support as we also uphold the Ada County Sheriff’s Department.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1598373738095{border-radius: 3px !important;}”][vc_column][vc_column_text]

“The Apostles’ Creed” (Part 5)

Being therefore a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him that he would set one of his descendants on his throne, he [the patriarch David] foresaw and spoke about the resurrection of the Christ, that he was not abandoned to Hades, nor did his flesh see corruption. This Jesus God raised up, and of that we all are witnesses.
– Peter’s Sermon on the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2:30-32 ESV)

[I believe]
He descended into hell.
The third day he rose again from the dead.

5A – Here we see how New Testament preachers and writers viewed the Old Testament as reaching its fulfillment in Jesus.

Jesus walked with two men on the Road to Emmaus (Luke 21:13-27) and explained how the scriptures found their fulfillment in him – “Beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he interpreted to them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself.” Jesus had lots to say during a seven-mile walk!

In Peter’s sermon on Pentecost he reflected on the words of Psalm 16:10. There King David confidently says, “Therefore my heart is glad, and my soul rejoices; my body also dwells secure. For you will not abandon my soul to Sheol [Hell], or let your holy one see corruption” (verses 9-10).

Any normal reading of these verses would conclude David is speaking of his own confidence in God’s care. And that’s correct. The New Testament, however, again and again sees a “fulfillment” (a “fill-FULL-ment”— a “Meaning” above the meaning) of these words in Jesus. Likewise, Hosea 11:1 clearly refers to Israel’s exodus from Egypt: “When Israel was a child, I loved him, and out of Egypt I called my son.” Yet Matthew (under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit) sees a “fill-FULL-ment” in this historical statement—he sees a prophecy of the child Jesus leaving Egypt (Matthew 2:15).

5B – “Hell” has various meanings, and this makes the creed’s words a bit baffling.

“Hades” (“Hell”; Hebrew: “sheol”) can simply mean the grave, which it probably meant in Psalm 16:10 (Acts 2:29 – “His tomb is with us to this day”).

But “Hades” also may refer to the realm of departed spirits (Luke 16:23).

So, does the creed refer to Jesus’ days in the tomb, or to a descent by Jesus into the netherworld of departed spirits? I can see arguments either way.

5C – If Jesus did, in his death, descend to the realm of the dead, what did he “do” there?

Now Jesus’ “descent into Hell” gets even murkier! Read these verses:

For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit, in which [spirit] he went and proclaimed to the spirits in prison, because they formerly did not obey, when God’s patience waited in the days of Noah while the ark was being built. (1 Peter 3:18-20 ESV. See also 1 Peter 4:6)

Does this mean Jesus preached the gospel to departed souls in Hades, thereby giving the listeners a “second chance”? Or did he proclaim salvation to the righteous dead and then lead their souls to heaven? Or was a message of judgment proclaimed against the unrighteous dead?

Note that 1 Peter 3:18-20 only speaks of those who disobeyed God in the days of Noah. Perhaps Peter is saying that “the spirit of Jesus” was preaching judgment in the days of Noah to people who are now dead. This is reasonable and thus it doesn’t say that Jesus preached in Hell to all who have died.

The meaning of Jesus’ descent into Hell is problematic. To simply view this descent as referring to his burial fits the meaning of Psalm 16:10 in both its original reference to David and in its fulfillment in Jesus’s burial. And it avoids the speculations around a descent to a realm of spirits. So I prefer this view.

What did Jesus “do” when he descended into Hell? He remained in the tomb.

5D – So perhaps we can understand how some Bible scholars have suggested we leave this phrase out of the creed entirely!

Theologian Wayne Grudem favors omitting the phrase. For a few years I would leave this statement out when I lead my congregation in saying this creed. I thought that a creed should be clear on the basics of our faith and that this phrase was too opaque.

Many early versions of The Apostles’ Creed omit the phrase, as does the later Nicene Creed. In reality there is no “loss of truth” in omitting it.

In more recent years I’ve included the phrase. But if we’re going to include it, we had better teach from time to time about what it means. Death could not hold him!

There in the ground, His body lay. Light of the world, by darkness, slain.
Then bursting forth in glorious day, up from the grave, He rose again.

– “In Christ Alone” by Keith & Kristyn Getty

5E – “The Third Day”

We may be puzzled at this if we believe Jesus was crucified on Friday and rose Sunday morning. After all, didn’t Jesus himself say, “just as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish, so will the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth” (Matthew 12:40)?

This isn’t the only “calendar” problem for Passion Week! It may just be that “three days/nights” is a pattern of speaking that refers to an experience that covers all or parts of three days.

5F – The resurrection of Jesus is part of the Gospel—Don’t omit it!

“If the Resurrection is removed from the messages of the early Church, then that message loses its center and its soul. The claim on which all other claims were based is invalidated, and there is little left.”

– William Barclay, The Apostles’ Creed

I’ve taken many evangelism classes over the years and have learned the “points” we are to share when we witness (like “The Four Spiritual Laws”). How many of these include the resurrection of Jesus? Just about none.

But if we read the Book of Acts we will see how “soul winning” includes the word of the resurrection all over the place. We confess it for salvation: “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” (Romans 10:9).

The Apostle Paul declares that the resurrection of Jesus is part of the gospel that saves us (1 Corinthians 15:2-4): “Christ died for our sins…he was buried…he was raised the third day.” Believe it; proclaim it; live it!

5G – Only an actual bodily resurrection will pass the Test of Truth!

Liberals within the Christian religion may choose to believe that Jesus lives on in the hearts of his followers or in the power of his moral teachings or in the abiding value of the life he lived. That’s all true, but that’s not the meaning of “he rose again from the dead.”

The Gospel proclaims a bodily resurrection. When Jesus said, “Destroy this temple and in three days I will raise it up” (John 2:19) he was speaking of “the temple of his body” (2:21). After his resurrection he appeared to his disciples in his real but transformed resurrection body (Luke 24:36-43):

Jesus himself stood among them, and said to them, “Peace to you!” But they were startled and frightened and thought they saw a spirit. And he said to them, “Why are you troubled, and why do doubts arise in your hearts? See my hands and my feet, that it is I myself. Touch me, and see. For a spirit does not have flesh and bones as you see that I have.” And when he had said this, he showed them his hands and his feet. And while they still disbelieved for joy and were marveling, he said to them, “Have you anything here to eat?” They gave him a piece of broiled fish, and he took it and ate before them.

Thus, Jesus proclaimed, invited investigation, and demonstrated that he was alive in the body (proclamation and apologetics are friends). This has enormous implications for Christian truth and ethics. I will explain this further when I comment on the creed’s “the resurrection of the body.”

5H – The meaning and value of Jesus’ resurrection.

It is often taught that Jesus’ resurrection was God’s “stamp of acceptance,” so to speak, on the sacrificial death of Jesus on the cross. Yes, but there is more.

At Jesus’ resurrection he was declared to be the Son of God with power (Romans 1:4). He was displayed as God’s obedient Son at his baptism. Now Jesus is displayed as God’s Son with power. See the vision of the exalted Lord in Revelation 1:12-16 and read Philippians 2:6-11.
The resurrection of Jesus gives us assurance that, as we possess the same Holy Spirit who raised Jesus, we will attain resurrection ourselves at the appointed time. “If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you” (Romans 8:11).
In 1 Corinthians 15: 12-18 the Apostle Paul considers the reverse: “What if Jesus did NOT rise from the dead?” Then (1) the apostolic message is hollow, (2) our faith is hollow as well, (3) the apostles have misrepresented God (a most severe sin), because they testified that God indeed did raise his son from the dead, (4) our faith is futile and we remain unforgiven, “in our sins,” (5) those who believed the message and have died are without hope, (6) believers are to be pitied.
We are justified (pronounced righteous by God) through Jesus’ resurrection. We often think of the Cross as achieving our justification, and this is true. But the resurrection completes this work of Christ in our behalf. Jesus was “delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification” (Romans 4:25).
Jesus’ resurrection empowers us to live godly Christian lives. Our baptism teaches us that “just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life” (Romans 6:4; see 6:1-14).
Finally, Jesus’ resurrection is the foretaste (firstfruits) of our own, which will complete our salvation. “Christ, the firstfruits; then, when he comes, those who belong to him” (1 Corinthians 15:20-23).

How Government Desecrated Two Meaningful Days

1. Do we remember the Resurrection of Jesus or do we celebrate “Transgender Day of Visibility”?

Christians in the Western World overwhelmingly celebrate Easter Sunday as the day of Jesus’ resurrection. Good governments ought to respect this and not trample on it either intentionally or thoughtlessly. For example, the huge Long Beach Gran Prix is held on an April weekend every year. Easter, of course, is a “floating Sunday” on the calendar. Still, out of respect for this day and those who honor it, the big race is never scheduled to conflict with it.

But such considerateness didn’t register with the White House:

I, JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR., President of the United States of America, …do hereby proclaim March 31, 2024, as Transgender Day of Visibility.

The proclamation says further:

On Transgender Day of Visibility, we honor the extraordinary courage and contributions of transgender Americans and reaffirm our Nation’s commitment to forming a more perfect Union — where all people are created equal and treated equally throughout their lives.

Now, it might be claimed that government and religion don’t mix well. So the government has no duty to safeguard a day dedicated to religious observance. But the president’s proclamation does just that (mixes government and religion) with regard to “Transgender Day of Visibility.” He declares that this day honors our commitment to have a nation “where all people are created equal and treated equally.” Just where does that idea ultimately come from? Nothing less than from the biblical idea that God is our Creator and gave us value by making us in his image and likeness (Genesis 1:27). And God’s creative work did more: “Male and female he made them” – a distinction to be honored and upheld, not confused or erased.

“Mr. President, what in the world were you thinking when you took Easter Sunday and named it the ‘Transgender Day of Visibility’?”

2. Do we remember April 30 as a sad day, when South Vietnam fell to Communist North Vietnam, or do we celebrate “Jane Fonda Day”?

“Hanoi Jane” Fonda with N Vietnamese troops

On April 30, 1975 the armies of North Vietnam and the Viet Cong captured the city of Saigon, bringing an end to the Vietnam War. The large Vietnamese American community (over 500,000 in California) regards that day as Black April.

The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors recently designated April 30 each year as “Jane Fonda Day.” A member of the California legislature who is of Vietnamese heritage had this to say (Assemblyman Tri Ta, The Los Angeles Times, May 9, 2024):

By honoring Fonda on Black April, the supervisors disregarded the Vietnamese American community, America’s Vietnam veterans and countless others, aggravating wounds that have yet to heal. To have this solemn day overshadowed by the celebration of an individual who openly sympathized with the regime responsible for so much suffering is an insult to the memory of those who perished and those who continue to live with the scars of war. This decision demonstrates a lack of empathy for the Vietnamese diaspora and highlights a need for greater cultural awareness.

In responding to the wave of protests, the Board of Supervisors has moved the commemorative date to April 8. The questions remain, “Why should this be a Board of Supervisors matter? Should not the Board attend to the serious matters facing the county and resolve them, rather than lifting up a polarizing figure from the past like Jane Fonda?”

“Supervisors, what in the world were you thinking when you took Black April and named it ‘Jane Fonda Day’?”[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1598373738095{border-radius: 3px !important;}”][vc_column width=”2/3″][vc_column_text]

A Soldier
Worth Honoring
on Memorial Day

Veteran (Vietnam),
Pastor, Spiritual Leader, Friend

Randy Weekley

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_single_image image=”2043″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1598373738095{border-radius: 3px !important;}”][vc_column][vc_column_text]I knew Randy as a loyal American and a veteran of the Vietnam War. Even more, I knew him as a Christian pastor and spiritual leader. I would see him every year that he served on our denomination’s leadership team, which would meet each January at my church in Seal Beach CA.

During those visits we’d always take time to talk. I learned about his physical sufferings, which seemed to be worsening. Sadly, I learned of the terrible villonodual synovotos * that severely affected his ankles. “How did this come about?” I asked. He was clear and firm: “Agent Orange!”

Agent Orange was a potent defoliant used by the U.S. in the Vietnam War to denude the jungles and thus expose the enemy’s movements. Unfortunately, it also affected many American servicemen and it took our government way too long to own up to the consequences.

While in Vietnam, U.S and Free World Military Assistance Forces soldiers were told not to worry about Agent Orange and were persuaded the chemical was harmless. After returning home, Vietnam veterans from all countries that served began to suspect their ill health or the instances of their wives having miscarriages or children born with birth defects might be related to Agent Orange and the other toxic herbicides to which they had been exposed in Vietnam.

There are various types of cancer associated with Agent Orange, including chronic B-cell leukemia, Hodgkin’s lymphoma, multiple myeloma, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, prostate cancer, respiratory cancer, lung cancer, and soft tissue sarcomas. (Wikipedia)

I saw Randy’s ability to get around become more difficult each year. In 2015 his left leg was amputated below the knee. He said of this experience, “I have had the privilege of meeting many brave vets who are amputees. My relationship with the God of the universe helps me daily to get through. I am asking God to open a door of ministry into their lives.”

Randy (74) passed away and went to be with his Lord on October 19, 2023. Active in ministry up to the time of his passing, he gave his last sermon on August 13, appropriately titled “Absolute Necessity of Trials.”

Randy told me one very sad experience. Those who remember the Vietnam War era will recall the division in our country over the war. Sometimes it spilled over into protests. But it never should have turned against the troops.

On one occasion when he returned to the United States: A police officer spit on the ground in front of him. That should never be. The police officer should have been fired.

A “thank you” to all who have served our country through military service. And a big “thank you” to Randy, for serving God and the country he loved, for being a fine pastor and friend, for paying such a big price.

* https://www.webmd.com/pain-management/knee-pain/what-is-pvns-pigmented-villonodular-synovitis[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

www.donaldshoemakerministries.com

Don and his wife Mary have been married for 58 years. They have two children and six grandchildren, plus a grandson-in-law. They recently moved to Temecula, California.

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April 2024 Newsletter

Posted on March 28, 2024 by admin

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”949″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][vc_custom_heading text=”“A Piece of My Mind”” font_container=”tag:h1|font_size:50px|text_align:center|color:%232633ef” google_fonts=”font_family:Bitter%3Aregular%2Citalic%2C700|font_style:700%20bold%20regular%3A700%3Anormal”][vc_custom_heading text=”April 2024 Newsletter” font_container=”tag:h1|font_size:30px|text_align:center|color:%232633ef” google_fonts=”font_family:Bitter%3Aregular%2Citalic%2C700|font_style:400%20regular%3A400%3Anormal”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”2/3″][vc_column_text]

Good Friday?

Jesus agonized in prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane.
He was betrayed by Judas and delivered over to those who willed his death.
He was beaten and sentenced to death in Pilate’s Judgment Hall.
He was taken to Calvary and there he was crucified.
He died, after which a Roman soldier pierced his side with a sword.
He was buried.

So how can we call the day it happened “Good”?

See next what The Apostles’ Creed says about what happened on Good Friday.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1598373738095{border-radius: 3px !important;}”][vc_column][vc_column_text]

“The Apostles’ Creed” (Part 4)

“…when they came to the place that is called The Skull, there they crucified him, and the criminals, one on his right and one on his left. And Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.”

– Luke 23:33-34 ESV

[I believe…in Jesus Christ, who…]
suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, dead, and buried.

4A – Not a word is said in this creed about Jesus’ life between his birth and passion (suffering).

Neither The Apostles’ Creed nor The Nicene Creed spends a moment on the life of Jesus. It’s as if Jesus’ life (33 years, including 3 years of intense ministry) is the silent hyphen between two dates (his birth, his death).

An interesting text in the Book of Revelation says even less: “She gave birth to a male child…and the child was snatched up to God and to his throne” (Revelation 12:5 NIV). Birth and ascension, nothing in between.

I see no error in what the creeds do. They catch two high points in Jesus’ life. A full Christology (the doctrine of Christ) and a study of the Life of Christ, of course, must do much more. Learning this is part of Christian growth; learning of Jesus’ birth and death is part of Christian initiation. If we ignore the life of Christ (as if to say, “He came to die”) we have truncated the Gospel.

4B – “Pontius Pilate” – from now on a “household name!”

Two people are named in this creed: the righteous virgin Mary, the unrighteous governor Pilate. How would you like your name mentioned this way in a creed recited by hundreds of millions over the millennia?

Pilate was no paragon of justice. He was self-serving to crucify Jesus. He thought he could wash his hands of his evil deed (Matthew 27:24), but no amount of water would ever remove this guilt.

Pilate once mingled the blood of Galileans with their sacrifices (Luke 13:1). Historians differ over whether he was an effective or cruel leader, or both. Putin comes to mind.

Summoned back to Rome for brutality against Samaritans, he never did come to trial and may have simply retired. The Coptic Church believes he became a convert to Christianity and venerates him as a martyr and saint. The Roman historian Tacitus references Jesus’ death under Pilate.

4C – “Crucified” is more than just a word.

We may say or read this word and pass on, missing its significance. People of the Roman world of Jesus’ day knew the horror behind the word.

Nailed to a cross or a stake by the hands (or wrists or forearms) and feet, the person under such a sentence of death would die after hours or days due to asphyxiation. The torturous hours would be spent in agony at the mercy of the heat and birds and insects as well as, in Jesus’ case, the taunts of others.

Rather than “on a hill far away,” crucifixion was probably done where the public would pass by, behold, and take heed. Don’t mess with Rome!

The Gospel accounts indicate that Jesus yielded up his life prior to dying by asphyxiation. John 19:31-33 indicates that a soldier broke the legs of the two crucified with Jesus, which would quicken their asphyxiation. But Jesus was already dead and the soldiers did not break his legs.

4D – No reason for Jesus’ death on the cross is given in this creed.

The Nicene Creed begins its confessions about Jesus’ birth and death with the words “for us and our salvation” (he was born, he died, etc.). It continues “for our sake he was crucified…” Other than these words we would not know from these creeds that Jesus’ death was salvific, not just a secular Roman penalty.

The Gospel of John, in its common effort to show “the Purpose” deeper than a “purpose,” tells us that a Roman soldier thrust a spear into Jesus’ side and at once blood and water flowed out. The word on this action is given to evoke faith in Jesus and to highlight the fulfillment of scripture (John 19:34-37).

1 John 5:6-10 contains a confession that may mystify us a bit:

This is he who came by water and blood—Jesus Christ; not by the water only but by the water and the blood. And the Spirit is the one who testifies, because the Spirit is the truth. For there are three that testify: the Spirit and the water and the blood; and these three agree. If we receive the testimony of men, the testimony of God is greater, for this is the testimony of God that he has borne concerning his Son. Whoever believes in the Son of God has the testimony in himself.

I understand this as looking back to the soldier piercing Jesus’ side. The Spirit of God testifies to the truth of “the water and the blood,” and belief in the Christ who lived for us and died for us is a saving belief. I suggest that the water and blood that flowed from Jesus’ side bore witness to a real birth in the flesh and a real death on the cross. This countered heresy that denied a complete incarnation and actual death on the cross. This confession was important then and still is now.

We could state several answers to “Why did Jesus die?” Here are three. One does not exclude the others.

1) Jesus died “for our sins” (1 Corinthians 15:3), that God’s just wrath against evil might be satisfied and God might be just when he justifies those who have faith in Jesus (Romans 3:23-26).

2) Jesus also died as an example to us who believe in him, so we might know how to face injustice and assaults on our faith as he did (1 Peter 2:21-24).

3) Jesus’ death was a climatic victory—liberation from Satan and evil. By the cross, God “disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him” (Colossians 2:15).

This third motif is often overlooked by Christians today, who focus on the first almost exclusively. But in the early church and in the church’s first millennium the idea that Jesus died the Victor (Christus Victor) was strong. If we taught this and believed it more intensely, our Communion services would be more celebratory and less like funerals.

5D. Jesus’ burial underscored the reality of his death and brought an end to his humiliation.

Joseph of Arimathea, a prominent leader of the people and a believer in Jesus, went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. Amazed that Jesus was dead so soon, Pilate verified Jesus’ death and then released the body to Joseph.

Joseph buried Jesus’ body in a new tomb after carefully removing it from the cross and wrapping it in linen. To me, this signals the end of Jesus’ humiliation and anticipates his exaltation. As if God said, “My son will now be treated with dignity.”

All four Gospel accounts record the burial of Jesus (see Mark 15:42-46). The word on Jesus’ burial is not just some afterthought—it is confessional (“crucified, dead and buried” in the words of the creed). Burial is an important pointer to the certainty of his death and this truth is part of the Gospel that saves us: “By this gospel you are saved…Christ died for our sins…he was buried…he was raised on the third day” (1 Corinthians 15:2-4).[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1598373738095{border-radius: 3px !important;}”][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Bearing shame and scoffing rude,
In my place condemned He stood.
Sealed my pardon with his blood,
Hallelujah, what a savior!
(P. P. Bliss, 1875)

Living, He loved me; dying, He saved me;
Buried, He carried my sins far away;
Rising, He justified freely forever:
One day He’s coming—O glorious day!
(J. Wilbur Chapman, 1908)

“The Entombment of Christ”
By Caravaggio (1603)
Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathea place Jesus in a tomb while Jesus’ mother Mary, Mary Magdalene
and Mary of Clopas look on.

A Word to Pastors, Church Leaders and Active Church Members…

“50+ Years of Ministry in Southern California – 1970-2024”
By Donald Shoemaker
Pastor, Professor & Police Chaplain

“Ministry” as I’ve known it is about to change in my life as my wife and I relocate soon. This reality gives me pause to reflect back on my ministry journey and now write and speak on it. Here I share three big observations as I look back on over a half-century of ministry in Southern Cal.

1. The Southern California culture has changed, and I changed with it.

In January 1970 my wife and I flew to California. At age 25, I was to candidate for the pastoral position at a church in Long Beach. We could call that our “SNOWPLOW” trip—the runway in South Bend IN had to be plowed for the plane to get in to take us to Chicago. It was our first plane flight—totally in the clouds from takeoff almost to landing.

“Long Beach is a pretty conservative city,” a host family member told us. Well, maybe at the start of my ministry here, but would this ever change over the years!

We moved to Long Beach in July 1970. I became a pastor and we bought a house nine doors behind the church, where we have lived until now.

A culturally conservative church in a conservative city fit me to a “T”.

My training at Grace Theological Seminary in Indiana was excellent, but basically it prepared me for service in a conservative cultural context, not in a cosmopolitan secular megalopolis. The church I pastored for six years was a good group of people. But it could have been plucked up from the Midwest and planted on the east side of Long Beach.

But then my notions of what it means to be spiritual and separated according to this conservative mindset dramatically unraveled.
• I ran into something called “The Jesus Movement.” Any pastor with an open mind couldn’t help but be influenced by this mostly-genuine spiritual revival.
• I participated in a “March for Jesus” that featured singer Barry McGuire. My assignment was to drive this sincere Christian with the looks of a hippie to the beach where he would sing. It was quite an “eye-opener” physically and spiritually.
• A year later I invited him to sing at my church. He stayed in our home for the weekend. His simple yet growing faith touched me deeply. Bias against long hair notwithstanding, our toddler daughter saw him and said, “Zeezaw [Jesus]!”

Preaching through the Gospel of Matthew was the final blow to the legalistic Christianity I was raised under and which was deep in the DNA of my church and my denomination.

Month after month I expounded Matthew without my culturally conservative glasses on.
Mt 15:11, 17-20 – “It’s not what enters into a man that defiles a man, but what comes from the heart.” Jesus meant what he said, and it couldn’t be explained away.
Mark 7:19 adds: “Thus he declared all foods clean.” I said in my sermon, “The teachings of
Fundamentalism are closer to the teachings of the Pharisees than to Jesus’ teachings.”

With this revolution in my thinking, my view changed on what musical instruments and styles are acceptable in worship. I wrote an article in our denomination’s magazine called “Music in Worship.” I said that opposition to guitars and “Jesus Music” made one a “weaker brother” by biblical standards. A reader’s Letter to the Editor said: “I couldn’t believe I was reading [our denomination’s] magazine.” A couple of months later a professor from our college wrote an article on music in the magazine as a rebuttal.

More important: my categories of clean and unclean people had to change (read the entire chapter of Acts 10). The Apostle Peter could never have ministered outside his conservative culture to Gentiles without the revolution in his heart that took place when a sheet descended from heaven full of clean and unclean foods and God’s word to Peter was: “Rise, Peter, kill and eat.” I call that “Peter’s Second Conversion” and I had a second conversion too!

Peter preached to the Gentile household of Cornelius and saw them converted. He told them: “God has shown me that I should not call anyone impure or unclean” (Acts 10:28). But would Peter ever get criticized for this foray into the Gentile world when he returned to his mother church!

This account about Peter and the Gentiles resonates with me. I had a similar experience!

2. My views on pastoral work have solidified against strong trends.

I still believe that most churches do best with “meat and potatoes” ministries and the pastor as a General Practitioner and a Bible expositor and “keeper of the peace.” There certainly are exceptions when churches find themselves in unique situations.

In 1984 I left a teaching position at Biola University and became pastor of the church in Seal Beach I retired from in 2012 and where I still serve.

“Church Growth”: About that time (1984), “The Church Growth Movement” (CGM) swept through churches and the pastoral profession. I can’t discuss the details here, but I quote Dr. Jim Borror*, one-time pastor of Lakewood First Baptist Church: “The CGM is the worst thing to hit the churches in my lifetime. It will drive a lot of good pastors out of the ministry.” Few good pastors are equipped with the talents, training or passion to be the kind of sodalic, visionary, compelling leader that the CGM tells us we must be. Whatever happened to “shepherds”? Read Ezekiel 34:4-5 on how shepherds/pastors can fail their task.
* Dr. Borror passed away on February 12 at the age of 90.

I adopted a thick skin on how pastoral work and success were defined in the CGM.
A missionary supported by our church told me that he had changed his understanding of what a “successful” church is. “Jesus taught us to love God and love our neighbor. A church leading its people to do those things is a successful church.” That is an encouragement to good, loving pastors who work hard at their churches—small, medium or large.

Preaching: (1) I moved away from rigid sermon prep based on the outlining of the text to prefer exposition that exposed the text through simple points people could easily grasp.
Preaching is not an effort to show our people how well we know the hidden truth revealed in Hebrew and Greek (a form of Gnosticism). Instead, we unfold the truths of the Bible they hold in their hands, so they can see it for themselves.

We are called to be simple preachers who can simultaneously feed mature saints needing the meat of the word and feed less mature saints still needing the “milk of the word.”

(2) I came to regard the most important part of sermon prep to be the hour or two I would spend developing the sermon outline—setting forth simple, organized, homiletically polished points that could be in their hands and projected on the screen and developed in the sermon. Pastors should never short-change their people by putting a piece of paper in the bulletin with only the sermon title and text on it!

(3) I decided that 30 minutes was long enough for a sermon. A 45-minute sermon doesn’t prove us to be more in-depth preachers. It may show we don’t want to organize our sermons more tightly. A 30-minute sermon takes more prep time than a 45-minute sermon.

A deep concern: I’m concerned about the deterioration of theological training and the decline of interest in theology amongst pastors. My denomination’s annual conferences used to feature a daily Bible hour, but now the focus is on methodology. Over a two-year time of study I switched my position on the rapture of the church from a pre-tribulation to a post-tribulation position. There was a time when this would have created a lot of controversy in my denomination, but I’ve heard such little reaction that I’ve had to wonder, “How much do we really care what a pastor believes?”

I thought I’d never hear what I heard a pastor in my denomination once say: “We’ve got doctrine coming out our ears.” As my grandfather would say, “Mark my words” – the seeds we’re sowing now will reap a bad harvest in a future generation.

Pastoral Care: Most won’t remember the sermons we gave (some will, for good or bad!), but they’ll remember our being there for them when their lives were upside down. They will remember my willingness to get up from finalizing sermon notes on a Saturday evening and go the hospital to visit someone in crisis (our current pastor is good at such compassion ministry). My mother was ill with terminal cancer in our home for six months and never got a pastoral call. I wouldn’t recommend her church to anyone, no matter how big it gets or how deep it is into Church Growth.

3. I’ve learned our churches must fulfill their mission to their communities.

I’ve been a social concerns activist for over 50 years. Not every pastor can or should have that level of involvement, but every pastor should be concerned about their communities and, more broadly, what’s happening in their country.

While reading the Bible through I came across Jeremiah 29:7 and it changed my ministry and our church’s focus. “Seek the shalom of the community where I have placed you and pray to the Lord in its behalf, for in its shalom you will have shalom” (my paraphrase).

Also, one year my church’s elder board, as part of an evaluation, made just about the best recommendation it could give. It recommended I find an avenue of service in the Seal Beach community. This led to my becoming the chaplain for our local police department—a service I still provide 23 years later.

When responding to a crisis “call out” I pray the Prayer of St. Francis: “God, make me an instrument of your peace…” Some chaplain experiences I’ve had:

• Many calls to homes during the night when a family member is discovered dead
• Call to accidents to be with families with injured or deceased loved ones
• Call to the hospital where a little boy or little girl wouldn’t survive
• Funerals for department personnel and their family members
• Having police officers seek me out for prayer as they faced tough situations
• The Salon Massacre of 2011 (I still meet with family members on the anniversary)
• Being able to open my church’s facilities in service to the police

Sadly, I learned from a person interested in being a chaplain at another agency:
• That department sent a letter to all area churches to see if any pastor had interest in being a police chaplain there. Results: zero.
• This person went to the leaders of her own megachurch and was told the church didn’t commission chaplains.

I’m pondering writing an article: “If you are too busy to serve your community, you are too busy.” The fields are white unto harvest, but where are the laborers who should be in the fields?

In summary, not every pastor is called to a community service position. But every pastor should be community-minded and lead his church in that direction. Politics has no business in the church, but the church must know what’s going in its community and how to respond.

God calls the church to judge its own and leave judgment of those outside the church to him (1 Corinthians 5:12-13). My job is to be a good neighbor, not a judge, to those outside the church. God will sort everything out on the Last Day.

For everything there is a season,
and a time for every matter under heaven:

A time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted.
A time to break down, and a time to build up.
A time to keep, and a time to cast away.

[God] has made everything beautiful in its time.

– Ecclesiastes 3:1-6, 11 NIV (excerpts)

Bottom line, after almost 54 years in our Long Beach, California home …

“The Time Has Come!”

We are moving soon to Temecula, California. Leaving our church and my chaplain work at the Seal Beach Police Department and the people involved at both are the two hardest parts of the change, followed by moving from our home, neighborhood, and friends and from the places that have supplied our needs and wants, most within a mile or two of where we’ve lived.

This picture shows the view from our second-floor bedroom deck …

The Time Has Come [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

www.donaldshoemakerministries.com

Don has been a member of the clergy in the Long Beach, California area since 1970. He now serves as Pastor Emeritus of Grace Community Church of Seal Beach (where he was senior pastor 1984-2012) and as Senior Chaplain of the Seal Beach Police Department (2001+). He previously was an assistant professor of Biblical Studies at Biola University (1976-84) and chaired the Social Concerns Committee in the Fellowship of Grace Brethren Churches from 1985 to 2019.

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March 2024 Newsletter

Posted on February 29, 2024 by admin

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”949″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][vc_custom_heading text=”“A Piece of My Mind”” font_container=”tag:h1|font_size:50px|text_align:center|color:%232633ef” google_fonts=”font_family:Bitter%3Aregular%2Citalic%2C700|font_style:700%20bold%20regular%3A700%3Anormal”][vc_custom_heading text=”March 2024 Newsletter” font_container=”tag:h1|font_size:30px|text_align:center|color:%232633ef” google_fonts=”font_family:Bitter%3Aregular%2Citalic%2C700|font_style:400%20regular%3A400%3Anormal”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”2/3″][vc_column_text]

Jesus “Gets Us”

Jesus “Gets Us” You may have been one of the millions who watched the “He Gets Us” ad during the Super Bowl where several instances of washing another’s feet were depicted.

The account of Jesus’ deed comes from the Gospel of John, chapter 13. The context includes Jesus’ commandment (mandatum in Latin, from which we get “Maundy Thursday”, the day before Jesus’ crucifixion). Jesus’ “mandatum” was “Love one another, as I have loved you” (13:34).

Lest we allow “love” (or “hate”) to be defined to fit some social agenda, let the real meaning of Jesus’ action sink in. “Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end” (13:1). His self-sacrifice on the cross to meet our deep need for cleansing from sin would be that “end.” Jesus gets that![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1598373738095{border-radius: 3px !important;}”][vc_column][vc_column_text]

A Liturgy of Confession during Lent

I led the liturgies for “Confession” and “Communion” at our Ash Wednesday service at Grace Community Church of Seal Beach CA. You may find the “Confession” portion meaningful for use in worship services or for individual or group recitation.
I recommend “responsive reading” for groups or services.

The First Commandment

“I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery. You shall have no other gods before me.”

God, you command us to have no other gods before you. But instead we put what you have made or given us first in our lives. We put pleasures or possessions or people, or our quest for happiness, security and meaning ahead of knowing and loving and walking with you.

The Second Commandment

“You shall not make for yourself a carved image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. You shall not bow down to them or serve them.”

You command us not to make any graven images. We may not have made actual idols, but sometimes we are covetous and seek fulfillment in things around us rather than in you.

The Third Commandment

“You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain, for the Lord will not hold him guiltless who takes his name in vain.”

You command us not to take your name in vain. Yet we claim your authority for our own goals and pursuits. We do not protect the honor of your name in how we live, what we say, and how we treat others.

The Fourth Commandment

“Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days you shall labor, and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God.”

You command us to remember your gift of a day of rest. Yet we refuse to follow your example of rest from our labors. We put our pursuits ahead of rest in you. We fail to be consistent in laying aside our everyday activities to worship you in fellowship with the church family.

The Fifth Commandment

“Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land that the Lord your God is giving you.”

You command us to honor our fathers and mothers. Yet we fail to love and serve and care for them or obey them as we should. We who are parents fail to live honorable lives before our children so they might more easily obey your word with joy.

The Sixth Commandment

“You shall not murder.”

You command us not to murder. We may not actually kill, but we commit sins against human dignity. Our own homes can manifest domestic violence. We fail to protect the most vulnerable of our fellow human beings. And we let hatred, racism, mistreatment of others and unrighteous anger rule our hearts and characterize our conduct.

The Seventh Commandment

“You shall not commit adultery.”

You command us not to commit adultery. Yet we break the covenant of marriage or fail to nourish it as we should. We excuse sexual immoralities and lust. We fail to uphold marriage as Scripture taught it, and the family as the bedrock of society that it is

The Eighth Commandment

“You shall not steal.”

You command us not to steal what belongs to others. Yet we consider ourselves entitled to these things and we justify theft in many forms—actual takings, failing to repay debt, theft of time for which we are paid, cheating on our taxes and more. And we fail to be generous to the needy and to the ministries you call your church to fulfill.

The Ninth Commandment

“You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.”

You command us to be truthful. Yet we bear false witness through slander, unfair criticism or even perjury. We use our tongues to destroy others rather than build them up. We fail to share words of honesty, comfort, love and wisdom.

The Tenth Commandment

“You shall not covet your neighbor’s house; you shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, or his male servant, or his female servant, or his ox, or his donkey, or anything that is your neighbor’s.”

Your command us not to covet. Yet we cast a wrongful eye on what belongs to another, whether that person’s spouse or property or skills or status. Inwardly we despise their success and fail to show contentment with what you have graciously given us.

Righteous and loving God, forgive us our sins as we humbly repent. Create in us a new heart that we will readily and fully acknowledge and lament our sins, and thus gratefully receive forgiveness and restoration from you, the God of all mercy. Renew a right spirit within us, so we may faithfully love you and our neighbor.

We pray through Jesus Christ our Lord, our redeemer, our intercessor, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, One Eternal God, Amen.

– By Donald Shoemaker (Lenten Season, 2024)

“The Apostles’ Creed” (Part 3)

We’ve looked at the first “credo” in this creed (from the Latin “I believe…”).
It pertained to “God the Father.”

Now, in “Part 3,” we will look at the first part of the second “credo”:

[I believe] in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord;
who was conceived by the Holy Ghost,
born of the Virgin Mary.

3A – The Creed is very “Christ-centered” and “Christ-focused.”

The second “credo” shows us how important the Lord Jesus Christ was to the early Christians who learned segments of this creed and to Christians since the fifth century who recite “The Apostles’ Creed” regularly.

In the text of “The Apostles’ Creed” that I am using, ten of its eighteen lines are devoted to Jesus Christ. A better calculation comes from the Latin text of the prayer. It has seventy-four words, and FIFTY of them (that’s 2/3) are about Jesus.

We may throw around words like “Christ-like” or “Christ-centered” without thinking of their meaning. The Creed tells us we need to know and live by the centrality of Jesus. Genuine Christianity will always be centered on Jesus.

And here’s why:

He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation.
For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.

– Colossians 1:15-20 ESV

3B – The Creed conveys five main themes about Jesus.

Themes about Jesus are numerous. Big and small. Central and marginal. Crucial and less so. I regard all the themes about Jesus found in the Creed to be big and central and crucial.

• His HUMANITY
• His CRUCIFIXION and BURIAL
• His DESCENT into Hell and RESURRECTION on the third day
• His ASCENSION into heaven and present ministry as he SITS AT THE RIGHT HAND OF GOD THE FATHER
• His RETURN from heaven to earth as JUDGE

The segment of the Creed we examine here is about his HUMANITY.

“The Word [Jesus] became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.”

– John 1:14

3C – Jesus is “God’s Only Son.”

“God so loved the world that he gave his only Son.” – John 3:16

“Only (begotten) Son” (John 1:18) in the sense of “unique.” He is God’s Son like no other. Jesus is “the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being” (Hebrews 1:3 NIV).

Islam, because of its strong emphasis on Allah’s transcendence, cannot accept that Jesus is God’s Son. “It is inconceivable that God should have taken unto Himself a son; limitless is He in his glory!” (Maryam 35). “The Jews say, ‘Ezra is God’s son,’ while the Christians say, ‘The Christ is God’s son.’ Such are the sayings which they utter with their mouths, following in spirit assertions made in earlier times by people who denied the truth!” (At-Tawbah 30).
[See note 1]

This is incompatible with Christianity. So in honesty we acknowledge this rather than denying it or sweeping it to the side. And we strive to live together in peace and harmony as human beings made in God’s image (see Matthew 5:43-48; Romans 12:14-21; James 3:9-10). God will sort things out.

3D – Jesus is “Our Lord.”

“…every tongue [will] confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” – Philippians 2:10-11

“Lord” is an exalted title of deity (Acts 2:36), not simply recognition of a human in a higher position. In our “conversion” to Jesus we confess “Jesus is Lord” by the unction of the Holy Spirit (Romans 10:9; 1 Corinthians 12:3).

3E – Jesus’ conception required a miracle.[See notes 2 and 3]

“The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy—the Son of God.” – The Angel Gabriel, in answer to Mary’s very reasonable question, “How can I possibly bear a child since I am a virgin?” (Luke 1:34-35).

Those elegant words remain the best explication for an inexplicable event!
I sat in a Sunday School class once as this was being discussed. A man said he had the explanation. “I teach biology,” he announced. “Mary supplied the ovum and the Holy Spirit supplied the sperm.” O please! Half true at best.

The creed says Jesus entered his humanity through the supernatural agency of the Holy Spirit and the natural agency of his obedient virgin mother, Mary.

A complete naturalist will have problems with Christianity’s miracles. The Bible doesn’t lead us to expect miracles all over the place. Miracles are purposeful, extraordinary intrusions of God’s power into the normal course of things. Rare too, I think. One such miracle is what we call The Virgin Birth.

Actually (and this is quite important both for our doctrine of Christ and for our Christian convictions about the value of unborn human life) the miracle is the conception of Jesus, not his birth. While we must not read modern knowledge of fertilization back into the Bible, we still must regard Jesus’ human origin to be prenatal—back to the beginning of a new human life.

By the miracle of the virgin birth, Jesus became “one of us.” He thus can be our example, sympathize with our weaknesses, defeat the temptations of the Devil, die for us, and more (Hebrews 2:14-18, 4:14-16; 1 Peter 2:18-25).
As one of us, “He sure can get us!”

NOTES:

1. Quotes from The Qur’an are from the translation with explanations by Muhammad Asad.

2. Mary’s cousin Elizabeth was likely in her third trimester carrying an unborn baby boy (whom we would know as “John the Baptist.”) when she encountered Mary, who was now pregnant with Jesus (likely an embryo). The encounter was not between just two persons but four. Elizabeth exclaimed to Mary, “When the sound of your greeting reached my ear, the baby leaped in my womb for joy” (Luke 1:39-45). This scripture strongly influences our understanding of the personhood of the unborn.

3. Many Christians believe Mary always remained a virgin. Other Christians believe that Mary remained a virgin until Jesus was born. Matthew 1:25 allows for, but does not prove, a conjugal relationship between Mary and Joseph after Jesus’ birth—Joseph “knew her not until she had given birth to a son.” Either view upholds the sanctity of sexual relations as a marital act and upholds Mary as a worthy role model to follow and a woman whom “all generations” will call “blessed” (Luke 1:46-48).[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1704305369525{background-color: #7099bf !important;border-radius: 5px !important;}”][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Aging Bodies, Fragile Brains

An article in The Wall Street Journal (February 16) tells of a 97-year old man who is still active and works eight hours every day (an economist at Chapman U.).

“Over time, the brain shrinks, its outer layer thins, deeper regions become scarred, and communication between neurons becomes less efficient. These brain changes can cause memory, reasoning and other cognitive skills to erode.” Ouch!

Columnist Joseph Epstein says he’s older than President Biden, and his word about the “age of 80” challenges me, since that will be my age at the end of 2024.

“Anyone who has reached the august—make that December—age of 80 knows the sorry feeling of going to the poorly arranged filing cabinet known as the human mind to find the title of the book or movie, the date of the historical event, the name of the athlete that one needs to keep the conversation going, to make one’s point, to demonstrate one’s wide range of knowledge, only to be unable to find it.

“For some among us it happens less frequently than for others. But among those of us of a certain age, none, I dare say, evade it altogether.”

–Joseph Epstein, “Biden’s Memory Problems, and Mine,”
The Wall Street Journal, February 14, 2024

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1598373738095{border-radius: 3px !important;}”][vc_column][vc_column_text]First Amendment Vigilance –

Free Speech on Campus?
A Harvard Professor Speaks

““Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof, or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.”

—The First Amendment

The First Amendment, of course, only applies to government at all levels. But certainly it has a pedagogical influence on many other features of society. Foremost, I think, the spirit of the First Amendment’s “free speech” words should be reflected in all our institutions of higher learning. Only thus can real “academic freedom” exist and new ideas and counter-ideas emerge.

Read excerpts from an op-ed by Harvard Professor Danielle Allen on “Diversity and Academic Freedom”(The Washington Post, Dec. 10, 2023):

I was one of three co-chairs of Harvard’s Presidential Task Force on Inclusion and Belonging, which in 2018 delivered a strategic framework for the campus… Across the country, DEI bureaucracies have been responsible for numerous assaults on common sense, but the values of lowercase-i inclusion and lowercase-d diversity remain foundational to healthy democracy…

We wrote [in our report]: “Our shared pursuits … depend on the open and direct expression of ideas and on criteria of evaluation established by the judgments of experts. Excellence therefore also requires academic freedom. Inclusion and academic freedom — these principles are linked in each being necessary to the pursuit of truth.”

We grounded the work in a broad commitment to pluralism. We wanted a diversity of views on campus, and we recognized that the sources of diversity are myriad. We cared as much about viewpoint and religion as any other source of diversity…. While we acknowledged historical patterns in our report, we did not dwell on the theme of historical injustices. We did not see the challenge in front of us as “white supremacy”; we never used a vocabulary of that kind. Our faces were set to the future. We saw in the rich diversity of our campus an opportunity — a chance to achieve a higher level of excellence powered by intense engagements across a vast range of viewpoints….

[But] three themes in our report went largely overlooked by university administrators as they began to pursue implementation — [1] our focus on academic freedom, [2] on the need to make space for religious identity and [3] on the need for greater political diversity on our campus. Older paradigms that focused only on some groups as marginalized, as opposed to all groups as sources of potential and perspective, came back to the fore… [Bold, red and brackets mine]

I am as against racism as anyone, but I believe we can all be better together based on a positive vision. Yes, it is necessary to tackle challenges such as implicit bias. But, counter to the anti-racism agenda, we cannot create a framework for inclusion and belonging that is focused on accusation.

As was the case in our 2018 report, the conceptual center of such a framework in our campus communities should be excellence, and what each and every one of us can contribute to that, for the sake of increased benefit to society.

Bringing out the best in all of us — to achieve a sum greater than the parts — is possible only if we cultivate a culture of mutual respect. Somehow the racial reckoning of 2020 lost sight of that core goal of a culture of mutual respect with human dignity at the center. A shaming culture was embraced instead…

Read the concerns of Santi Tafarella on the next page. He is a professor of English at Antelope Valley College in S. California (excerpts from “DEI Invades Community Colleges Too,” The Wall Street Journal, February 22, 2024).

[I] serve on an Academic Senate committee. Jennifer Zellet, the college president, has asked the committee to endorse the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility Glossary of Terms…

The glossary is really a manifesto, meant to guide campus administrators and leadership in policy formation, hiring, faculty evaluations and even course outlines of record. It commits them to a radical, racially charged ideology. “Merit” for instance, is defined as “a concept that…is embedded in the ideology of Whiteness and upholds race-based structural inequality…”

In campus meetings, expressing dissent on this matter can be risky. [In a meeting with two dozen professors] a faculty member tried to present a slide show outlining her concerns about the glossary. Thirty seconds into her presentation, the dean interrupted to upbraid her… [Also] the dean berated me, using obscenities and equating my criticism of the glossary with discrimination.

To advance their careers, faculty are expected not only to refrain from questioning the DEI dogma but to propagate it actively. [One criterion] for being considered to teach a new English course is whether “you’ve been actively involved in DEI programs.” New ethnic studies courses are crowding out traditional history offerings…

A couple of hours up the road, a trustee for Bakersfield College spoke of the need to “cull” anti-DEI faculty.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

www.donaldshoemakerministries.com

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January 2024 Newsletter

Posted on January 3, 2024 by admin

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”949″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][vc_custom_heading text=”“A Piece of My Mind”” font_container=”tag:h1|font_size:50px|text_align:center|color:%232633ef” google_fonts=”font_family:Bitter%3Aregular%2Citalic%2C700|font_style:700%20bold%20regular%3A700%3Anormal”][vc_custom_heading text=”January 2024 Newsletter” font_container=”tag:h1|font_size:30px|text_align:center|color:%232633ef” google_fonts=”font_family:Bitter%3Aregular%2Citalic%2C700|font_style:400%20regular%3A400%3Anormal”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”2/3″][vc_column_text]

“Epiphany” – The Striking Appearance of an Honorable Person

January 6 is “Epiphany” to many Christians. It celebrates the Christ Child, whose coming was marked by the arrival of the Magi (“Wise Men”) who came to worship baby Jesus. In their coming, salvation to the Gentiles through the Christ Child is on display.

“When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. And going into the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh.”

– Matthew 2:10-11 ESV

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I’ve thought for a long time that meaningful remembrance of Hanukkah in December is fully compatible with observance of Christmas.

More than ever before, Hanukkah has been in my mind this season in light of what it means and how it has attracted controversy and opposition.

Blatant antisemitic desecrations of menorahs have happened coast to coast this year. The Wall Street Journal reported a menorah lighting at a festival in Williamsburg, Virginia was cancelled, lest it appear to support “the killing/bombing of thousands” in Gaza. This is but one example.

Some would soften the meaning of a menorah by choosing to focus on the purported miracle that followed the liberating of the Temple in Jerusalem, when a one-day supply of oil lasted eight days. But the menorah can’t be disconnected from the liberation of the land and cleansing of the Temple.

Any honest display of a menorah has to bring out the history behind the symbolism. The Jewish people saw their identity and religious practices threatened by the Syrian rulers who dominated their country in the 2nd Century BCE (in fairness to the topic I’m using “Before the Common Era”).

This domination under the Seleucid King Antiochus IV Epiphanes extended to the extreme of desecrating the Second Temple and forcing Jews to violate the Mosaic dietary laws. (The Second Temple was built c. 516 BCE after the Jewish people returned to the land following their exile to Babylon.)

Josephus wrote that Antiochus “tried to force the Jews to violate their traditional codes of practice by leaving their infant sons uncircumcised and sacrificing pigs on the altar. These orders were universally ignored, and Antiochus had the most prominent recusants butchered” (Flavius Josephus, The Jewish War, Book 1:34-35).

The Maccabees revolted against this domination and desecration and liberated the Jewish homeland. The eight-day Hanukkah festival commemorates this victory, and the lighting of the menorah is part of this commemoration.

“Hanukkah” means “dedication.” This doesn’t call for our general “dedication” to various causes. It refers specifically to the rededication of the Second Temple in 164 BCE following its desecrations by Antiochus.

Did Jesus observe Hanukkah? It appears he did. “Then came the Feast of Dedication at Jerusalem. It was winter, and Jesus was in the temple area walking in Solomon’s Colonnade” (John 10:22-23). Jesus thus observed a commemorative event that is not actually established and commanded in the Bible. To me, this points to the liberty Christians have to observe special days not explicitly commanded in Scripture (like Christmas), so long as we don’t judge others who choose not to observe them or make such observance a mark of spirituality.

A meaningful memory . . .

My only time in the city of Billings, Montana was in 1993—the year many citizens of that fine community did a marvelous thing. Antisemitism was on the rise. There were extremists who thought Montana should be part of an Aryan region. Jewish emblems were vandalized. Swastikas were on display. Many Jewish people feared to display a menorah during Hanukkah.

How did the citizens of this overwhelmingly non-Jewish city respond? Not by cowering to the extremists but by placing menorahs in thousands of windows. The city’s newspaper even printed a menorah people could cut out and use. I saw a statistic that 5-10,000 homes in this city of 80,000+ inhabitants displayed menorahs, thus declaring a decisive “No!” to antisemitism.

May this spirit be alive and spread throughout our land today!

“Revival, Renewal, Reformation”
A Look at the “3 R’s” to Start Each New Year

Our churches and their people need continual spiritual REVIVAL, with our hearts set aflame in love and service to God. We need RENEWAL, with ministries and programs and facilities that are current and serve our mission well. And we need REFORMATION—are our beliefs true to Scripture and understandably communicated?

“REFORMATION” will be the Theme throughout 2024. And in order to REFORM we will look back at one of the oldest CONFESSIONS of the church:

“The Apostles’ Creed”

In the Lutheran church of my childhood I learned to recite this creed each Sunday. Such recitation can make it part of one’s spiritual DNA, and so it was with me. As I’ve aged (well, I hope), I find myself returning to the simple Christian truths of this confession and I value its recitation.

I believe in God, the Father almighty,
maker of heaven and earth;

And in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord;
who was conceived by the Holy Ghost,
born of the Virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, dead, and buried.
He descended into hell.
The third day he rose again from the dead.
He ascended into heaven,
and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father almighty.
From thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Ghost,
the holy catholic Church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting. Amen.

Throughout 2024 we’ll examine this creed carefully, with the prayer that it will deepen our understanding of the CORE of the CHRISTIAN FAITH. In this month’s newsletter I’ll devote space to several points of introduction. In subsequent newsletters we’ll look at it phrase-by-phrase.

What is a “Creed”?

A “creed” is a “written, formal statement that acknowledges, declares, and gives evidence of religious beliefs” (statement from the Reformed Church in America).

“Creed” comes from “credo” (“I believe”), the first person singular of the Latin verb “credere” (to believe). “Credo” begins The Apostles’ Creed and in its two appearances “credo” confesses faith in the Creed’s entire message:

• Credo in Deum, Patrem omnipotentem…
(here it also confesses faith in Jesus Christ: Et in Iesum Christum…)
• Credo in Spiritum Sanctum… (confessing belief in the Holy Spirit but also belief in the phrases that follow)

Why is this creed called “The Apostles’ Creed”?
Was it written by the apostles?

According to one legend, each of the 12 apostles (including Matthias, who replaced Judas) contributed one clause of the creed before embarking on their respective missions after the Day of Pentecost.
That’s very doubtful. Much more likely is that this creed accurately and broadly expresses acceptance of the teachings of the 12 apostles by the early church. It is a very faithful summary of apostolic faith.
Forms and segments of this creed can be found as early as the second century. What we now call “The Apostles’ Creed” dates to the 5th Century.

I’ve been taught, “Since we have our Bibles, we don’t need any creeds.”

First observation: When people ask us the question, “What does the Bible say about . . . ?” we don’t just hand them a Bible and say, “Answer’s inside!” We guide them, best we can, to relevant scriptures and themes.

We thus draw certain texts and thoughts and organize them into our answer. In a sense, if we do a good job at this we create a mini-creed.

Second observation: Jesus himself said there are “weightier matters of the law.” Therefore there are also lesser matters of the law (Matthew 23:23). Wise handling of scripture would certainly lead us to gather together the “weightier matters” (like a list of the Ten Commandments for us to memorize, or the two great Love Commandments). A good creed proclaims the “weightier matters” of the Christian Faith.

Both observations show how we might create creeds to express what we think the Bible is saying.

Furthermore, the Bible itself has examples of creed-like statements. Here are three:

1. The Apostle Paul believed the Gospel that he taught contained certain matters of “first importance” (1 Corinthians 15:1-8):

Christ died for our sins.
He was buried.
He was raised the third day.
He appeared to Peter [and many others].

2. A two-part creedal proclamation confesses Jesus’ self-humbling as a human being and his subsequent exaltation (Philippians 2:6-11):
Though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.
Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
3. “The mystery of godliness” (1 Timothy 3:16) is given in creedal form:

He [Jesus Christ] was manifested in the flesh,
vindicated by the Spirit,
seen by angels,
proclaimed among the nations,
believed on in the world,
taken up in glory.

So the Bible acknowledges that certain statements contained in it are of “first importance.” And the Bible itself contains creedal elements.

Those who claim to be creedless probably have a creed that’s assumed and/or unwritten. And should push ever come to shove over a doctrinal issue in their midst, they will likely create a creed-like statement that captures teaching that those who won the debate deem to be of high importance.

More important than having a creed (which we all have, deny this or not) is how we regard a creed. It is not inspired Scripture, the final authority in all matters of faith and conduct. It is, to the best of human ability, our articulation of biblical points we think are of high importance. The Bible judges the creeds; the creeds don’t judge the Bible.

Finally, those who profess they need no creeds because, they think, the Bible is clear and tells them all they need to know—they run the risk of being proud and exclusionary.

Are there other creeds in addition to this one?

Yes! Of special importance is The Nicene Creed (325 A.D., with additions by the Council of Constantinople in 381 AD), which articulates the deity of Christ. It might well be the most recited creed in Christianity, even today.

Another creed accepted in the western church is the Athanasian Creed, which clearly articulates the Doctrine of the Trinity. There are other creeds. There are also “Confessions” which articulate the key teachings of branches of Christianity, such as “The Westminster Confession” (Reformed) or “The 39 Articles” (Anglican) or “The Augsburg Confession” (Lutheran).

In what ways is this creed so useful?

Summarizing essential, core Christian teachings as it does, it is useful for:

1. Evangelism – Clearly presenting what Christians confess to be true.
2. Baptism – How about confessions of faith like this at the time of baptism: “Do you believe in God the Father, maker of heaven and earth?” (“I do!”). “Do you believe in Jesus Christ, God’s Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary?” (“I do!”). “Do you believe Jesus died (on the cross for your sins), that he rose from the dead and ascended to Heaven, from which he will return in glory to judge every person who ever lived?” (“I do!”). Etc.
3. Instruction of new believers in the basics of their faith (an aspect of what we call “discipleship.” Being a “disciple” is more than just knowing doctrine but certainly it is not less).
4. A reminder to us “long-time believers” on what is central (and, hence, what is not).
5. A standard (though not by itself) for the church to judge teachings that may lie outside the faith.

Are there different versions of this creed?

Yes, there is an approved Catholic version. And Protestants may use either traditional or contemporary versions. Differences between them are slight.

Are there any good “singing versions” of this creed?

“The Apostles’ Creed Song” by Adam Zarn
“I Believe” by Andy Park (my favorite one for singing)
“This I Believe (The Creed)” – Hillsong Worship
“We Believe” by Graham Kendrick
“CREDO The Apostles’ Creed” (a pleasant literal short “sing along” version)
“Creed” by Third Day (my listening favorite—wild and not very singable)
“We Believe (Apostles’ Creed)” by Keith and Kristyn Getty

Some add a lot of lyrics other than the creed. Any other good song versions?[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1598373738095{border-radius: 3px !important;}”][vc_column][vc_column_text]Religious Liberty Vigilance –
Trimming the Power of the Federal Government

“The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people.”

– The Tenth Amendment to the Constitution of the United States

Sandra Day O’Connor (1930-2023)
U.S. Supreme Court Justice (1981-2006)

September 25, 1981

In 1981 President Ronald Reagan fulfilled his commitment to appoint the first woman ever to serve on the United States Supreme Court.

Pro-life citizens disagree with Justice O’Connor’s support of Planned Parenthood v. Casey (1992), a decision that kept the essence of Roe v. Wade (1973) while abandoning that landmark decision’s trimester framework in favor of the “viability” line for determining when a state could constitutionally ban abortion. O’Connor had argued that Roe v Wade’s trimester framework was on a collision course with fetal viability as medical care pushed “viability” earlier and earlier.

On the other hand, O’Connor voted with the majority of the court upholding state restrictions on abortions not deemed necessary to protect the health of the mother (Webster v. Reproductive Health Services, 1989). This was contrary to Roe v. Wade, which permitted abortion during the second trimester of a pregnancy.

Upholding a cause of religious freedom advocates, O’Connor voted with the court’s ruling that school vouchers for use at religious schools did not violate the First Amendment’s “Establishment” clause (Zelman v. Simmons-Harris, 2002).

Strong in opposition to government overreach, she wrote the dissenting opinion (joined by three other justices) against Kelo v. City of New London (2005), an obnoxious 5-4 decision that allowed a city’s use of eminent domain to take private property and transfer ownership to another private entity for economic development. This was certainly a stretch of the Fifth Amendment’s words about taking private property “for public use.”

Kelo stands as one of the worst decisions of the court in my lifetime. And many legal scholars would join in this criticism. As of 2023 the disputed property where Susette Kilo’s “little pink house” and a few other homes once stood has been overgrown with weeds and occupied by feral cats.

I especially respect O’Connor’s support of “Federalism” * which, along with the principle of “separation of powers,” is essential in clipping the wings of the national government’s efforts whenever it strives to extend its power.

In a series of rulings in the 1990s and early 2000s, O’Connor was a crucial figure in the Rehnquist Court’s “federalism revolution,” which did much to revive judicial enforcement of structural limits on federal government power, after a long period when judicial review in this field was extremely weak. Most notably, O’Connor wrote the Court’s majority opinion in New York v. United States (1992), which established the rule that the Tenth Amendment bars federal “commandeering” of state governments.

In New York and other opinions, Justice O’Connor emphasized the important point that the purpose of federalism limits on national power is not just to protect state governments, but also to protect ordinary people against the dangers of excessive centralization of power and homogenization of policy.

– Ilya Somin, The Volokh Conspiracy, Dec. 2, 2023 [Bold mine]

* “Federalism” recognizes the constitutional division of federal and state powers. The Federal government has constitutionally-enumerated powers but no more. All other powers belong to the several states or to the people (10th Amendment).[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1704305369525{background-color: #7099bf !important;border-radius: 5px !important;}”][vc_column][vc_column_text]

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights
Adopted 75 years ago in the United Nations General Assembly December 10, 1948

Opening Statement of the Declaration’s Preamble –
“Whereas recognition of the inherent dignity and of the equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family is the foundation of freedom, justice and peace in the world…”

Article 3 –
“Everyone has the right to life, liberty and the security of person.”

Article 4 –
“No one shall be held in slavery or servitude; slavery and the slave trade shall be prohibited in all their forms.”

Article 5 –
“No one shall be subjected to torture or to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.”

Article 16 #3 –
“The family is the natural and fundamental group unity of society and is entitled to protection by society and by the State.”

Article 18 –
“Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion; this right includes freedom to change his religion or belief, and freedom, either alone or in community with others and in public or private, to manifest his religion or belief in teaching, practice, worship and observance.”

It is well worth our time to take a few minutes to read the entire Declaration.
Much of the wording in this Declaration is in accord with Holy Scripture and represents God’s “Common Grace” at work in this world.
Clearly, in many parts of this world the Declaration is still an unfulfilled hope.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1598373738095{border-radius: 3px !important;}”][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Message of the Month: Following Jesus’ Example
“The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve and give his life a ransom for many.”

– Matthew 10:45

King Charles III knelt in prayer at his coronation on May 6, 2023. During this prayer he said,

“God of compassion and mercy, whose Son was sent not to be served but to serve…grant that I may be a blessing to all thy children…through Jesus Christ our Lord.”

What would this world be like if every government leader strove to be like Jesus: Not seeking how their position might benefit them, but how their position could be used to serve others (that is, to “Love your neighbor as yourself” – The Second Great Commandment).

That God’s Son (Jesus) “was sent not to be served but to serve” was the opening point to my sermon “I Wanted the High Road but Jesus Gave Me the Low Road” (Mark 10:32-45). The sermon is available by clicking below:

https://www.gracesealbeach.org/sermon-archive/2023/7/17/i-wanted-the-high-road-but-jesus-gave-me-the-low-road-mark-1032-45[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

President Nixon, William Rogers and Henry Kissinger I Recall An Old “Henry Kissinger” Story

President Nixon, Secretary of State William Rogers and Henry Kissinger (who recently passed away at 100) once had an audience with Pope Paul VI.

When Secretary of Defense Melvin Laird arrived at the occasion smoking a big cigar, Kissinger suggested he probably shouldn’t bring it into the audience.

So Laird snuffed out his cigar and put it in his pocket. During the audience his pocket began to smoke. Laird started slapping the smoldering pocket. The American delegation thought Laird was applauding the pope, whereupon the whole delegation applauded.

Kissinger: “It was not one of our prouder moments.”

www.donaldshoemakerministries.com

APPENDIX:

A PROCLAMATION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LONG BEACH SUPPORTING A PEACEFUL RESOLUTION TO THE ONGOING CONFLICT AND HUMANITARIAN CRISIS IMPACTING GAZA AND ISRAEL. ADOPTED DECEMBER 19, 2023.

WHEREAS, the City of Long Beach has a longstanding commitment to advocating for peace, social justice, equity, safety, and fostering mutual respect and understanding for all people, regardless of religion, race, or nationality; and

WHEREAS, since October 8th, 2023, the day following the attacks by Hamas militants on Israel, Long Beach’s city leadership has publicly acknowledged the ongoing violence and humanitarian crisis impacting Gaza and Israel; and

WHEREAS, on November 14th, 2023, the City of Long Beach issued a statement affirming the City’s values of unity, respect, and understanding in light of the significant loss of Palestinian and Israeli lives, and condemning the increasing reports of Anti- Semitic, Islamophobic, Anti-Jewish, and Anti-Arab incidents that have occurred since October 7th; and

WHEREAS, following news of a temporary ceasefire and the release of civilian hostages, Mayor Richardson issued a statement on November 28th, 2023, reiterating calls for a permanent ceasefire, the safe return of all hostages, and lasting peace in the region; and

WHEREAS, the Long Beach City Council has previously adopted statements and resolutions on statewide, national, and international affairs deemed important to the diverse residents and constituencies that the Council represents; and

WHEREAS, a growing number of cities throughout California and across the country have approved or are actively considering statements calling for peace, a lasting ceasefire and the safe return of all hostages, including Stanton, Oakland, San Francisco, Sacramento, Santa Ana, Seattle, Detroit, Providence, and Atlanta, among others; and

WHEREAS, international organizations including the United Nations General Assembly, the World Health Organization, the U.S. Agency for International Development, and the International Rescue Committee have made calls for a ceasefire and the return of remaining hostages to prevent the further loss of civilian lives, and to be in accordance with international humanitarian law.

NOW, THEREFORE, the City Council of the City of Long Beach proclaims as follows:

Section 1. The City of Long Beach stands firmly on the foundation of peace, unity, respect, and understanding. The City Council recognizes that Palestinian lives and Israeli lives have the same value, and that all human life is precious. The City Council acknowledges the current humanitarian crisis in Gaza, and has condemned the attacks on Israel. Palestinian people deserve self-determination. Israel has a right to defend itself. Palestinians and Israelis equally deserve dignity, security, and to live without harm.

Section 2. The City Council calls on our federal leaders to support negotiations that lead to a lasting humanitarian ceasefire in Israel and Gaza, the release of all hostages, the safe passage of food, water, medical supplies, and other life-saving humanitarian aid into Gaza, and a peaceful resolution that achieves both an end to the attacks on Israel by Hamas, and the protection of civilian life in Gaza and Israel.

Section 3. The City Council requests city staff to identify and promote community education resources and services to support Long Beach residents and community members affected by the ongoing conflict, including counseling and mental health services, and support groups led by cultural and religious organizations.

Section 4. The City Council unequivocally condemns all forms of violence, intolerance, racism, and xenophobia, including the recent rise of Anti-Semitic, Islamophobic, Anti-Jewish, and Anti-Arab sentiments, rhetoric, and attacks in our region and across the nation.

Section 5. The City Council requests that a copy of this proclamation be transmitted to Long Beach’s delegation of federal representatives.

Section 6. This proclamation shall take effect immediately upon its adoption by the City Council, and the City Clerk shall certify the vote adopting this proclamation.

Commentary:

Following 3-1/2 hours hearing 160 comments from the audience present, and following prior meetings of the council which were raucous, including the previous one where the mayor declared the session an unlawful assembly and emptied the council chambers, the Council adopted this resolution on a 5-2 vote after much “wordsmithing” One of the “nay” votes was from my own council member.

Here is my communication to my council member in advance of the council’s action:

Good morning! I’ve read news reports about efforts to have the Long Beach City Council pass a resolution calling for a cease-fire in Gaza. I do not think this would be a wise move, for at least two reasons:

1. Such resolutions are outside the rightful sphere of city government. It should be the ongoing task of the council to ensure that the city is running excellently and serving the needs of its citizens, such as by maintaining an excellent infrastructure. It is not within the purview of city government to delve into the affairs of Israel and Gaza a half-world away.

2. Any resolution for a cease-fire isolates one part of a complex situation. It very likely would be favorable to Hamas terrorists. A cease-fire can lead to another exchange of prisoners (with a ratio of 2:1 militants in Israeli custody to kidnapped private citizens in Hamas custody). It allows Hamas to regroup while stalling Israeli efforts to defeat the group responsible for the attacks on and kidnapping of Israeli citizens.

The demands of a noisy pressure group and the attention the group gathers should not sway the council from its rightful responsibilities and should not overwhelm other citizens with contrary opinions, including those who support Israel.

Thank you!

(Rev.) Donald Shoemaker[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

December 2023 Newsletter

Posted on November 30, 2023 by admin

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Charles Wesley (1707 – 1788)

Prolific hymnwriter (6500+ songs) who wrote
the most significant Christmas Carol we have—
“Hark, the Herald Angels Sing!” (1739)
Tune by Felix Mendelssohn (1740)

Wesley also is remembered for great hymns such as:
“And Can It Be that I Should Gain?”
“Christ, the Lord, Is Risen Today”
“Love Divine, All Loves Excelling”
“Rejoice, the Lord is King”
“Soldiers of Christ, Arise”
“O for a Thousand Tongues to Sing”
“Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus”

Message for Christmas Month –

“Hark, the Herald Angels Sing!”

And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.

And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night

And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.

And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,

Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.

And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.

And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.

– Luke 2:6-18 (King James Version)

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Hark! the herald angels sing
“Glory to the newborn King!
Peace on earth, and mercy mild
God and sinners reconciled.”
Joyful, all ye nations, rise
Join the triumph of the skies;
With th’ angelic host proclaim
“Christ is born in Bethlehem.”
Hark! the herald angels sing
“Glory to the newborn King!

Christ, by highest Heav’n adored;
Christ the everlasting Lord;
Late in time, behold Him come,
Offspring of a virgin’s womb.
Veiled in flesh the Godhead see;
Hail th’incarnate Deity,
Pleased as man with us to dwell,
Jesus our Emmanuel.
Hark! The herald angels sing,
“Glory to the newborn king!”

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Hail! the heav’n-born Prince of peace!
Hail! the Son of Righteousness!
Light and life to all he brings
Risen with healing in his wings
Mild he lays his glory by
Born that man no more may die:
Born to raise the sons of earth
Born to give them second birth
Hark! the herald angels sing
“Glory to the newborn King!

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Lessons from this Great Carol

This carol lifts up worship of Jesus. Christmas Season is gutted if we take away worshipping Jesus. This is far deeper than one city official’s call for avoiding green and red colors during the season lest it feel less inclusive.

The carol reminds us that, through Jesus’ life and ministry, God is “for us.”
“Reconciliation” is Christianity’s “Big Word.” “God and sinners reconciled.”
Reconciliation with God leads properly to reconciliation between people.

Fulfilling the prophecy (Malachi 4:2), Jesus came with healing and power over death. Born that we might have a “second birth” and “no more may die.”

At just the right time (Galatians 4:4), God’s Son enter our human existence as “offspring of a virgin’s womb.” “Veiled in flesh the Godhead see…” Though “being in very nature God” he took on “the very nature of a servant” and was “made in human likeness.” Being one of us, “he humbled himself and became obedient to death—even death on a cross” (Philippians 2:6-8 NIV).

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The Great Disappearance
David Jeremiah’s new book

The TV ad for this book says, “When the Rapture occurs the world will capture the moment. The world will reel with concern from watching the strange mind-boggling and unbelievable video footage that goes across the world.”

https://www.ispot.tv/ad/5GSA/dr-david-jeremiah-the-great-disappearance

“Answers to Practical Questions About the Rapture”
– David Jeremiah’s blog

We don’t know if the Rapture could come ten years from now, tomorrow—or today.

But when it does come, everyone will know. It will be the Great Disappearance—the moment when billions of people suddenly vanish from the earth, along with billions of dead bodies returning to life and ascending to meet the Lord in the air.

…chaos will ensue on the earth.

What can we say about this book from the TV ad and blog?

It perpetuates an extra-biblical presumption (that is, it goes beyond the teaching of Scripture). The presumption is that the Rapture of the church is “The Great Disappearance,” a sudden vanishing of believers (not even a visible “rising” perhaps similar to Jesus’ ascension. The biblical description doesn’t convey this notion at all (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17). It doesn’t even say where we will be when we, the resurrected and living, are “with the Lord forever.” Once we meet the Lord “in the air,” will Jesus turn around and take us to heaven, or will we turn around and escort our Lord to earth?

The first presumption leads to the second: “The Great Panic” (well depicted in the ad). Typical of this story-telling theme (such as shown in the movie “A Thief in the Night”), the sudden disappearance of Christians creates global chaos and leads to the emergence of a strong leader, the Antichrist, who offers solutions to the chaos (think of the burning of the Reichstag in 1933 and Hitler’s subsequent grasp of power). Dr. Jeremiah writes in the traditions of two prophecy teachers he esteems: Hal Lindsey and Tim LaHaye.

This Disappearance/Panic motif leads to some questions on my part:
• Why doesn’t the electronic device in the deliveryman’s hand disappear instead of falling to the ground? Everything else he has on his person (Wristwatch? Keys? Ring? Clothing? False teeth?) including a wristband disappear along with the deliveryman’s flesh and bones. What if the device had been in his pocket?
• Maybe God does not want the raptured saints to have any electronic devices, including cell phones. That’s a strong explanation!
• If I were not a Christian, wouldn’t I want to inquire of each pilot’s faith when boarding a plane? One Christian would be OK. Two, and I’m off this plane! Same goes for other situations where my life depends on the hands-on presence of a Christian.
• Wouldn’t this “disappearance panic,” if true at all, only apply to countries with large numbers of confessing/practicing Christians? Much of the world would go on without missing a beat.

But this is all fiction. At most, it is a speculative extra-biblical scenario. This kind of speculation has no spiritual-growth value and bears no resemblance to the simple biblical statements about Jesus’ return—statements that induce steadfastness and everyday practical godly living among true Christians.

Three scriptures that don’t support this scenario come to mind:

2 Thessalonians 1:6-7 – “[God] will pay back trouble to those who trouble you and give relief to you who are troubled, and to us as well. This will happen when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven in blazing fire with his powerful angels.”

Clearly, the Church will receive relief from persecution when Jesus returns in power and glory. The Church’s relief from trouble doesn’t come through a rapture years before, when every believer suddenly just disappears.

Titus 2:12-13 – “…live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing [“epiphany”] of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ…”

Not a separate previous “Rapture,” but the glorious Epiphany (splendid appearance) of Jesus at his Second Coming is “The Blessed Hope” that we eagerly await and that incentivizes us to live righteously. By the way, this “Epiphany” brings the Antichrist’s rule to its end (2 Thessalonians 2:8).

Hebrews 9:28 – “Christ, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear [opsthēsetai] the second time, not to deal with sin but to save those who are eagerly waiting for him.”

This is the only explicit mention in the Bible of the “second” appearance, or coming, of Christ. The text resembles Revelation 1:7 (“Behold, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see [ópsetai] him,”) whether they be the eyes of Jesus’ followers who eagerly await him or the eyes of those who have rejected him. There is no need to postulate some sort of chaos-creating mysterious sudden disappearance. All will behold him. Some will be caught unprepared, others are ready for his appearance (1 Thessalonians 5:3-5).

Is the Rapture “the central event in biblical prophecy”?

Jeremiah makes that claim in the book’s introduction. I won’t call this heresy, but it certainly conflicts with the Bible’s frequent emphatic words about Jesus’ Epiphany—his glorious Second Coming—the true “Central Event.”

A Personal Postscript

Over the past two years I have studied the topic of “The Rapture of the Church” extensively. My study has brought me to abandon my long-time embrace of a “Rapture of the Church” prior to “The Great Tribulation” in favor of seeing “rapture” scriptures fulfilled as part of the comprehensive “Second Coming of Christ” at the end of “The Great Tribulation.”

A further conclusion I’ve made is that this topic is a secondary or even tertiary doctrinal issue for which we can allow diversity of opinion and over which we ought not divide. We have “One Blessed Hope” (a primary doctrinal issue) even if we differ on the details!

My 36-page essay For Me, “The Rapture” Is Up in the Air is available to you.
If you “Reply” and request it, I’ll promptly email it to you.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1598373738095{border-radius: 3px !important;}”][vc_column][vc_column_text] Ohio Ohio Enshrines Abortion Rights into its State Constitution

As an Ohioan throughout my childhood and teenage years, I followed the recent vote on “Issue 1” closely. I was surprised that this measure passed. In fact, it passed 57% to 43%, with big support from the three major population regions of Cleveland (74%), Columbus (73%), and Cincinnati (65%).

Roughly speaking, “Issue 1” enshrined “Roe v. Wade” into the state’s constitution (see text at the end of this essay). “Roe v. Wade” was overturned last year by the U.S. Supreme Court. Thus, abortion rights were no longer considered as protected by the U.S. Constitution (specifically, as a “right to privacy” found in the “penumbra” of the Constitution).

Now it becomes a matter for each state to decide. Some have adopted stricter laws against abortion (Ohio had a “heartbeat” law, essentially banning abortion after five weeks of pregnancy). California, where I’ve resided since 1970, in contrast proudly proclaimed itself a “Destination State” for abortion rights, encouraging women desiring an abortion to come to California for it if their own state hindered them in any way. Some businesses offer money to cover travel to states like California.

How could “Issue 1” pass in a state seen as “pro-life” by many?
• Some may have believed the “heartbeat” law was too restrictive.
• Karl Rove in The Wall Street Journal says Republicans “tried to game the system with an August referendum raising the threshold for amending the state’s constitution, which voters soundly rejected. Then they didn’t offer an alternative to the unlimited-abortion proposal…”
• Money poured in by the tens of millions—most to push for “Issue 1.”
• Many wanted to return to the Roe v. Wade permissiveness on abortion.
• Many voters, like some of my relatives, prefer the state stay out of matters they consider to be “personal” or “private.”

I don’t know for sure. I do know that many in the Right to Life movement need to examine to what extent absolutism on moral issues (which is fine) can be enshrined in secular law (which reflects pluralism). This effort requires “doing politics.” If we insist on the whole pie, we will often get no pie at all.
And, without washing our hands of political action (it is very necessary), we need to recommit to public actions that bear witness to our faith—including the conviction that life is an unalienable right and gift from our Creator.

Listen to this good counsel:

The passage of Issue 1 shows that there remains a desperate need for conversion of hearts and minds to a culture of life in our country, one that respects the inherent dignity and sacredness of every human being from conception to natural death. This conversion will come about only through earnest prayer and the witness of our compassionate care for the most vulnerable among us — immigrants, the poor, the elderly, preborn children, and women in need.
– Dennis Schnurr, Archbishop of Cincinnati
(National Catholic Register, Nov. 10, 2023)

Article I, Section 22. The Right to Reproductive Freedom with Protections for Health and Safety

A. Every individual has a right to make and carry out one’s own reproductive decisions, including but not limited to decisions on:
1. contraception;
2. fertility treatment;
3. continuing one’s own pregnancy;
4. miscarriage care; and
5. abortion.

B. The State shall not, directly or indirectly, burden, penalize, prohibit, interfere with, or discriminate against either:
1. An individual’s voluntary exercise of this right or
2. A person or entity that assists an individual exercising this right, unless the State demonstrates that it is using the least restrictive means to advance the individual’s health in accordance with widely accepted and evidence-based standards of care.

However, abortion may be prohibited after fetal viability. But in no case may such an abortion be prohibited if in the professional judgment of the pregnant patient’s treating physician it is necessary to protect the pregnant patient’s life or health.
C. As used in this Section:
1. “Fetal viability” means “the point in a pregnancy when, in the professional judgment of the pregnant patient’s treating physician, the fetus has a significant likelihood of survival outside the uterus with reasonable measures. This is determined on a case-by-case basis.”
2. “State” includes any governmental entity and any political subdivision.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Israeli Airstrike Hits St. Porphyrius Church

It is no secret that Hamas has embedded its personnel and weapons amongst the civilian population and near to structures like hospitals. Such was the situation when Hamas chose to place its rocket and mortar launch command post near St. Porphyrius Church.

St. Porphyrius brought Christianity to this region and served as Bishop of Gaza (395-420 AD). Tradition has his body buried at the church in Gaza City that bears his name. The church site dates back to 425 AD. It is the third oldest active church in the world. The current sanctuary was built by Crusaders around 1150 AD. It has undergone many renovations, especially in 1856.

St. Porphyrius church was severely damaged by the October 20 Israeli airstrike. The Israeli military acknowledged the air strike, which targeted the nearby Hamas rocket and mortar launch command post. The church’s chapel survived the attack, but the airstrikes destroyed other parts of the compound.

As many as 500 people had taken refuge at the site, sleeping on mattresses throughout the compound’s seven buildings and using three bathrooms. It is estimated that 380 of the refugees were Christian and the rest Muslim. The known death toll from the airstrikes was eighteen Christians and two Muslims, not counting bodies still buried in the rubble. The Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem strongly condemned the attack.

Only 1000 Christians remain in Gaza, their numbers devastated under Hamas rule.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]An Abiding Concern of a Great Scholar

Will and Ariel Will (1885-1981) and Ariel (1898-1981) Durant produced over their scholastic lifetimes the massive 11-volume The Story of Civilization. It was one of the first sets to go into my professional library, added while I was in graduate school. Prolific writers, in 1968 they wrote The Lessons of History, a summary of historic trends.

Will became a skeptic from reading Darwin, and dropped out of training for the priesthood. “The simple faith of my childhood faded away when I discovered that I was just a monkey with pants,” he said on a 1978 talk show.

He saw himself as a person with a Christian ethic though without a Christian faith. He warned: “Our children are living without this residue—in the shadow of a shadow.”

www.donaldshoemakerministries.com

“When the time had fully come, God sent forth his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons.” (Galatians 4:4-5)

A Very Merry Christmas to All!

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