Union Road Community Church

emulating patrick

 There are a number of tales and legends regarding Saint Patrick that are not true. Archeologists have confirmed that there were never any snakes in Ireland. We can also reject the transforming of his walking staff into a living tree as well. But there are some historical truths about this man that we should honor and emulate.

About the end of the 3rd century, at the age of 16, Patrick was kidnapped from Britain and taken as a slave to Ireland. During his six years there as a shepherd- slave he came to know and love God. He truly believed and embraced the faith that he was taught as a boy back in Britain. After his escape he studied and prepared to return as a missionary to the very people who had kidnapped him! He then spent the rest of his days bringing the word to the lost pagans there seeing many converted to Christ.  

His willingness to endure much hardship out of love for those who were his former enemies reminds us of Christ.

But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8

This willingness to suffer in order to get the gospel to the lost is in the heart of all true Christians and missionaries.  Paul urges Timothy to follow his example of enduring abuse in order to get the gospel to others.

Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, descended from David. This is my gospel, for which I am suffering even to the point of being chained like a criminal. But God's word is not chained. Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they too may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory. 2 Tim 2:8-10

In the power of the Spirit we too should strive to get the gospel to those still alive around us and around the world as Patrick did in his day.

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." Acts 1:8

Groaning and Longing for Spring                     

About this time of year in this “land of crab apples” [Cheetowaga] people either take off for Florida or just groan and long for winter to end. The difficulties of this world “under the curse” are brought home to us who live in northern climes. Winter is a reminder that we are people banished from Eden. But it’s not just the cold, miserable weather that makes us groan, it’s also: aging, disease, crime, cruelty, evil, natural disasters, and death.

In Romans chapter 8 Paul is considering the wonderful work Christ has accomplished for us and in us by His Spirit. But he is honest about how our hearts still long for the total transformation of all things by Christ.

We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies.  8:22

However he doesn’t want us to groan without hope. He wants us to have a confident assurance that glory is on its way. The total redemption of the entire world will soon come in glory like Christ’s glorious resurrection body!

 I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.   8:18  

Although we have to go through the winter of a fallen world now we know, because His Spirit indwells us, that we will all soon be in the land of eternal spring!

 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers,  neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.  8:38,39

Rabbits, Eggs and the Empty Tomb!

A child in our Sunday School recently asked what Easter had to do with the resurrection of Christ. He associated the day with candy, dyed eggs and the “Easter Bunny” but not with Christ’s resurrection. This confusion easily happens in the minds of children who are naturally more impressed with these “tasty traditions” than the ancient event of Christ’s bodily resurrection. We probably would be wise to deemphasize the traditions (which all have pagan origins) or at least explain how the traditions can point to the real reason for the celebration. Here’s some ideas...

 Rabbits multiply rapidly which reminds us of new life. The resurrection is the beginning of new life for those who trust in Christ. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! (2 Corinthians 5:17). Rabbits often are seen coming out of burrows in the ground reminding us of Christ coming out of the grave. His rising from the grave assures us that we too will rise from the grave. But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep. (1 Corinthians 15:20)

Eggs in many ancient cultures were viewed as a symbol of life for obvious reasons. All of us started our existence as a fertilized egg! The Christian life starts when we are conceived by God, receive Christ and are “born again”. Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God - children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband's will, but born of God. (John 1:12) Coloring eggs red was a way of reminding Christians that their eternal life depends on Christ’s atoning death on the cross. The resurrection assures us that Christ’s death pays for our sins.  In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace. (Ephesians 1:7)

May God help us to keep the resurrection of Christ the central focus of our Easter celebration ! 

Joy in a Stable

Mary and Joseph go, as required, to Bethlehem but it’s so crowded the only place they could stay was a stable. So the Savior, the only begotten Son of God is born in a stable and put in a feeding trough for animals.

While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. Luke 2:6.

Stables are not sanitary hospital rooms they are smelly, fly infested shacks filled with animal droppings. But since this baby is destined to save sinners and give them eternal life this particular stable becomes a place of joy. The angel tells the shepherds out in the fields nearby that something wonderful and joyous has happened-the promised Messiah has been born.

Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. Luke 2:10

After going and seeing for themselves the truth of the angels statement they left full of joy and thanksgiving to God.

The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told. Luke 2:20

Ironically, they discovered the greatest joy possible - in a stable!

Christmas is the time that reminds us that in the midst of this sin filled, smelly world we can have joy in our Lord Jesus.

We are directed throughout scripture to “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” Phil 4:4. The prophet Habakkuk writes that even when in hard times he can rejoice   “...yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior.” Hab 3:17-18

None of the peripheral blessings of Christmas... family, feasting , decorations, presents... can bring us real, lasting joy . Only Jesus and salvation through Him brings us  the “mega” joy the angels spoke of. Believe on Him and rejoice!

is your name on a roll?

I’ve been “pastoring” this church for about a year now and have gotten to know and minister to those who regularly attend.  That’s about 50 people total. But there are about 200 people on the church rolls! So what gives? Don’t people who “join a church” make a public profession of faith in Christ and a commitment to support the church with their time, talent, and treasure?

I suspect that some have a mistaken view on church membership. Some think that being on a church roll gives them a standing with God, and a “ticket to heaven”. The biblical view is that to be assured of heaven your name needs to be written in the Lamb’s book of life. Your name on a church roll means nothing. Your name on the Lamb’s roll means everything!

Rev 21:27 Nothing impure will ever enter it,[heaven] nor will anyone who does what is shameful or deceitful, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb's book of life.

One of the evidences that you are listed in the Lamb’s [Christ’s] book of life is your faithful service in the “cause of the gospel”.

Phil 4:3 Yes, and I ask you, loyal yokefellow, [Epaphroditus] help these women who have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life.

How do you know your name is on the only roll that matters,the Lamb’s roll? You must trust in Christ as Lord and Savior!

1 John 5:11 And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life.  I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life.

If you really “have the Son” and “eternal life” you will love Christ and His cause. You will long to see His gospel flourish in the lives of His people and in the world. You will want to worship with and encourage His people. In other words you will be  a vital, active participant in your local church! Does this describe you?