Tag: teach

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Mark: The Passover with the Disciples

Read: Mark 14:12-21

One of the scenes portrayed frequently: Jesus and His disciples in the upper room to celebrate the Passover. This time, it’s quite different: the bread and wine were used to represent His body and blood. Our familiar “Lord’s Supper” begins not by eating the Seder meal, a tradition created after the time of Jesus (see *Note below), but by completely changing the Passover meal.

We’ll cover the Lord’s Supper tomorrow. For now, let’s look at the preparations and the way Jesus, once again, changes the events of the evening.

Jesus has been telling His disciples all along that this week would come. I’m sure they didn’t think He meant “this” week, only 3 years into His earthly ministry, yet here we are. This is the week.

We begin by finding the place to meet:

So he sent two of his disciples, telling them, “Go into the city, and a man carrying a jar of water will meet you. Follow him. Say to the owner of the house he enters, ‘The Teacher asks: Where is my guest room, where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?’ He will show you a large room upstairs, furnished and ready. Make preparations for us there.” Mark 14:13-15

Did Jesus make arrangements separately without telling His disciples? Or was He foretelling the future to set the events in motion? We could get easily get caught in the cycle of trying to interpret the scene, rather than just allowing John Mark to tell us his view of the preamble to the new celebration.

By this time, I’m confident, the disciples were well known; Jesus, the Teacher, was well known and I’m sure He was welcomed as a celebrity in many circles. Check me on this, but I have no doubt there were many Jesus-fans at that time.

The disciples found the man and the room and began making preparations for the Passover–not knowing how Jesus was about to transform the meal, unaware of these troubling remarks:

When evening came, Jesus arrived with the Twelve. While they were reclining at the table eating, he said, “Truly I tell you, one of you will betray me—one who is eating with me.” Mark 14:17-18

Full stop. Up to this point, the even was probably filled with joy, after all, this was the celebration of the Passover, a fantastic time to remember the miraculous deliverance from the Egyptians. Out of nowhere, Jesus is now talking about betrayal. Worse than that, it’s one of the Twelve.

Sadness replaced joy. Each one examined himself and asked Jesus, “Surely you don’t mean me?” Dear Lord, not me?

Jesus doesn’t answer them directly. Instead, each one is left to stew in introspective reflection. They won’t have to wait too long to find out, but these moments must have felt like hours.

As I type this post, we’re a week away from Christmas. Another year of great anticipation for the one holiday we all agree upon as The holiday. For the disciples, Passover is their Christmas celebration. Each year, this feast is remembered as they mark another time of faithfulness, perhaps looking back over the previous months and wondering how well they did in keeping God’s commandments. To stretch this thought: whether they’ve been naughty or nice!

It’s been a pretty good year for the disciples, incredible events, miracles, healing, feeding, on and on. Why would Jesus put such a damper on the festive atmosphere? They simply had no idea of what was about to happen.

As for the one who would betray Jesus:

The Son of Man will go just as it is written about him. But woe to that man who betrays the Son of Man! It would be better for him if he had not been born.” Mark 14:21

The great good news is that Jesus completed His mission. We don’t have to walk around with a guilty t-shirt. In fact, we get to walk around with a forgiven sign.

Lord, as we enter the week before celebrating your birth, help us to remember all the details, the tragedy, the missteps, the troubles, but mostly, helps us to think about the celebration, the victory, the good news for all mankind.

 

*Jesus Didn’t Eat a Seder Meal

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Mark: The Plot to Kill Jesus

Read: Mark 14:1-2

Following the Olivet Discourse in chapter 13, John Mark begins the chapter by pointing out the fact that the leadership is actively looking for a way to eliminate Jesus, to kill Him.

Now the Passover and the Festival of Unleavened Bread were only two days away, and the chief priests and the teachers of the law were scheming to arrest Jesus secretly and kill him. “But not during the festival,” they said, “or the people may riot.” Mark 14:1-2

Jesus was too well known to simply disappear. Their plans would have to wait a bit, catch the people off guard, in order to be successful…at least in their minds. Then Judas Iscariot enters the scene (in a bit) to change their timeline. We’ll get to that later.

One of the contextual thoughts in the NIV Application Commentary (NIVAC) is the fact that during this festive time, Jerusalem probably doubled or even tripled in population. Thousands of pilgrims are flocking to the Holy city to pay their respects. From a very practical sense, the Roman police force would have been bolstered to ensure a peaceful demonstration. Their additional presence, the augmentees to use a military term, help to provide a fertile environment for the Jewish leaders.

In a day and age when killing another human was completely acceptable, something that’s hard to wrap my mind around, we see a surplus of soldiers standing by for orders. I know it’s deplorable, reprehensible to consider, but I can imagine there is a certain amount of honor given to the soldiers with the most kills under his sword. A disgusting thought, though I don’t think I’m far from truth.

If we get nothing else from Christianity, we should get that human life is supremely valuable to our Creator. War will happen, death will be inflicted, but this is much different than premeditated murder. Our thoughts matter. When thoughts are evil and opportunities arise, the results are consistently horrible. Depressing at the very best.

The leaders are only concerned with saving face as they continued to meet and discuss ways to kill Jesus. They have no idea they are playing into history. Ironic since they are the ones who teach about the coming Messiah, yet they completely miss the signs.

Lord, in the rather somber two verses, my heart is heavy. I know the rest of the story, but I feel for those who think the way these leaders demonstrated. This is very real today. Many are so self-absorbed, without any concern for others, that they cause grievous harm to innocent people. Help us, dear Lord, to maintain a sense of compassion for those who are so far from Christ. May we be wise a serpents and innocent as doves (Matthew 10:16) as we go out into this crazy world!

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Mark: Signs of the End of the Age

Read: Mark 13:3-13

As I began to read this section, I simply had to stop and ponder what it must have been like to have a private discussion with Jesus:

And as he sat on the Mount of Olives opposite the temple, Peter and James and John and Andrew asked him privately, Mark 13:3

Four of the disciples had the privilege of space and time. Space to be in the presence of Jesus face to face and time to sit and listen with no cell phones or emails begging for attention. No fanfare here, just four guys who were sold out to Jesus asking for a private conversation — Jesus answers them without delay.

Four Phrases

There are four phrases in particular that jumped out at me as I read this morning, perhaps they might speak to you today: watch out, be on your guard, whenever you are arrested, and everyone will hate you. As we look at these, remember this is an intimate setting, not a sermon to 5,000+. It’s important for us to surround ourselves with those who are devoted to Christ, who know His voice, who can help us discern His will in a world that seeks to deceive and destroy.

Jesus said to them: “Watch out that no one deceives you. Mark 13:5

In their time, no one spoke like Jesus did. They didn’t have the Bible, the New Testament, seminaries, books, Google, etc., no one to lean on for clarification. They were standing at the edge of the wood, Fangorn Forest if you must, about to enter a land where no one dared to go, let alone thrive. To say there were naysayers around them puts it lightly. They weren’t to be merely ridiculed for this new found faith, they would literally be beaten by the very foundational elements of what was known as the chosen people.

“You must be on your guard. You will be handed over to the local councils and flogged in the synagogues. Mark 13:9

Flogged in synagogues, the center of Jewish local leadership. I’m thinking one of them raised their hand at this point and asked for some clarification. They were Jews. Devout. Regular working men who dropped their nets and followed Jesus. I have to believe He explained a bit more to the handful of those who heard these words.

Whenever you are arrested and brought to trial, do not worry beforehand about what to say. Just say whatever is given you at the time, for it is not you speaking, but the Holy Spirit. Mark 13:11

Whenever you are arrested, not “if” you are arrested. This is going to happen, you will be put on trial, you will suffer. It’s not a badge of honor. They were not going about trying to pick a fight to see how the Spirit would bail them out. Not at all! They would merely go about there way preaching the amazing good news that the Messiah came, that the leaders killed Him, and that God, the One true God, resurrected Him and we must all acknowledge Jesus above all others. That statement would provoke arrest, torture and death. Now that you know, go and spread the gospel!

Everyone will hate you because of me, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved. Mark 13:13

And this is your reward: everyone will hate you. Sign me up! This is Holy discontent at its best.

I wonder if we have what it takes to be called a disciple of Jesus, let alone refer to ourselves as disciple makers. Jesus did not compromise. He did not paint a rosy picture of a two-car garage and steady income. It’s pretty clear that being on mission for Christ has little to do with creature comforts we enjoy.

It’s hard to navigate each day with this thought in mind. Lord, teach us to pray and understand. Help us to look to You for direction, to hear Your voice above the chatter, to advance Your kingdom here on earth.

The featured image I chose for this post is a field with a broken down tractor. It appears that the crops are thriving around the tractor, but the vehicle is useless, impotent, ineffective. That tractor will contribute nothing toward the harvest. In light of yesterday’s post, may we commit to being the people who will serve in the field without relying on broken tractors.

The fields are ripe. Where are the workers?

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Mark: The Awesome Temple

Read: Mark 13:1-2

As I began to process chapter 13, The Olivet Discourse, I simply had to stop and observe the first few verses through the eyes of the disciples, with a bent toward the current state of so many churches in this country.

As Jesus was leaving the temple, one of his disciples said to him, “Look, Teacher! What massive stones! What magnificent buildings!” “Do you see all these great buildings?” replied Jesus. “Not one stone here will be left on another; every one will be thrown down.” Mark 13:1-2

I had the privilege of meeting with disciples downtown on Tuesday and Wednesday morning this week. As I drove past multiple church properties, I couldn’t help but notice those that were gigantic structures, along with empty parking lots. I’m not judging the pastors, ministers, staff, etc., I’m making a statement about the system that led to this phenomena we refer to as “church.” What massive stones! What magnificent buildings!

It is my belief that these will be relics of the next generation. The new church will be much more organic, much more difficult to identify, and hardly recognizable by today’s standards. The next generation of churches has yet to be defined, but I’m confident it will not include hefty senior pastor salaries and designated parking. Giant buildings with monthly utility bills that could provide for dozens of families that don’t even have the means to have electricity will be replaced, repurposed, redesigned, redesignated, re____.

The disciples, after spending hours in the temple courts with Jesus, are excited about those who heard the preaching and teaching. Their comments about the temple come from a place of joy. Jesus has just debunked leading teachers and Pharisees, upset many who were full of pride, and supported those who humbly came to the temple to offer what they could. This was an amazing day! Walking out, they make a simple observation, but Jesus, as He does so often, turns the tables.

Historically, we have the privilege of knowing that those massive structures were indeed destroyed, but that was inconceivable by those walking out of the temple courts 2,000+ years ago. Completely unheard of.

My angst against the large church model in America is not to see them fail; rather, I want more than anything to see thriving churches, filled with disciple-making disciplers that serve their communities and pour the gospel out to everyone. No, I’m not against these entities, but I know that most are unable to be the effective church because they compromise the gospel over the system they have built, the salaries they must pay, and the infrastructure that drives the stewardship campaigns.

My prayer is for churches to wake up to their original calling, to look at large gatherings (typically on Sunday) as celebrations of the week of working in the harvest field, spreading the gospel, pouring into disciples, reaching into the workplace with hundreds of ministers (every Christian is a minister of the gospel), and building each other up as we talk about success and failures during the week.

There is much work to do. We need healthy churches and healthy leaders. We need people to work together with a common understanding of the direction that Jesus set for us, to go and make disciples. Lord, help us!

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Mark: The Widow’s Offering

Read: Mark 12:41-44

John Mark and Luke include this short narrative about giving offering for the temple, the massive enterprise, the centerpiece of Jewish culture at that time. It’s a brief look into life around the temple, but we have a few extra adjectives to describe the event that I found interesting:

Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts. But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a few cents. Mark 12:41-42

Jesus watched the crowd. Sometimes actions speak so much louder that great speeches. In my mind, I see Jesus sitting across from the procession of people making their way to the temple treasurer while the disciples are looking around trying to figure out what’s next. He’s just watching. Demonstrating that people matter more than stuff as the scene unfolds.

Rich people threw there money into the coffers. They didn’t just pay their portion, they threw in large amounts. If I understand correctly, the currency of the day would be coins of various denominations. I imagine the noise that a bag of coins might make as it enters the chest. At eCity coffee, some of the workers us a large metal tip jar. It’s embarrassing to drop in a few coins because of the loud sound it makes. Paper wouldn’t make the sound, but really? Should I tip a dollar for a 2-dollar coffee? Anyway, the rich in this story want people to know they have arrived, so they make as much noise as possible.

The poor widow put in two coins. On the other hand, the widow merely puts in her two coins. Gently, reverently, respectfully. No show, no flashy appearance, and no explanation.

The Teachable Moment

Jesus takes time to teach His disciples a significant lesson.

Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on.” Mark 12:43-44

This woman was committed to serving God the best way she knew how. Her understanding of demonstrating her love of God was to give all she had for the temple to continue so she would have a place to worship. She wasn’t on the board of elders, not a Pharisee, nor a teacher of the law. She was merely a person doing her best to honor God.

Like people who are dedicated to weekly attendance, I suspect there are a few who fit this woman’s character. They are doing their very best to honor Christ as the church leadership has taught. I really appreciate the story because it shows that Jesus honors those who give from their heart, those who have complete faith in the system of worship without piety or selfish intent. These will be honored by Christ.

I’m sure the juxtaposition of these men will be punished most severely (v.40) with this story is no accident. Those who misled congregations will have to answer for their behavior–not the faithful who devote themselves with all their heart.

Lord, thank you for the reminder that as we humbly offer ourselves with faith,  You will receive our offering.

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Mark: Warning Against the Teachers of the Law

Read: Mark 12:38-40

Once again, Jesus warns the people about the hypocrisy of the teachers of the law. Matthew devotes and entire chapter to the subject, while John Mark and Luke provide a very brief summary.

As he taught, Jesus said, “Watch out for the teachers of the law. They like to walk around in flowing robes and be greeted with respect in the marketplaces, and have the most important seats in the synagogues and the places of honor at banquets. Mark 12:38-39

I feel like we know these guys well by this point. We see the likes of Pharisees in many different forms these days as celebrities are given undue attention for using their gifts for entertaining many or politicians for wooing people with their charisma. Then you mix the two to create a celebrity pastor — whatever that is! Sadly, you probably think of names of pastors when you read this.

Jesus doesn’t beat around the bush. He is not fooled by these guys, nor is He pleased:

They devour widows’ houses and for a show make lengthy prayers. These men will be punished most severely.” Mark 12:40

The euphoria of public fame and fortune comes with a price. People will follow those in positions of leadership and they will follow informal leaders as well. It’s natural. We see it all the time. Jesus here leaves us with an understanding that He sees their deception. In a way, He lets us know that their behavior is obvious to Him and will not be tolerated — we don’t have to do anything — These men will be punished most severely.

As for the punishment, I have no clue what that means. The indication is there are levels of punishment, but I’m not the one who effects the discipline here. Best to leave that to God.

Given time, deceivers will be exposed. The sad reality is they leave a wake of destruction in their path. The warning is clear. The remedy is to surround ourselves with people who love us enough to tell us we are out of line, true friends that call out our weaknesses in love.

Lord, help me to be careful about seeking to be seen. Make my intentions worthy of your glory. And if I see a brother or sister in Christ leaning toward the way of the teachers in this passage, show me how to lovingly communicate with them.

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Mark: Whose Son Is the Messiah?

Read: Mark 12:35-37

Here’s a short passage that easily slips by on the Bible-in-a-year reading plan. I wonder if there are nuggets of wisdom for us to gain by slowing down and pondering why John Mark (along with Matthew 22:41-46 and Luke 20:41-44) chose this seemingly simple lesson to include among many taught in Jerusalem during Jesus’s last days on earth.

Jesus is teaching in the temple courts and poses a question that must have stopped everyone in their tracks:

David himself calls him ‘Lord.’ How then can he be his son?”
The large crowd listened to him with delight. Mark 12:37

This is more like a riddle than a question. I imagine people wandering around testing each other with the answer, though only a few understood the significance of the One who was asking.

Matthew’s account adds an interesting detail:

While the Pharisees were gathered together, Jesus asked them, “What do you think about the Messiah? Whose son is he?”
“The son of David,” they replied. Matthew 22:41-42

The Pharisees, along with many others (most likely), have to wonder why Jesus would pose such a riddle. Surely there are other lessons to teach. We’re stuck without a lot of details except to suggest that this

was to show that the Messiah was more than a descendant of David—he was David’s Lord. NIV Study Bible Notes

 

In the coming days, the tests will become harder, more complicated, and the Pharisees will ultimately fail miserably. It seems to me that Jesus is giving them a hint before their exam, all but declaring: I Am the Messiah! Read your scrolls!

The Pharisees are much too busy to see the significance. We know from our perspective that they, with few exceptions, miss the connection of Jesus as the long expectant savior, the one we get to sing about over the course of the next few weeks.

In this season of Advent, may we lose ourselves in the thought that Jesus is the fulfillment of hope for all generations, past, present, and future.

Lord, help us not to miss the point: Jesus is our redeemer.

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Mark: The Greatest Commandment

Read: Mark 12:28-34

Love God. Love neighbors. Love yourself.

There is no commandment greater than these. Mark 12:31

Done. Publish.

Not quite so fast. Not because I’m trying to add words to Jesus’s very clear answer here, but because I want to step into the shoes of the man who had the opportunity to ask one question of Jesus face-to-face. What question would you ask? What would I ask?

In this case, the Jewish leader is a teacher of the law. He’s no doubt invested his life in understanding the Torah, searching his heart and mind to not only become the man he believed God wanted him to be, but to be a better teacher, the calling for his life.

Given the chance of a lifetime, he finds himself in the enviable position to ask Jesus the clarify something for him. We know the rabbis of the day had hundreds of laws and rules, so many that it was no doubt a challenge to rack and stack them, keep them in order, etc. Modern day lawyers can appreciate this much more than I can.

What’s really refreshing about this interaction is that this man sincerely wanted to know the answer. He wasn’t trying to be clever, or at least it seems that way from his response to Jesus. The snob in me has read this differently in the past. Verse 32 starts, “Well said, teacher…” and I puff up my chest and say, you’re ___ right, this is Jesus answering your silly question! But that is not what Jesus says, not the way our savior reacts.

Take a moment and breathe in the words of Jesus as He listened intently to the man’s response:

When Jesus saw that he had answered wisely, he said to him, “You are not far from the kingdom of God.” Mark 12:34

The man reiterated Jesus’s words while I believe Jesus looked into his eyes and focused all attention on his body language, his poise, letting go of his prominent position to move from knowledge to wisdom. Jesus sees his heart and approves with incredibly gracious words. In my imagination, I see Jesus grabbing him by the shoulders, smiling, looking directly in his eyes and saying, “You are not far from the kingdom of God.” Oh my, that scene is so surreal. Can you imagine? Linger there for a moment.

If you had one question, what would it be?

I pray that we would ask questions and listen like the man did in this passage, that we would receive the assurance that Jesus came and died for us to appreciate. Jesus has the answers for those far from the Kingdom and those who’ve been adopted for years. Lord, help us to listen to Your answers.

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Mark: Marriage at the Resurrection

Read: Mark 12:18-27

Let’s play Stump the Rabbi. Here we see a fictitious scenario dreamed up by some of the Sadducees for the true purpose of tripping up Jesus.

John Mark begins by reminding us that the Sadducees are a group that don’t believe in the resurrection, so we get the sense that their perspective is at least biased against Jesus’ teaching. The story they concoct involves a seven brothers who each marry one woman then die. Eventually, the woman dies.

At the resurrection whose wife will she be, since the seven were married to her?” Mark 12:23

My first thought is the Sadducees are trying to gain support for their notion that there is no resurrection. The number of brothers, and therefore husbands, is not relevant to the answer, except to say that seven is chosen for its significance as a complete number. Obviously, even a second marriage to the widow would fit the question — if this entire discussion was really about marriage!

Marriage at the Resurrection

The Sadducees inadvertently ask a question that points to a modern day conundrum: What does marriage look like in heaven?

When the dead rise, they will neither marry nor be given in marriage; they will be like the angels in heaven. Mark 12:25

Honestly, that doesn’t provide a lot of answers for me. While Jesus know what angels in heaven look like, I’m a bit shaky on the idea! What I do get from the discussion is that their is, in fact, a life in eternity that is guaranteed beyond this mortal trial of existence, that there is more. The whole scenario has little to do with marriage, so Jesus move onto the point of their actual debate.

Christianity offers a hope like no other, the promise of a resurrected life.

This is the source of great confusion, much controversy, and yet, ultimately one of the key distinctives which define Christ followers. We believe in the resurrection. I think it’s safe to say we don’t believe that the resurrected life is some sort of eternal existence as a continuation of our current mortal state. Beyond that, we have clues in scripture, but it seems to me, we don’t really know what it looks like.

That does not change the assertion that there is a resurrection.

Jesus points the Sadducees back to the Pentateuch that they use as the basis for their home-brewed religion. In typical form, He puts the question back in their court:

Now about the dead rising—have you not read in the Book of Moses, in the account of the burning bush, how God said to him, ‘I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob’? Mark 12:26

The concept of “I am” is pretty clear, even if it’s difficult to understand: Abraham, Isaac and Jacob all exist in eternity at the same time; i.e., something happens after death. Jesus has taught on several occasions, at this point, that there is a resurrection. Here He makes it clear as He sends the Sadducees away shaking their heads.

Historically, the Sadducees sect did not survive very long, kinda like their misplaced theology.

The key takeaway for me this morning: check your theology at the door and listen to what God has to say for us in His word, the inspired brief writings we call the Bible. It’s incredible that He would give us this gift. I pray that we will all learn one grain of sand more until the day we have a beach full of knowledge and wisdom. Until that day, I’ll take a grain.

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Mark: Paying the Imperial Tax to Caesar

Read: Mark 12:13-17

The battle between church and state has raged for centuries. Today we are reminded of how we should approach this classic face-off as we read John Mark’s account of the interaction.

Unholy Alliance

In light of several things I’ve learned through this present study, here is another example of an alliance that is significant, in a bad way:

Later they sent some of the Pharisees and Herodians to Jesus to catch him in his words. Mark 12:13

In this case, they, implies there are talks among the Jewish and Roman leaders in the region. The Jewish leaders are obviously desperate to get rid of Jesus, even to the point of conspiring with the oppression regime that governs with a whip. Remember, just 30 years before this time, Herod had all the boys two and under killed when Jesus was born. I’m sure not much has changed in their way of thinking as evidenced by the systematic torture and execution of prisoners through crucifixion.

This is an unholy alliance, one that is not endorsed by God, but Jesus, once again, demonstrates incredibly (to say the least) how we should handle such obvious attempts to subvert God’s authority.

Teacher’s Pet

You aren’t swayed by others, because you pay no attention to who they are Mark 12:14

I hadn’t caught this concept before reading the NIV Application Commentary, but it is true, Jesus does show favoritism to those who sincerely seek the truth. This reminds me of days when I was teaching for the University of Maryland (long time ago!). I told my students that I most definitely had teacher’s pets. Those who did their homework and turned it in on time without complaint, those who prepared for class, those who did their best — these would be my favorites and I would unashamedly show them undue partiality. They got the point.

Jesus invites those who are willing to lay down their pride and follow Him to enter into his way of life. For those who have ulterior motives, He dismisses them with more questions than they had answers for. Just a few days ago we watched this unfold as Jesus ignored the questions from the religious leaders and sent them packing without an answer (The Authority of Jesus Challenged).

Thinly Veiled Trap

The grade-school challenge is laid before Jesus,

Is it right to pay the imperial tax to Caesar or not? Should we pay or shouldn’t we?” Mark 12:14-15

I’m thankful that John Mark (and Matthew 22:15-22 and Luke 20:20-26!) captured the moment for us to appreciate the separation of church and state. The hotly contested legal relationship continues to burden established churches to this day as we witness legal battles constantly attacking organized religion.

The Answer

The answer is rather simple:

Then Jesus said to them, “Give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s.” And they were amazed at him. Mark 12:17

Simple, yes, but once again, Jesus sends His inquisitors home unsatisfied: they were amazed. Matthew’s version agrees with John Mark’s while Luke tells us they were astonished and had no response, “they were silent.”

There are many in the church world that live in fear of losing their tax-exempt status, the revered 501(c)(3) shelter for non-profit entities, in particular, religious organizations. The rationale behind the tax-exempt status has little to do with religion, which is why, so far, the code remains in place. The concept is simple: religious organizations, e.g., churches, exist for the common good of the public. This is the call for churches to remember their role in community outreach, but not merely for the sake of checking a box. Our role is to be a key part of our community. I fully believe that if we were to embody that role, we would be fine with or without the IRS Code exemption–the community would long to see us succeed.

I’m thankful for this clear cut example of how we are to balance church and state. We have so many privileges in this country, so many laws in our favor. Lord, help us to play the vital role in society as we draw people to You!

 

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