Mar 24 2009

My Church Building

Category: Other Posts — Polycarp @ 9:47 am

When I was growing up in the flatlands of Louisiana, I heard of a church, built on the side of a mountain, under the bluest of skies. There were times when I would ask to hear the story again, and I can still rehearse it.

I saw it several times, for my first times. Once, it didn’t matter. I didn’t need God then – I was just there for show and practice. But that second first time, when I was finally giving in to God, I realized how beautiful it really was, beyond words, memories and stories.

So, I thought that I might share it with you. It is nestled in the Appalachian Mountains, up a holler in Ohley, West Virginia.church

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Mar 22 2009

Sunday Thoughts 3/22

Category: Devotional — Polycarp @ 7:09 am

We have made it through another week. As I sit here in Charleston, WV, the temperature is 28 degrees. I will kill me a groundhog.

I have had a busy week this week, but it is that time of year. For all those interested in politics, let me give you this advice – stay way. Politics is a black spot on the soul of humanity.

I hope all is well with each of you this morning. Our pastor’s brother, and brother in the Lord, is still in NSICU. The blockage is large. The family is tore all to pieces. And we can offer only prayers. It is easy to say, standing this far out, that the will of the Lord will be done, but it is difficult to watch that will being done if that will is no in accordance with what you really want to happen.

I will finish my week of Creeds, since I didn’t get finished last week. And I have at least one book review that I am working on and I will publish that this week – I hope. I am also preparing a post on wrestling with the issue of textual criticism as well as continuing the monitoring of the collapse of the Joyner-Grady ticket over the Bentley issue. I am still amazed that J. Lee Grady has become the voice that he has, a loyal opposition, if you will.

We are heading to Church this morning, as we do every Sunday morning, with the Lord on our minds. I could sit in the pews and point out the things that I see wrong, but in doing so, I would be ignoring God and my own correction. It has taken me a while to get to this point – and trust me, sometimes I have to battle it out in service – but my eyes are fixed on Christ, not on my brothers and sisters and that that would be so. God will correct others in His own time, assuming that they need correction, of course.

I pray that all of those looking for a place to call home will find it, or perhaps God will send someone there to build a house.

If there are other issues which you want to see discussed, please let me know. I like to explore.

Well, gotta go. Friends, we are praying for you and we love you in the Lord. God willing, perhaps we will meet before the end of this life, and if not, then we can catch up on the other side.

I’ll leave you now, with one of my favorite childhood hymns, On the Wings of a Dove,

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Dec 08 2008

Thank you, Dyersburg Church

Category: Other Posts — Polycarp @ 6:35 am

We are on the highway this morning, and into the afternoon, but I wanted to say thank you to Bro. Mickey, his wife (Sis. Terry) and the entire congregation at Dyersburg, Tn for the warmth and hospitality that they have shown me and my family, not only this time, but every other time we have shown up on their doorstep. If anyone is looking for a good church home, and you are in driving distance of Dyersburg, TN, then make the effort to go. I promise you, you will not be disappointed.

We have a great service last night, but no message. The spirit of God moved, and we had a good worship service, with the presence of God so very dear.

Again, check it out if you are close one day.

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Nov 12 2008

Latin that makes you think: Excruciating

Category: Quotes — Polycarp @ 1:26 pm

From wiki (and here):

Crucifixion was almost never performed for ritual or symbolic reasons outside of Christianity, but usually to provide a death that was particularly painful (hence the term excruciating, literally “out of crucifying”), gruesome (hence dissuading against the crimes punishable by it) and public (hence the metaphorical expression “to nail to the cross”), using whatever means were most expedient for that goal. Crucifixion methods varied considerably with location and time period.

Think about that the next time you say some was ‘excruciating’. Is really as painful as the crucifixion of our Lord and Saviour?

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Nov 08 2008

Thoughts on a Saturday Evening: Songs of the Redeemed

Category: Devotional — Polycarp @ 4:14 pm

Isaiah is a book that has given us many prophecies concerning Christ, the Church, and the Gentiles that would join with the Jews in worship of the one true God. In chapter 12, we find a few simple stanza’s that form a song for the future, comparable to the songs of Moses, Deborah, and the Psalms of David. It speaks about a future time, in the Restoration of the peace between God and Humanity, in which we recognize God as the sole source of salvation and the sole receptacle of our praise.

Isaiah 12:1-6 in the New Kings James Version:

And in that day you will say:
“O LORD, I will praise You;
Though You were angry with me,
Your anger is turned away, and You comfort me.

Behold, God is my salvation,
I will trust and not be afraid;

From Irenaeus, Against Heresies, Book 3, Chapter 10

This, therefore, was the knowledge of salvation; but [it did not consist in] another God, nor another Father, nor Bythus, nor the Pleroma of thirty Æons, nor the Mother of the (lower) Ogdoad: but the knowledge of salvation was the knowledge of the Son of God, who is both called and actually is, salvation, and Saviour, and salutary. Salvation, indeed, as follows: I have waited for Your salvation, O Lord. And then again, Saviour: Behold my God, my Saviour, I will put my trust in Him. But as bringing salvation, thus: God has made known His salvation (salutare) in the sight of the heathen. For He is indeed Saviour, as being the Son and Word of God; but salutary, since [He is] Spirit; for he says: The Spirit of our countenance, Christ the Lord. But salvation, as being flesh: for the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us. This knowledge of salvation, therefore, John did impart to those repenting, and believing in the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.

It is interesting to note that ’salvation’ is the Hebrew word ישׁוּעה (yeshû‛âh), which is etymologically kin to the Aramaic/Hebrew name of Jesus.

“For YAH, the LORD, is my strength and song;
He also has become my salvation.”‘ Therefore with joy you will draw water
From the wells of salvation.
And in that day you will say:
“Praise the LORD, call upon His name;
Declare His deeds among the peoples,
Make mention that His name is exalted. Sing to the LORD,
For He has done excellent things;
This is known in all the earth. Cry out and shout, O inhabitant of Zion,
For great is the Holy One of Israel in your midst!”

Albert Barnes, in his commentary,

It should be read in view of the great and glorious deliverance which God has performed for us in the redemption of his Son; and with feelings of lofty gratitude that he has brought us from worse than Egyptian bondage – the bondage of sin. The song is far better applied to the times of the Messiah, than it could be to anything which occurred under the Jewish dispensation. The Jews themselves appear to have applied it to his time. On the last day of the feast of tabernacles, they brought water in a golden pitcher from the fountain of Siloam, and poured it, mingled with wine, on the sacrifice that was on the altar, with great rejoicing (see the notes at John 7:14, notes at John 7:37). This custom was not required by Moses, and probably arose from the command in Isaiah 12:3 of this chapter. Our Saviour applied it to himself, to the benefits of his gospel, and to the influences of the Spirit John 7; and the ancient Jews so applied it also. ‘Why is it called the house of drawing? Because from thence they draw the Holy Spirit; as it is written, “and ye shall draw water with joy from the fountains of salvation.”’

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Sep 21 2008

Going to the Sunday School Picnic

Category: Devotional — Polycarp @ 8:14 am

When I moved to West Virginia, I found traditions and customs different than what I was used to. One of the church traditions that I found was the Sunday School picnic. Our Church is not the only one that does it, as there seems to be several others around the communities that have them as well.

One Sunday morning, every September, we converge on Kanawha (Ka-naw) State Forest and have a small service, eat and play. The Service is fine with me, the food is fine with me, but I don’t play well with others. I am simply not a ‘fun’ person. My wife has finally accept that. It is a handicap, but hey, I would rather spend time in lectures, or museums, or in books of other sources of information than actually going outside and having fun.

Sure, I like going outside. I like hunting. I like fishing somewhat. But they are all solitary activities and besides my family and a few close friends, I like the solitary life.

Of course I bend a bit, once or twice a year, because it is preferable to bend than to face the wrath of my dear and lovely wife. And my children are important to me – to make sure that they have what is fun to them. (which is why I go camping – once a year).

So today, we are going to the Sunday School picnic where I intend to eat, walk down the creek, and labour the point to my wife that I am ready to go back home. I will most likely do that every few minutes for a few hours. (No, I am not a spoiled little brat, I say, as I stomp the floor.)

It is a tradition of our local congregation that has been celebrated for several decades. I believe that people look forward to it every year, as a sort of end of summertime event. It is good to get out of the four walls of the church house and experience God’s walls every once in a while. As long as they don’t ask me to play sporting events or have fun, then I don’t mind it.

I pray that each of you have a blessed day, my friends. Next week, I will actually complete two posts in the rarely read bible series, as well as some post on Joel’s Army, and another post about a certain day in the Hebrew calendar that people are stuck on. Looking forward to it! I am also experimenting with youtube a bit to develop a sort of podcast, but that might be completed until next week.

So, friends, worship God today and everyday. Make room for Him not only in your hear, but in your schedule.

I leave you with a small view of the inside of our church house.

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Sep 12 2008

Hurricane Ike

Category: Other Posts — Polycarp @ 11:52 pm

I sit here watching MSNBC’s coverage of Hurricane Ike and I pray that those that were foolish enough to stay behind by choosing to stay behind will make it safely through this storm. I left Louisiana a few years before Katrina, but I lived through Andrew, and I remember the fear that can grip you when the you have nothing by the radio to listen to, and you hear of storm surges, and deaths, and homes destroyed.

So, I will sit up a few more hours to watching the storm coverage and remembering the many days that I spent in Galveston, Clear Lake, and those other small towns that are makes the international news. I know of people that lived there, and I am praying that they had the good sense and the ability to get out while they could!

**Update – 1:04am**

I noticed that Ike is starting to take a more north-easterly approach, meaning that it will impact Port Arther and Beaumont as well as southwestern Louisiana (Bro. Lanis, you still down that way?). How do you react when it moves away from you? Are you jubilant?

If this storm had hit Mexico, imagine the lives lost. But it went to Texas. Texas as a whole is better prepared for something like this, physically and fiscally. Galveston was not looking forward to having the storm surge, with some predictions having the Gulf cover 2/3’s or more of the island. Now, it looks like the storm might be heading east, meaning that Galveston Island will be spared somewhat. But, when you see the storm approaching, and you hear that it is going to miss you, are you happy?

These people still need our prayers throughout the night and will need our support afterwards.

1:15 (east coast) – The weather guy just said that the latest wobble might have just saved a few billion dollars worth of property. I remember vacationing in Galveston and noticing the high water marks. They are saying that those records, some going back to the 1950’s, have just been broken.

These reporters, standing right there in the path. Just saw a gust nearly knock a reporter down. (Still watching MSNBC) Reporter saying that the eye wall is just now hitting land. But you know what, people are still out here doing what people will do.

That poor reporter in Clear Lake, barely standing, somewhere near the Johnson Space Center. The wind, no kidding, just blew the reporter down and almost away (Mike Bettes). I would have already left! He is talking about the debris that is flying. I have seen giant tree limbs just fly through the air. These things can get dangerous.

1:28 – The storm seems to be heading back to the north west. Not good. Seems the eye is heading on shore, so there will be calm for a bit. I don’t know really what to feel about it. I have lived through a few hurricanes in my short life, so I still have a bit of apprehension when I see the surge and the wind and the horizontal rain, but I am removed from the storm, safe on the Mountain. Still praying. The Weather Channel is reporting that no deaths have been reported, but that 40% of Galveston Island choose to remain behind. I wonder how the hurricane parties are going right about now.

Yes, people choose these situations to party.

1:37 – The wind is up to 85 miles an hour in Beaumont/Port Arthur. Clear Lake is experiencing a storm surge of about 8 feet. I wonder how Louisiana is doing? Lake Charles and those areas hit by Rita. They said that the fire department in Port Arthur evacuated the city this afternoon.

Earthquakes last for a few minutes, hurricanes are events.

Most of Galveston is underwater now, and they are expecting more water. The Texas National Guard has pulled back to Houston with a hopeful return tomorrow morning when the storm as passed over. They have established a command center and will begin their search and rescue missions tomorrow. (Hopefully it will stay that way and not move to a search and recover mission). It seems that nature’s invasion has been somewhat successful.

1:44 – I will turn the coverage off now, and continue my prayers, and then sleep. I pray that my family and friends and your family and friends – if you have then down there – are safe and will remain safe. And may God grant safe passage to all facing this storm. And may God bless those that would risk thier lives for the safety of others, even if those others would choose to tempt God.

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Sep 09 2008

Bibles – n – More

Category: Other Posts — Polycarp @ 4:07 pm

As many of you know by now, I was a community organizer for several years for the United Mine Workers of America. During that time, I developed some rules of being a good community organizer and one of those was to find a place where you could relax and wind down. You know, exhale.

I found that place at the Bibles & More bookstore. A local pastor and his wife own the bookstore – it is the only one and they treat it like an only child. They devote a lot of time and resources – more resources that actually come from the store – to developing and supporting the store. I grew to know them in my few years in Charleston and greatly enjoyed the time spent at the store.

As I traveled across the country, I never could find another place like it. Sure, there were places (chains) that had other things, but in the end, the only bookstore that I found was enjoyable was this Bible & More. From time to time, I was able to stop in there when I was back home for the weekend.

Then, I was sent to Illinois. I know…why? What could possible be in Illinois. And while I was gone, they shut down.

So I thought.

Instead, they had moved to another part of town. I recently found this store as I was looking for a Willow Tree for my wife. She loves those and I can say that of all thee ones that she has, I believe about 95% of them came from that store.

Today was the first time I was able to visit. I found the store as warm and welcoming as ever. The pastor and his wife had not changed. Friendly. Nice. Warm. It immediately took a load off. To tell you the truth, I have been looking forward to going in that store for a few weeks now. I bought my daughter (although she is convinced that she did) a NLT bible, pink metal case and my wife an anniversary Willow Tree set – the giant Mary and Joseph Christmas Story. (Well, I would have for Christmas, but our anniversary is next week – expect a post on marriage – and she loves the complete set of the normal size that I got her two years ago, again from this store.) She doesn’t know it yet, so don’t tell her.

If you are every in Charleston, West Virginia, or perhaps want some of the local flavor, stop by or call them. They are at 2809 7th Avenue, Charleston WV. (304.343.3334). I am sure that not only will they be happy to see you, but when you leave, you will be somewhat less road weary. They have books, bibles, candles, curriculum of the Sunday School variety, and many more things. But most of all, they have friendship.

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Aug 19 2008

John Chrysostom on Emulation

Category: Church Fathers, John Chrysostom, Quotes — Polycarp @ 3:44 pm

lBe imitators of me, even as I also am of Christ.” This is a rule of the most perfect Christianity, this is a landmark exactly laid down, this is the point that stands highest of all; viz. the seeking those things which are for the common profit: which also Paul himself declared, by adding, even as I also am of Christ. For nothing can so make a man an imitator of Christ as caring for his neighbors. — St. John Chrysostom, Homily on 1 Corinthians 11

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Aug 18 2008

Emulation: The Proper Place for Adoration

Category: Devotional — Polycarp @ 1:44 pm

A few weeks ago, we had a fete for our Pastor’s wife who recently turned **. During the moments of thanks, a speak spoke about emulation, of emulation not only the Pastor, but his wife as well, and their marriage, when in some small way was being celebrated there as well. I know that the speaker could not go into emulation on that day, and that is fine for him, but I have been mediating upon emulation for a bit now.

Some define emulation as a mimic, or as the ambition to follow after one, or to excel. Emulation is easily meant to follow so closely after one, or to seek to build upon the successes of another. Both definitions are adequate. And in turning to the Scriptures, we find a command to watch closely those that follow Christ, to imitate them.

Be imitators of me, brothers and sisters, and watch carefully those who are living this way, just as you have us as an example.
(Php 3:17 NET)

Paul commands us thrice to ‘be followers’ of him. Paul’s reasoning is sound each time. If he is a follower of Christ, then if we imitate him, then we too will be followers of Christ. This is not to say that we must copy Paul’s actions and thereby be saved, instead, we learn from his manner of life and in following that, we learn about the Christian life.

Our pastor and his wife have been married for over 40 years. Yes, there have been hard times, no doubt, and yes, they have seen good times. They did not marry within the Church, only later coming to be found by God, so they did not have the foundation of holiness and the examples of saintly marriages. Yet, upon coming to God, they began to adopt certain aspects of the writers of the New Testament and those living examples set so rightly before them. In their own pastor, no doubt, did they find someone worth emulating.

It is the same for anyone who really sits under a pastor. If that pastor is a follower of Christ, then that pastor will have a life that is worth emulating. I wrestled with Paul’s commandment in 1st Corinthians 11.1, which should conclude the previous chapter. I wrestled with a meaning that fits the words. In my understanding, I can hear Paul telling us through the Corinthians to be followers of Paul in every way that he is a follower of Christ. Would Paul have meant that we must all be tent-makers? That is a difficult assumption at best. However, could Paul not have rather intended for the Saint to live a life of missionary service, even in a stationary posting, such as Paul lived? Ready to die for Christ, counting all things lost for Christ?

Did he wish everyone to develop the temper of himself? Or would he have rather us devote ourselves to living in peace with all men. Surely, he would have had us to stand firm for the Church, but it is easily recognized that Paul was somewhat harsh in his dealings with those seeking schism.

When I think of our pastor, I simply do not see a perfect man, nor his wife as a perfect woman; instead, I see perfected saints. I see a marriage that was withstood great change in the outside world, inside the Church, and yet, through the years, there is no doubt held by anyone that they dearly and wonderfully love each other. Yet, the marriage is not a perfect fit for everyone; however, it is a perfect example for all. In our emulation of them, we strive for the marriage that they have, seeking, however, to apply their examples to our lives but increase upon it.

When I first met my pastor, he said that his desire for his ministers was for them to excel and to be successful. Is this not a fatherly sentiment as well? Do we fathers really want our children to sit in our shadow or do we wish for them to take the best part of us and build upon it? Of course we want our children to use us as stepping stones!

This to is the sentiment of the Christian. We stand on the shoulders that come before us. We see the greatness in the lives of those that surround us, and like a buffet of character, we take those things that are right within us, and use those things to build our own life. We take the examples of sturdy marriages from a generation ago and digest the fruits thereof and use that nutrition as a foundation to model (not copy completely) our own marriages on.

We emulate our pastor and his wife, not in every way, but in every way in which they follow Christ.

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