Gospel Salesmanship

GOSPEL “SALESMANSHIP” in sharing a peculiar package copyright Doug Blair, Waterloo ON, 2018

Wait upon the Holy Presence Christ is Lord And not the clock.

He is eager to make contact Stop the stories And small talk.

You have Gospels full of power And the hope Of Heaven’s joy.

(Growth in numbers not the target Using every Trendy toy.)

1

His this House and meant for praying.

In the silence He will move Down these aisles releasing comfort Words in season His love prove.

His the moments of deep reverence Using nothing Of men’s hype.

And your needs are oh so pressing Just confess His Vine is ripe.

Yes just cling unto His goodness There is nothing More required.

And the folks will come inquiring In this place Pure faith inspired.

The Twenty-Seventh

The how and why of worship at church may be found in this Psalm: 3Though an host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear: though war should rise against me, in this will I be confident.

4One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to ​enquire​ in his temple.

2

5For in the time of trouble he ​shall hide me​ in his pavilion: in the secret of his tabernacle

shall he hide me; he shall ​set me up upon a rock.​ 6And now shall mine head be lifted up

above mine enemies round about me: therefore will I offer in his tabernacle sacrifices of joy; I will sing, yea, ​I will sing praises unto the LORD​.

7Hear, O LORD, when I cry with my voice: have mercy also upon me, and answer me.

8When thou saidst, Seek ye my face; my heart said unto thee, ​Thy face, LORD, will I seek.​

9Hide not thy face far from me; ​put not thy servant away in anger​: thou hast been my help; leave me not, neither forsake me, O God of my salvation.

Particular attention should be given to each of the italicized phrases. If our gatherings miss these points of focus, there must be an adjustment. I will pass comment on just a few: enquire - We must come with expectation and not fuzzy "Sunday morning heads". With the preparation of personal prayer we have asked that specific questions be addressed, or we will engage with a trusted fellow believer on such points at the appropriate time. Growth necessitates that we present our own questions. shall hide me - There is sanctuary in the presence of our God. A respite from daily pressures and worries. A fortifying reminder of His keeping care. set me up upon a rock - One is reminded of the opening verses of Psalm 40. That rock, of course, is the sure foundation of the Gospel. The merciful bestowing of God's favour and shepherding for the simple asking through Christ. Let all other tempting stories of interest, current affairs or personal anecdote be set aside.

I will sing praises unto the Lord - Not the professional praise team, not the overhead video...I will sing. Delightfully modulated breath given back to the Giver.

3

Thy face, Lord, will I seek - Far beyond doctrine and observance one comes to a recognizing of the face, the countenance, the nature and names of our God. To grasp these is to grasp peace, assurance and a Friend who sticks closer than a brother.

Put not thy servant away in anger​ ​- We do not get what we deserve. Because of who He is and what He promises, we have reconciliation and fellowship.

Community Not the First Priority

Â

In much of the self-definition of the local churches (web-sites, newspaper, front lawn signs, visitor literature) I see reference to a purpose which should be secondary. It is community, a sense of belonging, an opportunity to engage with other people who have made Christian values something important to their lives.

The suggestion is to "come grow with us, embrace a fuller life, enjoy the sense of belonging, join in with programs, provide for your children a safe zone for moral and social development, rise to leadership opportunities with identified aptitudes and help to keep the ball rolling."

But then I go to the Gospels and see Jesus calling out disciples. Simon, Andrew, James and John from their arduous toil on the fishing boats. Matthew from his lucrative tax-gatherer's table. The invitation was simple: "Follow me."

These men had heard the words of wisdom in the spontaneous addresses of "the rabbi", had perhaps observed or heard of the incredible miracles of healing; had sensed majesty in words of absolution pronounced to the penitent; had met full on the convicting yet hopeful gaze of the one who chose them.

The challenge was not easy; the beatitudes unsettling to the status quo; the requirements of service and travel disturbing to family and business connections. Indeed, Matthew in the 10th

4

chapter of his account paints a severe picture of the realities of discipleship. Uncertain dwelling places. Ostracism and rejection. Surprising strife with loved ones. Trusting the Spirit rather than recognized, studied authorities for the right word of witness, guidance or correction. Difficulties with public authorities.

Matthew is the Evangelist who most portrays Jesus as Messianic King (the lion figure) and His followers as ambassadors of an unstoppable Kingdom. He would have agreed wholeheartedly with Paul's words on the role of ambassador in ​2 Corinthians 5.

In an earlier life he had been the pragmatist who positioned himself with Rome to collect taxes from his fellow countrymen at an extorted premium. He thought he understood the clear line of division between lives secular and religious. He excused many actions with the claim "business is business". He rose in standing among the publicans and invited many of similar persuasion to his banqueting table. This even occurred on the day of his calling by Jesus, a seeming contradiction. But Jesus had other plans in accepting his invitation redeeming ones.

We must recognize that there is a dynamic power in the call of "follow me". A chance to listen and observe; to evaluate the manliness and forgiving tendency, the confidence and unequalled compassion of the carpenter from Nazareth. The traits of the Master, studied at length and in earnest prove to be infectious. The transformation in the disciple is not a matter of schooling or frequent assembly, but rather a love response and an assimilation of the nature of Jesus.

Hence the Lord of Glory says unto us: "I have called you for my purposes. Come unto me.

Follow me. You will bear fruit. Out there, in the community of the everyday. My blood has sealed the deal."

We gather unto Him in a much more profound sense than our gathering with each other!

5

Life-Style or Christ's Smile?

Â

Much effort from the pulpit is directed toward putting a Biblical slant on issues of everyday life. Relationships and families. Finances. Child rearing. Dealing with conflict. Dealing with low self-esteem. Forgiving oneself for past stumblings. Dealing with satanic attack.

Problematic attitudes. Establishing a balanced work ethic.

The intention is to make the sermon "now" and relevant and helpful to the life priorities of the audience. Giving them what they want. The epistles of the New Testament come in handy. The how-to lists are drafted with their alliterated sub-headings. The whole thing has the tone of a lecture.

BUT IT IS NOT BREAD! Christ is the Living Bread. He must always have the pre-eminence as the preacher delivers his burden. The Four Gospels must be the staple (and perhaps the Letter to the Hebrews). They portray the most compassionate, patient, helpful, authoritative and hope-inspiring of all lives.

They put flesh on the concepts of Elder Brother, Rescuer, Shepherd, Rabbi, Priest and Prophet.

When the trouble comes I cannot lean upon a lecture of ethics. I must have an overcoming relationship with the Captain of our salvation, the Anchor of our hope, the Firstborn from the dead. I will remember the faithful preacher who depicted such a One for me, and provoked me to yet more redeeming meditations and prayer life in private; more helpful activity in public.

Every believer should have for private use a good exposition of the life of Christ drawing from all Gospels and establishing the overview (Farrar, Stalker, Pollock, MacLaren, Campbell Morgan). Â

6

The imperative of the Gospel is not "learn this" or "learn that"; rather it is "Come." "Learn of me." "Follow me." The one who gives priority to this imperative will always cause the Master to smile. And that smile felt is worth worlds.

Like a Dog in the Park

Â

Don's wife had asked him how the Men's Study Group had gone. She knew that they had just polished off the final chapter in some topical book. Job, she thought. He had come home week after week for ten weeks, saying very little.

Don was now being called upon to summarize, and he was finding it difficult. Being with the guys was always good, but it seemed that there was never any room in the evening for spontaneity. The role of facilitator was passed around from chapter to chapter, but the underlying agenda was always to get through the assigned pages. His attention had been drifting this time around and he found that he could not accurately report to Becky, although she was truly interested. Some author that everybody said was good, but still second-hand information when compared to the Book of books.

Why did they persist in doing this? Running to some study guide with one man's spin on things? Considering that in this fashion they were "doing their duty"? Was this truly fellowship? Two weeks ago it had seemed that it was on the tip of Brad's tongue to let go with some personal problem. Something was eating at him. His face said that he was elsewhere.

But there was that chapter to get through. The opportunity was lost.

Don was starting to suspect that the problem went beyond the Men's Group at Crosspoints. It also put off the main body of the church from real engagement, real burden bearing, real examination of the scriptures. This was nothing like the thrill in his early years of faith when he had gobbled up the wonderfully consistent message of hope and of calling from Genesis to Revelation. Largely in his private time. Light gained which would never be forgotten. A true

7

meeting with God, His thoughts and loving kindness. A true brotherly spirit with Jesus.

The next day at work, Don found himself musing on this predicament. Then suddenly, a recollection of something his father had said. Dad had been quite an exercise enthusiast, but eventually tired of the regimen. He said that he had come to know the total number of ceramic tiles in the bottom of the YMCA pool; the number of cracks in the sidewalk jogging around the downtown park. Then he got hold of a book from the military on aerobic exercise. The writer said that a work-out program should be as spontaneous and varied as the wanderings of a big dog in the park. Watch the animal. He will run uphill; sprint downhill; stop for a sniff at a tree; look overhead at some mocking crows; lope at an easy jog across the large playing field; walk while curiously examining some children at play on the swings; stop and catch his breath.

Could one's faith walk possibly take on such a fresh approach? Could one's willingness to go with the flow of the moment open up new opportunities in fellowship, in community, in fulfilling the Great Commission? Ask the Holy Spirit for refreshment, for guidance, for Jesus in the midst?

Something was wrong. He would have to take the risk and tell the guys.

Stumbling Like Saul in Our Day?

(Taken from ​The Message​ by Eugene Peterson) 1 Samuel 15: 22-23 Then Samuel said, Do you think all God wants are sacrifices— empty rituals just for show?

8

He wants you to listen to him!

Plain listening is the thing, not staging a lavish religious production.

Not doing what God tells you is far worse than fooling around in the occult.

Getting self-important around God is far worse than making deals with your dead ancestors.

Because you said No to God's command, he says No to your kingship.

24-25 Saul gave in and confessed, "I've sinned. I've trampled roughshod over God's Word and your instructions. I cared more about pleasing the people. I let them tell me what to do.

Oh, absolve me of my sin! Take my hand and lead me to the altar so I can worship God!" Note:​ Our religious services must have momentum, so we think. They roll on without pause, without hush, without any real expectation that God will arrive with His sovereign agenda and input. We fellowship; we minister to Him; we talk about Him. What Father would desire, in all honesty, such a one-sided "meeting" with children?

Pluck

(Taken from ​An All Round Ministry ​by Charles Spurgeon)

The

common policy of our churches is that of great prudence. We do not, as a rule, attempt anything beyond our strength. We measure means, and calculate possibilities with economical accuracy; then we strike off a large discount for contingencies, and a still larger percentage as provision for our ease, and so we accomplish little because we have no idea of doing much. ​I

9

would to God we had more "pluck."​ I know of no fitter word to describe what I mean; though the word may better suit the camp than the church, we will for once borrow from the barracks. Bear in mind that there is nothing like courage even in ordinary things. Sir Richard Sutton, when he was ambassador to Prussia, was taken by Frederick the Great to see his regiment of giants, every one of whom stood six feet six in his shoes. The king said to him, "Do you think any regiment in the English army could fight my men, man for man?" Sir Richard answered, "Please your majesty, I do not know whether the same number could beat your giants, but I know that half the number would try at it."

Let us attempt great things, for those who believe in the Name of the Lord succeed beyond all expectation. By faith, the worker lives. The right noble Earl of Shaftesbury said, the other afternoon, of Ragged-school teachers and their work, "It was evident to all thinking persons that we had a great danger in the ignorance of the children of the lower classes, and so the senators began to think of it, and the philosophers began to think of it, and good men of all sorts began to think of it; but while they were all engaged in thinking, a few plain, humble people opened Ragged-schools, and did it, This is the kind of faith of which we need more and more; we need so to trust in God as to put our hand to the plough in His Name. It is idle to spend time in making and altering plans, and doing nothing else; the best plan for doing God's work is to do it. Brothers, if you do not believe in anybody else, believe in God without stint.

Believe up to the hilt. Bury yourselves, both as to your weakness and your strength, in simple trust in God. "Oh!" said one, "as to that man, there is no telling what mad thing he will start next." Let the sneer pass, though it may be as well to say, "I am not mad, most noble Festus; but carry out works of truth and soberness." The end of all things will show that faith in God is sanctified common sense, without an atom of folly in it. To believe God's Word, is the most reasonable thing we can do; it is the plainest course that we can take, and the safest policy that we can adopt, even as to taking care of ourselves; for Jesus says, "Whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for My sake shall find it." Let us stake all upon the faithfulness of God, and we shall never be ashamed or confounded, world without end.

Solid Food, Really?

10

Â

The old evangelist had decided to come into town a week before the services to get a feel for the climate at the host church. He entered the sanctuary ten minutes before the official start and took an obscure seat. He saw some limited amount of real engagement between parishioners, and then the praise team wound up.

Music was professional. Seasoned hymn book Gospel choruses were noticeably absent. A corporate effort at song was strained.

Announcements followed as the clock raced on. "Oh the blessing of last week's get -together.

Oh the promise of next week's seminar. Check your schedules. Don't miss it. And there will be food."

Next came the offering. A reverent moment. Junior Pastor Terry Bullpen gave a prayer which was largely about blessing that offering. Some names of sick and shut-in were also raised.

Jesus was thanked for His marvelous love.

Senior Pastor Ernest Pitcher took the pulpit and checked for his wireless mike and remote prompter. What followed as a sermon was, in the estimation of the old evangelist...pablum.

Basic principles of redemption. A sprinkling of personal anecdote and humour. A single foundation text lost sight of very quickly in a lecture of ethics and "should do's". A brief illustrative video on the overhead which was worth a chuckle. Then the noticeable shift into the earnest tone of voice and the altar call for salvation.

Older members of the body could be heard chiming in, "Amen to that...Preach it Brother."

Three rather embarrassed and confused "twenty-somethings" went forward for prayer. Elders raced forward to be at their sides. And then it was over. Greeters were already at the back door. The clock confirmed it. Eighty minutes and done. On the button. Second service to follow.

The old evangelist shuffled forward to the pastors and introduced himself. "Gentlemen, does the main body of the assembly take what I just saw as solid food?" Pastor Pitcher responded, "Oh, so you are Brother Fuller! Well sir, we are an evangelical church and we tend to

11

moderate the message for anxious inquirers and new believers in our midst. This we find bears fruit."

"My friends if you dared to open up some of the deeper things of God and of His Christ you would continue to equip a viable force of prayer, of wonder, of vigour and of manifestation in your church family. Infant spirits would not be wooed intellectually. Rather they would see of the glory of God, loathe their uncleanness, become desperate and leap into the light...May I have such a liberty in the upcoming meetings?"

Both pastors shuffled awkwardly. "Very well, I will make sure to be at home Tuesday evening at eight o'clock for your phone call and decision." With that the old evangelist was gone.

Somewhat flushed of face, Terry asked his mentor, "Did you GET any of that?"

"Nope", Ernest replied.

Fade to black...

M'Cheyne from 1840

Â

H​osea 14:

8 a. O Ephraim, what more have I to do with idols?

Last night I was reading from an old sermon given by Robert Murray M'Cheyne. It was intended as a closing sermon after celebration of communion. The parishioners were reminded of the public confession of the lordship of Jesus which had just been accomplished in the taking of the elements.

12

No other issue was to capture their allegiance. No idol. Not money, or popularity, or unequal pairing in marriage, or public amusements, or inappropriate friends, or illicit pursuits, or fear of man, or business success, or higher education. Many items on the list were obvious.

But then he mentioned one which came initially as a surprise - our own sanctification. Oh yes, we can be so impressed with our own change of lifestyle, our holy exercises, our seamless church attendance, our reformed tongues, our list of prohibited worldly activities, that we put our sanctified selves on the throne and see Jesus only as an accommodation party. Pride, is it not?

The Lord finds this idol as disappointing as the rest. What happens to the fear of the Lord?

Our own sense of shortcoming and need? Our realization that we are still unprofitable servants? Our persistent supplicants' posture for mercy.

The change in us represents a step away from the possibility of revival. Oh I hear people in the Church everywhere calling for what they perceive to be revival. Perhaps they see it as a few more souls at the altar or a more populous prayer meeting or a few notorious sinners cleaned up moderately.

But this misses God's idea of revival by a long shot. He is looking for the breaking up of fallow ground in the Church, for heart rending judgment and correction in the Church, for quality decisions never to leave the place of the dependent child in the lap of the Lord Jesus. With such breaking comes power; power noticed by those outside church walls and feeling hints of conviction for the very first time.

This will be a supernatural work defying all our holiness formulas and church growth strategies. Bring it on Lord, and soon!

Fear of the Lord

13

Imagine if a congregation gathered to minister unto the Lord rather than to "get" from Him. Teaching and fellowship would take a back seat to waiting upon the Father's initiative. Songs of adoration and thanksgiving rather than performances. Extended periods of silence and expectation in corporate prayer. More straight reading from the sacred text and less teaching from it.

Perhaps initially it would lack the flow and momentum of our eighty minute program packages. But I suspect that with a focus upon the Lord's arrival, the "holy hush" would lead to messages, praise, prophecy and manifestation around the room. There would be a quickening adjustment from the traditional lectern-audience format.

The ministry team would have to be prepared to step back and allow something more participatory to occur. The atmosphere would be one of excitement moderated by courtesy and a respectful weighing of input. Services would contain surprises, comforts, reminders, admonitions and encouragements through the Spirit. Pastor would take on the role of conductor in the concert rather than soloist.

The command is for us to assemble and bow down and worship. It is not to attend sessions on self-improvement or the exploration of virtues. As we focus on the glorious account of what Jesus has done and what He is like, we find ourselves being changed into His likeness. We crave His "bread".

We appropriate Him and find that progressively He lives through us. The outflow will be in love, service and reproduction.

I encourage readers of this post to take some private time with concordance and topical Bible in hand to examine "fear of the Lord" and such passages as Isaiah 58, Psalm 36, Psalm 63, Acts 4 and Acts 10.

Cathedral and Sanctuary

14

Countless feet have trod these stones Come here, from the thrall of days Racked with pain and stifling moil Seeking but the Saviour’s ways.

Does He live beneath this vault Good as all the stained glass shows?

Did he brave the worst of men Blessing, while He took their blows?

Could I trust my parcel small To this Friend from Galilee Does He even care at all?

Hear my cries; my burden see?

Yes, my spirit answers “Yes” Most trustworthy of all Kings Pledging e’en to share His throne Grasping this, my spirit sings.

All outside is blocked a while Whispers, echoes strangely bless Touch His robe, the King of Peace And the King of Righteousness.

Canticles Five and Six 15

Faint with love!

I missed the moment When my King was at the door Groggy slept While He was knocking Kept my feet from freezing floor Finally rose To catch the visit But my Love was sadly gone Now I tread the Streets of dawning Trusting He will show anon.

Have you seen Him Women, Sisters?

Watchmen of the City's weal?

But you beat me Cautious, caustic Thinking all my flame unreal.

He has pledged A sure betrothal He will meet me 'long the way And His garden Will delight us With the amorous scents of May. Shulamite He calls me smiling Fairest maid can this be true?

Yes oh yes My only answer Every doubt He will subdue.

Mountain God

Not changing With shifting winds.

Cupping the sunrise

16

As a thing Flashing forth Only by your consent.

Source of waters In highland streams Where small Scampering things Greet new day’s warmth.

Seeming source Of tympanic thunders Arsenal of bolts Of shocking power.

Singer of mystic Night wind’s tunes.

There in upward haunts Your haunts Long before the fathers.

Halting our present breath With steep inclines, Testing the might Of leg and limb.

Pausing to cradle Dwarfish alpen blossoms Hidden thawing beauties Delighting, perhaps, You alone.

We look up to you And seek understanding.

Mountain God Our God…forever.

(Psalm 48, Psalm 121)

17

Gripped By Goodness

Uphold me In your tightest grasp That I might sense the power A wicked world Just laughs and prods

18

And strives to see me squirm They need to sense Our partnership A Godhead with a worm It mystifies It sanctifies This Inner hold on Love The mundane And the dull replaced With visions from above With challenge To see guilt absolved And sickness turned to health With eyes that look up From beneath

19

To thrive in Wisdom’s wealth.

Psalm 13

Singly Back to the Well

“Something is amiss Child, and you know it. You tell yourself that all of the recent activity has been necessary. Just being responsible, you say. And the clock hands go around. And you are weary. But you know the solution. It is at the well.

That well is some quiet place and time. Bible in hand, you address me in intimate terms of Father. You ask to hear something, to feel something, to experience recharge. Perhaps you are led to the Book. My Spirit will draw out certain verses that bring life. Prayer seems more real and urgent. And I will show up, and I will supply.

Periodically one is reminded of the importance of the assembling of believers to worship and to watch. But there are some things that I must accomplish alone with my child of promise.

The smile returns. The head again held high. The song coming once more to the heart.

'Twas not I who had left.”

20

21