Pastor’s Column – Believing What “I Believe”

Pastor’s Column – Believing What “I Believe” by bfauntleroy

April 28, 2009, 12:15 am
Filed under: Jim Lyon - Posts

Believing What “I Believe”

by Jim Lyon, Senior Pastor

Maureen and I are part of a small group, which is, of course, a small part of our larger church family. The group meets every other Sunday evening. We enjoy some refreshments, touch base with each other’s lives, and then dive into a Bible study (or a book grounded in Scripture). Half of the time, the guys break out for the Bible study together in my basement, while the women meet upstairs to cover the same text. The balance of the meetings follows a coed format. In both scenarios, we learn more about God’s Word and each other.

For the last few months, we’ve been studying the New Testament book of Romans, one chapter at a time. Romans covers a lot of ground; it explores some controversial and earthy subjects; it was written 20 centuries ago but speaks as if written for today. Good stuff.

As the larger church is wrestling with the Sunday preaching series, “What To Do When You Don’t Know What to Do,” though, our small group has elected to suspend our Romans adventure (as we approach chapter eight) and follow along with the “What To Do …” guidebook. If you haven’t already accessed the guidebook on line, go to www.madisonparkchurch.org today and print it out. You can print out one week’s worth or the whole booklet (covering 50 days in all). There’s a Bible passage for every day between April 19 and June 7, with daily thoughts, questions, and practical applications—all following up on the sermon from the week before.

As our small group met last week, we opened John 14:1-27, from Day One in the guidebook. We read the text aloud and then tackled the guidebook’s questions. The conversation quickly took some deep turns.

In John 14, Jesus is speaking to His friends in a desperate hour. They’re confused and apprehensive. The world is not turning as they had hoped. Jesus, the man to whom they had pledged their allegiance when he was popular and in control of every situation, suddenly looked vulnerable and nothing like the commanding chosen-One-of-God they had supposed Him to be. Their friendship with Him made them vulnerable, too. What to do? Nothing was certain anymore. The stable anchors that once held them steady were being upended and cut away. Jesus spoke then into a world much like our own.

“Don’t be troubled,” He said. “You believe in God—believe also in Me.” “I’m going ahead of you.” “I’m preparing a place for you.” Oh, really? They wondered skeptically, if silently. But, what about here? But, what about now? What are we supposed to do?

“I’m sending you a Counselor, the Holy Spirit,” Jesus continued. “He’ll remind you of everything I have told you—and He’ll teach you more, as well.” Hold steady. Be calm. I’m leaving you peace and hope. Trust Me.

Hmmm. Do I really believe that? Do I believe that I’ve got a “mansion in heaven,” with my name and address on it? Do I believe that the Holy Spirit is really available to me? That He can supernaturally remind me of things Jesus said and that He can—and will—communicate with me, teaching, directing, and so on? Does God really communicate with people like me?

Oh yes, there’s Psalm 27. That was the sermon text on Sunday, April 19. What to do? Start by identifying “I believe” propositions (like David does in the Psalm) that can be offered to God in prayer and owned in ordinary life and conversation. David believed God was interested in a conversation, a relationship. Could that be true for me, also? Is that what Jesus was talking about in John 14?

These questions framed our small group’s meeting. It was rich and stretching, both at once. We saw some of the inner struggles each of us in the circle try to manage day-by-day. We saw some of the hopes—and fears—with which each of us are clothed.

Will God give us direction? Will He engage us, individually? The group brought its meeting to a close with prayer, as we always do. In the days following, I’ve been praying differently, with “I believe” statements and the expectation that He will, indeed, communicate with me. I’m feeling more confident, although still shaky on some ground.

Bring the “What to Do” guidebook to your small group table this month. Or, become a part of a small group at Madison Park on Wednesday nights (at 630p) during the series (just show up and we’ll help you find a place). Or pull together some friends and form a small group of your own for these few weeks (letting us know, too, so that we can help resource your effort). The Holy Spirit will be at work—and, you might be surprised how He begins to speak to you along the way.

Be encouraged, friends. I believe God knows exactly what to do, even when we do not. Whatever uncertainties you face, you can be sure-footed in the weeks ahead, as we walk together. Thanks for being a part!

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