PGT Blog

Slowly but surely

2010-11-06T21:04:00.000-05:00

Fellow Labourers-

Do you have such a story? A story that centers. How many of us remember the song below? It seems these days we have forgotten the story because of the demands of life. We seem to be more focus on the immediate so much so that the future gets obscured. The focus these days seems to be on the self and not on the Christ. We cannot fully tell the story until we begin to deny the self. Sons and daughters of God arise because the whole creation is groaning and travailing in pain waiting for the manifestation of the sons of God.

1. I love to tell the story of unseen things above,
    Of Jesus and His glory, of Jesus and His love.
    I love to tell the story, because I know ’tis true;
    It satisfies my longings as nothing else can do.

Refrain
    I love to tell the story, ’twill be my theme in glory,
    To tell the old, old story of Jesus and His love.

2. I love to tell the story; more wonderful it seems
    Than all the golden fancies of all our golden dreams.
    I love to tell the story, it did so much for me;
    And that is just the reason I tell it now to thee.

3. I love to tell the story; ’tis pleasant to repeat
    What seems, each time I tell it, more wonderfully sweet.
    I love to tell the story, for some have never heard
    The message of salvation from God’s own holy Word.

4. I love to tell the story, for those who know it best
    Seem hungering and thirsting to hear it like the rest.
    And when, in scenes of glory, I sing the new, new song,
    ’Twill be the old, old story that I have loved so long.

Pax Vobiscum

Robert A. Stewart J.P.
Pastor

Magnificent Obsession

2010-10-30T21:09:00.000-05:00

Fellow Labourers-

Our obsessions have a tendency to propel us into our future sometime quicker than we imagined. How would you describe your present obsessions? Would you say they are magnificent, pedantic, or indescribable? Do you find that your obsessions are taking a strangle hold on you and make you feel like a person possessed? This is where I find myself, as I seek the mind of God. I am obsessed with the feeling, the desires and the prerequisites of revival. I do find it a magnificent obsession but a very challenging obsession. It's an obsession that won't let go of me. It grabs me so tightly that I might as well surrender and say like Isaiah the prophet "Here I am Lord send me."

Today we will have to make tough choices if we are going to leave the place of mediocrity. We must become obsessed with the cross of Christ, a cross that is ugly and offensive. The path of the cross may lead us through the hall of fame and the hall of shame. Think about Jesus just before his crucifixion. He was invited to a home where an uninvited guest showed up and did an unusual thing. Mary Magdalene was obsessed with Jesus to the point that she was not afraid to visit him where she was not welcomed. She did not only entered into his presence but she prepared him for his death without even knowing it. Her obsession caused her to do the unthinkable which exposed the heart of those who invited Jesus.

As you ponder may you come to that place of magnificent obsession.

Pax Vobiscum

Robert A. Stewart J.P.
Pastor

Does Faith Hide Marital Abuse?

2010-10-30T15:26:00.000-05:00

Fellow Labourers-

Please note the following article, and let us pray for a breakthrough in our Church.

Pax Vobiscum

Robert A. Stewart J.P.
Pastor

Does Faith Hide Marital Abuse?

Too often spouses allow abuse because of twisted theology and Scripture interpretation.
Debbie Jansen posted 10/20/2010

Sherri (not her real name), a newlywed, was suffering from intense mental abuse that had the potential to escalate to physical abuse. When Christian friends tried to intervene, she smiled and said quietly, "I don't mind doing that for him. I love him." She ducked her head and walked away—alone.

It's difficult for Christian women to separate the demands of their husband from the demands of their faith. The hardworking Proverbs 31 woman may make some women feel totally responsible for the home, the children, and anything that goes wrong. Rather than evaluate circumstances they accept the abuse hoping that their Christian love will cause the situation to change. These women often refuse to believe they are victims and instead view their role as peacemakers. These women rarely acknowledge abuse until it becomes physical.

Sherri was one of those women. She reluctantly came to me for counseling at the urging of her parents. Her mother wasn't sure it was abuse, but worried that something was wrong. Sherri quietly talked about her desire for a Christian home and that she was committed to doing whatever was necessary to keep her home together. Her husband made unreasonable demands, criticized every action, damaged her self esteem, and blamed his inadequacies on her choices. He even refused to share control of bank cards or the checkbook, and often left her without change to purchase a small drink while shopping. She endured the mental abuse by quoting Scriptures and the fact that she might be able to bring her husband to a deeper walk with Christ. By quoting 1 Corinthians 7:14 she felt it was her duty to take the mental abuse thinking that her prayers, her patience, and her love would heal her home.

It's easy for a newlywed to explain changes in personality, friends, and obligations as a desire to be the devoted spouse. A devoted Christian can take a verse like, "Wives submit to your husbands" (Ephesians 5:22) or "The two shall become one flesh" (Ephesians 5:31) and turn it into a reason to accept mental or physical abuse.

If you fear your friend or family member is a victim of abuse, there are four ways you can help her, especially when she uses faith to justify the abuse.

1. Don't try to argue into understanding. Faith abuse is rooted in the lack of scriptural understanding concerning God's desire for women and marriage. If you choose to argue marital opinions with a victim, you'll create avoidance and the loss of all incoming information. Instead coordinate your efforts with friends and family, agree to be pleasant, kind, affirming, and compassionate. Your goal is to share Scripture as if you were planting a seed that will counteract what he/she is hearing at home. Be patient and compassionate as you wait for the seed to take root.

2. Ask your church to provide a coordinated series on subjects such as real love, God's designs for us, or relationship skills. Seek to teach them from both the pulpit and classes in order to double-up the message. Strong scriptural teaching that promotes individual self-esteem while teaching against abuse will also plant a seed. Be aware that the abuser may restrict the victim from attending those events. Approaching the abuser will cause a larger problem. If the abuse is mental, it's better to give the abused the tools he or she will need to break away from the abuser.

3. Plant little seeds. It's dangerous to allow a victim to feel alone and helpless. Make time to be with the victim. Chat and laugh about as many different topics as you can. Your goal is to build trust rather than make a point. In each meeting use chatty comments about how your spouse or boyfriend supports your self-esteem. Be sure and support their actions with Scripture. Rather than accuse her husband, share an example of how your husband treats you. If you're gentle you can offer a general negative remark like, "I'm so glad my Tom allows time for my girlfriends. Don't you just hate it when some men are so controlling that they won't let their wife have a life?" Look away. Don't connect with her as if you're talking about her husband. Immediately change the subject. our goal is to plant a lot of little seeds with situations and Scripture.

4. Do your homework and be ready with the name and phone number of a good counselor. After the seed begins to grow, the victim may decide to share her or his situation. Without being judgmental, offer counselor information and quickly add, "Only if you want to."

An abused person must develop the strength to endure separation, guilt, and the possible physical abuse that comes with correcting the problem. It's important to give her time to develop the desire and the strength to change.

5. Pray for her and that she'd understand the true meaning of Scripture. It's difficult to look past some Scriptures to the larger truth that God's will does not include the destruction of talents and abilities he placed within us. Marriage shouldn't tear down who we are. Marriage should celebrate and magnify our good qualities. It's only when we concentrate on the responsibility of both parties to lift up the other that we can see God's true purpose for marriage.

I was able to help Sherri realize that God's love for her included a mandate for her husband to treat her with respect and protect her mentally. She isn't responsible for her husband's sin. God loves her and doesn't want her to suffer.

When Sherri began to see her purpose through the eyes of a loving God, she was able to correct the abuse within her home. She sought help from her family and church friends. She confronted her husband in a safe environment, and put boundaries in place that would hold both of them accountable—him to no longer be able to abuse, and her to no longer tolerate the abuse.

As Christians we're asked to turn the other cheek, to go the extra mile, and to give until it hurts. Scriptures that support self esteem and personal talent must also be applied to marriage. For example, 1 Corinthians 12 describes personal gifts and their importance to the church body. In the same way, individual gifts are important to marriage if partners are to function as one body. If a dysfunctional definition of faith allows one partner to destroy the talents and abilities of their spouse, it can only be labeled as abuse.

All of that giving might confuse some partners into believing that God requires them to suffer through an abusive marriage. If you step back and look at the Bible as a whole, you'll find that God's design is for each spouse to support the abilities and talents of the other (1 Corinthians 12:7). We should not allow faith to hide marital abuse.

As the husband explores his God-given abilities and the wife expands her God-given abilities, the marriage becomes a unique blend of Christian potential. It's only in this blending of talents that a marriage can be successful and reach out to a hurting world.

Debbie Jansen is a family specialist, author, speaker, and owner of The Family Training Center. She writes and teaches the curriculum for more than 90 classes on relationships. www.debbiejansen.com

Copyright © 2010 by the author or Christianity Today International/Kyria.com.

Revival

2010-10-30T15:20:00.000-05:00

Fellow Labourers-

I received this reminder earlier this week. I feel it in my bones. Yes, It's Revival time!!!

Praise the Lord Robert,

Is your church struggling right now? Does it seem that every time the church advances even a little bit, it ends up pushed back where it was before? Are you getting tired of the struggle? Feeling a bit burned out? Getting frustrated with people?

Then it's time for Revival! It's time to put behind you all the failures (big and small) that tell you your church can't grow. Forget about the numbers and focus on Revival. Stop preaching to bad attitudes and start telling the devils to move out. God has something better for you and it's not where you are right now. It's time for the Church to move forward. The Glory Cloud is moving and the Church is moving with it!

It's time for Revival!

It's time to get excited about what God is doing and get some others excited too. Remember you get what you preach. What do you say we preach Revival and see what God will do.

If you're feeling stuck, I pray that you can pray yourself out of the mire and begin to focus on the prize of Revival.

Pax Vobiscum

Robert A. Stewart J.P.
Pastor

The Cost of Distraction

2010-10-30T15:16:00.000-05:00

Fellow Labourers-

These are days for serious contemplation and reflection. What is really important? Are we so absorbed with the blessings that we forget the blesser? What has impacted your life the most recently? In my own reflections I am becoming even more aware of the fact that distraction can be costly. There is a song we sing which goes like this, "Dare to be a Daniel, Dare to stand alone. Dare to have a purpose firm and dare to make it known."

Let us not let down our guards but be even more vigilant. Those of you who are following the situation in France and are acutely up to speed on your history will remember than the French have been a rebellious people. The Revolution itself is difficult to be dated because of the different phases into which it evolved. Are we still experiencing residue of the old revolution? You see, revolutions tend to feed on themselves, and once we begin to give way to the rebellious we create an insatiable appetite for more rebellion.

Let us not get distracted by the many voices around us. The cost of distraction can be too deadly for us not to be focus on eternity.

Pax Vobiscum

Robert A. Stewart J.P.
Pastor

Ministry: Spiritually Hazardous to Your Soul

2010-10-20T09:32:00.000-05:00

Fellow Labourers-

If you have seen the below article before I apologize, but I find it very pertinent. Someone shared this with me. Had to share it with you.... Please Read it!

Ministry: Spiritually Hazardous to Your Soul

Dr. James Emery White, Pastor,
Ranked Adjunctive Professor of Theology and Culture Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary

Another well-known Christian leader has come under fire for sexual immorality. I won't go into the details. If you are at all dialed into church world, you know the megachurch pastor I'm talking about, and can find all the salacious details on the internet. He's denied the allegations and vowed to fight the charges. I hope for the kingdom's sake that he's innocent, and is fully exonerated. But whether that proves to be the case or not, many leaders have fallen. Why is this happening so frequently?

Some would argue that there aren't enough checks and balances in large ministries today; some would say there is a lack of personal accountability in leader's lives. Perhaps. But if that's what it takes to keep a leader clean, well... So I've got another theory to throw into the ring. Ministry is spiritually hazardous to your soul. Why? First, it is because leaders are constantly doing "spiritual" things, and it is easy to confuse those things with actually being spiritual. For example, you are constantly studying the Bible in order to prepare a talk. It's easy to confuse this with reading and studying the Bible devotionally to apply to your own soul.

You're not.

You are praying - in services, during meetings, at pot lucks - and it is easy to think you are leading a life of personal, private prayer pouring out your praise, your confession, your thanksgiving, your needs, to God.

You're not.

You are planning worship, leading worship, attending worship, and it is easy to believe you, yourself, are actually worshipping your God in spirit and truth.

Again, chances are, you're not.

What's at play here? It's actually quite simple. When you are in ministry, it is easy to confuse doing things for God with spending time with God; to confuse activity with intimacy; to mistake the trappings of spirituality for being spiritual.

But there's a second reason why ministry is hazardous to a leader's soul, and it's even more subtle than the first. It is because as a minister you are constantly being put on a spiritual pedestal. In truth, the people you lead have no idea whether you have spent any time alone with God in reflection and prayer over the last six weeks; they do not know what you are viewing online; they do not know whether you treat your wife with tenderness and dignity. They just automatically afford you a high level of spirituality.

Here's where it gets really toxic: you can begin to bask in this spiritual adulation and start to believe your own press. Soon, left unchecked, the estimation of others becomes your own bead on things. This is why most train wrecks in ministry are not as sudden and "out of the blue" as they seem to those who just "hear the news." Most leaders who end up in a moral ditch were actually veering off of the road for some time. Their empty, or "false front," spiritual life simply became manifest; or caught up with them; or took its toll. You can only run on empty for so long.

I had a defining moment on this in my life when I was around thirty years old. A well-known leader, who had been a role model for my life, fell through an adulterous affair. I was devastated. But more than that, I was scared. If it could happen to him, then I was a pushover. It didn't help my anxieties that I was in a spiritual state exactly as I have described: confusing doing things for God with time with God; accepting other's estimation of my spiritual life in a way that made it easy to bypass a true assessment of where I stood. I was like a cut flower that looked good on the outside, but in time would wilt dreadfully and display quite plainly how divorced I was from any roots of life. It was a life-defining moment. I remember so clearly the awareness that I too, could fall; that no one would ever own my spiritual life but me; that I needed to realize that the public side of my life was meaningless - only the private side mattered. This was not flowing from a position of strength; it was flowing from a deep awareness of weakness. From this, the gun went off. I began to rise early in the morning for prayer and to read the Bible. I began to take monthly retreats to a bed-and-breakfast in the mountains for a more lengthy immersion in order to read devotional works, pray, experience silence and solitude, and to journal.

I began a two-year, intense mentoring relationship with a man who had many more years on me in terms of age, marriage and ministry. There were many more "begans" as more disciplines, acts and choices found their way onto my agenda, but you get the idea: I was going to be a public and private worshiper; I was going to be a student of the Bible for my talks and for my soul; I was going to pray for others to hear and for an audience of One. I hope you hear my heart on this. It's not to boast, it's to confess. I still could end up in a ditch. You could too. Let's keep working to make sure that we don't.

James Emery White

Pax Vobiscum

Robert A. Stewart J.P.
Pastor

Dwarfed Perspectives

2010-10-20T09:26:00.000-05:00

Fellow Labourers-

"Perspective is a difficult thing to alter, for there is always so much more than vision involved. We are shaped as much by habit and sentiment as we are by fact and reason. If we will not allow them, our windows on the world will neither expand with discovery, correction, truth, or faith."

I have become very fascinated with Astronomy, so this subject grabs my attention immediately. I can very well remember that August when they decided that Pluto was too small to be regarded anymore as a planet. But let us put this into perspective. Did it affect the price of cheese? Did it affect our lives? I think not. Man is always in the mood for changing things whether it's based on fact or fiction.

Change is neither good nor bad, but to completely do away with the past can have cathostrophic ramifications for the present and the future. This is a fact of history and would be worth our while to become students of history.

I had a discussion with one of my sons in my study just before service yesterday (10-03-10) in which he was trying to show me that the bible teaches that dinosaurs existed. I know for a fact that very large creatures existed in the past but as to what they were called I am not sure. Today they are called dinosaurs etc. So, I won't quarrel with a name because tomorrow somebody else might call them ting-a-ma-gig.

Of a fact the heavens declare the glory of God and the firmament shows his handy works. When Edwin Hubble in 1923 used his new 100-inch telescope on Mount Wilson near Los Angeles to look in the skies he saw galaxies beyond the Milky Way. It was Hubble who discovered that the Andromeda Nebula is some 2 million light-years away-far outside our Milky Way galaxy. For the non-astronomers a nebula is the fuzzy patches of light you see sometimes in the night sky. According to astronomers these are actually other galaxies, with billions of stars, planets, and possibly life like our own. Hmmm. I recommend to you the reading of Job.

Job 38:4-7 (New King James Version)
4 “ Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth? Tell Me, if you have understanding.
5 Who determined its measurements? Surely you know! Or who stretched the line upon it?
6 To what were its foundations fastened? Or who laid its cornerstone,
7 When the morning stars sang together, And all the sons of God shouted for joy?

Pax Vobiscum

Robert A. Stewart J.P.
Pastor

Faith-lift

2010-10-04T08:16:00.000-05:00

Fellow Labourers-

Don't we all need a faith lift at this time? Could you use a Faith Lift?

We are facing perilous times. If you are brave enough to read the newspaper, then you will agree with me. I can't read the newspaper and hold a cup of coffee at the same time for fear of first degree burns from spilling because of shock from the daily headlines!

We need help. In these times of economic collapse, problems in our families, pay cuts, record amount of lay-offs, problems in our church families, shootings at schools and on and on, it's easy for our faith to diminish.

Now more than ever, we definitely need our faith to be strong. Our congregation needs to see our faith at work whenever we stand behind the pulpits on Sunday. They need to hear and feel our unwavering faith as we preach messages of hope in times of despair, of peace in time of trouble, and of love in a time world dissention.

All in all, we need a faith lift. In fact, we cannot be pleasing to God unless we are demonstrating faith, according to the writer of Hebrews. (Heb. 11:6)

Pax Vobiscum

Robert A. Stewart J.P.
Pastor

The Trouble with Confessing in Church

2010-10-04T08:08:00.000-05:00

Fellow labourers

What are yout thoughts?

Pax Vobiscum

Robert A. Stewart J.P.
Pastor

The Trouble with Confessing in Church

As blogger Anne Jackson's new book makes clear, our church culture will need to change before individual confession won't turn into gossip.

Michelle Van Loon, guest blogger

I’ve come to believe that an institutional church is not a safe place for one person’s confession.

Several years ago, while we were attending a small nondenominational church, Pastor Donn* announced at the end of Sunday worship that we would have a special mid-week meeting. “It’s important that all members attend,” he emphasized. “We have an important family matter to discuss.”

Most of the hundred or so members who showed up Wednesday watched Pastor Donn summon the Hickmans, respected leaders in the congregation, and their pale 16-year-old daughter, Missy, to the front of the sanctuary. He put his arm around Missy’s shoulders and told us he’d summoned us in order to snuff out gossip about Missy before it had a chance to begin.

He then asked Missy to confess her sin to us. Without lifting her eyes, the tearful, trembling young woman told us she had just found out she was pregnant. Missy’s boyfriend, the birth dad, did not attend the church and wasn’t present that night.

I couldn’t deny that the congregation rallied around the Hickmans throughout Missy’s pregnancy and into the first years of motherhood. But Missy was never again just Missy. She became Missy the project, Missy the Girl Who Got Pregnant and Stood Up in Front of the Entire Church. And while the meeting effectively cauterized gossipy tongues and rallied prayer and practical support for the Hickmans, it also served to make Missy Exhibit A whenever the church’s youth pastors gave an abstinence sermon for the next year or so.

Missy’s own Hester Prynne experience taught me that personal confession is too big to be entrusted to an entire institution. In a church setting, I think public confession should be prefaced with a spiritual Miranda warning: Anything you say may well be used against you. Your confession might easily become a shorthand way to brand you: “Jeff? He’s the embezzler.” “Cindy is an alcoholic.” “Missy got pregnant at 16.”

Anne Jackson responds to this troubling church culture in a new book, Permission to Speak Freely: Essays and Art on Fear, Confession, and Grace (Thomas Nelson, 2010). Jackson asked her blog readers this question: What is the one thing you feel you can’t say in church? The book captures the flavor of the hundreds of answers she received, ranging from, “I had an affair on my wife and I still think about the other woman,” to, “Even though I’m a staff member at my church, most of my deep and significant relationships are with people I met online,” to, “I was raped by a counselor . . . I thought he was a friend.”

Jackson includes her own prose and free-verse poetry on the subject of fear and confession. She details her own confessions about the sexual abuse she experienced as a teen, her addiction to pornography, and her square-peg experience as a church employee in order to give readers, as a friend of hers called it, “the gift of going second.”

Jackson’s book is a helpful response to institutional unwritten rules that are more hospitable to silence and shame than to confession. However, I was struck by the fact that most of Jackson’s confessions first occurred in the safety of one-on-one relationships. Once she experienced a grace-filled response from her hearer, she became emboldened to confess the truth about herself in more public settings, such as speaking gigs or on her blog.

Jackson’s goal is to provoke churches toward creating a culture where members can speak freely about their mess. And that’s to the good. But her own story demonstrates that public confession of individual sin is the final step in a process that must first begin with God and then move to a small, safe community of one or two others. Jackson’s admissions of sin in Permission to Speak Freely are not really confessions as much as stories about confessions that have already occurred.

A church can and should facilitate a culture of confession by making space for these stories. That space can’t be manipulated into existence (as was the case with Missy), and will not happen at all if church leaders do not acknowledge that spiritual transformation is a continuous process, not a programmable product.

But the real work of confession isn’t the work of the church. It is the work of me coming to the end of myself and telling the unvarnished truth to God and you, and of you responding with compassion — and, perhaps, a story of your own.

Michelle Van Loon is the author of two books on the parables of Jesus, and blogs at TheParableLife.blogspot.com. She has written for the women's blog on Why Boys Fail, Hutterite communities, and church 'volunteers.'

A painful forgiveness

2010-10-04T08:04:00.000-05:00

Fellow Labourers-

I hope you are all safe along with your respective families. I am safe but without electricity for two days in a row. In spite of this I must count my many blessings.

Please take a look at today's subject and then take a deep breath. Whoever said forgiveness was easy? It was never easy but it was always possible. Jesus made it possible in the Garden of Gethsemane and took it one step further when he went to the cross. But just imagine the pain and the agony. I believe if we could get our minds around the fact that forgiveness has a price it would help us in this journey of life. There is a song that opens like this "Oh what a price", but this was about something else.

Sometimes unforgiveness can cost more than forgiveness. Let us each pray, Lord help me to forgive like you forgave.

Pax Vobiscum

Robert A. Stewart J.P.
Pastor

Lord Mountbatten on Fear

2010-09-15T17:04:00.000-05:00

Fellow Labourers-

Fear is real, but perfect love do cast out fear. Ha! Ha! I don't love - that's why I am afraid of it/him. True or False? Take a note of the article below.

Robert A. Stewart J.P.
Pastor

Lord Mountbatten

9.7.03 by Howard E. Butt, Jr.

Transcript: Lord Mountbatten was a decorated British Naval commander. He was the great-grandson of Queen Victoria, and an Allied commander in the South Pacific in World War II.

As a little boy, however, the future naval hero was afraid to go to bed in the dark. "It isn’t the dark," he once confided to his father. "Wolves are up there."

"There are no wolves in this house," his father reassured him.

But the boy was inconsolable. "Perhaps not," he said to his father, "but I think there are."

Even as adults, we can conjure up imaginary fears that restrict our ability to act. Or we can place our trust in the One who guides our path—in the high calling of our daily work.

"I tell you, my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that can do no more. But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear him who, after the killing of the body, has power to throw you into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him. Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows." (Luke 12:4-7)

Questions for Small Groups, Personal Reflection, and Online Discussion

What did you fear as a child? Did you eventually overcome this fear? If so, how?
What are some of your current fears--at home, at work, at church, in your community? Take a moment to pray about your fears.
Read Luke 12:4-7 (above). What does this passage teach us about healthy and unhealthy fear?

Lands of Unlikeness

2010-09-09T07:49:00.000-05:00

Fellow Labourers-

Are you in a land that you purposefully chose, or one that makes you wonder? This article reminds me that I didn't chose God, He chose me. He was always seeking for me. As I ponder the 'Lands of unlikeness" a phrase spring to minds- "It is not colour that that informs our ideas but ideas that colour our world."

Wherever we find ourselves today should be viewed as a path to our destiny. I don't know how relevant this is to today's thought, but since it comes to mind let me share it. Mike Murdock in his book 'The Uncommon Leader' says the following: "Access creates demands; Demands create expectations; Expectations create distractions; Distractions creates failure."

Since the topic of marriage and divorce is in vogue at this time permit me to say that marriage does bring us into "Lands of unlikeness.' In these unlikely places the will to do is what will result in our survival. The success or failure of a marriage depends a lot on what we are willing to do. We must control the will. Ravi Zacharias succinctly note the following, "If you are to learn to control the will, you must harness it early in any battle. Lines must be drawn not at the level of acting but at the level of thinking. Lines must be drawn not at the level of doing, but at the level of desiring. Lines must be drawn not at the level of contact but at the level of sight. Lines must be drawn knowing that marriage is not a condition of being but a condition of becoming. The two become one, but the becoming is both a moment and a process." So the question now becomes are we willing to take up the cross of Christ? Within marriage there is a cross, and if the will is to be resesurrected, it must first go to the cross.

Pax Vobiscum

Robert A. Stewart J.P.
Pastor

The Will to Power of Weakness

2010-09-04T18:54:00.000-05:00

Fellow Labourers-

As I read this article the words "The will to do" jumps out at me. Some one aptly opined "If the will is to be resurrected, it must go to the cross." As human beings whose existence seems to be more attuned to the physical world, we may be tempted to agree with Friedrich Nietzsche's thoughts: We are a people that seem to be trapped in our own selfish desires to be "the man".

Isn't it a reality that we want always to make ourselves to be understood instead of seeking to understand?Who among us at first assume that he is wrong? Listen to one of our opening salvos in a conversation," Mark you, don't get me wrong..." What are we intending to do when we begin our argument or our response with this remark?

You see brothers and sisters it is never easy to feel that we are losing control. A life that is surrendered to Christ is one that gives the steering wheel to Jesus. Each time I get on an aeroplane I feel very insignificant. I can't see the pilot, and I can't be sure of his state of mind. There is nothing I can do physically to affect the flight. So, then I learn to relax in the thought that the real Pilot is not only in the cockpit, but he is right beside me. With this thought my weakness (fear) subsides. So, let the weak say I am strong.

Pax Vobiscum

Robert A. Stewart J.P.
Pastor

Care for our workers

2010-09-02T13:37:00.000-05:00

Fellow Labourers-

I read somewhere that in his younger days Michael Jordan's coach took him aside during a time out and said to him "There is no 'I' in team to which Michael retorted but "There is an 'I' in win. After a few seasons he learnt the meaning of his coach's statement. So, as we build our team of church workers I ask myself questions as well as question others. Below are three discussion questions I believe we need to treat with. What are your thoughts?

What are the pieces of our "care plan" for our church workers?
Would our workers say they feel comfortable "being real" with their leaders? If not, what can we do to correct this situation?
In what specific ways can we care for our workers outside the church walls?

Pax Vobiscum,

Robert A. Stewart J.P.

Pastor

Marriage in Real Life

2010-09-02T13:34:00.000-05:00

Fellow Labourers-

I submit the article below for your consideration.

Pax Vobiscum,

Robert A. Stewart J.P.
Pastor

Marriage in Real Life
Shaking free from the bonds of expectation
by Bonnie McMaken

I recently started watching Friday Night Lights, a show about the inner workings of a small Texas town and its obsession with football. The show centers on the high school football coach, Eric Taylor and his wife, Tami, as they—sometimes unknowingly—disciple the inhabitants of this small town in football and in life.

I’m only on the first season, but I’m already struck by Eric and Tami’s marriage. In fact, it might be the healthiest portrayal of marriage I’ve seen on TV . . . ever. In a sitcom world of oblivious, lazy husbands and manipulative wives, it’s refreshing to see a marriage in which husband and wife are equally supportive and kind toward each other.

I also appreciate that this fictional couple isn’t romanticized, but they’re healthy. Eric and Tami grapple through issues together. They unpack these worries at the end of the day, giving each other advice and grace as they go. And even in the thick drama of a television show, their lives aren’t flashy. In fact, sometimes the occasional mundane doldrums of marriage are so realistic that I wonder if I’m watching a real couple.

Sometimes a real, working marriage seems boring to an outsider, or even to us. And so many weeks in my own marriage, I find myself saying, “Wow, this is harder than I expected.” The tedious ins-and-outs and the difficulties of life together can be grating unless we realize this truth: It’s not all about us.

This stark concept, so utterly simple, is one of the hardest for us to grasp as individuals and as a culture. For example, I just finished reading Eat, Pray, Love, in which the author, Elizabeth Gilbert, becomes unhappy in her marriage . . . and leaves her husband. Wait, I must have missed something. When has marriage only been about personal fulfillment?

Marriage is not about the way of happiness, it’s about the Way of the Cross. This really shakes things up for us. Living in the shadow of the Cross, especially in the context of marital love, involves a daily dying to self, a constant sense of living for the other person, even when they’re annoying, thoughtless, or distant.

And this union, which the media fails to capture well, is built on a lifetime of sacrifice for the sake of Christ, for the sake of each other. Sometimes the sacrifice even means loving through the mundane moments, when we’d rather be flitting around Italy, eating copious amounts of pasta, and finding spiritual enlightenment. But marriage certainly isn't joyless, even with its sacrifices. Beauty and laughter also fill the cracks of the day-to-day, where we catch glimpses of heaven.

Real marriage, a far cry from even the best fictional portrayals, is a crucible, a vessel that can stand high stress and ultimately alter its contents, husband and wife. Through its joys and trials we are sanctified in order that we may love more fully.

What have you found to be untrue of our culture's perception or the media's portrayal of marriage? How does a true understanding of marriage combat those false messages?

The Beginning and the End

2010-08-30T12:16:00.000-05:00

Fellow Labourers-

I read the following today, "A man really believes not what he recites in his creed, but only the things he is ready to die for."-Richard Wurmbrand.

I also read "Remember that you are men, that God created you lords of this creation. Lift up yourselves, take yourselves out of the mire and hitch your hope to the stars, yes, rise as high as the very stars themselves. Let no man pull you down; let no man destroy your ambition; because man is but your companion, your equal; man is your brother, he is not your lord; he is not your sovereign master." - Marcus Garvey.

I further read, "Languages goes beyond syntax and grammar. Language frames a reality and structures the context out of which one relates." - Ravi Zacharias.

As you read this last quote do so with the attached in mind. We indeed have an unhindered gospel. "The book of Acts is largely concerned with documenting the history of the early church within the context of the unhindered work of God from the beginning to the ends of time and earth Jesus foretold. "Indeed," says Peter, "all the prophets from Samuel on, as many as have spoken, have foretold these days. And you are heirs of the prophets and of the covenant God made with your fathers" (Acts 3:24-25). We are a part of a story that will not fade away because it is told by the alpha and the omega, the beginning and the end. Despite all appearances, the gospel was and is and always will be a testimony that exists without hindrance. No man can thwart the good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ, for it is sealed by a Spirit who presses it ever-onward and invitingly unto the unexpected places of the world. Nothing can hinder the presence of God's kingdom among us, for God himself brought it near.

Pax Vobiscum

Robert A. Stewart J.P.
Pastor

People with a Past

2010-08-21T18:28:00.000-05:00

Fellow Labourers-

Ignoring history leaves us without a good point of reference. Hence, everything we do we do for the moment. The only time we consider is the present. When we live like this we fail to see the big picture. In other words we can see only the tree and not the forest.

Listen to this quote taken from "Tortured for Christ": "It was strictly forbidden to preach to other prisioners, as it is in captive nations today. It was understood that whoever was caught doing this received a severe beating. A number of us decided to pay the price for the privilege of preaching, so we accepted their terms. It was a deal: we preached and they beat us. We were happy preaching; they were happy beating us-so everyone was happy."

Only a people with a sense of history and destiny would make a deal like this. A deal which to most of us today seems quite ludicrous. But, to the people in communist Romania who knew the love of Christ and had a sense of history, no price was too great to pay for the cause of Christ.

When I read the following paragraph taken from the Editor's Introduction to Jacob Burckhardt 'The Greeks and Greek Civilization' I develop a thirst for history. "Burckhardt's most famous book, on which his reputation still rests, was 'The Civilization of the Renaissance in Italy (1860).' Lord Acton, the founder of modern historical studies in Cambridge, described it as 'the most penetrating and subtle treatise on the history of civilization that exists in literature.' It is indeed this book which still shapes and challenges all subsequent attempts to explain the central phenomenon in European history." Most of us will recall that Lord Acton is best known for this quote "Power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely." And remember Paul to young Timothy "Study to show yourself approve unto God----."

Pax Vobiscum,

Robert A. Stewart J.P.
Pastor

By This All Will Know

2010-08-21T17:54:00.000-05:00

Fellow Labourers-

The message of love is on my heart so when I saw this article I was convinced of something I plan to do. On two occasions this week as I turn on my car radio the message was about love. The world is clamouring for love, and we have an opportunity to reveal this love. As the writer says the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost.

I have come to discover that love is a compelling force. This force cannot be concealed for ever. It has a way of showing up. This love cannot go anywhere without leaving a trail. Many people believe love is a sensation that magically generates when Mr. or Ms. Right appears. No wonder so many people are single.

An excerpt from "Head to Heart."

How do you define love? Some say it's mysterious, magical, complex, difficult, imaginary, thought-provoking, inspirational, intuitional, joyous, immeasurable, ecstasy, and undefinable. Perhaps.

In one of Dr. John Gray's audio cassettes he defines love as follows: "Love is a feeling directed at someone which acknowledges their goodness." On the same cassette, he refers to the definition by M. Scott Peck: "The willful intent to serve the well being of another."

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. - 1 Corinthians 13:5-7

My favorite is by Paramahansa Yogananda: "To describe love is very difficult, for the same reason that words cannot fully describe the flavour of an orange. You have to taste the fruit to know its flavour. So with love."

Love itself is a universal experience. Yet, every individual occurrence - while perhaps bound by a common thread - seems absolutely unique. Love is what love is! To everyone it expresses itself differently.

Pax Vobiscum

Robert A. Stewart J.P.
Pastor

Convention 2010

2010-08-17T15:54:00.000-05:00

Fellow Labourers:

It is indeed an honour for me to write to you today. First let to from the bottom of my heart and soul give thanks to Almighty God for the blessings convention has been. You know in what way you have been blessed, and you saw how God has blessed. There is know denying the fact that those who planned the event, and those who supported the event can say certainly "The Lord was in this place."

In my readings today I noted the following from an article by Martin Henry in the daily Gleaner and here I quote, "One of the prevailing myths of the culture is that Marcus Garvey was some kind of proto-Rasta. The Rastafarian movement, aided by 'scholarship', has (mis)appropriated Garvey a special icon of the movement. --- One of its principal proponents, Mutabaruka, is an atheist."

In "Tortured for Christ" the writer said, "Every soul won for Christ must be made to be a soul-winner. The Russians were not only converted, but became "missionaries" in the Underground Church. They were reckless and daring for Christ, always saying that it was the least they could do for Christ who died for them."

Let us then be true and faithful, trusting every day.

Pax Vobiscum

Robert A. Stewart J.P.
Pastor

Is the Future Determined or Free?

2010-08-14T21:50:00.000-05:00

Fellow Labourers-

As I read this article I come to terms with my own failure to grasp certain concepts. Most of us are familiar with the term "A quantum leap" which we interpret to mean a very large distance. However, for the particle physicists a quantum of energy is so small that it is difficult to describe this to an untrained mind. In our realm of reality we can speak of a time-space continuum which is definable. Let us now try to understand eternity. In my mind, eternity seems to be void of space, hence cannot be compared with anything inside of time. Hence, time has restricted my understanding of anything outside of time.

But, I thank my God who has made me to understand some of the mysteries of our time. The bible is a book that explains my past, present and future. "Now if any man be in Christ he is a new creature. Old things are past away and behold all things are become new." 2 Cor.5:17. "For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen. Being understood by the things which are made, even His eternal power and God head so that they are without excuse." Romans 1:20.

So, is the future determined or free?

Pax Vobiscum

Robert A. Stewart J.P.
Pastor

Is the Bible Sexist

2010-08-06T23:16:00.000-05:00

Fellow Labourers-

Is the Bible sexist? This is the cry of the women's liberation movement. A cry that is borne out of impatience, miseducation, and rebelliousness. There is such an urge for autonomy among people that we accept anything as truth these days. We have become so "enlightened" that our own darkness is hid from us. We seem not to care anymore and since everybody else is doing it we might as well join in. Our children are growing up without a center, there is no point of reference. Those of us who should be defenders of what is right and what is good have bought into the lie called 'culture'.

So is the bible sexist? The answer is a resounding no. Yet for some this is a moot point. I listen to some decisions we make and I hear "why not ask a sister?" Should it be that our decision be based on sex, or should it be that our decision be based on the right person for the job? ...one on whom the Spirit of God rests? ...one whose desire is to fulfill the will of God in the earth?

Just last week in New Converts' class a brother was accused of being a feminist because of his personal views. The same person who accused him then proceeded to give views not too dissimilar, so I asked her if I should call her a masculinist? Our use of these emotionally charged words are nothing more than a mirage. They obfuscate more than enlighten. They give off more heat than light.

Ladies and gentlemen, brothers and sisters we are only different, not deficient. Let us therefore use our obvious differences to build up each other.

Pax Vobiscum

Robert A. Stewart J.P.
Pastor

Of Mystery and Semantics

2010-08-06T13:44:00.000-05:00

Fellow Labourers-

Is the glass half empty or half full?

Perspective, perspective, perspective. But, what is reality? One of our greatest challenges, is to be able to ask the right questions. It is through our questioning that we are going to be able to develop a better understanding of ourselves and the world around us. Nicodemus heard and saw something in Christ that challenged his belief. What did he do? He sought an answer.

In Malcolm Muggeridge's "A third testament", commenting on Blaise Pascal's penses he says the following: "Man is great only in that he knows he is wretched. The very reason on which he so prides himself leads him to conclude that there are an infinite number of things beyond it. Pride separates him from God, and induces him to believe that he is god himself. When he "licks the earth" he is cast into the other abyss and seeks his good in sensuality, which is the lot of the animals. Egomania and erotomania, the two sicknesses of the godless, afflict him."

"Ask and it shall be given unto you, Seek and ye shall find, Knock and it shall be opened unto you."

Pax Vobiscum

Robert A. Stewart J.P.
Pastor

Pharisees and Vipers

2010-07-22T08:32:00.000-05:00

Fellow Labourers-

I am going to guess that each of us at some time in our lives has been called something we did not like. How did you respond? The story of Nicodemus has most times been preached as if the man did something wrong. But, he came by night to sort out his life. He came at a time when he could be alone to deal with his innermost questions and conflicts. He I believe must have learned what it is like to be alone with Jesus.

My prayer for us today is to learn to take criticism in stride and deal with it. Let us not react impulsively, but if we have be called Nicodemus so be it. Which would you prefer, to be called a Pharisee or Nicodemus? Nicodemus according to the Smith's Bible Dictionary means innocent of blood. But, by practice he was a Pharisee. Who are you today? Remember you are not who they say you are, and you are a work in progress.

Pax Vobiscum

Robert A. Stewart J.P.
Pastor

Cultivators of Culture

2010-07-20T16:45:00.000-05:00

Fellow Labourers-

We are just coming out of our annual youth camp where we experienced the hand of God in action. We got a foretaste of the revival that is about to sweep Jamaica. Within the scope of that revival was the subtle presence of a theme that seeks to challenge the prevailing culture. The presence of a number of our more mature saints was a touchstone of no minor significance.

Indeed we cannot challenge or engage the culture until we understand the culture through our spiritual prism. To ignore the culture or to be impacted by the culture in a negative way is not an option for us. This article touches my very being because of its relevance and timeliness.

Here the words of the author, "First, we exercise cultural stewardship by becoming familiar with our culture through art, music, literature and film. How does one speak into a culture without the knowledge of its language? One need not see, read, or listen to every movie, art exhibit, book, or piece of music in order to learn how to speak into culture. Rather, what are the cultural works that stir discussion in our churches, at our workplaces, or in our social settings? These might be voices to whom we listen as we engage with the language of the gospel.

Second, we exercise cultural stewardship by recovering the doctrine of the Incarnation. The Incarnation of Jesus suggests the total union of the human and divine. Wolfe notes that we apply this Incarnational balance to many of our theological concepts, holding together in union God's justice and God's mercy, God's sovereignty, and human responsibility.(2) In a similar manner, the Incarnation serves as a plumb line for our engagement with the various voices of our culture. If we simply enter into cultural engagement without spiritual discernment, we are driven here and there by every trend and twist in our culture. However, if we remove ourselves from all cultural engagement, we lose our ability to communicate and speak to the culture lacking the vocabulary of faith."

Because of the social dynamics operating around us we may not be able to prevent certain diversions. However, we cannot allow a few deviants to ruin the garden. In our attempt to seem politically correct and unified we are throwing the baby out with the bath water. It's time to call a halt to mindless change that is undermining real spirituality and godliness. Let us arise and begin to cultivate the culture. Remember the Moravian motto we saw on the wall of the chapel "Vicit Agnus Noster. Eum Sequamur - Our Lamb has conquered, him let us follow."

Pax Vobiscum

Robert A. Stewart J.P.
Pastor

Information Wars

2010-07-10T21:12:00.000-05:00

Fellow Labourers-

Having gone over this article I had a smile on my face because I am personally seeing this information war being played out right before my eyes. I see a crafty use of mindset statistics being quoted as scientific statistics. What do I mean by mindset statistics? This is the kind of statistics that has no bearing on reality. Things are just said and an invisible number of respondents are quoted as agreeing with the interviewer. This seems to be a typical way of arguing in Jamaica which can be very unproductive.

Today a lot of misinformation is now masquerading as facts. We will now have to learn the art of positive deconstruction if we are going to be able to defeat the naysayers who pretend to be constructive in discourses. We must learn the art of listening if we are going to be successful in sifting through this maze of information that confronts us daily. Our reading skill will also be called upon. This war is real and the church is not exempted. Are we prepared?

Pax Vobiscum

Robert A. Stewart J.P.
Pastor

Beyond a Close Circle of Friends

2010-07-03T09:20:00.000-05:00

Fellow Labourers-

The time to impact the world with the gospel is now. This article reminds me of our convention theme "Beyond the wall." As I am typing this e-mail the church choir is rehearsing and the song "I'll serve the Lord" rang out. But how do we serve the Lord? Do we serve him in the idyllic and bucolic places, or do we go beyond the wall?

Let's listen to the article as it speaks "So is the gospel I proclaim really about preaching the good news to the afflicted, proclaiming release to the captives, and recovery of sight to the blind? Does the gospel set free those who are downtrodden, and present the year of the Lord's favor to those who live under clouds of disdain? I understand that the good news is needed on the beach. Yet, I worry that at times my gospel stays safely among friends, not venturing far beyond that bucolic shoreline. Staying among those who "speak well of me," I rarely venture out to the Galilee of the Gentiles, where darkness is the great light and where good news is but a fading rumor. But it is in this world, far beyond a close circle of friends, where the good news truly is good news."

Pax Vobiscum,

Robert A. Stewart J.P.
Pastor

Beauty in Brokenness

2010-07-03T09:17:00.000-05:00

Fellow Labourers-

Reading this article reminded me of a number of broken moments I have experienced. Throughout all of them I discovered that attitude is so important. It is in those moments when I can recall the scriptures that I find a great closeness to God. When I recall "You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you. Great peace have they who love your law, and nothing can make them stumble. Isaiah 26:3 & Psalm 119:165 NIV). Remember our trials only comes to make us strong.

Pax Vobiscum

Robert A. Stewart J.P.
Pastor

Faith and Evidence

2010-06-20T07:48:00.000-05:00

Fellow Labourers-

To those of your are fathers I wish you a happy God filled Father's Day. For most of you I have seen the evidence of your fatherhood. For others I have only seen the evidence of your manhood, and the rest is by faith.:-)

Have you ever noticed that whenever a discussion arises about God that a very familiar answer pops up: "It depends on which God."? What this answer implies is that God does exist but I have a right to determine which God I own. As a Christian our God is a God of faith, whilst the other gods are determined by some other system. However, I have enough evidence for my faith.

Pax Vobiscum

Robert A. Stewart J.P.
Pastor

Daily Bread

2010-06-19T08:11:00.000-05:00

Fellow Labourers-

Praying for our daily bread is not a cliché. This is a daily fact of life. Even when we have our daily bread we still pray for it because of uncertainty. The Jewish nation seems to do well in spite of what is going on around them. There could be many reasons for this, but I believe it is also how they approach they life.

I believe they start from a position of certainty. They start with a conviction that God is their father, and as such he is going to provide. They do not waste time trying to assure themselves that God is their father. For them this is a given. Knowing their father and his capabilities they then move about with confidence and a sure knowledge.

Today I want to assure us that our daily bread is already provided. That does not mean we must stop asking, but we must now know how to ask. But my God shall supply all your needs according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

Pax Vobiscum

Robert A. Stewart J.P.
Pastor

Ethics of Heaven and Earth

2010-06-18T10:23:00.000-05:00

Fellow Labourers-

How do we make our decisions? Do we take the heavenly and earthly perspective into consideration remembering that we are citizens of both places at the same time? Christianity is indeed an awesome responsibility. It is very popular in Jamaica that what a man does in the privacy of his home is nobody else's business. But, we had better stop and think this through carefully. We need to qualify this thought and add a necessary caveat. Our public life is in many ways impacted by what some persons have done in the privacy of their homes.

Let us pray earnestly for an ethics that is compatible with earth and heaven. Having such an ethics will help us not to compartmentalize our lives. Who am I? I am a new creature in Christ.

Pax Vobiscum,

Robert A. Stewart J.P.
Pastor

Encore!

2010-06-17T17:07:00.000-05:00

Fellow Labourers-

I saw several missed calls on my phone this morning (June 16, 2010). One of them was from a co-worker and so I responded ASAP. He told me that he saw his high school music teacher last week and they had coffee together at the Hilton. But, last night he got the sad news that the gentleman was shot in his office yesterday. The story he got was that two men walked into the office as if they were there for business. He was discovered dead with nine bullet holes only after his secretary knocked on his door several times and heard no response. It seems the gun used had a silencer on it.

Now consider that this gentleman after teaching music in high school for some time went back to school, studied business and economics, earned a PhD, and now his life is snuffed out in a brief moment.

I do not know the circumstances, and I will not speculate, but this one thing I know that the whole creation groans, waiting for the manifestation of the sons of God. It is time for the Sons and daughters of God to arise. But, this will not happen until we know the real purpose of the Church. We must be agents of change. It's time for us to make Matthew chapter 28 a reality.

We need a lot of Encore in Godly manifestations. It seems we have become spellbound by the glamorous, the encomiums, and the adulations and forget the real purpose for which we are called. We are happy when three are baptized, not considering that on that very day thirty or forty have died and gone to a Christ-less eternity. The statistics in Jamaica is saying to us that the Church must Evangelize. As I shared in devotion with the staff at the Church this morning Psalm 29 jumped out at me. The first two verses is asking us to give unto God, whilst the other nine verses tells us what happens after we give unto God. If we must see the manifestations of the sons of God we must do our part, and do it Now. Encore!

Robert A. Stewart J.P.
Pastor

The Right Side of Pain

2010-06-15T19:26:00.000-05:00

Fellow Labourers-

I have been seeing and hearing some things recently that make me know that we need a great Spiritual revival. Some of us seem quite oblivious to the real dilemma Jamaica is in. As we go from day to day ponder the question that Mordecai posed to Esther, as well as Esther's response.

"Then Mordecai commanded to answer Esther, Think not with thyself that thou shalt escape in the king's house, more than all the Jews. For if thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time, then shall there enlargement and deliverance arise to the Jews from another place; but thou and thy father's house shall be destroyed: and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this? Then Esther bade them return Mordecai this answer, Go, gather together all the Jews that are present in Shushan, and fast ye for me, and neither eat nor drink three days, night or day: I also and my maidens will fast likewise; and so will I go in unto the king, which is not according to the law: and if I perish, I perish."

"Sometimes God in his mercy must tear down even walls built with good intention. Though I still seem to move toward broken communities and still struggle with the weight of some of the things I see, I realize I struggle equally with the apathy that makes me want to flee from it all. But I am convinced that the right side of pain can only be accessed through the house of God, a house built not by human hands, but held up by the beams of the Cross. Here our souls find a house with rooms prepared for them and a table set with room for our enemies. God has invited us into the kingdom; the doors of a great house are opened wide. And it is a house where hospitality is not a conditional sharing of personal pains, or a self-centered preoccupation with suffering, but an extension of Christ's invitation: Come to me, all who are weary and I will give you rest."

Ready to go. Are you?

Pax Vobiscum

Robert A. Stewart J.P.
Pastor

God's Public Relations Department

2010-06-15T19:21:00.000-05:00

Fellow Labourers-

This is an article which implores balance in what we say and do. I believe motive is hidden somewhere in the text. God is his own PR agent. As long as we do our part he will do the advertisement. Thinking of advertisement I find we are commoditizing Christianity so much that we are leaving out the work of the Holy Spirit.

Think back as far as you can and see how many programmes we have introduced as a PR stunt to win souls. Now ask yourself if you needed any of those when you got saved. Now ask yourself why am I still saved today and many who came after me are no where to be found. Could it be you are purpose-driven and not programme driven?

Robert A. Stewart J.P.
Pastor

Creative Collaboration

2010-06-12T09:48:00.000-05:00

Fellow Labourers-

As I read this article my mind races back to the early Church. They went from house in breaking of bread, and they had all things common. It is this creative collaboration that leads to unity in diversity. The apostle Paul says when we come together one should have a hymn, one a psalm and so on, but we seem to only do this on Sunday. Once we step outside our sanctuary it seems as if it is "thy man for thyself." There seems to be no confluence of thoughts, no meeting of the minds. This is a trick of the enemy that we must recognize and kill. Let us learn from the "Inklings" and bring our creative energies to bear upon a world that is dying to see the manifestations of the sons of God.

As a people we are destined for greatness but we have become our own enemies. When we know who we are in God I believe we will not only have creative collaboration but we will begin to do the greater works of which Jesus speaks. Let us arise the world is waiting.

Pax Vobiscum

Robert A. Stewart J.P.
Pastor

The Slain Lamb Stands

2010-06-12T09:45:00.000-05:00

Fellow Labourers-

The Bible is indeed a book of paradoxes. Yes, our redemption often times lies in the obverse of the paradox. It was necessary that the Lamb was slain, but it is because he stands why we are saved. Isn't it paradoxical that the way up is down? Our upward mobility in God requires our bending. It is when we fall prostrate at his feet that we will stand with him. He whose throne is in the heavens can be found down on my knees.

Today the Lamb beckons to us to steal away from the noise of our surroundings and find him in the quietness of the moment.

Pax vobiscum

Robert A. Stewart J.P.
Pastor

Illumination

2010-06-12T09:42:00.001-05:00

Fellow Labourers-

The more I try to understand God the more I understand how little I am. The following quote encapsulates for me so much of what I am trying to do and say." We are at our best a reflection of God when we are drawn into relationships with one another, modeling the love that has been modeled to us. We are at our best a reflection of God when we live in community that expresses God’s concern for all of God’s creation—from the downcast and the powerless among us, to the oppressed and the least throughout the world. If God is light, God's creation and creatures can somehow reflect it. The hope of theology is always that, like Moses, we may come down from the mountain glowing."

Tremendous experiences are had in the mountain, but life must be lived in the valley. It is in the valley where we will find the dry bones. The valley is the place for our testimonies. Moses came down from the valley with a glow that was effective. It was the very glory of God shining from him. He had the glory without even being conscious of its presence. Yes, God can use us without us even being aware that it is God.

My wish is that all of us would have our mountain top experiences, but please come down so that the rest of us may benefit from your experience. For those who have been in the valley for a very long time, please take your ascent and hence your illumination. To touch man, man must touch God.

Pax Vobiscum

Robert A. Stewart J.P.
Pastor

A Strange Feeling of Emptiness

2010-06-12T09:36:00.000-05:00

Fellow Labourers-

During last week I did feel "A strange feeling of emptiness." From Monday to Wednesday I sat during the mornings looking through my window, hearing the barrage of gun shots, then a loud explosion followed by dark smoke rising upwards as if it had a message to tell. I felt helpless and my imagination at times got the better of me. I would see in my minds eye thousands of dead and among them children and seniors. The vulnerable and the helpless.

Because we live in an uncertain, untrusting, and an uncaring world we make assumptions on a number of issues. Our assumptions sometimes are made without any reasonable facts, hence we end up making wrong decisions.

Today we assume that our young people are come of age, and they are armed with a copious amount of knowledge so we give in to them on almost every issue. We do this without any understanding of history or destiny and so they too later come to that place of emptiness. You see, change does not necessarily means progress. I believe it was C.S. Lewis who said "For change is not progress unless the core remains unchanged." He explained that a oak grows into a big oak: if it became a beech, that would not be growth, but mere change.

When we are changing and not growing that can really cause us to feel "A strange feeling of emptiness." That is not to say that this is the only reason for that strange feeling of emptiness. However, as a nation and as a people we have seen many changes around us but not much progress. How can we turn this around?

Pax Vobiscum,

Robert A. Stewart J.P.
Pastor

The Sky Is Falling

2010-05-31T08:11:00.000-05:00

Fellow Labourers-

The events since Sunday (May 23, 2010) will have a lasting impact for many lives. For some it could be a turning point for greater service in the Kingdom. For some it could be a life worse than before. For yet others it could be business as usual. The 'sky is falling' could be a perspective or it could be reality. Reality or perspective is not the issue, but what impact it could have. For years a lot of preparation went into preparation for Y2K. I don't know the numbers, but a lot of Churches had increased membership. A lot of businesses went into extravagant expenditures. But again was the sky falling?

Sir John Haughton CBE, FRS, professor of Atmospheric Physics at Oxford University and author of the book "Global Warming" had this to say. "About every three to five years a large area of warmer water appears and persists for a year or more. Because they usually occur around Christmas these are known as El Nino ('the boy child') events. They have been well known for centuries to the countries along the coast of South America because of the devastating effect on the fishing industry; the warm water top waters of the ocean prevent the nutrients from lower, colder levels required by the fish from reaching the surface."

Global warming-fact or fiction- or a little of both? I don't know how many of us are aware that the term "Climate Change" is now more politically correct than the term "Global warming". Why? That's your homework. So is the sky falling?

One thing that I have observed is that mankind is getting progressively worse even in light of "Karma". This was said long ago by the Bible that in the last days perilous times shall come. Today perilous times are upon us. How are we going to respond?

"The Christian alternative to a culture of fear is a kingdom of hospitality and abundance, vulnerability and generosity, love and self-sacrifice—the very kingdom Christ shaped with his living and dying, and invites us to do the same." - Jill Carattini

Pax Vobiscum

Robert A. Stewart J.P.
Pastor

Focus on Jesus

2010-05-31T08:06:00.000-05:00

Fellow Labourers-

Psalm 82 was my devotional scripture for this morning (May 27, 2010). I commend it to all of us, because I have found it so apt at this time. In the meantime let us pray for each other and our nation. In the introduction to his book "Deliver us from evil" Ravi Zacharias asks this potent question, "How, for example, does America (Jamaica, The Church) today make decisions on the deepest questions of life if there is no single vision or consensus of spirit?"

Psalm 82 (King James Version)

God standeth in the congregation of the mighty; he judgeth among the gods.
How long will ye judge unjustly, and accept the persons of the wicked? Selah.
Defend the poor and fatherless: do justice to the afflicted and needy.
Deliver the poor and needy: rid them out of the hand of the wicked.
They know not, neither will they understand; they walk on in darkness: all the foundations of the earth are out of course.
I have said, Ye are gods; and all of you are children of the most High.
But ye shall die like men, and fall like one of the princes.
Arise, O God, judge the earth: for thou shalt inherit all nations.

Robert A. Stewart J.P.
Pastor

A Beautiful Foolishness

2010-05-31T08:04:00.000-05:00

Fellow Labourers-

I know most of us are familiar with these words "If loving you is wrong, I don't want to be right." Why would anyone even thing of this contradiction. One of the signs raised in the recent demonstration reads "Jesus died for us, and I will die for Dudus." What a commitment to a mere man. Have we ever considered why people can in the face of death make these commitments? Oh how we wish we could find this level of commitment in the Church of God. Today it seems we are not even willing to die for the faith we claim to believe. The beautiful foolishness which once make us distinctive, hated, and admired seem no longer anything to stand for much less to die for. Like water we have become a people who seek and are seeking for the least path of resistance.

Today we are faced with a challenge and an opportunity. Are we making the plans to grab this opportunity with both hands? This is an opportunity to offer an alternative. Are we equipped, and are we ready to be transitioned out of our complacency? Remember Carpe diem (Seize the day or make the most of the opportunity.) We cannot throw up our hands in despair, we must step in and fill the void, since nature abhors a vacuum.

Terrence (ca.195-159BC)
FORTUNE FAVOURS THE BRAVE.
Antipho: Wretched me! How can I find a remedy for the sudden ruin?
For if it is my fortune, Phanium, to be divided from you, Life is no longer desirable to me.
Geta: Now that it is so, Antipho, So much the more ought you be watchful: fortune favours the brave.

Yes, the preaching of the cross is still to them that perish foolishness, but unto us who are saved it is the power of God. Here are some different translations of the same text.

New International Version
For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.

New Living Translation
The message of the cross is foolish to those who are headed for destruction! But we who are being saved know it is the very power of God.

English Standard Version
For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.

New American Standard Bible
For the word of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.

Pax Vobiscum

Robert A. Stewart J.P.
Pastor

What Are You Looking At?

2010-05-31T07:58:00.000-05:00

Fellow labourers-

The events of the past weeks in our country summons us to behold the Lamb. The Revival for which we pray is in the making. Revivals came about when there is a hunger and thirst for God. If as a Church we are not driven to our knees and our faces, then we would have missed the clarion call "Behold the Lamb."

For a long while we have lost our focus, and suppose gimmicks and 'everything goes' would lead to more souls. If that was our thought, then history has taught us nothing. Unless we are focused on Jesus and people get a real dose of the Spirit's anointing we will forever sing "They come and go." People must begin to Focus on Jesus the risen Lord. The Church must make him known. We want a Church that is not cyclical like the ecomomy, where we have boom and bust. We may experience drought, but there is always the sign of an abundance of rain. So the question is asked "What are you looking at?" Oh I want to see him just to look upon his face.

Pax Vobiscum

Robert A. Stewart J.P.
Pastor

Faithful Disillusion

2010-05-31T07:55:00.000-05:00

Fellow Labourers-

Slowly read this quote extracted from the article below. "Disillusionment, while painful, is evidence which shows the myths that enchant us need not blind us forever, a sign that what is falsely believed can be shattered by what is genuine."

Pax Vobiscum

Robert A. Stewart J.P.
Pastor

Faithful Disillusion

"[W]e are perpetually disillusioned. The perfect life is spread before us every day, but it changes and withers at a touch."(1)

The author of this comment did not have the dashed hopes of a person weary of contemporary political promises; nor the disappointment of a child after his once-adored Wii lost its thrill; nor the dispirited outlook of a modern youth disenchanted with rampant consumerism and the daunting purposelessness of life. No, long before video games existed, long before Generation Y was disillusioned with Generation X or X with the Baby Boomers before them, disillusionment reigned nonetheless. Indeed, it was a social commentator in the late 1920's who made this comment about his own disillusioned culture, words which in fact came more than a decade after a group of literary notables identified themselves as the "Lost Generation," so-named because of their own general feeling of disillusionment. In other words, disillusionment is epidemic.

As humans who tell and hear and live by stories, the possibility of taking in a story that is bigger than reality is quite likely. (Advertisers, in fact, count on it.) Subsequently, disillusionment is a quality that follows humanity and its stories around. Yet despite its common occurrence, disillusionment is a crushing blow, and the collateral damage of shattered expectations quite painful. With good reason, we speak of it in terms of the discomfort and disruption that it fosters; we frame the crushing of certain hope and images in terms of loss and difficulty. The disillusioned do not speak of their losses lightly, no more than victims of burglary move quickly past the feeling of loss and violation.

And yet, practically speaking, disillusionment is the loss of illusion. If we are to think of it in terms of theft, it is the equivalent of having one's high cholesterol or a perpetually bad habit stolen. Disillusionment, while painful, is evidence which shows the myths that enchant us need not blind us forever, a sign that what is falsely believed can be shattered by what is genuine. In such terms, disillusion is far less an unwanted intrusion than it is a severe mercy, far more like a surgeon's excising of a tumor than a cruel removal of hope.

The crucifixion of the Son of God is something like this. The death of God? There are no categories with which to understand it. For those who first held hope in the person of Jesus, it was the same. The death of the one thought to be the Messiah? It was an event that leveled them with disillusionment. New Testament scholar N.T. Wright describes the force of this dissonance: "There were, to be sure, ways of coping with the death of a teacher, or even a leader. The picture of Socrates was available, in the wider world, as a model of unjust death nobly borne. The category of 'martyr' was available, within Judaism, for someone who stood up to pagans... The category of failed but still revered Messiah, however, did not exist. A Messiah who died at the hands of the pagans, instead of winning [God’s] battle against them, was a deceiver."(2)

For those who loved Jesus most, it took time to see that it was not hope but their hopeful illusions that died with him on the cross. Everything they thought God was, every hope for a messiah wielding power and control, every image of God winning the battle, everything they thought they knew about religion, painfully, but mercifully died on a shameful, Roman cross. We, too, bury our illusions with the body of God. And it is no simple journey. The powerful words of poet W. H. Auden describe what is often the case in a world filled with illusion:

We would rather be ruined than changed;
We would rather die in our dread
Than climb the cross of the moment
And let our illusions die.(3)

Yet if we will allow it, this death can be far more than loss. While advertisers count on our moving from one dead illusion to another, the death of Christ tells a different kind of story, a demythologizing story, which cuts through the storied layers of illusion we continually create about ourselves, the world, and others. Within such a story, disillusionment is the precursor to nothing short of resurrection. And faith is the audacity to confront our illusions with a cross. In the words of author Parker Palmer, "[F]aith is the courage to face into our illusions and allow ourselves to be disillusioned about them, the courage to walk through our illusions and dispel them. Faith...[is] a disillusioned view of reality...that lets the beauty behind the illusions shine through."(4) Burying our illusions with the body of God, we mourn our losses and lament over the graves of dead dreams and expectations, hopes and visions. We stand in painful, faithful disillusionment. But so we stand aware that we may be equally startled by what emerges from the tomb.

Jill Carattini is managing editor of A Slice of Infinity at Ravi Zacharias International Ministries in Atlanta, Georgia.
(1) John Boynton Priestley, "The Disillusioned," in The Balconinny and Other Essays (London: Methuen, 1929), 30.
(2) N.T. Wright, Jesus and the Victory of God (Minneapolis: Fortress Press, 1996), 658.
(3) W.H. Auden, Collected Poems (New York: Random House, 2007), 530.
(4) Parker Palmer, "Faith or Frenzy: Living Contemplation in a World of Action," The Clampit Lectures, 1972

Wounds Still Visible

2010-05-31T07:50:00.000-05:00

Fellow Labourers-

How deep and how visible are our wounds? Are our wounds emotional and hidden to the eyes? Are our attitudes manifestations of our wounds? Whether we see the wounds or its manifestation, they are still visible. The problem with the manifestation is that it has the ability to hide the real you. In other words, you are wearing a mask. Remember masks are not permanent and the longer we wear them the longer it takes for us to see the wounds we are hiding. Jesus was not afraid to show his wounds because they were proof of his resurrection. Could you be hiding a wound that if exposed would release you from years of mental torture?

Sometimes our sordid past is only visible to us for a purpose. Yes we may be carrying wounds still visible only to us as a reminder of our frailty. Let us not treat all wounds as equal, but let us find the purpose. "From henceforth let no man trouble me, for I bear in my body the mark of the Lord Jesus."

Pax Vobiscum

Robert A. Stewart J.P.
Pastor

Dead People Walking

2010-05-17T18:02:00.000-05:00

Fellow Labourers-

This article should cause all of us to look deep into our souls and see if there are grounds for healing, forgiveness and reconciliation. This week for me was interesting in many ways. On Monday I got a call from a friend in Trinidad asking me to pick up a couple and take them to Montego Bay. I changed my schedule and obliged. When I met the couple at the airport and we introduced ourselves they told me that they were briefed on my activities in the Church. As we started the trip the wife said to me "As a Pastor what are your views on marriage and divorce?"

Now this question in my mind came from nowhere, since nothing we were talking about had anything to do with marriage or divorce. After I gave my initial response she said to me "we are on the same page". Then I told her about a book I read recently on the subject from a Jamaican Pastor living in Trinidad. After we spoke about the book for a while she smiled and said to me that that Pastor was her Pastor, but most of the congregation did not know he was a divorcee before he wrote the book. He is no longer at the Church.

She then told me that Woodrow Kroll of Back to the Bible fame was in Trinidad the week before and the same question was posed to him. In his response he said one word always operates in his mind, and that is the servant of the Lord must be "BLAMELESS".

The subject above is very relevant at this time. We must present our bodies a living sacrifice. If we bear in mind that a sacrifice is a dead thing, then we must present our bodies a living dead thing. We must be "Dead people walking." Help me Lord!!

Pax Vobiscum

Robert A. Stewart J.P.
Pastor

Leaders Love Growth

2010-05-14T08:02:00.000-05:00

Fellow Labourers-My heart burns within me for more than the ordinary. I sleep, dream and eat revival. It is here!!

Read the article below:

Robert A. Stewart J.P. Pastor

Leaders Love Growth

By James Smith

Only those leaders who act boldly in times of crisis and change are willingly followed. (Jim Kouzes)

Within the church, God has placed men and women who love to see growth. It is what keeps us to our tasks. The lack of increase can kill the joy of our calling so we lean forward looking for any type of progress we can possibly measure.

Growth however, requires change. Going from where we are presently to a place of increase requires seeing what most people are not able or willing to see. Seeing change before it happens is called a vision. Few people are capable of a vision as most would rather stay in a climate that is comfortable. Comfort however can cause one to never imagine anything better. A Pastor or congregation who is comfortable with an attendance of 90 will never see a crowd of 300 because they are not desperate enough to make the kinds of changes it would take to gather that kind of increase.

Change means leaving a place that is familiar and going to a place that is unfamiliar. Few churches are willing to follow even the most seasoned pastor into a place of unfamiliarity. Here is why so many of our churches stagnate numerically. This is why the average church in America only runs about 85 people. Even in cities with populations in the hundreds of thousands, churches often find it hard to get over the 100 person hump.

Change requires casting a vision. Within the church it requires faith in the leader who is casting a vision of a place of revival we have not yet seen. As Moses of old preached of a Promised Land that was ahead, the current day Preacher must be willing to stand in a desert of nothingness and promise something far better than the status quo. As Joshua shouted, “Let’s cross over this river!” present day church leaders must be willing to look at obstacles as opportunities for miracles instead of places of failure.

No walled city ever came down without some great leader first standing far out front of the crowd and saying it could be done. No bridge was ever built nor building raised where some imaginative mind did not first dream it. No church ever grew exponentially without first, the Man or Woman of God casting the vision for it’s growth.

Where are the End Time revivalists who would tell our generation “Jesus is Coming”. Who are the men and women who will affect the kind of change necessary for a great Latter Day outpouring? Where is the Pastor who will stand in a dormant church and declare “Revival, Growth and Increase”?

Visionaries too often lose their hunger for growth and change when the congregations constant fear, doubt and resistance diminish the leaders own zeal. Are we so afraid of people that we would tell God “no”? Would we abstain from the zeal within our own hearts to sooth trepidation of the naysayer’s? Would our own passion be disquieted by those who would doubt God’s promises?

Even He who could have stayed on His throne in Heaven, stepped off of his place of being worshipped to communicate to this planet a promise of something better. His willingness to leave His place of magnificence so that we could come up a little bit higher should convey to us His desire for His church to move forward.

Courage establishes leadership. A leader without the courage to create needed change is no more than a manager. The parable of the men with the talents tells us what becomes the person who would simply manage our Lords resources. Investing people takes courage. Investing in the lives of those who take pleasure in comfort takes courage to push them to places of the extreme. Should Moses have stopped at the obstacle that was the Red Sea, all would have been lost. However, he was willing to take people from a place of relative safety to a place of extreme promise. Do or die, all would be lost or all would be saved by his visionary genius and willingness to believe God for the impossible.

Being the first to believe something can be done takes courage. Courage however establishes leadership. Without a leader who acts with courage, a congregation will lack the courage needed to follow into God’s promises. David was willing to do battle with a giant whom other more seasoned men feared and as a result he won the hearts of the nation. No Pastor would ever need fear another taking his church if he is a Pastor who leads with courage. Courage is attractive. Few have it and as a result, people want to be near it.

Simply knowing what needs to be done to create change is not enough. We must act upon our insight. Many people know what needs to be done. Few do it. As a result we fail to move into the Promised Land of Revival.

Having saved the best for last, our Lord is desirous to enable His church to have great endtime revival. Are we willing to move into it? Are we willing to move out of the ordinary? Are we eager to leave the comfort zones we have created for ourselves? The God of the miraculous is beckoning us into the realm of the impossible. He calls us into the impractical that the naysayers could be astounded. Those whom would say it cannot be done do not know the God of the impossible. They have not seen Him turn water into wine. They have not seen him open the blinded eyes. They have not witnessed for themselves His ability to turn a small boys lunch into a feast that would feed a multitude. So their faith is small. Their trust unearned. Their vision blurred by their own knowledge of what is and what is not, possible.

“But let us believe God”. Let us believe Him for what he wants to do in our churches. Let us believe him for what He is trying to do in our cities. Let us face those with doubt and say, “It can be done!”
Copyright 2006

The Anatomy of a Journey

2010-05-13T08:21:00.000-05:00

Fellow Labourers-

We are all on a journey, and somewhere along the journey we will meet someone in need. The need could be for a number of things, but the need for God beckons. It beckons in many ways and at different frequencies. As pilgrims we have a responsibility to respond to these needs to get others on the same journey on which we have embarked. We have grown accustomed to meeting the needs from a distance, and thus our impact is not as impactful as we might have wish. We are not sitting in the chariot and gently sharing God by sharing ourselves. Sometimes it is not that we are too busy, but we are afraid to trust enough to draw near.

But, "there is call come ringing o'er the restless waves: send the light, the blessed gospel light. Let it shine, from shore to shore." Os Guinness in his book The Call quite poignantly observed "Is the Church of Christ ready to meet the challenge? Are followers of Jesus sufficiently gripped by the gospel to 'behave as he would wish us behave'? Do we know in reality the great living truths of the faith that have a proven capacity to affect history and transform cultures as well as radically alter individual lives? Calling, as we shall see in a score of ways, is indispensible to the integrity and effectiveness of the Church at this momentous hour."

"I am often asked how one can be radical in analyzing what is wrong, yet hopeful about the prospects for the Church. Part of the answer is that the very crises themselves are opportunities-some people in both the Church and wider society must surely blush to think of the things in which they trusted so recently. But the deeper answer is the character of the gospel itself. The gospel is a constellation of truths that simply cannot and will not be worsted. Put differently, in the decades I have followed Jesus, second only to the joy of knowing him has been a sorrow at the condition of those of us today who name ourselves his followers. If so many of us profess to live by the gospel yet are so pathetically marginal to the life of our societies and so nondescript and inconsequential in our individual lives, is there something wrong with the gospel, or does the problem lie with us?"

On this journey let us listen to Jesus of Nazareth.

Pax Vobiscum

Robert A. Stewart J.P.
Pastor

The Last Enemy

2010-05-13T08:15:00.000-05:00

Fellow Labourers-

Does the thought of the last enemy perturb your sleep? If so then try singing- "Death has no terror o'er the blood washed one, O glory Hallelujah to the Lamb." If you sing it then absorb the truth of it and rest in the Lord.

For the fatalists among us listen to the writer "Affronted by such an in-your-face, unapologetic reality of human mortality, one finds oneself face to face with a dilemma: why should you devote all of your energy to making a meaningful difference in the world if it is true that everything done under the sun will eventually amount to zero? Once one has come to the conclusion that the emperor has no clothing, what sense does it make to keep up with the pretense? Sadly, some see through the emptiness and choose to end their own lives. From a naturalistic perspective, that seems to be a perfectly consistent step to take.

Yet the Bible grasps this nettle with astounding authority. Not only has God placed a yearning for our true home in our hearts, God has also promised to clothe the perishable with the imperishable and the mortal with immortality through Christ's own death (1 Corinthians 15:54)."

Pax Vobiscum

Robert A. Stewart J.P.
Pastor

Sibling Rivalry in the House of Faith

2010-05-10T08:10:00.000-05:00

Fellow Labourers-

What a timely subject. I lift this quote from the article for our consideration.

"In spite of the fact that Jesus prayed fervently for unity among his followers, the visible church is often a conglomeration of competing factions, each equally convinced of its solitary possession of divine favour. Those who seek signs and wonders through the Holy Spirit are usually suspicious of those who emphasize exegetical approaches to the Scriptures. Christian scholars are sometimes content just to talk to each other, and the uncanny tendency of apologists to sniff out what they deem rotten doctrine is not always appreciated."

I wonder if we were walking in the Spirit instead of our spirit, if we would overcome the sibling rivalry. This is a universal problem and must have a universal cause. What do you think that might be? Sin of course. Yes, sin does not want us to get back to our original state. We are so afraid of each other after we are "saved", that I wonder what are we saved from. Paul in writing to Timothy in the second Epistle chapter 1 took him through a journey. He reminded him of his grand mother Lois, his mother Eunice, the laying on of his hands and the infilling of the Holy Ghost. He went from the distance, to the near, to the proximate and to the reality. That reality is, "God has not given us the Spirit of fear, but of love, of power and of a sound mind." Armed with this truth we should be able to live as one. Is it possible?

Pax Vobiscum

Robert A. Stewart J.P.
Pastor

In the Name of Peace and Quietness

2010-05-07T14:55:00.000-05:00

Fellow Labourers-

Can you handle this- "Into every generation and every life, Jesus comes to upend and disrupt the status quo. He is not dull. And he calls those who would follow him to forsake self-righteousness and the pride of piety. Like those before us, would we instead do away with God in the name of peace and quietness? The journey to Golgotha is lined with the righteous as well as with sinners."

How about this- "His was a righteousness of compassion and not sacrifice, of reconciliation with offended brothers and sisters, of faithfulness and not lust, of commitment to spouses and not divorce, of keeping one's word and repaying evil with good.(2) His was a righteousness that pierced straight to the heart transforming mind, body, and action. His was a righteousness that did not maintain peace and quietness."

Pax Vobiscum,

Robert A. Stewart J.P.
Pastor

Obstacles, Enemies and Neighbours

2010-05-06T08:31:00.000-05:00

Fellow Labourers-

As you read this article I would suggest you read, underline, question, digest and regurgitate its contents. Why? I have been observing that even when we are among ourselves we come with swords drawn. We argue from mindsets, and preconceived notions that sometimes have no bearing on the matter at hand. Hence, we do not develop logical and cogent arguments, but end up with a set of conclusions without agreeing on anything.

Note the author of the article intimated that the Apostle Paul begins his argument at the beginning. He had certain facts but he did not assume that his facts coincided with those of his hearers. He did not repeat the oft quoted remarks made about his hearers. He did not appeal to their baser sensibilities, but sought to take them to a place where they were more comfortable in their minds. This was appeasement without disagreement. This was moving from the known to the unknown in a fashion that kept his audience in an attentive mode. No sword or daggers were drawn.

"When the apostle Paul spoke to the Athenians at the Aeropagus, he did not come with a barrage of clever answers, trite comebacks, and confident Scriptures. In fact, he didn't quote Scripture at all. In his own words, he told them the story that changed his life. He also told it not in the language and imagery with which he would have most fluent and comfortable, but in a language the Athenians themselves would recognize. While those of the Aeropagus kept themselves current with every new and coming school of thought and religious conjecture, they were likely unfamiliar with the Jewish Scriptures, the story of Israel, and the God who chose them.

Thus, Paul began at the beginning, but he did so in a way that invited them to see he was telling their story, too. "Now what you worship as something unknown I am going to proclaim to you. The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by hands" (Acts 17:23-24). His arguments, reasoning, teaching, and commending were all offered in humility, respect, and love."

Pax Vobiscum

Robert A. Stewart J.P.
Pastor

Who Is This?

2010-05-06T08:26:00.000-05:00

Fellow Labourers-

That is the question- Who is this? Well did Isaiah ask "Who is this that cometh from Edom? Can you answer the question unquestioningly? Who is this? If you should see Jesus now would you recognize him? Jesus said no man has seen the Father at any time-but Jesus reveals him. Do you have an image of the Christ? I have one, but it is like a moving target. My circumstance alters my image, but never my hope. My faith may be shaken, but yet I hope. Why? Because he whom my soul loveth still causes me to ask Who is this? Life is filled with paradoxes especially for the child of God. So we will continue to ask who is this?

Pax Vobiscum

Robert A. Stewart J.P.
Pastor

The Rule of Compartmentalization

2010-05-04T08:07:00.001-05:00

Fellow Labourers-

This article poses some challenging questions, especially for those of us mired in inertia. There is a question on my mind that I am asking myself over and over. What do we mean when we say we are waiting on the leading of the Lord? The bible says if any man be in Christ he is a new creature. It also says if we walk in the Spirit we would not fulfill the lust of the flesh. So I ask myself, if I am walking in the Spirit I must be led by God. And if this is true why am I waiting to be led by God?

I recently discovered that some people use this "waiting for the leading" as a cover up for their laziness and ineffectiveness in the Kingdom. You see God moves by principle and not by sentiments. I am certain that when we get up to go to work none of us say we are waiting on the leading of the Lord. We arrive at work and start working without "waiting on the leading" of the Lord. But we come to Church and we are ask to do a task and immediately we are waiting on the leading of the Lord. Isn't there a big disconnect somewhere here? Could it be Compartmentalization?

Pax Vobiscum

Robert A. Stewart J.P.
Pastor

Editor's comment: Compartmentalization is defined as division or separation into compartments; to partition in to discrete sections. In the context of Christianity it is the attempt to separate the 'spiritual' from the 'secular', particularly in aspects of one's daily living and even conduct. The article notes that this is "unlivable" and was not characteristic of Jesus.

25 Questions To Ask Before Making Major Decisions

2010-04-30T14:20:00.000-05:00

Fellow Labourers-

Someone is thinking of making a decision today or very soon. Check the list below before you make the move. Also pray and read the word of God.

25 Questions To Ask Before Making Major Decisions

By Author Unknown

Not every question in this list will help you in every situation. This is simply a check list to help you keep from overlooking important considerations before confirming and carrying out major decisions.

1. At it's essence - in one sentence - what is the decision I'm really facing? What is the bottom, bottom line?
2. Am I dealing with a cause or a symptom? A means or an end?
3. Am I thinking about this situation with a clear head or am I fatigued to the point that I shouldn't be making any major decisions.
4. What would the ideal solution be in this situation?
5. Should I seek outside counsel in making this decision?

6. What are the hidden agendas that are pushing for a decision in this situation? Why do we or they want a change? What is the source of the emotional fuel that is driving this decision?
7. If I had to decide in the next two minutes - what decision would I make and why?
8. What decision would I expect each of my three most respected advisors to favor in this situation?
9. Can an overall decision in this situation be divided into parts, with sub-decision.
10. What are the key assumptions in my thinking that underline the decision I'm leaning toward? What do I assume it will cost? What do I assume will be it's real benefits?

11. Who? What? When? Where? Why? How? How much?
12. Have I given myself 24 hours to let this decision settle in my mind?
13. Is this decision consistent with our values in the past, or does it mark a change in direction or standards?
14. How will this decision affect our overall master plan? Will it side track us?
15. Will this decision help to maximize my key strengths?

16. Have I verified what the results have been for others who have made a similar decision in similar circumstances? Have I verified this thoroughly?
17. How do I really feel about this decision?
18. Is this the decision I would make if our budget was twice as large as it is? Half as large? One-tenth as large? Is it the same decision I would make if we had twice as many staff members? Half as many?
19. What would happen if we did not carry out this decision?
20. If we didn't carry it out, what would be the best three alternative decisions?

21. Is this the best timing for carrying out this decision? If now now, why and when?
22. Is this truly appropriate in scope and size to the situation we face? Am I possibly hunting an elephant whit a BB gun, or a rabbit with a cannon?
23. How does my family feel about this decision? How will it affect them?
24. What aspects of the problem will not be resolved or solved by this decision?
25. Should we write a policy about this decision to guide us in similar situations in the future?

Pax Vobiscum

Robert A. Stewart

There Behind the Clouds

2010-04-30T14:16:00.000-05:00

Fellow Labourers-

Those of us that are normal human beings can say amen to this article. The song comes to mind "Standing somewhere in the shadows you will find Jesus." It is not that he is not there, but somehow our view is obscured. There are many factors that are capable of obscuring our view when it comes to seeing Jesus. Sometimes it is hard to distinguish him from the cloud. What type of clouds are hiding him from your view? Could it be the low Clouds - Stratus? The middle clouds - Altostratus? The high clouds - Cirrus? or the clouds with vertical development - Cumulus? Remember these different clouds are formed under different circumstances, but whatever the circumstance we have an all-purpose God.

The thing to remember though is that we might not see him because of the clouds, but he is there. I know you feel a little unsure, but I know he is there. I also know I have not been where you are, but I am still sure he is there. Yes, you can sing "My faith looks up to thee, Oh Lamb of Calvary - Saviour divine." Today you may be unsure, but "Faith is the substance of things hope for, the evidence of things not seen."

Pax Vobiscum

Robert A. Stewart

In Kingdom Proportion

2010-04-30T14:12:00.000-05:00

Fellow Labourers-

Note this paragraph lifted directly from the article attached- "I recently read an account of a pastor in Bellevue, Washington who reminded me of one such thing. Wanting his congregation both to represent and to identify itself with its missional calling, he called them to see life in its broadest context. He asked them "to recognize...that their missional calling involves the witness of their quality of life together as much as it involves service to real human needs and verbal witness to Jesus Christ."(2) I am so accustomed to the phrase "quality of life" referring to ethics and medicine that the idea actually took a minute to comprehend. But once it did, I realized how short-sided I had allowed that phrase to become."

This strikes at the very heart of what I am trying to achieve. Church has become so loaded with activities most of which is planned at arousing emotions and cater to the baser side of our humanity. We seek to please and appease the desires of those whom we fail to teach the real meaning of why we are saved.

Each time I recall the story of the woman with the issue of blood and the child who died at age twelve I am forced to think of the relationship between the two. The two incidents run right into each other and are therefore not coincidental. The woman with the issue of blood had her problem for twelve long years, but the child lived for only twelve years. What's the difference? It's about quality of life and quantity of life.

The paradigm within the Pentecostal church must shift from "happy hour" to meeting real needs. We can't sit around attempting to parallel the world in almost everything it does and then expect to have a better world. We must challenge the popular culture and raise the level of our thinking. We need some Jeremiahs, some Daniels, some Stephens, some Timothys and some Pauls. Let us stop making excuses and begin to identify our Church with its missional calling. We have a mission to go into all the world, not to sit in our pews and stand our soap boxes.

Pax Vobiscum,

Pastor Robert A. Stewart

What Is Truth?

2010-04-30T14:09:00.000-05:00

Fellow Labourers-

As we think about truth let us consider these words- Idea, Thought, Opinion, Conviction, Belief, Fact, and Preference. All of these can sound like truth but are not necessarily true. These all have their places but we must be able to distinguish among them. Truth needs no argument to defend it. When Jesus said I am the truth he did not have to defend a position. Truth is knowable and is found in Jesus. You shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free. But, this is contingent upon us continuing in his word.

Pax Vobiscum

Pastor Robert Stewart

The Privilege of Pluralism

2010-04-13T11:24:00.000-05:00

Fellow Labourers-

In reading this article the sense of being in the world and not of the world resonates in my spirit. It is indeed how we live out our faith that will make the difference in the end. We have a golden opportunity to use our distinctiveness as a starting point of our Christian witness, and not as a tool for divisiveness.

The Declaration of Independence under The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen United States of America July 4, 1776 states the following "When in the course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with one another, and to assume among the Powers of the Earth, the separate and equal Station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent Respect to the Opinions of Mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the Separation."

Separation it would seem is necessary, but the reasons must be known. Alvin Reid in his 'Handbook on Evangelism' has a chapter 'The potency of Consistency: Character' under which he lists the following:

Live by principle, not by feelings
Listen to God, not to popular opinion
Prioritize sacrifice rather than comfort
Consider the long-term consequence of your decisions

Let us think on these things.

Pax Vobiscum

Pastor Robert A. Stewart J.P.

Liminal Lent

2010-04-12T08:34:00.000-05:00

Fellow Labourers-

A more fulsome understanding of the concept of liminal may give you a better grasp of this article. So, please note the derivative of the word. "The notion of a liminal period was first introduced by ethnographer Arnold van Gennep in his exposition of the “rites de passage,” or rite of passage “which accompany every change of place, state, social position and age."

For van Gennep, a rite de passage consists of three stages: the separation, or detachment of a subject from its stabilized environment; the margin, which is an ambiguous state for the subject; and the aggregation, in which the passage has completed and the subject has crossed the threshold into a new fixed, stabilized state. The liminal period of the rite de passage is the second stage that is characterized by being passed through; i.e., the purpose of this period is to transfer the subject from the original site to the new site.

What all of this is saying is "Be anxious for nothing." C.S.Lewis says we are anxious because we are out of place. We were never meant to live in a world so corrupt and destructive. Hence, Jesus came to show us how to live until he returns the second time. Even in uncertainty take it easy. Be anxious for nothing.

Pax Vobiscum

Pastor Robert A. Stewart, JP

The Death of God

2010-04-12T08:29:00.000-05:00

Fellow Labourers-

Isn't it amazing that even God chose the path of death to bring life? Yet those of us who follow him refuse to die that we may live. We are not willing to surrender. I love this quote from Chambers "Our utmost for his highest."

What are you willing to give to follow Christ?

Robert Stewart

The Death of God

“God is dead,” declares Nietzsche’s madman in his oft-quoted passage from The Gay Science. Though not the first to make the declaration, Nietzsche’s philosophical candor and desperate rhetoric unquestionably attribute to its familiarity. In graphic brushstrokes, the parable describes a crime scene:

“The madman jumped into their midst and pierced them with his eyes. ‘Whither is God,’ he cried; ‘I will tell you. We have killed him—you and I! All of us are his murderers...Do we not feel the breath of empty space? Has it not become colder?...Do we smell nothing as yet of the divine decomposition? Gods, too, decompose. God is dead. God remains dead. And we have killed him.”(1)

Nietzsche’s atheism, unlike recent atheistic mantras, was not simply rhetoric and angry words. He recognized that the death of God, even if only the death of an idol, introduced a significant crisis. He understood the critical role of the Christian story to the very underpinnings of European philosophy, history, and culture, and so understood that God’s death meant that a total—and painful—transformation of reality must occur. If God has died, if God is dead in the sense that he is no longer of use to us, then ours is a world in peril, he reasoned, for everything must change. Our typical means of thought and life no longer make sense; the very structures for evaluating everything have become unhinged. For Nietzsche, a world that considers itself free from God is a world that must suffer the disruptive effects of that iconoclasm.

Herein, Nietzsche’s atheistic tale tells a story beneficial no matter the creed or conviction of those who hear it. Gods, too, decompose. Within Nietzsche’s bold atheism is the intellectual integrity that refused to make it sound easy to live with a dead God—a conclusion the self-deemed new atheists are determined to undermine. Moreover, his dogged exposure of idolatrous conceptions of God wherever they exist and honest articulation of the crises that comes in the crashing of such idols is universal in its bearing. Whether atheist or theist, Muslim or Christian, the death of the God we thought we knew is disruptive, excruciating, tragic—and quite often, as Nietzsche attests, necessary.

Yet for Nietzsche and the new atheists, the shattering of religious imagery and concepts is simply deconstruction for the sake of deconstruction. Their iconoclasm ultimately seeks to reveal towers of belief as houses of cards best left in piles at our feet. On the contrary, for the theist iconoclasm remains the breaking of false and idolatrous conceptions of God, humanity, and the cosmos. But added to this is the exposing of counterfeit motivations for faith, when fear or self-interest lead a person deeper into religion as opposed to love or truth, or when the source of all knowledge becomes something finite rather than the eternal God. While this destruction certainly remains the painful event Nietzsche foretold, God’s death turns out to be one more sign of God’s presence. As C.S. Lewis observed through his own pain at the death of the God he knew:

“My idea of God is not a divine idea. It has to be shattered time after time. He shatters it himself. He is the great iconoclast. Could we not almost say that this shattering is one of the marks of his presence? The incarnation is the supreme example; it leaves all previous ideas of the Messiah in ruins. And most are ‘offended’ by the iconoclasm; and blessed are those who are not.”(2)

For Lewis, it was the death of his wife that brought about the decomposition of his God. For others, it is the prevalence of suffering or the haunt of God’s silence that begets the troubling sense that our God is dying. At some profound level, the season of Lent takes us to God’s death as well, perhaps for some in more ways than one. Like the Incarnation, the crucifixion leaves most of our ideas in ruins at the foot of the cross. The journey to death and Golgotha is an offensive journey to take with God. But blessed are those who take it. Blessed are those in pain over the death of their Gods. Blessed are those who mourn at the tombs and take in the sorrow of the crime scenes. For theirs is somehow the kingdom of heaven, a kingdom somehow able to hold Golgotha, a kingdom able to hold death itself.

Author: Jill Carattini is managing editor of A Slice of Infinity at Ravi Zacharias International Ministries in Atlanta, Georgia.

References:
(1) Friedrich Nietzsche, The Gay Science (New York: Vintage, 1974), 181-182.
(2) C.S. Lewis, A Grief Observed (New York: HarperCollins, 1996), 66.

The Rule

2010-04-12T08:26:00.000-05:00

Fellow Labourers-

Easter is now behind us so what's next? I trust you all had a memorable Easter.

Today's article is really thought provoking if you take the time to think about it. Rules pose a problem in almost every society and groups. Yet, without rules chaos would abound. Just imagine a rule-less universe! Even the cosmos is governed by rules. But, it seems human beings have an inbuilt resistance for rules. This last paragraph of the article is worth rehearsing:

"To be Christian is to follow God's Way in the world, a Way that compels us to move along with it. For some this will mean persecution, even martyrdom; for others it will mean laboring to avoid becoming at ease in Zion, moving to the beat of a drum that may take us where we don't want to go. But movement it will require: “As they led [Jesus] away, they seized a man, Simon of Cyrene, who was coming from the country, and they laid the cross on him, and made him carry it behind Jesus. Then they brought Jesus to the place called Golgotha (which means the place of a skull)” (Luke 23:26, Mark 15:22). The regula fidei is the heart of a startling story, a story that turns the world on its head and empowers a different kingdom. And thus, it is something quite like the heart of God, which brings rhythm to a chaotic world and sweeps many up into its mission."

Pax Vobiscum

Robert Stewart

The Recalcitrant Jesus

2010-04-06T08:06:00.000-05:00

Fellow Labourers-

One of the words synonymous with recalcitrant is stubborn. It is not that Jesus is stubborn but it is hard to get him off your mind. There is no other person as studied as Jesus. And all the studies do not lead to the same conclusion. You see it's hard to start with a faulty premise and end up with a correct conclusion. In his book 'Jesus among other gods' Ravi Zacharias said "The inability to think in context is so manifest in the moral conflicts that we live with today. Every major battle we fight is either because we deny the text or because we justify the contrary by appealing to a different context."

According to the Handbook of Christian Apologetics "Huston Smith notes, in the world's religions, that only two people ever astounded their contemporaries so much that the question they evoked was not who is he? but what is he? They were Jesus and Budha. The answers these two gave were exactly opposite. Budha said unequivocally that he was mere man, not a god-almost as if he foresaw later attempts to worship him. Jesus, on the other hand, claimed in many ways to be divine."

The divinity of Christ is the most distinctively Christian doctrine of all. And no other religion has a doctrine that is even similar. Yes indeed the recalcitrant Jesus. Pilate could not wash him off his hand or get him out of his mind.

Pax Vobiscum

Robert Stewart

It's a wonderful life

2010-03-29T13:42:00.000-05:00

Fellow Labourers-

How do you respond to the statement "It's a wonderful life." Not sure? Life can be wonderful when we find ourselves in the will of God. Brother Kirk made an invaluable observation last night, when he said Joseph although a slave in Potiphar's house he was prosperous. You see prosperity may be measured in many ways, but when it is measured by God's measurement it makes a world of difference.

When my life is hid with Christ in God it can be nothing else but a wonderful life. It's a life that may seem to have twists and turns, but a life that guarantees God's favour. Having the favour of God cannot be compared with anything else in this life. What Joseph had was the favour of God. And so in every step of his life the texts tell us "And God was with Joseph." Yes indeed "it's a wonderful life" when God leads us.

"He leadeth me! O blessed thought!
O words with heavenly comfort fraught!
What-e'er I do, where-e'er I be,
Still tis God's hand that leadeth me.

He leadeth me he leadeth me
By his own hands he leadeth me.
His faithful follower I would be,
For by his hands he leadeth me."

Pax Vobiscum

Robert Stewart

The Sovereign

2010-03-29T13:38:00.000-05:00

Fellow Labourers-

When you hear the word sovereign what comes to mind? For me this word has been used so much in relation to the Queen of England that she comes to mind. I am not obsessed with her, but culture forces my mind in that direction. Since culture is learned, I therefore have a choice to recalibrate my mind to see Christ as sovereign. The more I focus on Jesus the less the queen occupies my mind.

Wherever our focus is will determine what is sovereign to us. My experience over the past days has confirmed a thought that is on my mind: Most people want to serve the Lord, but on their terms. The world and its pleasures are too attractive to completely let go of them. So, let us serve Christ and still continue to do some of our fleshly things, because nothing is wrong with them. You may very well be right, but I must confess that "All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any."

Pax Vobiscum

Robert Stewart

The Opposite of Self-conscious

2010-03-29T13:35:00.000-05:00

Fellow Labourers-

It's amazing how things you hear or see can suddenly jump back at you. Although the subject is different the arguments in Minister Brown's adult Sunday school class (March 21) are similar to the ones in this article. When do you withhold help? I am certain we can find justification to withhold help in our self-consciousness. My humanity would tell me not to stop on Mountain View to help anyone. I am conscious of what could happen. Nothing is inherently wrong with being self-conscious, but it should not always be the dominant consciousness in decision making. How do we decide? This is where God consciousness comes in. An acute awareness of the presence of God is needed if we are going to fulfill our true purpose here on Earth.

Developing a personal relationship with God is a key to our being true servants of God. There is no substitute for this closeness to our saviour. The closer we are to him the better chance we have of making right decisions. His guiding hands and tender voice are needed each step of the way. Let us allow self to die out in us, and Christ be exalted.

Pax Vobiscum

Robert Stewart

Jesus Among Idols

2010-03-19T08:08:00.000-05:00

Fellow Labourers-

How do you see Jesus? Our view of Jesus will determine how we live our life. There are many 'Jesus's going around to fit every situation. Which one will you choose? Will you choose the Jesus who came to seek and save the lost? Will you choose the Jesus who chose the path of the cross?

Consider this: "Today, most of us live in environments where the question "Who do you say that I am?" is still asked in a world of distractions. We live in a context where we have endless options to choose from: a plethora of religions, pleasure and wealth, recognition, and so on. Yet the question is as pressing to us as it was for those who first heard it. Who do we say Christ is? Our response is both personal and public. That is, the confession of allegiance to Christ is both a denial of self-importance and a life of neighbor-importance."

Pax Vobiscum

Robert Stewart

The Hidden Hope

2010-03-19T08:06:00.000-05:00

Fellow Labourers-

The hidden hope for some has been in hiding for a very long time. They seem to search in vain for something that they desire more than life. Yet without life they would not find the hidden hope. I don't know of any one who never hopes. Hope springs eternal in the breast. Like the writer of the article I feel real sorry for hurting people. Sometimes I see smiling faces but I feel sorry for the person behind the smiling face. Why? I try to equate their status with mine.

Consider the words of the song.

1. Soft as the voice of an angel,
Breathing a lesson unheard,
Hope with a gentle persuasion
Whispers her comforting word:
Wait till the darkness is over,
Wait till the tempest is done,
Hope for the sunshine tomorrow,
After the shower is gone.

Refrain:
Whispering hope, oh, how welcome thy voice,
Making my heart in its sorrow rejoice.

2. If, in the dusk of the twilight,
Dim be the region afar,
Will not the deepening darkness
Brighten the glimmering star?
Then when the night is upon us,
Why should the heart sink away?
When the dark midnight is over,
Watch for the breaking of day.

3. Hope, as an anchor so steadfast,
Rends the dark veil for the soul,
Whither the Master has entered,
Robbing the grave of its goal;
Come then, oh, come, glad fruition,
Come to my sad weary heart;
Come, O Thou blest hope of glory,
Never, oh, never depart.

Pax Vobiscum

Robert Stewart

Where the Light Is Strong

2010-03-14T06:42:00.000-05:00

Fellow Labourers-

In my Daily Bread devotion I read the following-"God's love cannot be explained - it can only be experienced." Sometimes in our relationships we are forced for explanations of God's love because it seems that's where the light is strongest for some people. They are steeped in explanations. Yet, for others an experience is all they need. But, from reading this article it is very obvious that the answer is not always where the light is strongest.

Sometimes like water we seek the path of least resistance. It is not necessarily the best path but the easiest path. It is very easy to find fault, but harder to come up with solutions. In my early morning devotion today, I read 2 Corinthians 1, and verses 3 & 4 are stuck with me.

"Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; Who comfortheth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted in God."

We are blessed to blessed others, and yet we are selfish. Let us not seek to be in the spotlight, but rather seek to be light in the darkness.

Pax Vobiscum

Robert Stewart

What Does It Mean to Be Human

2010-03-11T20:37:00.000-05:00

Fellow Labourers-

Do you remember the phrase "To err is human" suggesting our susceptibility to failure. Philosophers from time immemorial have been grappling with this fact. Sociologists are still trying to understand our humanness. I agree with the writer that the Christian faith gives us a better understanding of who we are. In an attempt to understand our humanity we tend to go as far back as our mind can take us until it appears we reach a point of nothingness. But, "Nothingness is the barrier that faces the human intellect."

I am satisfied to know that I am made in the image of the eternal God, and to know it is in Him that I live and move and have my being. What about you?

Pax Vobiscum

Robert Stewart

5 Ways To Control Emotional Spending

2010-03-11T07:03:00.000-05:00

Fellow Labourers-

As we continue to face an uncertain future, there are steps we must take to cope. We must have a strategy. Please take a look at the article below.

Robert Stewart

5 Ways To Control Emotional Spending

Has shopping become America's favorite pastime? Sometimes it seems that way, with advertising popping up everywhere from billboard trucks to flat-screen TVs in city buses. Advertisers spend billions of dollars annually convincing us that products can make us feel successful, prevent us from being bored, help us attract the opposite sex, and a myriad of other things. When ads are carefully designed to manipulate our spending habits, it's no wonder so many people have become emotional spenders.

Emotional spending occurs when you buy something you don't need and, in some cases, don't even really want, as a result of feeling stressed out, bored, under-appreciated, incompetent, unhappy, or any number of other emotions.

Impulse Buys
One way to cut down on emotional spending is to avoid making impulse purchases - and that doesn't just mean you should avoid buying gum in the checkout line at the grocery store. Whenever you're at a store - whether brick-and-mortar or online - and you find yourself wanting to buy something you didn't already want before you got there, don't buy it. Make yourself wait at least 24 hours, if not longer, before making a decision about whether to buy the item. You'll often forget about the item as soon as you leave the store. If it helps, keep a wish list of the items you've refrained from buying so that you can ask for them when your birthday comes around or pick them up when you know you can afford them.

Keep the Ad Man At Bay
Take steps to intentionally limit your exposure to advertising. The less you are aware of what's available for you to buy, the less likely you are to develop a sudden "need" for that item. Unsubscribe to the product catalogs that arrive in your mailbox and the promotional emails your favorite stores are always sending you. To further avoid internet advertising , download a program that blocks ads and prevents them from appearing on your screen.

Prevent yourself from receiving unsolicited offers for credit and insurance by providing your name, address, date of birth and social security number to Opt-Out Prescreen. If you have a device that records television shows, skipping commercials is easy. To avoid hearing ads on the radio, switch to public radio, streaming internet radio, a CD player, or an MP3 player. If your spending problem is bad enough, consider unsubscribing from magazines, which are usually full of ads.

Limit Temptation
The next step is to limit your exposure to the situations that tempt you to spend. If it's the mall, plan to visit only a couple times a year, or try shopping online instead. If online shopping is the problem, find other, non-shopping websites to occupy your time, or replace some of your internet time with another activity. If you always find yourself spending more when a particular friend or relative is around, try to schedule free or inexpensive activities with that person, like getting coffee, cooking dinner, or going for a walk

Make Yourself Accountable
Another helpful strategy is to find ways to hold yourself accountable for your spending. The people you live with or spend the most time with can be your best defense. Tell them that you're trying to spend less, and that you want them to give you a hard time when they see you making an unnecessary purchase. Also, make a list of your financial priorities and put it in a place where you'll see it often, like the refrigerator door or the bathroom mirror, and make a second copy for your wallet, where you'll see it each time you reach for your cash. If you want to take it a step further, put small sticky notes on your credit cards to remind yourself of what you're saving up for.

Find Alternative Activities
If you frequently use shopping as a form of entertainment or as a distraction, try to identify what you're feeling when you want to buy something and choose a more constructive behavior that will help you deal with that emotion. For example, if you've had a bad day at work and want to treat yourself to something nice, call a friend or two. If you're feeling stressed out, get some exercise. If you really just have to buy something, make it something simple and inexpensive, like a book or a small bouquet of flowers - but don't do this every time, because those small purchases really do add up!

Severe Overspending
The simple steps we've discussed may not be enough to address the most extreme cases of emotional spending . For some people, shopping is much more than a pastime - it's actually an addiction called oniomania. While it may not seem like a dangerous addiction, many of the psychological characteristics of compulsive shopping are identical to those of chemical dependency.

Compulsive shoppers tend to spend more than they can afford. They get a rush of endorphins from making purchases, but that rush is often accompanied by feelings of anxiety and guilt over not being able to control the urge to shop or not knowing how the bills will get paid when the latest binge is over. The shame that results from these binges can result in a person hiding his or her purchases and straining relationships when the person feels compelled to lie about the time or money being funneled into the addiction. People with this problem may take a second job to try to accommodate their out-of-control spending habits, but until they address their impulse control problem and the underlying emotional issues that lead them to their destructive shopping sprees, no amount of money will stop the cycle.

Conclusion
The goal here isn't to stop buying anything fun - if we didn't occasionally buy enjoyable things with our money, it would be difficult to get up and go to work every day. However, by becoming more conscious of your shopping habits, you'll develop greater control over your finances and you'll be able to really enjoy the purchases you make without the dread and guilt of having spent too much.

Outdoing Our Own Superlatives

2010-03-10T07:41:00.000-05:00

Fellow Labourers-

As I read this article my mind went to the "Our Daily Bread" reading on God's love and Ours. It speaks about Billy Graham's reaction when his son Franklyn was rebelling and came storming in a meeting he was conducting and demanded money. The article said Billy Graham showed no shame or guilt nor did he apologize for his son. This was written by Franklyn himself in his autobiography called "Rebel with a cause." I believe Mr. Graham could react the way he did because he lived what he preached, and he had nothing to prove. He was not seeking to be in the Guinness Book of Records.

In this competitive and comparison driven world, we are faced with a number of superlatives. We all have different role models/idols that we want to emulate, and sometimes we fail to be who we are. So much so that we confuse our own selves. What about "I'd rather be me?" Is this old fashion, or you don't know who me is. Let us strive to be who God made us to be. And, if you are unsure of who that is, then ask, seek and knock.

Pax Vobiscum

Robert Stewart

The Impact of Tithing on Revival

2010-03-09T22:45:00.000-05:00

Is there a direct connection between tithing and revival?

One of the most frustrating questions I face as a pastor is, "Where is the money going to come from?" I often remind God saying...

Lord you called me to this city for the purpose of revival.
You have commissioned the church to go out into the highways and byways to compel people to come.
This Gospel of the kingdom must be preached in all nations for Your Name's sake.
Lord you said that we need pastors, teachers, prophets, evangelists, and apostles for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, and for the edifying of the body.
We need land, buildings, and ministers to house this revival.

How are we going to accomplish Your will without the finances we need?

I believe it upsets God that we even have to approach that question. Nevertheless, the question still exists: How can we have revival without the proper funds? The answer is...we can't.

It takes money to have revival. Just like anything else in this world takes money, revival takes money. Perhaps one reason is that only four percent of professing Christians tithe to the Lord. Is it any wonder the church labors to have revival?

Revival is absent because pastors are too worried about the bills. Money that should go toward the expansion of the ministry is used for electricity, gas, water, heat, the mortgage, maintenance and so on. Many pastors can't even think about taking a salary, much less hiring a youth pastor or other needed ministerial staff.

And what about missions? How can we afford to support missionaries if we barely get by maintaining our churches?

Sadly, the same old 20/80 rule applies. Twenty percent of the people carry eighty percent of the burden. However, that was never God's plan for His kingdom.

Revival depends on our tithing and giving.

Robert Stewart

Cruciform Journey

2010-03-08T18:52:00.000-05:00

Fellow Labourers-

When we think of a cruciform journey, we may think in a simple or a complex way. The cruciform journey is one which takes us vertically and horizontally all at the same time. It is journey that seeks to keep us in touch with the Creator and the created. Since the Creator is one we may find it easier to follow him. However, to follow him, has to be on his terms, and therein lies the crux of the matter. A surrendered life is what it takes to travel along the vertical. A life in which we lose our autonomy. But, what is an autonomous life as against one that pleases the one who gave it in the first place? Our relationship on the horizontal can be tortuous and mind boggling. And, yet harmony on this path is necessary. Because, how can we relate with him who we have not seen, if we can't relate with whom we can see. I must admit that some folks does not make it easy, but we are required to find a way. Look carefully at this extract from today's reading as we continue our cruciform journey in the midst of uncertainty.

"Life is far more than an attempt to keep our heads above water, and yet at times it feels like a suited metaphor. Like tiny rubber ducks in an oceanic bathtub, we are tossed about the rocks of fear and anger, pulled under by currents of despair and disappointment, and broken at times by the journey. Human fragility is often as startlingly obvious as the image of a bath toy in the Bering Strait. We are at times almost averse to this fragility, whether seen in ourselves or in others. Fighting to keep afloat in an unpredictable sea, we take on distracting cargo and build defensive walls—anything that makes us feel less like tiny vessels lost at sea and more like giant ships passing in the night."

Here is a quote from Mahatma Gandhi. "It's the action, not the fruit of the action that's important. You have to do the right thing! It may not be in your power, may not be in your time, that there'll be any fruit; but that doesn't mean you stop doing the right thing! You may never know what results from your action, but if you do nothing, there will be no result."

Pax Vobiscum

Robert Stewart

Grappling With Secularism

2010-03-08T18:48:00.000-05:00

Fellow Labourers-

I find this article so challenging to the mind that if you receive it for the second time, then read it again for the second time. As a Church we must take a stand for something even if we are ridiculed. If we don't stand for something we maight fall for everything. I was struck by last week Friday's (March 5) Daily Bread topic, "Idols in the heart." Isn't that a part of the real issue that faces the child of God. Read again Ezekiel 14:1-8.

I am now quoting verbatim the thought from that lesson. "When my husband and I first went out as missionaries, I recalled being concerned about the growth of materialism in our society. It never crossed my mind that I myself could be materialistic. After all, hadn't we gone overseas with almost nothing? Weren't we choosing to live in a shabbily furnished, rundown apartment thought materialism couldn't touch us.

Nonetheless, feelings of discontent gradually began to take root in my heart. Before long I was craving hungrily after nice things and secretly feeling resentful over not having them.

Then one day God's Spirit opened my eyes with a disturbing insight: Materialism isn't necessarily having things; it can also be craving them. There I stood - guilty of materialism! God had exposed my discontent for what it was - an idol in my heart! That day as I repented of this subtle sin, God recaptured my heart as His rightful throne. Needless to say, a deep contentment followed, based not on things but on Him.

In Ezekiel's day, God dealt thoroughly with this kind of secret idolatary. His throne on Earth has always been in the hearts of His people. That's why we must rid our heart of anything that destroys our contentment with him." Joanie Yoder.

I hope we can see the connectivity between secularism and materialism.

Pax Vobiscum

Robert Stewart

Ends, Means, Journey

2010-03-08T18:42:00.000-05:00

Fellow Labourers-

What a week this has been. My first week without the designate. How was it? Very busy, because there are a number of things needing my immediate attention. How am I coping? Very well, because of my support at home, the support of our Bishop, the support of the staff at church, and the support of a number of saints and friends who called or e-mailed me.

Today's subject is very apt, because we have started a journey with means an ends. In everything that we do we are expecting a desirable outcome (end). The means we use may vary, and this is the crux of the matter. Does the means always justify the end? I find that if we do not consciously draw the line then we find ourselves behaving and thinking just like the unconverted. We have joined the mass market and the pleasure seeking crowd, so much so that we applaud our naked athletes. We sit and cheer half naked beauty queens who are lined up like animals at an auction. We see the end, and some of us accept the means. We are behaving just like the crowd that the apostle Paul wrote about when they gathered at the sports of the gladiators.

Take a good look at this paragraph from the article. "In this season of Lent a similar invitation looms large before any who seek. We are invited both to see anew our motivations and the reasons of our own hearts. We are invited to examine the call of Christ to follow him to the Cross, wherever it might lead. At the end of that road, however tumultuous the means, we shall perhaps find that it was always Christ who carried us. Even now, he is among us, one worthy of being our end. If the LORD is God, why would we not want to follow? "

G.K.Chesterton said in Orthodoxy "The mere pursuit of health always leads to something unhealthy. Physical nature must not be made the direct object of obedience; it must be enjoyed, not worshipped. Stars and mountains must not betaken seriously. If they are, we end where the pagan Nature-worship ended."Yes, this is about Ends, Means, and Journey.

Robert Stewart

Like Dust Walking

2010-03-03T13:16:00.000-05:00

Fellow Labourers-

How easy it is for us to forget whose we are and who we are? It is this lack of memory that causes us not to become what we should be in Christ. Christianity has become a competition to see who can outdo the other in all manner of things. The interest today is not souls but a body who can contribute to the coffers. We are living so far from the ACTS that the physical and spiritual body are suffering from a grave anaemic condition. There is a lot of form but no power.

It is time for us to remember that we are like dust walking. We are here today and gone tomorrow. Our walk calls for self denial, not only during Easter but all the time. Let us not forget the purpose for which we are called.

Pax Vobiscum

Robert Stewart

Pastor Robert Stewart - Beyond the Walls

2010-03-01T16:30:00.000-05:00

It would be remiss of me not to say thank you to all of you who are here to witness this occasion. Thanks to Almighty God who called me from my mother’s womb. Thanks to my parents, now deceased who loved me and cared for me. Thanks to my brothers and sisters with whom I shared a cherished childhood. Thanks to Bishop Stewart who pastored me for over 39 years. Thanks to every member of the church family who loved me. Thanks to my extended family, friends and co-workers who believed in me enough to be here. Thanks to my two sons, Robert Jr. and Zachary who tried my faith, pulled my tongue, aged me, but most of all allowed me to be their father. And finally thanks to my sounding board, my best friend, my wife of 36 years. She sustains me with prayer day and night.

William Faulkner (1897-1962) was awarded the Nobel prize for literature in 1949. In his acceptance of the Nobel prize he said and I quote, “I feel that this award was not made to me as a man, but to my work - a life’s work in the agony and sweat of the human spirit, not for glory and least of all for profit, but to create out of the materials of the human spirit something which did not exist before. So this award is only mine in trust. It will not be difficult to find a dedication for the money part of it commensurate with the purpose and significance of its origin. But I would like to do the same with the acclaim too, by using this moment as a pinnacle from which I might be listened to by the young men and women already dedicated to the same anguish and travail, among whom is already that one who will some day stand where I am standing.”

For me today is indeed that day that I have ascended the pinnacle of my life. A pinnacle that exposes me to the eyes and ears of Jamaica and indeed the world. A pinnacle that exposes me to the scrutiny of the past, the present and the future. My every word and action will now be judged even by those who are not without sin. But I will endeavour to be guided by the word of Romans 12:1-3:

I beseech you therefore Robert, by the mercies of God, that you present your body a living sacrifice, wholly and acceptable unto God which is your reasonable service.
And be not conformed to this world but be you transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
For I say through the grace given unto me, to everyman that is among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly according as God has dealt to every man the measure of faith.

It is my intention by the grace of God to serve faithfully as a servant; to take seriously the admonition of the apostle Paul to young Timothy; to preach, teach, rebuke with all authority; to be instant in season and out of season with the word.

In 1939 and 1940 when Hitler was preparing for aggression and England was faced with grave danger Sir Winston Churchill was called upon to succeed, as Prime Minister, Neville Chamberlain. He made a famous speech called “Blood, sweat and tears” in which he said and here I quote; “I say to the house as I said to Ministers who have joined this government, I have nothing to offer but blood, toil, tears, and sweat. We have before us an ordeal of the most grievous kind. We have before us many, many months of struggle and suffering. You ask, what is our policy? I say it is to wage war by land, sea, and air. War with all our might and with all the strength God has given us, and to wage war against a monstrous tyranny never surpassed in the dark lamentable catalogue of human crime. That is our policy.”

Today I say our policy is to be found in Ephesians 6:11-12

Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

So we are prepared to go beyond the walls, whether they are physical, spiritual or political. No wall for us will be impenetrable. It may cause us blood sweat and tears, but like a mighty army we will by the power of God pursue and overtake. The perimeter walls of this church will not limit us. We will not stop until Eastern Kingston becomes a model of godliness and excellence. We will go beyond the walls by equipping a generation of believers to defend their faith.

Going beyond the walls suggests growth. But let us remember that it does not matter how tall a tree grows, it is still dependent on its root for sustenance. Our root is our foundation delineated in the book of Acts. It’s a foundation built upon the Apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ being the chief corner stone. We are Apostolic and that apostolic distinctive must be visible in the mosaic of the Jamaican culture. Our role as a church is not to be sucked into the vortex of an ever-changing pseudo culture, which dehumanizes our people, but rather to challenge the culture with a Christ-centered alternative. We must earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the apostles. And let us also remember that the size of one's congregation is not necessarily the best measure of one's effectiveness. The changed lives that we see within our church community and the community around us, the positive impact on the society are better guides to measure our effectiveness. Don’t be fooled by the crowd.

But I say to you PGT, let us from this day endeavour to arise and take back Eastern Kingston for God. Let us say to the hills and valleys around us “Every valley shall be filled, and every mountain shall be brought low; and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough ways shall be made smooth; And all flesh shall see the salvation of God. For the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it. But let judgment run down as waters, and righteousness as a mighty stream.

SO I say arise Pentecostal Gospel Temple Conquerors, arise Pentecostal Gospel Temple Victors, and arise Pentecostal Gospel Temple Overcomers. We are one in Christ the Lord. Though the foe is nigh, the battle sore, but by his grace we will win. Let us build on the shoulders of Wilbert Obadiah Stewart and Carmen Lois Stewart. This church must be a centre of excellence and our reach must go beyond the walls.

I close with another quote. “I have not come clothed in the vesture of my past. Nor will I use the opinions of this world as my defense. No, I am far wiser through things I have suffered. Therefore I have come in my Father’s name. He has anointed my head, counseled my fears, and taught me who I am. I am covered by his anointing, comforted by his presence, and kept by His auspicious grace. Today, as never before, I stand in the identity He has given me and renounce every memory of who I was yesterday. I was called for such a time as this, and I have come in my Fathers’ name!”

Good night and God bless you.

Pastoral Response
Pentecostal Gospel Temple
111 Windward Road, Kingston 2, Jamaica
Sunday, February 28, 2010

Where There Is Faith

2010-03-01T16:11:00.000-05:00

Fellow Labourers-

I write to you today after a very memorable event which in my mind is a journey of faith. As I consider the response of the Father [to Thomas' statement] "Lord I believe, help thou my unbelief", this paradox seems to beg the questions:

Does doubt gives rise to faith?
Does faith eliminates doubt?
Can they exist together?

I don't believe these are philosophical questions, but questions arising from my humanness. There is a part of me that wants to believe wholeheartedly, and another part asking what if?

You see some of us believe to see, whilst others see to believe. Thomas saw and then believed, and exclaimed "My Lord and my God!" For him there was no more room for doubt, because he came face to face with the risen Lord. We have talked about him a lot, but have we through faith met the risen Lord?

Pax Vobiscum

Robert Stewart

Trail of tears

2010-03-01T16:07:00.000-05:00

Fellow Labourers-

The trail of tears should help us to see the relevance of "beyond the walls." Within the walls our focus tends to be mostly vertical thus ignoring our horizontal reach. Mark you, it could have been our horizontal reach that caused our vertical reach. What this article is helping us to do, is to continue to see the atoning work of Jesus as a continuum.

As I think about it I see Christ at the centre of a set of concentric circles. His position is fixed in terms of his purpose, but his atoning blood span the gamut of every sin. No one is unreachable, and no one is untouchable. However, he is waiting on us who have already tasted of this amazing love, to spread it far and wide. Those of us familiar with history will remember that Texas was a part of Mexico, before the American annexation. Those of us from rural Jamaica know only too well the story of lands being lost because of poverty and illiteracy.

Yes, there are trails of tears everywhere, but thank God for the efficacious blood of Jesus Christ. His blood can never lose its power.

Pax Vobiscum

Robert Stewart

Running with Plan B

2010-02-16T13:49:00.000-05:00

Fellow Labourers-

Do you have a plan B and why? If you have a plan B, are you saying I am not sure of plan A? Is plan B God's permissive will and hence not the best alternative among many possibilities? Having a plan B seems to be a good idea, but is it always a wise idea? Philosophically plan B seems quite OK, but if we think about it in some cases it can be our downfall. Why? Because I know I have a plan B I may not push plan A to the limit, so plan B could become a limiting factor in my progress in life. Let us have plan B, but don't use it whimsically. The reason you have a plan A is because it comes out as the best choice among many.

Pax Vobiscum

Robert Stewart

The way things are

2010-02-16T13:45:00.000-05:00

Fellow Labourers-

The way things are is what we hear from our politicians ad infinitum. Our role as Christians is not to repeat how things are, but, instaed to tell how things ought to be. Read your bible carefully and you will see that that is what the prophets and the apostles have been saying to us. The question though is are we listening? If our thoughts are consumed with our own likes and dislikes that are sometimes out of sync with the word of God it will be difficult for us to see things as they ought to be. Our philosophies are framed by what we read, what we hear, and what we see. It is therefore incumbent on us to be discriminating saints in these areas of our lives.

The way things are, are terrible. But, "Beloved now are we the sons of God, and it does not yet appear what we shall be. But we know that when he shall appear, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is." Let me encourage you to begin or to continue to read eastern and Greek literature. This will give you a better appreciation for life in general, and your faith in particular. Have you ever heard this phrase - "The conquered conquer the conqueror." Well this is referring to the time when the Spartans conquered the Greeks. They immediately saw the Greek culture as superior to theirs. So instead of destroying the culture of the Greeks they assimilated the culture. I believe this is a lesson for us Apostolics.We have a culture that is distinctive, let us not destroy it. Allow others to assimilate it.

Pax Vobiscum

Robert Stewart

On earth

2010-02-16T13:42:00.000-05:00

Fellow Labourers-

We have heard it over and over that "You are so heavenly minded, that you are no earthly good." But the converse of this statement also rings true. However, we sometimes use the phrase very whimsically and dismissively in order to cover up our own spiritual lack or spiritual superiority. But, let us take a very calm and calculated look at the article attached. Because, how we view the earth may very well determine how we treat it, and live in it. Perpective, perspective, perspective. Having the right perspective is an essential ingredient in our relationship with mother earth. When God made it he said it was good. Has it lost its goodness?

When the Psalmist said it is good and pleasant for brethren to dwell together in unity, he was talking about here on earth. If we can't get it together on earth, we are in big trouble. For thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. That's why forgiveness is so important. He looked beyond our faults and saw our need. Forgiveness, however, must not be confused with tolerance, because if we can tolerate it we won't correct it. Forgiveness does mean that I will not condone, but I will give you another chance to make amends. Let us strive to make earth look like heaven.

Pax Vobiscum

Robert Stewart

The heroism of the ordinary

2010-02-16T13:39:00.000-05:00

Fellow Labourers-

This article strikes at the very core of our being. Life can be so complex and yet so mundane. I believe we all struggle at times to decide on whether or not we are making a difference. As I near the end of the article my mind went back to over 40 years when I saw my brother drowning in an in spate river, and I stood on the bank helpless. An individual a little older than I and a much better swimmer jumped in and saved him after much struggle. That same individual who never went to high school or college became a mentor to me. He would insist that I do my school work whenever he sees me. He would be proud when he saw me by myself over the sports ground solving a math problem or reading a book. Ordinary, yet unknowingly he was a hero to many of us. Today I seek to find him when I visit Westmoreland, because he has touched many lives by doing "ordinary" things. No wonder the saying goes "God is not looking for extraordinary people, but for ordinary people to do extraordinary things."

Pax Vobiscum

Robert Stewart

God in loving pursuit

2010-02-16T13:34:00.000-05:00

Fellow Labourers-

As I look at the subject I try to think of God in angry pursuit. But, his love is so manifold that it is hard to see the other side of God. When I was minding my own business and going headlong into an abyss of no return he reached down in love and plucked me a branch from the burning. Just imagine someone shouting "God leave me alone", and the response coming back "I will never leave you nor forsake you. If you make your bed in hell I am there.:

God is always ahead of us preparing a way of escape.

Robert Stewart

Changing the atmosphere

2010-02-10T09:37:00.000-05:00

Fellow Labourers-

Take at look at these 8 goals to change the atmosphere. Wow!

1- No spiritual hindrances. An atmosphere of the Heavens being open.
We all have seasons when we are pressed on every side, when darkness seems to abound, and the heavens seem as brass.

2-No "business as usual" services. An atmosphere of unified Expectancy.
Come together with excitement believing for great things to happen. If you announced that Jesus was going to appear in bodily form at your next service, no doubt the atmosphere around the church would be a lot different. People would arrive early no doubt the pray rooms would be filled, lost love ones would be physically dragged through the doors.

3-An atmosphere of the supernatural. Our God is no common, ordinary God.
Come expecting, come with the right attitude. When we direct our faith toward God he will surprise you.

4-No limitations allowed to be placed on anyone. An atmosphere of anyone can receive.
o Ex. - Rahab was a prostitute yet she is listed in Hebrews chap. 11
o Paul was vicious in his persecution of the church.
o David committed murder and adultery.
o Mary Magdalene was filled with demons.
o Gideon was a coward.
We must remember there is no limit to what God can do with a life committed to Him.

5- An atmosphere of "People are important"
Jesus shed blood for all people. The Gospel is to all people not just the ones we like or choose. The church is an open door to all, not a private club. How friendly is your church? How friendly are you?

6-No defeatist spirit. God is able to deliver anyone at anytime.
We need an atmosphere that projects that victorious living is possible for everyone.

7-No hold the fort philosophy here.
We need to reach our City. There are times of visitation for every city. We are currently experiencing a visitation of the spirit throughout our entire world. Yet some will not recognize what God is doing and thus miss their time. This caused Jesus to weep over Jerusalem when they missed one of their times of visitation.

8-An atmosphere of financial blessing.
We must stop making excuses for our disobedience in these areas. Stop functioning in our dysfunction. Less than 25% of people in many churches faithfully support that church with tithes and offerings on a consistent basis. Fewer than that serves the church with their time and talents!

Robert Stewart

The Final Word

2010-02-10T09:32:00.000-05:00

Fellow Labourers-

Isn't it good to know that our God has the final word. That is the assurance that kept the fathers of the faith when they were being tortured. It is so important for us to know God for ourself. As I reminisce on Elder Thompson's challenge to us on Sunday I must ask the question, How will today's economy affect you? Increasing layoffs, rising food prices, a stagnant housing market, and erratic stock market all jeopardize our financial future, right? They don't have to. One of the roles of today's leaders is to help those whom we lead to survive the topsy turvy economic world in which we live. We are going to have to become proactive and not reactive. We must overcome making decisions out of fear. We have the sure word of God to direct us. We are going to have to think long term and come together as a community and fight together. Let me share something with someone today who might think your job is in jeopardy. This is taken from the book Surviving Financial Meltdown by Ron Blue and Jeremy White. It is called "8 Steps to take if your job seems in jeopardy."

• Talk with your manager about your concerns (no sense worrying unnecessarily)
• Look for ways to make yourself more valuable to your employer, perhaps by learning a skill (e.g. a computer program or language ) that will set you apart from your coworkers.
• Update your resume
• Secure references while still with your current employer.
• Network with your professional and personal contacts, asking them to pass along job leads and information about various companies and industrie,and to introduce you to other professionals who might help during a future job search-and then reciprocate whenever possible. Keep a log detailing each contact and the feedback you receive.
• Check want ads and job boards on the internet regularly for openings in your field.
• Redirect discretionary spending into your emergency fund.
• Find a prayer partner or partners.

But remember God has the Final word.

Pax Vobiscum

Robert Stewart

GLOBAL ECONOMIC CRISIS

2010-02-10T09:29:00.000-05:00

Fellow Labourers-

Please read for information and guidance to those we lead.

Robert Stewart

GLOBAL ECONOMIC CRISIS

IMF Approves $1.27 Billion Loan for Jamaica

IMF Survey online

February 4, 2010

• 27-month deal to help Jamaican economy
• Focus on social spending for most needy
• Policy reforms and debt exchange to break cycle of budget crises

The IMF approved a $1.27 billion loan to support Jamaica’s plan to recover from mounting government debt, weak economic growth, and the effects of the global economic crisis, the international organization announced on February 4.

The money will help Jamaica, a Caribbean country of 2.8 million people, implement its two-year plan, which includes
• Reform of the public sector to substantially reduce the large budget deficit
• A debt strategy to reduce debt servicing costs
• Reforms to the financial sector to reduce risks.

“The planned legislative and regulatory reforms will help reduce systemic risks to the financial system and strengthen the overall resilience of the economy to shocks,” said IMF Deputy Managing Director Takatoshi Kato.

With the plan in place, the IMF predicts growth rates in Jamaica to increase from -3 ½ percent in 2009 to ½ percent by late 2010, and to rise to 2 percent in 2011.

Jamaica’s economy has deteriorated in recent years, in part due to the effects of the global economic crisis. In addition, the country’s large debt burden has magnified the fallout from the global crisis by limiting the scope of government to implement policies to cushion the negative impact.

Sharp falls of 60 percent in bauxite and aluminum production and exports, and a sharp decline in the amount of funds sent by Jamaicans living abroad, have led to a contraction in the economy. At the same time, with limited financing options, the government has had to raise taxes to offset falling revenues.

Economic reforms are needed to put the public finances on sound footing, and establish the basis for sustained strong economic growth. Jamaica’s economic program demonstrates its commitment to meeting these challenges.

Focus on social spending
While certain kinds of government spending, such as wages in the public sector, will be reined in, the government plans to increase spending on better targeted social programs by 25 percent. A school feeding program, which provides breakfast and lunches to children, will benefit from this increase.
The government will also increase the amount of cash transfers to lower-income groups through the Programme of Advancement through Health and Education, known in Jamaica as the PATH.

Reforms to target the root of the problem
In order to make sure Jamaica’s recovery is sustainable in the long run, the plan also includes a number of reforms in key areas, including
• Tax policy: to improve collection and administration
• The public sector: to reduce costs and increase efficiency
• Fiscal responsibility legislation: to improve budget planning, and public financial management, and make the government more accountable

Stability in the financial sector to reduce risks
Part of the Jamaican plan includes reducing the amount of money the government is spending to pay the interest bill on its debt. Since most of Jamaica’s debt is held by financial institutions in the country, a key part of the plan helps to ensure that these institutions, should they need it, have access to cash to help shore up their liquidity. Half the money from the IMF will be made available immediately in large part to help finance a special fund for this purpose.

Other reforms in the financial sector will increase the amount of capital held by financial institutions and strengthen the supervision of the financial system by regulators. All these initiatives are designed to maintain a solid and stable banking system for Jamaicans.

On Humanity

2010-02-10T09:24:00.000-05:00

Fellow Labourers-

Let me pose a question to all of us. Is man essentially good with the potential for evil, or is he essentially evil with the potential for good? In answering this question I suppose we need a starting point. Some of us may start with man before the fall, some after the fall and some with Jesus' statement, "There is none good, but God." Where ever we begin I suspect we would have to define a kind of humanity that is either progressing or regressing. If we then define progress as movement in a desired direction, then regression would be movement in an undesired direction. How are we doing so far? I suspect if we examine our lives carefully we are in a state of flux. We are both progressing and regressing daily. I suppose then that our aim should be to strive for an equilibrium balance.

My above argument does not however answer my first question. But, I now come to a conclusion by deductive reasoning. Every time I would do good evil presents itself. I do evil because good is absent. To do evil comes naturally. Therefore I am essentially evil because of my sin nature. It is my knowledge of the facts that has led me to this conclusion. We live and understand our humanity based on certain facts. This is I believe one reason why most missionaries are Christians, the fact that they believe in the goodness of a loving saviour called Jesus Christ.

Pax Vobiscum

Robert Stewart

But as for Me

2010-02-04T17:50:00.000-05:00

Fellow Labourers-

During our communion service last night there were a number of testimonies that sounded just like our subject "But as for me." These were coming from the hearts of the individuals, and did not sound like their assurances was contingent on anything else but faith in the efficacious blood of Jesus Christ. They had an objective posture as against a subjective posture. Objectivity gives one a more positive outlook, and hope for a desired outcome. It is because of subjective reasoning why we find ourselves in a mess in the world and in the church. It was Satan introduce subjectivity that Adam and Eve fell. We must reach that point when we say enough is enough, "But as for me."

One of C.S. Lewis' classical is called The seeing eye, and he has a chapter in it called The poison of subjectivism. Here is a quote from the chapter. "One cause of misery and vice is always present with us in the greed and pride of men, but in certain periods in history this is greatly increased by the temporary prevalence of some false philosophy. Correct thinking will not make good men of bad ones; but a purely theoretical error may remove ordinary checks to evil and deprive good intentions of their natural support. An error of this sort is abroad at present. I am not referring to the powerful philosophies of the Totalitarian states, but to something that goes deeper and spreads wider and which, indeed, has given these power philosophies their golden opportunity. I am referring to Subjectivism."

Sad to say this odious poison has crept in among us unaware, and we call it progress and enlightenment. But, have we really progressed?

Pax Vobiscum

Robert Stewart

Seeing Them

2010-02-03T16:55:00.000-05:00

Fellow Labourers-

A simple but thought provoking subject - "Seeing Them." Whenever Jesus saw them he was moved to do something. On seeing some he went up into a mountain. On seeing some he had compassion on them. On seeing others he whipped them out of the temple. Each situation demanded an appropriate response. Are we seeing them or are we too busy or just plain don't care? Today I was driving through Ocho Rios and I was filled with hope. I saw the students from the Ocho Rios High school just as school dismissed. I saw over 300 of them, and they were all well dressed and very orderly. I did not see one student that let me feel as if all hope is gone. I drove slowly looking at them with a smile on my face.

I believe if we see them and take some action things can change for the better. If we each became accountable then it would make a vast difference. Let us "see them" and take the appropriate action. Jamaica is depending on us, and God expects it.

Pax Vobiscum

Robert Stewart

Leave of Absence

2010-02-03T16:53:00.000-05:00

Fellow Labourers-

Most of us can commiserate with this article in one way or the other. There has been times when God seems so far away. And I don't believe that in those moments "absence makes the heart grow fonder." Instead we are faced with a moment of dread. A moment that seems imponderable.Yet, it is in those same moments that we can find the greatest assurance. When he seems so far away that we are forced to seek him earnestly, then there comes a calm assurance "Standing somewhere in the shadows you will find him."

For us as human beings it would seem that the sensory preceptor that we use to perceive God determines how near or how far he is from us. If we rely on our emotions he may seem to be absent more often than not. If we rely on our experiences for some people he may never ever be present. I don't know how you perceive him, but like Job I will shout "I know that my redeemer lives."

Pax Vobiscum

Robert Stewart

Holy Groans

2010-02-03T16:41:00.000-05:00

Fellow Labourers-

As I read the attached article I became a bit fearful. Our stop lights across Jamaica are showing up the underbelly of our society. We are spawning a society of underemployed and unemployed youths that are surfacing like wreckage from a sunken ship. Seeing them make me angry and dejected. I am angry because of the attitude of some of them, and because I can't find an answer to my question, Why? Dejected, because it seems we are hopeless.

Today I saw a set at Three Miles and I was saddened. I drove along Marcus Garvey Drive thinking what can I do. I went to church to pray and after prayer Sister Paulette accompanied me to The MontaMil Golden age home. When we got there I saw 21 volunteers from the SDC in their colours landscaping, painting and assisting with pedicures. Obviously I joined in and did my little bit. Now I have found a part of my answer. We will have to stir up a spirit of volunteerism among our people. We must go beyond the walls in a practical way. Let us all do our part-you in your small corner, and I in mine.

Pax Vobiscum

Robert Stewart

In Office

2010-02-03T16:37:00.000-05:00

Fellow Labourers-

In Office reminds me of the Jamaica football team. They can hardly be beaten at "The Office". How many times have you called to get someone and you are told, He/She has just stepped out, try later? I can just sense the frustration because you want an answer now, not later. Well, today, I have good news for you, our high priest has never left office since the day of his appointment. He is always making intercession for us. He can be touched with the feeling of our infirmities.

Nobody voted him in, and nobody can vote him out. Satan tried to stop him but death couldn't handle him. The grave could not hold him. I feel like jumping and shout Hallelujah for such a Priest. He is easily identified in any crowd because he is covered with blood. See from his head, his hands, his feet. Oh what a saviour. Please call him today, He is in Office.

Pax Vobiscum

Robert Stewart

The Passage of Time

2010-01-27T08:26:00.000-05:00

Fellow Labourers-

Time has always been a mystery to man. There was a time when the only arbitrary elements in the reckoning of time were the unit, and the point of time from which the reckoning started. When the theory of relativity came into existence it changed how man looked at time. There are a number of different ways of fixing position in time, which do not differ merely as to the unit and the starting time.

Have you ever gone shopping with your best friend (-:). Oh how time seems like an eternity. Time is so relative, and even God treats time relatively. A thousand year is like one day to God, and a day like a thousand years. Whenever I think of time management I think of self management. I have control over myself not time. So whenever we waste time we are really wasting ourself. Think about that. I cannot waste time I can only waste myself. Now since we have time let us do with all our might what our hands find to do.

Pax Vobiscum

Robert Stewart

Error of a Serious Sort

2010-01-26T09:01:00.000-05:00

Fellow Labourers-

Have you noticed how the Haitian disaster evokes the worst in some people and the best in others. Some people are drawn closer to the God of all comfort, and yet others question his very existence without realizing that their arguments do confirm the existence of God. Mark Wignall wrote a piece in the Daily Observer entitled "In the beginning Man created God." But just follow the arguments carefully. If there is no God why worry about the Hatians? It's just a matter of the survival of the fittest. Worrying about the Haitians is suggesting that there must be a better way. If there is no better way we are all wasting our time crying and offering empathy.

One writer, a Mr. Hunter Gray, from the Netherlands wrote in the Observer "One faction in Christendom claims that God is angry, has taken back His grace, and has reverted to His despotic, fire-breathing, butt-kicking, jealous, Old Testament self; His celestial iron fist smashing nations that violate His first commandment, Thou shalt have no other gods before me." His answer to the whole scenario is that the earth is just releasing some of its internal heat and pressure. Sadly though after all his tirade he has not offer one iota of hope to the Haitian people. He could not because he rules out the only one in whom we can hope." The only hope we have is in Jesus" says the words of a song.

Pax Vobiscum

Robert Stewart

Covers, Robes, and Wrappings

2010-01-26T08:58:00.000-05:00

Fellow Labourers-

A former professor at the University of the West Indies coined the following phrase, "A bhutoo in a Benz is still a bhutoo." I wish to say that a sinner in a church is still a sinner." We may be able to deceive with Covers, Robes, and Wrappings but God sees the heart. Are we like these children, and cannot distinguish among the many offerings in the world? Do we like the wrapper so much that the contents satisfies our taste?

Branding works and so we have to be more discriminating especially when it come to matters of the soul. W. Steven Brown in his book "Fatal errors managers make," notes fatal error number nine as "Fail to Set Standards." He went on to say "The concept of setting standards is not a favourite of many managers. In fact they'd probably like to avoid the subject altogether, because they view standards as a means of making up punitive rules used to punish those who fail to produce or those who avoid conformity. Those with such negative definition of the word misunderstand one of the keys to a well run company. For the guidelines a company makes need not aim at forcing compliance to a list of regulations, but should have the goal of building personal and corporate pride."

Pax Vobiscum

Robert Stewart

The Existence of God and Pain

2010-01-26T08:34:00.000-05:00

Fellow Labourers-

I will just lift a paragraph from the article for your contemplation.

"These are profound questions, and whole books could be written about them. But I will offer one more thought. Maybe the reason we question God's moral character when bad things happen is that we live our lives largely independent from Him. In other words, we struggle to trust God in times of trouble because we do not really trust Him when things are going well. Maybe we struggle with suffering so much in the West because we are so comfortable most of the time that we feel we don't need God. We do not rely on Him on a daily basis, and so we do not really know Him. When suffering comes along, therefore, it is not so much that it takes us away from God, but that it reveals to us that we have not really been close to God in the first place."

Pax Vobiscum

Robert Stewart

Mining the Gaps

2010-01-22T09:34:00.002-05:00

Fellow Labourers-

It seems dissonance is a normal part of life, but how we treat with it will determine if the outcome is good or bad. There are gaps in our lives that are obvious and some that are not so obvious. What are we going to use as the gap fillers? In mining we think of excavation which is the removal of something useless to search for something useful. It is sometimes the 'useless' material that will have to fill the gaps.

Whenever you experience dissonance remember David." My feet almost slipped when I saw the prosperity of the wicked, but when I went to the house of the Lord----."

Pax Vobiscum

Robert Stewart

Resolution or Mission

2010-01-19T09:43:00.000-05:00

Fellow Labourers-

I guess most of us have an idea what is our mission in life, but have you tried writing it? Writing it helps us to focus as well as assisting in articulating what we are really about. Take a deep hard look at this paragraphed culled from the attached article.

"Everyone in this world has some form of a mission statement, though often it is not formally stated. Many have implicit mission statements to make money or to become powerful or to be successful or to optimize pleasure. Though many of our goals or resolutions are not necessarily wrong in and of themselves, they become empty when elevated beyond what the accomplishment itself can provide. Success in the stock market does not make for a successful life. There is a vast difference between a resolution and a mission statement. We were meant for far more than any accomplishment of our own can provide."

Robert Stewart

Voyage and Return

2010-01-18T11:33:00.000-05:00

Fellow Labourers-

Have you ever been misled by the title of a book? The title of the story in most bibles is "The prodigal son." So, we are mostly engrossed with this wayward son that has returned after his roller coaster ride. But, when we think of it he made a decision that was painful and disruptive to his father. Yet as the article truthfully points out the story is about the father. Whilst the son was enjoying himself the father was at home wondering about his welfare and no doubt reminiscing on the good old days when his son was at home.

Perspective, perspective, perspective. Depending on our own perspective we may focus on any of the three characters depicted in the story. The attitude of the stay-at-home son can become a vivid picture of don't care. When he was away I had the home all by myself. I had all the attention. Why is he coming back to spoil everything? This story can be an in-depth study of human nature versus the nature of God.

Pax Vobiscum

Robert Stewart

The Face of Struggle

2010-01-18T11:31:00.000-05:00

Fellow Labourers-

It would seem nobody wants to struggle, we all want the victory. But, we can have struggle without victory, but not victory without struggle. In positing this statement I am relying very heavily on my own definition of victory. Because often times what we may see as a failure may very well be a victory. This is why there has to be a God. For if my standard and yours are in conflict then there needs be a standard outside of ours that is irrefutable and immutable.

Remember as we face our struggle that God is standing by. The face of struggle can be ugly and menacing, but how beautiful when we see the face of victory.

Pax Vobiscum

Robert Stewart