From the Pastor’s Desk:
Pastor Erin Tormanen
April 2024
Are You A First Responder?
I served for ten years as a First Responder on the local fire department in a community in which I once lived. There were times when I would wait with eagerness for my pager to go off, so that I could go do something that I enjoyed doing. At times I would feel somewhat guilty having this drive or desire. Because, for me to go out and do what I enjoyed doing someone else would have to be having a very bad day. This having a bad day often included significant loss of property, or being in a life or death situation. Along with this, even though I enjoyed serving others, if I am to be completely transparent, my motivation to serve in this manner was in part self-serving.
Now, having said all this, this is not what I am referring to when I ask the question, “Are you a First Responder?” I am not asking if you are a member of one of the emergency response services, but rather in the context of how you live out your daily life as a follower of Christ. And more specifically, how you respond to the command given by Jesus to love your neighbor as you love yourself. The Bible provides for us a great example, or illustration as to how the follower of Christ is to respond to someone in need. This illustration was provided for us by Jesus Himself through the parable of the Good Samaritan. This parable is found in Luke 10:25-37, and I ask that you would take a moment and read this parable in light of this article. In this parable an expert in the law asks Jesus “what must I do to inherit eternal life?” In response to Jesus’ reply, this expert asked another question, “And who is my neighbor?” Jesus answers this question with the parable of the Good Samaritan. In this parable there was a man that was attacked by robbers and left for dead along the side of the road. Three separate men happen to come along, one a priest, one a Levite, and the other a Samaritan. The first two saw the injured man but chose to pass by on the other side. The Samaritan also saw the man, but unlike the others took pity on him, and immediately cared and provided for this stranger.
In my time as an active member of God’s Church, and as a pastor I have noticed in myself and in others four general approaches to how we respond to the needs of our neighbor. The first is to pretend that we are not aware of any need. In other words we put on blinders and just go about our business. The second is that of a resource provider; being willing to provide financial help so that others can do the actual work. The third is to respond by immediately stepping back to view the situation from a place of discernment and/or skepticism. While oftentimes from this position, finding reasons to justify not providing assistance, or as the parable noted, “passing by on the other side”. The fourth is to first respond by entering into the situation to assess the need, and then determining what to do. As we can learn from the parable, it is clear that according to Jesus, the forth response is the true Christian response. As Christians, there is something we can learn from how our community first responders respond. When there is a recognized need, they first respond. They do not step back and second guess whether or not to respond, they simply respond. Once the need or emergency is identified, they assess the need, risk, and other possible factors. After that they ascertain how best to help, or not help. When there is someone in need, what is your first response? Is your first response out of love, out of caution, or out of indifference? It is important to note that there is no black and white answer to most of the situations that arise that will cause us to choose one of the four responses. The question that each one of us as Christians must ask is, what is my heartfelt motivation for responding to the needs of my neighbor in the manner in which I responded? As you ponder that question, please heed the words of Colossians 3:17, “And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”
January 2024
Be Resolute and Resilient
We live in a culture that is becoming more and more fragile. People are easily offended and lack the basic skills to resolve the everyday conflicts that we all experience because we live in a fallen and broken world. Truth is often suppressed in order to not hurt someone’s feelings. While at the same time all the world's ills, evils, and tragedies flood our media outlets 24/7. Then on top of all this, we see people and institutions that we once trusted falling into corruption. It is no wonder that so many are losing the ability to trust, even to the point of becoming cynical. It is no wonder we are seeing a rise in hopelessness.
One researcher who would call our current level of hopelessness an epidemic made this observation, “Over the last 30 years, we have witnessed regression with regard to the maturity of understanding and decision-making needed for times ahead—and not just in the U.S., but around the globe. Because we tend not to be very good at bringing big-picture perspective to our observations”. The reality is however this is not new. History teaches us that fallen mankind routinely ends up in a mess, struggling to find something solid on which to stand. This is why we are commanded in Scripture to be reminded, and to remember the things that God has done, and the things that He has promised He will do. This is the foundation on which God desires all of us to stand. And this foundation will never change, and will never fail. And thus, we can be resolute in those truths and promises. You can be resolute in your understanding, trust, and loyalty to the One that Created and died for you.
In relation to this it is important to note that there is a difference between being determined and being resolute. Being determined, is more of a situational, goal orientated state, e.g. “I am determined to pass this test!” Being resolute relates more to a state of being rather than a situation. A resolute person actively works to ensure that the competing desires and influences of their lives are filtered, and prioritized through their worldview. For the Christian that would be a Biblical worldview. So what does it mean to be resolute? Scripturally speaking, it means to be steadfast. In other words it means that something or someone is not subject to change or variation; especially in behavior. It implies a steady and unwavering course in love, allegiance, or conviction. And for the Christian, our steadfastness is in the Lord. Psalm 32:10 states, “Many are the sorrows of the wicked, but steadfast love surrounds the one who trusts in the Lord.” 1 Corinthians 15:58 adds this reminding us that our work is not in vain, “Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.”
It is because of these truths by which a resolute person can also have resilience. Being resilient is more than just having the capacity to cope with the challenges in our lives. Being resilient includes the ability to stand back up when you are knocked down, it includes the ability to straighten back up when you feel bent out of shape. A resolute, and resilient person knows that it is through our challenges by which we are made stronger. James 1:2-4 says, “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” A resolute and resilient person also knows that they are never alone. Lamentations 3:22-23 says, “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” Knowing this, the Christian can be steadfast in a living hope, trusting in the promises of God. Romans 15:13 declares to you, “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.” And what an amazing blessing this is, as James 1:12, proclaims, “Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.”
December 2023
They Knew Their God
When was the last time, while you were in a moment of uncertainty, or you were in serious need of advice, and the one that came to your aid said something like “you are just going to have to trust me.” For many this can be quite challenging. I think it is safe to assume that we all have placed our trust in something or someone and then had that trust betrayed. Trust can be a complicated thing.
As we enter into the Christmas season, I would like to reflect on the incredible trust that Mary, the mother of Jesus, had in the God in which she worshiped. For the Christian, trust in the Lord is essential. And as we will see, Mary’s trust in her God was unwavering. We know this based on what God has chosen to reveal to us about her. Even though the Bible does not specifically tell how old Mary was when she gave birth to Jesus, the general consensus is that she would have been around 15 or 16 years old. With that being said let us put this miraculous event into perspective. Mary was betrothed to a man named Joseph. At the time of the betrothal, the couple would have been considered married. Thus, any betrayal of trust, or infidelity during that time would have been very serious. It was during this time when the angel Gabriel appeared to Mary informing her that God had chosen her to be the one that would bring forth the promised Messiah, and His name would be Jesus. Mary questioned how this would be because she was a virgin. Gabriel explained to Mary how all this would come to be as recorded in Luke 1:34-35. “But Mary said to the angel, “How will this be, since I am a virgin?” The angel answered and said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; for that reason also the holy Child will be called the Son of God.”
It was not long before Joseph realized that the woman that he was betrothed to was pregnant. To our human mind this could only mean one thing; Mary had been unfaithful. Being that he was a righteous man we read in Matthew 1:19 that “And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly.” This is how we know that that betrothal was more than just being engaged. But God intervened, sending an angel to assist Joseph in understanding the truth behind this miraculous event. Joseph placed his trust in this truth. Proverbs 3:5-6, reminds all to “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” We also know that Mary placed her trust in God as well. For we read in Luke 1:38, upon Gabriel's announcement Mary said, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her.”
It is clear in Scripture that both Mary and Joseph knew their God. And based on that knowing they could place their absolute trust in what their God was about to do in their lives. Someone may say that if Gabriel, or another angel appeared to them with a message from God, then they would trust in whatever that message was as well. But I will argue that we have something greater. We have something Mary and Joseph didn’t have. We have the Bible. We have God’s Word. We have God’s special revelation, revealing to us all that we need in order to know Him, trust Him and receive the gifts of His promises. And the most precious gift of all, the gift of the forgiveness of sins and eternal life through the life, death, and resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus. As we all know it is hard sometimes to trust someone we do not know. Thanks be to God that in His ultimate wisdom, He has provided for all of us a means by which we can come to know Him, in that deep and relational way of knowing. Mary and Joseph placed their trust in God because they knew their God, do you?
October - November 2023
Being One In The Body of Christ
As I mentioned in the annual report for 2022, the church, or more specifically the local congregation has a very special calling, a very special purpose.
As a congregation we are to be holy, we are to be set apart from the rest of the world. We are not to reflect the world, and its ways and culture. We are to reflect Christ in all that we do, say, and teach. We are to reflect Christ’s love as we as a congregation interact with one another, and the world around us. Our church should be a place of refuge. A place where the one seeking God, can come and find Him. A place where the soul can find the assurance and peace that is found only in the Body of Christ. A place where the follower of Jesus can grow in their faith while serving, supporting and encouraging their fellow believers. Paul helped the believers in Corinth understand this truth by writing in 1 Corinthians 12:27, “Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it.” For many, it is easy to identify oneself as a member of a club, sports team, political party, interest specific group or organization, or earthly family. However, in many cases these same people even though they be a “member” of a congregation, find themselves with little attachment and contribution to that congregation. This is because as the author of the book I Am A Church Member so clearly states that for “members of churches who have an unbiblical view of membership, their view of membership is more aligned with country club membership.” Scripture teaches us that the congregation is intended to reflect the kingdom of God here on this earth. This is why the AFLC’s first fundamental principle states; “According to the Word of God, the congregation is the right form of the Kingdom of God on earth.” Ephesians 2:19-22 proclaims, “So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit.”
Scripture also teaches us that each member is valuable, and an essential part of the congregation, being uniquely gifted to serve as a part of not only the local congregation, but also as a member of the universal church. Romans 12:4-5 teaches us that “For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another.” One of the functions of the congregation is to provide a means by which the Body of Christ can experience true Christian fellowship. Fellowship that connects the members in a more intimate way. In a way where a struggling soul can find counsel, heart felt correction, encouragement, and assurance of the saving grace of God.
Another function of the congregation is to walk alongside parents and grandparents in the raising up of God fearing children. Being an active participant in the Body of Christ is eternally important. Everyone has a place within this God designed institution. And God has provided the congregation as a means in which He not only blesses the individual members, but also uses the members to bless one another. This is why Hebrews 10:25, so insistently proclaims to “Not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.”
I pray that you will prayerfully ponder, to examine yourself to determine what being a part of the Body of Christ means to you.
Aug-Sept 2023
Worship in Spirit and Truth
Have you ever asked yourself why you choose to start a Sunday morning by coming to church? I know that if we did a survey asking that question, and people answered that question honestly, their answers would vary greatly. I also believe that the motivation to attend would range from joyful anticipation, to reluctant obligation. With that being said, what the research has revealed is that for most self-professing Christians today Sunday worship is the only real form of worship a person is part of, whether as a spectator or participant. John 4:23-24 reads, “But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him. God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.” For many, the fullness of this truth about worship is hard to grasp. That is because, to one degree or another our relationship with our Creator God is broken, and in need of restoration. This does not mean that a person is saved or not saved. What it means is that we live in a world that will do everything it can to destroy, replace, distract, or at the very least hinder our devotion, love, and obedience to the very One that died to save us.
The theme for this year’s FLY convention was “Restored”. All of Scripture speaks to how much our Creator God loves and desires to restore those in need of restoration. But, what we also see from Scripture is that restoration is hard. It is hard, because sin and our desires for the things of this world have literally rewired our brains. This is why we read in Jeremiah 19:9 that “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it?” Thankfully Psalm 34:18 reminds us that “The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.” It is also important to know that in God’s eyes sin is sin, and that no one’s sin is beyond the restoring power of God. Jesus proclaimed these words, which were also part of the theme verses (Rev 21:5-7) for this year’s FLY convention, He said, “‘Behold, I am making all things new.’… ‘It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. To the thirsty I will give from the spring of the water of life without payment. The one who conquers will have this heritage, and I will be his God and he will be my son.’” The restoration that God desires for us is a restoration from deadness in sin and unbelief, to that of a new life; a life anchored and rooted in Jesus Christ. It is through the living water that Jesus offers by which a person is washed clean, by which a person is restored, by which a person is born again being given new life. And, it is only with this new life by which anyone would be able to worship the One True God in spirit and truth. For as Paul wrote in Romans 12:1, “I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.” Scripture teaches that spiritual worship is more than an occasional Sunday service. It is a life dedicated to bring glory and honor to God in all that we do. It is living our lives based on the reality that we serve a God that loves us in such a manner, that He suffered and died so that we could be with Him in eternity. “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come” (2 Corinthians 5:17). With this reality swelling up in your heart, how can you do anything else, but worship in spirit and truth, always presenting “your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God.”