Pastor Mac’s Table

For nothing will be impossible with God. Luke 1:37 Yesterday, during Sunday school, we discussed the main point of the sermon: by faith in Jesus’ name we can see the impossible happen. We listed some “impossible” challenges ECC faces. Here is the list: Bridge the gap between the congregations. (expounded below) Form a culture of raising up people from within to serve in the ministry or the mission field. (Acts 20:31-32; Eph. 4:11-16.) Impact our neighbors at MAPS. (Matt. 28:18-20, Acts 1:8.) Be a greater light in our surrounding community. (Matt. 28:18-20, Acts 1:8.) Change the direction of American culture. (Matt. 5:13-16; Isaiah 58:6-12.) Be a peace maker between the police and the African American community. (Matt. 5:9; Rom. 12:16-18.) Bridge the political spectrum among us so we can have a practical impact and voice. (Rom. 12:1-2; Prov. 27:17.) See beyond politics to approach needs from God’s point of view. (Rom. 12:1-2; Prov. 27:17.) These are all important and difficult...

*Originally published to ECC on Saturday, June 20, 2020 Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity! It is like the precious oil on the head, running down on the beard, on the beard of Aaron, running down on the collar of his robes! It is like the dew of Hermon, which falls on the mountains of Zion! For there the LORD has commanded the blessing, life forevermore. — Ps 133:1-3 How wonderful is unity! It is pleasant, v. 1, it is overflowing, v. 2, and it is life giving, v. 3. In the desert place of Israel, the evening dew, such as found on mountains, was an important source of water. Life, eternal life is the summary Psalm 133 gives us for the blessedness of unity.  Unity is the reversal of the curse of Babylon. Jesus makes unity happen through his death on the cross.  He reconciles us to each other and to God, for eternity.  Facing death, Jesus prayed for our unity, Jn 17:20-23. The Holy Spirit, also, unites us, Eph. 4:3. And our Father delights to se...

*Originally published to ECC on June 15, 2020 Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Romans 12:15 Last week I said that one of the things we can do in response to injustice to our brothers and sister is to love our neighbor, starting with our literal neighbor. But, in a sermon there is limited time to explore what it means to love our neighbor as ourselves. One thing I heard from our brothers and sisters at Damascus International Fellowship is this, mourn with us first. As I ponder this, I think to myself: How profound! As a husband and as a father I have learned an important lesson about love I did not learn as a single. When I love someone, then I care about what they care about. I’ve come to appreciate my wife’s music as well as my kids music (well, most of it). I’ve come to share their interest. And when they are happy, I am happy. When they are sad, I am sad. I have come to identify with them. This is what our black brothers and sisters are talking about....

*Originally published to ECC on June 9, 2020 If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land. 2 Chronicles 7:14 God gave this word to His people to tell them how to respond to His discipline. God had been teaching his people that when they sin he will send them troubles and pain and division. We should ask, when God send difficulties to us, how are we to respond? Today we see difficulties in our society. Our country is divided. There is tension in our midst. Emotions are high and in such an atmosphere it is easy to start judging and blaming, contrary to what the Bible says (Matthew 7:1-2; Ephesians 4:1-3) How, then, should we respond in such a difficult time? As 2 Chr. 7:14 shows of the first actions we are to take as be begin to address the injustices we see today. It says, we begin by humbling ourselves. Rather than judging or excusing, l...

*Originally published to ECC on June 3, 2020 Our Kindred preaching series is done, but the need that it addressed is not. The killing of George Floyd, the picture of a police officer kneeling his weight on his neck shouts at us. This is the snapshot of a killing, the final minutes of his life. How to respond? We can hear from George Floyd. And, we can look to God’s word. These are complimentary since George Floyd loved God. A couple of quotes from the Christianity Today article, “ George Floyd Left a Gospel Legacy in Houston ” help us: The things that he [George Floyd] would say to young men always referenced that God trumps street culture. I think he wanted to see young men put guns down and have Jesus instead of the streets. Again, His faith was a heart for the Third Ward that was radically changed by the gospel [emphasis mine], and his mission was empowering other believers to be able to come in and push that gospel forth Here we glimpse the heart of George Floyd and we gain a s...

*Originally published to ECC on May 29, 2020 So where do we go from here? Our life has changed, like the flip of a switch. None of us imagined life as we are living it now, under Sars-Cov-2, the virus that causes Covid-19. When all this is done, do we go back to life as it was before? Or, are there changes we need to make based on the lessons we are learning today? Will I wash my hands for 20 seconds for now on? Will we work from home more—a great way to save time and help the environment? How long will the term “social distancing” be popular? Will our families be stronger because we have had more time together, or will they be weaker? As I have been talking with you, I have heard many say what they wish will happen. Some cannot wait to get their life back the way it was. All of us want greater security that comes from having a cure or a vaccine for this disease. The desire is not only for health security but economic security that will come from opening our society once more. Other...

*Originally published to ECC on March 20, 2020 I miss you all and treasure the time we can get together in worship. Sometimes I can see someone is not there and I can give them a call to make sure they are okay. But now, these three weeks, hopefully you are all okay at home. I am sure I am not alone in my longing to see you all face to face in this time of physical separation. Further, our lives have been disrupted in many other ways. Parents have their children home from school while they are trying to work. And look at the economic fallout that could stay with us for months, if not years. Just this morning I receive a phone call from my dentist office stating I will need to reschedule tomorrow’s appointment because their offices will be closed until the first week of April. What will this cost them (including all their employees)? So, I am sure, many are asking the question, what is God doing with COVID-19? Of course, God has given us common grace so that we have the medical profess...