Clever Free Methodist

The months of March through June of 2020 have been quite the spectacle of emotions, tensions, anxiety and even fear. If a pandemic of COVID-19 were not enough to challenge us, we found ourselves staring glued to our media devices watching riots, looting, destruction and protesting take over many of our major cities. Now, take all of that and add the political climate in our country with the insipid, vile and volatile hatred many are expressing towards the President of the United States, we could be easily conclude that there is a lot of evil and hate in our Country. Jesus comforted us in John 16:33 , by saying “…In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” I believe this ties in with the reason Jesus taught us to pray for such troubling times. Jesus teaches us to pray, in Matthew 6:13 “…but deliver us from evil.” For many years, I have always assumed that this part of the prayer was just referring to Satan and his demons. Although...

We have recently gone through Holy Week, Easter (resurrection) and the Ascension of Jesus into Heaven. What could be our next celebration?   Oh, that is right! The fulfillment of prophecy about the outpouring of the Holy Spirit! Foretold in Joel 2:28-29 we are told,  “And afterward, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions. Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days.” Jesus had recently ascended back into Heaven and now the disciples had been keenly focused on prayer and seeking God for the course ahead. They were still on a mission as they were quick in looking for a replacement for Judas. The lots were cast and Matthias was chosen as the newest Disciple to join their ranks (Acts 1:20-26). They had been busy and had done a lot of work so time to take a break and celebrate. After all, it was time for one of the...

There is one, concise statement of faith that appears in both the Apostles’ Creed and the Nicene Creed that states we believe Jesus ascended back into Heaven. We believe “He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father.” It is hard to believe that one of the most significant moments in Jesus’ life is scarcely recognized in the Protestant churches today. Maybe it is time for us to join with our Amish and Roman Catholic brothers and sisters who recognize the Ascension of our Lord Jesus Christ as a holy day of obligation.  A “day of obligation” is somewhat like a holiday where the faithful are expected to attend services, observe rest from work and recreation, and reflect on the meaning of the event memorialized.   Jesus accomplished a lot in forty-four days! Instituted the “New Covenant,” was crucified, buried and then rose from the dead. Then for forty-days, He appeared to many and spent even more time with His Disciples before ascending...

Here in Minnesota, it is not only Mother’s Day this weekend, but the opening of the fishing season. This is not only a beloved pastime, but a sacred tradition in the “Land of 10,000 Lakes.” Needles to say, many are heading out on the water and gathering along the banks. We, as Christians, have been called to fishing. Jesus invites us to join Him on the world’s greatest fishing expeditions of all time….fishing for people. Mark 1:16-20 is the Gospel story that unfolds along the shores of the Sea of Galilee where Jesus comes upon Simon and Andrew casting their nets into the water to begin their day of fishing. We are not sure how long Jesus stood there watching before engaging the two brothers in conversation, but He broke His silence by saying, in verse 17 , “Follow me, and I will make you become fishers of men.” They must have gotten the message and knew exactly what he meant, because their response in verse 18 , was, “they immediately left their nets and followed him.” ...

At the time of this writing, we are just over one solid month of “stay at home” orders due to the COVID-19 virus pandemic. Some of the obvious results coming out of this is seeing our stores, schools, restaurants and favorite venues closed for an indefinite period. I believe it is safe to say that we have had no choice but adapt to a whole new way of life. What was once a routine or tradition is now a thing of the past with most businesses with limited hours, churches closed, and in-class instruction for all levels of academics moved to on-line training. We could go on and on with how our lives have changed. Now, more than ever, we are challenged to make the most of all the time we now have. For most of us, some things in life have increased such as utility bills since we are all home more often. Some things have drastically decreased such as our savings and checking accounts as many have lost their jobs and have had no income for some time. This reminds me of a parti...

I was reading a devotional article recently that challenged the old saying that “God won’t give you more than you can handle.” I must admit that I never have bought into this saying because it seemed to be steeped in arrogance that I can not only do it all myself, but somehow that God will step back and actually let me solve everything under my own wisdom and power. When it comes to life, I will quickly admit that I really don’t want to handle it. I confess that I not only need help, but would greatly appreciate and welcome all help that could be directed towards my cause. When life becomes challenging or difficult, I usually quote the all-too-familiar, 1 Peter 5:7 “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” Perhaps even a similar passage of Psalm 55:22 , “Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken.” Now, back to that devotional I was referencing earlier. The author challenged the mindset of “G...

When it comes to the Apostles’ Creed, there are some of us who have been challenged by some of the statements made in the Creed. When we came to those statements and read the words printed on the page, it created such a misunderstanding that we either stumbled through verbally or simply “skipped that part.” One, of course is the “I believe in…the holy catholic church.” Once we learn that it is not a direct reference to the Roman Catholic church, but that the word “catholic” (lowercase “c”) can be translated as the “Universal Church” (all Christians), we grow more accustomed to making the proclamation. However, there is another statement that rings loudly that has caused some discomfort. As a former United Methodist, there was a time in the Denomination’s history that the words were actually omitted. What part are we talking about? The belief that states Jesus Christ “descended to the dead” or in some translations “he descended into Hell.” The shortest way to summariz...