Knowing God

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

In Psalm 113:5-6, the psalmist asks: “Who is like the Lord our God, the One who sits enthroned on high, who stoops down to look on the heavens and the earth?”

We still are asking that question.

The self-help sections of bookstores and online catalogs offer seemingly countless books addressing ways to know God from Christian, quasi-Christian and other religious perspectives. Some of these books teach universalism; others teach pantheism or panentheism. Those with a New Age perspective inevitably promise keys to finding secret knowledge concerning God.

It seems that many people are seeking to know God or at least to connect with some sort of “higher power.” That should not surprise us since God created humans in his image, giving us a “spiritual appetite.” Theologian and philosopher Blaise Pascal is credited with saying that within each person there is a “God-shaped hole looking to be filled” [see footnote (1) for his actual words, translated into English]. That being so, one would hope that a person sincerely seeking to know God would receive clear direction from all Christian churches. Sadly, that is not always the case, as illustrated in this cartoon:

Reprinted with permission from cartoonist David Hayward, http://nakedpastor.tumblr.com/

Given our limited minds, we humans are unable to fully comprehend all there is to know about God. Paul put it this way: “Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out!” (Romans 11:33). Though God lives in “unapproachable light” (1 Timothy 6:16), he has not left us completely in the dark. Note Jesus’ remarkable statement in Matthew 11:27: “All things have been committed to me by my Father. No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.” I love how the second-century Christian teacher Irenaeus explained this verse in Against Heresies:

No one can know the Father apart from God’s Word, that is, unless the Son reveals him, and no one can know the Son unless the Father so wills. Now the Son fulfills the Father’s good pleasure: the Father sends, the Son is sent, and he comes. The Father is beyond our sight and comprehension; but he is known by his Word, who tells us of him who surpasses all telling. In turn, the Father alone has knowledge of his Word. And the Lord has revealed both truths. Therefore, the Son reveals the knowledge of the Father by his revelation of himself. Knowledge of the Father consists in the self-revelation of the Son, for all is revealed through the Word.

This means that no one can know God unless and until God reveals himself. And he has chosen to reveal himself through Jesus. The word reveal comes from the Greek word apokalupto meaning to take off the cover—to disclose or reveal. It is the opposite of kalupto, which means to cover up; hide. The Old Testament speaks of the Shekinah glory of God, present within the innermost part of the Tabernacle behind the veil. No one was allowed beyond that veil except the high priest, and then only once a year. For most of the time, God remained hidden behind the veil. So when Jesus said he had come to reveal the Father, his followers were understandably intrigued.

When Philip asked Jesus to show the disciples the Father, Jesus replied: “Don’t you know me, Philip, even after I have been among you such a long time? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father” (John 14:9). God sent his Son to “pull back the covers” and reveal who he is through his Son. We must be careful not to let preconceptions of what God is like determine our thinking and behavior toward God. Only Jesus has perfect and complete knowledge of God. And he shares that knowledge with us.

Through the life and ministry of Jesus, we get the best look at what God is like this side of our resurrection in glory. Jesus alone is one with the Father and the Holy Spirit. He alone brings “insider knowledge” of the whole of God as the eternal Son of God. He alone is God’s self-revelation in time and space, flesh and blood. In Jesus, God has come to us in person, meeting us face-to-face so that we may know him truly and personally.

Jesus shared himself and what he knew with his disciples, whom he called his friends. And he commissioned them, and those who follow them, to go into the world and make that knowledge known—not through books and programs offering esoteric, “hidden knowledge” or esoteric, private experiences. And certainly not through a complex web of philosophical arguments and counter-arguments. Jesus told his followers that they could come to know God through relationships, including relationships with each other and with those outside the Christian community. He said that the clearest sign that would point others to him would be the love that his followers have for each other—a love reflecting God’s own love for all people.

Your brother in Christ,

Joseph Tkach

(1) Here is what Pascal actually said (translated into English): “What else does this craving, and this helplessness, proclaim but that there was once in man a true happiness, of which all that now remains is the empty print and trace? This he tries in vain to fill with everything around him, seeking in things that are not there the help he cannot find in those that are, though none can help, since this infinite abyss can be filled only with an infinite and immutable object; in other words by God himself” (148/428).

John Howard

The Howard family came to Kansas in the 1850s as farmers and John Howard’s parents were both raised on farms. “After getting married, my parents moved to town and had seven children, of which I am the fourth. My dad was a concrete-truck driver until he retired.”

John was born in Lawrence, Kansas and went through school there, graduating from Lawrence High School. “Since my family came here the 1850s, I don’t enjoy moving around. I like to be around my relatives and hope to stay here the rest of my life.”

John started work at an early age. “My profession was always connected to the printing industry my entire life, mostly spent in the bindery and the press area. However, I started delivering newspapers at age 11 and continued to work my way up in the local newspaper in Lawrence and then into the printing industry and retired as a pressman at the University of Kansas.”

John and Nancy Sue (Thomas) married in 1960 and have been married for 53 years. “The highlight of my life was when a friend asked me to go on a blind date and that was the girl I married 13 months later.” John and Sue have two children, a son John Jr. (deceased) and a daughter, Sandra. They also have five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

Sue had a great influence on John’s walk with Christ. “I became a part of GCI (WCG) in 1967, mostly through my wife and her family, especially by her example as a believing wife.”

John, who now serves GCI’s Topeka church as its pastor, was ordained an elder and commissioned as a bivocational pastor in November 2002. “Our minister left and I was asked to be on a three-person pastoral care team. But questions came up about my not being eligible to conduct communion since I was not an elder. Later I was ordained and attended pastoral training in Dallas.” Since then, John has received a diploma in Christian Ministry from Ambassador College of Christian Ministry (ACCM).

John says this about his wife’s involvement in ministry: “Sue is very supportive of the ministry I do. She is a lady with many abilities who is dedicated to serving Christ. I use her as a sounding board in some instances. But I do not always get the answer I want, because if I do not want the truth I don’t ask her. That last sentence is a joke but it is true.”

John says he’s a “pretty open person—what you see is what I am.” What he loves about GCI is “the friendliness of the leaders of GCI and the continuing education I have been given.” He credits retired district pastor Ray Meyer as someone who was a good mentor to him and helped him in ministry.

John’s most memorable moment as a pastor was “when I was asked to baptize a young couple who grew up in the church.” He also has several passions: “My family, preaching the gospel and playing music.”

John noted that he feels closest to God, “in the morning before everything gets involved in daily activities—my head is not clouded then by all that goes on the rest of the day.”

Myrtle Beach conference

This update is from district and church pastor Howard Blakeney.

Earlier this month, about 200 members and friends attended a GCI-sponsored conference in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. The conference theme, “It’s All About Jesus,” was emphasized in a powerful testimony given by Melissa Harring and her dad Bill. They related how Melissa as a young teen was headed down the wrong path, resulting in a terrible automobile accident. Initially, the doctors did not think she would survive, let alone walk again. But thanks to God’s mercy, she not only is now able to walk, she tells people about Jesus and the importance of not drinking and driving.

homeless village prayer — Praying with the homeless

Another conference highlight was joining Jesus in reaching out to the surrounding community. One group went to what locals refer to as the “homeless village”—a place in the woods where homeless folks live in tents without running water, flushing toilets, central air, refrigerators or soft beds. We gave them food and toiletries, but most importantly, we talked and prayed with them. Some of them understood that despite their circumstance, Jesus would take care of them. A few accepted Jesus and became believers. Another group of conference-goers visited a homeless shelter where they led a worship service and provided a meal.

SEP Rockies camp

This update is from Sarah Miles who directs the GenMin camp in Colorado—SEP Rockies.

Watching God “do his thing” in the hearts and lives of his people (young and old) is addictive. As one of my favorite Bible study teachers says, “There ain’t no high like the Most High.” God is good!

We had a phenomenal SEP Rockies this summer. A heartfelt “thank you” to all who supported us. Your money, time and service enabled a truly life-changing experience for 62 campers and 46 staff.

This year we shifted from a reliance on activities to focus on helping campers and staff develop deeply bonded relationships. We had fewer classes and more small group sessions. Although the content of these sessions was educational (including finance, public speaking, prayer, Bible study 101, woodworking, art, first aid and apologetics) the intent was to provide a safe environment for sharing and discussion. These small groups have “moved down the mountain” and are still meeting.

Our theme this year, “The Future Is Now,” walked through Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5 and 6), covering such tough topics as sexual purity, adultery, divorce, forgiveness, prayer and revenge. It was our desire to apply the content to the campers’ struggles/issues back home. It was amazing to watch the Spirit move and bring comfort and conviction simultaneously.

Again this year we offered swing dance classes and group dances. The kids love hanging out with each other and learning about chivalry and dating. It’s a lost art in our society! Our dances were “out of this world” with our outdoor pavilion transformed into an image of the galaxy complete with planets and a massive rocketship that smoked and lit up…and we might have had a storm trooper DJ one night as well! So much fun.

One day was devoted to guy/girl focused activities. The boys and girls didn’t see each other all day and we had a great time working through gender-specific struggles and distractions in society. The boys went fishing and built racing carts. The girls picnicked, did some Zumba and painted their nails.

All in all, we sought after, learned about, looked for and worshiped the one true God who made himself known to us. I can’t wait for next year! Here is a video from this year’s camp:

Watch on YouTube at http://youtu.be/R0J6m0C6s1A

Mindanao festival

“Because God loves everyone, we in the church should not exclude anyone.” This was the resounding message from GCI Philippines national director Eugene Guzon at the conclusion of the 4-day Mindanao-wide festival held this month in Cagayan de Oro City in the province of Mindanao in the Philippines.

The focus of the festival was to urge the 500 members attending to develop within their churches a culture of Connectivity, Sensitivity and Proactivity.

Each day of the festival was filled with activities including tug-of-war contests and karaoke singing. The youth enjoyed a dance and a movie. In one session, Pastor Audie Santibañez urged leaders to take advantage of technology like ebooks. Mindanao Area Superintendent Jerome Manriquez warmed the audience on the opening day with an inspiring sermon titled, “The Celebration of Life.” A highlight of the festival was the commissioning of the pastoral teams in Mindanao. There also was an appeal to assist the earthquake victims there.

2nd anniversary for L.A. church plant

This update is from church planter and district and church pastor Heber Ticas concerning the GCI church that he and his team planted two years ago in Los Angeles. For an earlier update, click here.

On October 20 we celebrated our second anniversary. We are grateful for the Lord’s grace—we had 116 in attendance including 14 from the mother church. Our journey has been one of great joy, fears, hard work and a lot of faith. I thank the Lord for the team he has given me. They have joyfully participated in the Lord’s mission to our community.

Through our participatory ministry, we have been privileged to help many people encounter the risen Lord. Not all have responded positively, but many have and in that we rejoice. Loving our community with no strings attached has been our ministry model. One example is a sister who sheltered an abused mother in her home. Another is the care we gave to sister Julia who was drawn to our church through our outreach of passing out free bottles of water on the street. Julia attended our initial launch service and has been part of our church family ever since.

Last February, Julia was diagnosed with stage-three stomach cancer. She had to endure difficult surgery that included removal of her stomach. Several weeks later I was privileged to accompany her to an appointment with her oncologist. Her doctor informed her that they were not able to remove all the cancer and that they felt that it was fatal with only six to twelve months before the cancer claimed her life. God’s love for Julia has been unwavering, but he allowed us to be the bearers of that heavenly love. We share that love as we pray with her, have fellowship, encourage her and provide financial support to purchase her expensive meals that are fed through a tube. We have witnessed her most difficult moments, but we thank God for his grace as we have seen her recover most of her weight in the last six weeks.

We ask that you join with us in mission to our community by keeping us in your prayers. Please pray for our team, in particular for Enoch Palacios, our associate pastor, and David Chicas, one of our ministry leaders. I have delegated most of the everyday ministry duties to these men. Please pray that the Lord gives me wisdom to recognize the right time to release the ministry fully to these leaders. I plan to do so by our third anniversary.

Death of Tony Hammer

We are saddened to learn of the recent death of John David (Tony) Hammer. He was 83 years old and had celebrated 56 years of marriage to Natalie (Pyle) Hammer. He is survived by his wife; his children Vickie, Jan and David; and his granddaughter Catherine.

Tony entered Ambassador College in 1956 after serving four years in the U.S. Air Force. During his college years he married Natalie, who became his life-long, trusted mate. Following graduation in 1960, the Hammers were sent to work in WCG’s new Australian office and to plant a church in Melbourne. Upon returning to the U.S., they served congregations in South Texas, then in the San Francisco Bay area. Following that, they served as a church pastor and Area Coordinator in Nashville, Tennessee. In 1980 they moved to Dallas where they entered business ventures where they worked until retiring in Frisco, Texas.

Cards may be sent to:

Natalie Hammer
915 Nicklaus Ct.
Frisco, Texas 75034

Arnold Clauson

This update is a follow-up to last week’s prayer request from Trish Clauson concerning her husband, GCI district and church pastor Arnold Clauson.

Arnold returned home briefly last week, then had to return to the hospital. He continues to need dialysis due to kidney failure. Because he has a poor appetite, he is losing weight and muscle mass. He is unable to move much—even sitting up is difficult. He is anxious to get out of bed so that his cancer treatments can proceed.

We know many are praying for him during this trial and we can’t thank you enough. Those of us caring for him are becoming completely exhausted—we are praying for God’s continued strength and courage, knowing that he is aware of everything that is going on. Our love to all of you.

Cards may be sent to:

Arnold and Trish Clauson

109 Melrose Circle

Denison, Texas 75020

Mullins’ wedding

We are pleased to announce that on October 26, Generations Ministries director Anthony Mullins married Elizabeth Gill.

The ceremony, held at a Christian camp near Hickory, North Carolina, was officiated by GCI regional pastor Greg Williams.

The couple will be making their home together in nearby Lenoir, North Carolina.

Congratulations to Anthony and Elizabeth!