Yesterday, today and forever

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

One of the verses in the Bible that has always intrigued me is Hebrews 13:8. There we read that “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” My first thought about this verse was always that Jesus is perfect—always has been and always will be. But as many of you reading this will remember, our fellowship used to use this verse in support of the erroneous teaching that God commands Christians to observe the seventh-day Sabbath. We wrongly assumed that if Jesus is never-changing, then so must be the Sabbath command. We also wrongly believed that law-keeping, including Sabbath observance, would somehow make us “perfect” like Jesus (Hebrews 2:10; 10:1).

But the reality is that God gave the Sabbath to Israel under the old covenant, not to perfect his people, but to provide a sign pointing them toward the ultimate, eternal rest found in Jesus, who alone is perfect (Hebrews 4:1-11). In misusing Hebrews 13:8, we ascribed to the Sabbath more than God intended, treating it as if the sign was the reality. For more about this, I encourage you to read Gary Deddo’s helpful article, “A Sign Forever.” It’s included in this issue.

Israel’s rabbis and other teachers understood that the Law of Moses, particularly its commands related to Sabbath and Holy Day observance, apply only to national Israel under the old covenant. When Jesus said, “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath” (Mark 2:27), it was to show the Pharisees (representatives of old covenant Israel) that they misunderstood why God had given Israel as a nation this holy time. In stating that he was “Lord even of the Sabbath” (Mark 2:28), Jesus was confronting the Pharisees’ attempt to subvert his authority in this matter, thus wrongly claiming it for themselves.

There is no question: Jesus is perfect and Hebrews 13:8 reminds us that his perfection never ceases—not even when the Son of God became the Son of man—100% divine and 100% human. The union of human and divine in Jesus did not diminish God’s perfection in any way, though Jesus yielded himself fully to the limitations of our humanity—going so far as to suffer and die in the flesh in order to redeem us.

Through his incarnation, life, death, resurrection and ascension, Jesus redeemed not just humanity, but all the created order, including time. Jesus is Lord of all time: “Yesterday and today and forever.” The New Testament speaks of time in a rather fluid way—both as chronos (the chronological passage of time, one moment after another) and kairos (the “times” of God’s redemptive intervention within the universe of created space and time). In the article “Time” in The Evangelical Dictionary of Theology, Carl Henry says this:

While the New Testament [in speaking of chronos] gives prominent scope to the future…its central kairos is the life and death and resurrection of the incarnate Christ, which is decisively significant for the kingdom of God. The terms, “day [of the Lord]” and “hour,” “now” and “today” gain dramatic significance in the New Testament context whenever the eternal order impinges upon the sweep of ordinary events (Evangelical Dictionary of Theology, article “Time,” p. 1095).

Grasping the concept of time as both chronos and kairos helps us understand the biblical teaching that the “end time” began with Jesus’ life, death, resurrection and ascension. With this great and decisive “Christ event,” kairos intersected chronos, bringing healing “Today”—the continuing time when the salvation that is present in Jesus is being received by those who rest (trust) in Jesus (Hebrews 3:13-15).

How sad (and foolish) that some would try to limit God by setting dates for his future intervention within chronos. Many such dates have come and gone: 1844, 1917, 1975, 2000, 2008, 2010 and others. All of these predictions have failed, including ones of our own. By God’s grace, we learned how utterly futile date-setting is. We no longer try to pin down the sovereign God in this way. Instead, we rest in his present and continuing salvation.

Israel lived mainly in chronos time as evidenced by her observances of the Sabbath and Holy Days (Leviticus 23). Her lunar-solar calendar was rooted in the world of physical time and space and looked forward to events yet future. But the gospel proclaims that the promised future has arrived: “If anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” (2 Corinthians 5:17). As Christians, we live in two “time zones”: both chronos and kairos time. In both, we experience the perfection of Christ as he weaves his new (resurrection) life into the fabric of all creation, including all people in all places and all times. And that includes weaving his life into the fabric of our lives—all of our life, including the times when we suffer.

I’ve been thinking a lot about that suffering recently. Several dear friends are battling cancer and other serious illnesses. Some are suffering a great deal, and some have died. Though I can’t heal the sick and certainly can’t raise the dead, I trust Jesus to show up in such times whether in life or death. In all such times, he comes bearing a complete victory that extends into and beyond all time. That’s how great our Lord and Savior is. In him, in his perfection, we have rest. By the Holy Spirit we are united to Jesus—bonded cosmically, as it were, to the Lord of all creation, including all time.

Resting in Jesus, we have the calling to bear witness to who Jesus truly is and to tell the story of what he has done, is doing and will yet do for our salvation—the eternal Sabbath rest that we have in him.

Resting with you in the perfection of Christ,
Joseph Tkach

Mein Kong

Mein Kong, GCI pastor in Malaysia, grew up in Kampar, a small Malaysian town. “My grandfather from China had settled there to work in the tin mines. No one in my ancestry was Christian. My parents enrolled me in a school run by the Methodist church so I could learn English. Though school there included a weekly chapel service and Bible classes, I developed no interest in Christianity.

During high school, Mein Kong subscribed to The Plain Truth because it was free and he had a keen interest in current events. Reading that magazine led him to develop an interest in Christianity and to contacting WCG. While in college, he was baptized in 1974 by WCG pastor Guy Ames, who was based in Singapore at the time.

Following graduation from college, Mein Kong worked as a civil engineer for 17 years. “In 1994 I was asked to serve in ministry full time and enrolled in Ambassador University at Big Sandy, accompanied by my wife and our two children. We returned to Malaysia in 1995, where I was ordained to serve as assistant pastor to Yong Chin Gee. I became pastor when he retired in 2005.”

Mein Kong married Chew Yeng in 1984. Their daughter Xiao Qing works in human resources at General Electric Malaysia. Their younger son Tian Yu died in 2011 in a plane crash while working as a flight instructor in the Philippines.

Asked what he likes most about being a pastor, Mein Kong said this: “What I enjoy most is the fellowship and discussions with the church members of various cultures and in different countries in my pastoral region. I feel very privileged and blessed for that opportunity. My wife serves as women’s ministry and church worship coordinator, and enjoys travelling with me at times to visit members in outlying areas. I love being in GCI because it is always learning and growing, and its spiritual journey led by Christ is exhilarating. GCI’s worldwide connections, global perspective and close family-like relationships are truly special.”

Asked about his passions, he said this: “I guess it is helping believers see things from God’s perspective and to be spiritually transformed. Also, I love watching mystery movies, solving puzzles and reading theology books that stretch the mind. I used to read detective novels in my younger days, but don’t have the time now.

New Heights outpost

This update is from GCI-USA district pastor David Gilbert

A common refrain from campers and staff members alike at GCI’s New Heights Camp in Connecticut is, “I wish we could have the atmosphere of camp when we go back home!”

For nearly a week, campers and staffers are treated to a “mountain-top experience” and then trudge back to their home churches where sometimes it’s the “same old thing.” In the district I serve, we have been trying something different that promises to give our young folks a quarterly taste of camp throughout the year. We call it New Heights Outpost.

New Heights Outpost brings together quarterly camp alumni within our district for a day of fun, food, fellowship and Christian instruction. The latest Outpost was held on April 12, hosted by 24/7 Community Church, pastored by Frank and Leslie Howard.

We all gathered at the Maplewood Community Center in Maplewood, New Jersey, where we had a time of exciting worship led by the young people of 24/7. That was followed by the inspiring testimony of teen Marsha Richards, who shared her struggles in life and how her relationship with Jesus makes a big difference for her. Following that, we had great instruction from GenMin national coordinator Anthony Mullins concerning how we can better become people of inclusion. A theme throughout the day echoed what will be taught at New Heights Camp this summer: “Be the Church.” We got together in small groups and discussed how our local churches could be more inclusive of all people.

We look forward to our next Outpost, which will be hosted in June by the Queens, New York congregation pastored by John Newsom.

Experiencing the Trinity retreat

This update is from Carmen Fleming, who serves as a spiritual director for Odyssey in Christ Ministry.

In April, 13 GCI members gathered in Eureka, Missouri for a three-day Experiencing the Trinity retreat sponsored by Odyssey in Christ. The retreat, which was held at the Marianist Retreat and Conference Center, gave participants a lived experience with our Triune God.

One participant described the experience this way: “God the Father delighted me in his unexpected, tender, personal care. Jesus strengthened me for the future, healing long-held wounds and giving me a vision for the future. The Holy Spirit checked my wrong directions and bound me in unity, leaving me with joy and peace.” Another said: “We all need to learn more about the love of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. It is active, living and dynamic. Real!”

Participants experienced God’s never-ceasing love and revelation of himself through creation, Scripture, community and the sacraments. There was opportunity to share creativity and good humor—seeing how Christ can be glimpsed in everything, including in roaring laughter.

The participants left the retreat with significant tools to help them continue to experience God. One participant put it this way: “This weekend shows how to make space for God and provides the tools to apply what he gives us.”

The three days of the retreat moved rhythmically from community to solitude; listening and action; ensuring that all who wanted to hear from God had opportunity, no matter their temperament or personality. One participant was surprised by the way God met him: “If you are willing, God is willing to meet with you. You may be surprised by God. You will leave with an experiential knowledge of God’s loving presence with you.” Another participant said: “It will help you come to know God and yourself more.”

A Sign Forever

This article, which was first published in Odyssey Magazine, is found on GCI’s website at www.gci.org/co/1209/signforever.

Signs are important. We could hardly get along without them. We have signs for road safety, for identifying stores, indicating dangers like poison, radiation or high voltage wires, for finding geographic destinations, or merely navigating our way through an airport or sports stadium.

Signs were also important in the ancient world, including the ancient nation of Israel. The God of Israel gave signs to his people and used them for their benefit. One of the most notable was, of course, the rainbow after Noah’s flood. Another was the Sabbath rest on the seventh day of the week. This sign was given to Israel “forever” (Exodus 31:17).

Some have thought the particular sign of the Sabbath rest given to Israel was so important that we are today under the same obligation. After all, some argue, it was given “forever.” So why shouldn’t this old covenant instruction hold for today?

The important thing to recognize here is that what is eternal is called a “sign.” Christian pastors and teachers down through history have given great consideration to signs, as we find them referred to in both the Old and New Testaments. It is widely recognized and important to understand thatthe purpose of a sign is to point to something else, something greater than itself. For example, when no cat is in sight, the word “cat” spoken or written refers our minds to a particular kind of animal. We think of it, even though it’s not there in front of us. Much of our ordinary language involves the use of signs to point to something that exists but might not be currently available for viewing. It could be said that signs point to what they signify, to the things themselves.

We find in the Bible that the signs God first gave to Israel all pointed to something greater to come, often to God’s invisible character or to his future actions. So the word of the Lord comes to Israel: “I will be your God and you shall be my people.” “I am the Lord your God who took you out of Egypt” (Leviticus 26:12; Exodus 20:2).

Many theologians down through the ages have recognized a pattern. The signs God gives are often promises. And what is promised is the thing signified. Israel was given the promise of a land. The promise wasn’t the land, but it pointed forward to and anticipated its fulfillment, when Israel would enter the Promised Land. The sign was the promise; entering the land was the fulfillment. Furthermore Christian teachers have recognized again and again that the signs given in the Old Testament (or under the old covenant) were fulfilled in Jesus Christ. In fact, Jesus himself was the fulfillment of the sign of the promised Messiah, the fulfillment of God’s promise of deliverance, of salvation.

Now how does this apply to the eternal sign of the Sabbath? Jesus himself helps us answer. Some of the religious teachers of Judaism in his day accused Jesus of violating the Sabbath. How did Jesus reply? Does he say to them, “Well, you have your interpretation of this sign, and I have mine. The people will have to choose between our two interpretations as best they can.” No, that is not what he said. Rather, he pointed out that he is Lord of the Sabbath (Mark 2:28; Matthew 12:8; Luke 6:5). He created the Sabbath. He was there to show them what the Sabbath was really all about. He is the source of our Sabbath rest. In fact, it turns out that Jesus himself fulfills the promise of Sabbath rest (Hebrews 4:1-11). He is our Sabbath rest as we are joined to our Eternal Great High Priest. The sign of the Sabbath pointed to its fulfillment in Jesus. He is the “thing” signified.

The entire Gospel of John is dedicated to help us see the radical difference between the signs God gave and the reality they point to, namely Jesus himself. John the Baptist is the sign, not the promised one himself. So he must “decrease” and Jesus must “increase” in significance. Jesus does not just tell us the truth, show us the way or give us life. Rather, he is the Way, the Truth and the Life. He is the light of the world, he is the bread of life, he is the water of life, he is the resurrection. He is “I am.” All the signs given by God were meant to lead us to the Son of God incarnate. He is, in his own person, the fulfillment of God’s promises. Jesus is both the Giver and the Gift.

We have already mentioned that the purpose of a sign in the working of God is to point us to the reality. Think of road signs pointing out the direction to a big city—say Chicago. Some of them are far away and pointing southward. Some are closer and pointing eastward. There’s no limit to the number and position of signs directing you. But if accurate and clear, each one gives direction for locating the city of Chicago. No one confuses the signs with the reality, the city itself. But that does not make them of no importance. If you’ve never been to Chicago and don’t know the way, accurate signs are helpful—for finding the destination, not loitering around the signposts.

Now think what happens when you reach the actual city, and perhaps even “city center.” You’re glad for the signs and that they were accurate enough to get you to the city. But once you’re there, say at Millennium Park in Chicago, they are no longer important. The city itself, with its skyscrapers, parks, museums and lakefront, far exceeds anything those signs could possibly indicate about its true grandeur. And consider, of what further use are those signs? Not much, if any at all. Their job was to get you to the city. Once there, they have no further use—even though you remain grateful for them.

Now imagine someone standing smack-dab in city center and demanding that you show him a sign that pointed the way to Chicago. If he didn’t recognize that he was already in the city, would the sign help? Or suppose he protested that he could not possibly be in Chicago, since he saw no signs on the way that were anything like what surrounded him now. Thinking the city would be much the same as the signs pointing the way, Chicago should be like a huge flat panel, perhaps with huge, fancy letters, and lights illuminating them, spelling out in glorious brilliance the name “CHICAGO.” If that was what he was looking for, how would you answer? Might you be just a little exasperated?

If you actually produced something like he expected, pointing in some direction, would it be of any use? In fact, if he followed the direction of the arrow on even an impressive and imposing sign you produced for him, where would it take him? Toward Chicago? No. When you have arrived at the city center, an arrow pointing in any direction would lead you away from and eventually out of the city. That sign would actually be misleading! But those other signs still standing outside the city would be of useful service once again. They remain permanently helpful to those who have not yet arrived at City Hall. But they have relatively little meaning once you’ve reached your destination.

The theological signs of the Bible, whether to ancient Israel or those recorded in the New Testament regarding Jesus and the early church, function much like this. The signs pointed to the reality, where the promises God made were fulfilled in person. Those signs stand as permanent, even eternal, pointers to the reality. But once you’ve followed their lead and have met the reality—Jesus himself—they have fulfilled their purpose and are no longer needed. They are superseded by the reality. You could never confuse the sign with the far greater reality of what they pointed to. Perhaps this is why, when asked, Jesus sometimes refused to give another sign. He told them they already had plenty of signs. No sign will help them recognize the reality when it’s standing there in front of them face to face.

So when we read that God has given us certain signs forever, this is true. They eternally point to the promised reality. But when you’ve met the Lord of All Signs, all others, having done their work, can now only have relative value—value relative to the Reality of their Lord.

Photo Credits: 123RF

Hillary Irusta receives MDiv

On May 19, GCI elder and former Internship Program participant, Hillary Irusta, graduated from Wake Forest University School of Divinity in Winston-Salem, North Carolina with a Masters of Divinity (MDiv) degree.

Hillary currently serves as associate pastor of GCI’s Centered Church in Greensboro, North Carolina. In August, she will begin a CPE (Clinical Pastoral Education) Chaplaincy Residency at Greensboro’s Moses H. Cone Memorial Hospital. She is looking forward to opportunities to provide spiritual care to patients, loved ones and hospital staff.

Speaking of her sense of vocation, Hillary was quoted during the diploma ceremony saying, “I’m called into the heart of the Beloved, to live a life pursuing wholeness for myself, neighbors and creation while equipping the church for acts of radical hospitality, justice and compassion in the world.”

Congratulations to Hillary and her family!

Greg Williams receives DMin

Greg Williams, who serves as the associate director of GCI-USA Church Administration and Development, was awarded a Doctorate of Ministry (DMin) degree by Drew University on Saturday May 17.

Greg completed a project and dissertation on the topic of mentoring as it relates to internships in Grace Communion International. Greg worked with an Advisory Team that included John Halford, Ted Johnston, Charles Fleming and Mychelle Fleming. It is Greg’s hope that this project will be a gift to the denomination and launch hundreds of young men and women into the ministry of Jesus Christ for years to come.

Greg and his wife Susan, who currently live in Hendersonville, North Carolina, are preparing to move to Southern California where they will serve GCI from that location. Please pray that all aspects of their move go well.

Congratulations to Greg—and to Susan too!

Getaways for pastors

Pastors—are you and your spouse needing time away to rest and refresh? Thankfully, in the U.S. there are many retreat locations that are provided free or at low-cost to pastors. Some of the options are listed in a Christianity Today blog post at www.christianitytoday.com/edstetzer/2014/march/free-or-discounted-getaways-for-pastors.html.