Gregory L. Jones - Blog

Family Reunion

Gregory L. Jones — 2008-08-02T17:09:00+00:00

I attended a family reunion last weekend. It was on the day my Grandmother Burkholder would have turned 100. When she died two years earlier, my surviving Uncle made the suggestion we all get together just like old times. Most of us were there, and indeed, it almost felt like old times. My sister and I still marched to the beat of a different drummer (we got creative during the scavenger hunt, which surprised no one). The used doggie doo doo bag was the best. Anyway, when we were younger, and gathered as family at Grandma & Grandpa's house, we all had dreams and visions of who we would be when we got older (Grandma was always encouraging to study and work hard). Last weekend I saw how each of us has chosen to change the world. Well, as I listened to my cousin’s talk about their careers, it occurred to me why most pastors feel inferior to the rest of society. See, we know, deep down we know that nothing that happens because of our ministry happens because of us. It happens because we have allowed God to work through us. It wasn't our brilliance or superior knowledge, it was the fact that we got out of the way and let God do His work. Maybe that's why we feel inadequate.

Any training, knowledge, or skill I may learn is helpful on a theological and sociological perspective. But what God needs most from me, as a Pastor, is to become an empty vessel so that He can accomplish great things through me, not because of me. And do you want to hear something strange? Realizing this last weekend actually made me feel pretty good. Who would have guessed that the little boy who was always different from the rest would be successful in a different way as well; that he would grow up and one day surrender the credentials and the resume’ all for a chance to pick up his cross and follow Jesus.

I think that’s pretty cool.

Frumpy Pastor

Gregory L. Jones — 2007-09-27T20:09:52+00:00

Today I just don't feel like a pastor. Oh, I know I wore the suit and stood in the pulpit, but I really felt out of place. I conducted a funeral today with another minister who has mastered the warm handshake and sympathetic smile; who has learned the art of engaging conversation and has all the right answers to questions. The family of the deceased love him. I, on the other hand, stumbled through my prayer because I was too emotional. As the family wept, it really got to me. I held hands but had no idea what to say. This man has come from a whole family of pastors and missionaries; I'm a former Disk Jockey.

There are times when I just don't seem to fit in with my peers, and it really makes me feel alone. I'm just not as polished and professional as they are. Many of them even have the sing-song voice that rises and falls at appropriate times while preaching. Me? I just get all emotional and then struggle to finish the sermon.

I know that God calls all kinds to be His witnesses and servants, but there are times I just don't seem to fit the mold. And I wonder if the congregation I serve notices this as well.

Pastor Greg

The Evil in this world (and what God is doing about it)

Gregory L. Jones — 2007-06-07T12:39:43+00:00

I'm in the middle of a book written by N. T. Wright titled Evil and the Justice of God. I was intrigued by the title, especially since my many debates with Atheist seeminly end up on this topic (if God exists, why is there so much evil/suffering in this world). Although I have not finished reading the book, so far it has caused me to look at evil in a way my heart feared. I came kicking and screaing to the same conclusion as Mr. Wright; the battle against evil in this world is not an "Us verses Them" ordeal. It is a battle we all face because evil runs straight through each and every one of us. The reality is that I am just as inherently evil as the next person. I need the redemtive work of Christ just as much as the next guy. Just because I don't manifest evil in a way others can easily see does not let me off the hook.

Mr. Wright also points out, in an "Aha!" moment for me, that God has already dealt with evil. We picture God dealing with evil through fire and smoke; with displays of awesome power. But God chose to deal with evil in the form of a 30 year old man named Jesus who seeminly failed, by the worlds standards, with His death on the cross. But this was God's way of dealing with evil. And if that is the case, then there must be more to the cross than meets the eye.

N. T. Wright is from England, and writes in a style reminicent to C. S. Lewis. For some, this style may be difficult, but I assure you, it is certainly worth the read.

A Great Legal Accomplishment?

Gregory L. Jones — 2007-04-16T20:03:11+00:00

This past week’s incident with Don Imus had an effect on the worship service this past Sunday. I know it sounds odd, but I awoke Sunday morning with these nagging thoughts that something was wrong about the whole case. I would agree that Don Imus has said things that were not appropriate; I don’t care if other people are using them. That still doesn’t make it right. Don was sharply criticized by Reverend Al Sharptin. It seemed that Rev. Sharptin felt Don needed to be fired for his racial slur, and was adamant that an apology just wasn’t enough. Rev. Sharptin probably feels that he has accomplished something important for tolerance in this nation of ours, and through his efforts perhaps white America will think twice before they use the same words black America uses, even broadcasting them over the airwaves in their Rap Music.

Well, I was bothered by this incident because of what I would soon be doing; standing in a pulpit as a representative of Jesus. I imagined that at nearly the same time Reverend Sharptin would be standing in his. And I wondered what he would be preaching and teaching that Sunday. Would people hear the word of God, or would they simply hear of a great legal accomplishment.

Al Sharptin is the Pastor of a church in Harlem; pastor of a church that professes Jesus as Lord and Savior. I wonder what impact that must have had on Don Imus from a Kingdom perspective? I wonder what effect it must have had with what Al should primarily be concerned about; Don Imus’ eternal soul.

It’s so easy for Christians to get politically or socially motivated to change this land for the good of the Kingdom, but I honestly believe that our first priority should not be to merely change the laws but to change the people; to change a person.

Can you imagine the impact a Christian Don Imus could have on this nation of ours? Can you imagine the difference in Don Imus if, instead of pursuing legal action, Reverend Sharptin would have shared the message of Jesus? As a representative of Jesus, I believe Reverend Sharptin has a responsibility to first share Jesus, not social reform. Let that to the lawmakers and the politicians.

I believe if we first change the people, the nation will follow; not the other way around. Change the nation without changing the people and you have a nation that is poised on the brink of collapse; where laws are written in the courts instead of on our hearts. In other words, its one thing to tell Don Imus what he did was wrong, but is not the greater task to have him understand why? And that, I believe, is the task we have been called to do.

A Weak Foundation

Gregory L. Jones — 2007-03-14T21:35:41+00:00

I was doing some research for a sermon recently and happened upon a web site entitled ExChristian.net. Of particular interest was an article called "House Built on a Weak Foundation". Since I was planning to speak on this issue, as Jesus discussed at the end of Matthew 7, I read the whole article (found here at http://exchristian.net/exchristian/2006/07/house-built-on-weak-foundation.html). My first reaction was to go into defensive mode; pointing out the flaws in this person's arguments. Well, if I had the chance, I could argue them back into a corner, I thought. But the more I thought about it, the more difficult I realized it would be. How do you argue against someone who denies the existence of God? I can't paint a picture for them because they cannot see. I can't tell them testimonies for they cannot hear. At what point do I just shake the dust from my feet and move on to the next person? The question is quite relevant because just down the street from the church is a confessed athiest who says that he discovered God does not exist. I've talked (not argued because I want my speech seasoned with wisdom) with this man many times, but he still refuses to believe. I'm the one delusional, he says. As I stand and debate this person, he begs me to prove God exists. And when I do, he is not convinced. Are my arguments that poor? Am I really that incompetent? If I could speak with the wisdom of C. S. Lewis, would he believe? Somehow I don't think so. Even if Jesus were standing before him, I believe he would respond like so many did while Jesus walked his earth. So I pray. I pray that this man's mind would be cleared of the weeds that entangle; that Satan would be removed so he could both see and hear. But I no longer argue. That's getting me no where. I no longer engage this man in a debate about Jesus and God. But I do pray and I do live; I live the truth in hopes that one day this man might be able to see what’s been right before him all along.

The Restaurant

Gregory L. Jones — 2007-02-06T01:34:15+00:00

I ate lunch this week with about 15 people, but it’s not like we intended to share a meal together. You see, we all happened to be eating at the same time in a restaurant. Fate, it seemed, drew us together for a chance meeting on a cold day.

In the booth behind me sat a retired older couple; two life long friends sharing a quiet meal together. Across the isle sat a group of farmers seeking warmth and a hot meal on a frigid winter day. Still dressed in cover‑all’s these hard working men, who earlier had braved minus 25 degree wind chills, were warmed for a moment by each others company. Two young mothers and their babies sat in the booth next to the farmers, their children wrapped in blankets to shelter them from the cold winter wind. They talked about 2 a.m. feedings and sleepless nights. They lamented over the cost of baby food and doctor visits. And a young man sat beside me who was either still in high school or just entering college. So young, I thought, to be sitting in a booth alone. I noticed him glancing down often, as if to read a book. It was the Bible. How strange, I thought, for this young man to be reading a Bible and me in my booth to be reading a commentary on the gospel of John.

For a few brief moments we took a break from the world in our lunch time oasis, but soon we would return to face the challenges of failing health, the harshness of winter, rising doctor bills, school exams, and a hurting world. And as I looked upon these momentary comrades of mine, I marveled at the many expressions of love being demonstrated amongst hamburgers and happy meals.

Some would say that chance or fate brought us together that day. But as a follower of Christ I know that the hand of God was involved to create this living example of what is written in scripture. Jesus mentions it in John 13:35, “If you have love for one another, then everyone will know that you are my disciples”. And what I saw the other day in the restaurant is a small example of that; the love between husband and wife, the love between men of kindred spirit, the love between a mother and child, and the love of a man for his God. All of us who ate together may live in this world, but our actions displayed that we are not a part of this world.

The example in the restaurant raises a valid question; if we demonstrate no love for one other, what will a watching world think? What must Jesus think as we argue with one another, promote our own agenda’s, gossip, slander, and ridicule those that call Him their Savior? How does Jesus feel as we engage in Christian civil war?

Jesus’ desire is that His church become an oasis to a thirsty and hungry world; to be a place where, on any given day, a group of strangers could assemble together and find comfort and shelter from the storms of the world; a place where we can see the love between husband and wife, between men of kindred spirit, between mother and child, and between a man and his God.

So, what kind of place is your church?

Pastor Greg

A Good Enough Life

Gregory L. Jones — 2007-01-30T01:12:24+00:00

About three weeks ago, during a visit with my grandmother, she made a statement that caught me off guard. “I just hope I’ve lived a good enough life”, she reflected. I thought, 98 years of life and this saint still wonders? Of course I reminded her that God finds favor not in our being good but in our being surrendered to the work of Jesus. She smiled and nodded in agreement, but I naturally did what many of us do when we hear someone ask that question; I began to wonder about myself.

In the back of my mind rests these haunting words of Jesus found in Matthew chapter seven; “Not everyone who calls out to Me, ‘Lord! Lord!’ will enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Only those who actually do the will of My Father in heaven will enter.On judgment day many will say to Me, ‘Lord! Lord! We prophesied in Your name and cast out demons in Your name and performed many miracles in Your name.’ But I will reply, ‘I never knew you. Get away from Me, you who break God’s laws.” Perhaps, like me, you find these words of Jesus quite difficult. Not everyone who is religious will find themselves enjoying the glories of heaven. You or I may preach in His name, cast out demons in His name, or perform many other works of power, and it will prove nothing. I mean, there’s no way to look at what we DO in the name of Jesus and be assured that when we cry out “Lord, Lord” He will know us. We may be fooled by what appears righteous and godly on the outside, but God knows what lies within our hearts.

Also, Jesus precedes this statement in Matthew 7 with the point that you can tell a tree by the fruit it produces. A bad tree cannot produce good fruit (verse 18). But according to Jesus, someone who even cast out demons in His name is not guaranteed the glories of heaven. Defeating the enemy would surely count as “Good Fruit” in my book. But Jesus says that this is still no guarantee. Even miracles through prayer or anointing do not assure us that we will hear Christ calling us to heaven on the Day of Judgment.

Is it just gamblers luck; a divine roll of the dice that assures us of the glories of heaven? Or is there something more concrete behind this statement of Jesus I may be missing. I spent the better part of a week looking for some sure fire evidence that would put not only my heart at ease, but also those who would ask the same question; “Have I lived a good enough life?” But the reality is that I can’t tell by my good deeds or by my fruit. None of us can. And, to be honest, I was stuck here in hopelessness for quite some time. But then it hit me; this statement by Jesus is to show us that looking for tangible proof that we can hold in our hand or measure against some standard does not exist. Like the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, we too are trapped inside a system that makes us believe rewards are based upon merits.

The Apostle Paul points out in Romans chapter three that “People are made right with God when they believe that Jesus sacrificed His life, shedding His blood. He declares sinners to be right in His sight when they believe in Jesus (Not when they preach, cast out demons, or do other glorious works in His name). Can we boast, then, that we have done anything to be accepted by God? No, because our acquittal is not based on obeying the law. It is based on faith”.

We don’t earn our way to heaven by measuring our life against some standard; it is grace based upon our faith and the attitude of our heart. The person who worries if they have lived a good enough life to make it to heaven needs to be told “no”. But they do need to understand what is said here in Matthew by Jesus. It’s not based upon their good living. It’s based upon whether they are surrendered to God; and whose hope and trust and faith are found in the promises of Jesus.

Pastor Greg

Fall From Grace

Gregory L. Jones — 2006-11-06T18:27:58+00:00

The news has been following the story of Ted Haggard, the pastor of a large congregation in Colorado. It seems that Ted struggled with a sin in his life for quite some time, and a gay prostitute felt this sin needed to be revealed. At first I didn’t want to believe the accusations. I suspected it was politically motivated. But this weekend Pastor Ted confessed to his struggle, and resigned from the Church.

In the news Monday morning, they mentioned Ted’s “Fall from grace”. And that statement really caught my attention. Had he really fallen? Does Pastor Ted no longer receive grace? As they mentioned this, I was reminded of what Paul said in Romans 5:20, “Where sin increased, grace abounded all the more”. I wonder; is it grace that keeps us righteous before the eyes of God, or is it grace we receive from Him when our righteousness stumbles and falters.

My heart weeps for Pastor Ted because, like all of us who call ourselves Christian, there is a never ending battle taking place within our minds. Again Paul points out in Romans 7:19 that even he struggled daily. “When I want to do good, I don’t. And when I try not to do wrong, I do it anyway!” I think if you were to be honest with yourself, you would admit to the same struggle. I know I fight that battle daily. The sinful nature still exists within me. I don’t call myself a Christian because of a perfection I’ve accomplished on my own. I call myself a Christian because of the relationship I have with a risen Savior named Jesus. I receive His grace not because I am worthy of receiving it, but because He has offered it to me in all my helplessness; in spite of the struggle I face each and every day. “While we were yet sinners Christ died for us”, says Paul in Romans 5:8 Somehow I don’t think the world understands this.

I imagine the world will use Pastor Ted for target practice these next few weeks. It seems people can’t get enough of stumbling believers. I get the impression they want us to fail. They want us to show them that Christianity doesn’t work. But for myself, when I see a brother or sister stumble and falter in their faith, I see Christianity at it’s strongest. It is then, my friend, that the grace of God pours out unmeasured to those who have fallen; as God continues to love and discipline His children. A Christian is not perfect but has been perfected by someone other than themselves. It is Christ Jesus, the Author and Perfecter of our Faith (Hebrews 12:2).

I mourn for those whose faith is weakened by Pastor Ted’s struggle with sin. But I am convinced that now perhaps Ted will find the help and healing he so desperately needs. And only God knows what will come of this dark time in his life. But know this, in the eyes of God Ted has not fallen from Grace, but Grace is now falling upon him!