This past week, Texans observed the second anniversary of the visit paid our area by Hurricane Ike. This unwelcome visitor did his damage 2 years ago in just a few short hours of fierce winds, violent tornados, torrential rainfall, and deadly flooding. The effect of the storm, however, was much more than short-term. Friends, neighbors, family, and volunteers from across the nation worked together for weeks to restore normalcy. Churches mobilized to work alongside the Red Cross and governmental agencies in response to the crisis. While most households have recovered from the storm, there are still some situations that have not yet been restored to pre-Ike conditions. Anniversaries of significant events from the past serve now as a challenge for how to live in the present. The Ike anniversary is a current events reminder for 2010.
God’s Word speaks to daily life now as memories of Ike are filtered through Biblical truth. One lesson from Ike is that Christians must treasure that which is truly valuable. Therefore, recognize the instability of earthly possessions. This reality is graphically illustrated in the photos from September 2008 and clearly taught in Jesus’ words and example. The most concise compilation of Biblical teachings on the real purpose of life is recorded in the gospel, penned by Matthew, spoken by Jesus, and inspired by the Holy Spirit. This passage is commonly referenced as the Sermon on the Mount. One day as he saw the crowds gathering, Jesus went up on the mountainside & sat down. His disciples gathered around him, & he began to teach them. Matthew 5:1-2 In this outdoor setting, Jesus addressed many topics as He spoke of “greater values”, or life treasures. For this reason I say to you, do not be worried about your life… for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. "But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. Matthew 6:25-34
To paraphrase this lesson for 2010 … don’t treasure things that hurricanes like Ike will blow away. Place your greatest values in the priorities of the kingdom of heaven. Those greater values are expressed in your relationships with people. The words and teachings of Jesus offer piratical insight in how to live these greater values. Ike lessons understood in Sermon on the Mount principles offer insight in how to recover from past storms and to weather any potential disasters when and if they come.

Holiday rituals are a significant aspect of religious practice for most world religions. For example, two groups recently observed their most important annual rites. Muslims concluded Ramadan on September 10th after a month of daily fasting and nightly feasting. Also, on September 17th, Jews observed Yom Kippur, the annual Day of Atonement. These faiths trace their spiritual genealogy to Abraham, and Christianity also recognizes this patriarch through the Old Testament roots of our faith. Thus, the world religions of Islam, Judaism, and Christianity are linked historically. The reality is, however, that all three religions cannot be true even though there is a common ancestry. Christianity is tolerant in recognizing absolute freedom of religious choice for everyone, but doctrinal fidelity is intolerant also. This fanaticism is simple agreement with what Jesus claimed. “I am the way and the truth and the life…” (John 14:6) The clear Biblical doctrine is that truth and salvation are through Jesus alone. Jesus demanded absolute allegiance to Him through relationship of grace. Piety toward God and fidelity with others is not due to religion, but is the greater value of a transformation of the heart. As Christ-followers, our affirmation is that Jesus is Lord. (Romans 10:8-10) We are then empowered for a lifestyle of grace that is much more than an annual ritual. Christianity as a part of the religious community in the USA teaches respect for the beliefs of others. An individual Christian’s relationship with Muslims, Jews, or even an irreligious person must always be loving and respectful. Truth spoken in love leads Christ-followers to invite anyone regardless of their worldview or prior religion to know Jesus personally by grace through faith. The greater value of Christianity is that faith shapes the culture instead of allowing the culture to change our faith!

Pastor’s NewsViews
Tim Edwards, Pastor
First Baptist Church Highlands

It’s a brand new school year for students in public and parochial schools. Even home-schoolers are ending vacations and getting back in the routines. While there are many options in education, parents are primarily accountable for the training of their own children. One of the civic responsibilities in every community is funding a quality public education system. This undertaking has been institutionalized in the USA since the early decades of our history.
Education of the next generation is a costly proposition. School districts nationwide face significant budget challenges as the 2010-2011 school year begins. A new ceiling has recently been established for public school construction costs. The Robert F. Kennedy Community School in Los Angeles will open next month with approximately 4,200 students. The price tag is $578 million dollars and far exceeds costs for other pricey schools already constructed in that region. Approximately 1 billion dollars has allocated for the construction of 3 new schools within the past 5 years in the Los Angeles area. The budget of constructing and maintaining public education is high, but the cost factor of training the children is not solely measured in dollars and cents.

The greatest asset in providing for the children in any community is the input of parents and families. Parents give the greatest gift by investment of time and energy in meeting every need of children. These needs are not just educational, but include addressing the emotional, physical, and spiritual training of the next generation. Regardless of the venue, accountability for instruction of the total person is parental. The best ally for parents in fulfilling the responsibility of equipping kids for success is the local church. First Highlands is an ally for every family in our area as we teach God's Word.
Yes, education is costly and the greatest investment is a commitment as moms and dads to equip families with spiritual truth. Solomon gives God-breathed insight about real wisdom in the poetry textbook of ancient Israel. “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding (Proverbs 9:10)…. A wise son brings joy to his father, but a foolish son grief to his mother (Proverbs 10:1)...He who fears the Lord has a secure fortress, and for his children it will be a refuge. (Proverbs 14:27)

This instruction is far more valuable than even a 578 million dollar school. Be an example in Godly wisdom. That gift is priceless!

The consequences of the April 20th Deepwater Horizon explosion and subsequent oil spill in the Gulf are impossible to neatly quantify. The greatest tragedy is the loss of human life as 11 persons perished in the explosion. BP has already expended 6.1 billion dollars in efforts to cap the well and clean up the effects on the environment. BP has also pledged 20 billion dollars to a fund to compensate those whose livelihood are directly affected by the disaster. A first designation of 3 billion dollars has now been escrowed. The well has been capped but the final 100 feet to a permanent seal was to be accomplished this week. Overcoming this disaster has not been accomplished quickly nor can any one person or entity take credit. Cooperation has been tenuous, but thousands of people have worked for a solution.
A return to normalcy demands continued cooperation. When expert John Wright hits the precise spot in drilling the relief well, it will be the culmination of the efforts of thousands of people in the government and in the private sector. Teamwork is essential with each person fulfilling specific roles. Some tasks and decisions have been very public, and others behind the scenes. Blame, anger, and indecision have also been prominent in this 3 month ordeal. Such rhetoric may continue through the next few months as the details as the Gulf region seeks a return to normalcy. For ongoing success, however, cooperation will be the key.
Indeed cooperation is essential in dealing with every challenge in life. Communities, families, schools, offices, refineries, disaster response units, and our First Highlands Family will all be most effective by practicing the principles of cooperation defined in scripture. Paul the apostle challenges believers to this standard and the principle can be applied in every circumstance. Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one body. In your anger do not sin": Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold. He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with his own hands, that he may have something to share with those in need. Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.

And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you Eph 4:25-32
At FBCH, let us set the example for cooperation for every group and person in our community to observe. By so doing, we glorify God and make a positive difference in the world.

Lois is dormant again after generating much attention this past week at the Houston Museum of Natural Science. Lois is the nickname given to the Amorphophallus titanum by the staff at the Houston Museum. This unusual flower is commonly called the “corpse flower” for its rotting flesh-like smell when it blooms. “Lois the Corpse Flower” bloomed on Friday July 24th with several thousand people queuing up to experience her in person at the Cockerel Butterfly Exhibit at the Museum. Multiplied thousands of other interested observers have followed her saga in the media. The exhibit was open 24 hours a day and a webcam was also in place to capture the precise time for the blooming of the 5 foot tall bud. The corpse flower is a quirk of nature with a dramatically foul stench instead of the pleasant smells associated with other flora. Lois will soon no longer be on exhibit, but officials are hopeful that she will bloom again next spring.
Lois the Corpse Flower paints a graphic picture of the nature of the effect of sin in the life of every human. The stench of the Amorphophallus titanum comes when it is in full bloom. Likewise, spiritual death is the full bloom of sin. The stench of our sin separates all humanity from God. It is God’s Grace that overcomes the odor, transforming death into life.
Paul paints a word picture of the aroma of life in his comparison of spiritual life in Christ Jesus with the victory parades of the Roman legions. But thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession, and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of him everywhere. For we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing, to one a fragrance from death to death, to the other a fragrance from life to life. 2 Corinthians 2:14-16 Thus believers bring the perfume of life to our world as we share the love of Christ in a world that is decaying because of the rebellion of all humanity and the sinfulness of every individual .
Our purpose is not to merely observe all the corpse plants but proclaim the transforming power of Jesus to all the “Lois the Corpse Plant” people in our circle of influence. The bloom of sin is death, but the gift of God is life in its fullness!

Authentic Love

Cleveland Ohio gave great love to one of her favorite sons for a few short weeks this summer. Lebron James evolved from Ohio schoolboy phenom into NBA superstar in seven seasons as a Cleveland Cavalier. His place on the short list of “Greatest NBA players ever” is assured and veteran status at the conclusion of this 2010 season allowed him to be a free agent. He thus had the option of signing with any franchise in the League. Lebron quickly narrowed his list of suitors to 6 franchisees. All these teams, including the Cleveland Cavaliers showed him the love in efforts to woo him to play ball with them. Management, fans and even the average citizen courted “King James” with very public and fervent appeals for him to stay in Cleveland to continue his career.
All this love was to no avail. On his 1 hour primetime ESPN special program, Lebron dramatically announced his decision to go to work in Miami. His reasoning was that Miami was the best fit for him to achieve his NBA Championship goals. The decision unites him on the Heat with two superstar friends, Dwayne Wade and Christ Bosch. Leaving the Cavaliers also unified virtually all the state of Ohio in anger directed against him. Lebron’s choice was seen as a rejection as harsh as a bride left standing at the altar. Love in Cleveland quickly turned to animosity. Instantly, the most loved man in Cleveland became the most despised person in professional sports.
The Lebron/Cleveland incident is an example of the contrast between true God-style love and the brand of love most prevalent. God-style love is concern for others even when wronged. Scripture describes this “agape” (Greek word) love as being received from God with the result of showing Christ’s love to others. Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. 8 Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love. 9In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him. 10In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. 11Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. 1 John 4:7-11
The 17th century playwright, William Congreve, penned these famous lines of love rejected in play, The Mourning Bride. Heaven has no rage like love to hatred turned / Nor hell a fury like a woman scorned." This is certainly true regarding love as defined by human standards. This model is dependent on performance. A person who defines love by the actions of others is actually not expressing love at all. This “show me the love” mantra is the nature of the NBA contract negotiations, but is not the love that builds relationships. Authentic Biblical love enables you to love others even when rejected. The jilted woman or rejected man certainly will experience anger and emotional pain. Real love is however a prayer for God to bless even those who are enemies. It is God-style love that enables you to live at the championship level spiritually and personally. God has shown you the love- now show the love by unselfish actions, gentle words, and a forgiving spirit with others. Love is your sincere desire for the best interests of even those who reject or scorn you.
It’s still OK for Cleveland fans to cheer against the Heat and natural for the woman scorned to experience great pain. Yet, authentic love enables victory regardless of the actions of anyone else!

Everyone needs “R&R”… rest and relaxation. It is not however always feasible to “getaway” due to life circumstances. Crises make vacations an impossibility for those caught in situations such as the current efforts to cap the Gulf oil spill. BP personnel, governmental officials, and the news media are absolutely consumed with the dire nature of the oil spill. The public certainly expects all of these entities to give attention to the problem.
Residents of our area are well aware of how a natural disaster has the potential to change plans overnight. Ike, Rita, and Katrina are no longer just names in a list, but focus our minds immediately on past crises. Even now, hurricane season 2010 brings the potential to make any prior plans for recreation a moot point. It would be ludicrous for any “R&R” events to be planned if your house is under water or the wind has blown away the roof. You cannot take a vacation in the middle of a crisis---1st deal with the need. Although there is no imminent risk this weekend, there is always the dynamic tension of life situations. Whether it is just the daily grind or a full-blown catastrophe, everyone needs time for “R&R”. Individuals and organizations can re-create by taking even a brief moment to refresh and then gear up for the next challenge. The human body cannot run 24/7 as though it is a refinery or factory. Everyone needs to physically rest and also receive spiritual refreshment. You need re-creation when you are in a crisis mode or at the quiet seasons of life. That “R&R” is possible by your focus on the very Presence of God. The LORD sits enthroned over the flood; the LORD sits enthroned as king forever. May the LORD give strength to his people! May the LORD bless his people with peace! Psalm 29:10-11
These lyrics express this commitment to “R&R” eloquently…
Find rest, my soul, in Christ alone, know His pow'r in quietness & trust.
When the oceans rise and thunders roar,I will soar with You above the storm
Father, You are King over the flood,I will be still,know You are God.
When the oceans rise and thunders roar,I will soar with You above the storm,
Father, You are King over the flood,I will be still,know You are God.

Common usage of certain acronyms has created immediate recognition of these various letter combinations. For example, GCCISD, REL, RSS GCM, and TAKS are just a few of the familiar terms relative to public school education in our area. For multiplied generations, another acronym, VBS, has been in the USA vocabulary. VBS is “Vacation Bible School” and literally millions of children have participated in VBS since its beginning in the late 19th and early 20th century. Hopedale, Illinois is historically credited as the original VBS in 1894. An ongoing “everyday” summer Bible school started in New York City in 1898. In the early years of the 20th century, major denominations established well-organized programs. From those early years until this summer of 2010, VBS has numerous commonalities. Music, games, refreshments, pledges, crafts, etc. is the schedule with Bible study at the heart of all daily activities. VBS methodology has changed and will continue to evolve in the context of 21st century culture.

The purpose and importance of VBS is unchanging for kids and families in this culture as in past decades. Our church extends an open invitation to VBS this week. Register on the website or call the church office for information. There is a class for adults too. VBS is the “word” for fun and truth this summer for kids of all ages!

The World Cup continues in South Arica with a noteworth drop-off of interest in the United States. When Team USA advanced to the title round, the FIFA World Cup was the lead story for local and national sports programming. By appearances, millions of Americans instantaneously converted into soccer fans. Reality surfaced, however, when Team USA was eliminated. Heightened World Cup interest is not passion for the sport of soccer, but instead an opportunity for rallying together as Americans There are certainly many very rabid soccer fans in the USA, but flag-wavers far outnumber true “football” fans.
Similar to patriotism’s link with this sports spectacle, there is a July 4th temptation to marry allegiance to USA with love for God. It is certainly appropriate to pray God’s blessings on America. Patriotism is not however equal to worship of God. Christians in America must not be guilty of a “World Cup/soccer” model regarding relationship to God and our church. Instead, be as passionate for Jesus as the true soccer fan is passionate about the game. Flag-waving is appropriate at soccer games and gratitude to God for our nation ought to always be expressed. Do not however equate patriotism with worship.
This Sunday, USA again celebrates Independence Day. It is an historical fact that the founding fathers sought direction from God. For example, Benjamin Franklin wrote, “Sin is not hurtful because it is forbidden, but it is forbidden because it is hurtful. Nor is a duty beneficial because it is commanded, but it is commanded because it is beneficial.” The Christian heritage of the USA is well documented. Prayer and patriotism are in harmony. Relationship with God and nationalism are not however equal. A believer’s primary allegiance is to Jesus! Christians are citizens of the Kingdom of God, and thus all believers are aliens on this planet. Prayer for USA begins with personal repentance & commitment to join God in His work. Words are hollow if Americans sing God Bless America but do not live with fervent faithfulness to God. Thus our gatherings at First Highlands are primarily celebrations of allegiance to Jesus. All other reasons for gathering, including patriotic ceremonies, are secondary to worship of God. The first & foremost commitment is that Jesus is Lord. He is above all else, including your USA freedoms. On this holiday weekend, pray that God will be glorified by all gatherings at FBCH. As you worship with other believers, pray for God’s direction personally & for the USA. Celebrate independence in your 2010 July 4th observances, but freedom in Christ must be your passion in life. Your 1st priority as a believer is to bring glory to God!

Texans have “enjoyed” summer weather for months. The vacation season with many “fun-in-the-sun” activities began with early June school dismissal. Yet the calendared 1st day of summer was just this past Monday. Summer is now officially here as June 21st is the day of the year with the longest period of daylight. The literal Summer Solstice is a precise moment in time when the axial tilt of the earth towards the sun is at its maximum. The term Summer Solstice, however refers to the entire day on which it occurs.
This day has no spiritual significance for most people worldwide. It is an annual cultic-style experience, however, for neo-druids and neo-pagans that assemble for sunrise at Stonehenge monument in England. Stonehenge is a prehistoric monument that has a 20th-21st century history of recreating Druidic ceremonies. It is located about 90 miles southwest of London. Built between 3000 -1600 B.C. it is a popular tourist attraction in the United Kingdom. Stonehenge has become increasingly associated with British Druidism, Neo-paganism and New Age philosophy. This past Monday, approximately 20,000 revelers greeted the midsummer sunrise with cheers, drums, tambourines, and mediation.
This cultic worship is practiced by an almost immeasurably small percentage of the population. By comparison and contrast, numerous other false gods are worshiped by a huge percentage of the population. The issue is not whether or not people worship- the question is who do you worship? To quote the noted “theologian” Bob Dylan, “you gotta’ serve somebody”. Paul addressed who people worship in his Holy Spirit inspired description of humanity. For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools & exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images made to look like mortal man and birds and animals and reptiles… They exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator Romans 1:21-25
The root problem is that many people worship the creation not the Creator. Sin is the sunrise of self instead of the worship of the Risen Son. In your summer plans, enjoy the creation, including vacation “fun-in-the-sun”. Your 1st priority must however be to worship the Creator. Honor Him day by day!

Fathers Day

The annual calendaring of the third Sunday in June as a day to honor fathers is certainly appropriate for families and churches in our nation. Many families are responsibly led by Godly Christian dads, and this one day is a reminder of quality parenting that is experienced all year long. By contrast, the unfortunate reality is that Father’s Day gifts and cards are very hollow formalities for multiplied millions of people. The failure of dads to “be there” for their kids is pandemic in our culture. Reasons for the waning influence of dads vary, but the Biblical model of a loving involved father must be the goal for families on Father’s Day and every other day of the year. The Father’s Day message from God’s Word is clear instruction to fathers in 2010. Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord. Ephesians 6:4

Thrill of Victory and Agony of Defeat!

“Wide World of Sports” was the weekly ABC Sports program that aired 1961-1997. It is a predecessor of today’s constant satellite coverage of virtually any event on every continent. The “Wide World” athletic competitions varied, but the intro was the same for every broadcast. “Spanning the globe to bring you the constant variety of sport… the thrill of victory… and the agony of defeat… the human drama of athletic competition… This is ABC's Wide World of Sports.” For decades, viewers were introduced to sports from around the world that ranged from the obscure to the wildly popular.
The most memorable feature of the weekly broadcasts is the agony of defeat illustrated by the spectacular crash of ski jumper Vinko Bogataj. His crash March 21, 1970 was featured from the early 1970s onward. An Indianapolis 500 accident was also used for a few episodes of Wide World, but it is this stunning skiing mishap that is forever ingrained in American culture and consciousness as a picture of the “agony of defeat”.
To paraphrase the Wide World intro, Christians also live with the thrill of victory and agony of defeat as you play your role in the human drama. This drama is far more than athletic competition. The arena of real life is success and failure in relationships, finances, education, career, marriage, parenting… and at times even sports. The Wide World intro teaches a spiritual truth in contrast to the vivid imagery of the spectacular Wide World skiing crash. The lesson is that success or failure is not defined by your performance in any of the events of this life. Success comes as you achieve your deeper purpose in life. True purpose is through a life that honors God and this success is received, in a faith relationship in Jesus. Biblical truth is that you cannot earn success by your performance nor will you be labeled a failure due to your defeats. Victory is through God’s Grace. Do not replay the crashes of your human drama over and over. Affirm with Paul the true victory in the human drama. But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us Romans 8:37

Summertime!

An agriculturally-driven agenda was the way of life prior to the industrial revolution in America. Patterns of life were established on the basis of the times for planting, cultivation, and harvest. It was an era in which the Farmers’ Almanac was as widely read as the Sears and Roebuck catalog and the family Bible. One of the summer events that define Americana was a summer revival meeting. After the crops were harvested and prior to planting for a fall garden, many local churches scheduled outdoor services with enthusiastic music and evangelistic preaching. Thus summer was not only a time to gather the fruit and vegetables, but also provided occasion for a spiritual harvest.

Schedules in our urban culture are no longer based on growing seasons, but now revolve around the school calendar.
This week, textbooks were returned, report cards mailed, and graduates tossed their caps. This summer recess does not affect just teachers and students, but literally sets the calendar for the whole community. Thus, families anticipate “school’s out” to plan vacations, reunions, and other recreation.

Completion of the 2009-2010 school year also affords opportunity for a summertime spiritual harvest. Although an outdoor, post-harvest brush-arbor camp meeting is not scheduled, our First Highlands June-August calendar is filled with events designed for spiritual renewal. Youth Camp, Pre-teen Camp, Vacation Bible School, and student ministry events are not designed to just entertain the kids. These programs have the deeper goal of spiritual harvest just as much as the camp meeting revivals of rural America. This summer, maximize summer vacation by taking advantage of these special events for spiritual growth of kids and for all the family. Schools out for summer!!!