Blog https://www.astoriachurch.org Mon, 18 Mar 2024 23:32:09 -0400 http://churchplantmedia.com/ A Testimony of God's Wonderful Faithfulness https://www.astoriachurch.org/blog/post/a-testimony-of-gods-wonderful-faithfulness https://www.astoriachurch.org/blog/post/a-testimony-of-gods-wonderful-faithfulness#comments Fri, 26 Jan 2024 13:00:00 -0500 https://www.astoriachurch.org/blog/post/a-testimony-of-gods-wonderful-faithfulness I want to share just a snippet of how God has been faithful to meet my needs.

 We often read “God will meet all your needs according to his riches in glory” (Philippians 4:19)

 But that verse starts with AND. What preceded it was Paul being thankful for the Philippian church sharing with him in the matter of giving AND receiving. (Philippians 4:10, 15, 19)

 Very early on God showed me how he was providing for me before I knew him. I believe the grace he gave me to put him first in my finances allowed God to show me he can do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us (Ephesians 3:20.) He was faithful even when at times I was not.

 I grew up in the 60s and 70s in a foster home, with an older couple, in a working class household. There were no discussions with children about preparing for the future, no talk about making better choices or the purpose of college. The extent of a talk to us children was “and what do you want to be when you grow up?” The thought of living on my own was scary to me. I thought honesty, hard work and Social Security alone was all that was needed to succeed. Adults didn't have adult conversations with children. Sadly, the motto back then, often quoted was “children should be seen and not heard”. So where was I to get this knowledge? I was so naïve. At 17/18 in college, I really was alone. The thought of having to take out another student loan to continue to stay in college scared me so I dropped out of college after two years. But God's grace and provision was real to me, even before I committed my life to Christ. I had typing and practical clerical skills and one financial accounting class. In 1982, that was enough for a data entry job. Three years later, I found a new job where I worked for 13 years.

During that time I gave my life to Christ in 1985.

Months after being saved God gave me the grace to tithe not because I was being pressured into it nor was it mandated or tied to a promise of becoming rich like the false prosperity gospel. The appeal was that everything I have comes from God. That was good enough for me. And true to his word, despite the lack of a degree, advanced or otherwise, God provided.

As life progressed, due to my lack of discipline and living beyond my means I got  into credit card debt. God got my attention. One day I was about to go shopping for another sale. And in what felt like a near audible voice, I heard a very stern “STOP!” in my heart. I say audible because it came out of nowhere and startled me as I took one step down the subway stairs. I made an about face and took the bus home. I cut up my credit cards, wrote thank you letters to my creditors, made serious adjustments and figured out a budget and debt reduction payment plan. It took seven years to be debt free. I remember it never occurred to me to stop tithing because it was my irresponsibility that got me into debt, not God failing to provide. He did after all give me a job, a place to live, food and more. I didn't overthink it because I was already used to giving for 10 years at this point. During those lean times I saw God meet my needs in ways only he could to show it was Him. My sister called me foolish but I believed that I was to be obedient. And it was one week after that encounter with my sister that I had $50.00 left over after making minimum payments. From that point I gradually had to work LOTS of overtime… LOTS. That clear voice to “stop” before I started working overtime was God preparing me, because within 18 months, in March 1998, I was laid off. I had for the first time an emergency fund, savings, severance pay, unemployment and a ridiculously low rent of $450 for a one bedroom apartment in Astoria. To me this was God figuratively opening the windows of heaven as it says in Malachi 3:6-12.

I was unemployed for five months. I later found out a few months after being hired as a long term temp that both agencies I gave my resume to faxed it to this job the same day! Now remember I had no mentors, no family members with degrees, professional careers, owning houses, nothing. And yet the job God clearly sent me to was another act of his faithfulness because my boss was like a mother to me and informed me that NOT investing into a 401K was not an option. She even showed me WHERE to put my money. And this job which came with a pension in the private sector? 25 years later I'm still here. And my virtually non-existent limited college education was no limitation for God. Needing to move suddenly in 2006 when I faced the reality of paying more than twice my previous rent was fearful for me then. Yes, but not a problem for God. I found a rent stabilized apartment on Craigslist five blocks away. And for those nuggets of God's grace and mercy I have seen just how present God is and how he's not bound by our lack or limitations or circumstances.



]]>
I want to share just a snippet of how God has been faithful to meet my needs.

 We often read “God will meet all your needs according to his riches in glory” (Philippians 4:19)

 But that verse starts with AND. What preceded it was Paul being thankful for the Philippian church sharing with him in the matter of giving AND receiving. (Philippians 4:10, 15, 19)

 Very early on God showed me how he was providing for me before I knew him. I believe the grace he gave me to put him first in my finances allowed God to show me he can do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us (Ephesians 3:20.) He was faithful even when at times I was not.

 I grew up in the 60s and 70s in a foster home, with an older couple, in a working class household. There were no discussions with children about preparing for the future, no talk about making better choices or the purpose of college. The extent of a talk to us children was “and what do you want to be when you grow up?” The thought of living on my own was scary to me. I thought honesty, hard work and Social Security alone was all that was needed to succeed. Adults didn't have adult conversations with children. Sadly, the motto back then, often quoted was “children should be seen and not heard”. So where was I to get this knowledge? I was so naïve. At 17/18 in college, I really was alone. The thought of having to take out another student loan to continue to stay in college scared me so I dropped out of college after two years. But God's grace and provision was real to me, even before I committed my life to Christ. I had typing and practical clerical skills and one financial accounting class. In 1982, that was enough for a data entry job. Three years later, I found a new job where I worked for 13 years.

During that time I gave my life to Christ in 1985.

Months after being saved God gave me the grace to tithe not because I was being pressured into it nor was it mandated or tied to a promise of becoming rich like the false prosperity gospel. The appeal was that everything I have comes from God. That was good enough for me. And true to his word, despite the lack of a degree, advanced or otherwise, God provided.

As life progressed, due to my lack of discipline and living beyond my means I got  into credit card debt. God got my attention. One day I was about to go shopping for another sale. And in what felt like a near audible voice, I heard a very stern “STOP!” in my heart. I say audible because it came out of nowhere and startled me as I took one step down the subway stairs. I made an about face and took the bus home. I cut up my credit cards, wrote thank you letters to my creditors, made serious adjustments and figured out a budget and debt reduction payment plan. It took seven years to be debt free. I remember it never occurred to me to stop tithing because it was my irresponsibility that got me into debt, not God failing to provide. He did after all give me a job, a place to live, food and more. I didn't overthink it because I was already used to giving for 10 years at this point. During those lean times I saw God meet my needs in ways only he could to show it was Him. My sister called me foolish but I believed that I was to be obedient. And it was one week after that encounter with my sister that I had $50.00 left over after making minimum payments. From that point I gradually had to work LOTS of overtime… LOTS. That clear voice to “stop” before I started working overtime was God preparing me, because within 18 months, in March 1998, I was laid off. I had for the first time an emergency fund, savings, severance pay, unemployment and a ridiculously low rent of $450 for a one bedroom apartment in Astoria. To me this was God figuratively opening the windows of heaven as it says in Malachi 3:6-12.

I was unemployed for five months. I later found out a few months after being hired as a long term temp that both agencies I gave my resume to faxed it to this job the same day! Now remember I had no mentors, no family members with degrees, professional careers, owning houses, nothing. And yet the job God clearly sent me to was another act of his faithfulness because my boss was like a mother to me and informed me that NOT investing into a 401K was not an option. She even showed me WHERE to put my money. And this job which came with a pension in the private sector? 25 years later I'm still here. And my virtually non-existent limited college education was no limitation for God. Needing to move suddenly in 2006 when I faced the reality of paying more than twice my previous rent was fearful for me then. Yes, but not a problem for God. I found a rent stabilized apartment on Craigslist five blocks away. And for those nuggets of God's grace and mercy I have seen just how present God is and how he's not bound by our lack or limitations or circumstances.



]]>
A Testimony of God’s Wonderful Acts https://www.astoriachurch.org/blog/post/a-testimony-of-god-s-wonderful-acts- https://www.astoriachurch.org/blog/post/a-testimony-of-god-s-wonderful-acts-#comments Tue, 12 Dec 2023 09:00:00 -0500 https://www.astoriachurch.org/blog/post/a-testimony-of-god-s-wonderful-acts-  

 

 

Give praise to the Lord, proclaim his name;
     make known among the nations what he has done.
Sing to him, sing praise to him;
     tell of all his wonderful acts.                                                                                   
—Psalm 105:1-2

It’s the season for reflecting on God’s greatest gift to us and rejoicing in His Son’s birth. In His great love, He gave.

God’s lessons on giving began at an early age. When I was seven years old, my dad, a mechanical engineer in the Philippines, accepted a job offer that moved our family across the ocean to Zambia, Africa. He would oversee the excavation and transportation of copper ore in a section of the mines. The Zambian economy relies heavily on the production and export of copper.

My dad was a believer, and from a young age, I saw his heart to give back to God. He regularly tithed at church, he’d bring food and clothing to villages not far from the city, and he provided scholarships for children to obtain an education. He often said, “You know, anak (child), a good education is a gift no one can take from you.”

When I turned seventeen, after much prayer, my parents and I agreed that I would attend Calvin College, now Calvin University. It’s a Christian reformed school in Grand Rapids, Michigan. We had family friends there, so my parents felt better about sending me so far away. (I’m not sure I could do that to my children. I hope they’ll stay close to home!)

As an international student, I could not avail myself of student loans. I had scholarships, and my parents agreed to pay the rest. My dad wanted to give me the best Christian education he could afford. I didn’t realize as a young believer, however, that God would have His own spiritual education for me as well.  

During my freshman year, I was mostly acclimating to a new culture and educational system while being involved in dorm life. It was thrilling to live with friends and be on my own! During my sophomore year, however, my parents’ businesses struggled, with clients failing to pay or to pay on time. I began to receive overdue tuition letters, and experienced, for the first time, God’s work in the refiner’s fire. 

In high school, I had the choice to pick just one of the sciences if I wished, and I said, “All right, I’ll just go with biology. Why make life harder?” (They shouldn’t have given me options!)

In college, I was in a rigorous nursing program that required organic chemistry. I had to learn some general chemistry and undergraduate organic chemistry concurrently. I didn’t get much sleep, I struggled with anxiety, and I missed my family deeply.

Despite the challenges that year, God’s grace was still evident.

Tita Maryann and her husband were Filipino missionaries in Indonesia. Her husband, Tito Ban, was a doctoral candidate at Calvin Seminary at the time. They didn’t have much, but they lived a life of joyful generosity. We went to a Christian reformed church, and they invited me over for lunch with their family almost every Sunday after service. They provided godly guidance and the familiar comfort of home that I needed. My church and dorm friends raised funds to help me and invited me to join them and their families over the holidays. I experienced the love, care, generosity, and comfort of God through His people.

My young faith at the time felt like it was on a rollercoaster, and it was not an exciting ride. But it grew stronger. I had jobs on campus and did some babysitting as well. Despite the debt we owed, as an act of faith, I gave back 10% of my earnings in the offering basket at church. I believed that everything in the universe is His and that He is more than able to provide.

Malachi 3:10 says, “‘Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,’ says the Lord Almighty, ‘and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it.’”

It’s the only place in the Bible where God invites us to test Him. Just a few verses before, God states that He is immutable — He doesn’t change — and honoring Him through tithing was clearly important to Him. In reverential fear, I took God at His Word as a New Testament believer. Perhaps the promises He made to His people then applied to me as well. I believed that the Old Testament command to tithe, besides meeting practical needs, kept the hearts of his people in check. I learned not to put my security in money or possessions because they were not truly mine. I told God I would be faithful to give back and would wait in anticipation for Him to move. 

I also began to understand why, in Luke 21, the poor widow’s offering of two small copper coins (“all she had to live on”) meant more to Christ than those who gave out of their riches. To the rational mind, her actions seem somewhat foolish. She should save it for her next meal! Through the lens of faith, however, the poor widow was someone who trusted that God would provide all she needed. She didn’t need to hold tightly to those two small copper coins.

At the end of my sophomore year, I completed all my prerequisites — including organic chemistry (praise Jesus!) and was officially accepted into the nursing program. I also, however, received a letter stating that if my family couldn’t pay the tuition in full as well as show that they could pay for the following year, I would have to drop out by the end of July.

I couldn’t comprehend what God was doing, but I learned to surrender my plans to Him. I didn’t always feel like it, but I chose to praise Him, believing that “God works for the good of those who love him” (Romans 8:28).

A week before I had to drop out, I was praying and singing worship songs in my room, when the phone rang.

My mom told me excitedly that they were able to sell some of their land and that the buyer wired the entire amount into their account. She’d had interested buyers that year but nothing came of it until then. My mom, who was not a believer, was amazed and acknowledged that God had answered prayer. She believed that God had sent that man at the last minute. My debt was paid off, and I was able to graduate two years later.  

As God continued to open doors and my income grew, I committed to faithfully give back to God at least 10% of my income. I took God at His word, and He’s been so faithful in keeping His promises. He didn’t open the floodgates and give me millions of dollars. His blessings aren’t always material. His greatest blessings are far beyond that. 

Romans 8:32 says, “He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?” God gives us grace to endure whatever trial comes our way and blesses us with all that we need. The greatest of the blessings poured out from heaven for us is God Himself. He alone is worthy of it all and worthy of our highest praise.

"Give praise to the Lord, proclaim his name; make known among the nations what he has done. Sing to him, sing praise to him; tell of all his wonderful acts."

Amen! 

All Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.

]]>
 

 

 

Give praise to the Lord, proclaim his name;
     make known among the nations what he has done.
Sing to him, sing praise to him;
     tell of all his wonderful acts.                                                                                   
—Psalm 105:1-2

It’s the season for reflecting on God’s greatest gift to us and rejoicing in His Son’s birth. In His great love, He gave.

God’s lessons on giving began at an early age. When I was seven years old, my dad, a mechanical engineer in the Philippines, accepted a job offer that moved our family across the ocean to Zambia, Africa. He would oversee the excavation and transportation of copper ore in a section of the mines. The Zambian economy relies heavily on the production and export of copper.

My dad was a believer, and from a young age, I saw his heart to give back to God. He regularly tithed at church, he’d bring food and clothing to villages not far from the city, and he provided scholarships for children to obtain an education. He often said, “You know, anak (child), a good education is a gift no one can take from you.”

When I turned seventeen, after much prayer, my parents and I agreed that I would attend Calvin College, now Calvin University. It’s a Christian reformed school in Grand Rapids, Michigan. We had family friends there, so my parents felt better about sending me so far away. (I’m not sure I could do that to my children. I hope they’ll stay close to home!)

As an international student, I could not avail myself of student loans. I had scholarships, and my parents agreed to pay the rest. My dad wanted to give me the best Christian education he could afford. I didn’t realize as a young believer, however, that God would have His own spiritual education for me as well.  

During my freshman year, I was mostly acclimating to a new culture and educational system while being involved in dorm life. It was thrilling to live with friends and be on my own! During my sophomore year, however, my parents’ businesses struggled, with clients failing to pay or to pay on time. I began to receive overdue tuition letters, and experienced, for the first time, God’s work in the refiner’s fire. 

In high school, I had the choice to pick just one of the sciences if I wished, and I said, “All right, I’ll just go with biology. Why make life harder?” (They shouldn’t have given me options!)

In college, I was in a rigorous nursing program that required organic chemistry. I had to learn some general chemistry and undergraduate organic chemistry concurrently. I didn’t get much sleep, I struggled with anxiety, and I missed my family deeply.

Despite the challenges that year, God’s grace was still evident.

Tita Maryann and her husband were Filipino missionaries in Indonesia. Her husband, Tito Ban, was a doctoral candidate at Calvin Seminary at the time. They didn’t have much, but they lived a life of joyful generosity. We went to a Christian reformed church, and they invited me over for lunch with their family almost every Sunday after service. They provided godly guidance and the familiar comfort of home that I needed. My church and dorm friends raised funds to help me and invited me to join them and their families over the holidays. I experienced the love, care, generosity, and comfort of God through His people.

My young faith at the time felt like it was on a rollercoaster, and it was not an exciting ride. But it grew stronger. I had jobs on campus and did some babysitting as well. Despite the debt we owed, as an act of faith, I gave back 10% of my earnings in the offering basket at church. I believed that everything in the universe is His and that He is more than able to provide.

Malachi 3:10 says, “‘Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,’ says the Lord Almighty, ‘and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it.’”

It’s the only place in the Bible where God invites us to test Him. Just a few verses before, God states that He is immutable — He doesn’t change — and honoring Him through tithing was clearly important to Him. In reverential fear, I took God at His Word as a New Testament believer. Perhaps the promises He made to His people then applied to me as well. I believed that the Old Testament command to tithe, besides meeting practical needs, kept the hearts of his people in check. I learned not to put my security in money or possessions because they were not truly mine. I told God I would be faithful to give back and would wait in anticipation for Him to move. 

I also began to understand why, in Luke 21, the poor widow’s offering of two small copper coins (“all she had to live on”) meant more to Christ than those who gave out of their riches. To the rational mind, her actions seem somewhat foolish. She should save it for her next meal! Through the lens of faith, however, the poor widow was someone who trusted that God would provide all she needed. She didn’t need to hold tightly to those two small copper coins.

At the end of my sophomore year, I completed all my prerequisites — including organic chemistry (praise Jesus!) and was officially accepted into the nursing program. I also, however, received a letter stating that if my family couldn’t pay the tuition in full as well as show that they could pay for the following year, I would have to drop out by the end of July.

I couldn’t comprehend what God was doing, but I learned to surrender my plans to Him. I didn’t always feel like it, but I chose to praise Him, believing that “God works for the good of those who love him” (Romans 8:28).

A week before I had to drop out, I was praying and singing worship songs in my room, when the phone rang.

My mom told me excitedly that they were able to sell some of their land and that the buyer wired the entire amount into their account. She’d had interested buyers that year but nothing came of it until then. My mom, who was not a believer, was amazed and acknowledged that God had answered prayer. She believed that God had sent that man at the last minute. My debt was paid off, and I was able to graduate two years later.  

As God continued to open doors and my income grew, I committed to faithfully give back to God at least 10% of my income. I took God at His word, and He’s been so faithful in keeping His promises. He didn’t open the floodgates and give me millions of dollars. His blessings aren’t always material. His greatest blessings are far beyond that. 

Romans 8:32 says, “He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?” God gives us grace to endure whatever trial comes our way and blesses us with all that we need. The greatest of the blessings poured out from heaven for us is God Himself. He alone is worthy of it all and worthy of our highest praise.

"Give praise to the Lord, proclaim his name; make known among the nations what he has done. Sing to him, sing praise to him; tell of all his wonderful acts."

Amen! 

All Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.

]]>
The Future of ACC https://www.astoriachurch.org/blog/post/the-future-of-acc https://www.astoriachurch.org/blog/post/the-future-of-acc#comments Mon, 22 May 2023 15:00:00 -0400 https://www.astoriachurch.org/blog/post/the-future-of-acc Twenty-two years ago, this June, I sat in Athens Square Park in Astoria, staring at the traffic on 30th Avenue. I had just signed a lease on an apartment a few blocks away to which my family would soon move from North Jersey. I had been offered a job as pastor, but there was no congregation for me to serve. The plan was to plant a new church.

I sat on a step in the park, wondering if I was crazy. Where would we start? How would we gather people? Would anyone want to help with this project?

I was grateful for the support of the Redeemer Urban Church Planting Center (now known as City to City) and happy to know that I would be co-planting with my new friend Rev. Darcy Caires. But I still wondered if we would be successful.

Sitting next to me in the park was a bronze statue of a man who once said, “The only true wisdom is in knowing you know nothing.” I am sure Socrates wasn’t thinking of Presbyterian ministers when he made that remark, but by his standards I was growing wiser. I was beginning to realize I knew nothing at all about what I was doing.

What do Christians do in a situation like that? The only thing they can do. I began to pray. 

I prayed that God would form a congregation of believers who would love each other, care for their neighbors, and rejoice in the gospel of Jesus Christ. I prayed that people in the neighborhood of Astoria who did not yet know Jesus would come to trust his love for them. I prayed that God would give birth to a new church.

Twenty-two years later, I can attest that God answered that prayer. By his mercy, Astoria Community Church has been worshiping Jesus and proclaiming the gospel in Western Queens for over two decades. We have seen children born, friendships formed, marriages sealed, souls saved, prayers answered, meals shared, people served, classes taught, songs sung, doctrines learned, fears calmed, doubts assuaged, sins forgiven, and departed loved ones committed into the hands of the Savior. We’ve faced hard moments as a church, and we’ve known moments of great joy. Through it all God has been faithful. 

As I prepare to leave my position as pastor of ACC and begin a new ministry elsewhere, I can honestly say that I am a deeply grateful man. The people of this congregation have been amazingly patient and kind toward me. They have shown ongoing love to my family. They have inspired me again and again with their love for Jesus and their commitment to his cause. Serving ACC as pastor has been one of the great privileges of my life.

I leave ACC with confidence that God has good plans for the future of our church. Our interim pastor, Rev. James Fredere, is a highly experienced minister who knows our congregation well. Our elders and are diaconate team members are godly leaders who love the Lord and who are committed to serving his church. Our Community Groups are thriving, our Youth Group is exciting, and the prayer life of our church is possibly healthier than it ever has been. I have no doubt that, with God’s help, this church can find a new pastor who will lead it into its next season of ministry. Indeed, I have the sense that ACC’s best years lie in its future.

Rev. Timothy Keller, whose recent death we are grieving, is the man whose vision for church planting was largely responsible for the forming of ACC. He once wrote, “The glory of God is available to you in the church in a way it’s not available to you anywhere else…. There is no more important means of discipleship than deep involvement in the life of the church.” 

So my request for the members of ACC, as I leave, is that you be patient during this time of transition. Be patient with the Lord. Be patient with your leaders. Be patient with yourselves and with each other. Change is never easy. In fact, it is often quite hard. But seasons of change are usually the times when God makes his presence most real to us. So give God time to work in our church and to demonstrate his power. God has good plans for the future of ACC.

]]>
Twenty-two years ago, this June, I sat in Athens Square Park in Astoria, staring at the traffic on 30th Avenue. I had just signed a lease on an apartment a few blocks away to which my family would soon move from North Jersey. I had been offered a job as pastor, but there was no congregation for me to serve. The plan was to plant a new church.

I sat on a step in the park, wondering if I was crazy. Where would we start? How would we gather people? Would anyone want to help with this project?

I was grateful for the support of the Redeemer Urban Church Planting Center (now known as City to City) and happy to know that I would be co-planting with my new friend Rev. Darcy Caires. But I still wondered if we would be successful.

Sitting next to me in the park was a bronze statue of a man who once said, “The only true wisdom is in knowing you know nothing.” I am sure Socrates wasn’t thinking of Presbyterian ministers when he made that remark, but by his standards I was growing wiser. I was beginning to realize I knew nothing at all about what I was doing.

What do Christians do in a situation like that? The only thing they can do. I began to pray. 

I prayed that God would form a congregation of believers who would love each other, care for their neighbors, and rejoice in the gospel of Jesus Christ. I prayed that people in the neighborhood of Astoria who did not yet know Jesus would come to trust his love for them. I prayed that God would give birth to a new church.

Twenty-two years later, I can attest that God answered that prayer. By his mercy, Astoria Community Church has been worshiping Jesus and proclaiming the gospel in Western Queens for over two decades. We have seen children born, friendships formed, marriages sealed, souls saved, prayers answered, meals shared, people served, classes taught, songs sung, doctrines learned, fears calmed, doubts assuaged, sins forgiven, and departed loved ones committed into the hands of the Savior. We’ve faced hard moments as a church, and we’ve known moments of great joy. Through it all God has been faithful. 

As I prepare to leave my position as pastor of ACC and begin a new ministry elsewhere, I can honestly say that I am a deeply grateful man. The people of this congregation have been amazingly patient and kind toward me. They have shown ongoing love to my family. They have inspired me again and again with their love for Jesus and their commitment to his cause. Serving ACC as pastor has been one of the great privileges of my life.

I leave ACC with confidence that God has good plans for the future of our church. Our interim pastor, Rev. James Fredere, is a highly experienced minister who knows our congregation well. Our elders and are diaconate team members are godly leaders who love the Lord and who are committed to serving his church. Our Community Groups are thriving, our Youth Group is exciting, and the prayer life of our church is possibly healthier than it ever has been. I have no doubt that, with God’s help, this church can find a new pastor who will lead it into its next season of ministry. Indeed, I have the sense that ACC’s best years lie in its future.

Rev. Timothy Keller, whose recent death we are grieving, is the man whose vision for church planting was largely responsible for the forming of ACC. He once wrote, “The glory of God is available to you in the church in a way it’s not available to you anywhere else…. There is no more important means of discipleship than deep involvement in the life of the church.” 

So my request for the members of ACC, as I leave, is that you be patient during this time of transition. Be patient with the Lord. Be patient with your leaders. Be patient with yourselves and with each other. Change is never easy. In fact, it is often quite hard. But seasons of change are usually the times when God makes his presence most real to us. So give God time to work in our church and to demonstrate his power. God has good plans for the future of ACC.

]]>
The Ascension of Christ https://www.astoriachurch.org/blog/post/the-ascension-of-christ https://www.astoriachurch.org/blog/post/the-ascension-of-christ#comments Mon, 15 May 2023 17:00:00 -0400 https://www.astoriachurch.org/blog/post/the-ascension-of-christ In the traditional church calendar, this is the week when Christians remember the ascension of Christ to the right hand of the Father. Accounts of Christ’s ascension are found in Mark 16:19, Luke 24:50-53, and in Acts 1:6-11. Other passages that touch on the ascension are Acts 7:55-56; Ephesians 1:19-23, 4:8; Colossians 3:1; Hebrews 4:14, 9:24; 1 Peter 3:22; and Revelation 5. These passages teach that, after his resurrection, Jesus left the realm of earth and entered, in bodily form, into the Father’s presence.

What is the significance of the ascension? Here are four important truths affirmed by this event.

  • The ascension means Jesus is in charge.

After his resurrection, Jesus told his disciples, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.” (Matt. 28:19) Christ’s authority is depicted metaphorically by the idea that he sits at the right hand of the Father. Christ is right now governing everything that happens in this world. (See Ephesians 1:22-23.)

In their book, The Ascension: Humanity in the Presence of God, Tim Chester & Jonny Woodrow write: “When you went to bed last night Jesus was at work subduing his enemies. While you slept he was continuing to rule over the world. He was still at it when you woke up this morning and even now as you read this. That is the outrageous claim of the ascension.”

That fact that Jesus reigns over the world is a comforting thought for the believer, especially in moments of sorrow, fear, or stress. Is life a little crazy right now? Take heart, Christian – the One ruling this world is the One who loved you enough to die for your sins. Jesus is in charge! You have nothing to fear.

  • The ascension means the Kingdom is almost here.

The timeline of redemptive history unfolds like a dramatic story. Significant scenes in this story include: the creation; the fall; the flood; the covenant with Abraham; the giving of the law; Israel’s entrance into the Promised Land; the promise of a Messianic King from David’s line; the incarnation of the Messiah; his death on the cross; his resurrection from the dead. The story will conclude with the return of Christ to judge the world and establish the eternal kingdom.

Where are we in this timeline? The ascension of Christ (followed by the outpouring of the Spirit at Pentecost) is essentially the final scene before the grand finale. In other words, we are living in the Last Days. We have already passed the final milestone before the end of the trip. Soon and very soon we will see the King!

3. The ascension means our Savior will never forget us.

When Jesus ascended into heaven, he ascended in bodily form. This is mysterious and raises many questions. But it also gives us great hope. Jesus did not abandon his incarnate, resurrected body and then enter heaven as an incorporeal spirit. His divine nature is still (and will always be) united with his human nature. As one pastor put it, “Jesus didn’t leave behind his ‘skin suit’ when he went into heaven.”

The fact that the Second Person of the Trinity still possesses a human body and a human nature means that he still empathizes completely with us human beings. (See Hebrews 2:17 and Hebrews 4:14-16.) When I see a 3-year-old boy crying over a broken toy, the only way I can empathize with him is to draw on a distant memory. (It has been a long time since I was a 3-year-old boy.) However, if I were still 3 years old, I would know exactly what he is feeling. What a comforting thought to know that being human is not just a distant memory for our Savior. He still has flesh and blood. This means that he still understands us. He will never forget his people – his divine nature has been united with our human nature forever!

4. The ascension means Christ is praying for us.

The New Testament teaches that, in his ascended state, Christ intercedes in prayer for the church. Romans 8:34 says, “Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is … interceding for us.” Hebrews 7:25 says, “Christ is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them.”

What does it mean to say that Jesus intercedes for his people? Though there is much mystery surrounding this idea, the Bible tells us that we can be deeply comforted by the thought that Jesus prays for us. Theologian Louis Berkhoff wrote, “It is a consoling thought that Christ is praying for us, even when we are negligent in our prayer life … He is presenting to the Father … spiritual needs which … we often neglect to include in our prayers; … He prays for our protection against … dangers of which we are not even conscious…. He is praying that our faith may not cease, and that we may come out victoriously in the end.

Christ has ascended to the Father. Our Savior is in control of the world. He understands us and empathizes with our weaknesses. Our names our continually on the lips of the Savior, as he prays to the Father on our behalf. And very soon, he will come again.

 

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In the traditional church calendar, this is the week when Christians remember the ascension of Christ to the right hand of the Father. Accounts of Christ’s ascension are found in Mark 16:19, Luke 24:50-53, and in Acts 1:6-11. Other passages that touch on the ascension are Acts 7:55-56; Ephesians 1:19-23, 4:8; Colossians 3:1; Hebrews 4:14, 9:24; 1 Peter 3:22; and Revelation 5. These passages teach that, after his resurrection, Jesus left the realm of earth and entered, in bodily form, into the Father’s presence.

What is the significance of the ascension? Here are four important truths affirmed by this event.

  • The ascension means Jesus is in charge.

After his resurrection, Jesus told his disciples, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.” (Matt. 28:19) Christ’s authority is depicted metaphorically by the idea that he sits at the right hand of the Father. Christ is right now governing everything that happens in this world. (See Ephesians 1:22-23.)

In their book, The Ascension: Humanity in the Presence of God, Tim Chester & Jonny Woodrow write: “When you went to bed last night Jesus was at work subduing his enemies. While you slept he was continuing to rule over the world. He was still at it when you woke up this morning and even now as you read this. That is the outrageous claim of the ascension.”

That fact that Jesus reigns over the world is a comforting thought for the believer, especially in moments of sorrow, fear, or stress. Is life a little crazy right now? Take heart, Christian – the One ruling this world is the One who loved you enough to die for your sins. Jesus is in charge! You have nothing to fear.

  • The ascension means the Kingdom is almost here.

The timeline of redemptive history unfolds like a dramatic story. Significant scenes in this story include: the creation; the fall; the flood; the covenant with Abraham; the giving of the law; Israel’s entrance into the Promised Land; the promise of a Messianic King from David’s line; the incarnation of the Messiah; his death on the cross; his resurrection from the dead. The story will conclude with the return of Christ to judge the world and establish the eternal kingdom.

Where are we in this timeline? The ascension of Christ (followed by the outpouring of the Spirit at Pentecost) is essentially the final scene before the grand finale. In other words, we are living in the Last Days. We have already passed the final milestone before the end of the trip. Soon and very soon we will see the King!

3. The ascension means our Savior will never forget us.

When Jesus ascended into heaven, he ascended in bodily form. This is mysterious and raises many questions. But it also gives us great hope. Jesus did not abandon his incarnate, resurrected body and then enter heaven as an incorporeal spirit. His divine nature is still (and will always be) united with his human nature. As one pastor put it, “Jesus didn’t leave behind his ‘skin suit’ when he went into heaven.”

The fact that the Second Person of the Trinity still possesses a human body and a human nature means that he still empathizes completely with us human beings. (See Hebrews 2:17 and Hebrews 4:14-16.) When I see a 3-year-old boy crying over a broken toy, the only way I can empathize with him is to draw on a distant memory. (It has been a long time since I was a 3-year-old boy.) However, if I were still 3 years old, I would know exactly what he is feeling. What a comforting thought to know that being human is not just a distant memory for our Savior. He still has flesh and blood. This means that he still understands us. He will never forget his people – his divine nature has been united with our human nature forever!

4. The ascension means Christ is praying for us.

The New Testament teaches that, in his ascended state, Christ intercedes in prayer for the church. Romans 8:34 says, “Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is … interceding for us.” Hebrews 7:25 says, “Christ is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them.”

What does it mean to say that Jesus intercedes for his people? Though there is much mystery surrounding this idea, the Bible tells us that we can be deeply comforted by the thought that Jesus prays for us. Theologian Louis Berkhoff wrote, “It is a consoling thought that Christ is praying for us, even when we are negligent in our prayer life … He is presenting to the Father … spiritual needs which … we often neglect to include in our prayers; … He prays for our protection against … dangers of which we are not even conscious…. He is praying that our faith may not cease, and that we may come out victoriously in the end.

Christ has ascended to the Father. Our Savior is in control of the world. He understands us and empathizes with our weaknesses. Our names our continually on the lips of the Savior, as he prays to the Father on our behalf. And very soon, he will come again.

 

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Two Essential Ways to Know God’s Love https://www.astoriachurch.org/blog/post/two-essential-ways-to-know-god-s-love https://www.astoriachurch.org/blog/post/two-essential-ways-to-know-god-s-love#comments Mon, 08 May 2023 12:00:00 -0400 https://www.astoriachurch.org/blog/post/two-essential-ways-to-know-god-s-love In Ephesians 3:14-19, the Apostle Paul explained to his readers what he was praying for God to do in their lives. Essentially, he was praying that the Holy Spirit would work within them so that they would continually grow in their knowledge of Christ’s love.

At the end of verse 17, he described two essential ways they needed to know the love of Christ. They needed to be “rooted” in this love and also “grounded” in it.

For years I read past the words “rooted and grounded in love” in Eph. 3:17 without paying much attention. Paul’s use of two past participles seemed like nothing more than a literary flourish. However, a book by David Harwood helped me to understand that each of these verbs portrays a distinct and important way in which we need to interact with the love of Christ.

The word translated “grounded” carries the idea of laying a foundation. This describes our objective knowledge of God’s love. When you lay a foundation for a house you expect the foundation never to move. If a house is well-built, its foundation will be in the same location where it was laid, 100 years later. It will be impermeable to moisture and resistant to change. Foundations are rock solid, unmoving, and clearly defined.  

There is a sense in which we need to know God’s love in this way. Regardless of how I feel today, and regardless of the consistency (or inconsistency) of my recent behavior as a Christian, God’s love for me is founded on some unchanging, historically objective facts – Jesus Christ died for my sins and rose for my salvation. Like a well-built foundation, these facts never move; they never change. They will be as true twenty years from now as they are this morning.

The reason I need to know God’s love in this objective way, as an unchanging fact, is because I am always changing. Sometimes I am up. Sometimes I am down. It is important for me to realize that, regardless of my emotions or my circumstances, there is a dimension to God’s love that is solid and unchangeable, because it is based on historical facts that are independent of my present mood.

However, this is not the only way we need to know God’s love. Paul also prayed that the Ephesians would be “rooted” in love. This describes our subjective interaction with the love of Christ. Whereas foundations are unmoving, roots grow and change shape all the time. A homeowner does not want moisture leeching into her house’s foundation, but she does want moisture to enter the roots of the trees in her yard. We want foundations to be carefully planned and clearly defined, but we expect roots to spread through the soil in unpredictable ways.

There is a sense in which our knowledge of God’s love needs to grow like the roots of a tree. We need to be plunging ever deeper into the soil of God’s grace. We need to feel his living water flowing into us. We need to grow in our relationship with Christ so that ten years from now we can say that we know his love better than we do today.

In other words, as important as it is for us to know God’s love for us as an objectively historical fact, it is equally important that we know it as a subjective experience in our personal lives. Just as a house needs a foundation, we need a rock-solid assurance of God’s love, based on the finished work of Christ. And yet, just as a tree needs a constantly growing root system, we also need an ever-changing experience of God’s love, through the internal work of the Holy Spirit. We need both a foundation and roots.

Like the Apostle Paul, let’s be praying (for ourselves and for each other) that we will know God’s love in both of these ways.

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In Ephesians 3:14-19, the Apostle Paul explained to his readers what he was praying for God to do in their lives. Essentially, he was praying that the Holy Spirit would work within them so that they would continually grow in their knowledge of Christ’s love.

At the end of verse 17, he described two essential ways they needed to know the love of Christ. They needed to be “rooted” in this love and also “grounded” in it.

For years I read past the words “rooted and grounded in love” in Eph. 3:17 without paying much attention. Paul’s use of two past participles seemed like nothing more than a literary flourish. However, a book by David Harwood helped me to understand that each of these verbs portrays a distinct and important way in which we need to interact with the love of Christ.

The word translated “grounded” carries the idea of laying a foundation. This describes our objective knowledge of God’s love. When you lay a foundation for a house you expect the foundation never to move. If a house is well-built, its foundation will be in the same location where it was laid, 100 years later. It will be impermeable to moisture and resistant to change. Foundations are rock solid, unmoving, and clearly defined.  

There is a sense in which we need to know God’s love in this way. Regardless of how I feel today, and regardless of the consistency (or inconsistency) of my recent behavior as a Christian, God’s love for me is founded on some unchanging, historically objective facts – Jesus Christ died for my sins and rose for my salvation. Like a well-built foundation, these facts never move; they never change. They will be as true twenty years from now as they are this morning.

The reason I need to know God’s love in this objective way, as an unchanging fact, is because I am always changing. Sometimes I am up. Sometimes I am down. It is important for me to realize that, regardless of my emotions or my circumstances, there is a dimension to God’s love that is solid and unchangeable, because it is based on historical facts that are independent of my present mood.

However, this is not the only way we need to know God’s love. Paul also prayed that the Ephesians would be “rooted” in love. This describes our subjective interaction with the love of Christ. Whereas foundations are unmoving, roots grow and change shape all the time. A homeowner does not want moisture leeching into her house’s foundation, but she does want moisture to enter the roots of the trees in her yard. We want foundations to be carefully planned and clearly defined, but we expect roots to spread through the soil in unpredictable ways.

There is a sense in which our knowledge of God’s love needs to grow like the roots of a tree. We need to be plunging ever deeper into the soil of God’s grace. We need to feel his living water flowing into us. We need to grow in our relationship with Christ so that ten years from now we can say that we know his love better than we do today.

In other words, as important as it is for us to know God’s love for us as an objectively historical fact, it is equally important that we know it as a subjective experience in our personal lives. Just as a house needs a foundation, we need a rock-solid assurance of God’s love, based on the finished work of Christ. And yet, just as a tree needs a constantly growing root system, we also need an ever-changing experience of God’s love, through the internal work of the Holy Spirit. We need both a foundation and roots.

Like the Apostle Paul, let’s be praying (for ourselves and for each other) that we will know God’s love in both of these ways.

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How Do We Find a New Pastor? https://www.astoriachurch.org/blog/post/how-do-we-find-a-new-pastor https://www.astoriachurch.org/blog/post/how-do-we-find-a-new-pastor#comments Thu, 27 Apr 2023 10:00:00 -0400 https://www.astoriachurch.org/blog/post/how-do-we-find-a-new-pastor As you probably know, I recently announced my decision to transition out of my role as pastor of Astoria Community Church and accept a position as Assistant Pastor at another church. You can read about that decision here.

A question some of you are asking is, “How do we find a new pastor for our church?”

In our denominational tradition, an important principle is that local congregations have the right to choose their own pastor. The Presbytery will not assign you a new minister. The Session of elders will not choose one. Calling a new pastor for ACC is a choice the congregation needs to make together. How is this done?

Here are three ideas to keep in mind in understanding how ACC will find a new pastor.

1) The process. 

According to our denominational guidelines, our congregation needs to elect a Pulpit Search Committee tasked with the job of researching and recruiting a new pastor for ACC. After completing their work, the Search Committee will present the congregation with their recommendation of a new pastor for the church members to vote on whether or not to call him to serve. 

Our denomination’s Administrative Committee (AC) provides lots of helpful resources to assist churches in this process. The AC recommends that the Search Committee consist of church members representing a broad cross-section of the congregation. For example, the committee could include:

  • Women and men.
  • Long-time members and newer members.
  • Older and younger people.
  • Singles and marrieds.
  • Members from as many different households as possible.
  • Members from various ethnic backgrounds.
  • Members representing various ministry teams in the church.

Of course, for this important role, the church will want to select men and women of prayer who exhibit godly wisdom and who will do a good job listening to other members of the church. To get an idea of the kind of work a Search Committee does, click here.

The members of ACC will vote to select a Pulpit Search Committee at a congregational meeting on Sunday, May 7, following the worship service. Though nominations may be made at the meeting, we encourage members to make nominations in advance. If you are a member of ACC and would like to nominate someone for the Search Committee, click here.

2) Pastoral Care.

The process of finding a new pastor will probably take at least 6-7 months, maybe longer. It is important that you know that during that time, you will not be without pastoral care.

Much of this care will, of course, come from the leaders of our church. Our Session of elders is responsible for the spiritual oversight of our congregation. I can attest that the elders in our church take this responsibility very seriously. They are a team of godly, kind-hearted men who have been a great source of encouragement to me over the years. You can count on your elders for prayer, counsel, and support. Currently active members of the Session are Sunny Arora, Joe Kickasola, Bryan Taylor, and Raul Rojas.

You can also count on the ACC Diaconate Team. Our Diaconate is a team of men and women who care for the financial, spiritual, and physical needs of people in our church. Our Diaconate is led by Andrea Mungo. Current active members of the team are Annette Scattoni, Kimberley Williams, Tina Liouzis, Toni Ellis & Will Poon. You can contact the Diaconate at diaconate@astoriachurch.org.

I am also thrilled to announce that Rev. Jim Fredere has agreed to serve as Interim Pastor of ACC while the congregation looks for a new pastor. Jim is an ordained pastor in our denomination and is very experienced in ministry, having served in numerous contexts overseas and in New York. Jim and his wife, Carin, are already actively involved at ACC. They host a Community Group in their home and serve in other ways. Jim is a true follower of Christ with a genuine pastor’s heart. I am so happy he will be helping ACC through this time of transition.

3) Prayer.

More than anything, for ACC to find a new pastor, it is vital that we all be in prayer.

Jesus said, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.” God cares deeply about the needs of his people. The harvest field belongs to him and the workers serve under his authority. He is able to position the right people in the right place at the right time for the work of his kingdom. So pray with faith for him to do this.

God already knows the person he will send to shepherd ACC through this next season of our church’s life. Begin to pray right now for that pastor. Pray for God’s blessing and direction in his life. Pray that God will smooth the way to bring him to ACC. Pray for God to prepare our congregation spiritually for the next season of God’s work among us.

A good way to pray with others for our church is to join a Community Group. Groups will be starting up next month. Most of them will be engaging in a 7-week Bible study on the topic of prayer. This is a great opportunity for you to connect with others in the church. You can sign up for a Community Group here.

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As you probably know, I recently announced my decision to transition out of my role as pastor of Astoria Community Church and accept a position as Assistant Pastor at another church. You can read about that decision here.

A question some of you are asking is, “How do we find a new pastor for our church?”

In our denominational tradition, an important principle is that local congregations have the right to choose their own pastor. The Presbytery will not assign you a new minister. The Session of elders will not choose one. Calling a new pastor for ACC is a choice the congregation needs to make together. How is this done?

Here are three ideas to keep in mind in understanding how ACC will find a new pastor.

1) The process. 

According to our denominational guidelines, our congregation needs to elect a Pulpit Search Committee tasked with the job of researching and recruiting a new pastor for ACC. After completing their work, the Search Committee will present the congregation with their recommendation of a new pastor for the church members to vote on whether or not to call him to serve. 

Our denomination’s Administrative Committee (AC) provides lots of helpful resources to assist churches in this process. The AC recommends that the Search Committee consist of church members representing a broad cross-section of the congregation. For example, the committee could include:

  • Women and men.
  • Long-time members and newer members.
  • Older and younger people.
  • Singles and marrieds.
  • Members from as many different households as possible.
  • Members from various ethnic backgrounds.
  • Members representing various ministry teams in the church.

Of course, for this important role, the church will want to select men and women of prayer who exhibit godly wisdom and who will do a good job listening to other members of the church. To get an idea of the kind of work a Search Committee does, click here.

The members of ACC will vote to select a Pulpit Search Committee at a congregational meeting on Sunday, May 7, following the worship service. Though nominations may be made at the meeting, we encourage members to make nominations in advance. If you are a member of ACC and would like to nominate someone for the Search Committee, click here.

2) Pastoral Care.

The process of finding a new pastor will probably take at least 6-7 months, maybe longer. It is important that you know that during that time, you will not be without pastoral care.

Much of this care will, of course, come from the leaders of our church. Our Session of elders is responsible for the spiritual oversight of our congregation. I can attest that the elders in our church take this responsibility very seriously. They are a team of godly, kind-hearted men who have been a great source of encouragement to me over the years. You can count on your elders for prayer, counsel, and support. Currently active members of the Session are Sunny Arora, Joe Kickasola, Bryan Taylor, and Raul Rojas.

You can also count on the ACC Diaconate Team. Our Diaconate is a team of men and women who care for the financial, spiritual, and physical needs of people in our church. Our Diaconate is led by Andrea Mungo. Current active members of the team are Annette Scattoni, Kimberley Williams, Tina Liouzis, Toni Ellis & Will Poon. You can contact the Diaconate at diaconate@astoriachurch.org.

I am also thrilled to announce that Rev. Jim Fredere has agreed to serve as Interim Pastor of ACC while the congregation looks for a new pastor. Jim is an ordained pastor in our denomination and is very experienced in ministry, having served in numerous contexts overseas and in New York. Jim and his wife, Carin, are already actively involved at ACC. They host a Community Group in their home and serve in other ways. Jim is a true follower of Christ with a genuine pastor’s heart. I am so happy he will be helping ACC through this time of transition.

3) Prayer.

More than anything, for ACC to find a new pastor, it is vital that we all be in prayer.

Jesus said, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.” God cares deeply about the needs of his people. The harvest field belongs to him and the workers serve under his authority. He is able to position the right people in the right place at the right time for the work of his kingdom. So pray with faith for him to do this.

God already knows the person he will send to shepherd ACC through this next season of our church’s life. Begin to pray right now for that pastor. Pray for God’s blessing and direction in his life. Pray that God will smooth the way to bring him to ACC. Pray for God to prepare our congregation spiritually for the next season of God’s work among us.

A good way to pray with others for our church is to join a Community Group. Groups will be starting up next month. Most of them will be engaging in a 7-week Bible study on the topic of prayer. This is a great opportunity for you to connect with others in the church. You can sign up for a Community Group here.

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Heeding the Tap, Tap https://www.astoriachurch.org/blog/post/heeding-the-tap-tap https://www.astoriachurch.org/blog/post/heeding-the-tap-tap#comments Tue, 18 Apr 2023 07:00:00 -0400 https://www.astoriachurch.org/blog/post/heeding-the-tap-tap Back in my day the band Petra was blaring from most Christian teenagers’ headphones or boom boxes as they were called back then. Christian rock bands were controversial at the time so of course, I had every album and t-shirt Petra came out with. Yeah, did you catch that? I said album. There were so many great songs that Petra put out but one of their songs “Hollow Eyes” haunted me. It was like this little tap, tap on my shoulder. That tap, tap has never gone away.  

Over the years when I heard a sermon on Matthew 25: 31-46 where Jesus refers to the “least of these” or on The Good Samaritan there it was again. Tap. Tap. At times I still feel that tap, tap when I walk through the streets of our city. Sometimes we have good intentions and want to help our neighbor, but we don’t know exactly how to go about doing it. Our church is giving us a great opportunity to participate in helping those in need in our community in very practical ways. Through the Safe Families for Children model, we can come along side another family and with the practical love of Jesus help them get back on their feet again and thrive. The SF model allows us to step out of our comfort zones and help with others from our church to work together and assist a family. You aren’t doing it alone. As a church body we can help bring about change in the life of a family and maybe even change the trajectory of that family or of individuals in the family. As an example, let me share part of my story. 

My four siblings and I were in crisis as children when our parents were no longer around. My brother was 11 and I was the youngest at 8 months old. I got very sick. One of my grandmothers had come and tried to take care of all of us but it was a lot to handle. She was overwhelmed. I was getting sicker. It was at that time that a local church stepped in and through their compassionate love and generosity began to help our family thrive. That church stayed connected to my family and walked beside us until adulthood. Their commitment to us has been astounding. They have been the true example to me of what ministering to the “least of these “is all about. The bridge from the Petra songs goes like this: 

The least of these is hungry

The least of these is sick

The least of these needs clothing

The least of these needs drink

The least of these knows sorrow

The least of these knows grief

The least of these has suffered pain

My siblings and I were all the above. It took individuals from that church who stepped up and out and demonstrated the radical love of Jesus to their neighbors to make a difference in all our lives. And I for one am glad they did because it changed the total trajectory of my life. Safe Families offers us that same opportunity to do for families here in Queens, in our very own back yard. 

The “least of these” is at the heart of who Jesus is.  We see him time and again in the New Testament leading with compassion and humility toward others.  Today, Jesus has no body but your hands, your feet, your eyes, your voice.  When do you feel that “tap, tap”?  Do you heed the Holy Spirit’s prompts, or do you continue to walk on by?

Click here for the song Hollow Eyes and click here for details for the SFFC Information Session on Sunday, April 30th at 12:30PM.

 

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Back in my day the band Petra was blaring from most Christian teenagers’ headphones or boom boxes as they were called back then. Christian rock bands were controversial at the time so of course, I had every album and t-shirt Petra came out with. Yeah, did you catch that? I said album. There were so many great songs that Petra put out but one of their songs “Hollow Eyes” haunted me. It was like this little tap, tap on my shoulder. That tap, tap has never gone away.  

Over the years when I heard a sermon on Matthew 25: 31-46 where Jesus refers to the “least of these” or on The Good Samaritan there it was again. Tap. Tap. At times I still feel that tap, tap when I walk through the streets of our city. Sometimes we have good intentions and want to help our neighbor, but we don’t know exactly how to go about doing it. Our church is giving us a great opportunity to participate in helping those in need in our community in very practical ways. Through the Safe Families for Children model, we can come along side another family and with the practical love of Jesus help them get back on their feet again and thrive. The SF model allows us to step out of our comfort zones and help with others from our church to work together and assist a family. You aren’t doing it alone. As a church body we can help bring about change in the life of a family and maybe even change the trajectory of that family or of individuals in the family. As an example, let me share part of my story. 

My four siblings and I were in crisis as children when our parents were no longer around. My brother was 11 and I was the youngest at 8 months old. I got very sick. One of my grandmothers had come and tried to take care of all of us but it was a lot to handle. She was overwhelmed. I was getting sicker. It was at that time that a local church stepped in and through their compassionate love and generosity began to help our family thrive. That church stayed connected to my family and walked beside us until adulthood. Their commitment to us has been astounding. They have been the true example to me of what ministering to the “least of these “is all about. The bridge from the Petra songs goes like this: 

The least of these is hungry

The least of these is sick

The least of these needs clothing

The least of these needs drink

The least of these knows sorrow

The least of these knows grief

The least of these has suffered pain

My siblings and I were all the above. It took individuals from that church who stepped up and out and demonstrated the radical love of Jesus to their neighbors to make a difference in all our lives. And I for one am glad they did because it changed the total trajectory of my life. Safe Families offers us that same opportunity to do for families here in Queens, in our very own back yard. 

The “least of these” is at the heart of who Jesus is.  We see him time and again in the New Testament leading with compassion and humility toward others.  Today, Jesus has no body but your hands, your feet, your eyes, your voice.  When do you feel that “tap, tap”?  Do you heed the Holy Spirit’s prompts, or do you continue to walk on by?

Click here for the song Hollow Eyes and click here for details for the SFFC Information Session on Sunday, April 30th at 12:30PM.

 

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Important Letter from Pastor David https://www.astoriachurch.org/blog/post/important-letter-from-pastor-david https://www.astoriachurch.org/blog/post/important-letter-from-pastor-david#comments Thu, 13 Apr 2023 12:00:00 -0400 https://www.astoriachurch.org/blog/post/important-letter-from-pastor-david Dear friends and members of ACC. 

I am writing to inform you of a personal decision I have reached that will have an impact on our church.

A couple of years ago, I began to pray about how and when I should transition out of my role as pastor of ACC and pass the baton to a younger leader. As I approach the age of retirement, the eventual need to take this step is inevitable. Aware of this, my sense is that now is a good season for our church to approach such a change.

Since last summer, the elders and I have been discussing a succession plan. They have all expressed a desire for me to stay longer, but have been supportive of my belief that our congregation is in a healthy place right now to work through a pastoral transition. 

As a result of this deliberative process, I have decided to resign from my position as pastor of ACC, effective June 5. I will be accepting a call to serve as an Assistant Pastor at Redeemer Presbyterian Church Eastside. 

Sobeyda has played an important role in making this decision with me. Her counsel and encouragement have been invaluable. Though we both have heavy hearts at the thought of leaving our community at ACC, we share a sense that this is the right step for us to take. 

As excited as I am about my new position at Redeemer, I am even more excited about what lies ahead for ACC. The last few years have been difficult for churches around the world, but I am thrilled to see how our congregation is rebounding from the pandemic. New people are joining the church and new ministry initiatives are taking root. I am confident that, with God’s help, a new pastor with fresh vision will be able to lead this church forward in significant ways. Indeed, I expect that ACC has many years of fruitful growth and ministry in its future.

After the worship service, on Sunday, April 23, we will hold a town hall meeting at the synagogue to share more information. Our plan for the meeting is to:

  • Answer questions you may have about my decision.
  • Explain the process of finding and calling a new pastor.
  • Introduce the interim pastor we are calling to lead ACC through this time of transition, while the church looks for a new pastor.
  • Pray together for our church.

After the worship service, on Sunday, May 7, we will have a congregational meeting for members of ACC to:

  • Vote to dissolve my pastoral relation with the church.
  • Nominate and elect a search committee, tasked with researching and recruiting a new prospective pastor.
  • Pray together for our church.

For the last 21 years, I have had the honor of serving as pastor of Astoria Community Church. Serving as your pastor has been one of the greatest privileges of my life. A minister could not ask for a more loving and supportive congregation than you have been to me. Though I feel sorrow at making this decision, my sorrow is outweighed by a deep sense of gratitude to God for the joy of following Jesus with all of you.

As one of the founding pastors of our church, the process of entrusting this ministry to new pastoral leadership is as important to me as anything I have done in my years of serving here. So I hope you will be able to attend the upcoming meetings planned for our church, and that you will keep Sobeyda and me and our whole congregation in prayer as we enter this time of transition.

Your pastor,

David Ellis

 

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Dear friends and members of ACC. 

I am writing to inform you of a personal decision I have reached that will have an impact on our church.

A couple of years ago, I began to pray about how and when I should transition out of my role as pastor of ACC and pass the baton to a younger leader. As I approach the age of retirement, the eventual need to take this step is inevitable. Aware of this, my sense is that now is a good season for our church to approach such a change.

Since last summer, the elders and I have been discussing a succession plan. They have all expressed a desire for me to stay longer, but have been supportive of my belief that our congregation is in a healthy place right now to work through a pastoral transition. 

As a result of this deliberative process, I have decided to resign from my position as pastor of ACC, effective June 5. I will be accepting a call to serve as an Assistant Pastor at Redeemer Presbyterian Church Eastside. 

Sobeyda has played an important role in making this decision with me. Her counsel and encouragement have been invaluable. Though we both have heavy hearts at the thought of leaving our community at ACC, we share a sense that this is the right step for us to take. 

As excited as I am about my new position at Redeemer, I am even more excited about what lies ahead for ACC. The last few years have been difficult for churches around the world, but I am thrilled to see how our congregation is rebounding from the pandemic. New people are joining the church and new ministry initiatives are taking root. I am confident that, with God’s help, a new pastor with fresh vision will be able to lead this church forward in significant ways. Indeed, I expect that ACC has many years of fruitful growth and ministry in its future.

After the worship service, on Sunday, April 23, we will hold a town hall meeting at the synagogue to share more information. Our plan for the meeting is to:

  • Answer questions you may have about my decision.
  • Explain the process of finding and calling a new pastor.
  • Introduce the interim pastor we are calling to lead ACC through this time of transition, while the church looks for a new pastor.
  • Pray together for our church.

After the worship service, on Sunday, May 7, we will have a congregational meeting for members of ACC to:

  • Vote to dissolve my pastoral relation with the church.
  • Nominate and elect a search committee, tasked with researching and recruiting a new prospective pastor.
  • Pray together for our church.

For the last 21 years, I have had the honor of serving as pastor of Astoria Community Church. Serving as your pastor has been one of the greatest privileges of my life. A minister could not ask for a more loving and supportive congregation than you have been to me. Though I feel sorrow at making this decision, my sorrow is outweighed by a deep sense of gratitude to God for the joy of following Jesus with all of you.

As one of the founding pastors of our church, the process of entrusting this ministry to new pastoral leadership is as important to me as anything I have done in my years of serving here. So I hope you will be able to attend the upcoming meetings planned for our church, and that you will keep Sobeyda and me and our whole congregation in prayer as we enter this time of transition.

Your pastor,

David Ellis

 

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Four Reasons the Empty Tomb Matters https://www.astoriachurch.org/blog/post/four-reasons-the-empty-tomb-matters https://www.astoriachurch.org/blog/post/four-reasons-the-empty-tomb-matters#comments Mon, 10 Apr 2023 18:00:00 -0400 https://www.astoriachurch.org/blog/post/four-reasons-the-empty-tomb-matters The greatest news the world has heard is that the tomb where Christ lay is empty. Christ has risen from the dead!

But what does the empty tomb mean for us? Below are four implications of Christ’s resurrection as explained by Scripture.

1) The empty tomb means that Jesus truly is the Messiah.

When Jesus cleared the merchandizers out of the temple in John 2, he was exerting Messianic authority over the house of God. His opponents asked him what right he had to behave this way. Jesus answered, “Destroy this temple, and I will raise it again in three days” (John 2:19). Though his listeners did not understand him at the time, the gospel-writer tells us that Jesus was talking about his body. In other words, Jesus was stating, “If you want proof that I am the Messiah, kill me and three days later I will rise again.

Romans 1:4 states that “through the Spirit of holiness [Jesus] was appointed the Son of God in power by his resurrection from the dead.” This means that the resurrection is God’s way of affirming to all the world that Jesus truly is his Son.

2) The empty tomb means that death has been conquered.

The Apostle Paul referred to death as “the last enemy”. The prophet Isaiah called it “the veil that is spread over all nations”. Death is a problem that awaits us all. It is the one problem we cannot solve.

But for the believer in Christ, death has lost its sting. Just as Christ rose from the dead, so all who believe in him will also rise. The death that awaits us is a defeated enemy. It has already been conquered by our Savior. (See 1 Cor. 15:20-22.)

3) The empty tomb means that our sins are forgiven.

Romans 4:25 says, “He was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification.” What does it mean to say that Jesus was raised for our justification?

When you purchase an item in a store, you are handed a receipt. The receipt is the vendor’s way of affirming that the full price of your purchase has been paid. No more is owed. The resurrection is our receipt. It is God’s way of affirming that the full price of our salvation has been paid through the death of Christ. Why is Jesus no longer in the tomb? Because everything he needed to do to atone for our sin is already done. As believers in Christ, our sins are gone.

4) The empty tomb means that we are no longer slaves.

Jesus said, “Everyone who sins is a slave to sin.” That describes us. But when Jesus broke the chains of death and rose from the dead, sin’s mastery over us was defeated. As believers we are now free to live obedient lives for the glory of God. Romans 6:4 says, “We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.” Through our union with Christ we are no longer slaves of sin. We have been set free from sin’s dominion, free to live as children of God.

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The greatest news the world has heard is that the tomb where Christ lay is empty. Christ has risen from the dead!

But what does the empty tomb mean for us? Below are four implications of Christ’s resurrection as explained by Scripture.

1) The empty tomb means that Jesus truly is the Messiah.

When Jesus cleared the merchandizers out of the temple in John 2, he was exerting Messianic authority over the house of God. His opponents asked him what right he had to behave this way. Jesus answered, “Destroy this temple, and I will raise it again in three days” (John 2:19). Though his listeners did not understand him at the time, the gospel-writer tells us that Jesus was talking about his body. In other words, Jesus was stating, “If you want proof that I am the Messiah, kill me and three days later I will rise again.

Romans 1:4 states that “through the Spirit of holiness [Jesus] was appointed the Son of God in power by his resurrection from the dead.” This means that the resurrection is God’s way of affirming to all the world that Jesus truly is his Son.

2) The empty tomb means that death has been conquered.

The Apostle Paul referred to death as “the last enemy”. The prophet Isaiah called it “the veil that is spread over all nations”. Death is a problem that awaits us all. It is the one problem we cannot solve.

But for the believer in Christ, death has lost its sting. Just as Christ rose from the dead, so all who believe in him will also rise. The death that awaits us is a defeated enemy. It has already been conquered by our Savior. (See 1 Cor. 15:20-22.)

3) The empty tomb means that our sins are forgiven.

Romans 4:25 says, “He was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification.” What does it mean to say that Jesus was raised for our justification?

When you purchase an item in a store, you are handed a receipt. The receipt is the vendor’s way of affirming that the full price of your purchase has been paid. No more is owed. The resurrection is our receipt. It is God’s way of affirming that the full price of our salvation has been paid through the death of Christ. Why is Jesus no longer in the tomb? Because everything he needed to do to atone for our sin is already done. As believers in Christ, our sins are gone.

4) The empty tomb means that we are no longer slaves.

Jesus said, “Everyone who sins is a slave to sin.” That describes us. But when Jesus broke the chains of death and rose from the dead, sin’s mastery over us was defeated. As believers we are now free to live obedient lives for the glory of God. Romans 6:4 says, “We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.” Through our union with Christ we are no longer slaves of sin. We have been set free from sin’s dominion, free to live as children of God.

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Lenten Classics - Conquering Bad Habits https://www.astoriachurch.org/blog/post/lenten-classics---conquering-bad-habits https://www.astoriachurch.org/blog/post/lenten-classics---conquering-bad-habits#comments Mon, 03 Apr 2023 15:00:00 -0400 https://www.astoriachurch.org/blog/post/lenten-classics---conquering-bad-habits During each week of Lent this year, we will post an excerpt from a classic writing on Christian spirituality, followed by some questions for personal reflection.

This week’s post is a letter written by John Newton to a fellow pastor, Rev. Thomas Jones, on January 7, 1767. Newton was an Anglican minister in the 18th century, whose story of conversion from slave trader to abolitionist has touched people’s hearts for generations. In this letter, Newton counsels his friend in how to deal with his on-going struggle with bad habits. 

Dear Sir, 

You seem sensible where your most observable failing lies, and to take reproof and admonition concerning it in good part; I therefore hope and believe the Lord will give you a growing victory over it. You must not expect habits and tempers will be eradicated instantaneously; but by perseverance in prayer, and observation upon the experiences of every day, much may be done in time. Now and then you will (as is usual in the course of war) lose a battle; but be not discouraged, but rally your forces, and return to the fight. There is a comfortable word, a leaf of the tree of life, for healing the wounds we receive, in 1 John ii. 1. If the enemy surprises you, and your heart smites you, do not stand astonished as if there were not help, nor give way to sorrow, as if there were no hope, nor attempt to heal yourself; but away immediately to the throne of grace, to the great Physician, to the compassionate High Priest, and tell him all. Satan knows, that if he can keep us from confession, our wounds will rankle; but do you profit by David’s experience, Psal. xxxii. 3-5. When we are simple and open in abasing ourselves before the Lord, though we have acted foolishly and ungratefully, he will seldom let us remain long without affording us a sense of his compassion; for He is gracious; He knows our frame, and how to bear with us, though we can hardly bear with ourselves, or with one another.

The main thing is to have the heart right with God: this will bring us in the end safely through many mistakes and blunders; but a double mind, a selfish spirit, that would halve things between God and the world, the Lord abhors. Though I have not yet had many opportunities to commend your prudence, I have always had a good opinion of your sincerity and integrity: if I am not mistaken in this, I make no doubt of your doing well. If the Lord is pleased to bless you, He will undoubtedly make you humble; for you cannot be either happy or safe, or have any probable hope of abiding usefulness, without it. I do not know that I have had any thing so much at heart in my connexions with you, as to impress you with a sense of the necessity and advantages of a humble frame of spirit; I hope it has not been in vain. Oh! To be little in our own eyes! This is the ground-work of every grace; this leads to a continual dependence upon the Lord Jesus; this is the spirit which He has promised to bless; this conciliates us good-will and acceptance amongst men; for he that abaseth himself is sure to be honoured. And that this temper is so hard to attain and preserve, is a striking proof of our depravity – For are we not sinners? Were we not rebels and enemies before we knew the gospel; and have we not been unfaithful, backsliding, and unprofitable ever since? Are we not redeemed by the blood of Jesus? and can we stand a single moment except He upholds us? Have we any thing which we have not received? or have we received any thing which we have not abused? Why then is dust and ashes proud?

I am glad you have found some spiritual acquaintance in your barren land. I hope you will be helpful to them, and they to you. You do well to guard against every appearance of evil. If you are heartily for Jesus, Satan owes you a grudge. One way or the other he will try to cut you out work, and the Lord may suffer him to go to the length of the chain. But though you are to keep your eye upon him, and expect to hear from him at every step, you need not be slavishly afraid of him; for Jesus is stronger and wiser than he, and there is a complete suit of armour provided for all who are engaged on the Lord’s side.                                             

I am, etc

John Newton

Personal Reflection:

  • Where have you experienced an on-going struggle with sinful behavior or attitudes?
  • Newton told his friend that the most important factor in our struggle with sin is to have a heart that is humble before God. For you, what are the indicators that your heart is humble before God?
  • Newton warned his friend against the attack of the devil. To what degree have you sensed opposition from spiritual forces of evil in your struggle with sin?
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During each week of Lent this year, we will post an excerpt from a classic writing on Christian spirituality, followed by some questions for personal reflection.

This week’s post is a letter written by John Newton to a fellow pastor, Rev. Thomas Jones, on January 7, 1767. Newton was an Anglican minister in the 18th century, whose story of conversion from slave trader to abolitionist has touched people’s hearts for generations. In this letter, Newton counsels his friend in how to deal with his on-going struggle with bad habits. 

Dear Sir, 

You seem sensible where your most observable failing lies, and to take reproof and admonition concerning it in good part; I therefore hope and believe the Lord will give you a growing victory over it. You must not expect habits and tempers will be eradicated instantaneously; but by perseverance in prayer, and observation upon the experiences of every day, much may be done in time. Now and then you will (as is usual in the course of war) lose a battle; but be not discouraged, but rally your forces, and return to the fight. There is a comfortable word, a leaf of the tree of life, for healing the wounds we receive, in 1 John ii. 1. If the enemy surprises you, and your heart smites you, do not stand astonished as if there were not help, nor give way to sorrow, as if there were no hope, nor attempt to heal yourself; but away immediately to the throne of grace, to the great Physician, to the compassionate High Priest, and tell him all. Satan knows, that if he can keep us from confession, our wounds will rankle; but do you profit by David’s experience, Psal. xxxii. 3-5. When we are simple and open in abasing ourselves before the Lord, though we have acted foolishly and ungratefully, he will seldom let us remain long without affording us a sense of his compassion; for He is gracious; He knows our frame, and how to bear with us, though we can hardly bear with ourselves, or with one another.

The main thing is to have the heart right with God: this will bring us in the end safely through many mistakes and blunders; but a double mind, a selfish spirit, that would halve things between God and the world, the Lord abhors. Though I have not yet had many opportunities to commend your prudence, I have always had a good opinion of your sincerity and integrity: if I am not mistaken in this, I make no doubt of your doing well. If the Lord is pleased to bless you, He will undoubtedly make you humble; for you cannot be either happy or safe, or have any probable hope of abiding usefulness, without it. I do not know that I have had any thing so much at heart in my connexions with you, as to impress you with a sense of the necessity and advantages of a humble frame of spirit; I hope it has not been in vain. Oh! To be little in our own eyes! This is the ground-work of every grace; this leads to a continual dependence upon the Lord Jesus; this is the spirit which He has promised to bless; this conciliates us good-will and acceptance amongst men; for he that abaseth himself is sure to be honoured. And that this temper is so hard to attain and preserve, is a striking proof of our depravity – For are we not sinners? Were we not rebels and enemies before we knew the gospel; and have we not been unfaithful, backsliding, and unprofitable ever since? Are we not redeemed by the blood of Jesus? and can we stand a single moment except He upholds us? Have we any thing which we have not received? or have we received any thing which we have not abused? Why then is dust and ashes proud?

I am glad you have found some spiritual acquaintance in your barren land. I hope you will be helpful to them, and they to you. You do well to guard against every appearance of evil. If you are heartily for Jesus, Satan owes you a grudge. One way or the other he will try to cut you out work, and the Lord may suffer him to go to the length of the chain. But though you are to keep your eye upon him, and expect to hear from him at every step, you need not be slavishly afraid of him; for Jesus is stronger and wiser than he, and there is a complete suit of armour provided for all who are engaged on the Lord’s side.                                             

I am, etc

John Newton

Personal Reflection:

  • Where have you experienced an on-going struggle with sinful behavior or attitudes?
  • Newton told his friend that the most important factor in our struggle with sin is to have a heart that is humble before God. For you, what are the indicators that your heart is humble before God?
  • Newton warned his friend against the attack of the devil. To what degree have you sensed opposition from spiritual forces of evil in your struggle with sin?
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