I have figured out a code for what I am writing about. If I begin with “In Prague” or “In Berlin” it could have some ministry news. If no intro, might be just something the Lord is teaching me or daily-life stuff.
In Prague. One thing I have read and am experiencing is that a Czech would never smile at a stranger unless, the exception is, they are in church – my observation! We took a few buses and a train today to arrive early and make a book display for members of The International Church of Prague. They meet on Sundays in a beautiful facility that is a Seventh Day Adventist Church. It was a longer service than I am used to because we have four services (plus moving cars in and out) at CHCC. Pastor Mike is in I John, Chapter 2. This is not his outline but a few things…Denying Christ makes us liars. We are all searching to know the God who created us – Abba Father. While Phil (a pastor?) was praying after worship there was a great wind. It swooshed throughout the building and I felt like I was experiencing Pentecost. It was raining so hard that the Holy Spirit and wind seemed to commingle. There were false teachers already in the early church, gnostics, who wanted to enhance the good news with their own false views so here, in Chapter 2, John is reminding them to keep to the basic truths and; confess sin, obey God, love others but not cling to this temporary world, and BELIEVE in Jesus. That was the failure of Satan, another creation who did not know his place. The contrast is loving the truth that Jesus is the only resurrected Son of God who has made a way for us, or, live for self and hope for the best. Well, if you are living for self you have already missed the best as we don’t believe, only to enter eternal life but we love and believe. There is a difference between believing and following. I don’t know the division line but I suspect there is one. Pastor Mike quoted C.S. Lewis, my fav author, that pride is the great sin that leads to all others. Pride that I know what’s best – not God. How can the created know more than the Creator? Beats me. Live according to what is true. To do that we study God’s word. He disclosed what we need to know and the rest will be revealed. No grey area here…either you are in or you’re out. You know that you can fail in following but that will not send you to hell. Keep up the good fight. Failing to believe will.
After church I chatted with some of the international’s. One couple visiting Prague to celebrate their 30th wedding anniversary (I got to 35 then something happened). A young man from a state in Africa, working on his PhD needs a job to support his people at home so we prayed. One of the tallest people I have ever seen who plays (you guessed it) basketball professionally was there with his kids and the 16 year old will soon be taller than Dad. Allie was leading the youth and looks exactly like my financial planner. Same exact smile. Dorcas was there – the libraries story lady. I’ve been here almost a week and these were so welcoming. The coffee was good enough for church coffee. There was an ancient cemetery next to the building. On a cold, blustery, day it was beautiful. It amazes me that we join with a catholic (meaning universal) church that meets, spiritually, around the world. God gathers His people and I hope the library will continue to gather and support people into the body of Christ. I love how the children section has the Story of Jesus right next to a Clifford book!
