Preparing the Way: How God Sets the Stage for Jesus in Our Lives

Just like John the Baptist prepared the way for Jesus through water baptism, God also prepares us for Jesus to be King in our lives. However, the preparation isn't always what we expect—it can happen through the most ordinary circumstances. Let's explore this theme of preparation and how it applies to our daily lives.

The Role of John the Baptist: A Primer in Preparation

John the Baptist wasn't just a wild man eating locusts and honey; he was a herald. He called people to repentance and prepared them for the coming of Jesus. His tool? Water baptism. But why water? Water is essential for life, cleansing, and renewal. Similarly, God uses very practical 'tools' to prepare us.

The Biblical Blueprint: Ordinary Means for Extraordinary Ends

Moses and the Burning Bush

Moses was shepherding when he encountered God in a burning bush—an ordinary day turned into a divine mission.

David, the Shepherd King

David was tending sheep when he was anointed as the future king of Israel, learning essential skills in an everyday setting.

Esther’s Beauty Contest

Esther went from an ordinary Jewish girl to a queen who saved her people, all starting with a beauty contest.

The Disciples' Ordinary Professions

Fishermen, tax collectors, and zealots—these ordinary people were transformed into the builders of the early church.

Ruth's Faithfulness

Ruth's ordinary work in the fields led her to Boaz, positioning her in the lineage of Jesus Christ.

Hannah’s Infertility

Hannah's struggle with infertility wasn't just a personal trial; it was a preparation for her to become the mother of Samuel, one of Israel’s greatest prophets.

Everyday Scenarios: The Tools God Uses

  1. Challenges and Struggles: When we face difficulties, it's easy to question why God allows them. However, these challenges often serve as a 'training ground' for greater spiritual responsibilities.

  2. Relationships: People around us serve as mirrors reflecting aspects of ourselves that need change or improvement. Through these interactions, God helps us grow in love, patience, and understanding.

  3. Opportunities: Sometimes, God provides unexpected opportunities that force us out of our comfort zones, allowing us to grow and be prepared for future tasks.

  4. Community: Being part of a church or a small group isn't just about socializing; it's a divine setup for mutual edification and preparation for what God wants to do through us.

The Importance of Recognizing God's Hand: A Warning from the Pharisees and Sadducees

It's easy to get caught up in religious activities, doctrines, or even social justice causes and miss the preparation work God is doing in our lives. The Pharisees and Sadducees serve as a warning. Remain humble and open, consistently checking our hearts and motives. Taking time to reflect and pray can help us recognize these divine preparations.

Conclusion

John the Baptist used water to prepare people for Jesus. Today, God uses our everyday circumstances to prepare us for the reign of Jesus in our lives. So let's be attentive and embrace the preparation process, knowing that it leads to greater things.

God's Tools for Equipping Us: A Deeper Look

Hey Friends,

Guess what we talked about this past Sunday? That's right, we zeroed in on Hebrews 13:20-21, specifically the word "equip." It's like God's tool kit for us, preparing us to do His will and thrill him with our lives. 🛠️

So, how exactly does God get us all geared up? Let's break it down, Warren W. Wiersbe style!

1. The Word of God (2 Timothy 3:16–17)

Think of the Bible as God's instruction manual, but way more exciting! It's not only about rules and do's and don'ts; it's a treasure trove of stories, promises, and wisdom. It's like God's GPS, guiding us along the right path.

2. Prayer (1 Thessalonians 3:10)

Prayer isn't just wishing upon a star. It's more like a heartfelt chat with the Creator of the universe. It's our hotline to Heaven, connecting us to guidance, strength, and a profound bond with God. That was a core idea in Hebrews!

3. Fellowship of the Local Church (Ephesians 4:11–12)

Ever been to a family reunion? Well, the church is like that every Sunday! It's where we get together with our spiritual siblings, learn, worship, and encourage each other. Imagine a weekly potluck with praise, prayers, and preaching. Ephesians 4 says that equipping is happening in that setting. 🎶

4. Individual Believers (Galatians 6:1)

You know that friend who’s always there for you? That’s what fellow believers are like in our spiritual journey. They're the ones who patch us up when we're broken and cheer us on when we’re winning. We’re all in this together, after all!

5. Suffering (1 Peter 5:10)

This one might seem like a curveball, but hang in there with me. Suffering is like life's intense boot camp. It's tough, it's gritty, but boy, does it shape character! It helps us grow strong, resilient, and closer to God.

Conclusion

So, there you have it, God's go-to toolbox to equip us for this wild ride called life. It's a journey, folks, and we've got the best guide ever!

As we dive into these tools, let's grow closer to God and become the best versions of ourselves. Let's roll up our sleeves and embrace the adventure, fully trusting God's awesome plan for us. 🚀

Catch you on Sunday!

Jesus: the scandal-free leader

In a world characterized by change and transitions, where leadership often shifts and evolves, there is comfort in knowing one leader who remains the same: Jesus Christ. The book of Hebrews offers us this comforting reminder: "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever." (Hebrews 13:8)

This profound truth provides an anchor for our souls in uncertain times. It's particularly relevant in a world where leadership is fluid, sometimes unreliable, and often subject to the whims of societal change.

Earthly leaders, whether they be political, social, or even spiritual, are subject to change. They can let us down, disappoint us, and even lead us astray. Their priorities can shift, their actions can fluctuate, and their values can waver under pressure or over time. This is not to dismiss the vital role of good leadership in our communities and churches. Rather, it is to acknowledge the reality of human imperfection and the transient nature of human authority.

In stark contrast stands Jesus, our divine leader. He does not waver; He does not change. His love, His grace, His truth—these are as steadfast today as they were when He walked the earth. His leadership is not subject to the shifting sands of societal trends or personal whims. It is grounded in the unchanging nature of His character: love, justice, mercy, and truth.

What does this mean for us as followers of Jesus, navigating our way through a changing world and varying human leadership?

Firstly, it means we have a firm foundation on which to anchor our lives. Amidst the ebb and flow of changing human leadership, we can rely on the steady hand of Jesus guiding us. His Word, His teachings, His example—these form a compass for us, reliably pointing the way regardless of life's circumstances.

Secondly, it challenges us to reflect His constancy in our own lives. As we navigate changing times and shifting leadership, we're called to be imitators of Jesus, echoing His steadfast love, grace, and truth in our actions and attitudes.

Finally, it gives us hope. The Jesus who conquered death, who loves us unconditionally, who guides us with wisdom and grace, is the same Jesus who will return in glory. His unchanging nature assures us that His promises are true, His redemption is sure, and His reign is everlasting.

In a world of changing leaders and shifting authorities, may we find comfort, guidance, and hope in Jesus, our constant leader. As we navigate life's changes, may we be anchored in Him, reflect His constancy, and hold fast to the hope we have in Him. For He is the same yesterday, today, and forever.

The Gift of Hospitality: How Generosity With Your Space Reflects the Heart of God

On Sunday mornings we continue to dissect the fascinating words of the Pastor out of Hebrews. On Sunday we looked at Hebrews 13:1-6. I want to summarize the specific point about the concept of hospitality in verse two. "Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing so some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it." I want to delve deeper into this and share some thoughts with you all.

The act of hospitality is about being generous with your space. And let's be honest, it comes at a cost. This concept isn't always the most welcome – we love our privacy, our routine, our sense of security. It's in our nature to protect our spaces, to maintain a stronghold on our personal lives. But here's where faith enters the scene: it challenges us to welcome others into our space.

I know for many of us, our spaces are dear to us. You might have a room you rent, a house you share, or perhaps a place of your own. Nonetheless, everyone has a space they call their own, even if they don't pay for it directly. And the scripture invites us to be generous with these spaces.

What does being generous with your space mean? It suggests opening up your space to those you don't know very well – those whose identity could be an enigma, much like the people in the Bible who unknowingly entertained angels. This isn't just about inviting over your best friends for dinner; it's about reaching out and welcoming people you might not be entirely familiar with.

Hospitality is etched deeply into the fabric of Christian tradition, a practice we embrace because we understand it as an entrusted responsibility from God. The act of opening up your home, your sacred space, requires faith, but it's a testament to the incredible generosity of the Christian spirit.

When you think about it, the essence of the gospel is a hospitable one: God, in His ultimate generosity, welcomes us into a relationship with Him. He gives us His family, His love, and an eternal future in His presence. If there was anyone who could have shielded their space, it would have been God. And yet, He invites us in, offering us a place in His divine presence through the sacrifice of His Son.

It's a humbling realization, and I have to confess, I'm still early in my journey of learning the art of hospitality.

I pray that we continue to grow in this aspect, to live out a life of faith that involves more than just holding onto our spaces. Rather, let us be generous with the spaces that God has graciously provided us with. After all, who knows? You might just be entertaining an angel.

2022 Christmas Eve Service

You are invited to join Haven City Church for its annual Christmas Eve Candlelight service. We will sing carols and reflect on the birth of Christ. Our Spanish and English congregations will be together for this service.

December 24th, 6:30 PM

1706 Eastern Ave. Baltimore MD 21231

Christmas deserts and refreshments will be provided.

Candlelight services on Christmas Eve are a longstanding tradition in many Christian churches. The use of candles in worship services dates back to the early days of the church, when candles were used to symbolize the presence of God and to provide light in the absence of electricity. In the Christian tradition, the candlelight service on Christmas Eve serves as a reminder of the light of Christ that has come into the world, bringing hope, love, and salvation to all people.

The candlelight service is often a highlight of the Christmas season for many people, as it provides a peaceful and reflective moment to celebrate the birth of Jesus and the meaning of Christmas. We hope you can join us!

Backstory: Food Distribution

Since COVID began, Haven City Church has distributed $8 million dollars worth of food into our neighborhood. When the world was scrambling for toilet paper we were giving it out for free. When the news was reporting a shortage of Clorox and disinfectant, we were distributing it in mass quantity.

We frequently are asked; “How did all of this get started?”

Here’s the backstory.

When Haven City Church started running the Compassion Center in 2017 we inherited the existing food pantry ministry. (See photo below.) Every Wednesday we would create small grocery bags that could be given to homeless people attending a chapel service.

Food Pantry in 2017

Trader Joe’s

In late 2017 we received a call about extra food that was being donated by Trader Joe’s. We registered with Celestial Mana to be an approved distribution site. They are the third party organization that coordinates pickups from Trader Joe’s. We were able to begin picking up food every Friday and we distributed that food to 40 households per week.

Southeast Baltimore Food Access Initiative

We started to talk with other service coordinators around the Compassion Center. The public schools were working on food insecurity along with Catholic Charities. Our conversation around food access became a coalition of five organizations that were serving vulnerable people in a square mile. We called ourselves the Southeast Baltimore Food Access Initiative.

This group had conversations with our local city counsel members on food access. We were able to work collaboratively to develop new leads for food. Being a part of a local team rather than just speaking on behalf of one organization was a significant step forward.

Whole Foods

It took us all of 2018, but in the end we were able to develop a relationship with our local Whole Foods through Feeding America. This is an organization similar to Celestial Mana, but it is not a faith based organization. They got us slotted to pick up food from Whole Foods on Tuesday, Saturday and Sunday. This made it possible for us to double our distribution size to about 100 households per week.

COVID

When COVID hit in March 2020 we were up and running with food distribution. We had relationships with our community and had some procedures in place. Restaurants were shutting down and donating their inventory to the center. The city began sending food boxes to us on Saturdays and we were able to distribute that. The local bakery began donating racks of bread.

Then we had someone connect us with the local Amazon warehouse. We pulled up in a box truck and received 1,000 pounds of food on the first day. Our relationship with the management team led to more volume being donated. Some weeks were were receiving 55 pallets of food and cleaning products. Occasionally, we would receive pallets of pet food.

The key factors to food distribution is the distribution location, volunteers who will help organize and distribute and a truck to pickup the food. Some of our volunteers work for 20 hours a week out of hour center. They are amazing. We are grateful that God has allowed us to play this role in our community.

If you have more questions feel free to reach out. If you want to support this effort we would be thrilled to have your financial partnership. It currently costs us between $3k-$4k monthly to pay for the truck, insurance and fuel. All financial gifts are appreciated.

Member Care During COVID19

In this episode and in the following episode, Tony Johnson and I will answer the question "How do you care for people during a pandemic?" In addition to membership systems, small groups, and leadership training, Tony helps with the care ministry, which means he helps people access physical and spiritual resources. Sometimes that means just listening to them as they vent to him, other times it means driving them around town to pick up groceries. Today we help Norman, who suffers from severe back pain.

Sunday Morning Live Video - March 15

The Washington Post article about social distancing and visualization of the virus spread.

Links to Apps Haven City Church is using

Psalm 91

1 Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. 2 I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” 3 Surely he will save you from the fowler’s snare and from the deadly pestilence. 4 He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart. 5 You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day, 6 nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday. 7 A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you. 8 You will only observe with your eyes and see the punishment of the wicked. 9 If you say, “The Lord is my refuge,” and you make the Most High your dwelling, 10 no harm will overtake you, no disaster will come near your tent. 11 For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; 12 they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone. 13 You will tread on the lion and the cobra; you will trample the great lion and the serpent. 14 “Because he loves me,” says the Lord, “I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name. 15 He will call on me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him. 16 With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation.”

Recommended Books for Spiritual Disciplines

HCC Public Gatherings and COVID-19

Haven City Church will not be gathering for a public worship service tomorrow, March 15th. Instead, I will be live streaming from the Compassion Center on our FB page. The live video will start around 10 AM. You do not need to have Facebook to watch the live stream. 

If you are looking for good worship music to listen to during this time we have published our worship playlist here. You can catch up on past sermons here. 

During this COVID-19 emergency, we have postponed all public gatherings. It is our responsibility as citizens to give our medical systems and scientists a fighting chance in addressing the outbreak. Even though many of us are younger and our bodies would recover from the virus that does not mean others who get the virus from us would fair as well. It is not loving to risk other's health based on personal confidence that we could recover. 

The Compassion Center remains open to the most vulnerable. Derek has done a great job of making himself available during this time. If you would like to volunteer to assist Derek please reach out to him directly. Also, stay alert and aware of immediate social needs that arise in your neighborhoods. 

Also, we will have some online prayer times over Zoom in the coming days. If you do not have the Zoom app now is the time to get it. You can go to their web site and sign up for free. https://zoom.us

I'm praying for you all. I know this can be an upsetting event. Some of you are more vulnerable to this virus because of a compromised immune system. We love you and are concerned for your health.