Harderwyk Available on YouTube

We're glad to make an increasing number of Harderwyk Resources available on YouTube.  This platform is easily available and makes it possible to view on Smart TVs or pass on to a friend or find from a device as you travel.  Our goal is to make Harderwyk easier to connect to and share wherever you find yourself.

For example: While I was just traveling on vacation, Mary Lynn and I were able to tap the "Celebration-Harderwyk You Tube Channel" in the Sunday Worshp email that we received and in three taps were able to "cast" the service through the Smart TV in our hotel room.

The Overview

We have set up four seperate "channels" that can be easily searched for or subscribed to:

1) Harderwyk Ministries - This is a general collection of Worship Service livestreams from all three campuses as well as "all-Harderwyk" videos, like our recent "Summer Serve Week."

Each campus - Celebration, Watershed & Fusion - have their own dedicated channel with only their Worship Service livestreams and any other campus specific videos.

2) Celebration-Harderwyk

3) Watershed-Harderwyk

4) Fusion-Harderwyk

You can search for any of these four on your YouTube page or on a general search service like Google or Bing.  Type in the channel you want - please note the format of "Campus Name, Hyphen with no spaces, Harderwyk" - and it should direct you right to the channel you want.  Look for the "Subscribe" button, and your YouTube page will set up a folder and automatically receive every new addition to the channel.

Here are direct links to each channel.

CLICK HERE for Harderwyk Ministries

CLICK HERE for Celebration-Harderwyk

CLICK HERE for Watershed-Harderwyk

CLICK HERE for Fusion-Harderwyk

We will continue to have links on Harderwyk.com to our Sunday livestreams and an archive of previous worship services, but we are glad to add this additional accessibility by way of YouTube.

Cultivating the Life of Prayer, Part 1

If a friend came to you with a pressing need, would you be secure that your prayer life could make a difference for them?  There are two things to consider here:

• Your willingness to step forward in prayer for them.
• Your ability to connect their need to Jesus in prayer, not just to your heartfelt sympathy.

On a recent Sunday morning, I asked the people of Celebration-Harderwyk how it is that we learn to cultivate a prayer life that can connect the needs of our friends and family with the situation-changing grace of the Heavenly Father.

One resource that has been helpful for cultivating my own prayer life in this way is the book Praying for Prodigals by James Bank.  He writes:

Mark and Luke tell a striking story of Jesus “catching people in the act” of faith.  Four men brought a friend who was paralyzed to Jesus for healing.  When they couldn’t find a way through the crowd, they climbed up on the roof of the home where Jesus was teaching, removed some tiles, and lowered the man “right in front of Jesus” (Luke 5:19).  Mark and Luke both write that “when Jesus saw their faith,” he healed their friend (Mark 2:5, Luke 5:20).

Notice that both Mark and Luke mention more than just the faith of the man who was healed.  Jesus saw “their faith,” indicating the faith of his friends.  When the man was paralyzed and could do little for himself, the active faith of those around him made all the difference.

When we pray for our prodigal kids, we carry them on stretchers of faith to Jesus.  We do the heavy lifting, but they receive the benefit.  They may be entirely passive or even actively resisting us, but Jesus sees our faith as we bring them to Him.

Jim Cymbala writes of his daughter Chrissy’s return after a long prodigal season.  One Tuesday evening, God moved the church he serves (The Brooklyn Tabernacle) to intercede passionately for his daughter.  He came home that evening and told his wife, “It’s over with Chrissy.  You would have had to be in the prayer meeting tonight.  I tell you, if there is a God in heaven, this whole nightmare is finally over.”

Two days later, his daughter came home to her family and back to God.  She asked one question over and over: “Daddy .  .  .  who was praying for me?  Who was praying for me?” pp.83-84

Remember that resources like this one are most helpful when they serve as a bridge and not as an end in themselves.  It is Jesus who teaches His people to pray.  We join him “who lives to make intercession” for His people (Hebrews 7:25) and learn from Him. There is no magic in praying the words of a book like this or being moved by the inspiration they bring.  As a bridge to our Faithful Intercessor, we join Him in the work that He is about.

CLICK HERE for the Amazon link to this book and CLICK HERE for a 90-second YouTube introduction by the author.

Thomas Jefferson Was A Calvinist?!?

I am not saying that Thomas Jefferson was a Presbyterian minister in disguise.  Nothing of the sort.  And I will leave to others - specifically to God Himself - to determine the state of Jefferson's experience of grace and confession of faith.  But I do think that the world of Jefferson's thought, and the thought of those around him in those colonial times, was deeply formed by the ideas of John Calvin.

Deeply formed in much the same way that as an American in the 21st century my view of the world and the shared conversation regarding values, people and politics is deeply formed by the ideas of Sigmund Freud, Charles Darwin and Albert Einstein.  Even though I have significant disagreements with two of those thinkers, their impact on my world is such that I am effected.  Like the water that a fish lives in, their thoughts have effected the pond in which we all swim, breathe and live so to speak.  

It was that same way with John Calvin for Thomas Jefferson.  I am not thinking about his own convictions, but the cultural atmosphere in which he lived.

I became aware of this connection by doing three things that I suggest for you.

• First, read the Declaration of Independence - Click here to do that.
• Then, read the last chapter of Calvin's Institutes of the Christian Religion entitled "Of Civil Government" - Click here to do that.
• Finally, read the Declaration of Independence again.

A note to the reader: Expect this to take about 45 minutes - with reading the Declaration twice taking only ten of those!  Understand that Calvin wrote in the mid-sixteenth century in Latin.  We live in a day of sound-bite videos from Sesame Street to Stephen Colbert, so we are unaccustomed to writing that follows a long and careful argument.  This exercise was worth the effort for me, and I would recommend it to you.

Read these two pieces and see if you don't find the same connection that I do.  Jefferson was no theology professor, but the ideas that he wrote from, and the ideas of the people he wrote for and to were deeply informed by the view of reality and thoughts presented by Calvin in his chapter on Civil Governemnt.

It's another study to document further evidence of the impact of Calvinist thought on the forming of the United States.  In this post, I simply want to make the connection and ask a question: If Calvinist thought was the intellectual culture that gave birth to our Declaration of Independence, what are the implications for our liberty and politics when that intellectual culture has changed - which it certainly has?

By the way, at no extra charge, here is a link to a great - and brief - post entitled "The Presbyterian Rebellion."  King George of England connected the rebellion of his colonies with Calvin as well!  CLICK HERE for an artical from the Journal of the American Revolution with an abundance of original source references.

Good News! The Vikings Became Lutherans

In this year (793 AD!) terrible portents appeared over Northumbria and sadly affrightened the inhabitants: there were exceptional flashes of lightning, and fiery dragons were seen flying in the air. A great famine followed soon upon these signs, and a little after that in the same year on the ides of June the harrying of the heathen miserably destroyed God's church in Lindisfarne by rapine and slaughter.

And so it began.  This reference in the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle - 9th century document considered the most important source for the history of England in Anglo-Saxon times - is the first mention of the arrival of Viking raiders to the British isles.

Soon, the prayerbooks of the time included this prayer: A furore Normannorum libera nos, Domine.  Translated: "From the fury of the Northmen deliver us, O Lord."  These Vikings were fearsome and destructive folks indeed.

But, in one of the fascinating transformations in European history, these same Vikings were to become Lutherans - over time.  First, they pillaged the monetaries of Ireland, took some territory as their own, or enslaved the inhabitants, even kidnapping them back across the North Sea.  But along the way, these oppressors heard the Gospel of God's Grace from the people they tormented.  And that seed took root, grew, multiplied and eventually bore fruit.  The Vikings came to faith in the Jesus of their captives, and the rest is history.  They even signed on with the evangelical faith of their German neighbors after God used Luther for a season of renewal there.

Granted, it took about 800 years but under the influence of the Gospel, the Vikings were transformed from death-dealing mauraders to reliable neighbors.  Life was better for all.  This is what God does through the Gospel over time.

Sadly, the influence can flow both ways.  A few more centuries and after a migration to America, these Vikings turned Lutherans have now produced the likes of Nadia Bolz-Weber, a modern day pastor/prophet of expressive individualism.

So stay faithful and pray in every generation.  Let the Spirit have His way and bear fruit in every life.  But know that the Gospel has transformative power.

For Further Reference:

The Fury of the Northmen | Christian History | Christianity Today

Viking Answer Lady Webpage - Origin of the phrase, 'A furore Normannorum libera nos, Domine'

"Spiritual Wind Sprints" For Depth in Grace

I came across this 2-minute video recently – it is from a 2013 talk by Tim Keller on Gospel Renewal – and I thought about wind sprints back in my football playing days.

Wind sprints were not fun or affirming.  At the end of a three-hour practice in August, our coach would line us up along the goal line, blow the whistle and we would dash to the 10-yard line, turn around, whistle and dash back to the goal.  He would move to the 15-yard line and repeat, adding 5 yards to each repetition.  You get the picture: Not Fun.

But in the fourth quarter of a game, when strength and energy are failing, the conditioning of those wind sprints would pay off.  Those who had given themselves to the exercise, reaped the benefit.

So this video reminded me that there is a long-term benefit from facing challenging realities.  Tim Keller lays out three categories of questions for asking ourselves and those we have a relationship with that may not be fun or affirming in the short-term, but that can deepen and strengthen our conditioning in the Gospel of God’s Grace.

So watch the video and let the questions blow the whistle as you develop your depth.  Below are his questions gathered from a recent post on churchleaders.com spotlighting the video

Evidence of God’s presence in your life

• How real has God been this week to your heart?
• How clear and vivid is your assurance and certainty of God’s forgiveness and fatherly love. To what degree is that real to you right now?
• Are you having any particular seasons of sweet delight in God? Do you really sense his presence in your life? Do you really sense him giving you his love?

Evidence of Scripture changing you

• Have you been finding Scripture to be alive and active?
• Are you finding certain biblical promises extremely precious and encouraging? Which ones?
• Are you finding God’s calling you or challenging you to something through the word, in what ways?

Evidence of a growing appreciation for God’s mercy

• Are you finding God’s grace more glorious and moving now than you have in the past?
• Are you conscious of a growing sense of the evil of your heart, and in response, a growing dependence on and grasp of the preciousness of the mercy of God?

Keep In Mind: Biblical Truth About the Holy Spirit - part 2

As I read the Bible, and in particular the New Testament, I’ve come to see the Holy Spirit at work in the life of believers in a two complementary and related – though distinct – manners.  Namely:

• "The Spirit Moves UPON" believers to empower them for service.
• "The Spirit Moves WITHIN" believer to transform character and produce fruit of the Spirit.

The Spirit Moves Upon - A short-term “anointing” of the Spirit with power for service.

This is how the Spirit works in the Old Testament.  Moses is anointed as a leader.  Isaiah has the anointing to speak as a prophet.  Another early reference to this activity of the Spirit is, interestingly enough, to Bezalel in Exodus 31 who is anointed with the Spirit and given the spiritual gift of craftsmanship.

In the New Testament, this work of “the Spirit upon” as an anointing with power for service is referred to as “spiritual gifts.”  Romans 12 and I Corinthians 12 are central to this expanded view of anointing power that builds from the Old Testament but extends to every member of the Body of Christ.  There is a lot to look at here that I often do in an extended seminar setting.

The Spirit Moves Within - A long-term "saturation" of the Spirit that describes a "state of being."

As I see it, there is a new way that the Spirit works in the life of a believer in this time AFTER the cross and empty tomb.  Because Jesus has died and been resurrected, He gives the Spirit to “dwell within” for the work of sanctification: the transforming of our character.  This is the Spirit’s work of producing Fruit of the Spirit that Jesus promises in John 15 and Paul teaches about in Galatians 5:22-26.

Again, there is MUCH more to consider, study and pray about.  I love to do that in a seminar, retreat, sermon series or over coffee.  But in this blog setting, I’m aiming only to give this simple frame work of “the Spirit upon” and “the Spirit within.”

Metaphor: A Living, Lighted Tree

Picture if you like a “Living, Lighted Tree” like we often do to outside trees with Christmas lights.  The tree is “filled with lights” that bring holiday cheer as well as “filled with sap” that bring life to the tree.  We want to grow in the Spirit’s work in BOTH ways for our life.

Sorting Out the English Word “Filled”

As it turns out, there are three Greek words that are often translated by the single English word “filled.”  Two have nuances related to “the Spirit within” and one to “the Spirit upon.”

For example:

• Acts 4:8 – Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, began to speak – is about “the Spirit upon.”  Peter is empowered to speak in that time and place by the Holy Spirit.
• Romans 15:13 – May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace – is about “the Spirit within.”

CLICK HERE for a 9-page “concordance study” of these distinct word groupings.  You will find under each heading 1) a definition from Brad’s work, 2) a word definition from Strong’s Enhanced Concordance and 3) a verse listing of every use of that Greek word (by Strong’s number) in the New testament.  I call a study like this “grist for the meditation mill.”

As always, I'm happy to talk more about what I begin in blog posting like this.  Feel free to contact me through the Harderwyk Ministries church office and we can arrange a time and setting.  Perhaps you would like to help me plan and present more of this information in a small group or seminar?

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I’m indebted to my friend and college classmate Brad Long for helping me see this two-fold nature of the Spirit’s work.  If you can find it, Brad’s book Receiving the Power is very helpful The book is currently out of print.  The last time I purchased it, I got it through the website of Brad’s organization: PRMI.org.  CLICK HERE for the book.  

All My Heroes Are Sinners Too

Heroes in the Bible

Make no mistake.  The Bible is a story filled with many heroes.  Just don't forget or avoid this truth:  They are all sinners as well.

Abraham was the first "Man of Faith."  His willingness to leave his home and follow God's promise is a case study in "faith counted as righteousness."  (Genesis 15:6 & Romans 4:3)  But he also betrayed his own wife, not just once but twice (Genesis 10:13 & 20:3)  Hero of the Faith?  Sure!  Sinner, as well?  Obviously.

King David had faith enough to stand against Goliath when he was only a shepherd boy.  But he also committed murder and adultery as well as let sexual abuse go unpunished in his house.  Yikes!

The pattern carries in to the New Testament.  Peter would stand up and preach the "first Christian Sermon" in Acts 2:14-41.  Tradition has it that he would be crucified upside down.  But along the way, Paul would need to challenge him publicly for not "living in line with the Gospel."  (Galatians 2:14)

Every hero in the Bible is also a sinner.  Except for one.

Heroes in History

All this is true of characters that fill the history of the world and our nation.  All my heroes in American history are heroes that are sinners as well.

George Washington led his soldiers against tyranny in the face of long odds.  Even more, he stepped down after two terms as the president when he could have been made a king.  Sacrificial leadership based on humility is an inspiration to me.  But he also kept a plantation with enslaved people.

Martin Luther King, Jr was a Baptist preacher who called every American to make good on the promises and hope of our founding.  He also had a dark side that he himself recognized and discreetly referred to.  

Robert E. Lee was a brilliant general who wrote against slavery and succession from the Union.  And yet, he led the Confederate Army in the Civil War.

Every human hero you and I will ever have will always be both hero and sinner.  Those come together in one package the Gospel tells us, because every human is an image-bearer of the Great Creator-King who is broken in some way by sin.  That means heroes are all sinners.  It also means that even sinners can sometimes in some way be heroes.

Confusing?  Not really.  It just means that we all need to be rescued from our sin.

Don't Be Fooled About Your Heroes Or Your Own Sin

I'm a history nerd, so I must confess that seeing historical monuments being pulled down is unnerving to me.

I know each person represented by a statue being pulled down is both a sinner as well as - in some way to some people - a hero.  I think it is important and honest to be clear about the sin of those persons, but I also want to learn and be inspired by their heroism when it is there.  And sometimes - as with Robert E. Lee - ponder the irony and sadness of their decisions and life.  If I can be inspired by heroics, I can also learn from the mistakes of others.

Sooner or later, if I am unwilling to deal honestly with both the hero and the sinner in each person - canceling anyone for a single expression of sin - I will have to either falsely deny my own sin, or else live under the weight of my own canceling conscience.

The Apostle Paul knew this from his own experience.  He writes in Romans 7:24, What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body that is subject to death?

This is the life-giving beauty of the Gospel of God's Grace:  though all our heroes are sinners, there is One who is both Hero and Sinless Savior: A rescuer for every image-bearer broken by sin.