A CENTURY OF IMPACT

In a matter of days, Pole Creek will be celebrating a birthday—a big one!  It is hard to believe, but for 100 years this church has been a beacon of light in the Candler community—whose impact reaches around the world.  That is what a missionary church does—and that is what Pole Creek has been, and by the help of God will remain until Jesus comes!

Pole Creek was birthed in the red-hot fires of revival, and we pray the fire will keep burning as we have a revival scheduled for Homecoming weekend.  Young Derrick McCarson, who grew up in Pole Creek—shaped by its ministry—will preach on Friday night, September 9 at 6:45 PM.  Along with our choir, special music will be provided by his wife, Caitlin.  Derrick now serves our sister church, Liberty, just down the road.  God has his hand on that young man.  Dr. Doug Ferguson will preach on Saturday, September 10 at 6 PM with his wife, Joan, singing for us.  When I came to Pole Creek’s staff twenty-one years ago, Doug was the Senior Pastor.  How I was blessed by the ministry in sermon and song from this godly couple!  They now serve Heritage Hills in Conyers, Georgia and are doing a great work.  Sunday morning starts early, 10:30 AM worship (no Sunday School) with Dr. Johnnie Tiller preaching.  Dr. Tiller will have just turned 90, and we are praying the Lord will give him great stamina to share with us that day!  He has made a huge impact on many for the kingdom in a lifetime of Christian service.  Of course, we will eat all the delicious food you bring when Homecoming concludes with fellowship around the table.

It is a good thing to remember what God has done and give Him thanks.  That is what the children of Israel did when God parted the Jordan River miraculously and brought them into the Promised Land.

And those twelve stones which they took out of the Jordan, Joshua set up in Gilgal. Then he spoke to the children of Israel, saying: “When your children ask their fathers in time to come, saying, ‘What are these stones?’ then you shall let your children know, saying, ‘Israel crossed over this Jordan on dry land’; for the Lord your God dried up the waters of the Jordan before you until you had crossed over, as the Lord your God did to the Red Sea, which He dried up before us until we had crossed over, that all the peoples of the earth may know the hand of the Lord, that it is mighty, that you may fear the Lord your God forever.” (Joshua 4:20-24)

Remembering the past would give them a foundation for the future.  There was much to celebrate, but much more to do!  Let us be inspired by the past, but recognize that these “stones” have been put to place to give a platform for future ministry.  I refuse to accept the premise that Pole Creek’s best days are behind us—wonderful as they have been—but, that God is going to do incredible things in the years to come!  Let us pray, trust, and obey so if time lasts another 100 years, Pole Creek will still be shining—a light of hope for the world!

THE LEGACY

Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us….  (Hebrews 12:1)

I can’t recall for sure who said it, but an old preacher once declared, “Every time I stand up, other men stand up inside me.”  So true!  Many others have shaped my life and their legacy of faithfulness has been passed down to me—now I am trying to pass it on.  One of our members, Gene Williamson, gave me a framed piece of art called, “The Legacy,” which hangs behind my desk in my study.  It features a pastor standing in the pulpit, with his Bible open, while surrounding him are prophets and angels unseen…the cloud of witnesses surrounding and supporting him.  That’s what a legacy is all about, and it is why we celebrate Homecoming each year.

This year, as we look to the past and remember those who have gone before us—the light of their influence still lighting the way—we will hear from a number of those whose ministry has been significantly impacted by Pole Creek.  They served on staff, answered the call while here, went into denominational service, or in some fashion were shaped by the legacy of doctrinal fidelity and missionary zeal found here.

This is a time for the young to reconnect with our roots and be grateful for those who planted the tree so we could sit under its shade today.  It is a long shadow that is cast—99 years.  It is also a time for the old to recall the purpose for which we exist and look to influence the next generation, even as our forefathers did for us.

Join us, Sunday morning, September 13 for our ninety-ninth birthday!  Sunday School starts at the normal time—9:45—but, will be abbreviated.  Homecoming worship starts early at 10:45, followed by lunch.  Our theme is, “The Lord Reigns,” and we exist because He does, we have a message because He does, and we have a glorious future because He does!  Invite former members and friends to join us.  It is going to be a great day!

THE HERITAGE OF THE KING

 

‎Now Jesus Himself began His ministry at about thirty years of age, being (as was supposed) the son of Joseph, the son of Heli...the son of Enosh, the son of Seth, the son of Adam, the son of God.  (Luke 3:23,38) 

 

Luke, the meticulous historian, in the third chapter of his Gospel, begins with a list of political leaders to set the historical context of the ministry of John the Baptist as the herald of King Jesus.  Then, he concludes that chapter with another list of names to set the genealogical context for the mission of the Messiah.  Reading such a catalog of names—several of which are virtually unknown and even unpronounceable with any certainty—challenges us to skip over those portions of the text.  That would be a mistake.  There is a lesson to LEARN!

 

The royal lineage was what qualified someone to be a king.  Jesus’ heritage establishes His legal right to the throne of David.  But further, it extends back to Adam, so that He was fully man, but then to God—so He was fully God.  God set Adam in the Garden and gave him dominion, but in disobedience that was forfeited.  Now, Jesus comes as the Last Adam that by His obedience all that the First Adam lost may be restored.  In the next event, Jesus will march right out into the wilderness and do battle with Satan.  When Satan questioned the Word of God, Adam and Eve were deceived and disobedient.  But when Satan questions Jesus, Christ will rely on the Word of God and overcome the wicked one.

 

The genealogies found in Matthew and Luke differ at certain points.  There are at least a couple of good explanations.  I think the best is that Matthew’s is Joseph’s biological line and establishes Christ’s legal right to reign through His adoptive father, and Luke gives us the biological connection through Mary.  The fact that she isn’t mentioned and only Joseph would again be a legal matter, making her marriage to Joseph meeting the requirement for Christ to be King—and yet the blood of royalty literally ran through Christ’s veins, imparted by His mother.  Matthew’s genealogy starts with Abraham and goes through David to Jesus.  This suited Matthew’s purpose to present Jesus as the Messiah of the Jews—the Son of David and Son of Abraham.  Matthew writes as a Jew to the Jews.  Luke, on the other hand, begins with Jesus and winds his way back through family history to Adam and his creation by God.  Luke is a Gentile addressing a Gentile audience.  His intent is to present Jesus as the Son of Man and Savior of the world.  The missionary heart of Luke’s mentor, Paul, always bleeds through his writing.

 

Jesus is the only One qualified to be our Mediator.  He is both one of us and Other than us—Son of God and son of Adam—that He might bring men to God.  Understanding who Jesus is should lead us to cry out to Him as Savior and bow before Him as Lord.  That is essential for getting ready to meet God.

 

Are you prepared to meet God?  If not, then you need to come to Christ without delay!  You may be connected with the church, but have you truly repented of your sins?  Is there fruit?  If not then the ax of judgment will fall!

 

If you have repented of your sins, have you publicly acknowledged that in baptism?  Following Christ into the water is a necessary first step in following Him for a lifetime.

 

As John prepared the way for Christ’s first coming, so we are to prepare people for His second.  Are you being God’s voice in the world?  Do you fear and back down?  Let us pray for the boldness of that herald of the King, John the Baptist.  Let us summon the lowliest of society to know they can be forgiven and be washed and made children of the King.  May we not hesitate to confront the highest in authority and call them sinners in need of repentance though such courageous conviction costs us dearly.  It would cost John everything.

GRACE FOR SANCTITY IN THE AGED

And behold, there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon, and this man was just and devout, waiting for the Consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him.  And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ.  ‎So he came by the Spirit into the temple. And when the parents brought in the Child Jesus, to do for Him according to the custom of the law, he took Him up in his arms and blessed God and said: “Lord, now You are letting Your servant depart in peace, According to Your word; For my eyes have seen Your salvation Which You have prepared before the face of all peoples, A light to bring revelation to the Gentiles, And the glory of Your people Israel.”  And Joseph and His mother marveled at those things which were spoken of Him.  Then Simeon blessed them, and said to Mary His mother, “Behold, this Child is destined for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign which will be spoken against (yes, a sword will pierce through your own soul also), that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.”  Now there was one, Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was of a great age, and had lived with a husband seven years from her virginity; and this woman was a widow of about eighty-four years, who did not depart from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day.  And coming in that instant she gave thanks to the Lord, and spoke of Him to all those who looked for redemption in Jerusalem.   (Luke 2:25-38) 

Simeon and Anna were not actually Jesus’ grandparents, but we see in them the kind of sanctity which ought to be found in the elderly.  Sanctity may not be a familiar term, but it’s a fitting term which conveys godliness—and that is certainly evident in this old man and woman.  As we age biologically, we should mature spiritually through God’s grace operating in us. 

Paul told Titus that the older men and women of the church had a mentoring assignment with the young men and women.  Church at its ideal isn’t loaded with one particular demographic—whether white headed elderly or spikey haired youth—but is multigenerational.  Each has a dynamic to add: the vitality of youth and stability of age.

What kind of “grandparents,” whether literal or spiritual, do we need?  Consider these characteristics of Simeon and Anna.

There needs to be PURITY, “And behold, there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon, and this man was just and devout, waiting for the Consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him.  (v.25)  Simeon was just in his dealings with others and devout in his relationship with God.  Personal purity marked him.  He was a holy man.

Then the godly will exhibit PATIENCE.  Simeon had been “waiting” (v.25) for years for Messiah, and Anna, since becoming a young widow, had patiently served in the house of God, “and this woman was a widow of about eighty-four years, who did not depart from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day.”  (v.37)   They did not allow time and trials to erode their hope.  That happens far too often.

Spiritually mature people possess PERCEPTION.

And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ.  ‎So he came by the Spirit into the temple. … Then Simeon blessed them, and said to Mary His mother, “Behold, this Child is destined for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign which will be spoken against (yes, a sword will pierce through your own soul also), that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.” (v.26-27a; 34-35)

Simeon had spiritual perception: he could see behind events, see through circumstances, and see beyond the immediate situation.  Those who are led of the Spirit can guide others.

The elders of the church ought to manifest PEACE, “Lord, now You are letting Your servant depart in peace, According to Your word” (v.29).  He was ready to go.  Simeon was at peace.  His life’s mission was fulfilled.  Do we face aging and death with contentment?

Furthermore, such sanctity is grounded and grown in PRAYER, “and this woman was a widow of about eighty-four years, who did not depart from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day.” (v.37)  Many will leave behind material goods, but the greatest inheritance is intercession—not property, but prayers.  They remain before God having an eternal dimension.  Their efficacy works beyond our lifetime for generations to come

Older saints ought to be noted for their PRAISE,  “he took Him up in his arms and blessed God” (v.28); “And coming in that instant she gave thanks to the Lord, and spoke of Him to all those who looked for redemption in Jerusalem.”  (v.38)   May we who are older members of the church be known for our helpfulness with the young and not our harping about them!  Too often we are sour rather than sweet; known for grumbling instead of gladness. 

I want to be a godly grandparent, and leave a heritage of holiness! 

 

HOPE FOR THE HOMESTRETCH: HOPE THAT IMPARTS FAITHFULNESS

Now Mary arose in those days and went into the hill country with haste, to a city of Judah, and entered the house of Zacharias and greeted Elizabeth.  (Luke 1:39-40)

Mary gives us a model of faithfulness.  As a teenager, the level of her spiritual maturity was amazing.  She established a course she would follow all the days of her life, until at last, headed down the homestretch she would finish well.  There are some who start well and falter.  Others do not begin well, but excel later and finish with a flourish.  But, the ideal is seen in Mary who from beginning to end was faithful.

She was FAITHFUL IN SEEKING, “Now Mary arose in those days and went into the hill country with haste, to a city of Judah” (v.39).  The angel had departed.  Would Mary rub her eyes, think it all a dream—maybe too much pizza before bed?  Gabriel had told her that Elizabeth’s pregnancy would be a sign of God’s miraculous work:

And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name JESUS.  ‎He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David.  ‎And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end.”  Then Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I do not know a man?”  And the angel answered and said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Highest will overshadow you; therefore, also, that Holy One who is to be born will be called the Son of God.  Now indeed, Elizabeth your relative has also conceived a son in her old age; and this is now the sixth month for her who was called barren.  For with God nothing will be impossible.” (Luke 1:31-37)

So, she takes off to find out.  Being faithful means we are full of faith!  Headed down the homestretch do we keep trusting?  That steadfast faith will lead us to seek to eagerly follow God’s path for us, even if, as with Mary, it seems incredible.

Mary was also FAITHFUL IN SHARING, “and entered the house of Zacharias and greeted Elizabeth.” (v.40)   When Elizabeth saw Mary coming she must have thought, “Do I have some news for her!”  Mary was probably thinking the same thing all the way there.  I wonder if they almost collided on their course to communicate and celebrate what God had promised!  Good news is made for sharing!  Those who are faithful to follow leave a testimony that marks out a trail for others. 

Mary’s model inspires us after 2,000 years.  She beckons us to leave a legacy of life-truths—a heritage of hope—that our family, friends and fellowship of the church needs to know.  One day, each of us will head down the homestretch of life and cross the finish line.  Make it your prayer that if others follow your example, they too will join you someday in wearing a crown of victory!  Jesus exhorts, “Behold, I am coming quickly! Hold fast what you have, that no one may take your crown.” (Revelation 3:11)  Faithfulness keeps a firm grip on the crown.