New Audio Available

Here is Pastor Rich's message from Sunday, September 26, at Shawnee. Right-click the link and select "Save Target as..." to download the MP3 file to your computer.

Christianity Meets Religion - Acts 3-4

New Audio Available

Here is Pastor Rich's message from Sunday, September 19, at Shawnee. Right-click the link and select "Save Target as..." to download the MP3 file to your computer.

Witnessing to a Crooked Generation - Acts 2:1-41

New Audio Available

Here is Pastor Rich's message from Sunday, September 12, at Shawnee. Right-click the link and select "Save Target as..." to download the MP3 file to your computer.

Mobilized for the Mission - Acts 1:6-8

Goodbye, Rome

Today was our last day in Rome. Gone is the awe of a new place. Elbowing onto city buses, following the crowds into the metro, ordering a pizza at a local stand and bargaining for a realistic price are almost natural.

Perhaps our visit to the Mamertine Prison captures our day. We leave Rome awed that God reached into Ancient Rome and in a limited time saved and transformed so many. The church was born in a pagan and powerful culture. Yet the prison indicates it was more than the numbers being saved. It says Rome was offended by the transformed lives and tried to restrict the preaching of the gospel by imprisoning men like Peter and Paul. The gospel saves but also so transforms that it brings persecution.

Yet our memory of Rome also includes the reality that the spectacular work of God in building His church did not guarantee it would continue to be pure. The tour of the Mamertine Prison is controlled by an organization that has built a church over it. Their message is about “faith” yet it was unclear what is to be the object of that faith. Our group had only 4 others. As we left, we began to talk and immediately realized they were born again Christians. We shared how disappointing it was to realize a site noted as the place of imprisonment for those who preached the gospel now has only a “form of godliness and denies the power thereof”.

Our final observation at the Mamertine Prison came as we sat on the steps watching modern Italians and tourists pass. I asked a local citizen how many attend church and there was a quick response “virtually no one”. Rome reminds us that God went to the heart of the Roman Empire and built His church yet in time it became only a form of godliness so that today it is a city where few have any real relation to Christ or even a relation to the RC church.

I couldn’t help notice the connection to a book I was reading that gave the message of the Sermon on the Mount (Mt. 5-7). The gospel (good news of Christ) impresses the crowds (Mt 5:1,2) and transforms lives (5:3-10) which leads to persecution (5:11f) as followers of Christ become salt and light (5:13ff) doing good works to the glory of God (5:15ff). Following Christ so changes one’s life he does the kind of good works that people hate you for. In response to that, the followers of Christ and the world around them often mix until it is true that “not everyone who says Lord, Lord will enter the kingdom . . . (7:21ff).

As we made our final trip up the street to our hotel, we discussed how Paul entered such a city and spread the gospel. Is it any different today?

Carpe Diem

The bus arrived early and soon our eyes were yielding to the desire to close. To be honest, we remember little of the trip to Pompeii but we will never forget Pompeii. Considered one of the best preserved ancient sites (others being Ephesus and Delos), Pompeii’s preservation is because it was almost instantly covered in 25 feet of volcanic ash in 79 AD. The volcanic Mt. Vesuvius was considered extinct so the city of Pompeii with 25,000 inhabitants enjoyed a typical Roman lifestyle. The sea at its feet, the rich volcanic soil all around and the beautiful Mt. Vesuvius in the background, what could go wrong? Yet on Dec. 24, 79 AD, the eruption began. The initial panic subsided when only a few hours later, the eruption seemed to end. Life for many went on as usual but then the huge eruption (similar to Mt. St. Helens) buried the city in 25 feet of volcanic ash. Many died in their beds, others frantically trying to find a boat to take them out to sea and still others running for their lives. It must have been quite a scene as many had not heeded the warning, assumed life would go on as before and did not buy the opportunity to find safety.

Amazingly, for over 1600 years no one bothered to excavate the ruins but simply returned to farm the rich volcanic soil, which not only covered Pompeii but filled in a huge section of the sea. Not until the mid 1700’s did excavations begin. Today over 75% of the ash has been removed to expose the streets and floors and walls of houses just as they were the day they were buried.

As you wandered this 66-acre site, you cannot help but realize how quickly one’s life on this earth can come to an end even though it is seemingly beautiful today. The account of King Herod in Acts 12 comes to mind who one day seemingly had it all and the next, “an angel of the Lord struck him down because he did not give God the glory” (12:23). Or how about Annanias and Sapphira in Acts 5 who were part of God’s work yet due to a lie, immediately died.

Life can be going very well but we must never presume that it is forever or even for another day.

More of Ancient Rome with Pictures

Since our last blog, we’ve seen a lot of the remains of Ancient Rome. We took two separate tours as well as miles of personal walking. Most was related to Ancient Rome or Rome in the days of Paul and the early church. In the midst of it all, we bumped shoulders with thousands of people.

Rome in the day of Paul was the mega city of the world with over 1,000,000 inhabitants. In size it dwarfed any other city yet to the credit of the builders of Rome, the city worked.

Here are some pictures, as well.

The Appian Way

Yes, how could the gospel enter Rome? Yesterday we took a bus out of the city via and down the Appian Way, one of the major highways into Rome. Those coming from the east, including Paul, would have entered by this road. Straight as an arrow and well paved for its day, buses, cars and even pedestrians continue to use it. One cannot help but wonder if Paul stepped on the same stone paver you are walking on.

One significant reason for the spread of Christianity was the Roman roads, which allowed travel throughout the entire Roman World. Yet, a significant reason to visit the Appian Way is not the road but the Catacombs. Although most do not believe they were used as places of security in times of persecution, they were used for Christian burials. That significance may allude us unless we realize the Romans primarily cremated their dead, yet God’s people in both the OT and NT have buried their bodies because they believe in the resurrection. The presence of over 100,000 burial spots within the Catacombs over hundreds of years suggests Christianity not only infiltrated Rome but also radically changed the lives it impacted.

Once again the first chapter of Romans became increasingly clear. Paul said “I often intended to come to you . . . so that I may have some fruit even among you . . . for I am not ashamed of the Gospel . . . for it is the power of God to salvation, to all who believe, the Jew first but also to the Greeks” Rom. 1:13-17. Even Rome, the heart of paganism, could not stop the entrance of Paul and the transforming power of the Gospel.

Today, Ancient Rome lies in ruins while the church of Christ continues alive and well. That fact was reinforced tonight while eating dinner at a sidewalk café. The young couple only 3 feet from us bowed their heads and prayed for their food. If the gospel in Paul’s day overcame pagan Rome, surely it can do the same today.

A Tour of Ancient Rome

Today we took a tour of Ancient Rome. The massive Pantheon (a temple dedicated to all the gods), the remains of the Roman Forum (with its many Arches to conquering generals and emperors, its many Temples dedicated to a variety of Gods and its many Basilicas, dedicated to their Emperors), the awesome Colosseum (a sporting arena which could seat 50,000 spectators for gory entertainment such as combat between wild beasts and people or simply between Gladiators) and the Palaces of the Emperors all speak of a paganism focused on indulgence, immorality, intoxication and idolatry.

Paul and the early church faced a seemingly impossible task. Who could expect the gospel to penetrate this paganism. It would seem Rome matched the words of Paul “ever learning but never able to come to a knowledge of the truth” (2 Tim. 3:7) or even “to their own lusts they shall heap to themselves teachers” (2 Tim 4:3).

How could the gospel enter that city? Check back tomorrow.

First Impressions Are Impressive

Half asleep from the overnight flight, I tried to focus on the countryside as our taxi drove the 20 miles from airport to hotel. To be honest, I don't remember much, however, I vividly remember coming out of a tunnel and face to face with the Colosseum. Wow! How can you not be impressed with such an imposing structure built to house sporting events for vast crowds (and to think it had a retractable roof to shelter from the sun). Later after checking into the hotel a local bus took us back and we walked through many ruins of Ancient Rome. To say the least, they are impressive in size and when one sees pictures of the original structures superimposed over the ruins, well, its even more incredible. Yet the ruins speak of the best man can do, yet producing only a culture filled with indulgence, immorality, intoxication and idolatry. One can not miss the mixture of this decadent life style with the many evidences of the worship of pagan gods. Paul writing to that city wrote "for the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men. . . because knowing God, they glorified Him not as God, neither gave thanks; but became vain in their reasonings, and their senseless heart was darkened. . . wherefore God gave them up in the lusts of their hearts" (Romans 1:18-25).

Yet ancient Rome is only part of the First Impressions. After a good nights sleep, its off to Vatican City, the heart of the Roman Catholic Church. No study of current Christianity can be complete without understanding how the church has moved through history and in particular how the Catholic Church has developed. The guide continued to note that everything was designed to impress the visitor with the wealth and size of the Church. She was right, the structures, sculptures and system are impressive. One is left feeling incredibly insignificant in the vast space of St. Peter's Basilica and incredibly unsophisticated in the overwhelming art of the Sistine Chapel and the Vatican museum. Yet the guide also repeatedly showed us how the art was often taken from the sculptures of Ancient Greece and Rome. For example, the face of God in Michelangelo's "The Last Judgment" painting is identical to the face of Apollo in Greek Sculpture. An even greater insight came when our guide was explaining the beliefs of Catholicism and said "you may ask me if this is true and I answer 'I was not there so how could I know. It is a matter of your faith'". I couldn't escape the words of Christ to the Pharisees when He noted they make "the Word of God of none effect through your tradition" (Mk 7:8-13).

Well, the first impression of Rome is IMPRESSIVE, however, it all has to do with the works of men rather than the work of God! Yet early this morning, Lynette and I read Paul's other comment to the church at Rome when he said, "First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is proclaimed throughout the whole world" (Rom 1:8). In some ways not much has changed. It is still a wonder how perverted man without God can become and how glorious it is when the gospel of God becomes the "power of God to salvation" (Rom. 1:16,17).

Updates from Rome

Rich and Lynette are vacationing in Rome, and will be providing updates here in the coming days. Stay tuned!

New Address

Effective September 1, please direct all mail to our new address:

Word for the World
303 Oakshade Rd
Shamong, NJ 08088

Please pray for the Van Heukelums as they relocate to South Jersey.

New Audio Available

Here is Pastor Rich's message from Sunday, August 8, at Walnut Ridge. Right-click the link and select "Save Target as..." to download the MP3 file to your computer.

Living in a Dream - Jude 8-17

New Audio Available

Here are Pastor Rich's messages from Sunday, August 1, at Walnut Ridge. Right-click the links and select "Save Target as..." to download the MP3 files to your computer.

More Secure Is No One Ever - Jude 1-7
Timid Timothy - 1 Timothy

When the Worst Evangelist Is the Best, Part 3

I hope you've benefited from parts one and two. Now we conclude with answers and implications.

The conclusion seems to be that God used the worst evangelist to produce the greatest revival, yet did not allow that imperfect servant to remain such. God who used Jonah did not approve of his attitude or actions, but diligently worked to change him.

So what are the implications for me?

First, this account may remind me of God's compassion for His doomed creatures. This may help as I deal with doomed creatures, but more importantly it may remind me that I was, and to some extent still am, one of those creatures who needs His compassion.

Second, this account may help me to accept flawed people whom God brings into my life. God in His wisdom may know that the one who doesn't handle me or my situation well is the one God will use to effectively change me. He used Jonah to effectively change Nineveh. The boss, coach, parent, spouse, pastor, or neighbor with flaws may be the tool God uses to effectively help me.

Third, this account may encourage me to serve even if I, like Jonah, am flawed. Sometimes I say or do things which are wrong. I may conclude that God can't use my action in that situation. I might even conclude that I can't be used until I have corrected. I may even conclude that God will never want to use me again. Yet God did relentlessly pursue Jonah. God did not leave him to drown in the sea or rot in the fish. God did use him, even with his imperfections. Maybe God knows He can use my imperfection for His good. Remember Joseph's words to his brothers in Genesis 50? "You meant it for evil, but God meant it for good."

Fourth, this account may motivate me to improve. If I see times when my flaws are actually used by God for His good, I may begin to think my flaws are acceptable and even useful -- so why change? How easily I can say, "That's the way I am," and allow the explanation to become my excuse. God used Jonah, but did not approve or his attitude or actions. More importantly, God did not leave Jonah where he was. Flaws that God uses are not excuses to leave them.

The insight from one of the men allowed the account of Jonah to take on a new dimension. What can God do with and for the world's worst servant?

When the Worst Evangelist Is the Best, Part 2

In Part 1 we considered one man's conclusion that "Jonah was the best evangelist God could have sent to Nineveh."

It is clear that Jonah is portrayed as a terrible evangelist. Think of it. He so detested Nineveh that he directly disobeyed God and ran the other way. He so resisted God's corrective pressure that he said, "Throw me into the sea," rather than repent and obey. He so focused on the coming doom that we have no record that he included the possibility of forgiveness in his message. He so desired Nineveh's destruction that he was angry with God for showing mercy. Who could have been a worse evangelist?

It is also clear that God is portrayed as a contrast to Jonah. While Jonah runs from, God sends to. While Jonah hates, God loves. While Jonah hopes for doom, God hopes for deliverance. God is seen as the one full of compassion toward His creatures. He is ready, willing, and able to save any who call on Him. By the way, this character of God is not only seen in the mercy extended to Nineveh, but also in the lives of the sailors. In the end, God's compassion is also seen when Jonah called on the Lord from the great fish.

Yet a key paradox in the work is how a God who is full of compassion seems bent on using Jonah, the terrible evangelist. Why would God call him, correct him, recall him, recorrect him, and ultimately use him to bring about the greatest revival in history? Can God want and use imperfect servants? Does God allow imperfect servants to remain imperfect?

On Tuesday, we conclude this series by answering those questions and discovering the implications for us.

Works of Jonathan Edwards for Half Price

Looking for some good reading from an historic theologian? Until August 2, The Essential Edwards Collection is 50% off at Westminster Bookstore (click here). These writings, some of the best and most fascinating of Edwards', were compiled and released earlier this year by Edwards scholars Doug Sweeney and Owen Strachan.

There will be a preview copy of one volume, Jonathan Edwards on the Good Life, at the Walnut Ridge Welcome Center this Wednesday and Sunday for you to browse.

When the Worst Evangelist Is the Best, Part 1

It was one of those "wow" moments. The men had gathered at Panera Bread for our weekly review of our ABF teaching. The study had been from Jonah and the coming week would be an overview. I asked what they thought was the punchline of the book. One of the men immediately said, "Jonah was the best evangelist God could have sent to Nineveh."

I never had that thought, so I asked him what he meant. His answer was insightful and something like this: "Apparently the Lord knew that Nineveh needed to be confronted with its sin and coming doom more than it needed a comforting word of hope. Who but a man who hated Nineveh would have preached condemnation with such intensity that it caused an entire city to fear their doom and call to God for mercy? Jonah was the best evangelist God could have sent to Nineveh!"

I was about to correct that conclusion by sharing the main point: God's compassion for doomed people and God's correction to Jonah for being the worst evangelist in history. But I paused to reflect. That reflection went on for several days and led me to wonder if the worst evangelist was indeed the best evangelist God could have sent to Nineveh.

What do you think? Is his conclusion valid? Look for Part 2 of 3 on Friday as we observe God's calling of Jonah.

New Audio Available

Here is Pastor Rich's message from Sunday, July 18, at Walnut Ridge. Click the links to download the MP3 files to your computer.

The Forgiver and the Forgiven - Philemon

Due to Technical Difficulties...

...this email cannot be sent.

As I began the day and the attempt to send a message, I suddenly found myself with a computer that would not connect and work online. I was unable to prepare or send my message.

As I worked to solve this the Lord gave me several reminders:

1) Troubles Happen! How wonderful it would be to live in a world without troubles, where everything works every time! But alas, such is not the case, nor ever will be. How wonderful the reminder of Christ: "These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world" (John 16:33). Why would I expect a day without troubles?

2) Troubles are often beyond our control and require a greater resource. With the email down, I immediately attempted to correct it. Unfortunately, my attempts revealed my limitation at fixing network problems on computers. What could I do? Nothing but wait for someone greater than myself. This morning Lynette and I were praying and were reminded of the many truths about prayer. In particular we reflected on Hebrews 4:16: "Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need." How reassuring to know we always have one who is able to help in our time of need!

3) Troubles are generally temporary and quite insignificant. What is quite amazing is how rapidly my trouble was solved. When Sheri Lesh arrived at the office, she quickly solved the problem and I was online again. Although the problem seemed huge, in reality, once the problem was fixed it seemed insignificant. Paul had that perspective regarding all the troubles of life. He wrote, "Our light affliction which is but for a moment is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory" (2 Corinthians 4:17).

I trust your day has few troubles. But if it does have some, remember to "call unto Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you and you shall glorify me" (Psalm 50:15).

New from Word for the World

This spring, Pastor Rich taught a Bible Institute course on church history. It consists of 12 one-hour sessions surveying the history of the church from the apostolic age through today.

The DVD set and full notes are now available for a purchase price of $50. Please contact Lynette to place your order.

Also in the works...Project Israel. The footage was shot on location in September 2009, and right now we're working hard to turn it into a 10- or 12-session Bible study with DVD and study book. I'll give you more details as they're available.