Brandon Glenn
Director of Youth Ministries

The Kingdom of God is Near

I am currently finishing a course in Career Counseling with Clarks Summit University’s online program. One of our final projects includes researching a Bible Character and analyzing their calling and ministry. I chose John the Baptist. Other than Jesus himself, I’m not sure if anyone had a clearer calling and obedience to that call than John the Baptist. Looking at John the Baptist through the lens of a modern-day career counselor has put a unique spin on his calling and ministry.

John the Baptist’s ministry had two elements. The first element of his ministry was repentance. He was calling God’s people to be sorry for their actions and turn away from their former ways of living. John the Baptist is not merely looking for an intellectual changing of one’s mind. However, he is calling for a “radical transformation of the entire person” (Gaebelein & Carson, 1984, p. 99). In the third chapter of his gospel, Matthew makes a reference to Isaiah 40:3, saying that John the Baptist’s purpose was to “make straight paths for him” (Matthew 3:3, NIV). MacLeod (2000) suggests that this could be in an illustration alluding to the poor Middle Eastern roads during the times of John the Baptist (p. 14).

The second element of John the Baptist’s ministry is the nearness of God’s Kingdom. The Old Testament has a building narrative of divine intervention where God will reconcile Earth’s relationship with Himself. After four hundred years of prophetic silence, John the Baptist’s preaching and teaching prophesies to God’s people that this will be happening soon.

Fellow believers, I do not know when Jesus will return, but I know we are closer today than yesterday. Let’s follow John the Baptist’s example by repenting and asking others to do the same; truly feeling sorry for our former way of living. Let’s not go back to the old way! And secondly, let’s tell people about our Savior’s return. We know it will happen. It may be soon!

P.S. For those who may enjoy APA style writing, I’m including my references!

References

Gaebelein, F. E., & Carson, D. A. (1984). Expositors Bible commentary: with the New International Version of the Holy Bible: in twelve volumes: volume 8: (Matthew, Mark, Luke) (Vol. 8). Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.

MacLeod, D. J. (2000). Herald of the King: The Mission of John the Baptist. Emmaus Journal, 09(1), 5–36. Retrieved from https://www-galaxie-com.ezproxy.clarkssummitu.edu/article/emj09-1-02

Doug Lyon
Senior Pastor

TEMPORARILY CLOSED

But God raised him from the dead, freeing him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for death to keep its hold on him.

~Acts 2:24

Many businesses and organizations have been closed during the coronavirus pandemic. Additionally, church buildings have temporarily shut their doors. This is true not only at Shiloh in Bloomsburg but also at a well-known church in Jerusalem.

The Church of the Holy Sepulchre is built over the traditional location where Jesus was crucified, buried, and rose again. Every year, millions of tourists and pilgrims flock to visit this place where Christ’s passion and resurrection occurred.

On March 25, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre closed its doors for the first time since the Bubonic Plague which ravaged the city of Jerusalem in 1349. For over a month now, the doors to the famous Jerusalem structure have been shuttered due to COVID-19. The church averages 80,000 visitors during Holy Week, but none were able to enter during this Easter holiday.

This reminds me of another time the Israeli religious leaders and government officials closed the grave of Jesus. It happened 2,000 years ago, and they posted guards so no one would enter the tomb (Matthew 27:62-66). However, it didn’t remain closed. Jesus became alive again—He rose from the dead. Praise the Lord that death could not hold Him! We serve a risen Savior!

I look forward to the time when the doors at Shiloh will reopen, and we can gather together and fellowship around the Scripture.

Until then, l am grateful for the opportunity to connect with our Shiloh family through social media and to share the Word of God with you Sunday mornings on our church website (visit shilohbiblechurchbloomsburg.org).

Bob Lehman
Executive Pastor

Is Getting Back to Normal What You Desire?

The idea of “getting back to normal” seems to be something that many of us are thinking about.  I have spoken with several different people who have expressed a desire to see a new normal, something different than what normal was prior to COVID19.  As I think about the idea of a “new normal” two things come to mind.  First, there must have been things in the old normal that people were concerned about or dissatisfied with.  Second, there is a strong tendency for humans to return to the security of what is normal even if they know that doing so is not what is best for them.

Considering these things, I want to challenge you to reflect on the following:

1. Has COVID19 prompted you to think about things in your life that you would like to change for the better?  How about in your community?  How about in our church?
2. Are you willing to step outside of your comfort zone, to resist the temptation to return to the security of the old normal in order to bring about positive change in these areas of your life?

COVID19 has presented us with a great opportunity for positive change.  Let us not miss this opportunity.  Proverbs 16:3 says “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and He will establish your plans.  As you reflect on the thoughts above, commit to God the changes you want to make in your own life.  Commit to God your plans for being involved in seeing change within your community.  Commit to God your plans to be involved in a revival within our church.  

Let us make our plan from upon our knees so that with our requests God will be pleased. 

It will be hard for you to resist the temptation to return to normal, but if you “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, He will establish your plans.

His Majesty
A poem by Clea Van Liew

His Majesty

He came to me this evening clothed in a mighty storm

In spite of what was around me I felt safe, secure and warm

His majesty went forth in the rushing of the rain

Just by watching made me breathless

And I called Him by His name

As He thundered in the heavens

Oh His voice gave such command

That the sky gave forth such brightness

As He made streaks of light with His great hands

I stood in awe before Him enveloped by His mighty power

As I watched I saw His greatness,

“This was the Master’s hour”

He revealed to me just who He is, His existence I can’t deny

I need no more proof for I believe

I have seen Him with my own eyes.

Ps.93

Denise Whitfield
Director of Christian Education

Let’s Not Go Back to Normal

There is a sentiment that echoes all around us these days.  It seems everyone has an anxious desire to return to normal—but I have become convinced that returning to normal is not God’s desire for us.  He has something better in mind. 

I believe the coronavirus experience passed through God’s hands before it was placed into our lives.  And believing that to be so . . . I also believe that He has purposes He desires to accomplish in our individual lives, in our church, and in our nation.  I would hate to think that we all journeyed through one of the most difficult wilderness experiences in our lives to arrive back at normal. 

It made me think of the children of Israel, who in the midst of their wilderness journey, looked back to Egypt with longing, forgetting the reality of their enslavement there.  In the wilderness and beyond was the opportunity to be delivered by the power of God; to see the manifestation of His presence and be led by Him; to know the abundance of His provision; to receive direct instruction; to be protected; and ultimately to walk into His Promise.  And yet, because the wilderness was long, hard, and unfamiliar, the Israelites desired to return to normal—to slavery. 

I fear that we might have a wilderness-walking, Israelite mindset.  My heart is burdened to think that God would lead us into this COVID-19 wilderness and we would miss His divine purposes.  I think we would do well to reexamine whether we really want to return to the “normal” living of the past.  It looks like Egypt to me. 

Maybe the land on the other side of this wilderness might include more children playing in their yards and riding bikes around the cul-de-sacs rather than being organized into traveling teams.  This land might have more families choosing to use their dining room tables for eating frequent dinners and playing more games, together.  Maybe in having to learn to make do with less during this COVID wilderness, we will, in the future, accumulate less and share more.  We could decide we don’t need 24/7 access to all things.  We might visit more with our neighbors whose names we now know.  We could be more ready to help.  It is possible there will be more spontaneous celebration of people and their God-given gifts.   Perhaps worship will be less about form and style, and more about a shared faith in the God who took care of us and led us through. 

God leads us into the wilderness to journey us to a better place.  Let’s not settle for a return to normal when we have the chance to enter into newness.  Let’s not return to Egypt. 

“For I am about to do something new.
    See, I have already begun! Do you not see it?
I will make a pathway through the wilderness.
    I will create rivers in the dry wasteland.”  Isaiah 43:19

Brandon Glenn
Director of Youth Ministries

The Gospel Cannot Be Quarantined: The Results

Last Wednesday, I shared a “For Today” that talked about how the Gospel cannot be quarantined. We talked about how Paul was imprisoned, but he was still concerned about the spreading of the gospel. In a different letter, also while being imprisoned, Paul writes, “And because I preach this Good News, I am suffering and have been chained like a criminal. But the word of God cannot be chained” (2 Timothy 2:9). We are, by no means, imprisoned right now. The comparison here is that Paul was unable to be out and about in society sharing the gospel using the methods by which he was most comfortable. In that same way, we cannot go about our normal routines of sharing the gospel with our community.

Last week, I encouraged you to let me know how you are sharing the Good News with others, and I would like to share a couple of ideas with you. Remember, the methods may change, but the MESSAGE does not!

One Shiloh-ite shared that she is sewing masks (pictured below). Attached to each mask is a gospel-packed Bible verse, John 3:16. These masks are available on her porch with a sign letting people know they may take one. She is also handing them out to people in public that may need them.

Another Shiloh-ite suggested that we share Shiloh’s church services and other social media posts with others so that our message can be seen and heard by a greater reach.

Another person told me they are using platforms like social media and video games. I remember seeing and hearing our Shiloh teens share the gospel with a fellow gamer while playing “Clash of Clans” online a few years ago. Keep up the good work!

Another idea is that we call our unsaved acquaintances. In “normal” life, we run into people whom we casually know. This is where relationships can be built, and we can ultimately share the gospel. I know it’s easy to stick to our close friend-circle during this time, but I encourage you to call an unsaved acquaintance today to check in and say hello.

I believe God has given us each a unique Spiritual Gift, personality, and talents. We are all wired differently. How has God wired you to share the Good News of Jesus Christ with others during this Pandemic?

Doug Lyon
Senior Pastor

TRUST

Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress; I will not be shaken.                                                   

 ~Psalm 62:5-6

During this time of the coronavirus pandemic, I have begun a series of Sunday morning messages on the topic of emotions.  Emotion, along with intellect and will, is part of the image of God instilled in man at creation.  However, due to the fall, our emotions have been distorted.  Although not inherently wrong, they cannot be fully trusted.

In Trusting God:  Even When Life Hurts, author Jerry Bridges admits: “For many years in my own pilgrimage … I was a prisoner to my feelings. I mistakenly thought I could not trust God unless I felt like trusting Him (which I almost never did in times of adversity). Now I am learning that trusting God is first of all a matter of the will and is not dependent on my feelings.  I choose to trust God, and my feelings eventually follow.”

We should trust the Lord because He is trustworthy.  Our emotions might not say so.  Situations in life—such as COVID-19—might not say so.  However, the Word of God declares that He is always faithful.  Therefore, as King David encourages us, look to Him who is your source of safety (Rock), deliverance (Salvation), and security (Fortress).

Bob Lehman
Executive Pastor

It Is Not Easy Is It?

Philippians 2:3-4 instructs us to “Do nothing^]from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; ⁴ do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others.” 

COVID19 has brought things into our lives that we could have never expected.  As if the problems people were facing before COVID19 were not enough, it has served to complicate them even further.  If your marriage was in trouble before COVID 19 (BC19) it probably still is.  If you got pregnant out of wedlock BC19 you probably still are.  If you were contemplating an abortion BC19 you probably are contemplating it in isolation.  If you were struggling with drugs and alcohol BC19 the struggle is probably worse.  If you struggled with depression BC19 I could almost guarantee it is worse now.  If you felt isolated and alone BC19 …  I could go on, but I am starting to depress myself. 

On the flip side what an opportunity to put the needs of others before our own.  If you watched the children’s church part of the Sunday sermon online, you heard Denise give the kids a great way to encourage other classmates who may be struggling.  She suggested that they draw a picture and maybe add a word of encouragement and then cut the picture up, put it in an envelope and send it to someone who might need to be encouraged.  That person can then put it back together like a puzzle and Voila!  Words of encouragement.  Why only for kids, this sounds like it could work for adults too.  How about just a note of encouragement with a Bible verse?  Maybe a phone call?   How about a fruit basket left at a doorstep?  Maybe your elderly neighbor’s lawn needs to be mowed?  How about seeing if meals on wheels or Agape could use some assistance? 

Get creative about how you can be reaching out to others.  The opportunities are there.  The hard part is putting the commands given to us in Philippians 2:3-4 into practice.  It just does not come naturally, but then in a fallen world so much of what God asks us to do does not come naturally. 

Will Farwell
Chairman Board of Elders

God has “got this”

  Did we ever think 2020 would start like this?  Most of us have never experienced anything quite like we are right now.  Some are scared, frustrated, or at least inconvenienced.  Whether you’re experiencing one of these emotions, or something completely different, it’s safe to say that this pandemic is affecting ALL of us in some way.

As we find ourselves in the middle of these difficult times, be assured that God is still good!  He knows about it all.  As a follower of Christ, we can take delight knowing that God will accomplish exactly what he intends to during this trying time.  Continue to seek God, cling to His truths, and rely on His goodness as He is refining you!

1 Peter 4:12-13

Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed.

Malachi 3:2-3

But who can endure the day of his coming, and who can stand when he appears? For he is like a refiner’s fire and like fullers’ soap.  He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver, and he will purify the sons of Levi and refine them like gold and silver, and they will bring offerings in righteousness to the Lord.

Zechariah 13:9

And I will put this third into the fire, and refine them as one refines silver, and test them as gold is tested. They will call upon my name, and I will answer them. I will say, ‘They are my people’; and they will say, ‘The Lord is my God.’”

We will be tried!  What will we do when the refiners fire is beneath us?   Will we allow God to sanctify us through these trials, or will we run from the heat and hide from its power?  Although the fires can be messy, uncomfortable, and seemingly destructive, God’s plan for us through this refining process is to become like gold…more precious, more pure, and of great value.

Denise Whitfield
Director of Christian Ed

“I am with You”

“Social distancing” Two months ago, this phrase, if even spoken, might have been more often defined as an emotionally unhealthy approach to living that meant a person avoided relationship building. Today, the term is part of everyday vernacular, and has taken on an entirely new meaning. It has a numerical measure—6 feet. We have been told it is the only way to stay physically healthy in the midst of the pandemic.

Recently, I heard someone encourage listeners to think, not in terms of “social distancing,” but “distant socializing.” And thanks to technology, I suppose that is true. But I couldn’t help thinking, “Honestly, in these days, with a little spin, anyone can try to make any word or situation mean anything.”

The truth is, we are not able to be in the presence of the ones we care about and enjoy. And we are affected on a multitude of levels. Most of us celebrated Easter without our church community and the usual extended family meal and traditions. People have been unable to celebrate normally or grieve normally. My daughter, Amy, who many of you know is a daytime waitress at Marley’s, shared how much she is missing the friendships she enjoys with her co-workers and customers. She misses exchanging life stories with them. And for those of you who know her—the hugs.

A triune God, intrinsically relational within the Trinity, created us in His image, to enjoy relationship with Him and with others. This social distancing doesn’t feel right because isolation isn’t God’s way. If you are struggling today with all of the “alone time,” don’t think for a moment that you are alone in this COVID-19 sequestering. God has always promised His presence for His children, “I will be with you” . . . when threatened (Gen 28:15), when embarking on an unknown journey (Exodus 33:13), when called to an unexpected task (Judges 6:15-16), when enduring times of trouble (Psalm 91:15), when oppressed (Isaiah 41:10), when help is needed (John 14:16), when fulfilling our calling (Matthew 28:19-20). When His children needed a perfect sacrifice to make payment for their sin, God again provided His presence. Immanuel, God with us, came. He himself bore our sins. In all this He has said, and He is still saying, “I am with you.” If you are a child of God, through faith in Jesus, being alone is a redemptive impossibility.

“The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.

Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”  Deuteronomy 31:8

Brandon Glenn
Director of Youth Ministries

Is the Gospel Self-Isolated, Too?

The Apostle Paul penned the words of Philippians from self-isolation in prison. Now, I am not comparing our situation to prison! However, there are similarities, and I do not necessarily want to fix our thoughts here. In Philippians 1:5, Paul refers to their “partnership in the gospel.”

Paul expects that the gospel message will continue to be shared, even though he is in isolation. He chose to use the means he had available: writing. With the technology available to us, we have a significantly greater number of avenues available to communicate with others.

The question I have been asking myself and our Shiloh 4:12 students is this: “how can we share the gospel during self-isolation?”

This is not a rhetorical question! I am asking that you would share your creative and practical methods with me by email: brandon.glenn@shilohbloomsburg.com

I plan to share some of these ideas with you all in the future. For now, “this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight,  so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God” (Philippians 1:9-11, NIV).

Doug Lyon
Senior Pastor

COMFORT

Since Shiloh suspended worship services and church activities a month ago due to COVID 19, I have conducted one funeral service and two graveside committals.  In each instance, there was a small gathering of mourners, grieving the death of the loved one.  On all three occasions, those who attended the event observed social distancing.  There were no hugs, kisses, pats on the back, or any demonstration of physical contact to encourage those in sorrow.  I can’t begin to tell you how difficult it was for me as a pastor to abstain from putting my arm around the widow’s shoulder and whispering a word of comfort to her.  

So, if you must maintain a distance of six feet between you and others during the coronavirus pandemic, how can you express compassion and condolences?

In 1 Thessalonians 4, Paul addresses believers whose loved ones had died.  They were unsure of the departed’s participation in the Lord’s return.  Paul answers their concerns in these words:  “We believe that Jesus died and rose again and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him.  According to the Lord’s own word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left till the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep.  For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first.  After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air.  And so we will be with the Lord forever.  Therefore encourage each other with these words” (vv 14-18).

The Spirit of God uses the Word of God to comfort the Children of God in times of sorrow.  Even though you may not embrace those who grieve, you can offer encouragement by reminding them of the comforting promises of God found in Scripture.

Bob Lehman
Executive Pastor

Who Is This Man Named Jesus?

A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. 38 Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?”

39 He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm.

40 He said to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?”

41 They were terrified and asked each other, “Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!”

By the time the events recorded above took place the disciples had been with Jesus for some time.  They had seen him perform many miracles.  Still, the fact that He even had control over nature astounded them.  Look at their response and listen to their words.  “they were terrified”, not of the storm, but of the power of this man named Jesus, and they said “Who is this that even the wind and the waves obey him”

The Corona virus is the worst storm that most of us have ever experienced.  Each day we turn on the news and hear about the rising number of people who have contracted it and the rising number of people who have died from it.    Sometimes, amid the storm, we tend to focus on the storm and forget who is in control of the storm.   This Corona virus came as no surprise to God.  His purposes and ultimate solutions for it are beyond our comprehension, but if we believe He is who He says He is, we know that He alone is in control.  For whatever reason He is not currently saying “peace be still” to this storm we call Corona, but He is saying to you “peace be still”, I love you and I am in control!

Barry Wills
Deacon Board Chair
Shiloh Bible Church

Peace To You

It was Saturday. Not just any Saturday. Yesterday Jesus died.

What did that mean to those who followed him? The Bible only gives us hints, but they are helpful. The ladies’ who followed Joseph and Nicodemus to the tomb were resting, according to the tradition of the Sabbath (Luke 23:56). After that, our clues come from what we find the disciples doing on Sunday: The disciples on the road to Emmaus uttering the sad words, “We had hoped” (Luke 24:21); The disciples locked in a room together “for fear of the Jews” (John 20:19). Hope was gone, fear took its place. What did they need?

Jesus knew. When he appeared to the disciples, Jesus’ first words to them were, “Peace to you.” After he showed them his hands and his feet, he repeated himself, “Peace to you.” Peace was what they needed. And in our uncertain times, when the things “we had hoped” to do are at best question marks and at worst altogether gone, and when we are locked in our homes for fear of the coronavirus, peace is what we need, too.

So where does peace come from? How do we find it? Isaiah, speaking to the Lord, says: “You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, Because he trusts in You.” (Isaiah 26:3). And the writer of Hebrews reminds us that we can be content with what we have because Jesus has promised never to leave or forsake us (Hebrews 13:5). Possessing Him is better than anything “we had hoped” to have or do. In our tribulation we do well to remember the words Christ Jesus spoke to his disciples just before his crucifixion: “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). Jesus could speak peace to his disciples that first Easter because he had overcome death. They could see it. There he was in front of them.

So take hope. Friday is past, but Sunday is coming.

Let our prayer for each other today be that of the Apostle Paul for the Thessalonians: “Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace always in every way. The Lord be with you all.” (2 Thessalonians 3:16).

And that’s my prayer for you, today.