November 17, 2024 - Fear Calls for Our Respect!
Fear is often misunderstood, for it usually leads us to experience an emotional response toward an outward threat. Yet, the "Fear" referred to in Scripture is connected to our God and is a comment about not just a temporary emotional feeling but a challenge to our very being. In Ecclesiastes 12:13, it says, "Fear God and obey His Commands for this is the whole duty of mankind." This is a "fear" that calls for our respect and dependency on the Will of God beyond what is convenient or easy!
I confess, in the world in which we live, that I do experience fear. I fear that if our church isn't more bold to focus on evangelism, the Holy Spirit will send his blessing and power elsewhere.
I fear that discipleship is being neglected in favor of worrying about what could be difficult.
I fear that truth is sometimes ignored with a preference for listening to the values of our society.
I fear that we may treat Sunday as our holiday/vacation time more than as a worship time.
I fear that the values and morals of God are becoming lost, even by those of us called Christians?
I fear, greatly, that Christians are being more passive in their faith as we see our church only as a place for religious activity.
I fear that our Christian faith is misunderstood by our youth, as our parents somewhat neglect the responsibility of discipling their own children.
I fear that pastors don't pray enough for God's complete guidance for us to be shepherds of the church, even as difficult cultural challenges and moral choices surround us.
I fear many things, but most of all, I fear that God is aware of our lack of courage to boldly and proudly stand up toward anyone or anything that constrains our witness for Christ. May we not be distracted by concerns for our own reputations or identity. Remember, we are to serve the Lord with gladness and dedication even beyond what is convenient. Bless You all!
Donald Gardner,
Senior Pastor
November 10, 2024 - Get The Complete Story and Do Something!
As a child, one of the first US Presidents that I remember well was J.F. Kennedy. A quote that he used to describe the need for courage and responsibility by Americans during times of difficulty also challenges the church of our day. He quoted an Irish philosopher as saying, "The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing." This is not a call to fight for one's rights or for personal reputations to guide our behavior. Having served in the military, Kennedy knew what it was to push through challenging situations even when the circumstances were complex or only partially understood.
For the church today, the actions of "good men/women" must come from our strength and convictions that are balanced by the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Being passive or afraid of the criticisms of men for the protection of ourselves is an example of Kennedy's point as to where evil is evidenced. Not all that appears acceptable or correct truly represents the Will of God and is good in God's sight. We must never fear standing up for what God revealed! Let us be a church that does not act nor make decisions based only on our emotions or connections, but be a church that is boldly known for following the Christ who gives us eternal life! We must be people of action....Spiritual Action!
Donald Gardner,
Senior Pastor
November 03, 2024 - “Communication Tools Required”
As Christians, we all enjoy learning about history, habits, customs, and traditions found in the Scriptures. Recently, I listened to a wonderful lecture on Sacrifices, the Cleansing of Sin, etc. There was instruction on Old Testament and New Testament understanding. At some point during the talk, I began to consider the reality of our environment. For me, the word “Sin” (罪) is not threatening or something that I fear the confession of, since I have Christ as my Savior. Yet, I had to admit to myself that the lecture was focused only on Christians and would be absolutely unacceptable to a non-Christian! The term “sin” would be totally misunderstood and the idea of sitting/listening to this presentation would “miss the target” for those listeners.
I began to realize that if everyone in that room was to think about their co-workers and their attitudes towards the concept of what they understood to be “sin,” probably 100% of those people would deny that they are a “sinner.” In 1 John 1:8-9, it says, “If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us.” Yet, do most non-Christians even grasp what they are saying when they deny being a “sinner?” For us today, I want to challenge us to remember that we live in a “Postmodern World” where “Sin” is not considered an important issue. Reading is no longer the most highly valued approach to learning, as video has taken over that position. Talk has less of an impact when people are looking for authenticity. If we depend on the church service and words alone to communicate Christ’s activity and love, MANKIND WILL BE LOST. We must, as Christians, determine to be “risk takers who push ourselves” with communicating Christ’s love to our world. What creative and interesting skills do you have that will get you into the lives of the lost people around you and allow you to demonstrate “Christ’s Love?”
Donald Gardner,
Senior Pastor
October 27, 2024 - "Are You a Mule, a Horse, or a Donkey?"
I challenge you today to pull out the Spiritual Mirror from your back pocket and have a long look at yourself. Do it now! What do you see? Are you a happy, vibrant, joyful servant of the Father or is something keeping you distracted from your “joy?” Remember, nobody can take your “joy” away from you for your emotions belong to you! Situations and people can disappoint us but “joy” is from God and is NOT to be given over to circumstances.
We all know that a Mule is a combination between a Horse and a Donkey. The horse is known as being smarter/teachable but also viewed as physically weaker than a donkey. A donkey is strong and powerful but not so intelligent. With this in mind, the breeding of mules has provided an answer to all problems by producing a strong, stubborn, but reasonably intelligent animal capable of doing important work. Yet, the animal is, within himself, not able to reproduce.
A church that doesn’t see reproduction of disciples and churches as part of its goal is lacking in direction and purpose. This type of church is imbalanced and has settled for a mule’s life and purpose. This is a church that may work hard and provide some strengths but will tend to become very in-bred and self-focused with little broad vision for its life contribution. Reaching out to the lost has become a forgotten responsibility and focus to this type of body. These types of churches don’t represent the “organism-like” identity for which the church was born. Is evangelism, missions, and church planting ever an option for the church to ignore? The answer depends on whether we determine to be a healthy well-balanced church or merely an internally focused club or meeting group. Let us choose carefully for why we exist on this day. Are there changes our church may need to make to have us be a reproducing and loving family of Christ? God helps us all to find that direction in our lives.Donald Gardner,
Senior Pastor
October 20, 2024 - "Different Paths for Different People"
Recently, I attended the anniversary of Emmanuel Chinese Baptist Church in Overland Park, Kansas. We had over 250 present in the worship services on that day and the atmosphere was joyous. As the church's founding pastor, beginning back some 40 years ago, I was greatly touched to see how God has grown His family. At the same time, I couldn't help but wonder where many of my old friends had gone? Asking others, I was told that some had passed on, some had moved away, some had joined other churches, and some had merely "dropped out" of sight! Some of these decisions are obviously quite understandable but, at the same time, there are questions that remain when some persons merely disappear! Sometimes, we know where and why people walk away from a church but I've never known a pastor who wasn't concerned or curious when he looked around to find someone missing that he is used to seeing.
I left Emmanuel Chinese in 1988 and I rejoice at their continued service to the Father. I am now at Chinese Baptist of Houston and am thrilled to be serving with this part of God's greater family. Yet, I have met numerous persons who have experienced things that disappointed or frustrated them enough that they left CBC for a time before returning. I can't help but remember the Parable of the Prodigal Son. In that parable, the Father continued to love his loyal son who had patiently worked and served at home. Yet, he revealed his continued love toward his more "independent son" who had run away to follow his own path. The point is that God desires us to serve Him regardless of the path we take. This is hard for the "faithful son" to understand as he had been so dependable with his life toward his father. I, like that father, can well understand the feeling he must have had toward his more "wayward son!" Yet, God the Father challenged a type of love and forgiveness that is beyond what we might see as common or amazing. One thing that I see in the prodigal son's father is a willingness to welcome home a son that had taken the road less traveled. May we all respect others who travel a path unlike our own even as we pray that they return to serve with us at CBC!
Donald Gardner,
Senior Pastor
October 13, 2024 - A Servant Leader Model!
While offensive to many in our world today, the Christian's willingness to be referred to as a "servant" is a bit unique. With Christ as our model, we see His modeling of one who focused on the needs of others above His own preferences, dreams, goals, comforts, etc. Truth was His mantra and servanthood was His testimony, even to the cross. For Jesus, to take the title of "servant" was viewed as more desirable than to be called "king."
In the area of "leadership," we see Christ as one who didn't push himself to the forefront for the purpose of displaying His superiority. Instead, Christ's natural wisdom and sensitivity toward others revealed the depth of His purity, love, and truth. He led by example in word and deed. He challenged the system, the customs, the religious expectations, the government, the very core of man's understanding of what it was to be important and successful as a man! Yet, this "challenging" wasn't for attention but for the desire to show that man can be more important than just what a self-focused identity might bring. Jesus presented us with true "servant leadership" in the voluntary form of His own spirit and sacrifice.
May we today be even a portion of the servant leader that Jesus has been for us. May we learn to value what it is to give one's life for others. May we welcome opportunities to work "beyond our own comfort zones" for the Kingdom.
Donald Gardner,
Senior Pastor
October 6, 2024 - "Theology (the study of God) is important for us all!"
Disheartening
In 1975, I was privileged to move to Hong Kong where I worked with University Students at Hong Kong Baptist University. In that Fall, I received training to be a Counselor at an upcoming Billy Graham Crusade. During that Fall of ‘75, we learned what it was like for a city to be mesmerized by the impact of the gospel. Meeting in the Hong Kong Stadium and the overflow crowd in the Happy Valley Racetrack nearby, there were over 220,000 persons in the five nights of services. During those days, there were nearly 25,000 1st time decisions for Christ that were recorded. Why do I mention this? Salvation is by its very definition and in line with the Scripture of John 3:16 (For God So Loves the World that He Gave His Only Begotten Son that ALL who believe On Him Shall not perish but have Eternal Life). While God knows who will use his/her freedom of choice to accept Christ as Saviour & Lord, the Father's knowledge is not a control on an individual's decision making. In essence, there is a difference between Predestination and Predetermination. God's Omniscience doesn't eliminate the free will he provides for each of us. One of the comments that Dr. Graham has used many times over the years is, "Christ came for the whole world and not just some of us!" God desires to see us use our own personal "will" to find "His Will." For God to know what our choices will be regarding salvation is not the same as His pre-determining our choice as though we were just pieces on a chessboard.
I am happy that the God I worship knows the hairs on my head and understands my character and personality. I am saddened that I am such a poor follower and disciple of Christ. Yet, I am so highly appreciative of the freedom of choice that God gives to us all for either receiving Christ's salvation or not. I have friends that I pray for who have not, after many years, chosen to follow Christ. Missions exist in a church because the lost around us still need to make a decision, as Dr. Graham called for each time he preached. I have not surrendered my prayers for my friends and hope each of them will repent of their sins and follow Christ. For us to be a true church, we must hold on to the burden of sharing Christ with the Lost for God does "Love the World...." I praise God for the freedom of choice given to each person as we evaluate the actions of Christ on the Cross on our behalf. In that evaluation, God must smile and rejoice with His angels for each of us using our freedom so wisely to come in line with His perfect Will! (Luke 15:10----In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the Angels of God over one sinner who repents.” )
Donald Gardner,
Senior Pastor
September 29, 2024 - Church Growth
The term "Church Growth" is interpreted by each person. One type of church growth is a description of how the facility owned by a church body increases in size. A second type of church growth would describe an increase in the number of church members that choose to affiliate with a specific church body. Yet, the third type of church growth is the one that I wish to speak about today, spiritual maturing of God's people.
As we know, the gathering of large numbers of people is not necessarily a reflection of a healthy church body. Of course, we all desire to see the church reaching out in Christ's name and that outreach resulting in more lost persons repenting and joining in the church's ministries. Yet, the idea that a church may have activities or entertainment that attracts persons to come to a specific church body is no guarantee that true spiritual development is happening in the lives of the people. No true Christian would desire to simply flounder in his/her spiritual life when the alternative is to move gradually toward a mature follower of Christ...true?
Sometimes when we read the Biblical books of Hebrews, Romans, Revelation, Jeremiah, or others, we find ourselves a bit "swallowed up" in the depth of the teachings presented. What I want to say to us today is that this struggle for truth and understanding is OK! To wrestle with God's teachings is healthy. For us to mature in our Faith, we must cherish the opportunity to study and learn God's truth for our lives. My prayer for the people of CBC is that we may hunger, from the core of our being, to never be satisfied with anything less than true Christian growth. Let our activities be tools for outreach but never an end in themselves. Let our friends and relatives be loved by us, as Christ loves us, and let us never be guilty of just ignoring those without Christ.
Donald Gardner,
Senior Pastor
September 22, 2024 - "Disheartened? ...Fear not!"
Disheartening News is that which disappoints us or is less than encouraging. Recently, I attended a prayer meeting where there was a mixture of joyous sharing and disheartening news. Problems remind us to make sure we are more dependent on God and less dependent on ourselves......a good thing!
Some people face difficulties and trials by retreating or implementing flight! Some attempt to seek God's strength and boldly push onwards for the Kingdom and His Church. Some, even in the name of Christ, may be misguided to say things that are less than exemplary to the cause of Christ's church. It is important to remember that we are all human and sinful (Romans 3:23). We may not understand the thinking or actions of others, but God's work, and love of mankind, must remain as a motivator for the decisions we make and what we say. It is through our grasp of God and His Will for our lives that we may see our attitudes, actions, and words become of value. May we daily choose to be more of an encourager and less of a spoiler with the utterances we provide toward others.
Psalm 19:14 drives us forward with the words, "May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.
Donald Gardner,
Senior Pastor
September 15, 2024 - Making Friends
A while back, I was in a medical lab where I came across an elderly couple with a problem. I quietly listened as they spoke Cantonese to each other about their lack of English skills. They tried to use their telephone as a translator but it wasn't working well. I knew it would appear strange for me to jump into the mix with me speaking Chinese but, I stepped in! Well, I can simply say that I have two new friends.
Sometimes things don't go as we have planned. What we think of as a simple trip to an office can become an opportunity to build new understandings and friends. By the time we had managed this couple's problems in that medical lab, they were asking about my church, what the meaning of "Baptist" was, and other questions related to the Christian faith. I had gone into that office with a book and a plan to read while waiting for the processing required to get my own needs met. However, God had something different in mind as I was privileged to watch His actions bring about a totally different focus for the time there. Had I held strong to my original intention for the morning, I would have missed the blessing intended for those moments with this couple.
Life is more than winning or losing in issues and debates. It is more than worrying about what is convenient for us or what may be seen as unusual/improper to others. Christ modeled a boldness when dealing with people, that was beyond what most people would see as normal. He was open, free, honest, burdened, clear, loving, firm, and many other things as he focused His life towards the needs of people. Each day opportunities come our way to impact others around us, but how we respond is up to us.
Donald Gardner,
Senior Pastor
September 08, 2024 - “I Hate Change!”
Truly, I do hate change…..”sort of!” There is great security and comfort in being with old friends in similar surroundings, where I am less likely to make cultural or linguistic mistakes. Yet, that is not what God called me to do. He didn’t call me to be safe, comfortable, or settled. My missionary life of 35+ years has had me make a fool of myself many more times than you can imagine! Indeed, He hasn’t called most of us to this type of “clean and safe” life.
We live in a world of constant changes. Whether we like this or not, it doesn’t change the reality of the picture. When we think of the church, we must consider that CBC started 70 years ago. It is not, nor should it be, the same church that exists today. Everything around us is different from how things were 70 years ago. (I can still remember paying 20 cents per gallon for gasoline.) Indeed, things differ from what existed 20 years back, 10 years back, or even 3 years ago! Yet, all too many Christians spend their every waking effort to retain the church that they remember from years past, without any regard for the fact that “survival of the church” need not be our goal! The church is to be relevant in its service and never focused on just existing or survival!
II Cor. 11:23-28 says of Paul, “I have worked harder than others, been in prison more often, received the 39 lashes, been beaten with rods, been stoned, been shipwrecked, been in danger of my countrymen, been in danger in cities, countryside, and from all types of people, been cold and naked, etc.” Changes come to us all. Struggles and challenges come to us all. We tend to think that we want to be in God’s Will because it will be “safe and secure” but what God means by “safe and secure” may well be different than what we expect. Paul suffered, experienced persecution, and was clearly in God’s Will. When we pray for God’s Will and safety, we may well not fully understand what it is that we dare to request!
Donald Gardner,
Senior Pastor
September 01, 2024 - Tame Lion?
Jesus went out and saw a tax collector by the name of Levi sitting at his tax booth. "Follow me," Jesus said to him and Levi got up, left everything and followed. Then Levi held a great banquet for Jesus at his house and a large crowd were eating together with them. But the Pharisees (religious leadership) and the teachers of the law, who belonged to their sect, complained to his disciples, "Why do you eat & drink with tax collectors and sinners?" Jesus answered them, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance." (Luke 5:27-32)
To quote C.S. Lewis, "He is NOT a Tame Lion!" Jesus didn't come to establish a Sunday Retreat Center for Christians. He came to see a developing church that He would be proud of for standing up for truth, justice, evangelistic burden, love, hope, caring, prayer, ministry, faith, fellowship, etc. If our model for Christian living is Jesus, we must ask ourselves, "What Have I done, this week that is Not Tame and beyond the usual in the name of Christ?" How does my presence on this terrestrial ball make a difference to others? How can I work with other brothers/sisters to stretch out beyond the confines of our church facilities and become the “light” that our dark world needs so desperately? Look inside yourself today and see if you have a gift or talent that our church can use to start a ministry that impacts the lives of the lost! Share your ideas with others, including me, and let’s see what God can do with your availability. Our time usage is a daily choice!
Donald Gardner,
Senior Pastor
August 25, 2024 - Clear Direction…..or not!
Jesus is the model for Christians. He walks in front of us and challenges us to follow His life. Yet, we tend to forget that even Jesus had to go to Gethsemane to pray for direction and courage. Peter was certainly surprised at his own failures and Paul ended up regularly on ships headed in directions that God altered. To follow Christ is to be sensitive to the Holy Spirit’s constant directional adjustments!
Leaders are people who feel the pressure to have the immediate and correct answers to many questions. If we are not careful, we allow that stress to motivate us to, at times respond to some questions without wisdom or God’s guidance. Spiritual leadership is not the ability to know it all. It is the sensitivity to recognize one’s own limitations, seek advice as needed, and the courage to boldly move forward in expectation that God will be there before us.
May the leadership of CBC know the joy of dependency as we step out in faith and the expectation to try new ministries, new leadership models, and new outreach in His name.
Donald Gardner,
Senior Pastor
August 18, 2024 - A PERSONAL REFLECTION
Do ministers ever wonder about the quality or receptivity of the messages they share? The answer is, yes! Just as is true with this article or a sermon, a pastor desires to present encouraging and stretching messages that have value in helping his readers/hearers to become more effective in living out their lives for Christ. And yet, I can’t help but question whether this attitude of self-expectation is valid? Let us think about it.
Did Jesus worry about, or have any concern for, whether his messages were popular or desired by his listeners? Was Jesus selective to only share messages that would be gentle or non-threatening? Did Jesus only speak to hearers who would be receptive to His thoughts or did He find himself in multiple types of environments?
Stephen was a joyous Christian of courage and burden. Stephen was stoned to death for his efforts. John the Baptizer was a dedicated layman of strong stock and personality as he went wherever it was required to share the story of Jesus. John was beheaded and had his head placed on a plate for his efforts. Jesus was a loving Savior that modeled honest and clear challenge for men to repent and seek the Kingdom of God at all costs. He was crucified.
Hmmm, maybe worrying about the popularity of a message and its receptivity isn’t something that shows my hunger to be like Christ after all. Maybe this attitude reflects something that I, and others, need to think about a bit more?
Donald Gardner,
Senior Pastor
August 11, 2024 - The Church Must Be The Church!
Circumstances bring stress, situations change, people fail us, work closes opportunities, our friends move away, the church is too petty and self-centered, our society is God-less, our world seems focused only on money, and I'm insecure without my "traditions/habit.” In the end, we still have to determine if we are an optimist or a pessimist with all that surrounds us! How do we cope? Do we just "surrender," to be confused or angry within our hearts?
Actually, such is life! For some reason, people often tend to think that life SHOULD be easy and revolve around themselves. All the comforts and activities should gently fall into place like a puzzle with all the pieces marked for our convenience. Yet, if we think for just a moment, we realize this is NOT the case. People seldom have the "ideal life" and even those with "all the puzzle pieces together" still have hidden struggles of their own. Divorce, Suicides, Murder, Car Crashes, Lawsuits, and many other "less than enjoyable circumstances" flow around even the most "wealthy and successful" of people. So, what are we to make of it all? Stephen, in the Book of Acts, had a short but most "successful life's run!" He chose significance over safety. He chose strength of character over fear. He chose Christ over Religion. He chose boldness over retreat. He chose Jesus over the threats of man. He chose consistency over compromise. He chose death over surrender. He chose martyrdom over passivity.
Life isn't easy and it never was intended to be so. Even Adam & Eve were supposed to "tend the garden!" Let us learn from Stephen and not fear the challenges that come our way but remain strong as a Christian Family as we "choose Christ and His strength" to face tomorrow and tomorrow's tomorrow! The future of CBC is still in His Hands!
Donald Gardner,
Senior Pastor
August 4, 2024 - Target: Pew Sitters!
In 1741, Jonathan Edwards preached the sermon "Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God" to his own congregants. His target was those "pew sitters" who had become religious and comfortable with playing the "God game" with their lives. His target was to see God reach down in the hearts of lost "religious people" and challenge them to "be real" with themselves and with God.
With Edwards, I agree that many of us grow our children up in the church and have Christianized them well while they have never actually "met Christ as Saviour and Lord." Looking sweet, acting nice, doing "appropriate actions" should never be the end goal of the Christian parent for his/her child, when a bold and genuine relationship with God is also available! Jesus called us to be so much more than Sunday choir members and "pew sitters for the Kingdom!" Let us all ask ourselves what it would be like to truly follow the Christ of the Bible even to the point of making our life's decisions based on His values and goals? CBC deserves to provide Houston with true Disciples who are bold, strong, courageous, and willing to get beyond our comfort zones, habits, religious boxes, and church buildings. So what plans do we need to make? This week, discuss with a friend what Jesus' personality and modeling really was for us. How much of his modeling was centered around his conveniences? It could change your life....and the lives of others.
Donald Gardner,
Senior Pastor
July 28, 2024 - CHALLENGING WORDS TO FOLLOW & APPLY (Matt. 15:10-12)
Jesus said, “It is not that which goes into the mouth that defiles a man but that which comes out of his mouth.” Then, having heard this, his disciples said to Him, “Don’t you know that the Pharisees were offended by your words for what you’ve said?”
For the Jews, the rules tied to dietary intake were many and to eat anything unclean was sinful and to be judged. Yet, Jesus dared to say that this emphasis on food prohibitions was not as important as what was coming out of the heart of the person. He defined the religious establishment’s laws as petty. It was not clothes, rituals, nor customs that were to be valued but the heart and words of the person.
As we reflect on ourselves and our church, by what standard do we live? Are we more preoccupied with how we appear to others or is our appearance a reflection of who Christ is in our lives? May the Father give us the “courage of Christ” to BE Christian more than just LOOK Christian in the eyes of any who might see themselves as the standard for Christian behavior. Serve Him Boldly!
Donald Gardner,
Senior Pastor
July 14 & 21, 2024 - Worship is Not a Show!
A couple of years back, I attended a meeting of ministers & co-workers of the Chinese Baptist Fellowship in Houston. Having been active within that circle in years past, it was enjoyable to see old friends and make new ones. With only a minor role in the proceedings of the meetings, I still found myself headed to the platform on one of the evenings that Francis Chan was also to speak. As we approached the stage, I was most uncomfortable with the atmosphere of things only to find us forced through a line of about 10 young people giving “high fives” and pushing up the emotions of the moment while welcoming us forward. Having heard the very humble and spiritual message of Reverend Peter Chung earlier that day, I fear that I gave little encouragement to these young people’s efforts as I really had no need to feel like a football star. Indeed, it was all I could do to continue walking towards the platform and not reject the whole atmosphere by leaving the service!
Brothers and Sisters, what motivates your life and decisions? All discomforts and struggles are not unhealthy but may be a message from the Father. Our walk, our service, our behavior, our decisions are all about the church. Feeling that we “won” or “lost”, in a church issue, need never be our priority. Colossians 1:18 reminds us that Christ is the head of his body, the church! We must not get confused nor do that which is detrimental to His name. We serve as a family and a united body as we seek to grasp the full concept of what it is to be His Servants. My prayer is that we never see the church services or ministries of CBC become a “show!”
Donald Gardner,
Senior Pastor
July 7, 2024 - Wineskins
There is a story about a young girl that wanted to learn how to make Banana Bread at home. When asking her mom about why she always cut off the end of the bread before she placed it in the oven, her mom simply replied that she prepared it that way because her mother had done it that way. The mother then encouraged the daughter to call her grandmother and ask why she did this. Receiving the phone call, the grandmother laughed and said, "I cut off the end before placing it in the oven because I had a small oven and a cooking pan that was short!
The obvious point is that we don't always choose the best and most efficient approaches. We don't even understand why we do many things or re-evaluate what is true or useful. We function out of habit, custom, convenience, and other reasons. Yet, "cooking the banana bread" in the way it was cooked 40 years ago simply because that was their situational need, should remind us that we should try to understand the needs of CBC today and not be "outdated" in our ministries and outreach.
We need "new wine in new wineskins".....for the sake of the lost (Luke 5:36-39). May our customs and traditions never restrain our hunger to be a relevant and learning congregation.
Donald Gardner,
Senior Pastor
June 30, 2024 - TO THE EDGE!!!
When a person accepts Christ as Saviour, that person has chosen to be different from the surrounding society. This decision means we are welcoming a new value system and viewpoint of the world. Our goal has become to see our surroundings through the “eyes of Christ.” We have become citizens of the Kingdom of God! This makes us aliens and strangers within theworld in which we reside, for our world is not “God sensitive” toward His commands and expectations. The closer we get to Christ and His values, the farther we will get from the things of this world. Are you prepared to live this life of constant growth?
A “domesticated Christian faith” is one that is trained for the “rights and wrongs” of moral obligation. Yet, for the liberated follower of Christ, we serve Christ out of our freedom (Gal. 5:1) and our very being! Reward and responsibility are not our motivators. We don’t spend our efforts separating things between sacred and secular or common versus spiritual. The things of God are integrated into our motivations, plans, values, decisions, work, play, and all things sacred to us.
Today, I desire to remind us to never compromise/settle for being a domesticated or tame follower of Christ. Jesus modeled anything but a domesticated or “boxed” Jewish leader. We too must learn to be “cutting edge” with our dreams, goals, and service to the Father if we expect CBC, and ourselves, to be blessed for our courage in serving our Lord!
Donald Gardner,
Senior Pastor
June 23, 2024 - So What's in a Name?
"Chinese Baptist Church" tells anyone that we are a number of things. We are, at the very least, a group of Christians that meet together in the city of Houston. We have a belief system that follows the Baptist denomination. We are probably made up of mostly ethnic Chinese individuals. Beyond that, who are we?
In the Book of Revelation, the church of Ephesus is said to have "lost its focus...and first love." The church of Laodicea was described as being "lukewarm," and neither hot nor cold. Let us consider, for a moment, how others might view CBC and describe us? Which descriptions would you choose for us to be known as?
1. "Left Its First Love"
2. Comfortable and Secure
3. Financially Stable and Predictable
4. Bold and Risk Taking
5. Careful and Selective
6. Burdened and Creative
7. Significant and Adventuresome
8. Non-threatening and Courteous
9. Honest and Offensive
10. Safe and Traditional
11. Generous and Sacrificial
12. Other?
Who are we and who do we "hunger" to be? The Scripture challenges us to "hunger and thirst after righteousness." It may be "safer" to stay in our homes and church buildings in order to avoid the problems of life. But in fact, our greatest impact is found in how we make decisions and engage life and people. When we think about Jesus, He impacted people not because He remained in an environment of security but because He dared to boldly push forward, questioning the values of His society and world. Let us pray for clarity and the courage to push beyond our own "comfortable Christian bindings." The Church Must Be the Church and that is us!
Donald Gardner,
Senior Pastor
June 16, 2024 - Jesus Hated "Religious Boxes!"
Christ's walk on earth was that of "the" holy man as He modeled the definition of Christian Discipleship. He found clarifying truth within the superficial terminology and limitations of the religious thinkers of His day. His model was one that screamed dissatisfaction with a compromised and unengaged life. He lived fully as He lived for others. Where was the selfishness and personal concern for comfort, recognition, and worldly success? Where is the man fighting for His own rights? Jesus taught "Beyond" Scripture....Beyond the established habits, customs, and expectations of customary religious understanding. He started with an accepted and understood standard and then "pushed the meaning" to the point of relevancy and application!
A)"Whoever looks on a woman to lust after her has committed adultery with her already in his heart." (Matthew 5:28)
B)"Swear not at all; neither by heaven; for it is God's Throne!" (Matthew 5:34)
C) "Whoever shall smite you on your right cheek, turn to him the other also. If a man will sue you at the law, and take away your coat, give him your cloak also." (Matthew 5:39-40)
D)"Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you that you may be children of your Father which is in heaven: for He makes the sun to rise on the evil and the good...." (Matthew 5:44-45)
E) "When you pray, do not be hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets to be seen by men. They have their reward. But you, when you pray, enter into your closet, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father which is in secret and your Father which sees in secret shall reward you. Don't use vain repetitions, as the heathen do, for they assume they will be heard for their much speaking." (Matthew 6:5-7)
We must all Choose: Is our Lord the one of religious teaching or the one that stretches us to be practical and relevant within our society? Is our Lord a Sunday appointment or a daily fellowship friend? Am I taking from the church or am I contributing to the body of Christ with my time, my prayers, and my commitment to serve? Daily, we all choose!
Donald Gardner,
Senior Pastor
June 9, 2024 - Missionary Strategy Mindset
With a goal of reaching a specific people group with the gospel and seeing a Church Planting Movement occur, prayer has always been foundational for missionaries and not merely optional. For those of us who are "workaholics," many would assume that prayer is secondary for us. This is not the fact. Any work, regardless of its appearance, that is not founded on His strength and purpose is "living on a fault line!" Prayer is the most foundational form of social action, as this act changes us and those around us.
Most missionaries across East Asia have had, for many years, a clear focus to reach the lost with the gospel and start churches. Within a "thesis-sized" master plan that these individuals develop, they present evangelism, discipleship, outreach, partnering, and other plans for achieving their goal. Yet, the 1st strategy step is always the same....Prayer! They enlist prayer partners from around the globe to pray for their people, group or city because we all recognize that God blesses the prayers of a righteous person. May we, at CBC, respect God enough to "attempt great things for Him while expecting great things from Him.....(William Carey)."
Donald Gardner,
Senior Pastor
June 2, 2024 - Children Choir in the Summer
Dear Church family,
I just wanted to make sure you all know that we are starting the Children’s Choir practices very soon. In fact, the first rehearsal is on June 9, 2024 from 1:30 pm - 3 pm in the chapel. We will meet for rehearsal every Sunday afternoon until August 4 th. On August 11th, we will have our concert program at 2 pm in the Sanctuary.
Why are we having a children’s choir? Here are a couple good reasons:
1. The Chinese school is on break during the summertime, and this is a good opportunity for our children to sing familiar Christian songs and learn Bible stories.
2. It will be a great outreach opportunity to non-church families who have not heard the gospel message. During the children’s rehearsal time, we will have adult interest groups for the parents to join. It will be a great opportunity to connect with each other and share the gospel.
I would like to encourage CBC families to invite your children or grandchildren to sign up. We also covet your prayers and support for this wonderful ministry. Lastly, please plan to join us at the concert on August 11th at 2 pm in the Sanctuary. I promise that you will be blessed!
Kai Yuen Choi,
Cantonese Associate Pastor
May 19 & 26, 2024 - In His Grace do we Move and Flow!
Galatians 5:1, 5:4-5 says,
Stand fast! (never wavering) in the Liberty provided by Christ as He has set us Free to not be entangled in the
bondage of laws/rules.... Christ has become of no effect unto you. IF you seek to be justified (for your sins and
life actions) by the law (Scripture)....and we become "fallen from His Grace!”. For we should, through the Spirit
of God, look toward the hope of righteousness by faith.
Different things bother all of us. We have a little internal "book of expectations" that we mentally carry around within ourselves and that "book" impacts our daily reception of the actions and approaches that others take toward various things. Judgmental? Probably...yes. Yet, we are human and learn slowly!!!
Recently, I attended a meeting that contained a mixture of "The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly" (an iconic Clint Eastwood movie). We heard policies and rules that were employed to assist our interaction and considerations for decisions. Churches often choose more of a democratic structure than a representative one so everyone has an opinion about various matters and has the freedom to share their thoughts. With the policies/rules in place, we talked candidly about our burden for the church's direction. Emotions were seen at times but, ultimately, the rules/policies weren't what dominated the meeting. The structure became but a tool to grasp our goal of Christian Decision Making. Were all the decisions made of "perfection" in form? I doubt that.....for again, we are just human. We were dreaming together. Yet, it is with the Grace of God that we all walked out of the meeting praying for God's continual direction for that body to be "Risk Takers for the Kingdom!" We didn’t agree on every decision that came our way but, then again, what family does? My prayer for our church is that we are less policy driven as we find joy in being salt and light in all our efforts and ministries.
In His grace, we face each day!
Donald Gardner,
Senior Pastor
May 12, 2024 - Tragedy is Sometimes an Opportunity that we may not fully Understand!
This past week, I learned of a friend's death in California. As we know, life is precious and not to be treated lightly, for each of us is created under the careful direction and planning of our creator God! When life & death matters come, many of us quickly jump to the "what ifs" or "if only they had done this or that" types of responses regarding the matter. Yet, such thoughts by us seldom make any difference as the circumstances can seldom be undone or reversed.
A number of years ago, one of our Hong Kong missionary families returned to the USA for furlough after 4 years of ministry. With 5 children who had all been born overseas, this family was well known for being a larger family that had integrated pretty well within the overseas community during their 22 years there. After being back in the USA for a number of months, it was time for the missionaries to return overseas even as they left 3 of their children behind in various USA universities. It was at that time that one of their sons tried to explain his struggles with cultural adjustment in the USA and his lack of confidence to remain here "alone" from family. Yet, the missionaries had their commitment and "call" for returning to overseas service and departed. Three weeks went by as their son got a gun and committed suicide. What does this say? How hard was it for the parents who had, in faith, returned to overseas ministry roles?
We missionaries are just people with our own set of struggles and challenges. We are highly dependent on the "Call of God" to guide our decisions and direction. We are not guests overseas but have, hopefully, become part of the community in our adopted location. Like many Christians, the Romans 8:28 passage is sometimes painful and hard to grasp as it says, "All things work together for good to those who are called according to His purposes." Our earthly experiences and problems often push us to ask the "why" question of God? We can't see the future or the "good" that is supposed to be in our lives when all that surrounds us seems painful or disappointing.
I am not much of a "touchy-feely" kind of guy and don't usually enjoy spending great amounts of time with persons who are indecisive. Camping on past experiences or looking at how people have previously responded can't be a regular limiting factor of relevant decisions in the "here and now." There are simply all too many things that demand our Christian strength more than our indecision. Indeed, the Jesus that I see in Scripture was not afraid to stand up to challenges that arose on any given day and "own" His actions and ideas. The Jesus that I see in Scripture is not "second guessing himself" but boldly "activating" His theology with full expectation that His right actions will bring about God's desires. Certainly, the prayers of Jesus revealed His modeling of where His courage came from and showed us what we need to be doing more of! Yet, His prayers were followed with bold words and action throughout His life. My prayer is for more courageous Christians who do less gentle second-guessing with their lives, as they stand up and risk being a follower of the one who modeled bravery even to the cross. May we never fear persecution or a courageous faith but only fear becoming overly indecisive or insensitive toward others.
Donald Gardner,
Senior Pastor
May 5, 2024 - Transformation Element
How many of us have a plan and desire to live a short and exciting life? Is it not true that most of us want to have a long and smooth life without too many trials and struggles? Yet, we are "followers'' of the one who died before middle age and His death was on a cross for the very people that were crucifying Him! Jesus didn't die to set us free from death but to prepare us for death...without fear!
As we know, Jesus' prime critics were religious leaders. We must be careful not to forget that Jesus came to be a "transforming agent" in how we view our lives and our world. He didn't come to create a religious culture where the "blessed of God" are to spend their every working effort seeking out "Self-help books" whereby we may be "more blessed"! Jesus is an "untamed Lion' (Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe). Jesus never modeled the "safe and comfortable life" but he challenged us to live "meaningful and bold lives of faith and expectancy".We must choose what our life is to be and remember, "A Ship in a Harbour is Safe, but that is NOT what ships were built for".
Donald Gardner,
Senior Pastor
April 28, 2024 - Join the Stew!
Each day, people pass each other on the streets in quiet respect but without great interaction. Hmmm, why? Some have said that diversity results in the "melting pot" experience within society. Personally, it is easier to buy into the concept of the "stewing pot" identity that is found in a cross-cultural society. A stew is made up of carrots, potatoes, tomatoes, beef, and other things. When the stew is served, you can easily distinguish the various elements of the dish, and yet, each bite of the food has been enhanced by the cooking (interaction) with the other elements.
In society, we daily have a choice as to how much we value our interaction (cooking for a savory flavor) with others. We absolutely will come in contact with people who differ in morals, values, dreams, and spiritual understanding from ourselves. Yet, how we treat this daily reality reflects on us. Do we seek to appreciate what we can gain from knowing people who differ from ourselves? Do we grasp that we become more "savory" as we rub shoulders with others who may not always share our life views? If we, as Christians of CBC, desire to be the salt and light of Christ for a lost world, let us be people who dare to be the loving "ginger in the stew" that adds meaning and flavor for others.Donald Gardner,
Senior Pastor
April 21, 2024 - Even Orange Trees Don’t Live Forever
I grew up as a country boy on a small farm in Texas. We had all types of vegetables, fruit, and a few animals along the way. Yet, we had no citrus fruit but had figs, apples, pears, cherries, and we liked them. After moving to Phoenix in 2017, we found two nice orange trees in our Ahwatukee home! Over those years in Phoenix, we enjoyed eating more oranges than ever before!
Unfortunately, one day a surprise came our way when we got up in the morning to find that the high winds of the night before had blown over and broken the old large orange tree. We had pulled the oranges off the tree just 2 days earlier so we had the sweet tasting fruit again that year! As I inspected the root/trunk of the tree that was broken, it was a miracle that it had lasted even to that day!
This Orange tree is much like a human, in that it gave all it could to be; (pardon the pun) even up to the point that life was gone. Providing sweet and beautiful produce just two days before the real depth of the tree would be revealed by the powerful wind that blew over the tree, I still had no idea how serious the tree's problem was until it was too late. With humans, we often are exactly like that tree and want to be so! The idea is that we too should hunger and desire to be a blessing with our lives for every moment that we live. If we are a tree that has a short or long life, that is not as important as us producing good things with the time we have. My prayer for you is not that you worry about how long you are in this world but that you learn to make the most of the time you have to bring a positive Christian impact on those around you! May God Bless Us All!Donald Gardner,
Senior Pastor