Passover in Romania

We hope that you all had a meaningful and blessed Passover.

We had a really special week. Wednesday, 15^Th of April, we went to Micesti, where we invited people to a special Passover service.

Friday evening we organized a different program, where we had The Lord’s Supper, had a great fellowship with one another and with our Lord.

Sunday morning, we had a service in the honor of our Saviour’s Resurrection and we were truly blessed by a message from our Pastor, Rares Calugar.

Monday morning, we had a special service in Micesti, and to our surprise, many Orthodox Christians came. We heard a message from a good friend of our Church, Elmar Drössler.

We hope that what God did in us and through us in this time, will bring lasting fruit, that will be praising to Him.

Be blessed

Luke 19: 29 – 46 - The triumphal entry of Jesus in Jerusalem

The Greek Orthodox Christians, are celebrating this Sunday, the "Palm tree Sunday', meaning Jesus entering Jerusalem one week before the Resurrection.
The sad part is, that we stop at these events and and we don't really talk about what happened after Jesus entered Jerusalem.
His concern was that Jerusalem lost the things that gave peace to it, and made God's worship place, meaning the Temple, a den of robbers. God showed me in this passage some things that deal with the Church today, the attitude that people have when coming to Church and the fact that we turned our gatherings in to a sort of a club that is really good with offering services to it's attendants. Let us go back to the times of Moses, and see the purpose and the significance of the Tabernacle, for the people of Israel. It use to be a holy place and God was present there. People were aware of the fact that they couldn't just approach God without preparing first, both the outside and the inside. They knew they were approaching a Holy God. If we move a bit further and take a look at Solomon's Temple, the first thing that should come to our mind is that the construction of the Temple, wasn't God's idea, but David's.
„Wherever I have moved with all the Israelites, did I ever say to any of their rulers whom I commanded to shepherd my people Israel, "Why have you not built me a house of cedar?"
(2 Samuel 7:7). While David lived in a palace, he saw all the riches he was enjoying and thought it's not fair for the Holy Ark (Which was the presence of God) to be in a tent. And David said "I will build Him a Temple".
God desired for His presence to be among His people. He wanted a tent because it was movable, and wherever the children of Israel went they could take it with them. That means they were able to have God's presence with them at all times. Putting together the Tabernacle took less than a year, while the building of the first Temple took 7 years (1 Kings 6:38) and the second Temple took 46 years to be built (John 2:20).
Can you see how people complicated things out of their desire to do something for God? Getting back to present time, what is the Church today? Better yet, what was the will of Jesus for His Bride? Jesus said that wherever 2 or 3 are gathered in His Name, He is with them. We turned the Church, that was meant to be a living organism (First Christians) in to a living organization. If on the time of Moses there was a tabernacle, since Solomon and up to Jesus time, there was a Temple. After Jesus went to heaven, He left a Church that was meant to be a living body, but what we have today is a "Church Club". We have activities on top of more activities, we have businesses, fashion, amazing buildings, comfort, great music, the best instruments, and much, much more. The Church has an offer for anyone and to please everyone. We try our best to entertain people, to have the best possible Church service, and we can't even see that God doesn't have any room left, due to the fact that we have increased and He has decreased in our meetings.
Going back to the passage in Luke 19, verse 37, we can see the crowds cheering up for Jesus. That's exactly what the Church does today with our "Praise and Worship' program, because whoever has the best and latest music wins.
Through praise, we say we open the gates of heaven and we prepare a way for God to come during the worship time. A sort of a spiritual battle. But we ended up covering through our praise the things that must be changed in our lives. We say we have Jesus and therefore we have a free entrance to the Father. It is true, Jesus is the Intercessor but there is also an unchanged fact: we still serve a Holy God. Moses was the Intercessor between Israel and God, but when Gd wanted to meet with them at the Sinai mountain, He asked them to prepare themselves so that they may stay in His presence. We go to Church, which is the meeting place with God, as if we would go to a fancy club, we don't eve think that we are about to meet The God of Avram, Isac and Jacob. In verse 41, it's written that Jesus wept for the city. Why? Because they knew no longer the things that were meant to bring them peace and failed to know the time of their visitation. I believe the Church s in the same situation today. They are looking for their peace in other places and in other things and when Jesus comes to visit our Churches, we are too busy with our own agenda and we don't allow Him to touch us and change us.
„Then he entered the temple area and began driving out those who were selling. It is written," he said to them, " 'My house will be a house of prayer' ; but you have made it 'a den of robbers.' (Luke 19:45-46)
Today the Church of Christ has turned in to a den. A place that is so cold and so dark and so unwelcoming for those that are outsiders, it's a place for businesses, it's a place where you can make deals with your brothers. A Christian club that doesn't have any room for the people in the world, and on the surface is something so great and something that pleases one's eyes, but that's all, it;s just pleasing to men. „And as he taught them, he said, "Is it not written: " 'My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations' ? But you have made it 'a den of robbers.' (Mark 11:17) Our house of prayer has become private property and it's no longer a place where anyone can come and worship together with us. I am a Pastor and I just realized that the Church I pastor, is heading towards an earthly image and on it's way to become a club. I don't wish to take over an idea of some man of what the Church should be and what program it should have. I love "Praise and worship"and I know it's a Scriptural thing, but it's not a standard that i want to copy and by that standard to judge the success of the Church and if God's presence is there or not. The way things are in Church today is no longer something heavenly but very earthly.
Maybe some of you are expecting me to give an example of what a Church should do, but I don't believe that there is just one way of doing things, we do need diversity, but I also believe that if i set my heart on understanding God's idea of what His body should be like, a body that will praise Him, then I am on the right track. I want to challenge you to pray for your Church to become a house of prayer for all nations and most of all, a place where Jesus is honored.

God's servant
Pastor Rares Calugar

Mercy not sacrifice

We must do all things the way Jesus did. Behind every miracle, behind every sign, behind every action on those in need, Jesus was moved by only one thing. Compassion.

Jesus taught people because he felt compassion for them. Not to show off his qualities of a great teacher.

Mark 6:34

When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. So he began teaching them many things.

Jesus set people free of demonic powers because He had compassion on them. Not to amaze people, but because |He had compassion on people.

Mark 5:18-19

As Jesus was getting into the boat, the man who had been demon-possessed begged to go with him. Jesus did not let him, but said, "Go home to your family and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you."

Jesus healed people because He had compassion on them. Not to make people follow Him, not because he needed their praise or their admiration.

Mathew 14:14

When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them and healed their sick.

Jesus fed people out of compassion.

Mark 8:2

"I have compassion for these people; they have already been with me three days and have nothing to eat.

Jesus raised up people from death, still because He had compassion on them.

Luke 7:13-15

When the Lord saw her, his heart went out to her and he said, "Don't cry." Then he went up and touched the coffin, and those carrying it stood still. He said, "Young man, I say to you, get up!" The dead man sat up and began to talk, and Jesus gave him back to his mother.

If anyone desires to do the work of God, the way God wills it, then one needs mercy and compassion to do so. If not, then these miracle performers just draw attention, but don't necessarily lead the healed person to salvation. If compassion doesn't embody the action one does in The Name of The Lord, then we might face the harsh words that Jesus will address one day:

Matthew 7:22-23 Many will say to me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?' Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!'

These people really did miracles, really performed healing, Jesus doesn't say, 'no, you didn't do these things', He just tells them that they are evildoers. Now, the miracles themselves can't be the evil Jesus is accusing them of, but because they did all these things to impress others. If what pushes me towards doing good is mercy and compassion, then I begin to resemble God. Then I walk on the way God asked me to walk. He said:

Matthew 9:13

But go and learn what this means: 'I desire mercy, not sacrifice.'

Meaning, the action that I make, even if it's made for God, if it doesn't have compassion for my neighbour, motivating it, I am just fooling myself in to thinking that I am serving God.

How can I show my love towards God? Can I do anything for Him?

In the Book of Job 35 is written:

If you sin, how does that affect him? If your sins are many, what does that do to him? If you are righteous, what do you give to him, or what does he receive from your hand? Your wickedness affects only a man like yourself, and your righteousness only the sons of men.

I can't see God and there is absolutely nothing I can do god for Him. If I want to do good for God the the only way i can do that is by doing good for my neighbour.

For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.' "Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?' "The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'

Let us walk in the footsteps of Jesus by letting compassion to move us in our every action. Let us do everything as for the Lord.

Inspired by Pastor Douglas Montague's message, Sunday, the 5Th of April

I am what I am because He is what He is

Do you feel good with what you are? Do you have a good self esteem? What do you see when you look at yourself?
I see Christ, I see a crucified and resurrected man, I see a new creation in Christ, I see a part of Christ's Body, I see the strength of God, I see a righteous man, I see The Kingdom of God, I see The wisdom of God, I see the glory of God, I see a justified and approved man by God, I see the grace of God, I see a conqueror, I see a man empowered by God, i see humility, eternal life, the love of God, I see a son of light.

I am what I am because He is what He is


What leads your life? From what does your identity come? What is it that controls you?

YOUR STRENGTH, YOUR ABILITIES?

(1 Corinthians 15:10) „But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which [was bestowed] upon me was not in vain; but I labored more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.“

If The grace of God is sufficient for you to be able to do great things for God, then you must trust the grace of God and not your abilities and your own strength.

YOUR WEAKNESSES?

(2 Corinthians 12:9) „And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.“
(2 Corinthians 13:4) „For though he was crucified through weakness, yet he live by the power of God. For we also are weak in him, but we shall live with him by the power of God toward you.“

THE WISDOM OF THIS WORLD?

(2 Corinthians 1:12)„For our rejoicing is this, the testimony of our conscience, that in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom, but by the grace of God, we have had our conversation in the world, and more abundantly to you-ward.“

YOUR WISDOM, YOUR KNOWLEDGE, WHAT YOU KNOW OR DON'T KNOW?

(1 Corinthians 1:27)„But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty"

YOUR FEAR, THE DEVIL'S LIES, WHAT OTHERS SAY ABOUT YOU?

(Romans 8:29-34)„For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestined [to be] conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom he did predestined, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified. What shall we then say to these things? If God [be] for us, who [can be] against us? He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things? Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? [It is] God that justified. Who [is] he that condemned? [It is] Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also made intercession for us.“
IF GOD IS ON YOUR SIDE, THEN MAKE BIG PLANS


YOUR FLESH, YOUR SIN? YOUR EGO?

(Romans 6:5-8)„For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also [in the likeness] of [his] resurrection: Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with [him], that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. For he that is dead is freed from sin. Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him“
(Romans 13:14) „But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to [fulfill] the lusts [thereof]. “

YOUR PAST, YOUR FAILURES, YOUR WOUNDS?

(2 Corinthians 5:17) „Therefore if any man [be] in Christ, [he is] a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new."

YOUR PRIDE, YOUR FALSE HUMILITY?

(Luke 16:15)„And he said unto them, Ye are they which justify yourselves before men; but God knows your hearts: for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God.“
Galatians 6:14 „But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.“
(Luke 14:11) „For whosoever exalts himself shall be abased; and he that humbles himself shall be exalted.”

YOUR LOOKS, YOUR BACKGROUND?

(2 Corinthians 5:12)„For we commend not ourselves again unto you, but give you occasion to glory on our behalf, that ye may have somewhat to [answer] them which glory in appearance, and not in heart.“

YOUR FAMILY OR IT'S IDENTITY?

(Luke 9:60)„Jesus said unto him, Let the dead bury their dead: but go thou and preach the kingdom of God.”

FINANCIAL DIFFICULTIES? BAD CIRCUMSTANCES?

2 Corinthians 11;24 – 27 and 30 (Paul and his tribulations)

John 7:6 „Then Jesus said unto them, My time is not yet come: but your time is always ready.“
John 1:23 “He said, I [am] the voice of one crying in the wilderness, Make straight the way of the Lord.........."
2 Corinthians 5:20„Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech [you] by us: we pray [you] in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God.“
John 3:30 „For every one that does evil hates the light, neither comes to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. “

Think if what you are right now, what you are doing right now, the way you think right now, the way you live your life right now is what God wants for you right now. If not, what must change? The way you see yourself? The way you act? The way you live? The way you think? What is it that you must do for Him to increase and for you to decrease?


-- Pastor Rareș Călugăr, Sunday 29Th of March, 2009