Author: Andrew Tjandra

Blessed are the Meek

New Testament Verse: Matthew 5:5 

5 “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.”

There’s something unique about Jesus. Throughout the Gospels, we see Jesus as a meek person. He wasn’t considered to be weak nor was he indecisive or timid nor was he a push-over. Jesus was nothing close to being any of those things. However, he was meek. This verse is quite mysterious. How can we be meek if we have a difficult time understanding the meaning of meekness? I know some have argued that being meek is being nice; unfortunately, niceness and meekness are completely two different things; there are people who are just naturally nice and easy-going, but meekness goes much deeper. The Greek word for meek is praeia (πραεῖα) which means to not be overly impressed by a sense of one’s self-importance, gentle, humble, considerate. D.A Carson explains it this way: Meekness is a controlled desire to see the other’s interests advance ahead of one’s own. Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones puts it this way: The man who is truly meek is the one who is amazed that God and man can think of him as well as they do and treat him as well as they do…Finally, I would put it like this. We are to leave everything – ourselves, our rights, our cause, our whole future – in the hands of God, and especially so if we feel we are suffering unjustly.

Meekness means that we are to be so Christ-centered that we do not consider ourselves to be of importance and we place the Kingdom of God before and above all. But to place the Kingdom of God as the first and uttermost importance of our lives, we must place others before us. We must surrender our needs, desires, rights, causes and our future for our neighbors. But we must first rest in the assurance of our risen King that we are already justified so that we no longer need to concern ourselves with “trying to justify ourselves” because it’s already accomplished on the cross and through our union with Jesus (we possess all everything that we need in Him). Meekness is concerned about edifying our neighbors and seeking to bring the realities of the Kingdom of God in all spheres of life, which leads to human flourishing. Meekness helps us to see ourselves for who we truly are: poor in spirit and humble (not thinking more highly of ourselves than we ought to). This is how meekness helps us to relate with others. No one likes a know-it-all or moralistic-elitist (extreme pietistic) Christian; everyone (including believers) are turned away from them! There’s a reason why Jesus opposed the Pharisees and the other religious leaders who were self-righteous; it’s not attractive, uplifting, nor God glorifying.

Christ has given us new life which is marked with His meekness. However, meekness is developed as we spend time with Him in prayer and by using his grace to practice meekness. Yes, practice. Our habits inform the pedagogy of our hearts. Meekness is not natural to us, but it’s something that God helps us to grow in as we faithfully walk in it (practice). Meekness is one of the marks of discipleship; as we grow in meekness, we will become a greater blessing for our neighbors in ways that will point them to our meek and loving King, Jesus Christ.

Dear Logos Family,

 

“….as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.” Ps 103:12 (NIV) 

 

Jennifer and I celebrated our 36^th anniversary last night. We went to a nice restaurant and I had a feeling before we left for dinner that we might talk about or remember back on some of the highlights of our life together. Sure enough, Jenny asked me that question. 

 

And to be quite honest, I kind of went “brain dead” for a moment. It’s actually a hard question to answer “on the spot” because thirty-six years is a lot of life…. Jennifer chimed in and reminded me of some great trips we’ve taken in the last few years and we were off to the races reminiscing on a wonderful life together. 

 

Do you ever wonder if God forgets things about our lives? I’ve heard Rick Warren use a verse like Psalm 103:12 and say that God posts a “NO FISHING” sign in areas of our lives where he has forgiven us and cast our sins so far away it’s as if the Almighty has forgotten them! 

 

I don’t know if God has forgotten all of our past, but in Christ, we know that He has forgiven all our sins that we confess to him. 

 

“If we confess our sins he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9

 

As we get ready to close out 2021 and usher in 2022, I wonder if there is anything that we need to LET GO OF COMPLETELY? Any grudge we’re holding onto, or sin that we have left unconfessed? 

 

When we come to Christ and ask for His forgiveness, He wipes our slate clean. But sometimes we don’t show ourselves the same level of grace and mercy as the Lord. Maybe it’s because we’ve asked for forgiveness for the same thing so many times we wonder if God still really forgives us?! 

 

Whenever I’ve struggled with guilt from the past I remember Romans 8:1-2

 

“Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death.”

 

Brothers and sisters, in Christ, you are free! 

 

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

 

Pastor Bill

Dear Logos Family,

 

“….as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.” Ps 103:12 (NIV) 

 

Jennifer and I celebrated our 36^th anniversary last night. We went to a nice restaurant and I had a feeling before we left for dinner that we might talk about or remember back on some of the highlights of our life together. Sure enough, Jenny asked me that question. 

 

And to be quite honest, I kind of went “brain dead” for a moment. It’s actually a hard question to answer “on the spot” because thirty-six years is a lot of life…. Jennifer chimed in and reminded me of some great trips we’ve taken in the last few years and we were off to the races reminiscing on a wonderful life together. 

 

Do you ever wonder if God forgets things about our lives? I’ve heard Rick Warren use a verse like Psalm 103:12 and say that God posts a “NO FISHING” sign in areas of our lives where he has forgiven us and cast our sins so far away it’s as if the Almighty has forgotten them! 

 

I don’t know if God has forgotten all of our past, but in Christ, we know that He has forgiven all our sins that we confess to him. 

 

“If we confess our sins he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9

 

As we get ready to close out 2021 and usher in 2022, I wonder if there is anything that we need to LET GO OF COMPLETELY? Any grudge we’re holding onto, or sin that we have left unconfessed? 

 

When we come to Christ and ask for His forgiveness, He wipes our slate clean. But sometimes we don’t show ourselves the same level of grace and mercy as the Lord. Maybe it’s because we’ve asked for forgiveness for the same thing so many times we wonder if God still really forgives us?! 

 

Whenever I’ve struggled with guilt from the past I remember Romans 8:1-2

 

“Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death.”

 

Brothers and sisters, in Christ, you are free! 

 

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

 

Pastor Bill

Dear Logos Family,

 

Tradition is one of the things I am appreciating more as I get older. 

 

Maybe it’s because the world is changing so fast that I sometimes feel like I’m being left behind and not able to keep up. (And if the truth be told I don’t always care!) 

 

Or maybe tradition reminds me of something important from my past that is worth preserving. 

 

Or, maybe traditions remind me of things I cherish deeply – like the meaning of Advent and its themes: HOPE, PEACE, JOY and LOVE. 

 

On Sunday we will engage in the oldest and richest of Christian traditions – the celebration of our Savior’s birth.  

 

Churches celebrate Jesus’ birth in so many different and creative ways. This year Jenny and I are excited to participate in a new tradition for us – Angklung! 

 

We’ve already had a great time practicing for our performance on Sunday. I think what makes it so fun for us is that we get to perform with so many from the congregation! 

 

What are your favorite Christmas traditions? I hope you’re planning to make those a reality this Christmas and maybe even starting a new tradition!

 

At Christmas I enjoy lighting candles at the end of the service, singing Silent Night and reminding ourselves that “Jesus is the light of the world.” 

 

I pray that Jesus’ light and love fill you to overflowing this Christmas!

 

God Bless You,

 

Pastor Bill

Dear Logos Family,

 

“….since I myself have carefully investigated everything from the beginning, it seemed good also to me to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, so that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught.” Luke 1:3-4 (NIV)

 

Dr. Luke gives us the most detailed account surrounding the birth of Jesus. The first chapter alone contains eighty verses, one of the longest in the Bible! In that first chapter we are introduced to Zechariah, the priest, Elizabeth his wife, John the Baptist, (Zechariah and Elizabeth’s baby), the angel Gabriel, and Mary the mother of Jesus. Each one plays a central role in the birth narrative.

 

I’ve been ruminating over Zechariah the last few days. The angel Gabriel appeared to Zechariah as he was performing his priestly duties in the temple. Gabriel exclaimed to Zechariah that his prayers had been heard and that he and Elizabeth would have a baby. (They couldn’t have children up to that point.) Gabriel also told Zechariah that his son would be used by the Lord – “in the spirit and power of Elijah… to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous – to make a people prepared for the Lord.” (V17)

 

Zechariah asked “How can I be sure of this?” revealing his unbelief. Gabriel said that Zechariah would be silent until this happens. And sure enough, Zechariah couldn’t speak until after John was born. 

 

But later in the chapter Zechariah, filled with the Holy Spirit, writes a prophetic word about his son John the Baptist and Jesus (vv67-79). This reminds me how God can turn unbelieving people to the Lord – even professional religious people! 

 

Advent reminds us that God performs miracles and He changes human hearts! Does your heart need to be renewed to believe in the miracle of Christmas? Ask the King of kings and Lord of lords to make himself known to you in a special way this Advent Season!

 

Grace and peace,

 

Pastor Bill

Dear Logos Family,

 

“Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. Honor your father and mother (this is the first commandment with a promise,) that it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land.”

Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.” 

 

Parents are commanded in Scripture to bring up their children “in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.” What does that mean?

 

It means that parents are responsible for teaching their children who God is and what his requirements are to live a moral and righteous life. To do that requires loving nurture, correction and discipline. 

 

This responsibility extends beyond the first few years at home into their years of formal schooling. Parents are responsible to know what their children are learning at school and to try to the best of their ability to help them succeed. I believe everyone reading this would agree. 

 

The former governor of Virginia made the fatal mistake of telling Virginia parents that he didn’t think parents should tell schools what they should teach their children. That comment probably cost him his job, and may have ignited a firestorm across America. 

 

I hope you will join me in praying for the church and our country, to wake up and recognize the forces at work that are against so many of God’s commands. When God’s children are in exile, as they were during the Babylonian captivity, parents needed to be especially vigilant to teach and follow God’s law because the prevailing, dominant culture was doing something completely different.

 

Can you discern the difference, and are you proactively training up your children and/or grandchildren to follow Christ?

 

Walking in the Light together,

 

Pastor Bill

Dear Logos Family,

 

“….Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:14 (NIV)

 

At Pastor Dennis’ installation I was asked to give a “theme” verse for the occasion. Philippians 3:14 immediately came to mind. 

 

Many people came to Christ through Paul’s ministry but there were also plenty of disappointments along the way. One of the reasons Paul was so successful was that he chose to forget the painful disappointments of the past so he could “press onward” and give his full focus to the “heavenward call” of Jesus Christ.

 

Last night the Logos Vision Team had its last official meeting. The two strategic initiatives that were established by the team are on the way to being fully accomplished. The first initiative was to call an Associate Pastor of Youth and Outreach and the second was to start a second worship service. 

 

Associate Pastor Dennis is now leading a core team that will meet on Wednesday nights from 8-9:30 on zoom to continue planning for the launch of a second service. The target date is Easter 2022. 

 

This Sunday Pastor Dennis and a growing worship team will be leading the liturgy and worship at 4:00. This service will give the congregation a foretaste of what the new service will be like. 

 

If you are interested in being part of the Core Team to help start the second service, join Pastor Dennis and the team on Wednesday nights. They need volunteers for worship, technical media and the welcome ministry.  

 

God is doing a “new thing” at Logos. There is a fresh sense of excitement with the second service and what it will bring. Come and be part of it! 

 

Grace and peace,

 

Pastor Bill

Dear Logos Family,

 

              “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given;

              And the government shall be upon his shoulder,

              And his name shall be called

              Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of peace

              Of the increase of his government and of peace

              There will be no end.” Isaiah 9:6-7 (ESV) 

              

Thanksgiving Day this year was extra special for Logos pastors! The MacDonald’s got to celebrate their daughter Hannah’s birthday and Dennis and Christy welcomed the arrival of their baby girl Alethia (Allie)! Congratulations to the Yims!  And thank you Lord for the blessing of our children! 

 

One of the things I love about Advent are the Scriptural texts we revisit at this time of the year. Isaiah 9:6-7 is one of my favorites. 

 

The Messiah is given four titles: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 

 

This theme for the second week of Advent is PEACE. The Messiah is called the “Prince of peace.” Isaiah writes:

 

              “….Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end.” 

 

Isaiah says that only two things increase forever: God’s government (Kingdom) and his peace. We understand that God’s kingdom will continue to increase on earth until the Messiah returns. We learned that in Daniel: “And in the days of those kings the God of heaven will set up a kingdom that shall never be destroyed….” Daniel 2:44. 

 

But the phrase “….the increase…. of peacethere will be no end” is truly ironic, since “peace” has eluded humankind for most of its existence. Ephesians 2:14 reinforces Isaiah’s message that lasting peace is found only in Christ. 

 

“….For He himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility….” 

 

Looking for some peace at Christmas? Call out for the One who is the “Prince of Peace!” 

 

Grace and peace, 

 

 

Pastor Bill

Dear Logos Family,

 

“In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I give you this charge: Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage – with great patience and careful instruction. For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. 2 Timothy 4:1-3 (NIV) 

 

On Sunday we will install Dennis Yim as our new Associate Pastor for Youth and Outreach. Pastor Larry Jung will preach Dennis’ installation sermon. I will give the charge to Dennis and the congregation, and members of session and other Ruling Elders from Presbytery will participate. 

 

Paul does not mince words when he charges young Timothy to “Preach the Word.” This charge is given in the “presence of God and Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead…” This is an ominous statement. This is a reminder to Timothy that Jesus will return as the Judge. 

 

We usually think of Jesus as “Savior” or “Redeemer” which He is. But when Jesus returns, he will return as the “judge of the living and the dead.” How are those who do not know who Jesus is going to find out unless someone tells them? (Romans 10:14-15) 

 

The responsibility to share the good news falls on all believers. But the man or woman of God who is called to “preach the Word in season and out season” bears a lion’s share of that responsibility because most believers bring unbelievers to church services or revival services to hear the gospel and be given an opportunity to accept Jesus as Savior.  

 

Today in America we live in a world more like the first century than 1950 when it comes to peoples’ familiarity and openness to the gospel. I hope you will remember that in the days ahead as Dennis assumes his role as the pastor of our youth and the one who is playing a major role in helping us start a new service. 

 

Preaching to this generation is a very daunting assignment. There are issues that this generation is confronted with that the rest of us have not had to deal with before.  

 

Dennis and his wife Christy, their two-year old daughter Karis and one to be named soon need all of our prayers and encouragement as they seek to follow the Lord’s call to pastor Logos Presbyterian. Our job is to come alongside Dennis to participate in the ministry of the gospel with whatever gifts, abilities and resources the Lord has given us. Working together God will accomplish more than what we ask or imagine! (Eph 3:20) 

 

Grace and peace,

 

Pastor Bill

Dear Logos Family, 

 

I hope you are doing well. My family and I are extremely blessed to be part of your family. We look forward to growing together with you. 

 

May the Lord continue to watch over you and bless you this week so that you may be a blessing to your communities.

 

Grace and Peace,

Pastor Dennis