The following interview aired on Aug 19, 2017 on the Redeemer Broadcasting Network. Pastor Mark discusses Foundation Church’s mission to Myanmar.
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What can we do to watch the city?
November 21, 2014Lots of bad things happen when we don’t think or when we’re worried we might hurt someone’s feelings. Planning ahead, being bold and learning to act on your intuition can save lifetimes of pain. Years ago when I first started raising chickens I lost an entire flock after 20 weeks to a band of hungry raccoons. After killing them and posting their skins on the barn as a warning, I buttoned up my chicken pen with barbed wire so tight I dared anything to try that again. But after raising a new flock I nearly lost them all to an ever worse band of Austrian Roof rats. They were inside the barn and protected behind the barbed wire. I learned I needed to protect my little egg-laying beauties from without and within. This is what we all must do with our children when it comes to sexual abuse.
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It’s Not a “struggle” or an “issue”; it’s Sin
November 14, 2014The Viet Cong were a wise and ruthless adversary. Their guerrilla warfare tactics will continue to be studied by those teaching combat for years to come. One of their more brutal but effective plans was to set thousands of explosive mines for their enemies. Explosives designed not to kill but to maim. The legacy of US Viet Nam War Veterans who lost legs and arms in the aftermath of these diabolical devices is evidence of their effectiveness.
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We Forget Because We Don’t Remember
September 05, 2014Rich people like us are so busy taking care of all our many blessings we forget the God who gave them to us. When we give to our brothers and sisters in need, we remember the giver of all things. We have a catechism question here at Foundation Church that developed from one of my sermons years ago. I ask the church, “Why do we forget?” and they respond, “Because we don’t remember.” Simple enough? We are a forgetful people and we need to be intentional about remembering or we will forget. From Joshua’s stones of remembrance on either side of the Jordan to sacrifices, feasts, Sabbaths, washings and even their every meal, God built a life of constant remembrance for His elect people, lest they forget.
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A Golden Opportunity
May 17, 2013The Lion is on the move in Myanmar. As the Son of God breaths on the snow-covered hills of what was once called Burma, we can now begin to see lush green meadows crowned with the flowers of faith. Shut off from the rest of the world for many years by a repressive military junta, the work our forefathers began has continued to grow beneath the fertile soils of persecution. Like the beleaguered soldiers of Valley Forge, they have survived the winter and they are ready for battle. With a little help from their friends across the sea, they will emerge victorious.
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Man of Sorrows
May 17, 2013Sunday after Sunday I stand reveling in the beauty of God’s grace inside the little white picket fence around our churchyard. I lean back and smile a wide shepherd’s smile as little ones make mud cakes, medium sized ones bang wooden swords together and biggers pass footballs and Frisbees. Standing there, more often than not, the sound fades to the background and a kind of serious silence, like the faint smell of smoke, curls its way to the forefront of my mind.
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Very Good
May 17, 2013Out of the vast unimaginable magnificence with God before time, came time itself. Simultaneously as the Cosmic Clock’s pendulum began its first swing, an angelic chorus sang and all the sons of God shouted for joy. It was the beginning and the heavens and the earth were created.
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