Intimacy and Submission, the Example of Christ

    The past few weeks have been very busy for me, so I am delighted to have a few moments to blog on the reveleation of God in my life.  I pray that these words, with the Holy Spirit's moving, will challenge you to see things with clarity and radically follow our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!

    Last week was an incredible week!  Never before have I been able to see the Easter season in so many angles.  Let me explain.  On Thursday Night, I attended at Passover Seder Service at Heritage Baptist in Montgomery.  Wow!  Wow! Wow!   Although I knew the background of such an event, the experience was very powerful in light of our Lord was celebrating this same event on the night of his betrayal.   It was awesome to see the correlation of the Passover meal with the ordinance of the Lord's Supper!  That's a separate blog altogether!   On Friday Night, I got the great privilege of preaching in a "7 Sayings on the Cross" Service at Bridgeview Baptist in Montgomery, where my good friend David Braden is pastor.  What an incredible perspective to the work of the atonement!  Saturday and Sunday found us celebrating with our family, friends, and church of our Risen Lord!   I look back at last week and it was fuel on the fire in my life. 

   I'd like to take a moment to share with you my portion of last Friday Night's Service on the "7 Sayings on the Cross".  I hope that this will challenge you and encourage you to live out your faith!

 It was now about the sixth hour, and there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour, while the sun's light failed. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two. Then Jesus, calling out with a loud voice, said, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!” And having said this he breathed his last.             (Luke 23:44-46 ESV)

    In the seven words that followed Jesus’ address to the Father, we see a numerical picture of perfection and completion.  7 words in what historically has been known as the seventh saying conveys wholeness of this monstrous act of atonement.  In what should have been the brightest part of the day, the darkness of the moment covered the land.  At once, the temple curtain separating the Holy of Holies from the Holy Place was torn, a symbolic picture that the Old Covenant priesthood was also dead.  The “holy priesthood” of believers (1 Peter 2:5) was now allowed direct access to the active presence of God!  The totality of the work of the cross is incomprehensionable! 

    This saying is an exact reference to the words of David in Psalm 31:5.  It is amazing that our Lord looked back to God's Word and His family line in His last words.  It is a beautiful picture of the perfect correlation of Scripture.  Theologically this saying is a declaration of Jesus joining His Father in heaven. 

There are two quick aspects that I’d like to point out about this short and simple statement of Christ.

(1)      Notice the intimacy and trust of Jesus toward the Father.  The rending of the temple veil demonstrates this intimacy picture.  Jesus’ is completely at one with the Father in this moment.  “Into thy hands” describes Jesus’ full assurance that that God’s hands are strong enough to secure power over death and darkness.  Our hands are a symbol of intimacy.  For this reason we hold our wife's hand, our husband's hand, our children's hand.  We also shake hands a sign of friendship.  Pertaining to this intimacy and trusty, one author eloquently says, “Trust is nurtured by intimacy and intimacy is nurtured by trust."  Intimacy is a deep, abiding relationship that sacrifices the will of self for the pleasure of the other. It is nurtured by submission and surrender.  Although the Deity is not divided, Jesus’ last words give honor to the Father and the Father’s good, pleasing, and perfect will (Romans 12:2).

(2)     Secondly, notice the unconditional, submissive nature of Jesus.  “I commit my spirit” is a declaration of submission before God.  We see this same level of commitment and submission to God’s authority in the Garden just hours before when Jesus says, “Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me.  Nevertheless, not my will, but yours be done.” (Matthew 22:42)  Jesus’ prayer of agony that literally became so exhausting that his sweat drops became as blood echoed His ultimate commitment to the will of the Father.  He underwent incredible sorrow, agony, and pain as a response to this submissiveness to the loving and gracious plan of God.  Read Philippians 2:5-11 as a response of Jesus’ submission to the Father’s Will.

    Practically speaking, these words demand a response of both intimacy and submissiveness of all believers!  Direct access to the Father was made because of Christ’s willingness to go through the pain of Calvary!

If our Lord Jesus could be surrender Himself to the will of the Father in the Garden and on the Cross, why should His followers struggle to submit themselves to the Lordship of Jesus and the perfect will of the Father?   

It is important to remember that radical obedience to the Will of the Father comes at a deep price! John Piper, perhaps one of the greatest theologian's of our day, suggested that it is a great perversion of the Gospel to witness our Lord's intimacy and submission to the Father on the Cross and fail to do so in our own lives! The Gospel never preaches health, wealth, and prosperity. It teaches sorrow, pain, surrender, and sacrifice! Any "gospel" that doesn't include this element is a false gospel and Biblically corrupt!

 

Fire Insurance and the Get Out of Jail Free Card....

    As I write this blog, I'm sitting here wearing my SECURITY shirt from my old youth ministry is Mobile, AL.  It happens to have Romans 8:38-39 on it too!  Keep this in mind as you read!  Ironic!  Recently I posted a post on an online discussion question for the Systematic Theology class I'm taking pertaining to the Perseverance of the Saints.  In Baptist world, we like to identify this as as "Eternal Security" or "Once Saved, Always Saved."  This blog could easily coincide with the Calvinist vs. Armeniasm posts because this is yet another separation of the two camps of theology.  If you've not read those blogs, you should know that I profess to be neither a Calvinist (in the Hyper-Calvinist/Reformed sense), nor an Armenianist.  I believe that both of these theological camps have some major flaws in their presentation and theology.   I would rather be called Biblical!  Isn't that much better anyway?  I will identify with Jesus!   He's the only name I'd like to be linked to in a theological sense. 

    Our professor in that Systematic Theology class asked us to explain the meaning of perseverance of the saints. How does this doctrine provide assurance for the believer? How could its misunderstanding undercut accountability for obedience and Christ-like living, thereby providing a sense of false (unbiblical) assurance for those who have never genuinely entrusted their lives to Christ in faith?
   
 Here is my reply...
    According to Wayne Grudem in his Systematic Theology, the perseverance of the saints means that all those who truly are regenerated (born again) will be kept by God's power and will persevere as Christians until the end of their lives, and that only those who persevere until they end are truly born again. Although certainly objective (the work of God) in salvation, persevering in subjective (the work of the redeemed) in a sense too. If a "Christian" continues in the faith, then there conversion was genuine and authentic. If they fall away, they their conversion should be understood as false. We must never imply that salvation is a result of works (Ephesians 2), but faith must be accompanied by deeds (James 2). The Holy Spirit plays such a critical role here in assurance of salvation. If one professes a conversion but does not have the Spirit of God in their life convicting of sin, working in sanctification, and producing the fruits of the Spirit, then either they have suppressed the Spirit (which is dangerous) or their conversion is false. In Baptist life, we like to use the phrase, "once saved, always saved" and "eternal security". However, these phrases evoke a level of water-downed faith. It's basically like getting your fire insurance or "get out of jail free card". A genuine believer, however, cannot separate the saving aspect of salvation with the Lordship aspect of salvation! To have experienced conversion in a real way always leads to a pursuit of the things of God. This does not mean that Christians won't fall short and sin, but that sin won't be their master. The Lord is the Master! However, when a genuine believer sins, they do not lose their salvation because it is secure in the hand of God (see Romans 8:38-39). Christ is powerful enough to seal the believer's eternity!

     On a personal note, the burden of being called to pastor is in those "in the flock" that demonstrate no fruit of the Spirit in their life. It certainly is not ours to judge, but Scripture tells us that fruit will be evident of those redeemed. Yes, they may be on the church membership role, served as Sunday School teachers, deacons, committee members for years, but their relationship is not secure with God. This burden keeps me up at night because in the end this person will miss eternity with God by 18 mere inches, the distance from the head to the heart. Matthew 7:22-23 illustrate this burden, "On that day many will say to me, ‘ Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’  And then will I declare to them, ‘ I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’" May the church be true members of the Church! Salvation is found in other but Jesus Christ! No sacrament, church membership, position, title, or reputation can merit salvation!

   Can true believers lose their salvation?  No.  I cannot label this eternal security though because only genuine followers of Christ persevere until the end!  There are many good people in the church that believe they are genuine Christians because of a prayer they recited many years ago.  "Once Saved, Always Saved" is a delusion for these people.   You cannot lose something that you've never received!  

  So, how do you know?   How do you know that you have a relationship with Jesus Christ?
(1) Have you truly, in your heart, asked God to forgive your sins and turned in repentance?  Have you declared your belief in Jesus Christ as "the Way, the Truth, and the Life" (John 14:6)?  Have you committed your life to following Him?  Has there been a change?  Jesus always brings change to the heart and life of those He encounters!  

(2)  Does your life bear fruit of this salvation experience?  True believers will develop Spiritual fruit... the fruit of the Spirit (See Galatians 5:22-23).   Are you becoming more like Christ daily and dealing with your sin problem?

(3)  Is the Holy Spirit's Presence active in your life?   Scripture says that the Holy Spirit is the "seal" of our salvation, the assurance of this relationship with God through Christ (see Ephesians 1).  If the Spirit is present, then your relationship is genuine!

    This blog isn't meant to make true believers question their relationship with God.  However, if you're reading this and banking on a mystical prayer, church membership, or good works to get you to God, then I beg you to fall flat on your face before God today in repentance, belief, and commitment to Christ!  Until next time....

Fan or Follower....

    I thoroughly enjoy reading!  I remember the days that I hated it.  It was those days in high school and college where you had to read certain things that you little to no interest in.  It was painstaking.  Yet, I have found that reading is therapeutic!  It's also a good leadership principle.... Leaders are learners!  I have to ask you, what are reading?  Most often, I am reading something that will spiritually challenge me.  Every now and then I will read something that is just entertaining and can clear my mind.  I suggest that is not the norm though if you are seeking deep intimacy with the Lord.  Below are a few of my favorite books.  These are in no particular order.

Joey's TOP 10...

1. Crazy Love by Francis Chan
2. Radical by David Platt
3. Slave by John MacArthur
4. Mere Christianity by CS Lewis
5. Next Generation Leader by Andy Stanley
6. The Barbarian Way by Erwin McManus
7. Be Intolerant by Ryan Dobson
8. Forgotten God by Francis Chan
9. The Shack by William Paul Young (although not recommended as a theology work)
10. Not a Fan by Kyle Idleman

    The last book listed there is my most recent read.  It's one of those books that once you pick it up, it's hard to put it down!  It's an easy read, but heavy in ramifications!   I would suggest that you NOT read if you want a comfortable version of Christianity and you want to feel good about your faith.  It's not a "feel good theology" work!  Yet, it's refreshingly honest!  Kyle Idleman did an exceptional job challenging believers to move from "fan" to "follower" describing what each look and operate like!  This is not a book review, but I'd give it 5 stars! 

   I have to admit the entire work was convicting and challenging for me!  As a young pastor-to-be, God is shaping my ministry before I ever begin.  He is using books like this, incredible sermons, good seminary classes, and personal evaluation to mold me into what He wants me to be as a husband, father, pastor, and man!  The premise of Not a Fan is that there is a huge difference between BELIEVE and FOLLOW.  The Church has often watered down the message so that it won't be unappealing to the world.  Although it might be a good marketing technique, it should have no place in the Church!  We don't preach abandonment, surrender, and complete obedience anymore!  It's more of a "smorgasbord" at church, suggesting that people can pick out of the Bible what they want to live out.  Jesus doesn't just demand our belief, He died for our obedience!  He is LORD!  If you want to dive deeper into that connotation, read Slave by John MacArthur!  We are not bond servants in that we get to choose what we want to do.  We are slaves that work at the pleasure and glory of the Master! 

   Here is an excerpt from Not a Fan that I thought was incredible convicting....

"This is how many sermons are presented.  I think a lot of well-intended preachers adopt a Snuggie Theology when they find themselves in churches of a few hundred people and discover an incredible pressure to grow.  The attendance isn't what was hope for, and the offerings are down.  Before they know it has happened they gauge success not by their faithfulness to God's Word but by the weekend stats.  And so the sermons get sanitized.  Scripture gets edited.  The cross gets covered up.  The sermons are more about salvation, but never about surrender.  Often about forgiveness, but never about repentance.  Often about living, but never about dying." (165) 

   
 Again, I'd like to declare that I love the Church and this blog is not one of those "attack the Church" blogspots!  Yet, a generation of FOLLOWERS must rise up and through the Holy Spirit return the Church back to it's foundational principles and doctrines!  Watered down sermons make people feel good, but will do nothing for their eternal spiritual problem!  If we don't preach the full truths of the Gospel including the hard things like surrender, sacrifice, repentance, dying, and Hell, then we are doing similar to the Pharisees, when Jesus of them, that they were making "proselytes" that are "twice as much a child of hell as yourselves." (Matthew 23:15)  I'm not suggesting that "social gospel" preachers are lost, but I'm sure that we are compounding the problem by not standing up and preaching the Truth!  The late, great Adrian Rogers says it best, "It is better to tell a truth that hurts and then heals, then a lie that comforts and then kills."  Omitting the Truth is lying!  God's Word is declared as the Word of Truth!  Preach it!  Teach it!  Read it!  Love it!  Sure, it's painful because it exposes our sinful selves!  Yet, it draws us to repentance and forgiveness!  The goal of a Christian's life is sanctification, to be more like Christ every day as we continually put sin to death!  We need God's Word preached completely and truthfully! 

In the beginning of the Church....

    How do we get this from that?  How do we get our version of Christianity from what is outlined as the beginning of the Church in Acts?  In fact, I would agree with many that our version of Church has very little in common with the Early Church!  Now, please understand me here.  I am not bashing on the Church or any individual church congregation!  I love the CHURCH!  I praise God that I am apart of a local body of believers that is amazing and I praise God that He has allowed me to serve Him in some amazing fellowships!  However, I am under conviction that the majority of "churches" are missing it entirely!  

    I feel as if God is pouring into me right now!  I have never had the opportunity to rest, read, and study like I have until now.   I have to admit I really miss being in the ministry of the local church!  I have accepted God's timing in this matter though!  I have found the blue lining in this sabbatical, intimacy!  I have no reason to boast except that in Christ!  However, my intimacy level with Him has significantly deepened!  He is pouring into me through His Word, books that I am reading, my professors, and through sermons I am hearing live and in podcast form!  Praise be to God for this incredible journey!

  One of the most recent sermon messages I've heard comes from one of my heroes, Andy Stanley.  As I listened last night, I got excited with the ramifications of Acts 2!  Acts 2 is about the Day of Pentecost where the Holy Spirit came down and changed everything!  Many conservative Baptist may feel a little uncomfortable about this event for our Pentecostal and charismatic brothers have interpreted the gift of tongues differently that we have.  That's entirely a different discussion though!  Do not be anxious about this blessing though!  As Andy Stanley says, "It was opening day in the church!"   Jesus promised that He would send the Helper, the Holy Spirit, in His departure.  In fact, He said that it was good that He go away so that the Spirit of Truth can come and empower these disciples!  Acts 2 is the fulfillment of this wonderful promise! 

   The beauty of the Holy Spirit's Filling in Acts 2 is that God empowered ordinary men to do extraordinary work that would spread the Gospel across the globe!  On that day, the disciples were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in "tongues" that were previously unknown to these mostly uneducated disciples.  In context of the Scripture here, these "tongues" were not unknown by the crowd, for people began to understand in their native language the message of the Gospel!  We must look at the full context of well developed text to better understand the gift of tongues!  Whether you are Baptist or Pentecostal or any other denomination, tongues must be understood as a gifting to evangelism!   Peter then began what we might label the first sermon ever preached in the church!  Can you guess what it was about?  JESUS!   It was the story of His Life, Death, Resurrection, and Ascension!  The message was about the declaration that God "has made him (Jesus) both Lord and Christ." (2:26).  The end result of this great beginning is found in Acts 2:41...

So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls.

   The remainder of Acts 2 lays out the distinctions of the this movement of God in that they were discipled by the Apostles, fellowshipped daily, prayed fervently, met the needs of the poor and need, and were evangelistic!  And the movement continued...

And the Lord added to their number day by day those were being saved. (Acts 2:47)

    Imagine a Revival like that in your church!  I don't believe people would worry about parking, the color of the carpet, worship style, what people wore, or anything else trivial!  When the Spirit of God moves like this, people are saved and the Church is awakened again!  You can count on a deepening intimacy, passionate worship, strong Biblical teaching and preaching, and contagious evangelism in these days!

   The Filling of the Holy Spirit is not a second event after salvation.  The only exception to this was the Day of Pentecost for it was the beginning of a new work of the Holy Spirit, a new covenant work in the life of the church!  Today however, it's not a matter of getting more of the Holy Spirit!  It's a matter of the Holy Spirit having more of you!  Will you surrender all to the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit to do as He chooses?  Will you share the Gospel today?  Will you pray for Revival fires in the Church?

 

The Sufficiency of the Gospel!

Confession #1... I am writing this blog fresh off of hearing a couple of great evangelism messages at last night's Alabama Baptist State Evangelism Conference here in Montgomery, AL.  If you have never heard Mac Brunson preach, then you've missed out!  Oh, that one day I can preach like that!  What a passionate, bold, intelligent, and clearly presented message from John 20-21!

    It my youth and naivety, I guess that I haven't bought into organizational church or "church growth plans".  I've been trained in FAITH and GROW to do the door-to-door evangelism, but in most churches these plans start well and fizzle to a failing finish.   And the overwhelming product are churches that picked up a few more church members by transfer of letter.  I understand that the Good Lord directs people to move churches, even within their community.  However, does anybody else think it's sad that we define that as "church growth"?  Unfortunately, youth ministries are notorious for this!  Teenagers flock from church to church where the latest cool events and buildings are with that charismatic youth pastor!  Church kids hop more than a bunny rabbit high on energy drinks!  One church flourishes, the others begin to suffer!  News flash.... that's not church growth! 

   It was agreed last night that evangelism, sharing the Gospel of Jesus with the unbelieving world, is the purple elephant in the room!  We like to talk about events, strategies, seminars, conferences, etc. to the point we are blue in the face.  Often these things bring certain spiritual value like studying God's Word and discipleship.  However, far too often we buy our stock in logistics that don't matter a heal of beans!  What we must be concerned with is the lost and dying world!  They don't care about our strategies, events, "church growth" models, or seminars!  They need help with real tangible things... addictions, poverty, hopelessness, and an eternal destiny!  They're headed for Hell because for the most part, we've been too self-absorbed in our church culture to worry about the Great Commission!  Shame on us!  As Jeff Crook put it last night, those condemned to Hell are cursing those who knew the Truth but didn't tell them!  We are condemned by the unbelieving world!  

   If I had to preach one sermon that I thought was most important to the Church today, I would definitely struggle back and forth between Colossians 1:15-23 and Ezekiel 33.  By pure necessity, I figure Ezekiel 33 might win out!   It is the story of the Watchman on the Wall!  In context, it refers to Israel being in that position of warning of danger when the enemy approached.  However, today in our culture the Watchman is the Church!  It is our responsibility to warn the world of impending doom and danger!  The enemy has approached and Satan is deceiving the World every day, wrecking havoc on homes, schools, work environments, and lives everywhere!  Where is the Church???  Unfortunately, the blood is on our hands! 

   In Acts 4, Peter and John are standing in defense of their ministry before the Jerusalem Council.  The "religious people" of their day was undeniably angry that these disciples were still preaching about Jesus as well as doing many signs and wonders in the name of Christ.  Peter's bold declaration of Jesus Christ is powerful to this group of skeptics and enemies of the Cross:

"And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved." -Acts 4:12.

In the Council's "political agenda" they demanded that Peter and John no longer preach in Jesus' name.  Yeah right!  Like that's going to happen!  Basically, that was their version of time out!  That's a different story altogether!  Here's what I really love about this situation.  Peter answered this ruling with these words...

"Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you rather than to God, you must judge for we cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard." - Acts 4:19-20

Shouldn't that be our response?  We cannot help but share the Gospel because it changed our life!!!  We have tasted and seen that the Lord, He is good!  Bringing them to church is good, but if we don't tell them about Jesus AND the Holy Spirit draw them, the unrepentant soul will bust the doors of Hell wide open!  And it's on our hands! 

The Gospel, the Good News of Jesus' Identity, Life, Death, Resurrection, and Glorious Return, is what changes lives!  It is sufficient!  We must go!!!!! 

   Get out your comfortable spot and be doers of the Word and not hearers only!  The Great Commission is to be fulfilled by the Church! 

Clear Eyes for the Church

    Over the past few weeks I have found it harder to blog as I have been struggling with anxiety, fear, stress, and mild depression over God's next appointment for me in ministry.  I was recently reminded of God's grace in our moment of pain as the Sovereign God reveals His character and favor in these moments by Dr. Ed Litton of First Baptist Church North Mobile.  I encourage all to read his blogs. 

    For now three months I have been sitting in what I call my "sabbatical".  As each day passes, I yearn to be in a place of ministry within the local church again.  I am confident of God's call to leave First Baptist Church of Satsuma back in November, although my love for them will always remain.  Those were strong days, an incredible chapter in ministry.  Whatever success we had in ministry there was all God-driven and He often worked in spite of my shortcomings.  Yet, I know now more than ever that a greater chapter awaits. 

    I have often struggled to communicate the perspective that God has given me because I have shyed away from certain situations.  I have been passive when I needed to be assertive!  I don't imply that I should have been a bull in a china closet, an overly aggressive jerk.  However, I backed down when I should have spoke up.  The Lord is answering my prayer for boldness and confidence in Him! 

   Let it be known today that the church does not look as God looks or see as God sees.  We have, unfortunately, done what was right in our own eyes.  We have made the house of God a den of thieves and exchanged worship for entertainment.  Where is the life change?  This week our powerful convention, the Southern Baptist Convention, decided to rename itself (kinda) with a "nick-name", the Great Commission Baptist.  Please don't take these statements with contempt, for I am proud to be Southern Baptist for I believe that it is the closest denomination to the full Biblical Truth in doctrine and in polity.  I agree with Michael Catt, however, that most churches in this convention can't put that name on their sign because they haven't been about the Great Commission for years!   A name change isn't going to fix it!  It has to be a change of heart!  It has to be revival! 

   I've learned alot in the classroom, but the greatest truths about ministry have been learned in real life.  In this short sabbatical, I have witnessed the attitude of many churches as we have visited.  Some have a sweet spirit and are genuinely interested in people.  Seemingly, others could care less.  They aren't interested in the visitor, their community, or the lost.  It's a social club that promises comfort and a "get out of jail" free card!  It's my "fire insurance"!  Woe to the church that hangs their salvation in their membership!   Membership in the KINGDOM OF GOD is begun in faith in Jesus Christ and lived out in making disciples!  That's a Great Commission church!

   Unfortunately, people's perspectives are even skewed when it comes to their pastor.  In my frustration, I write these words.  It seems that many churches want a man with many plaques on the wall, with 30 years of experience, and that "looks" the right part to keep their social standing in the community.  I'm 30 years old.  I am working through my Masters of Divinity program now and have already completed my BA in Religion/Biblical Studies.  I've only been in ministry for 11 years with no senior pastor experience.  I have a young family.  My conscience is clear that nothing in my background should hinder me from being in a pastor/overseer role as described in 1 Timothy 3.  Yet, the opportunities are few and I live in faint hopes.  But today I stand confident.  I do not boast in myself but in the Lord!  He always qualifies the called!  He has called me to be a senior pastor.  God, please open doors. 

  I guess the point of this rambling blog is that we must begin to see things more clearly in light of God's Word and attempt to see things in His perspective.  I am reminded of Samuel's duty to anoint the successor to Saul as King of Israel.  After passing through all of Jesse's sons, then and only then is David summoned from his job as a smelly sheppard.  Ironically, the runt of the litter, the uneducated, the awkward, the forgotten one was chosen to be King.  God's reasoning demonstrates His incredible wisdom...

    But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.”            1 Samuel 16:7 NIV

May we see as He sees, perceive as he perceives, love as He loves, and go as Jesus commanded! 




  

The Message of the Cross...

For the message of the Cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved, it is the power of God.        1 Corinthians 1:18 (ESV)


  Have you ever been in a heated discussion with a lost person about the person and work of Jesus Christ.  Perhaps they insisted that Jesus was just a good prophet or teacher.  Maybe they questioned the historical accuracy of the Scripture and Resurrection.  Even in your strong convictions and your grounded faith, maybe it seemed like you were talking to a brick wall.  They weren't getting it!  Unfortunately the world is filled with people just like this.  In their skepticism and cynicism, they deny the power and work of the cross.  It's a sad condition.  We, too, have been in this same condition before the veil of our eyes and heart were opened to the Gospel. 

  The Cross is a glorious thing!  In our limited minds, we cannot completely fathom all that God did through Christ through this work, but we should think about it often!  It should lead us to greater praise and deeper devotion!  This week I am working on a short essay on what it means to be "reconciled" to God through Jesus Christ.  Wow!  What a gift!  Christ's death didn't just appease God's wrath and justice, but restored mankind into a favorable relationship with Him again (upon salvation).  John MacArthur states it this way:

In justification, the sinner stands before God guilty and condemned, but is declared righteous (Rom. 8:33).  In redemption, the sinner stands before God as a slave, but is granted his freedom (Rom. 6:18-22).  In forgiveness, the sinner stands before God as a debtor, but the debt is paid and forgotten (Eph. 1:7).  In reconciliation, the sinner stands before God as an enemy, but becomes His friend (2 Corinthians 5:18-20).  In adoption, the sinner stands before God as a stranger, but is made a son (Eph. 1:5). 

Oh, to grace, how great a debtor, daily I'm constrained to be!  Wow, the work of the Cross!  Yet, the world doesn't get it!   

  I was in 2nd grade the first time I really tried to tell somebody about Jesus Christ.  His name was Mark.  Mark, for all practical purposes, was just mean.  He was the class bully, the jerk of the elementary school.  So, one day I decided to try to tell him about Jesus Christ and I just KNEW he'd listen and be changed by God.  I knew it!  Well, needless to say, it didn't go that well.  I stumbled through my short presentation with a stutter and in fear, and Mark didn't get it.  In fact, that second grader cussed me out!  I was devastated!  To be honest, it was some 4 years later before I ever tried sharing my faith again!  I took it personal.  He rejected me.  I was a failure!

  Wrong.  When the world rejects Jesus Christ they are not rejecting you!  Yes, you should have compassion for them and be burdened for the lost world!  This burden should spur you to pray for the lost and do EVERYTHING you can to reach them.  Yet, you have to remain objective about it.  Salvation is objective in the sense that it originates only in God's work through Jesus Christ!  We didn't orchestrate salvation!  God did!  Only God can save!  You be faithful to present the Gospel as God leads you and you leave the results up to Him!  It certainly takes the pressure of!  Amazingly, when we take this approach God typically will blow our minds with the conversations we get to have!

  I've seen God save a drug dealer, a prostitute, a gang member, a murderer, and much "worse" received the free gift of mercy and grace through Jesus Christ.  God, in His infinite wisdom and sovereignty, is mighty to save!  Yet, not all will be saved!  

  Another thought from the verse above.  This process of salvation is linear until Christ's return.  We are in the process of salvation now.  Yes, we may have prayed a prayer of faith that has sealed our eternity, but the salvation doesn't take place until the return of Christ takes us home to glory!  During this process, we should be working out our faith (Philippians 2:12-13).  

  On a final note, the Cross bestows God's power!  As Christians, you have tapped into that power source for your eternal security, but have you plugged into it for daily life?  

The Human Condition

I want to pick back up briefly on the whole Calvinist vs. Arminian debate with perhaps the easiest and most fundamental discussion in this debacle.... the human condition.  Reformed Theologians (Calvinistic in nature) would argue for the total depravity of man.  That concept seems overcomplicated, so let's simplify it for the everyday church member.   The depravity of man simple means that we are all woefully sinful before God and in need of help! 

For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God... Romans 3:23 (NIV)

For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.  Romans 6:23 (NIV)

This condition is perhaps best described in Romans 3:10-18 where Paul literally recalls Psalms 3, Psalms 51, and Ecclesiastes 7 and says "None is righteous, no not one."  Our human condition is hopeless because our every inclination is toward sin and disobedience to God!  It began in the Garden of Eden with Adam and Even and continues throughout all generations!  The only exception to this rule is Jesus Christ because of His origin and righteousness!   We, however, are all messed up and in need of help!

Another beautiful picture of this is Isaiah's confession as his vision puts Him into the Presence of God and he recalls his predicament.  He acknowledges, "Woe is me!  For I am lost; for I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King the Lord of hosts!" (Isaiah 6:5)  He acknowledges his inadaqucies and the enitre people around him's inability to stand in the Presence of a holy God based on their sinfulness!  This is our confession today as well!  

The beauty is in the BUT!  Recall Romans 6:23 above.  Jesus' life, death, resurrection, and ascension proves God's plan of redemption and salvation and offers us pardon, reconciliation, and restoration in the good graces of a loving God!  Our awareness of our position makes us appreciate and praise our Savior all the more!  By grace we have been saved through faith!  

As far as the whole Calvinists and Arminian debate, score 1 for the Reformed on this one.   Biblically there is no denying the doctrine of total depravity!  As I occasionally jump back into this discussion in this blog, remember that the author is neither fully "Hyper-Calvinists" nor am I "Arminian" in my affiliation.  I am convinced that the Biblical view migrates in the middle.   I believe in the Total Depravity of Man and the Perseverance of the Saints.  There is some truth to the other three main tenants of Reformed Theology, but perhaps not to the degree in which they are taught!  We will leave this discussion for yet another day!  Go live in light of God's grace! 

Looking for a "Burning Bush"....

Have you ever really needed direction in your life?  Wow, that's an understatement for me right now!  It's been 18 years ago now that I felt God call me to ministry while sitting on a basketball court in Guatemala.  As a boy, I didn't really know what I was getting myself into.  I have discovered that it is the greatest adventure!  It tops any fantasy dreams of Indiana Jones that I had as a child too!  Ministry is complicated!  11 years ago now I agreed to be the student pastor at a rural country church in Atmore, AL.  I remember trying to talk God out of being a youth pastor!  It is an ironic calling considering the adolescent that I was!  There are many who use youth ministry as a platform for something greater.  There is no higher calling that student ministry!  Yes, the senior pastor may have a heavier plate, but student ministry deals with the most decisive 8-10 years of a person's life!  It's in those hallways of school, that party on Friday night, and in that relationship that they will determine what kind of person they want to be!  Youth ministry is a gift!  I have been blessed to serve in several churches in those trenches and witnessed God's hand move in this generation!  I was and am unworthy to be God's vessel of use!  Somewhat surprising, I find myself in a transition.  Loving teenagers but knowing God is calling me to be a senior pastor.  Back to school to finish this illusive Masters of Divinity degree, it's challenging me to rethink theology, ministry, and directions! 

God often steps into our situations in the nick of time.  I want to thank Jim Jackson (Director of Missions in Elmore County, AL) for giving me a simple book entitled From Throwing in the Towel to Staying in the Fight by Dr. Harry Strauss.  This study through 2 Timothy brought me initially back to my calling, my "burning bush" moment.  You remember the story of Moses.  God's call and direction came through a supernatural and miraculous phenomena of shrubbery ignited in fire.  There, God's instructions were poured out clearly and thoroughly!  It was a neon sign of God! 

Do you ever feel like you need a "burning bush" moment?  God, I need to hear from you now!  This decision is too hard on my own!  God, I am at a dead end!  It's no encouragement that Moses spent years in the wilderness before God gave him this direction.  Sometimes God's plans don't come quickly and wrapped in a neatly packaged box!  Sometimes it's messy and requires patience! 

Here are my suggestions while waiting on God:
(1).  Don't waste your time.  Don't be so consumed by your need for an answer that you shut down physically, emotionally, socially, and spiritually!  Scripture tells us to "be anxious for nothing" (Philippians 4:6)! 
(2)  Spend more time in Scripture.  God's Word is His heart!  Oftentimes direction comes off the page as clear as day!  Scripture testifies of itself in 2 Timothy 3:16 that it is useful for direction! 
(3)  Seek Spiritual Counsel.  This doesn't mean your best friend who is not a maturing Christian.  I dont' think FaceBook advice (overall) is best either.  Turn Dr. Phil and Oprah off too!  Consider your pastor, youth pastor, Sunday School teacher, or a strong Christian friend or family member.  Ask them to help you pray over this decision,
(4)  Pray.  This is the critical component to discovering God's Will.  It's a change in mindset.  Stop over-analyzing everything and simply come to the throne room of God and spend time there!  Sometimes you will get direct answers.  Sometimes you will get solitude and peace.  No matter the outcome of that intimate conversation with God, you will step away from that time assured of God's good, pleasing, and perfect will!  

A note from the writer.... 
Today I find myself looking for a "burning bush"!  God's calling on my life has brought me to a new place and new setting, but I eagerly await to serve Him in the church!  Please pray for God's direction, guidance, peace, and grace in my life!  Faith has led me to the point that if God doesn't show up, I am utterly ruined!!! 

Real Church Growth

We live in a church culture that equates church growth with spiritual maturity.  Unfortunately, that isn't a good measure of what spiritual maturity looks like as an individual or corporately as a congregation!  For example, just because somebody is present on Sundays and Wednesdays, doesn't mean that have a growing relationship with Jesus Christ.  The elderly man that has been in the church for 50 years, served as a deacon, Sunday School teacher, and on 433 committees yet cusses like a sailor and drinks heavily 4 nights a week isn't any spiritually stronger because of his affiliation with the church.  It makes me think about Jesus' blunt words to the Pharisees in Matthew 23.  Sometimes the church, instead of reproducing holiness and a disciple-making process, regurgitates religious activity that some consider to be the benchmark for spiritual growth!  Spiritual growth, instead, must be measured in the fruits that the life possesses!  These are the fruits of the Spirit!  Is the believer demonstrating love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control?  Is the believer spending time in God's Word, in prayer, in worship, in ministry, and in disciple-making themselves?  To me, this is the plumb line of spiritual maturity.  And according to this definition, neither age or tenure have any place in our human judgment of spiritual maturity!

The early church is the best church growth model because, fortunately, at that point corruption wasn't running rampant in the Church as a whole.  Acts 2:42-47 demonstrates a great model for church growth.

And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.  And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles.  And all who believed were together and had all things in common.  And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need.  And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.

 Good Biblical teaching and preaching lead to real church growth.  Join that good doctrine to Biblical fellowship, worship/prayer,  and ministry, then your church can't help but grow!  It's like a garden's recipe for success.  Good seed (Biblical teaching, preaching), plus water (worship), plus adequate sunlight (fellowship/prayer), and fertilizer (ministry), your garden will be good!  Obviously there will be some weeding out in the process!  Churches should remember that we often have to weed out our motives and ministries that aren't bringing God glory or edifying the church!  

Real church growth is fluid!  Don't get caught up in thinking that the biggest church is the most Biblical!  In fact, our culture craves an easier word that will only compound their sinful state.  Scripture says they will flock to false teachers.  Size isn't any indicator of spiritual maturity!  However, I am convinced that a doctrinally strong church will be a seeking church!  God will bless their efforts! 

Last but not least, remember that it is God who brings real church growth and real spiritual growth!   It is the Holy Spirit's work in our life and in the life of the corporate Body that brings us into full unity and maturity!  Let's never minimize God's part! 

 

A Prayer for Boldness Today!

But Peter and John answered them, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you rather than to God, you must judge, for we cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard.”                                                   Acts 4:19-20 ESV

The Church has become a hide out for the fearful, the weak, and the immature!  Imagine being in the early days of the church, standing before the authorities, and having to give account of your faith.  "Do you believe in Jesus Christ?"  Casey Bernall proudly declared "Yes" in a statement of faith that would forever mark her as a martyr.  You remember Columbine High School.  It's been nearly 13 years ago now.  The apostles and early Church faced this same opposition and their answers were all too similar, and amazing!!!  Unfortunately, believers today are too concerned with their earthly status, popularity, relationships, wealth, etc. to speak out and boldly about the name of Jesus Christ!  Oh Church, if the blood of Jesus Christ has cleansed your sin, redeemed you, restored you, and brought both mercy and grace into your life..... speak up!   Be assertive in your faith! 

How can I be a bold witness today?  What did the early church do?  They prayed.  In Acts 4:23-31 the early Church gathered and prayed against those in opposition of the Cross and those that stand as enemies of God.  They simply prayed!  

Prayer is a lost passion.  Unfortunately, we only relegate prayer to meal times, church services, hardships, and holidays.   Yet, the Bible clearly says, "Pray without ceasing" (1 Thessalonians 5:17).  Constant prayer is an intimate conversation with God at every moment of your day.  It's a walking intimacy.  It's an attitude of being connected the Lord God to draw from His power, His direction, and His wisdom.  Jesus modeled it for us!  In fact, when Jesus was at His most popular moments, He withdrew to pray.  In one of the most intense moments of His life, He took refuge to pray in the Garden of Gethsemane where the Bible says that He prayed so fervently that His sweat drops became as blood.  That's another blog in and of itself!  James 5:16 says, "The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective." (NIV)  Fervent prayer will always lead to confidence and boldness in your Christian faith and testimony!  When was the last time that you sincerely spent meaningful time in a prayer CONVERSATION, both talking and listening, with your Heavenly God?  It's about intimacy! 

Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him!                     Psalm 34:8 (ESV)

The world we live in needs the Truth of Jesus Christ now more than ever!  We must be bold witnesses of the Gospel message!  Pray today for the Church to become a mighty army of faith again!  Great Awakening fires fall down! Let it begin in us!   

Holiness AND Engagement

  This weekend I got a unique opportunity to just be an extra adult help at a DiscipleNow weekend.  If you know my background at all, you are aware that I am used to planning, leading, and speaking at such events.  It's a rarity to see it from just a spectator role.  I want to commend Jon LeMarque and Coosada Baptist Church for their investment in the life of those teenagers this weekend!  It was well planned, prayed for, and operated!  And the best thing, God did big things!  Worship was led by the JJ Weeks Band and the speaker was Cody Deese.  Now, I have to confess that he looks 18, but Cody did an enormous job bringing God's Word in clarity, thoroughness, and boldness!  And, He's not even close to 18!  Looks are deceiving! 

I've made the statement before, "It's not about your happiness, it's about your holiness."  And truth be told, this is a Biblical picture.  However, after hearing from a very gifted speaker this weekend, I realize that holiness by itself is incomplete.  In our attempt to be holy, we have isolated ourselves in our "Christian subculture" and have failed to do the second aspect of our mission.   Holiness without engaging our culture will Christianity to the status of a hermit in complete insignificance.  The pursuit of holiness must lead us to bring light into dark places.   Light exposes darkness!  We are the light of the world (Matthew 5:13).   In our attempt to separate, we have isolated.  How many lost people do you really associate with on a daily basis?  For some, that number is woefully inadequate to engage the culture the way Christ wants you to!  He was a friend of sinners, prostitutes, tax collectors, and crooks!  He didn't conform to their lifestyle, instead He was the light that exposed their deeds as error in the first place!  How will the world know their damnation if the hands and feet of Christ aren't active in sharing the Gospel to them ON THEIR TURF!  Stop expecting the world to come to the church building!  It's not going to happen that way.  We must go to the hungry, the helpless, the broken, the destitute, the LOST!   Scripture says it this way...

Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world. (James 1:27)

I don't like that word "religion", but in this context James is referencing it as genuine relationship with Christ that leads to action.  Holiness is the second part of the equation.  Engaging this culture is the first (namely here benevolence).  Later James says, "Faith without works is DEAD" (James 2:26).  If our "Christianity" only leads us to holy huddles on Sunday mornings inside our elaborate temples made by human hands, then it's not genuine Christianity.   I like the movie To Save a Life because one key line exasperates my heart, "What's the point of all this if it doesn't change you?"  The Atonement (the work of Christ on the Cross) was meant to change everything for us AND the world!  If we hide in our church groups and refuse to make a tangible difference in our world, are we making a mockery of the blood of Christ?   Who else is going to change the world?   It has to be the Church! 

What are you currently doing to engage your culture for Jesus Christ?  Who are you missing because of your busy schedule and selfish lifestyle?  The Truth of God's Word hurts, but ultimately heals us of our own hypocrisy and religion!  

The Death of Pride...

Here's transparency.  My most embarrassing moment occurred the day after I graduated high school.  Now, I am from the great state of Oklahoma (Boomer Sooners) and most of my family still lives out there.  I graduated from a small private school in LA (Lower Alabama).  Thankfully, many of my family members came down for my graduation.  We only lived about 2 hours away from some of the prettiest beaches you will every see, namely Destin and Fort Walton Beach, FL.   As is the custom for most high school graduates, I didn't get alot of sleep after the fact because of my celebration that I had made it through that place.  I still consider that school to be my time in Egyptian Captivity!  Truthfully, I was asleep in the back of our stylish minivan when we pulled into a McDonald's in Crestview, FL.  Little did I know that Mickey D's was the cultural center of that town, but seemingly everybody was there.  Upon waking up, I happen to realize that nature was indeed calling so I preceded into the restaurant and to the obvious door on the right because that is ALWAYS the men's restroom!  Upon my surprise, my grandmother happened to be in the bathroom with me.  A little awkward, I automatically assumed it was her mistake.  Important fact here.... my grandmother is partially blind.  Honest mistake, but her error!  Then, it happened.  It occurred to me that there was not fixtures specifically designed for men in that bathroom.   My sleepiness turned to full awareness and panic!  It was my error!   So sheepishly I stepped out the bathroom to find the entire city of Crestview laughing at me!  Fun times!  I was a graduate!  I knew it all!  I was educated, yet constipated of self! 

It only takes one  moment like that to make you realize that maybe you're not all that and then some!   The wisdom of the Proverbs tells it like this, "Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall." (16:18)  I am convinced that selfish pride is at the root of moral and theological collapse in the church today!  We elevate the stature of men more than the stature of our God.  Romans 1:25 says they "worshipped and served the creature rather than the Creator".  That's a recipe for destruction!  News flash for the church today!  Pastors, staff members, deacons, Sunday School teachers are merely men and women.  All are capable of great spiritual leadership and serious spiritual and moral failure!  Don't put men to the position of God!  Ministers, remember that our opportunity is out of grace and not based on our own merit!  It's a great perspective to keep!  Pride is at the root of every sin from the Satan's Fall to the Garden of Eden, from Saul's fury to Judas' greed.  In our lives, pride is at the root of lying, gossiping, cheating, unfaithfulness, alcoholism, drug addiction, pornography, murder, etc.   Every temptation has, at its roots, the selfish and instant gratification of the flesh!  It's selfishness and pride!  Unfortunately, religion is eat up with this same mentality!   

Reading through the Gospels, I found a passage that really struck a nerve in me this morning.  Maybe this will help put our prideful state into focus.

John 12:42-43 (ESV)

⁴² Nevertheless, many even of the authorities believed in him, but for fear of the Pharisees they did not confess it, so that they would not be put out of the synagogue; ⁴³ for they loved the glory that comes from man more than the glory that comes from God.

Cross references:

1. John 12:42 : John 3:1; [John 7:48]
2. John 12:42 : See John 7:13
3. John 12:42 : See John 9:22
4. John 12:42 : See John 9:22
5. John 12:43 : John 5:44

Do we love the praise and accolades of men more than the "Well done, though good and faithful servant" from our Lord God?  Die to self.  It is not about our glory, but the glory of a God who loves and redeems us through Jesus Christ!  He is mighty to save and worthy of our worship!

Nature Change....

It's been 7 long years since I've been in school.  At the time, they flew by fast, but now as I get back into my Masters of Divinity program, I realize that my brain must readapt to scholastic discussions.  One of my classes this semester is Systematic Theology.  Theology, as my blog suggest, is a favorite discussion of mine for I am convinced that many Christians do not understand necessary doctrines and truths from God's Word.  Theology is simple the study of God, but it necessitates the full study of Scripture to discover the heart and nature of God.  In my first class last week, our professor divided the class into groups and we did a mini-project discussion on questions that we were given.  One of the groups was given the question, "What does it mean to be born again?"  It has made me think long and hard about the this religious expression and how to define in present culture.  

   John 3:1-6 (NASB) The New Birth
¹ Now there was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews; ² this man came to Jesus by night and said to Him, “Rabbi, we know that You have come from God as a teacher; for no one can do these signs that You do unless God is with him.” ³ Jesus answered and said to him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.”
⁴ Nicodemus *said to Him, “How can a man be born when he is old? He cannot enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born, can he?” ⁵ Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. ⁶ That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.

We often hear the words "born again" and we fall quickly back into the tradional pew of childhood.  We remember these terms in church long ago, with it's almost liturgical style and outdated carpets.  Yet, this term in incredibly Biblical.  Nicodemus wanted real answers to his spiritual problems.  I can't help but like Nicodemus.  Although he came under the cover of night, he still came seeking some resolution to his religious dilemma.  He was supposed to know the ways of God and the nature of God.  He was a Pharisee.  He was in the "church" of his day, but he realized something was missing!   It isn't about a religion, it's about a genuine and intimate relationship with God THROUGH Jesus Christ.  Religion only changes your schedule.  Intimacy with God changes your lifestyle!   Jesus' response indicates a full nature change.  It's not just about changing your schedule, your behaviors, your clothing, and even your associations. It's a fundamental change from the inside out and not vice versa.  Too often we think that if we look a certain part then maybe that God shaped void in our life can be filled by the church or religious activity over time.  It doesn't work that way!  Remember Ephesians 2:1-10.  It is by GRACE we have been saved through faith and it is not our own goodness or effort!  Jesus' was trying to communicate that being "born again" or "saved" is about the changing of our old life, allegiances, character, etc to a new creation is Christ Jesus Himself (2 Corinthians 5:17).  Being born again doesn't require a second labor and delivery room in a hospital, but it does mean that we can stop laboring for our own salvation and be delivered by the blood of Jesus Christ shed at Calvary!  Does our life reflect a full nature change?  Do we now, as Christians, even resemble our old life BC, before Christ?  I like how Jesus described it as being born of water and Spirit.  You cannot take this verse alone and support that water baptism is required for salvation.  That's not what Jesus is saying.  "Water" here is a reference to physical birth, "Spirit" is a refernce to the Holy Spirit's indwelling as we accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior!   It's a beautiful picture of God's mercy and grace in that our old nature, those old garments of sin and death, are traded in for a LIFE of love, joy, and peace as we follow the will and way of our Lord! 

Have you been "born again" in the sense that Jesus Christ has fully changed your life and nature?  It's not just about fire insurance, it's about abundant living (John 10:10)!  

The Principle of Godly Stewardship....

Why does stewardship get such a bad wrap?  That's really a dumb question!  The answer is that most people associate "stewardship" with money and the Good Lord knows that when the preacher starts talking about money, everybody in the pew tense up worst than LSU did last Monday Night in the National Championship Game.  It's the "deer in the headlight look"!  I've seen it.  I've preached on tithing before.  Unfortunately, too many so-called preachers who really like the sound of their voice have manipulated people to the point that they are afraid to give Biblically!  Stewardship is a Godly principle and definitely has huge ramifications for the believer! 

I was about 8 years old when I learned about tithing.  I was sitting in Vacation Bible School in the sleepy town of Foyil, OK and it was time to take up the mission offering.  I knew I wanted to give and I knew I was "supposed" to give that 10% thing.  Just a few days before was my birthday and I had received $20 from a relative.  Now, back in those days, $20 was alot of money for a kid!  Today, well you can barely go out to eat and watch a movie for $20.  Deep in my heart something told me to give it all!  I'll be honest, at first I didn't want to.  I wrestled with the Holy Spirit for about 2.1 seconds until I gave in.  I put a smile on my face and dropped that birthday gift in the offering plate.  I'm not sure what God did with that small offering, but what I know is that God gave it back to me in another way.  The next day, I received a birthday card in the mail from another family member who lived out of town.  I opened it up and guess what????  You guessed it.... a $20 bill!  Would I have received it if I hadn't of given the other the day before.  Maybe.  But as a child it taught me the principle of tithing, giving an offering, and stewardship.  I take what I have and offer it to the Lord because He is the one that initiated that gift to begin with! 

Stewardship is needed in the church today from every angle!  Members should Biblically tithe from their GROSS income.  Pastors, staff members, and ministries should be a good steward of the Lord's money and not be unwise.  I can appreciate the time from building debt, but I do not see the Biblical principle of collecting interest as a good thing for the church!  It's about being wise with God's resources to do ministry most effectively!  In times like today, the economy and our integrity demands wisdom in church spending! 

 Stewardship, however, isn't just about money!  It's about all of God's blessings.  You should be a good steward of your TIME, ENERGIES, SPIRITUAL GIFTS, TALENTS, RESOURCES, and MONEY.  It's about giving God everything so that He can use you completely!   Some would argue, "I don't have much."  Then use what you have.  You probably have more than you think!   It's as simple as the "Faithful  Steward Principle" in Mathew 25.  It is Jesus' Parable of the Talents.  Not all servants started with the same amount but their Master's judgment was all the same.  It was based on what they did with whey they had!  For the servant with 2 talents (about 40 years of laborer wages), he was held accountable to how he INVESTED it just as the guy who had received the 5 talents and the 1 talent.  You may recall that the servants with 5 talents and 2 talents invested wisely, reaping a great profit.  All the while, the servant with the 1 talent simply hid the money and sat on it!  In his FEAR, he stored it up!

  I ask you, are your fears keeping you from investing in the things of God?  Be faithful with a few things and God's blessings will never disappoint you!  The church's greatest success shouldn't be its bank account, but it's brightness in shining Jesus Christ to their world!  Invest wisely my friends!