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!
Monday, January 30, 2012
Friday, January 27, 2012
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.
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.
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!
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
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)!
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)!
Thursday, January 19, 2012
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!
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!
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Riding the Fence.... politically speaking!
And Elijah came near to all the people and said, "How long will you go limping between different opinions? If the LORD is God, follow him; but if Baal, then follow him." 1 Kings 18:21 (ESV)
There has never been a greater time of instability in our country, our communities, our churches, and in our homes than these days we currently live in. I doubt few of you would disagree. The chaos confusion, drama, and turmoil is for a million different reasons and seemingly no two scenarios are the same. I hear them all the time in ministry! You hear the good, the bad, and the ugly. I got to admit, these days you hear alot of bad an ugly! We have to be careful to not listen to too much Country music and not watch the Evening News when we get home. That could send you into a tail spin, a darkening hallway of depression. It's no wonder that many ministers are frequenting the doctors office with high anxiety, depression, and heart issues. Their is stress there. We hear it all!
For the sake of being kind, I offer an apology for trying to stereotype all circumstances in the world, but I have to believe there are certain behaviors, attitudes, and beliefs that lay at the root of the conflict. Pride, selfishness, prejudice, and hatred to name a few. But to me, it's a simple as one concept. Honesty. Honesty is that conviction that you lay the TRUTH out there on the line at all costs. When you're wrong, you own up to it. When you are right and are afraid of the ramifications of speaking up, you speak up because it's right! We need more boldness in the world! We need to stop "limping between different opinions."
The beauty of Elijah's simple statement is that it calls for a decision. Pick one. If you believe that the LORD is God, then follow Him. If not, stop playing church, religion, and wrecking the name of Jesus! It's as simple as that! That's not politically correct and it may not help build the next "six flags under Jesus" mega church, but isn't it just right? The TRUTH is always refreshing. It always sets free the human soul from bondage!
I was reading in my journal notes on a message I heard a few years ago from Jay Strack. Here is a noteworthy quote, "When you find out who you are, you can stop pretending to be who you're not." When we come face to face with ourselves in TRUTHFULNESS, we can stop putting up this false wardrobe of pretense.
I beg Christians to stop limping between opinions. Seek the TRUTH of Jesus Christ and live out the WORD of God. Leaders from pastors to politicians should stop trying to appease the masses and be true to the ABSOLUTE STANDARDS of God! Lying, cheating, inappropriate relationships, gossipping, financial fraud, and selfishness is not okay in American, in the church, in our communities, and in our homes! There is a higher calling for those who have been called out of the darkness into the light!
But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. 1 Peter 2:9 (ESV)
There has never been a greater time of instability in our country, our communities, our churches, and in our homes than these days we currently live in. I doubt few of you would disagree. The chaos confusion, drama, and turmoil is for a million different reasons and seemingly no two scenarios are the same. I hear them all the time in ministry! You hear the good, the bad, and the ugly. I got to admit, these days you hear alot of bad an ugly! We have to be careful to not listen to too much Country music and not watch the Evening News when we get home. That could send you into a tail spin, a darkening hallway of depression. It's no wonder that many ministers are frequenting the doctors office with high anxiety, depression, and heart issues. Their is stress there. We hear it all!
For the sake of being kind, I offer an apology for trying to stereotype all circumstances in the world, but I have to believe there are certain behaviors, attitudes, and beliefs that lay at the root of the conflict. Pride, selfishness, prejudice, and hatred to name a few. But to me, it's a simple as one concept. Honesty. Honesty is that conviction that you lay the TRUTH out there on the line at all costs. When you're wrong, you own up to it. When you are right and are afraid of the ramifications of speaking up, you speak up because it's right! We need more boldness in the world! We need to stop "limping between different opinions."
The beauty of Elijah's simple statement is that it calls for a decision. Pick one. If you believe that the LORD is God, then follow Him. If not, stop playing church, religion, and wrecking the name of Jesus! It's as simple as that! That's not politically correct and it may not help build the next "six flags under Jesus" mega church, but isn't it just right? The TRUTH is always refreshing. It always sets free the human soul from bondage!
I was reading in my journal notes on a message I heard a few years ago from Jay Strack. Here is a noteworthy quote, "When you find out who you are, you can stop pretending to be who you're not." When we come face to face with ourselves in TRUTHFULNESS, we can stop putting up this false wardrobe of pretense.
I beg Christians to stop limping between opinions. Seek the TRUTH of Jesus Christ and live out the WORD of God. Leaders from pastors to politicians should stop trying to appease the masses and be true to the ABSOLUTE STANDARDS of God! Lying, cheating, inappropriate relationships, gossipping, financial fraud, and selfishness is not okay in American, in the church, in our communities, and in our homes! There is a higher calling for those who have been called out of the darkness into the light!
But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. 1 Peter 2:9 (ESV)
Monday, January 9, 2012
The Bible in 3D....
We live in a high tech, high energy, fast paced world! I used to consider myself one of those tech savvy people, but that was long before my daughter came along! Over the past month, I have attempted to catch up in this tech world by tweeting, facebooking, and even blogging as often as possible. Technology can be a beautiful thing! I am determined that it is like anything else.... it can be used for the King or opposed to the Kingdom.
One of the big new things is the HD and 3D craze. You know what I'm talking about. It's those overly priced flat screen TV sets and those really pricey movies that make you sick to watch! A few years ago I was in Orlando chaperoning a field trip for a group of 8th graders and we visited all those incredible Disney parks as well as Universal studios and Islands of Adventure. I love me some roller coasters! The older I get the more they don't really like me so much, but I will ride them until I hurl (unfortunately)! The feelings is not the same for fair rides (too sketchy), simulators, and 3D movies! I kinda felt pretty silly when the Hulk, the Mummy, and Dueling Dragons left me begging for more and Shrek in 3D made me sick! It's that extra dimension that's the kicker though! I touches you in so many ways and maybe not all of them are good! You got the drift?
I was thinking about Scripture the other day and how often view it as ancient and devalue the message in today's culture. In the church and outside the church, we water it down because we are afraid it might offend somebody. Instead, we tend to follow other people's opinions, suggestions, and hopes from FaceBook, to Dr. Phil, to the tabloids. The consequences have been catastrophic in our life! Broken promises, broken families, and broken lives! The church suffers while moral collapse is our country is rampant. What if we viewed God's Word with the mystery and authority that it deserves? Then I realized something.... maybe God's Word is 3D too!
3 Dimensional suggests that it touches you in 3 different and distinct ways. For most of us, we read it only on the surface level. Sure, you can get something of it that way. But after a while, it almost seems infantile and elementary. Look deeper. Look for the context of what you are reading. What did it mean when it was written and to the people who initially read it? You should never read the Bible out of context. It's dangerous! Heresy is born by such error! Finally, I'd suggest that you go into the last dimension. It's the dimension of application. Revelation without application is blatant rebellion! What's the point of all this is if doesn't change you? God' Word was meant to change us!
The Bible in 3D....
1D - Surface Reading
2D - Text in Context
3D - Application of Revelation
I challenge you to go deeper! It's my conviction that we are setting for something far shallower that what God wants to show us! I leave you with proof! The proof is always in the pudding!!!!
"All Scripture is breathed out by God and is profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God many be competent, equipped for every good work."
-2 Timothy 3:16-17, ESV
If God breathes out the Word, why aren't we inhaling the full truth of it?
One of the big new things is the HD and 3D craze. You know what I'm talking about. It's those overly priced flat screen TV sets and those really pricey movies that make you sick to watch! A few years ago I was in Orlando chaperoning a field trip for a group of 8th graders and we visited all those incredible Disney parks as well as Universal studios and Islands of Adventure. I love me some roller coasters! The older I get the more they don't really like me so much, but I will ride them until I hurl (unfortunately)! The feelings is not the same for fair rides (too sketchy), simulators, and 3D movies! I kinda felt pretty silly when the Hulk, the Mummy, and Dueling Dragons left me begging for more and Shrek in 3D made me sick! It's that extra dimension that's the kicker though! I touches you in so many ways and maybe not all of them are good! You got the drift?
I was thinking about Scripture the other day and how often view it as ancient and devalue the message in today's culture. In the church and outside the church, we water it down because we are afraid it might offend somebody. Instead, we tend to follow other people's opinions, suggestions, and hopes from FaceBook, to Dr. Phil, to the tabloids. The consequences have been catastrophic in our life! Broken promises, broken families, and broken lives! The church suffers while moral collapse is our country is rampant. What if we viewed God's Word with the mystery and authority that it deserves? Then I realized something.... maybe God's Word is 3D too!
3 Dimensional suggests that it touches you in 3 different and distinct ways. For most of us, we read it only on the surface level. Sure, you can get something of it that way. But after a while, it almost seems infantile and elementary. Look deeper. Look for the context of what you are reading. What did it mean when it was written and to the people who initially read it? You should never read the Bible out of context. It's dangerous! Heresy is born by such error! Finally, I'd suggest that you go into the last dimension. It's the dimension of application. Revelation without application is blatant rebellion! What's the point of all this is if doesn't change you? God' Word was meant to change us!
The Bible in 3D....
1D - Surface Reading
2D - Text in Context
3D - Application of Revelation
I challenge you to go deeper! It's my conviction that we are setting for something far shallower that what God wants to show us! I leave you with proof! The proof is always in the pudding!!!!
"All Scripture is breathed out by God and is profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God many be competent, equipped for every good work."
-2 Timothy 3:16-17, ESV
If God breathes out the Word, why aren't we inhaling the full truth of it?
Friday, January 6, 2012
Spiritual Discipline and the Church!
Very few people like confrontation really! I still believe that. I'm one of those optimist that believe the glass is half full as compared to half empty! I think sometimes my wife thinks that is annoying. She is more of a realist.
I admit I know nothing about marriage. Kim and I have been married for over 6 1/2 years now and our marriage is good and strong! We have learned the art of compromise and unconditional love. I think that she has mastered the unconditional love thing more than I have because I recognize I am very hard to love sometimes! She is amazing! One of the funny things is that our marriage is built on two polar opposites in most every thing! Yes, I understand men and women think and operate differently, but aside from our faith and love for each other, she is just weird! I mean that with all the love in my heart! I am a peacemaker and I often find myself neglecting to say something or say a timely word in the name of peace. We need peacemakers in this drama filled world! Amen! Kim, well she is a prophet at heart! In a spiritual gift test, she would score a 25 on a scale of 1-10 in the prophet traits! She likes to tell you how she feels and what she thinks. She is straight forward, blunt, and oftentimes a cavalier with the truth. She believes that it is important! And truth be told, we need prophets in the world too! The beauty of our relationship is that we balance each other out. She helps me be more assertive and bold, I help her be tactful and merciful. The beauty of grace!
We need more truth in the church today when it comes to the Scriptures and in accountability. I just read the words of Jesus in Matthew 17:15-20 concerning spiritual discipline. Does anybody practice this anymore? In my experience, it works one of two ways in most Christian circles. One, people initially confront the error in the brother, the brother is offended, and the confrontee isolates and even gossips about the wayward brother to everybody else (mostly via FB, twitter, etc.). Or secondly, people refuse to say anything because they don't want to ruffle feathers anywhere. Both are blatantly sinful! Sin is sometimes a failure to do things God's way! It's a sin of omission here!
Jesus says the process is simple, edifying, and restoring.
Step 1: If your brother (sister, friend, person) sins against you, go to him PRIVATELY and lovingly confront the error. If he repents, then PTL (Praise the Lord)!
Step 2: If he fails to listen, take one or two others with you again try to lovingly restore him. If he repents, then PTL!
Step 3: If he again fails to listen, tell it to the church publicly in attempt to again lovingly restore him in repentance. If he repents, then PTL! God is good and the church is stronger because of it!
Step 4: If he again fails to listen, then he has broken a commitment to his brethren and needs to be let go from the unity of the church. Wow! That's harsh! Is that like ex-communication? Yep. Read your Bible!
I'm not suggesting that the church start kicking people out because we have not handled most sin in this Biblical model. However, what if we got this serious about sin and how the church handles sin? Everybody is held accountable from pastors to deacons, Sunday School teachers to lay members. Everybody is on the same playing field with ultimate goal of holiness in the Bride of Christ! Isn't that what God wants?
Now, for that classically misinterpreted verse of the Bible....
"For where two or three are gathered in my name, there I am among them." (Matthew 17:20)
I know we like to think about this Scripture in relationship to God's Presence with us in prayer and worship, but in context it's talking about God being with the two or three in confrontation. He promises to be our wisdom, discernment, and love when we are standing up for the right thing! God is love and is peace, but He is also just and absolute Truth! Live in such a way, Christian! You are the Bride of Christ!
I admit I know nothing about marriage. Kim and I have been married for over 6 1/2 years now and our marriage is good and strong! We have learned the art of compromise and unconditional love. I think that she has mastered the unconditional love thing more than I have because I recognize I am very hard to love sometimes! She is amazing! One of the funny things is that our marriage is built on two polar opposites in most every thing! Yes, I understand men and women think and operate differently, but aside from our faith and love for each other, she is just weird! I mean that with all the love in my heart! I am a peacemaker and I often find myself neglecting to say something or say a timely word in the name of peace. We need peacemakers in this drama filled world! Amen! Kim, well she is a prophet at heart! In a spiritual gift test, she would score a 25 on a scale of 1-10 in the prophet traits! She likes to tell you how she feels and what she thinks. She is straight forward, blunt, and oftentimes a cavalier with the truth. She believes that it is important! And truth be told, we need prophets in the world too! The beauty of our relationship is that we balance each other out. She helps me be more assertive and bold, I help her be tactful and merciful. The beauty of grace!
We need more truth in the church today when it comes to the Scriptures and in accountability. I just read the words of Jesus in Matthew 17:15-20 concerning spiritual discipline. Does anybody practice this anymore? In my experience, it works one of two ways in most Christian circles. One, people initially confront the error in the brother, the brother is offended, and the confrontee isolates and even gossips about the wayward brother to everybody else (mostly via FB, twitter, etc.). Or secondly, people refuse to say anything because they don't want to ruffle feathers anywhere. Both are blatantly sinful! Sin is sometimes a failure to do things God's way! It's a sin of omission here!
Jesus says the process is simple, edifying, and restoring.
Step 1: If your brother (sister, friend, person) sins against you, go to him PRIVATELY and lovingly confront the error. If he repents, then PTL (Praise the Lord)!
Step 2: If he fails to listen, take one or two others with you again try to lovingly restore him. If he repents, then PTL!
Step 3: If he again fails to listen, tell it to the church publicly in attempt to again lovingly restore him in repentance. If he repents, then PTL! God is good and the church is stronger because of it!
Step 4: If he again fails to listen, then he has broken a commitment to his brethren and needs to be let go from the unity of the church. Wow! That's harsh! Is that like ex-communication? Yep. Read your Bible!
I'm not suggesting that the church start kicking people out because we have not handled most sin in this Biblical model. However, what if we got this serious about sin and how the church handles sin? Everybody is held accountable from pastors to deacons, Sunday School teachers to lay members. Everybody is on the same playing field with ultimate goal of holiness in the Bride of Christ! Isn't that what God wants?
Now, for that classically misinterpreted verse of the Bible....
"For where two or three are gathered in my name, there I am among them." (Matthew 17:20)
I know we like to think about this Scripture in relationship to God's Presence with us in prayer and worship, but in context it's talking about God being with the two or three in confrontation. He promises to be our wisdom, discernment, and love when we are standing up for the right thing! God is love and is peace, but He is also just and absolute Truth! Live in such a way, Christian! You are the Bride of Christ!
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
Clarity is a beautiful thing....
Have you ever had to drive in THICK fog? I mean fog so thick that it rivaled pea soup? There's very few things that make us as uneasy as that while we drive. It's not necessarily your ability in driving that makes it nerve racking, but the fear of the unknown. It's the confusion of not seeing the big picture.
Far too often we are guilty of the same catastrophic scenario within the church. We drown people in the confusion and chaos of overly wordy visions, strategies, messages, and lessons instead of setting them free in clarity. Now, don't get me wrong here. I have preached a few long sermons before and I believe in casting vision and doing the work necessary to discover and implement strategy in the local body of believers. However, we often cripple new believers and rediscovering old believers by our big words, confusing expectations, and chaotic ministries.
Several years ago I read a book that compared the church to two major establishments in American culture today, Walmart and Starbucks. Far too often the church tries to act as if they are trying to accommodate everyone and everything. The problem with this is that the church gets so spread out and their eggs in so many baskets that it is no longer effective in the main things, namely evangelism, discipleship, and missions. Complexity isn't always better. Take Starbucks for instance. Starbucks is notorious for one thing and one thing only, coffee. Yes, I understand that they have alot of variations of coffee, but the point is the same. You can't buy cheeseburgers, fries, toilet paper, and electronics from Starbucks. It's simple. And, whether you like coffee or not, you recognize they do a pretty decent job of sales and service.
More doesn't necessarily mean better! Perhaps the church should recognize that and focus on things that God has specifically called and equipped that body of believers to do! I believe that God has called some churches to great student ministry, some for great music ministry, some for great benevolence, some for great children's ministry, and so on. Churches can do more than one thing well, and do it effectively. The problem lies when the church wants to do everything at the cost of effectiveness. We should sometimes be more like Starbucks than Walmart.
I am all for doctrine and good Biblical theology and it SHOULD BE taught and preached in every pulpit across the globe. Preacher, if you aren't teaching Biblical theology from your pulpit, then rethink this. People need to know what they believe and why they believe it! They must "work out your own salvation with fear and trembling" as Paul says in Philippians 2. However, don't muddy the water with excessive use of big "religious" words. They have a place in scholastic discussion, but may not be the best for the every day believer. Be clear. Preach and teach the whole truth with clarity.
I like to read! If you aren't reading something every day, you are limiting your spiritual growth! That's a truth. I recommend Andy Stanley's "Next Generation Leader". Great book for this generation's next catalyst! One of the main points he makes is in the area of clarity! Be clear in your message, your expectations, and your implementation of ministry.
As most of you know, I just moved from a very prominent ministry in Mobile, AL as an associate pastor who dealt primarily with student ministry. A couple of years ago, we worked back through our "vision frame" and discovered that our mission statement was too long and too confusing. If you asked our students what our hope for them would be, you got 250 different responses. So, we searched and prayed and brought it to one word.... DISCIPLE. The goal of the Christian life is to be a disciple. And that word could be CLEARLY described in just three other words.... GROW, LOVE, and SHARE. These words bring clarity to expectation and vision. The students knew it, embraced it, and the youth ministry itself was stronger for it!
All that to say this, in CLARITY we find freedom. Let's free people from the suffocation of chaos and confusion in the church by bringing clarity to everything we do. If you are a little bit foggy, leader, then you get guarantee that they are foggy too!
Far too often we are guilty of the same catastrophic scenario within the church. We drown people in the confusion and chaos of overly wordy visions, strategies, messages, and lessons instead of setting them free in clarity. Now, don't get me wrong here. I have preached a few long sermons before and I believe in casting vision and doing the work necessary to discover and implement strategy in the local body of believers. However, we often cripple new believers and rediscovering old believers by our big words, confusing expectations, and chaotic ministries.
Several years ago I read a book that compared the church to two major establishments in American culture today, Walmart and Starbucks. Far too often the church tries to act as if they are trying to accommodate everyone and everything. The problem with this is that the church gets so spread out and their eggs in so many baskets that it is no longer effective in the main things, namely evangelism, discipleship, and missions. Complexity isn't always better. Take Starbucks for instance. Starbucks is notorious for one thing and one thing only, coffee. Yes, I understand that they have alot of variations of coffee, but the point is the same. You can't buy cheeseburgers, fries, toilet paper, and electronics from Starbucks. It's simple. And, whether you like coffee or not, you recognize they do a pretty decent job of sales and service.
More doesn't necessarily mean better! Perhaps the church should recognize that and focus on things that God has specifically called and equipped that body of believers to do! I believe that God has called some churches to great student ministry, some for great music ministry, some for great benevolence, some for great children's ministry, and so on. Churches can do more than one thing well, and do it effectively. The problem lies when the church wants to do everything at the cost of effectiveness. We should sometimes be more like Starbucks than Walmart.
I am all for doctrine and good Biblical theology and it SHOULD BE taught and preached in every pulpit across the globe. Preacher, if you aren't teaching Biblical theology from your pulpit, then rethink this. People need to know what they believe and why they believe it! They must "work out your own salvation with fear and trembling" as Paul says in Philippians 2. However, don't muddy the water with excessive use of big "religious" words. They have a place in scholastic discussion, but may not be the best for the every day believer. Be clear. Preach and teach the whole truth with clarity.
I like to read! If you aren't reading something every day, you are limiting your spiritual growth! That's a truth. I recommend Andy Stanley's "Next Generation Leader". Great book for this generation's next catalyst! One of the main points he makes is in the area of clarity! Be clear in your message, your expectations, and your implementation of ministry.
As most of you know, I just moved from a very prominent ministry in Mobile, AL as an associate pastor who dealt primarily with student ministry. A couple of years ago, we worked back through our "vision frame" and discovered that our mission statement was too long and too confusing. If you asked our students what our hope for them would be, you got 250 different responses. So, we searched and prayed and brought it to one word.... DISCIPLE. The goal of the Christian life is to be a disciple. And that word could be CLEARLY described in just three other words.... GROW, LOVE, and SHARE. These words bring clarity to expectation and vision. The students knew it, embraced it, and the youth ministry itself was stronger for it!
All that to say this, in CLARITY we find freedom. Let's free people from the suffocation of chaos and confusion in the church by bringing clarity to everything we do. If you are a little bit foggy, leader, then you get guarantee that they are foggy too!
Monday, January 2, 2012
Is He Enough?
I once heard sin defined as a dissatisfaction with God. Think about that. When we become dissatisfied with a new toy, book, phone, etc, we typically discard it and search for something that makes us happier. The turnover rate in our lives is high. I'm afraid that is what we do with God. We become dissatisfied because He didn't do things our way in our time. Our impatience and foolishness leads us to write God off and pursue other things. Spiritual adultery is soon to follow. We demote God, elevate our selfish desires, and we become the Prodigal Son (or daughter).
I started back through the Word last night (January 1st). Every year I try to read through the Bible entirely. I have to be honest, some years I fail. However, I've also been fortunate enough to complete it many times. This isn't a "give me props" statement, but an honest challenge for us all. Are you committed enough to the Lord that you want to know what the whole Book says? That's a tangent. I will proceed. Starting over in Genesis last night, it struck me a little funny the order of Creation.
Day 1... God made light, separated the light from the darkness, and created Day and Night. Note that initial light is not defined as the sun and moon until Day 4. Although some may disagree, initial light was the light of God Himself that enlightened the day to separate the darkness.
Day 2... God created "the expanse", the atmosphere, and the sky.
Day 3... God created dry land, gathered oceans and seas, lakes, rivers, and all vegetation
Day 4... God created the Sun (light of the day) and the Moon (light of the night), stars, galaxies, etc.
Day 5.... God created the birds of the air and the fish in the sea
Day 6.... God created the beasts of the field and mankind
Day 7.... God rested.
Do you feel like your in Sunday School again? Hold on. There's a point. Why did God create the vegetation before He created the sun? Plants need sunlight to grow! Remember photosynthesis? Think about that!
Ok, all you science people out there. This will blow your mind! The plants didn't really need the sun to survive, they already had the greatest provision of light provided for them, God Himself! The sun that came the next day was just icing on the cake! God was sustenance enough before the "sun" technically became the source of the plant's nourishment. Food for thought! I know that there is great debate on how creation all worked, but God knew His provision was adequate.
I say all that to say this. If God is enough to bypass the laws of nature and photosynthesis, then why can't He be enough to sustain you? Isn't He capable? Isn't He sovereign? Why are you dissatisfied with His good, pleasing, and perfect will (see Romans 12:2)? Has not God promised goodness to you?
At the beginning of every year I can't help but go back to Jeremiah 29:11.
"For I KNOW the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm, to give you a hope and a future.
It certainly sounds like God can handle everything in our lives AND trick all those science guys just for grins! Oh, the sovereignty of God!
I started back through the Word last night (January 1st). Every year I try to read through the Bible entirely. I have to be honest, some years I fail. However, I've also been fortunate enough to complete it many times. This isn't a "give me props" statement, but an honest challenge for us all. Are you committed enough to the Lord that you want to know what the whole Book says? That's a tangent. I will proceed. Starting over in Genesis last night, it struck me a little funny the order of Creation.
Day 1... God made light, separated the light from the darkness, and created Day and Night. Note that initial light is not defined as the sun and moon until Day 4. Although some may disagree, initial light was the light of God Himself that enlightened the day to separate the darkness.
Day 2... God created "the expanse", the atmosphere, and the sky.
Day 3... God created dry land, gathered oceans and seas, lakes, rivers, and all vegetation
Day 4... God created the Sun (light of the day) and the Moon (light of the night), stars, galaxies, etc.
Day 5.... God created the birds of the air and the fish in the sea
Day 6.... God created the beasts of the field and mankind
Day 7.... God rested.
Do you feel like your in Sunday School again? Hold on. There's a point. Why did God create the vegetation before He created the sun? Plants need sunlight to grow! Remember photosynthesis? Think about that!
Ok, all you science people out there. This will blow your mind! The plants didn't really need the sun to survive, they already had the greatest provision of light provided for them, God Himself! The sun that came the next day was just icing on the cake! God was sustenance enough before the "sun" technically became the source of the plant's nourishment. Food for thought! I know that there is great debate on how creation all worked, but God knew His provision was adequate.
I say all that to say this. If God is enough to bypass the laws of nature and photosynthesis, then why can't He be enough to sustain you? Isn't He capable? Isn't He sovereign? Why are you dissatisfied with His good, pleasing, and perfect will (see Romans 12:2)? Has not God promised goodness to you?
At the beginning of every year I can't help but go back to Jeremiah 29:11.
"For I KNOW the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm, to give you a hope and a future.
It certainly sounds like God can handle everything in our lives AND trick all those science guys just for grins! Oh, the sovereignty of God!
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