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!