Imagine someone else's heart is in your chest. They still have the power to beat the heart, so you are totally dependent on them to keep you alive. At the same time, you still have natural abilities. The decision of what you will wear today or which route you will take to work...it's up to you. So, you bear some responsibilty, but you are totally dependent on this other person's heart for your life. It's like their heart is fueling their life and your life at the same time.
Listen to what Paul says in Roman 6:11, "So you must also consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Jesus Christ." The part I want you to think about is that phrase, "in Jesus Christ." The reason we are alive to God is because we are in Jesus Christ. The life with God comes from being totally dependent upon Christ.
But listen to Romans 6:13, "Do not present your members to sin as instruments for unrighteousness, but present yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life, and your members to God as instruments for righteousness." When we are in Christ, we are called to do everything in our power to live for righteousness.
Christ follower, you are called to fight hard today for righteousness. But you are also called to remember that you are only able to accomplish this because you are in Christ. Let us work hard today to bring glory to the one that is responsible for the beating of our heart.
Wednesday, May 17, 2006
Monday, May 15, 2006
Who Do You Love?
In a recent discussion, I talked with some friends about how we are to serve one another. We all agreed that is was easier to serve people that had already done nice things for us. Sort of a, you scratch my back and I’ll scratch yours approach.
Our conversation turned, though, because Jesus calls us to do more than just repayment when we serve other people. Jesus says His followers should serve people that would consider them their enemies.
This is not so easy. In fact, it is not something that I naturally do not want to do. In fact, it can only happen by the work of God the Holy Spirit in my life to help me to love this way.
How can you grow to love this way? Why not start here…identify your “enemies”. That probably won’t take very long. Now, pray for them. Ask God to help them. Ask God to cause them to grow in their faith and dependence upon Him. Ask God for opportunities to love them and encourage them in the truth.
You see, Jesus is after more than just our lip-service toward our enemies. He is calling His followers to actually care about those that would be called their enemies. He did this for us. Paul says in the book of Romans that before we became Christians, we were enemies of God. And, that while we were His enemies He loved us.
Ask God to help you be made more into the image of Christ by serving your friends…and your foes.
Our conversation turned, though, because Jesus calls us to do more than just repayment when we serve other people. Jesus says His followers should serve people that would consider them their enemies.
43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate
your enemy.’ 44 But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who
persecute you, 45 so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven.
For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the
just and on the unjust. 46 For if you love those who love you, what reward
do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? 47 And if you
greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even
the Gentiles do the same? 48 You therefore must be perfect, as your
heavenly Father is perfect. Matthew 5:43-48 (ESV)
This is not so easy. In fact, it is not something that I naturally do not want to do. In fact, it can only happen by the work of God the Holy Spirit in my life to help me to love this way.
How can you grow to love this way? Why not start here…identify your “enemies”. That probably won’t take very long. Now, pray for them. Ask God to help them. Ask God to cause them to grow in their faith and dependence upon Him. Ask God for opportunities to love them and encourage them in the truth.
You see, Jesus is after more than just our lip-service toward our enemies. He is calling His followers to actually care about those that would be called their enemies. He did this for us. Paul says in the book of Romans that before we became Christians, we were enemies of God. And, that while we were His enemies He loved us.
Ask God to help you be made more into the image of Christ by serving your friends…and your foes.
Friday, May 12, 2006
A Crisis of Caring
At Smiths Grove Baptist Church we have been working hard over the last couple of years to create a covenant community of believers. One of our struggles is that we are not exactly sure what a group of truly committed believers looks like. We have all read the early chapters of Acts and seen what John says about the first church, but we distort that so often because we place modern meanings on what John is saying.
I have been reading The Crisis of Caring by Jerry Bridges for an upcoming seminary class and I think it is a wonderful resource in helping us rediscover the New Testament definition of fellowship, one of the aspects of that first church. I highly recommend it for your edification!
I have been reading The Crisis of Caring by Jerry Bridges for an upcoming seminary class and I think it is a wonderful resource in helping us rediscover the New Testament definition of fellowship, one of the aspects of that first church. I highly recommend it for your edification!
Britain's Youngest Mother
This is a very interesting story about an 11-year-old girl that is expected to give birth next month in Great Britain. That's right, give birth next month.
Sunday, May 07, 2006
Patience, Pain and Grace
It has been two weeks now since our infant son, Benjamin’s, birth and passing. The pain is different now. The edge that was present the first few days is not quite as sharp anymore. The pain is still there. It rises at different times of the day and night. It is triggered by unpredictable thoughts and happenings. It is an elusive pain. I find myself thinking most about Benjamin when I’m playing with our other kids. I think about how I will never play catch with him on this side of eternity. I do hope we can get out in Heaven’s open fields and throw a baseball around. I think about how I will have to wait to hear his voice or his little laugh and see his smile. There is pain in waiting.
But, it’s teaching me to be more dependent upon God.
This past week, I was praying with the Deacons of our church during a meeting. The deacon that prayed for me said something to the effect, “God, You knew this was the way it was going to be from the beginning.” That really struck me. In my head, I knew that to be true but when he prayed it out loud, there was a real weight to the statement that struck my heart.
In the following days, it caused me to think about John the Baptist leaping for joy inside his mother’s womb in Luke 1:44. I have thought about the prophet, Jeremiah, being called by God to be a prophet to the nations even while he was still in the womb in Jeremiah 1:5. I spent some time thinking about the Psalmists words in 139:16 that God has recorded all of the events of our days in His book before they even took place.
God has a plan for our lives even before the first sign of life in our mother’s womb.
Of losing an infant, some may say, “Well, at least you didn’t have time with him because that would make the loss even harder.” I don’t if that is true or not. Benjamin is as a real to God as our four year old boys and two year old girl. And, because he is real to God, he is very real to us also. So, in that same breath, then, I must acknowledge God has a plan for this baby that is now gone from us but with the Lord. I’m sad that I wasn’t more of a part of that plan in this world. But, I look forward to my part with him in the next.
May God grant us the grace to be patient and wait on the working out of His plan.
But, it’s teaching me to be more dependent upon God.
This past week, I was praying with the Deacons of our church during a meeting. The deacon that prayed for me said something to the effect, “God, You knew this was the way it was going to be from the beginning.” That really struck me. In my head, I knew that to be true but when he prayed it out loud, there was a real weight to the statement that struck my heart.
In the following days, it caused me to think about John the Baptist leaping for joy inside his mother’s womb in Luke 1:44. I have thought about the prophet, Jeremiah, being called by God to be a prophet to the nations even while he was still in the womb in Jeremiah 1:5. I spent some time thinking about the Psalmists words in 139:16 that God has recorded all of the events of our days in His book before they even took place.
God has a plan for our lives even before the first sign of life in our mother’s womb.
Of losing an infant, some may say, “Well, at least you didn’t have time with him because that would make the loss even harder.” I don’t if that is true or not. Benjamin is as a real to God as our four year old boys and two year old girl. And, because he is real to God, he is very real to us also. So, in that same breath, then, I must acknowledge God has a plan for this baby that is now gone from us but with the Lord. I’m sad that I wasn’t more of a part of that plan in this world. But, I look forward to my part with him in the next.
May God grant us the grace to be patient and wait on the working out of His plan.
Thursday, May 04, 2006
A Gift of God
Somewhere between Mark 2:14 and Mark 3:18, Jesus changes the name of Levi the tax collector to Matthew. Why would this be of interest to you? Well, as they say, it’s all in the name.
A news flash has just arrived and it appears that no one in the history of the world has ever enjoyed paying their taxes! In Jesus’ day, most tax collectors were known to be scoundrels. The taxation system in Rome was fairly loose, so as long as the tax collector could keep Caesar happy, he could get as much as he could from the citizens under his authority. Even the hypocritical Pharisees labeled tax collectors as sinners and would not allow them to enter the temple courts.
Jesus approached these sinners, though. Not only did He approach them, but He called one of them, Levi, to be one of His closest followers. And, even more than this He changed his name from Levi to Matthew, which means “a gift of God”, using this former tax collector to write the Gospel we read first in the New Testament.
What a change in direction!
We should learn that the message of Christ is for sinners. That is you and me…and even the person around you that is most despised by co-workers or other family members. Jesus saw potential in this sinner. Do you see potential in the sinners around you? You should. That sight should even motivate you to share Jesus’ call of following Him to them.
Maybe Jesus could relate to Matthew’s rejection. Not in relation to Matthew’s sin, but in the sense that Jesus was also considered an outcast by society around him. After all, Isaiah predicted that the Messiah would have, “…no form or majesty that we should look at him, and no beauty that we should desire him.” (Isaiah 53:2)
I know my heart. I am amazed that God sees potential in me. I am so thankful that He moved someone into place to share the Good News of Jesus Christ with me. I am so humbled that God saved me. What about you? Shouldn’t our thankfulness, then, drive us to share the Good News of Jesus Christ with someone that is considered unsightly by the world and the “religious”? Seems to me that your conversation would bring much glory to a gracious Savior!
A news flash has just arrived and it appears that no one in the history of the world has ever enjoyed paying their taxes! In Jesus’ day, most tax collectors were known to be scoundrels. The taxation system in Rome was fairly loose, so as long as the tax collector could keep Caesar happy, he could get as much as he could from the citizens under his authority. Even the hypocritical Pharisees labeled tax collectors as sinners and would not allow them to enter the temple courts.
Jesus approached these sinners, though. Not only did He approach them, but He called one of them, Levi, to be one of His closest followers. And, even more than this He changed his name from Levi to Matthew, which means “a gift of God”, using this former tax collector to write the Gospel we read first in the New Testament.
What a change in direction!
We should learn that the message of Christ is for sinners. That is you and me…and even the person around you that is most despised by co-workers or other family members. Jesus saw potential in this sinner. Do you see potential in the sinners around you? You should. That sight should even motivate you to share Jesus’ call of following Him to them.
Maybe Jesus could relate to Matthew’s rejection. Not in relation to Matthew’s sin, but in the sense that Jesus was also considered an outcast by society around him. After all, Isaiah predicted that the Messiah would have, “…no form or majesty that we should look at him, and no beauty that we should desire him.” (Isaiah 53:2)
I know my heart. I am amazed that God sees potential in me. I am so thankful that He moved someone into place to share the Good News of Jesus Christ with me. I am so humbled that God saved me. What about you? Shouldn’t our thankfulness, then, drive us to share the Good News of Jesus Christ with someone that is considered unsightly by the world and the “religious”? Seems to me that your conversation would bring much glory to a gracious Savior!
Tuesday, May 02, 2006
The Weak, Foolish and Lowly
What makes you wise? What makes you strong? What makes you secure?
Those questions are part of the aim of 1 Corinthians 1:18-31. The Apostle Paul's argument there is that Jesus Christ is what brings worth and security to His followers. It is not their own wisdom, but His. It is not their own strength, but His. It is not their own honor, but His.
Perhaps you're sitting at work while you're reading this...or, maybe you've just finished working with your financial software...no matter where you are, you are at just the right place to begin to think about what makes for a successful life. After all, dont' we all want to feel joy, love and contentment?
God's purpose in this world is for our contentment is for us to rest in Jesus Christ so that we will love and treasure Him. Listen to a few lines from the passage in 1 Corinthians...
Those questions are part of the aim of 1 Corinthians 1:18-31. The Apostle Paul's argument there is that Jesus Christ is what brings worth and security to His followers. It is not their own wisdom, but His. It is not their own strength, but His. It is not their own honor, but His.
Perhaps you're sitting at work while you're reading this...or, maybe you've just finished working with your financial software...no matter where you are, you are at just the right place to begin to think about what makes for a successful life. After all, dont' we all want to feel joy, love and contentment?
God's purpose in this world is for our contentment is for us to rest in Jesus Christ so that we will love and treasure Him. Listen to a few lines from the passage in 1 Corinthians...
- God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise;
- God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong;
- God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are;
What was considered foolish? Who was considered weak? Who was low and despised? Jesus Christ.
What happens to us when we begin to believe that we are wise, strong or high and mighty? For me, my pride puffs up and I begin to think much more of myself than I should. Even more than that, I begin to get a distorted picture of myself and Christ. I begin to believe, "God is sure fortunate to have me playing on His team!!" What a distortion!
In the very next verse, Paul says that God chose the foolish, weak, low and despised so that we would treasure Christ and realize His great worth. And, attached to this He chooses these people so that we will realize that our only boast is Christ. Our only boast is Christ. One more time, our only boast is Christ.
Now, take a moment to think through your goals, ambitions and ideas of what brings your greatest worth. If it is not Christ, and you consider yourself a follower of Christ, then pray and ask God to help you rightly prioritize your thinking and boasting.
What makes you wise? What makes you strong? What makes you secure?
Those questions are part of the aim of 1 Corinthians 1:18-31. The Apostle Paul's argument there is that Jesus Christ is what brings worth and security to His followers. It is not their own wisdom, but His. It is not their own strength, but His. It is not their own honor, but His.
Perhaps you're sitting at work while you're reading this...or, maybe you've just finished working with your financial software...no matter where you are, you are at just the right place to begin to think about what makes for a successful life. After all, dont' we all want to feel joy, love and contentment?
God's purpose in this world is for our contentment is for us to rest in Jesus Christ so that we will love and treasure Him. Listen to a few lines from the passage in 1 Corinthians...
Those questions are part of the aim of 1 Corinthians 1:18-31. The Apostle Paul's argument there is that Jesus Christ is what brings worth and security to His followers. It is not their own wisdom, but His. It is not their own strength, but His. It is not their own honor, but His.
Perhaps you're sitting at work while you're reading this...or, maybe you've just finished working with your financial software...no matter where you are, you are at just the right place to begin to think about what makes for a successful life. After all, dont' we all want to feel joy, love and contentment?
God's purpose in this world is for our contentment is for us to rest in Jesus Christ so that we will love and treasure Him. Listen to a few lines from the passage in 1 Corinthians...
- God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise;
- God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong;
- God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are;
What was considered foolish? Who was considered weak? Who was low and despised? Jesus Christ.
What happens to us when we begin to believe that we are wise, strong or high and mighty? For me, my pride puffs up and I begin to think much more of myself than I should. Even more than that, I begin to get a distorted picture of myself and Christ. I begin to believe, "God is sure fortunate to have me playing on His team!!" What a distortion!
In the very next verse, Paul says that God chose the foolish, weak, low and despised so that we would treasure Christ and realize His great worth. And, attached to this He chooses these people so that we will realize that our only boast is Christ. Our only boast is Christ. One more time, our only boast is Christ.
Now, take a moment to think through your goals, ambitions and ideas of what brings your greatest worth. If it is not Christ, and you consider yourself a follower of Christ, then pray and ask God to help you rightly prioritize your thinking and boasting.
Monday, May 01, 2006
New Life in Christ
Yesterday at Smiths Grove Baptist Church we talked about what it really means to be a Christian. The key idea was that being a Christian is to be a follower of Jesus Christ every day in every way of life.
Here's the text from my final point about the new direction of life that comes from our repentance and Christ's forgiveness...
Being a follower of Jesus Christ doesn’t mean that you are just standing still until you go to Heaven one day. The life of a follower of Jesus Christ is a life of motion and action. You never stand still in life. You are either moving toward Jesus Christ or you are moving away from Him.
Those that are real followers of Jesus Christ are moving toward Him and they see their lives changed and affected by Him every day.
There are two specific examples we see in the first chapter of Mark –
Jesus immediately calls these four fishermen to follow Him in Mark 1:16-20.
-- He gives them a new role in life.
-- They leave their old life behind.
Jesus heals Simon’s mother-in-law in Mark 1:29-31.
-- She leaves her old life behind.
-- She gets up and begins to literally serve Jesus.
You need to see and understand that entering the Kingdom of God…being a part of the church… being a member of the family of God is not some cosmic experience that will only happen when you get the mantra correct or reach a certain level of enlightenment. It is not some secret knowledge that is contained in a mysterious group or a hidden document.
Being a part of the Kingdom of God is receiving forgiveness for your sins from Jesus Christ, turning away from your sinful lifestyle and following Jesus Christ. There are real, practical implications to this new way of life!
This means that music in your iPod should change.
This means that your definition of success and achievement in life should change.
This means that what you say to help or encourage people should change.
This means how you spend or save your money should change.
This means how you talk to your parents, your family, your husband, your wife, etc. should change.
This means how you play the game or work at the office should change.
Ultimately, as Paul says in 1 Corinthians, everything you do should be done for the glory of God.
The way you argue with your wife should be done for the glory of God.
The way you discipline your children should be done for the glory of God.
The way you work in school or at our job should be done for the glory of God.
The way you goof off should be done for the glory of God.
The way you choose what to read or to watch on TV should be done for the glory of God.
The way you mourn should be done for the glory of God.
The way you hope should be done for the glory of God.
Here's the text from my final point about the new direction of life that comes from our repentance and Christ's forgiveness...
Being a follower of Jesus Christ doesn’t mean that you are just standing still until you go to Heaven one day. The life of a follower of Jesus Christ is a life of motion and action. You never stand still in life. You are either moving toward Jesus Christ or you are moving away from Him.
Those that are real followers of Jesus Christ are moving toward Him and they see their lives changed and affected by Him every day.
There are two specific examples we see in the first chapter of Mark –
Jesus immediately calls these four fishermen to follow Him in Mark 1:16-20.
-- He gives them a new role in life.
-- They leave their old life behind.
Jesus heals Simon’s mother-in-law in Mark 1:29-31.
-- She leaves her old life behind.
-- She gets up and begins to literally serve Jesus.
You need to see and understand that entering the Kingdom of God…being a part of the church… being a member of the family of God is not some cosmic experience that will only happen when you get the mantra correct or reach a certain level of enlightenment. It is not some secret knowledge that is contained in a mysterious group or a hidden document.
Being a part of the Kingdom of God is receiving forgiveness for your sins from Jesus Christ, turning away from your sinful lifestyle and following Jesus Christ. There are real, practical implications to this new way of life!
This means that music in your iPod should change.
This means that your definition of success and achievement in life should change.
This means that what you say to help or encourage people should change.
This means how you spend or save your money should change.
This means how you talk to your parents, your family, your husband, your wife, etc. should change.
This means how you play the game or work at the office should change.
Ultimately, as Paul says in 1 Corinthians, everything you do should be done for the glory of God.
The way you argue with your wife should be done for the glory of God.
The way you discipline your children should be done for the glory of God.
The way you work in school or at our job should be done for the glory of God.
The way you goof off should be done for the glory of God.
The way you choose what to read or to watch on TV should be done for the glory of God.
The way you mourn should be done for the glory of God.
The way you hope should be done for the glory of God.
From these examples in Mark, we see the lives of the first disciples and the life of this ill woman drastically changed.
Jesus’ call is for you to come and follow Him in all of your life.
Friday, April 28, 2006
The Importance of Christ and the Cross
Dr. Mark Dever, Senior Pastor of Capitol Hill Baptist Church in Washington, D.C., has written a great article on the importance of Jesus' death on the cross in the month's Christianity Today. I hope you'll take time to read it and really think about it!
Thursday, April 27, 2006
Encourage One Another
As a pastor, when I walk up on conversations, they often stop. It leads me to wonder if someone was sharing a dirty joke or if the conversation was just not "spiritual" enough for me to hear. Now, as we work through this week of sorrow I find people struggling, even more, with how to deal with me. Several times I've walked up on people that were laughing and when they caught sight of me they stopped. When our eyes locked it was as if they were saying, "I'm sorry that I was laughing." I know they are trying to be kind. And I know that this is an awkward time in some respects, but it saddens me because the last thing I want to do is to steal someone else's joy.
Really, their joy actually helps me and brings me encouragement. Even if I don't know why someone is laughing, it helps to hear that joy. This week, Monica and I have tickled Maddox, Isaac and Eliza until we thought they were going to explode just because we needed to hear those sweet, little voices laughing.
Paul thought it was important to encourage people that were grieving and hurting. He thought it was important to the point that he offered some suggestions as to what Christians should say to one another. In 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, he says that we ought to encourage one another with the knowledge and hope that one day there will be a real, bodily resurrection of the dead because of the power of Jesus Christ. Christ has so much power. That's one thing I have thought about at least a thousand times this week. I'm so glad I know the One with ALL authority. I trust Him and I love Him with all of my heart. I hope you know Him and love Him as well.
So, when you see me...don't stop laughing...even if you're laughing at me. And, don't just say, "It will be okay," instead, say, "It will be okay because one day Jesus will raise His children!" Let us long for that day when our faith will be sight!! Come, Lord Jesus!
Really, their joy actually helps me and brings me encouragement. Even if I don't know why someone is laughing, it helps to hear that joy. This week, Monica and I have tickled Maddox, Isaac and Eliza until we thought they were going to explode just because we needed to hear those sweet, little voices laughing.
Paul thought it was important to encourage people that were grieving and hurting. He thought it was important to the point that he offered some suggestions as to what Christians should say to one another. In 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, he says that we ought to encourage one another with the knowledge and hope that one day there will be a real, bodily resurrection of the dead because of the power of Jesus Christ. Christ has so much power. That's one thing I have thought about at least a thousand times this week. I'm so glad I know the One with ALL authority. I trust Him and I love Him with all of my heart. I hope you know Him and love Him as well.
So, when you see me...don't stop laughing...even if you're laughing at me. And, don't just say, "It will be okay," instead, say, "It will be okay because one day Jesus will raise His children!" Let us long for that day when our faith will be sight!! Come, Lord Jesus!
Monday, April 24, 2006
Hope for a Broken Heart
We buried our 25 week old son today. It was the hardest thing I've ever had to do. But we did it. My wife, our families and our church family leaned on each other and cried our way through the graveside service to close the longest weekend of my life.
How did we do it? Where did we go for strength?
One place we went was Romans 12. There Paul says, among other things, "Let love be genuine...rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation and constant in prayer...weep with those who weep." The weeping was the key that led to hope. The tears helped us to know that the love was genuine. This may seem odd, but there was great encouragement for me in the tears of others. I knew they were feeling this pain with us and for us. I knew they were crying out for God's help for us and for themselves because of their tears.
More than that though, I know they are rejoicing in hope. Let's think about real hope for a moment. You see, even non-Christians can weep with one another, but rejoicing in real hope is reserved for Christians only. I don't rejoice only in the fact that the pain will get better over time. I don't rejoice only in the belief that I'll see my son again some day. No, I rejoice in the hope that is rooted in Jesus Christ. It's not even the "faith" that I trust. It is a person, Jesus Christ, that I trust. Because He has made a way for me to have a relationship with God, I can find hope in knowing that God will pour out grace upon our broken hearts.
Don't get me wrong, there is still much pain and sorrow in my heart. I fear it will be here for some time so please do not think I'm talking about a quick fix. That is not what Christ has promised us. He has, though, promised that He will not leave us. And, He has called us to love one another. So, I will rest in His faithfulness and in the trust that His people, the church, will be obedient to Him in being patient with me while in tribulation.
He is, after all, a God that keeps His promises to His people.
How did we do it? Where did we go for strength?
One place we went was Romans 12. There Paul says, among other things, "Let love be genuine...rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation and constant in prayer...weep with those who weep." The weeping was the key that led to hope. The tears helped us to know that the love was genuine. This may seem odd, but there was great encouragement for me in the tears of others. I knew they were feeling this pain with us and for us. I knew they were crying out for God's help for us and for themselves because of their tears.
More than that though, I know they are rejoicing in hope. Let's think about real hope for a moment. You see, even non-Christians can weep with one another, but rejoicing in real hope is reserved for Christians only. I don't rejoice only in the fact that the pain will get better over time. I don't rejoice only in the belief that I'll see my son again some day. No, I rejoice in the hope that is rooted in Jesus Christ. It's not even the "faith" that I trust. It is a person, Jesus Christ, that I trust. Because He has made a way for me to have a relationship with God, I can find hope in knowing that God will pour out grace upon our broken hearts.
Don't get me wrong, there is still much pain and sorrow in my heart. I fear it will be here for some time so please do not think I'm talking about a quick fix. That is not what Christ has promised us. He has, though, promised that He will not leave us. And, He has called us to love one another. So, I will rest in His faithfulness and in the trust that His people, the church, will be obedient to Him in being patient with me while in tribulation.
He is, after all, a God that keeps His promises to His people.
Sunday, April 23, 2006
A Prayer Request
Please pray for my family as we mourn the loss of an infant son, Benjamin Wood Porter. He passed on Saturday morning after 25 weeks. You can read his obituary here in our local paper. We thank God for his short life and the grace that He has poured out on us in these difficult days. We are especially thankful for our parents and immediate families and the church family of Smiths Grove Baptist Church. I hope to write more about the lessons I've learned and blessings I've received over the next few days.
Thursday, April 20, 2006
Cleaning Up the Church
There was a time when I thought that churches were "cool" if they had leaders who looked a certain way or if the congregation was made up of pretty people. I thought churches that were successful would use the greatest technology and the latest, cutting edge songs that sound like something you would hear on the radio.
Don't get me wrong, I think technology is great. And, I love music. But over the years, I've changed. I've thought many times about buying several of the same black suit so I would fade into the background when I was preaching. I don't judge music by the cool riffs anymore, but by the content of the lyric and whether it is centered on Scripture.
I've come to the realization that those things I mentioned above are what the world finds attractive at the rock concert, ballpark, designer runway, and it's what they are looking for in the church. Unfortunately, the church has been sucked into culture, largely, instead of making a dent in it. Don't believe me? Look at how LIFE magazine defines coolness when it comes to church.
Now, before we being throwing stones at the churches in that article, let's look around our own city and county. Most likely, there are churches that would fit perfectly into that magazine article that are in our own zip code. And, before we start throwing stones at other churches in our zip code, let's start thinking through our lives together in the local church we attend. We will probably find some pretty convicting evidence there. You see, there's a lot of cleaning to do within the church we attend to begin so that we will look like the disciples in Mark 1:14-20 who left everything to follow Jesus. This means there is some reorganization that we need to allow the Holy Spirit to do within each and everyone of us to make us into the radiant bride of Christ.
This Lord's Day, when you are joining with other believers to worship, ask yourself, "Why am I here?" If the top-of-your-list answer is anything other than to glorify, enjoy, love and grow in my Savior, then you need to ask God to reprioritize your reasons for attending.
Also this Lord's Day, listen carefully to what your Pastor says. Listen to hear how he is calling you, as Jesus does, to belief, repentance and the new life in Christ. Even if you are a Christian, you need to hear week in and week out...I know I do!
Then, why not compare notes with a friend that goes to another church next Monday?
Don't get me wrong, I think technology is great. And, I love music. But over the years, I've changed. I've thought many times about buying several of the same black suit so I would fade into the background when I was preaching. I don't judge music by the cool riffs anymore, but by the content of the lyric and whether it is centered on Scripture.
I've come to the realization that those things I mentioned above are what the world finds attractive at the rock concert, ballpark, designer runway, and it's what they are looking for in the church. Unfortunately, the church has been sucked into culture, largely, instead of making a dent in it. Don't believe me? Look at how LIFE magazine defines coolness when it comes to church.
Now, before we being throwing stones at the churches in that article, let's look around our own city and county. Most likely, there are churches that would fit perfectly into that magazine article that are in our own zip code. And, before we start throwing stones at other churches in our zip code, let's start thinking through our lives together in the local church we attend. We will probably find some pretty convicting evidence there. You see, there's a lot of cleaning to do within the church we attend to begin so that we will look like the disciples in Mark 1:14-20 who left everything to follow Jesus. This means there is some reorganization that we need to allow the Holy Spirit to do within each and everyone of us to make us into the radiant bride of Christ.
This Lord's Day, when you are joining with other believers to worship, ask yourself, "Why am I here?" If the top-of-your-list answer is anything other than to glorify, enjoy, love and grow in my Savior, then you need to ask God to reprioritize your reasons for attending.
Also this Lord's Day, listen carefully to what your Pastor says. Listen to hear how he is calling you, as Jesus does, to belief, repentance and the new life in Christ. Even if you are a Christian, you need to hear week in and week out...I know I do!
Then, why not compare notes with a friend that goes to another church next Monday?
A Christian's Response to Immigration Crisis
Wednesday, April 19, 2006
Caring for the Body
I am struggling to get a practical grasp on a passage that Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians. The passage is found 1 Corinthians 12. It is there that he talks about the church as a body. He says everyone in the body of Christ is needed so the church may work together in a productive and coordinated way as we bring glory to Christ in this world. I understand that part. I don't always do a good job at it, but I understand it.
I'm having a hard time in verses 22-26. Here's what they say...
I'm having a hard time in verses 22-26. Here's what they say...
22 On the contrary, the parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, 23 and on those parts of the body that we think less honorable we bestow the greater honor, and our unpresentable parts are treated with greater modesty, 24 which our more presentable parts do not require. But God has so composed the body, giving greater honor to the part that lacked it, 25 that there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another. 26 If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together.
I'm working on those phrases that I underlined. That is very contrary to the way an organization works in the world. For the most part, in the corporate world, if an employee is slowing down the company or hurting the image...they are let go. As for the church, though, Paul is saying just the opposite. The folks that are struggling should receive greater attention than the ones that are average or above.
I asked someone yesterday that does not attend Smiths Grove Baptist Church, "What does that look like in your church?" This is a very real issue that we need to get right. Paul has people in mind here, not just parts of a body that make up a nice analogy.
How many times have I given someone a smile as passed on Sunday, but in my mind I wasn't really valuing them. I was pitying them, but I wasn't interested in showing them "greater honor" and I certainly did not believe they were "indispensable".
Who are those people in your church that you would put on a list of being dispensable? Are they the weak? Are they the aged? Are they the physically handicapped or disabled? Are they people who have falled into public sin? Who? Who? Who?
If they are truly part of the body, we are called to cover them in love and "greater modesty". I hope you think about this the next time you take your seat in the place you gather to worship with fellow church members or pass some of these unsightly people in the hall. I wonder if you'll go out of your way to speak to them and get to know them? I wonder if I will?
If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, we all rejoice together.
Friday, April 14, 2006
How Jesus Is Mocked
I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom, preach the word, be ready in season, and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching. For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths. As for you, always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry. 2 Timothy 4:1-5 (ESV)
Throughout the Gospels, the call of Jesus Christ is, “Follow me.” It is not, “Get saved and I’ll see you in Heaven.” Often we live that way. It’s as if Heaven will be about Jesus and this life is about us. That is not the way God calls us to live. He calls us to live our lives with Christ in full view every day. Jesus died on the cross so that we might live this way. He came and gave His life so that we might be filled with the Holy Spirit and include Him in every thought, decision and activity in life. When we exclude Him, we mock Him. When we replace Him, we mock Him. When we don’t hold Him as our supreme treasure, we mock Him.
Paul tells Timothy, that by the power of Christ:
-- Because He is the judge
-- Because He has come
-- Because He has established a kingdom
that we should constantly be proclaiming the Good News of Jesus Christ. We should have a constant knowledge of what is true and what is consistent when it comes to the Christian faith. We should find our joy in turning to the real, authentic Jesus Christ, Savior of the World.
How then will we know Christ? Through teaching. Whether that comes in the form of hearing God’s Word preached in a local church through a teacher, studying the Bible with a small group, studying God’s Word with your family, or simply studying God’s Word on your own – we have been called to value Christ by learning. When we do not value Jesus enough to learn about Him and His ways – we mock Him.
Paul says a day is coming when man will turn to whatever they want to hear – that is, their itching ears will exchange the real truth for one that is comfortable for them. We live in a day like that. From:
-- The DaVinci Code
-- The Gospel of Judas
-- The Story of Jesus walking on ice
-- Churches that would close on Christmas Day
-- Preachers teaching from a man-centered view of the life instead of a God-centered view of life.
We live in a day when there are ample supplies of teachers that will give you what you WANT to hear instead of what you NEED to hear. Jesus Christ came with hard sayings:
If anyone would come after me, let him take up his cross and follow me. Matthew 16:24
No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back if fit for the kingdom of God. Luke 9:62
There is a quote in the Chronicles of Narnia that refers to Christ...one of the characters asks, “Is he safe?” and another character responds, “No, but he is good.”
When we try to take the edge off of Christ, we do mock Christ.
When we try to sanitize Him, we mock Him.
When we try make Him comfortably fit in the box of our life, we mock Him.
When we try to shape Him into the image we desire, instead of asking Him to shape our lives, we mock Him.
Are you mocking Christ today? Just as the soldiers tried to command Him, “Prophecy and tell us who hit you!”, are you mocking Christ by trying to make Him conform to your will instead of submitting your life to Him and His kingdom?
Thursday, April 13, 2006
Hey kids, what does watching too much TV do?
Check this story out! This is what happens when you spend way too much time in front of the television set.
Tuesday, April 11, 2006
Living In the Light
The Puritans of the 18th Century had a wonderful saying, "Love the Lord and use the world." Think for a moment about how that works out. It really should affect your life. Too often we find ourselves "loving the world and using the Lord", don't we? This short phrase seems to be the essence of 1 John 2:1-17.
In 1 John 2, we are told that Christians are passing out of the darkness and the light is already shining within us. That means our sinful desires should be less and less and the light of Christ should be brighter within us each day. Practically, we should be more forgiving and less bitter. We should be more encouraging and gossiping less (if at all). We should be more giving and wanting less and less based on selfish desires. (ex: "I just gotta have it!") We should love God more and love the things of the world less. We should love God more and hate our sin.
How do you know if you are a Christian? This would be a great test. What is fueling that fire in your life? What drives your desire to get up in the morning? What do you find yourself thinking about when your mind slips into neutral? Love the Lord and use the world.
In 1 John 2, we are told that Christians are passing out of the darkness and the light is already shining within us. That means our sinful desires should be less and less and the light of Christ should be brighter within us each day. Practically, we should be more forgiving and less bitter. We should be more encouraging and gossiping less (if at all). We should be more giving and wanting less and less based on selfish desires. (ex: "I just gotta have it!") We should love God more and love the things of the world less. We should love God more and hate our sin.
How do you know if you are a Christian? This would be a great test. What is fueling that fire in your life? What drives your desire to get up in the morning? What do you find yourself thinking about when your mind slips into neutral? Love the Lord and use the world.
Friday, April 07, 2006
Preparing for the Day of the Lord
My life revolves around Sunday. It seems that everything happens in preparation and reflection for the Lord's Day. I like that. I hope that if I am ever in a position where I am not preaching every Sunday my life will still revolve around Sunday. It is the day to gather with God's people to worship the One we all commonly love. What a joy!
Today is Friday, though. Fridays are spent in intense preparation for Sunday. This is the day where I try to put the meat on the skeleton of the sermon. It is also a day I try to spend praying often for the preparation of my own heart for corporate worship. And, I try to pray deeply for those that will join me on Sunday to worship our King.
How much time and thought do you spend in preparation for Sunday?
There are two ways to think about Sunday and they are related.
One is from Psalm 29. In this psalm we hear the psalmist talk about the fact that God is worthy of our worship. He is sovereign and holy. He is in control of the heavens and the earth. There is nothing that happens that He is not aware of and there are no surprises to Him. He is the Lord of the sunshine and the Lord of the storm. We are limited, but He is unlimited.
Because He is so worthy, we should realize how desperately we need Him. Psalm 84 teaches us this. There the psalmist says, "My soul longs, yes, even faints for the courts of the Lord..." When was the last time you felt faint because you longed so deeply and urgently to be in the very presence of God? Oh, may we not be distracted away from seeing and longing for our sweet God.
I will glory in my Redeemer,
Who carries me on eagle's wings,
He crowns my life with lovingkindness,
His triumph song I'll ever sing...
Wherever you worship this Sunday, I pray that it will drip with the glory and joy of God!
Today is Friday, though. Fridays are spent in intense preparation for Sunday. This is the day where I try to put the meat on the skeleton of the sermon. It is also a day I try to spend praying often for the preparation of my own heart for corporate worship. And, I try to pray deeply for those that will join me on Sunday to worship our King.
How much time and thought do you spend in preparation for Sunday?
There are two ways to think about Sunday and they are related.
One is from Psalm 29. In this psalm we hear the psalmist talk about the fact that God is worthy of our worship. He is sovereign and holy. He is in control of the heavens and the earth. There is nothing that happens that He is not aware of and there are no surprises to Him. He is the Lord of the sunshine and the Lord of the storm. We are limited, but He is unlimited.
Because He is so worthy, we should realize how desperately we need Him. Psalm 84 teaches us this. There the psalmist says, "My soul longs, yes, even faints for the courts of the Lord..." When was the last time you felt faint because you longed so deeply and urgently to be in the very presence of God? Oh, may we not be distracted away from seeing and longing for our sweet God.
I will glory in my Redeemer,
Who carries me on eagle's wings,
He crowns my life with lovingkindness,
His triumph song I'll ever sing...
Wherever you worship this Sunday, I pray that it will drip with the glory and joy of God!
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