Follow-up
07/29/10 02:47 PM
This past weekend we put the word out that one of the missions we support needed some additional camp sponsorships. You guys stepped up in a big way! Due to your generosity, we are going to help send 14 inner-city kids to Harmony Heart camp next week! Needless to say, Tom and Vicki Anthony were ecstatic! They’ve promised to send some pictures after they get back.
I have some additional good news to pass along. During our recent Mission to Martinsville project, one of the families we helped had a monster dead tree in their back yard that they were afraid might fall on their house. Jason Dove contacted a colleague who works for a local tree service. When they heard about our mission project, they were willing to donate their services to take care of the tree. How cool is that!
They showed up and did the work today. A neighbor to the homeowner sent me these pictures of the work being accomplished.
The homeowner is so thankful! It’s exciting to be a part of all that God is doing in our city through His churches!
I have some additional good news to pass along. During our recent Mission to Martinsville project, one of the families we helped had a monster dead tree in their back yard that they were afraid might fall on their house. Jason Dove contacted a colleague who works for a local tree service. When they heard about our mission project, they were willing to donate their services to take care of the tree. How cool is that!
They showed up and did the work today. A neighbor to the homeowner sent me these pictures of the work being accomplished.
The homeowner is so thankful! It’s exciting to be a part of all that God is doing in our city through His churches!
|
Consumer or Contributor?
07/29/10 12:51 PM
This past Sunday we kicked off the first message in our new series, “You’ve Got Mail.” I’m sorry that we weren’t able to get it recorded, we may have had a bad CD.
In outlining Jesus’ letter to the church in Ephesus, I pointed out that He praised them for their diligence, doctrine and discipline. As I was unpacking the first of those three points, I noted that the Ephesians were a hard-working, persevering group of believers (Rev. 2:2). They had rolled up their sleeves and were actively involved in ministry in spite of all the ups and downs that are a part of the Christian life (vs. 3).
Biblically, that’s called discipleship. A disciple is someone who follows Christ.
But I went on to make the point that in many places today, the church seems to have gotten this turned around. In an effort to leverage popular culture to attract more people, I worry that we’ve turned the gospel into a commodity that needs to be marketed (I blogged about that here).
Sadly, that’s spawned a generation of church ‘shoppers and hoppers’ that blow in and out of churches as consumers wanting to know, “What’s in it for me? What’s this church got to offer me?” And just like the businesses up the street, many churches are now looking for ways to advertise and package their ‘product’ in a way that will both get and keep more ‘customers.’
Well as a follow-up to that, I wanted to pass along a blog post that touches on this subject from a slightly different perspective. Jason Helopoulos has written about some the reasons why people leave churches. His post has created a flurry of comments, some agreeing wholeheartedly, others disagreeing quite strongly, particularly about what he considers to be insufficient reasons for leaving a church:
Here’s a link to his post.
After reading through his final list of (insufficient) reasons, I couldn’t help but think that all eight seem to have their roots in this modern day current of “consumer-oriented” religion. What do you think?
In outlining Jesus’ letter to the church in Ephesus, I pointed out that He praised them for their diligence, doctrine and discipline. As I was unpacking the first of those three points, I noted that the Ephesians were a hard-working, persevering group of believers (Rev. 2:2). They had rolled up their sleeves and were actively involved in ministry in spite of all the ups and downs that are a part of the Christian life (vs. 3).
Biblically, that’s called discipleship. A disciple is someone who follows Christ.
But I went on to make the point that in many places today, the church seems to have gotten this turned around. In an effort to leverage popular culture to attract more people, I worry that we’ve turned the gospel into a commodity that needs to be marketed (I blogged about that here).
Sadly, that’s spawned a generation of church ‘shoppers and hoppers’ that blow in and out of churches as consumers wanting to know, “What’s in it for me? What’s this church got to offer me?” And just like the businesses up the street, many churches are now looking for ways to advertise and package their ‘product’ in a way that will both get and keep more ‘customers.’
Well as a follow-up to that, I wanted to pass along a blog post that touches on this subject from a slightly different perspective. Jason Helopoulos has written about some the reasons why people leave churches. His post has created a flurry of comments, some agreeing wholeheartedly, others disagreeing quite strongly, particularly about what he considers to be insufficient reasons for leaving a church:
Here’s a link to his post.
After reading through his final list of (insufficient) reasons, I couldn’t help but think that all eight seem to have their roots in this modern day current of “consumer-oriented” religion. What do you think?
You've Got Mail
07/19/10 11:38 AM
This coming Sunday we’ll be kicking off a new sermon series entitled, “You’ve Got Mail.” It will be an in-depth look into the letters, from Jesus, that were sent to the seven churches mentioned in Revelation 2-3.
But as the series title suggests, this series will be more about us today.
When it comes to the church, I can’t tell you how many books, blogs, conferences, and ideas are circulating around today on what makes a great church. But these seven letters actually get at the heart of what Jesus sees when He looks at a church. . . or a believer.
In fact, have you stopped to consider. . . What if our church were to receive a personal letter from Jesus Himself? How do you think He would evaluate our fellowship? How would He assess our faithfulness? What problems would He put His finger on? What strengths would He compliment? What corrections would He bring?
We’ll be tackling all these questions and more in this series. Above all, we’ll be making MUCH of JESUS, so please be intentional about inviting whoever Jesus puts on your heart or in your path.
I am so excited about all that God is doing in our city through His churches!
But as the series title suggests, this series will be more about us today.
When it comes to the church, I can’t tell you how many books, blogs, conferences, and ideas are circulating around today on what makes a great church. But these seven letters actually get at the heart of what Jesus sees when He looks at a church. . . or a believer.
In fact, have you stopped to consider. . . What if our church were to receive a personal letter from Jesus Himself? How do you think He would evaluate our fellowship? How would He assess our faithfulness? What problems would He put His finger on? What strengths would He compliment? What corrections would He bring?
We’ll be tackling all these questions and more in this series. Above all, we’ll be making MUCH of JESUS, so please be intentional about inviting whoever Jesus puts on your heart or in your path.
I am so excited about all that God is doing in our city through His churches!
Pastor Yanked Over 'Jesus' Prayer
07/10/10 07:19 AM
A North Carolina pastor was relieved of his duties as an honorary chaplain of the state house of representatives after he closed a prayer by invoking the name of Jesus. Story here.
Jesus. It’s a little name. A small word.
Say this little name in public, however, in a way other than an obscenity, and stand back and watch the fireworks.
This little name is like a tiny detonator that triggers a nuclear warhead.
You can say "God," and you won’t get a squeak.
You can say "Our Father/Mother in Heaven," and few will flinch.
You can say "Great Spirit," and people will nod in approval.
You can say "Allah" and you will be deemed tolerant.
But say "Jesus" and just wait for the sonic boom.
Articles will appear in the paper. Reprimands will be posted from the home office. Suits will be threatened by the civil liberties block.
So don’t say Jesus.
Jesus is divisive, and now is a time for unity.
Jesus is an extremist, and that must mean right wing.
Jesus is exclusive, so His name amounts to hate speech.
Keep His name to yourself. Cloister it in your church. Lock it in your prayer closet. Close it between the covers of your Bible. But for God’s sake, don’t voice it in the public square!
It’s immodest. It’s immoral. It’s unloving.
Only one problem. Jesus is God.
Only one problem. Jesus alone brings salvation.
Only one problem. All other gods are nothing.
So speak His name aloud.
Shout it from the mountain.
Whisper it in the dark.
Write it in the sky.
That’s not hate, it’s hope.
- Author Unknown
“It is by the NAME of JESUS Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed... Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other NAME under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.” Acts 4:10, 12
Then they called them in again and commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the NAME of JESUS. But Peter and John replied, “Judge for yourselves whether it is right in God’s sight to obey you rather than God. For we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.” Acts 4:18-20
They called the apostles in and had them flogged. Then they ordered them not to speak in the NAME of JESUS, and let them go. The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the NAME. Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that JESUS is the Christ. Acts 5:40-42
Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” John 14:6
Jesus. It’s a little name. A small word.
Say this little name in public, however, in a way other than an obscenity, and stand back and watch the fireworks.
This little name is like a tiny detonator that triggers a nuclear warhead.
You can say "God," and you won’t get a squeak.
You can say "Our Father/Mother in Heaven," and few will flinch.
You can say "Great Spirit," and people will nod in approval.
You can say "Allah" and you will be deemed tolerant.
But say "Jesus" and just wait for the sonic boom.
Articles will appear in the paper. Reprimands will be posted from the home office. Suits will be threatened by the civil liberties block.
So don’t say Jesus.
Jesus is divisive, and now is a time for unity.
Jesus is an extremist, and that must mean right wing.
Jesus is exclusive, so His name amounts to hate speech.
Keep His name to yourself. Cloister it in your church. Lock it in your prayer closet. Close it between the covers of your Bible. But for God’s sake, don’t voice it in the public square!
It’s immodest. It’s immoral. It’s unloving.
Only one problem. Jesus is God.
Only one problem. Jesus alone brings salvation.
Only one problem. All other gods are nothing.
So speak His name aloud.
Shout it from the mountain.
Whisper it in the dark.
Write it in the sky.
That’s not hate, it’s hope.
- Author Unknown
“It is by the NAME of JESUS Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed... Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other NAME under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.” Acts 4:10, 12
Then they called them in again and commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the NAME of JESUS. But Peter and John replied, “Judge for yourselves whether it is right in God’s sight to obey you rather than God. For we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.” Acts 4:18-20
They called the apostles in and had them flogged. Then they ordered them not to speak in the NAME of JESUS, and let them go. The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the NAME. Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that JESUS is the Christ. Acts 5:40-42
Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” John 14:6
Jesus: Friend of Sinners
07/09/10 06:49 AM
Jesus was known as the friend of sinners.
More than that, He was the friend of sinners. He welcomed them, ate with them, hung out with them, realizing that in order for the Light to shine in darkness, the Light had to first engage the darkness.
I’ve been wrestling with the implications of that for quite some time as it relates to the way I approach mission personally (and corporately as a church).
Keller rocked me yesterday:
More than that, He was the friend of sinners. He welcomed them, ate with them, hung out with them, realizing that in order for the Light to shine in darkness, the Light had to first engage the darkness.
I’ve been wrestling with the implications of that for quite some time as it relates to the way I approach mission personally (and corporately as a church).
Keller rocked me yesterday:
However, in the main, our churches today do not have this effect.
The kind of outsiders Jesus attracted do not bother coming to our churches, even our most avant-garde ones. We tend to draw buttoned-down, moralistic people. The licentious and liberated or the broken and marginal avoid church.
That can only mean one thing.
If the preaching of our ministers and the practice of our parishioners do not have the same effect on people that Jesus had, then we must not be declaring the same message that Jesus did.”
- Tim Keller
How are you plugging into community?
07/05/10 10:14 AM
After the message yesterday I walked up to Tim and said, “Awesome message! In fact, it was the best I’ve ever heard you preach.” I meant it.
If you weren’t able to be there, I strongly encourage you to either get a copy of the CD next Sunday or listen online. He taught on Jesus’ prayer for our unity from John 17. More specifically, how important it is that we (Christians) are truly plugged into a local fellowship.
Especially moving and convicting was this quote he shared from Pastor Thabiti Anyabwile:
Yes. Indeed.
In fact, it reminded me of the quote we’ve posted on our church website, summarizing why we place such a strong emphasis on the need to regularly connect with other believers outside our corporate gathering on Sundays:
If you weren’t able to be there, I strongly encourage you to either get a copy of the CD next Sunday or listen online. He taught on Jesus’ prayer for our unity from John 17. More specifically, how important it is that we (Christians) are truly plugged into a local fellowship.
Especially moving and convicting was this quote he shared from Pastor Thabiti Anyabwile:
Yes. Indeed.
In fact, it reminded me of the quote we’ve posted on our church website, summarizing why we place such a strong emphasis on the need to regularly connect with other believers outside our corporate gathering on Sundays:
Thank You
05/31/10 07:10 AM
The Battle Belongs to the Lord
05/29/10 07:28 AM
In preparing for the final message in our short series on the life of Samson, I just ran across this powerful prayer by Scotty Smith, reminding me that the battle belongs to the Lord – Indeed! I may conclude tomorrow’s message with it.
A Prayer About God’s Ownership of the Battle
Whether we’re talking about a mere skirmish or an all out assault from the powers of darkness, the battle belongs to you. Fear and discouragement are not the order of the day, faith and peace are.
When I’m afraid of events in world history—when it seems like evil and terror will triumph, once again, let me hear the laughter of heaven. Let me see your installed King, the Lord Jesus. Show me the occupied throne of heaven and it will shut up my fears. (Psalm 2)
When I’m under attack by the seducer, accuser and condemner of the brethren, once again, let me see Jesus, the author and perfecter of my faith. Jesus, you have become all the wisdom, righteousness, holiness and redemption I need (1 Corinthians 1:30-31). My boast is in you, not in anything in me.
When I’m in the presence of evil people… keep me thinking, feeling and choosing with gospel sanity. When I’m in broken circumstances with broken people (which is most of life)… let me see Jesus more clearly than the storm and waves. When my own divided, duplicitous, easily-distracted heart wages war inside of me, give me confidence in your commitment to bring to completion the good work YOU began in me.
When the biggest and most fierce opposition… when the most present and garish enemy… when “hugest” and most daily battle is actually against all the non-gospels and anti-gospels with which this world is filled… keep showing me more and more and more of the glory and grace of Jesus. So very Amen, I pray, in his tender and triumphant name.
The above prayer by Scotty Smith is from today’s entry at Heavenward.
A Prayer About God’s Ownership of the Battle
- It is not by sword or spear that the LORD saves; for the battle is the LORD’s. 1 Samuel 17:47
- This is what the LORD says to you: ‘Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s. 2 Chronicles 20:15
Whether we’re talking about a mere skirmish or an all out assault from the powers of darkness, the battle belongs to you. Fear and discouragement are not the order of the day, faith and peace are.
When I’m afraid of events in world history—when it seems like evil and terror will triumph, once again, let me hear the laughter of heaven. Let me see your installed King, the Lord Jesus. Show me the occupied throne of heaven and it will shut up my fears. (Psalm 2)
When I’m under attack by the seducer, accuser and condemner of the brethren, once again, let me see Jesus, the author and perfecter of my faith. Jesus, you have become all the wisdom, righteousness, holiness and redemption I need (1 Corinthians 1:30-31). My boast is in you, not in anything in me.
When I’m in the presence of evil people… keep me thinking, feeling and choosing with gospel sanity. When I’m in broken circumstances with broken people (which is most of life)… let me see Jesus more clearly than the storm and waves. When my own divided, duplicitous, easily-distracted heart wages war inside of me, give me confidence in your commitment to bring to completion the good work YOU began in me.
When the biggest and most fierce opposition… when the most present and garish enemy… when “hugest” and most daily battle is actually against all the non-gospels and anti-gospels with which this world is filled… keep showing me more and more and more of the glory and grace of Jesus. So very Amen, I pray, in his tender and triumphant name.
The above prayer by Scotty Smith is from today’s entry at Heavenward.
Samson
05/13/10 10:31 AM
Everybody knows the story of Samson, right? Wasn’t he the guy who was supernaturally strong because he had long hair. . . but he fell in love with a prostitute who betrayed him, whacked off his hair, which caused him to lose his strength and ultimately, his freedom?
Yes and no. There’s actually much, much more to Samson’s biography than that. Samson is a warning to the gifted and blessed, not to become egotistical or presumptuous – to instead, use our blessings to the glory of God. Jesus said, “From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded.” (Luke 12:48)
While very few of us would boast of Herculean strength, the truth is, we’ve been given much – so much. Do you enjoy reasonably good health? Do you have a family who loves and cares about you? How about good friends? Solid church? Food on the table every day? We really have been given much.
And of course, of even much greater significance than all of these combined is the gracious gift of salvation. We are blessed indeed! How would God have us use those blessings?
Beginning this Sunday, I’ll take a shot at answering that question and more. We’re kicking off a short three week study of the life of Samson. Want to read ahead? Check out Judges 13-16. Would you do one other thing? Bring a friend! Who can you invite?
Yes and no. There’s actually much, much more to Samson’s biography than that. Samson is a warning to the gifted and blessed, not to become egotistical or presumptuous – to instead, use our blessings to the glory of God. Jesus said, “From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded.” (Luke 12:48)
While very few of us would boast of Herculean strength, the truth is, we’ve been given much – so much. Do you enjoy reasonably good health? Do you have a family who loves and cares about you? How about good friends? Solid church? Food on the table every day? We really have been given much.
And of course, of even much greater significance than all of these combined is the gracious gift of salvation. We are blessed indeed! How would God have us use those blessings?
Beginning this Sunday, I’ll take a shot at answering that question and more. We’re kicking off a short three week study of the life of Samson. Want to read ahead? Check out Judges 13-16. Would you do one other thing? Bring a friend! Who can you invite?
