Recently, a friend told me a story about a pastor/preacher he used to work with. Every few weeks this pastor/preacher would gather with his elders and listen to them critique his messages. They would lovingly speak to him about what was being communicated and offer encouragement as well as helpful suggestions. This guy is one of my new heroes. He was part of a new, exciting, growing church, yet he was humble enough to listen to some Godly men about something he knew and loved to do. What a stud!
Who gets the honor of critiquing your life? Not only are you humble enough to receive it, but are you a good enough leader to create this kind of environment. It doesn't happen by accident. Good leaders invite good people to speak truth into their lives. Even if the truth hurts. Scratch that, good leaders invite good people to speak truth into their lives ESPECIALLY when it hurts.
Not only is this the kind of preacher I want to be, but also the kind of man.
Monday, March 16, 2009
Saturday, March 14, 2009
What Does This Equation Tell Us...
Today I had some GREAT conversations at a missions conference about evangelism. I had a rather large banner behind me that had a "math equation" on it. Well, it's not so much an equation as it is a hidden message in numbers and symbols. The banner worked and it created a little buzz at the conference.
The equation is...
+20 = 3 out of 10
3-20= 5 out of 10
-3= 7 out of 10
This is a set of stats I read a few years ago from a church planting researcher. It says that churches that are over 20 years old typically reach 3 new believers for every 10 people that join the church. If a church is between 3-20 years old then half of the new "members" will be baptized in that church. And, for every 10 people that are new members of a typical new church, 7 will be baptized in that church. That means that most older churches grow through transfer growth and most young churches reach the unchurched. I asked the folks coming through the conference today what this tells us about reaching non-believers. They all said, "we should start more churches". Of course, this is the reply I really wanted.
There were a couple of interesting things said during these conversations. Many of the people there are members of older churches. Not one of them argued with the numbers and most of them told me that they hold up perfectly within their church. They asked if these numbers are saying that older churches are dying or losing their fire. This isn't what I wanted to communicate. I explained that if a church is reaching "3 out of 10" in a year, then that is still very, very good. It's also important to remember that few new churches weren't started by old churches. We need both and everything in between. A few folks wrote down the information and are taking it to their churches. One dude, "stole" my banner and is hanging it in his church tomorrow. Fortunately, he's not the pastor and can't get fired. :)
Also, on the banner is says "Live Sent". This saying is not original to me. My boy Jason Dukes came up with that and teaches it every second of everyday. The dude, must dream about living sent! Personally, I love it. God is never stagnant and has never called us to be immobile. The Kingdom is always advancing. You can't be a true disciple without living sent to your community and beyond. If you're looking for a good tagline for your church you might want to steal his. You can also go to www.livesent.com and join in the conversation.
The other thing I did at the conference was put little flip-flop stickers on people who committed to live sent. I explained that to truly go you must have the proper foot wear. We all know the proper footwear are flip-flops. It was cool seeing people walk around with these little reminders. (if you see me in person ask me about the couple that refused the flops)
Today was a good day.
The equation is...
+20 = 3 out of 10
3-20= 5 out of 10
-3= 7 out of 10
This is a set of stats I read a few years ago from a church planting researcher. It says that churches that are over 20 years old typically reach 3 new believers for every 10 people that join the church. If a church is between 3-20 years old then half of the new "members" will be baptized in that church. And, for every 10 people that are new members of a typical new church, 7 will be baptized in that church. That means that most older churches grow through transfer growth and most young churches reach the unchurched. I asked the folks coming through the conference today what this tells us about reaching non-believers. They all said, "we should start more churches". Of course, this is the reply I really wanted.
There were a couple of interesting things said during these conversations. Many of the people there are members of older churches. Not one of them argued with the numbers and most of them told me that they hold up perfectly within their church. They asked if these numbers are saying that older churches are dying or losing their fire. This isn't what I wanted to communicate. I explained that if a church is reaching "3 out of 10" in a year, then that is still very, very good. It's also important to remember that few new churches weren't started by old churches. We need both and everything in between. A few folks wrote down the information and are taking it to their churches. One dude, "stole" my banner and is hanging it in his church tomorrow. Fortunately, he's not the pastor and can't get fired. :)
Also, on the banner is says "Live Sent". This saying is not original to me. My boy Jason Dukes came up with that and teaches it every second of everyday. The dude, must dream about living sent! Personally, I love it. God is never stagnant and has never called us to be immobile. The Kingdom is always advancing. You can't be a true disciple without living sent to your community and beyond. If you're looking for a good tagline for your church you might want to steal his. You can also go to www.livesent.com and join in the conversation.
The other thing I did at the conference was put little flip-flop stickers on people who committed to live sent. I explained that to truly go you must have the proper foot wear. We all know the proper footwear are flip-flops. It was cool seeing people walk around with these little reminders. (if you see me in person ask me about the couple that refused the flops)
Today was a good day.
Sunday, March 8, 2009
I Wonder How Peter Took Criticism
Galatians 2
11But when Cephas came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face, because he stood condemned. 12For before certain men came from James, he was eating with the Gentiles; but when they came he drew back and separated himself, fearing the circumcision party. 13And the rest of the Jews acted hypocritically along with him, so that even Barnabas was led astray by their hypocrisy. 14But when I saw that their conduct was not in step with the truth of the gospel, I said to Cephas before them all, "If you, though a Jew, live like a Gentile and not like a Jew, how can you force the Gentiles to live like Jews?"
Sweet Fancy Moses! Paul just laid the spiritual smack down on our boy Peter. Not only did Paul call out Peter to his face, but in front of "THEM ALL".
This week I've been wondering how Peter took this beat down. I wonder if he shot back at Paul with "Dude, did you walk with Jesus? I mean like...literally walk with Him?" Or, "where were you when Jesus was killed, hanging with us after the resurrection, and then floated up to heaven?"
After all, this was the guy Jesus had the most intimate of conversations with. The one Jesus appears to have poured Himself into most through His teaching and actions. This guy ate with Jesus and probably slept a few feet from him for three years.
But, maybe Peter was even more aggressive in his come backs. Maybe he said, "Now where were you when Stephen was stoned and we were all be persecuted... Oh, yeah, I forgot you were there doing the killing!" At first I bristle at such a thought, but I don't think I would put anything past Peter. Peter never really employed the "5 second" rule and thought before he spoke.
I have no idea how Peter responded to this rebuke by Paul. It must have been hard to get rebuked by someone younger then him in the faith (maybe physically younger as well). Peter was the first Christian rock star and now another guy has come along to help lead the way. It must have been hard for Peter...
I like to think that in this moment some of Christ's teaching became very clear to him. "Ohhh so that's what He meant by 'new wine into new wine skin.'" I like to think that Peter laid his pride down and hugged the stuffing out of Paul and the Gentiles there and apologized to them all. I like to think that Peter didn't lord over anyone his experience but listened to everyone with a humble heart and loving spirit.
You can't read 1st or 2nd Peter and walk away thinking that Peter wasn't changed over time. I guess I like to think that anyone can change after enough time and enough beat downs.
I guess there is still hope for me and the rest of us "Peters".
Saturday, March 7, 2009
Baptist Press Attacks Mark Driscoll
http://www.baptistmessenger.com/story/96BD30763615DA7B0A54DA34E192EA50
EDITOR'S NOTE: The story contains references to sexual matters that Baptist Press tried to veil somewhat in order to lessen the possibility of offending readers. However, Baptist Press needed to include a reference to these adult elements so that readers might fully grasp the importance of this news item.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (BP)--An in-depth New York Times Magazine feature on a controversial Seattle pastor has generated a new wave of debate about vulgarity in the pulpit.
"Who Would Jesus Smack Down," a 3,200-word profile of Mark Driscoll, founding pastor of Mars Hill Church in Seattle, Wash., focused on Driscoll's Calvinist theology but, like most secular reporting on the Seattle pastor, began with a vignette on his "racy" sermon topics and casual clothes.
Critics like pastor John MacArthur of Grace Community Church in Sun Valley, Calif., however take Driscoll to task over his use of sexually explicit language and "purely gratuitous humor" they say degrades the Gospel and the pulpit.
In a December 2006 issue of Pulpit magazine, MacArthur, a renowned Calvinist himself, complimented Driscoll's theology but said the young pastor suffers from an "infatuation with the vulgar aspects of contemporary society" and models a lifestyle "especially his easygoing familiarity with all this world's filthy fads -- practically guarantees that will make little progress toward authentic sanctification."
On the heels of the New York Times profile, Christian talk show personality Ingrid Schleuter criticized Driscoll for a series of explicit "sex advice" posts on the Mars Hill Church blog -- material appropriate only for married couples but available to any visitor, including children. Schleuter also castigated Driscoll for linking the blog to a website, christiannymphos.org, "which features articles on how a Christian wife can turn herself into a dominatrix, the glories of an-l and or-l sex, and the use of sex toys."
"At a time when American young people are hit in the face with graphic sexuality in every facet of our culture, the church should be a safe haven where the sacredness and privacy of the act of marriage is respected by pastors," Schleuter said in a press release. "Those with sexual issues need to receive private counseling -- not sex seminars in a church auditorium.
"For generations, Christian pastors have managed to convey the Scripture's teachings on fornication, adultery and the beauty of sexuality within marriage without sullying and cheapening it" Schleuter added. "Mark Driscoll is a sad product of our times. While waving his orthodox doctrinal credentials, he has simultaneously embraced the spirit of the age when it comes to his treatment of sex. In the process, he is pornifying the church and only adding to the moral squalor of our culture."
Coarse language has no place in the pulpit, said David Tolliver, executive director of the Missouri Baptist Convention.
"I am distressed to hear about what some misguided men call preaching," Tolliver said. "Vulgarity has no place in the speech of Christians -- certainly not in Christian preaching. How can Christian preachers expect to 'speak as men approved by God to be entrusted with the Gospel' unless they vow never to 'let any unwholesome word come out of mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen'?"
Pastors must commit themselves to engage the culture without endorsing it, Tolliver added.
"It is important that pastors address issues like sexuality, but they must address those topics biblically and reverently -- not in a way that titillates or entices," he said.
Addressing sensitive topics like sexuality is important because both church members and unchurched people struggle with those issues, said Bret Robbe, a longtime pastor who now directs leadership and adult publishing for LifeWay Christian Resources.
"We need to learn how to address sensitive topics in appropriate ways because they are real issues in our culture and they present real dangers for people's lives and their relationships with God," Robbe said. "They aren't just issues in the culture; our church members are wrestling with these issues too.
"When we debate issues like these, it helps us get better perspective of what is acceptable and not acceptable," Robbe added. "How do we best address sensitive subjects in a way that both helps people and glorifies God?"
Giving God the honor He deserves must not take a back seat to promoting a sermon series, Robbe said.
"If a pastor is preaching or teaching on an edgy topic just to get the attention of people in the community, and not to glorify God, then he has stepped over a line," Robbe said. "I would never endorse unwholesome speech from the pulpit or anywhere else.
"It's a two-fold issue. We need to remind ourselves what unwholesome talk is, and we need to make sure we are addressing in a biblical way the issues people face."
The thing that confuses me about this article is they never give any examples of what Driscoll has said in his "edgy" sermon series that didn't glorify God. I can only assume they are talking about "The Peasant Princess" and I've listened to the entire thing. I've actually heard many of the sermons 2 or 3 times because Ellie has enjoyed listening to them. I don't recall anything vulgar in them at all. I don't think he's been more "vulgar" then Song of Solomon or Paul in 1 Corinthians 6.
I have learned a lot from Driscoll and appreciate his teaching ministry. I've heard people mention abstract or second hand things about him, but I never hear anything concrete. I've listened for myself and can't find anything either.
Hopefully, he'll just keep doing what he's doing.
And hey, if someone else has another opinion please let me know.
EDITOR'S NOTE: The story contains references to sexual matters that Baptist Press tried to veil somewhat in order to lessen the possibility of offending readers. However, Baptist Press needed to include a reference to these adult elements so that readers might fully grasp the importance of this news item.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (BP)--An in-depth New York Times Magazine feature on a controversial Seattle pastor has generated a new wave of debate about vulgarity in the pulpit.
"Who Would Jesus Smack Down," a 3,200-word profile of Mark Driscoll, founding pastor of Mars Hill Church in Seattle, Wash., focused on Driscoll's Calvinist theology but, like most secular reporting on the Seattle pastor, began with a vignette on his "racy" sermon topics and casual clothes.
Critics like pastor John MacArthur of Grace Community Church in Sun Valley, Calif., however take Driscoll to task over his use of sexually explicit language and "purely gratuitous humor" they say degrades the Gospel and the pulpit.
In a December 2006 issue of Pulpit magazine, MacArthur, a renowned Calvinist himself, complimented Driscoll's theology but said the young pastor suffers from an "infatuation with the vulgar aspects of contemporary society" and models a lifestyle "especially his easygoing familiarity with all this world's filthy fads -- practically guarantees that will make little progress toward authentic sanctification."
On the heels of the New York Times profile, Christian talk show personality Ingrid Schleuter criticized Driscoll for a series of explicit "sex advice" posts on the Mars Hill Church blog -- material appropriate only for married couples but available to any visitor, including children. Schleuter also castigated Driscoll for linking the blog to a website, christiannymphos.org, "which features articles on how a Christian wife can turn herself into a dominatrix, the glories of an-l and or-l sex, and the use of sex toys."
"At a time when American young people are hit in the face with graphic sexuality in every facet of our culture, the church should be a safe haven where the sacredness and privacy of the act of marriage is respected by pastors," Schleuter said in a press release. "Those with sexual issues need to receive private counseling -- not sex seminars in a church auditorium.
"For generations, Christian pastors have managed to convey the Scripture's teachings on fornication, adultery and the beauty of sexuality within marriage without sullying and cheapening it" Schleuter added. "Mark Driscoll is a sad product of our times. While waving his orthodox doctrinal credentials, he has simultaneously embraced the spirit of the age when it comes to his treatment of sex. In the process, he is pornifying the church and only adding to the moral squalor of our culture."
Coarse language has no place in the pulpit, said David Tolliver, executive director of the Missouri Baptist Convention.
"I am distressed to hear about what some misguided men call preaching," Tolliver said. "Vulgarity has no place in the speech of Christians -- certainly not in Christian preaching. How can Christian preachers expect to 'speak as men approved by God to be entrusted with the Gospel' unless they vow never to 'let any unwholesome word come out of mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen'?"
Pastors must commit themselves to engage the culture without endorsing it, Tolliver added.
"It is important that pastors address issues like sexuality, but they must address those topics biblically and reverently -- not in a way that titillates or entices," he said.
Addressing sensitive topics like sexuality is important because both church members and unchurched people struggle with those issues, said Bret Robbe, a longtime pastor who now directs leadership and adult publishing for LifeWay Christian Resources.
"We need to learn how to address sensitive topics in appropriate ways because they are real issues in our culture and they present real dangers for people's lives and their relationships with God," Robbe said. "They aren't just issues in the culture; our church members are wrestling with these issues too.
"When we debate issues like these, it helps us get better perspective of what is acceptable and not acceptable," Robbe added. "How do we best address sensitive subjects in a way that both helps people and glorifies God?"
Giving God the honor He deserves must not take a back seat to promoting a sermon series, Robbe said.
"If a pastor is preaching or teaching on an edgy topic just to get the attention of people in the community, and not to glorify God, then he has stepped over a line," Robbe said. "I would never endorse unwholesome speech from the pulpit or anywhere else.
"It's a two-fold issue. We need to remind ourselves what unwholesome talk is, and we need to make sure we are addressing in a biblical way the issues people face."
The thing that confuses me about this article is they never give any examples of what Driscoll has said in his "edgy" sermon series that didn't glorify God. I can only assume they are talking about "The Peasant Princess" and I've listened to the entire thing. I've actually heard many of the sermons 2 or 3 times because Ellie has enjoyed listening to them. I don't recall anything vulgar in them at all. I don't think he's been more "vulgar" then Song of Solomon or Paul in 1 Corinthians 6.
I have learned a lot from Driscoll and appreciate his teaching ministry. I've heard people mention abstract or second hand things about him, but I never hear anything concrete. I've listened for myself and can't find anything either.
Hopefully, he'll just keep doing what he's doing.
And hey, if someone else has another opinion please let me know.
Monday, March 2, 2009
The Big Story of God: Week 6
Living Sent
Verses to Memorize: Matthew 28:18-20
“Shall I tell you what sustained me amidst the toil, the hardship, and the loneliness of my exiled life? It was the promise, ‘Lo, I am with you always, even unto the end.’” –David Livingstone
Jesus basically had three years to pour into His disciples. Three years to insure that they wouldn’t fall away and that they would have the courage to take His message of salvation to the nations. Jesus knew what they would face after He left them. He also knew they would need tremendous courage to sustain them.
Some of Jesus’ Global Actions…
Matthew 4:23-25
Matthew 15:21-25
John 4:5-26
Jesus’ Teaching on His Global Purpose to His Disciples…
Matthew 5:13-14
Matthew 24:1-14
Luke 13:22-30
Jesus gave a Great Commission to His disciples. It’s stated 5 times in the Bible.
Matthew 28:18-20
Mark 16:15-16
Luke 24:44-49
John 20:21-23
Acts 1:8
Notice the theme of blessings/responsibilities
What can we learn by reading these five commandments?
“So today the Holy Ghost, if we would but hear His voice, would call a halt on much of our religious activity and even our revival plans… and the beckoning finger of the ‘Man of Macedonia’ would call us to the new West which has arisen upon the horizon…” –A.B. Simpson
Verses to Memorize: Matthew 28:18-20
“Shall I tell you what sustained me amidst the toil, the hardship, and the loneliness of my exiled life? It was the promise, ‘Lo, I am with you always, even unto the end.’” –David Livingstone
Jesus basically had three years to pour into His disciples. Three years to insure that they wouldn’t fall away and that they would have the courage to take His message of salvation to the nations. Jesus knew what they would face after He left them. He also knew they would need tremendous courage to sustain them.
Some of Jesus’ Global Actions…
Matthew 4:23-25
Matthew 15:21-25
John 4:5-26
Jesus’ Teaching on His Global Purpose to His Disciples…
Matthew 5:13-14
Matthew 24:1-14
Luke 13:22-30
Jesus gave a Great Commission to His disciples. It’s stated 5 times in the Bible.
Matthew 28:18-20
Mark 16:15-16
Luke 24:44-49
John 20:21-23
Acts 1:8
Notice the theme of blessings/responsibilities
What can we learn by reading these five commandments?
“So today the Holy Ghost, if we would but hear His voice, would call a halt on much of our religious activity and even our revival plans… and the beckoning finger of the ‘Man of Macedonia’ would call us to the new West which has arisen upon the horizon…” –A.B. Simpson
Friday, February 27, 2009
"Unexpected Jesus" (new sermon series description)
How big would God be if you had everything about Him figured out? How awesome is He if you know 100% of how HIStory unfolds? To me, this would mean that I serve a pretty small God. If my 32 year old brain of average intelligence has the almighty God figured out, then how powerful can He really be.
The truth is, the more I learn about God and His ways the more He surprises me. Almost daily God does something unexpected in my life. He calls me to do something greater then I could have ever imagined. He teaches me something that I know my average brain shouldn't be able to comprehend. He allows trials and discipline to come and stretch my own faith in unimaginable ways.
One of the big reasons Jesus walked this earth was to show mankind an accurate picture of our heavenly Father. To show this almost everything about Jesus is unexpected. How many kings are born to virgin, unmarried moms, in dirty inns with animals and little fanfare (well except for a heavenly choir of scary angels)? From Jesus' first breath to His last, He never did what others thought He was supposed to do. How special would He really have been if He played by our rules and followed the messiah playbook by the letter? Personally, I couldn't follow a Savior like that. An expected God is a small God.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
My Current Favorite Woship Song
I SHALL BE FREEOne day I went walking
Down a lonesome road.
And I came upon a strangerin some faraway clothes.
He said he was a soldierI said, "where's your gun?"
He said, "I don't got no weaponand I don't need one."
"I don't need no weapon
cause I don't fight no war.
"I said well then Mr. Soldier,what you fighting for?
Well he didn't say nothing,he just smiled at me.
And then I heard him whisper,"You shall be free."
mhmm...mhmm...mhmm...
Well excuse me mister,are you saying I ain't free?
Well I don't see no shacklesor no chains on me.
He said we're chained to our hatred.
And shackled by greed.
Too blind to see the wonder and mystery.
We got to love one another.
Give our love so strong.
Love your brother, man deeperwhen he treats you wrong.
When you love without limits, unconditionally.
When you love without fear,then you shall be free.
mhmm...mhmm...mhmm...
So I pried my heart open
as wide as the sea.
And the strangest sensations came over me.
I could see the clouds dancing.
Felt a raindrop sting.
I could hear the tiny beating of abutterfly wing.
And as I sat in the middle,I felt this love unfold.
A love too bigfor this body to hold.
That day I became a warriorwith no enemy.
Now I am that funky soldier
and I shall be free.
mhmm...mhmm...mhmm...
Now I ain't afraid of living
and I ain't scared to die.
Cause I feel this vibration that I can't deny.
I can feel it singing through me like a symphony.
And it tastes so sweet;like destiny.
It's in everything I touch, everything I see.
It's in every single fiber of my body.
Every star, every creature, every leaf on every tree.
Is a lesson and a blessing and we shall be free.
mhmm...mhmm...mhmm...
I shall...I shall...Be Free
I shall...I shall...Be Free
I shall...I shall...Be Free
-Kid Beyond
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Be Better (More Creative and Smarter)
Dozens of times over the last few years I've told people that my favorite place to do sermon prep and other writing is at a Barnes and Noble Bookstore. Until last night I was never quite sure why. There is something about all those books, people reading, people conversing, and all that caffeine! For some unknown reason it just felt better to do work there then at my house or in an office.
Something I read last night might shed some light on why this is. In the book "Blink", Malcolm Gladwell mentions a study where a large group of students were given the same Trivial Pursuit test. Five minutes before the first group took the test they were told to think about what it would be like to be a professor. These students were then directed to quickly write down all of their thoughts about being a professor. Five minutes before the same exact test the other group of students were told to think about soccer hooligans.
Now how did the two groups do with the same test? Group one (the "Professor" group) answered 55.6% of the questions correctly. Group two (the "soccer hooligan" group) just answered 42.6 correctly. What an enormous difference?
Gladwell goes on to say that neither group was particularly smarter then the other. The difference was one group was thinking about being smart while the other group wasn't.
Reading this last night shined some light on my B&N habit. While I'm there I feel smart and creative. I don't think I'm necessarily smarter or more creative there, but the atmosphere triggers something deep inside that lets the juices flow.
Everyone has to find their B&N, but I encourage all of you to look for it. If you're a student, go somewhere that makes you feel smart. Wear that shirt that makes your brain feel bigger (this also helps when taking a final). If you are a pastor and you have an institutional feeling office, get out of there man. Go to the beach, the coffee house, go wherever you can that makes you better then you really are. I bet it will make a difference.
Monday, February 23, 2009
The Big Story of God: Week Five
Jesus, Savior of the World
Verse to Memorize: John 4:42 (this is so sweet)
"Nobody can force a single soul... to turn to Christ. All that we can do is to lift up Christ before the world, bring Him into dingy corners and dark places of the earth where He is unknown, introduce Him to strangers, talk about Him to everyone, and live so closely with and in Him that others may see that there really is such a person as Jesus." -Elizabeth "Betty" Stam
Jesus faced a lot of great challenges while walking this earth. One of His biggest challenges was changing how His disciples and His community saw the Messiah. Everyone was looking for a Messiah, but their view of "Messiah" was very limited.
Look at these Old Testament prophecies regarding the coming Messiah...
Isaiah 9:1-3
Isaiah 49:6
Folks were pumped about the idea and reality of a savior, but were expecting a savior for Israel, not the world (nations).
Get your Bible out (hopefully, its out already) and turn to Luke 4.
Read verses 14 and 15...
What are the people's attitude toward Jesus and His ministry?
Read verses 16 through 19...
What does Jesus do after reading the passage in Isaiah?
Read verses 20 through 22...
What was the people's response to what Jesus read?
Is this looked at negatively or positively by the people? (look carefully at this)
Read 23-27...
Why do you think Jesus made this statement? Why these two stories?
Jesus had His audience right where He wanted them and then He goes and ruins it. :)
Now read verses 28-29
What was their response to Jesus' two stories?
I hope that you noticed Jesus' main point with His stories of Elijah and Elisha. These two mighty men of God could have gone and were expected to go to Israel to bring healing, but they went outside of the nation. This did not sit well with His peeps.
One of my favorite things that Jeff Lewis says is, "Jesus is not YOUR personal Savior. He is not a personal pizza or a personal trainer. He is the WORLD's Savior." He goes on to say that we should know Him personally, but He does not solely belong to us. I love that!
Final verse: John 3:16
"It may be he has only sent me here to be a stopgap. Part of a soldier's duty is to fill gaps, you know. One must as willingly be nothing, as something." -Amy Carmichael
(like the rest of "The Big Story of God", most of this week's study is taken from Jeff Lewis' "God's Heart for the Nations")
Monday, February 16, 2009
The Big Story of God: Week Four
WEEK 4: The Role of Psalms/Prophets in HIStory
Verses to Memorize- Psalms 67:1-3
“He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.”- Jim Elliott
“Take your time and mediate on the following Psalms and write down your reflections. When you see the word ‘peoples,’ the psalmist is referring to the nations.”
Psalm 2:1-12
Psalm 22:25-31
Psalm 57:7-11
Psalm 66:1-8
Psalm 67:1-3
Psalm 87:1-7
Psalm 98:1-9
“The prophets were continually proclaiming God’s desire to be known, worshiped, and served by the nations. They also revealed the future fulfillment of the nations coming to God.”
Isaiah 19:18-25
Daniel 7:13-14
Micah 4:1-3
Malachi 1:11, 14
How does the Old Testament teach God’s story?
What are a couple of themes that seem to repeat themselves in this amazing story?
“The way I see it, we ought to be willing to die. In the military, we were taught that to obtain our objectives we had to be willing to be expendable. Missionaries must face that same expendability.” –Nate Saint
Verses to Memorize- Psalms 67:1-3
“He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.”- Jim Elliott
“Take your time and mediate on the following Psalms and write down your reflections. When you see the word ‘peoples,’ the psalmist is referring to the nations.”
Psalm 2:1-12
Psalm 22:25-31
Psalm 57:7-11
Psalm 66:1-8
Psalm 67:1-3
Psalm 87:1-7
Psalm 98:1-9
“The prophets were continually proclaiming God’s desire to be known, worshiped, and served by the nations. They also revealed the future fulfillment of the nations coming to God.”
Isaiah 19:18-25
Daniel 7:13-14
Micah 4:1-3
Malachi 1:11, 14
How does the Old Testament teach God’s story?
What are a couple of themes that seem to repeat themselves in this amazing story?
“The way I see it, we ought to be willing to die. In the military, we were taught that to obtain our objectives we had to be willing to be expendable. Missionaries must face that same expendability.” –Nate Saint
Sunday, February 15, 2009
WE ARE RENEWING OUR VOWS TODAY!!
Sorry for raising my voice there in the blog title, but I’m pretty pumped. Today (Feb. 15th) Ellie and I are renewing our marriage vows. Anytime Church is capping off our sermon series “Fireproof” by having a large group Covenant Marriage Service this morning at 10am. Ellie and I are celebrating this with around 20 other couples. What a unique celebration it will be!
Please go to www.anytimechurch.com and watch the ceremony in a couple of days. Celebrate with us.
Billy
Please go to www.anytimechurch.com and watch the ceremony in a couple of days. Celebrate with us.
Billy
Thursday, February 12, 2009
The Big Story of God:Week Three
THE BIG STORY OF GOD
WEEK 3: WHY ISRAEL?
Verses to Memorize- Genesis 12:1-3
“How often do we attempt work for God to the limit of our incompetency rather than to the limit of God’s omnipotency.”- J. Hudson Taylor
Genesis 12:1-3
What was God’s side of the agreement?
What would be “Israel’s”?
Why did God create the powerful, blessed nation Israel?
Genesis 22:16-18
Genesis 26:3-5
Genesis 28:14
Why did the “Ten Plagues” happen?
Exodus 5:1-2, 7:1-5, 8:10, 18-19, 9:13-17, 29
Why did God perform the miracle at the Red Sea?
Joshua 4:23-24, 2:8-11
Why did God give Moses and His nation the 10 Commandments?
Deuteronomy 4:5-8
Why did God give Solomon so much wisdom?
1 Kings 4:29-34
Why did Esther need to save her people?
Esther 8:15-18
What can we do with this information?
“Americans suffer from mono-lingual myopia- a disease of the tongue that affects the vision.”
–Tom Brewster
WEEK 3: WHY ISRAEL?
Verses to Memorize- Genesis 12:1-3
“How often do we attempt work for God to the limit of our incompetency rather than to the limit of God’s omnipotency.”- J. Hudson Taylor
Genesis 12:1-3
What was God’s side of the agreement?
What would be “Israel’s”?
Why did God create the powerful, blessed nation Israel?
Genesis 22:16-18
Genesis 26:3-5
Genesis 28:14
Why did the “Ten Plagues” happen?
Exodus 5:1-2, 7:1-5, 8:10, 18-19, 9:13-17, 29
Why did God perform the miracle at the Red Sea?
Joshua 4:23-24, 2:8-11
Why did God give Moses and His nation the 10 Commandments?
Deuteronomy 4:5-8
Why did God give Solomon so much wisdom?
1 Kings 4:29-34
Why did Esther need to save her people?
Esther 8:15-18
What can we do with this information?
“Americans suffer from mono-lingual myopia- a disease of the tongue that affects the vision.”
–Tom Brewster
The Big Story of God: Week Two
The Big Story of God
Week Two: God’s Blessing/Man’s Responsibility
Today’s Verse to Memorize- Genesis 1:28
One of the Bible’s primary themes are clearly laid out in this verse. What are the two themes?
Genesis 1:28- What does God do for mankind? What command does He give mankind here? Why do you think God wants mankind to “fill the earth?”
Genesis 9:1- What did God tell Noah?
Genesis 11:1-9- How is man breaking God’s commandment here? What does God do because of man’s disobedience?
What does this account tell us about God achieving His ultimate will?
Psalm 67- Is it okay to pray for yourself? What do you want to do if God blesses you?
For centuries men and women have prayed that God will bless America? Has He blessed the U.S.? According to Psalm 67, why has He blessed our country?
Has God blessed you? What does God want you to do with those blessings?
“As we journey through the Bible we will discover the parallel nature of the two themes of blessing and God’s purpose/man’s responsibility. The pitfall is failing to keep these two themes in their parallel tension. Our tendency is to see God’s blessings disconnected from His purpose. That perspective will create an egocentric faith.”- Jeff Lewis
How can God use this information for our transformation?
“What are we here for, to have a good time with the Christians or to save sinners?”- Malla Moe
Week Two: God’s Blessing/Man’s Responsibility
Today’s Verse to Memorize- Genesis 1:28
One of the Bible’s primary themes are clearly laid out in this verse. What are the two themes?
Genesis 1:28- What does God do for mankind? What command does He give mankind here? Why do you think God wants mankind to “fill the earth?”
Genesis 9:1- What did God tell Noah?
Genesis 11:1-9- How is man breaking God’s commandment here? What does God do because of man’s disobedience?
What does this account tell us about God achieving His ultimate will?
Psalm 67- Is it okay to pray for yourself? What do you want to do if God blesses you?
For centuries men and women have prayed that God will bless America? Has He blessed the U.S.? According to Psalm 67, why has He blessed our country?
Has God blessed you? What does God want you to do with those blessings?
“As we journey through the Bible we will discover the parallel nature of the two themes of blessing and God’s purpose/man’s responsibility. The pitfall is failing to keep these two themes in their parallel tension. Our tendency is to see God’s blessings disconnected from His purpose. That perspective will create an egocentric faith.”- Jeff Lewis
How can God use this information for our transformation?
“What are we here for, to have a good time with the Christians or to save sinners?”- Malla Moe
The Big Story of God: Week One
The Big Story of God
Week One: God’s Purpose/Man’s Responsibility
Today’s Verse to Memorize- Genesis 1:27
How to read the Bible to best understand HIStory…
Isaiah 43:25- Why does God forgive and forget?
Hebrews 6:17- What does the “eternal nature of His purpose mean?”
Genesis 1:27- What do you think it means that mankind was created “with the image of God?”
Ezekiel 20:5-14- What was God’s offer to Israel? What was Israel’s response?
Life, existence, everything is for God’s glory. Now the question is, what can we do to glorify Him?
“GLORY. Throughout the ages books have been written to declare its meaning. It seems so transcendent to me that I cower from trying to understand it. Consider the following: It is the splendor, majesty, honor, and reputation of God. Glory (noun) is used to describe the power of God. The Hebrew word most often translated glory in the Old Testament is ‘kabad,’ to be heavy, weighty, honored. It is the weightiness of the presence of the holy and majestic God. God’s glory is the self –manifestation of God’s character, attributes, and actions as he invades human reality. Also, we glorify (verb) God as God manifests Himself in us, through our words and actions.” –Jeff Lewis
What kind of actions glorify Him?
1 Corinthians 6:20
1 Corinthians 10:31
1 Peter 4:11
1 Peter 4:16
Matthew 5:14-16
How can God use this information for our transformation?
“The presence of God became unutterably real and blessed, and I remember… stretching myself on the ground and lying there before Him with unspeakable awe and unspeakable joy. For what service I was accepted I knew not, but a deep consciousness that I was not my own took possession of me which has never since been effaced.” – J. Hudson Taylor
Week One: God’s Purpose/Man’s Responsibility
Today’s Verse to Memorize- Genesis 1:27
How to read the Bible to best understand HIStory…
Isaiah 43:25- Why does God forgive and forget?
Hebrews 6:17- What does the “eternal nature of His purpose mean?”
Genesis 1:27- What do you think it means that mankind was created “with the image of God?”
Ezekiel 20:5-14- What was God’s offer to Israel? What was Israel’s response?
Life, existence, everything is for God’s glory. Now the question is, what can we do to glorify Him?
“GLORY. Throughout the ages books have been written to declare its meaning. It seems so transcendent to me that I cower from trying to understand it. Consider the following: It is the splendor, majesty, honor, and reputation of God. Glory (noun) is used to describe the power of God. The Hebrew word most often translated glory in the Old Testament is ‘kabad,’ to be heavy, weighty, honored. It is the weightiness of the presence of the holy and majestic God. God’s glory is the self –manifestation of God’s character, attributes, and actions as he invades human reality. Also, we glorify (verb) God as God manifests Himself in us, through our words and actions.” –Jeff Lewis
What kind of actions glorify Him?
1 Corinthians 6:20
1 Corinthians 10:31
1 Peter 4:11
1 Peter 4:16
Matthew 5:14-16
How can God use this information for our transformation?
“The presence of God became unutterably real and blessed, and I remember… stretching myself on the ground and lying there before Him with unspeakable awe and unspeakable joy. For what service I was accepted I knew not, but a deep consciousness that I was not my own took possession of me which has never since been effaced.” – J. Hudson Taylor
Monday, February 9, 2009
Can Someone "On Mission" Fail?
I was thinking about this passage earlier today...
24I hope to see you in passing as I go to Spain, and to be helped on my journey there by you, once I have enjoyed your company for a while. 25At present, however, I am going to Jerusalem bringing aid to the saints. 26For Macedonia and Achaia have been pleased to make some contribution for the poor among the saints at Jerusalem. 27For they were pleased to do it, and indeed they owe it to them. For if the Gentiles have come to share in their spiritual blessings, they ought also to be of service to them in material blessings. 28When therefore I have completed this and have delivered to them what has been collected, I will leave for Spain by way of you. 29I know that when I come to you I will come in the fullness of the blessing of Christ. -Romans 15:24-29
I love the fact that in verses 24 and 28 Paul reveals his longterm plan of bringing the gospel to Spain. I love two things about this. First, Paul clearly understood his divine trajectory. Paul says in a couple of verses before these... "thus I make it my ambition to preach the gospel, not where Christ has already been named, lest I build on someone else’s foundation..." (vs. 20) No one had started a church in Spain yet and Paul was designed to take the message of Christ's love to new spiritual frontiers. There was no better place then Spain. Paul was the man. He knew what God had created him to do and he made his travel plans based on that.
The second thing that I love about this passage is that Paul probably never made it to Spain. This is debatable, but I believe Paul believed he was to serve in Spain, but never made it past Rome. If my theory, and many other's is true, then was God wrong in telling Paul to go to Spain or was Paul wrong in wanting to go someone place God didn't want him? The fatalist would say the latter. I say both of those choices are incorrect.
In the great hall of faith chapter of Hebrews it says, "These all died in faith, not having received the things promised..." (11:13) Knowing what God's divine trajectory for your life is doesn't mean that anyone failed if that trajectory isn't hit on the bulls eye. It looks like to me God told Paul to go where there were no churches. Because of that reason and probably a few more, Paul set his sites on Spain. Through being arrested, tried, and probably put to death that goal wasn't met. But, here's the kicker, Paul advanced the gospel by witnessing to big time government officials, his personal watchguards, and by writing a bulk of the New Testament. Wish I could "fail" like that.
24I hope to see you in passing as I go to Spain, and to be helped on my journey there by you, once I have enjoyed your company for a while. 25At present, however, I am going to Jerusalem bringing aid to the saints. 26For Macedonia and Achaia have been pleased to make some contribution for the poor among the saints at Jerusalem. 27For they were pleased to do it, and indeed they owe it to them. For if the Gentiles have come to share in their spiritual blessings, they ought also to be of service to them in material blessings. 28When therefore I have completed this and have delivered to them what has been collected, I will leave for Spain by way of you. 29I know that when I come to you I will come in the fullness of the blessing of Christ. -Romans 15:24-29
I love the fact that in verses 24 and 28 Paul reveals his longterm plan of bringing the gospel to Spain. I love two things about this. First, Paul clearly understood his divine trajectory. Paul says in a couple of verses before these... "thus I make it my ambition to preach the gospel, not where Christ has already been named, lest I build on someone else’s foundation..." (vs. 20) No one had started a church in Spain yet and Paul was designed to take the message of Christ's love to new spiritual frontiers. There was no better place then Spain. Paul was the man. He knew what God had created him to do and he made his travel plans based on that.
The second thing that I love about this passage is that Paul probably never made it to Spain. This is debatable, but I believe Paul believed he was to serve in Spain, but never made it past Rome. If my theory, and many other's is true, then was God wrong in telling Paul to go to Spain or was Paul wrong in wanting to go someone place God didn't want him? The fatalist would say the latter. I say both of those choices are incorrect.
In the great hall of faith chapter of Hebrews it says, "These all died in faith, not having received the things promised..." (11:13) Knowing what God's divine trajectory for your life is doesn't mean that anyone failed if that trajectory isn't hit on the bulls eye. It looks like to me God told Paul to go where there were no churches. Because of that reason and probably a few more, Paul set his sites on Spain. Through being arrested, tried, and probably put to death that goal wasn't met. But, here's the kicker, Paul advanced the gospel by witnessing to big time government officials, his personal watchguards, and by writing a bulk of the New Testament. Wish I could "fail" like that.
Friday, February 6, 2009
My New Favorite Word
I've been informed by several people recently that my new favorite word is "trajectory". Apparently, I'm using it a lot. I can't help it. There's a lot of power in the understanding of trajectory.
A few months ago I was hanging out with a good friend at Starbucks. My friend was telling me about how unhappy he was with his life. His marriage was great, his kids were doing very well, he had a good job, but something was missing. He couldn't put his finger on it, but he felt like he wasn't fully alive. What was missing?We've had this conversation a couple of times. I love my boy, but I finally decided to go a little hard core on him. I asked him two questions. First, what had God designed him to do with his life? I know he's wrestled with this and had been slow in going public with his divine design. But this time we had the conversation something was different. Without missing a beat he told me that God had designed him to be a church leader, what we would call a "pastor". Great, so now we both know what God's ministry destination is for my friend. My second question was a little tougher to answer. I asked my friend to tell me about his current trajectory to reach this destination. This stumbled him. After a few awkward attempts to answer the question he came clean. God had shown him where to go, but he was not doing anything to arrive. His trajectory was leading him in a different direction. No wonder he wasn't feeling fully alive.
This idea of trajectory has become personally important to me. My divine design is to help churches get started and established. When you arrive in a new city, you are very, very far away from achieving the goal. But, the key is to know your trajectory to reach the goal. What do you do on the first day to propel you down the right road? How about after your first major setback? The key is knowing where God wants you to end up and what you can do today to help get there. Sounds simple...but that's about all you can do.
Biblically, there are many examples of the importance of divine trajectory. The one that comes to mind first is the historic account of Abraham in Genesis 12. God told Abraham that he would be the leader of a vast nation that would be a blessing to all nations. Abraham wasn't anywhere close to seeing this as a viable reality. But, divine trajectory required him to leave his home and everything he knew. The Bible says, "so he left, as God had told him". He knew where God wanted him to be, now he had to shove off and live to get there. Maybe you're struggling with the present reality of your life. Let me ask you the same to questions I asked my friend. 1) What's the divine design for your life? 2) Is your current trajectory carrying you there?
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
And The Youth Shall Lead Them
Every youth generation gets a bad rap. Doesn't matter if it's 1709 or 2009, the adults in charge will not like the music, clothes, vibe, or actions of that generation's youth culture.
Today, of course, is no different. Almost daily I hear some old dude (this means anyone over 30) rail on the evil teens/college students. I keep thinking that I must be doing something wrong. The more I watch and learn from today's youth, the more impressed I am. I would love for today's church leaders to take notes on how important relationships, community, and connecting are to teens and young twenty somethings. Actually, it seems like these things are held as their highest value.
Usually, the grumpy old man rant begins by talking about how young people constantly update their facebook or myspace pages and can only communicate with a cell phone in hand. Do a little digging and you find out that they love to keep everyone in the loop of what is going on in their lives. They have an unexplainable desire to know what all of their friends are doing at every waking second. I love it! Community isn't something that ends when you leave someone's presence, but its something that you strive to develop even when you are on vacation, alone in your bedroom, or wherever you might find yourself.
I also love the authenticity of our youth culture. It wigs old folks (again, anyone over 30) out when they see the personal information that the next generation leaders so freely post on public sites. They don't care who knows that they broke up with their boyfriend or are feeling depressed. Its almost like someone forgot to teach them that they are supposed to put on the mask of happiness and keep everyone at an arm's length. I wish the church and especially her leaders could be so vulnerable and open.
(Before anyone says it, I understand boundaries for our teens. I'm not talking about specific safety boundaries, but generational generalities.)
Today, of course, is no different. Almost daily I hear some old dude (this means anyone over 30) rail on the evil teens/college students. I keep thinking that I must be doing something wrong. The more I watch and learn from today's youth, the more impressed I am. I would love for today's church leaders to take notes on how important relationships, community, and connecting are to teens and young twenty somethings. Actually, it seems like these things are held as their highest value.
Usually, the grumpy old man rant begins by talking about how young people constantly update their facebook or myspace pages and can only communicate with a cell phone in hand. Do a little digging and you find out that they love to keep everyone in the loop of what is going on in their lives. They have an unexplainable desire to know what all of their friends are doing at every waking second. I love it! Community isn't something that ends when you leave someone's presence, but its something that you strive to develop even when you are on vacation, alone in your bedroom, or wherever you might find yourself.
I also love the authenticity of our youth culture. It wigs old folks (again, anyone over 30) out when they see the personal information that the next generation leaders so freely post on public sites. They don't care who knows that they broke up with their boyfriend or are feeling depressed. Its almost like someone forgot to teach them that they are supposed to put on the mask of happiness and keep everyone at an arm's length. I wish the church and especially her leaders could be so vulnerable and open.
(Before anyone says it, I understand boundaries for our teens. I'm not talking about specific safety boundaries, but generational generalities.)
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Something Jesus Said About Relationships
1Now He was also saying to the disciples, "There was a rich man who had a manager, and this manager was reported to him as squandering his possessions. 2"And he called him and said to him, 'What is this I hear about you? Give an accounting of your management, for you can no longer be manager.' 3"The manager said to himself, 'What shall I do, since my master is taking the management away from me? I am not strong enough to dig; I am ashamed to beg. 4'I know what I shall do, so that when I am removed from the management people will welcome me into their homes.' 5"And he summoned each one of his master's debtors, and he began saying to the first, 'How much do you owe my master?' 6"And he said, 'A hundred measures of oil.' And he said to him, 'Take your bill, and sit down quickly and write fifty.' 7"Then he said to another, 'And how much do you owe?' And he said, 'A hundred measures of wheat.' He said to him, 'Take your bill, and write eighty.' 8"And his master praised the unrighteous manager because he had acted shrewdly; for the sons of this age are more shrewd in relation to their own kind than the sons of light. 9"And I say to you, make friends for yourselves by means of the wealth of unrighteousness, so that when it fails, they will receive you into the eternal dwellings. 10"He who is faithful in a very little thing is faithful also in much; and he who is unrighteous in a very little thing is unrighteous also in much. 11"Therefore if you have not been faithful in the use of unrighteous wealth, who will entrust the true riches to you? 12"And if you have not been faithful in the use of that which is another's, who will give you that which is your own? 13"No servant can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be devoted to one and despise the other You cannot serve God and wealth." Luke 16:1-13
I've been chewing on this passage for awhile. Today, two things have jumped out at me about it. First, Jesus was so good at doing the unexpected. When reading this parable you do not expect Jesus to look favorably on the "unrighteous" servant. Jesus had a habit of zigging when everyone knew, just absolutely knew He was going to zag. I want to be like that. That might be my new definition of cool. Second, I believe the point of the parable is that people are more valuable then anything else. That is good for me to remember. I'm very task centric and can throw on blinders to others around me. This is not one of my better qualities. Jesus is actually saying that the dude figured out a way to mend some fences with folks and in the end those folks will have his back. Of course, the guy didn't go about it the right way, but Jesus doesn't focus on that. Instead, He only recognizes my boy's creative ways to make friends. I love Jesus for many reasons, but this week I've added another reason to my list. No matter what I learn and how much I grow, He always teaches me lessons about Him, life, and does it in amazing ways.
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