Sermon Thoughts and Dialogue

"The Next Christians" by Gabe Lyons

2010-12-01T09:00:00.000-08:00

Every once in a while I find a book that seems to bring together many of the ideas that roll around in my head and it gives terms and categories for these thoughts. "The Next Christians" is one such book. The premise of the book is that there are a group of Christ followers that believe the picture of the redemption we find in Christ is to be multiplied and leveraged to bring redemption and restoration to the world. When this group explains the salvation in Jesus Christ that is theirs they understand it not only in terms of being saved from our sin, but the picture of Christ's redemption is greater than even that. When we experience his salvation and we follow him with all we are it is part of our job to bring the beauty of God's presence into every area of life working to bring "the greatest good to all people."

This definition is at the heart of what I have understood and what I believe the call of Christ is to look like in my life. The part of this that I was never able to verbalize or give definition to was the reality that this kind of life seems to be the exception rather than the norm. And not only is it not the norm, but it is often described as being "weak" or "non-Christian." Thankfully Gabe Lyons goes on to explain that the tension that I have felt is indeed real because the people who claim to follow Christ probably fall into one of three categories as to how they view their relationship to Christ and what that relationship looks like when lived out.

The first group is the group he has termed "Separatist." And within this group there are three different types: 1) Insiders: This group of Christians believe that it is their job to stay away from and be protected from anything that smells of evil. They want their family to be absorbed in the "Christian" world: Christian school, christian radio, christian friends only, etc. To the best of their ability they create a life that protects them from encountering people and situations that are not "Christian."

2) His second group within this category are the "Cultural Warriors." This group believes that America is a Christian nation and we must fight to keep it this way. This group believes in boycotting those things which threaten the Christian morality of the country. "These devoted followers regularly consume newsletters, radio shows, and magazines by Christian patriots, pastors, and pundits. If you happen across a culture warrior, you might be solicited to fight against the secularization of our nation and subjected to passionate pleas about moral decline." (p. 34)

3) The third in this group are "evangelizers." This group of separatists believe the only worthy work on a Christian is to make sure they get other people "saved." They use every opportunity to ask people "if you were to die today will you go to heaven or hell." They don't perceive entering into relationship important, they just want people to "make a decision."

On a whole this group of "separatists" are very concerned with establishing a line between Christian and non-Christian. They want to protect themselves and those they love from having to encounter the evil and sin of the world.

On the other side of the spectrum, Lyons has termed a group of Christians as the "culturals." This group has 2 subgroups. 1) The first, "blenders" is the group that claims a relationship with God on the spiritual level, but on the cultural level they want to "blend" with the culture so as not to stick out. They see the spiritual part of life to be completely individual and private, a topic that should not be discussed in public and certainly not something to try to stand up for and protect.

The second group of "culturals" is the group termed "philanthropists." This group believes very much in doing good works within the society. They will volunteer at the drop of a hat to do something good. And while this is a positive they view their good works as a means to knowing God rather than a consequence of knowing him.

And so on the surface these two groups which are at very different places and understandings of faith seem to offer what most of us have know faith to look like in America. But, there is a third group called the "restorers." This is the group I began to explain in the beginning. This group of believers believe very much in the orthodoxy of Christianity, they desire to follow Christ and they believe it is their responsibility to be a part of setting the world "right" to restore justice where ever they can, and to do good and bring about beauty for all the world. They view being a light as being called to a place where the light is needed, to go into the dark places and shine God's glory by working for the good of those around them.

Lyons uses many examples of how people are doing this and the impact they are making in the world. It is a beautiful thing to see the believers doing what they are called to do, to make a difference in the world in which we live. It gives purpose and a place for everyone of us, no matter what vocation or place of life we are involved.

As I have processed through this book I have also noted that the point of great contention within the church is that people from all three camps are sold out that their way of living is the only God honoring way to live. The "separatists" see themselves as champions of the holy and good and can't understand why someone would go into the dark places of society unless they were not really "holy." There are many shots fired over the bow claiming "heresy" by those who do not understand the way of the "restorer." I read blog after blog where one pastor calls out another or one group calls out another because they aren't doing "church" like the one throwing the shots thinks it should be done.

I've been deeply challenged to look back to scripture to see how Jesus lived and what his life looked like in comparison to these categories. As I've looked and read I do notice that the Pharisees were much like the separatists. Having nothing to do with that deemed "unclean" or dirty. And then you had the Sadducees who were more religious in disguise like the "cultural" group. But then you had Jesus who went to where there was darkness bringing light and hope. His work was not watered down or weak, in fact because of the power lives were changed, people followed and good was a result.

I would encourage everyone, where ever you may have placed yourself in the different groups to pick this book up and give it a spin. If nothing else it will make you ask yourselves some questions as to what you're living for and if your picture of what being a Christian is matches the life of Jesus. And those questions are questions that we should always be asking!

Renewal

2010-11-02T11:31:00.000-07:00

Is there a place that you have visited that when you were there, the air seemed fresher and the colors more bold? The food had more taste? You were able to think more clearly? Your perspective was re-calibrated? A place where you felt more alive than at any other time?

And isn't it true that when we experience it once it is something to which we long to return? There's something overwhelmingly "right" about that experience. It's as if at that moment life is exactly as it was meant to be. The sense of freedom is intoxicating!

But life doesn't remain in this state, does it? Those fleeting moments where life is as we thought it was designed to be is all too quickly replaced with tension, frustration and a sense that this life is not all it's cracked up to be.

I was with a friend recently who has gone through a very dark time in his life and continues to be in a time of great challenge. Many events outside of his control have destroyed the reality which he knew and hoped for. There have been decisions made by people in power around him which have been anything but just and life giving.

As I listened to his story I realize that within each of us we have a sense of what is right, how life "should" progress. We have the ability to see beauty and life. But too often in this life we must deal with a reality that is far from this picture of beauty and goodness. We must deal with disappointments, frustrations, and the sinful world in which we live.

While he shared his story I heard him share a reality that is so foreign to many of us. He began to describe how his hope and trust in the goodness of God, in the midst of this dark time, has grown and developed. He shared that he believes that if God wants to use "discipline" to draw him to the heart of Christ, he is willing to walk whatever journey he must walk, because he does believe God will be faithful to reward him and bless him, maybe in this life, but surly in the life of eternity.

As I listened to him I was reminded of the truth that Jesus never guaranteed an easy or comfortable existence on this earth. He never says that as long as we claim his name life will turn out exactly like we believe it should. Rather, he promises there will be trials of many kinds, there will be disappointments and there will be the effects of sin. In all these, he is worthy of our love and trust. We are to be obedient and faithful.

Oh, God, renew my heart. Lift my eyes that I may see you through pain, injustice, attack and frustration. Renew my spirit when I want to give up. Give me clarity when I walk through the darkness. Help me keep my eyes on you when there are diversions all around. Increase my trust in your goodness. Remind me of your love. Give me the strength to persevere when my will becomes weak. And in all ways may your name be glorified.

In God we have our being

2010-10-25T09:23:00.000-07:00

We've been in a series on our identity and image. As I have waded through different books and authors on this subject as well as gone to Scripture to understand how God has created us and his giving of worth I am amazed at what I find in myself. I know in my head that my worth, ambition and purpose can all be found and defined when I look at God and realize my place as his child. It is a beautiful picture! To know that nothing can take that image which he gave me when he created me.

And yet, I find that so often I buy into an image that is formed by performance, acceptance, accomplishment, popularity, ability, etc. I live a life, and also project a life onto others where I find my worth in what I can accomplish or in having others appreciate me. Not that there is anything intrinsically wrong with wanting to accomplish worthwhile tasks and to have people appreciate my efforts, but when they control me, when I am deflated or elated based on my perception of how well I accomplish these tasks I find that I really have no need to hear the voice of God.

Instead my life has ebb and flow based on my accomplishments and accolades, and it's all dependent upon me. So I can take the credit for my successes and I suffer the great failures when I don't meet the expectations of myself or of those from whom I desire confirmation. And eventually I find that there is never a time when simply being able to rest in who I am is possible. I have to always be ready to do the next great project, to receive the acclaim, and the cycle repeats.

What I am beginning to realize, even if only in small doses, is that when I can find that I am blessed and loved, that I'm met with God's grace and patience while I'm in process of being transformed, I experience peace. It is a place that I am enjoying more and more. I find that I am more concerned about my audience being God than the audience of those around me who I previously allowed to have more influence than they deserve to paint me and give me worth. I can do and be all that I can be, giving my best effort to those things I've been called to do, but in the end all I can give is my best and whether I'm always understood or praised, there is great fulfillment and peace which I find in God's love being enough.

I have a long way to go in order to live in this reality at all times. I still get defensive and irritated, hurt and overly concerned by others opinions, but there are those moments when I really feel the passion of Christ in who he's made me. And that is the place I want to live.

Overlooked!

2010-10-18T06:06:00.000-07:00

So, I've neglected a new post long enough. It is one of my last quarter of the new year resolutions to really post something on here every Monday for the rest of the year. I just need to make it a discipline to get it done. With that said, let's hop into thoughts from yesterday.

We are just beginning a new series here at Zion where we will be taking a look at "Image." What does it mean to really be made in the "image of God?" And if that is the place where we find our significance and meaning the rest of life will make sense. The problem is very few of us find our deepest core meaning as Children of God. The pull of this world is so strong and our felt need to be something, and to accomplish, and be respected pull us into living in a shadow world. In this world our image is formed by what we do, and how well we are accepted, and how much money we make, and our race and nationality. And when these aspects of life shape our image we are going to be on a roller coaster of emotions, never content to just relax in the presence of God. Our contentment and fulfillment is always just another accomplishment, dollar or fun time away. But, when we get there we find that it didn't give us the meaning that we thought it should and so we go after the next rainbow. It's a never ending search for our significance and meaning.

And just like many truths in life, this reality is always much easier to see in someone else than it is in ourselves. It's easy to pick someone else out and critique them on all the makeup they wear, the designer clothes, the new vehicle, the big house, all their toys, their obsession with work and money and achievement. But very few of us want to do the ugly work of looking into the mirror and finding out where we find our worth. What really forms our image? Do we really believe we are formed in the image of God? Is that enough for us to live on or have we created something that we can accomplish and add to our lives which can give us meaning? What we must remember that anything that is added to our lives, can also be taken from our lives. So what we base our worth upon must be something that cannot be taken away from us. And as far as I know there is only one thing that can never be taken from me, that is my spirit the part of me that was designed to live for all eternity.

The wonder of God's gift of life for his creation is that he has given us everything we need for life and wholeness and freedom in himself. And yet it seems we are always trying to add to this reality. Never able to just accept that we are God's greatest creation and he loves us, and even likes us. He desires to be near us and he desires to provide and give us everything that we need. He can be, and will be the very source of life that many of us spend a life time looking to try to figure out.

There may be no other reality that means as much as us getting a better understanding of who God is and who he has made us to be and the fullness of that relationship. When we get this right, we are able to have a right view of God and of ourselves. And when that is the case, there is freedom!

Thoughts on the Church

2010-08-16T06:08:00.000-07:00

Much of my thinking time recently has been concerning the Church, both local and universal. I've been thinking about the real core of what we are supposed to be about and how an encounter, and continued relationship with Jesus gives the church purpose and a path to follow. Because, to the extent that we look like Jesus we are the church and to the extent that we follow other paths we neglect the way of Jesus.

I find this a very interesting journey here in our culture of the United States. And if people's lives and eternity weren't dependent upon the church being Jesus' representative on earth, our loss of direction and wandering would almost be comical as we search for identity and a place in the world. But when we lose sight of the glorious reality the church was/is to play we trade it in for caricature of what we think will be cool or socially accepted in our world.

What I have really come to believe is that the world is not looking for another entity that shifts and caves with the rest of society. Instead the world needs to see another way of life. It does not mean they will accept that way of life, and it may mean that they persecute that way of life and those who desire to live that life, but coming into contact with the church who lives counter-culturally will cause a response. And this response gives the Spirit great room to work to draw hearts toward him.

Thinking the church is simply "good" people is a very poor definition. The church should be defined by the outrageous love we have, and exhibit, to those in the body of Christ and those who are not yet in the body of Christ. Because of our deep love for Christ we are willing to live lives of sacrifice and honesty always learning together and challenging one another to a deeper depth of love for our Lord.

It is an adventure right now as I allow God to break my heart with those things that break his heart. It's my prayer that he would do whatever he wants to do in me to give me a passion for the people in this world. I know one thing for sure, when I come to the end of my life, whether that is today or in 50 years, I want to have been useful in the kingdom and have allowed God to get everything out of me that he created in me. That there will be nothing left of me as I've been completely wrung out for the kingdom is my hope.

Oh, we have much to learn about the church and God's gracious calling of his bride to be his witness in the world. God help us to comprehend your call and opportunity!

Overload!

2010-08-05T21:20:00.000-07:00

We have finished the first day of the Global Leadership Summit and my brain is on overload. I am laying here trying to fall asleep, but it's not happening. We have been exposed to some wonderful speakers today, some new thoughts and some great reminders, but mostly I'm amazed at the ways God has whispered.

I am reminded that I am not alone, but it is a blessing and a gift to live life with others. It is important for me to put myself in relationship with others to be challenged and pushed to grow and mature. We do need each other and when we come together and push each other our minds are expanded and as a result our world changes. Also, when we are around others who have a passion for the kingdom, it is encouraging to be pushed to have an even greater kingdom passion and perspective.

It is my prayer that God would really place within me a hunger to love him, serve him and do great things for him beyond what I have known to this point in my life.

Ok, I must attempt to get to sleep as tomorrow holds a whole new day of learning and being pushed. I'm ready, let's go!

It's Been a While!

2010-07-26T05:18:00.000-07:00

It has been a great 2 1/2 weeks. It all began by traveling to Messiah College in Grantham, PA for the Brethren in Christ General Conference. It was the first BIC conference Heather and I had been to since coming into the denomination. What a great experience. It was great to meet so many new people, share in some wonderful worship and prayer, listen to some very challenging and encouraging voices, and to hear the vision of the BIC as we head into the next decade.

With an emphasis on our core values (Experiencing God's Love and Grace; Believing the Bible; Worshiping God; Following Jesus; Belonging to the Community of Faith; Witnessing to the World; Serving Compassionately; Pursuing Peace; Living Simply; Relying on God)the leadership presented the vision for the next 10 years entitled "Transformation 2020." The essence of the vision is caught in the statement, "...the Brethren in Christ in North America aspire to be an expanding mosaic of churches, all seeing lives transformed by Jesus Christ."

We understand that unless we are being transformed by the power of God and it is changing the way we live and choices we make; unless God's priorities are our priorities, we are missing the point of being followers of Jesus Christ.

It was a very good conference full of great ideas and vision, now it is the responsibility of all those in leadership of the churches to carry that vision home and live it out. Which is what we hope to do here at Zion BIC church over the coming years. To see lives transformed, community lived out and joyful service to those around us and around the world.

Following conference, my family was able to take a couple weeks of vacation seeing friends and family and getting some much needed time away. It was a great vacation! But, all things come to an end and I'm ready to be back to work and doing what I believe I'm called to be doing at this point of my life.

So, here we go!

Divorce and Integrity

2010-06-28T05:17:00.000-07:00

If you were with us yesterday during the sermon you know that we discussed Matthew 5: 31-37, the passages on divorce and oaths. Both of these topics are full of emotion and can be very difficult to get through. But, it was and is my prayer that for all of us, no matter how difficult the word of God can be to accept we would be humble enough to know that what he says is for our best and that when we need to experience his grace we would lean hard into him so that he may redeem and renew us.

Growing up I didn't think much about divorce. It wasn't something that my friends' parents were going through, no one in my family had been divorced and no one that I knew of in our church went through a divorce. But, when I was nearing the end of college divorce made it's presence know. And, not just subtly put over and over again. So today I have seen more divorce and the effects of it than I had ever thought I would see. There were a number of families that I grew up with that were divorced, two sets of my aunts and uncles divorced, my brother experienced a divorce, a few of my close friends went through divorces and then there have been a number of marriages within the churches I have pastored that have fallen apart. And there has been a lot of pain involved.

But, what I have also come to see is the amazing redemptive work that God has been able to carry out in those families and lives of individuals who went through the difficulty of divorce. And in those cases where the individuals from a divorce are willing to go through the forgiveness and healing process that God will perform in our lives (in the midst of any sin, if we allow him) he creates and does something new within those lives.

What I find so important is that for those of us witnessing the situation from a distance, whether close or far off, there can be times when we need to experience the grace of God as well. While no divorce is a one sided event, for those of us watching there will almost always be one in the situation whom we side with and one whom we villanize. In doing this the forgiveness which God gives to people often times comes much slower from his people to those who need forgiveness. It is important that as the people of God when someone seeks and finds forgiveness from God, no matter how difficult their choices have been on us or if we have been hurt in the situation, we are obligated to offer forgiveness and grace just as Christ has offered it.

Marriage has been God's plan from the very beginning. The mystery of how he ties two lives into one is beautiful! And the bottom line from scripture is that God desires to uphold those marriage relationships, he desires to prosper those commitments and work in beautiful ways within the husband and wife. There are many passages of scripture where we can read of God's intent for marriage and the pain which a breaking of the marriage covenant creates. Passages like Malachi 2; Matt. 19:3-12; Mark 10:2-12; Luke 16:18; 1 Cor. 7:1-16 help us to get a picture of God's great concern for marriage and deep impact that the breaking of marriage creates.

With that said, we also understand his incredible grace which meets us when we live below his standards. And this grace which never gives us liberty to sin, it meets the contrite and offers great redemption and love. And this pertains to all areas of life, which I for one am extremely grateful, for without it I would be lost!

Like I ended the sermon yesterday: If you have experienced divorce in your life may you know the deep and abiding forgiveness that God gives. May you cling to his promise of making you new and working out this newness in your life. May you live in victory because of the grace of God. If you are in a marriage now, realize the great gift God has given to you and your spouse. Fight for your marriage no matter what. Become the person God wants you to be with that marriage so that you may bless your spouse. And if you will one day be married understand now the great blessing and responsibility which you are looking forward to and become the person worth marrying even now.

1/3 of the way through

2010-06-21T10:59:00.001-07:00

Wow, the 6 antitheses of Matthew 5 (You've heard it said...I say...(Matt. 5)) are some of the more difficult passages that I have preached on in a while. When what Jesus says is so contrary to what the audience of that time, and we as the audience today are accustomed to hearing, it is sure to raise our hair at some point and make each of us a little uncomfortable. But, what I find is that being uncomfortable is not a bad thing. In fact it is at that exact moment that we have to take some sort of action. And these seem to be a few of the normal choices.

1. Pretend that I didn't hear it. While this may seem like I'm doing nothing, by doing nothing I've made a choice to do something. And that something is to do whatever I need to do to distance myself from the confrontation of the Spirit. I convince myself that the message was what "person X" really needed to hear, rather than believing the message was for me. I attempt to dull that rumbling in the core of my being because if I take the time to address that rumble, it will mess with my way of living, because God has already made it clear that he has some work he wants to do on me.

2. I can give it a little time in my brain, and then when I've found a way to justify the way that I live now, even through it's not quite what God has asked of me, I at least feel good that I have now convinced myself to feel good about the choices that I have made.

3. My third option is the one that is the most difficult...to wrestle out the truth of what I have just heard with God. This is not an easy process! It is not for the weak of heart. This is for the humble and contrite. It is for those who readily admit that God is doing a great work in them and he is not finished. And this person has come to the place of realizing that being obedient to God's voice is more critical to their living than anything else. And when the voice of God is heard, action is taken...no matter the cost or the pain.

It worries me when I see in myself either of the first two options. Because when I go down either of those roads I know in the pit of my stomach what I'm doing, but at that point I love me more than I love God. And it's that truth that hurts the most. It's when I stand back and realize that I would rather play pseudo-god than listen and respond to the God of all the universe who has given me life, hope and a future. What foolishness, what an ego-maniac I can be.

Oh God, that I would be more ready to hear your voice and respond to the convicting voice of your spirit.

This week will be a message on the next 2 of the antitheses...1) Divorce and 2) Oaths. It is my prayer that as the week goes and God continues to solidify the sermon in my heart that the words, tone and intention would be beneficial to the body and bring him glory in the midst of difficult teachings for his followers. The funny thing is that each week in my preparation, God has to do a great work in me as I prepare and that is not always enjoyable!

As we head into this next sermon I would love it if your would remember to pray for the service and what will be said as well as the hearts of all those who will hear the message whether in person or online.

Salt and Light

2010-06-14T05:51:00.000-07:00

Wow, my apologies for being such a delinquent; it has been entirely too long since I took the time to blog. Here's to doing a better job in the future...

What a challenging scripture we looked at yesterday, Matthew 5:11-16. I believe that one of the most difficult aspects of following Jesus is the great cost that he really does require. And specifically here in the USA the cost to follow Jesus, according to societal norms at least, is very small. It may mean going to church once a week, it may even mean giving some of my income to the offering plate, and I may choose to serve in the church by teaching or preparing meals or some such act. But very rarely do we deal with the hard and deep costs that following Christ can and should mean to all of us.

We have learned from numerous studies that the lives and practices of those who profess Christ don't look any different than those who don't profess his name. And all I have to do is look in the mirror to confirm the validity of these studies. There are more times then I wish to admit that the decisions I make are based more on pragmatic means than on the heart of Jesus. I can claim the name of Jesus and make decisions that I'm sure will cost me the least. I embrace Jesus' ethic of loving others and bearing with them and then I turn around and just throw a little money at them, feeling like I've done my part yet I have been unwilling to go to the depth of their struggle. And what I find out about myself is that I'm actually quite scared to just completely abandon myself to Christ's call because I may not be able to do what I want to do and have all the things that I have determined that I want. So, in the end my prayer is not, "Lord have your way." It is more like, "Lord have your way, as long as it fits into the life that I have begun and laid out, don't ask me to give up too much, just enough that I feel good about myself and others take notice of my great 'faithfulness.'"

Have you ever struggled with those sorts of thoughts? Do you ever wonder if God may be asking you to give up more of yourself and take more of him? Do you know of aspects in your life that you know God has challenged you on, but you have refused or tried to ignore his voice?

God, may you help us to lean hard into you as you call us to deeper and deeper commitment and cost. Give us the courage to trust your faithfulness!

Beatitudes Cont.

2010-05-17T10:35:00.001-07:00

Here we go, moving on to "blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy." I'm really looking forward to this Sunday and the opportunity to discuss this beatitude. I've been confronted with the depth of this truth over the last couple weeks. What does it mean to show mercy to those around us? How does it extend to those who embrace Christ and those who don't? Mercy doesn't show favoritism based on where one falls on that decision. Rather, mercy is a way of life. Recognizing first that in order for me to show mercy I must realize I have been shown mercy. While I was yet far from God, while I cared only about me, while I thought God was a joke, he loved me with a love that was bigger and stronger than my selfishness. It was a love that would not be diverted no matter how much I might have pushed away. So, when I deal with my deep need for Christ's forgiveness and grace, can I really respond any differently to those around me?

I'm surprised at times within my heart at how easy it is for me to become proud and pompous. It's not that I set out to be that way, but there's this insidious character within me that at some level becomes proud of the relationship with Christ and my identity as his follower. So, rather than looking at all others with the same grace and love and compassion with which he has looked on me, it becomes easy to see the lack of character in another. And not with the intent of extending compassion and mercy there, but to evaluate their standing as a human. Actually, I think deep down more than that, to set them at a less elevated or "privileged" status than how I see myself. Talk about the opposite of mercy! It makes me sick when I notice this kind of junk making its way to the surface, but I'm also grateful that the Spirit allows me to deal with the destructive humanness that still lays below the surface.

I believe this is the conflict that most angered Christ when dealing with the Pharisees. And I've found that those in the church love to pile on the Pharisees, but it may be that we love to put the attention on them, because we don't have to look inside to deal with the Pharisee within our own hearts. Really, who enjoys dealing with that reality? Even within our new identity as Children of Christ we must continue to go to the cross to be transformed.

I wonder what the church would really look like, if we gave faces, arms and feet to the kind of mercy we have been given and have been called to give. What difference would there be in our families? churches? communities? world?

Lord, just as you have overwhelmed me with mercy, may I extent that mercy so that you may be known!

The Beatitudes--Week 2

2010-05-06T12:23:00.000-07:00

The journey through "The Beatitudes" and ultimately through Matthew 5-7 is going to be a fun adventure! There are so many of Jesus' teachings in this section of scripture, so many pictures of just how radical Jesus' expectations are for his followers that we do well to enter this study with open and contrite hearts. It is so easy to believe that after a time of following God that we kind of have the gospel "figured out." What we forget is that every time we open God's word it will lay us bare and call us to an ever increasing devotion to the one we serve. When his message loses that "wow" to us, we have probably become overly comfortable following a religion rather than the life giving relationship we have with Jesus Christ.

This week we will take a look at the 3rd and 4th Beatitudes:

Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.

Within these two teaching we are confronted with many realities, but 2 really come to the forefront:

1. How do we see ourselves in light of who God is?
2. What is it that we hunger for more than anything else? What is it that captures our hearts and won't let us go?

The answers to these two questions go a long way toward giving us a fairly accurate picture of what our walk with Jesus looks like. When the picture of myself becomes too big and important, my faith in Christ begins to shrink. And when I am hungry for things other than the righteousness of Jesus, I find myself quickly into idol worship.

Oh, that God would be more and I would be less!

The Bronze Snake on a Stick

2010-04-19T06:59:00.000-07:00

I am intrigued by the story in Numbers 21 and the Israelites' encounter with the venomous snakes. It was a punishment from God because of their unfaithfulness and then his mercy and grace when he gave them the snake on the stick to look to if they were bit by a snake. But then to think that they turned the snake on the stick into an idol which they believed was worthy of their worship. This trading of the dynamic and living God for a statue seems hard to comprehend as we read this today. But in reality there are so many ways in which we fall into the same trap. We generally don't have physical objects that we would burn incense to, but there are many idols that rule our lives and because of them we are unable to hear the voice of God.

It's especially frustrating when those of us who are God followers take something good that he has given us and turn it into something that we worship above him. And there are no limits to what we are capable of attributing false worth. We can become so enamored with a building, a style of music, a "spiritual" feeling, a gift of the spirit, a person, or practically anything else that our worship of God is diluted because we are worshiping something he has given us or allowed us to experience.

The only one worthy of our worship is Jesus Christ our Lord. And if he is the one we are worshiping we will continually be led into a renewed relationship, one that calls us forward into the next day as we acknowledge that though his is never-changing in character, he is doing something new in our relationship with him as he draws us deeper into his presence.

Have there been times we had to break down idols in our lives? Are there idols there presently that keep us from hearing the "new" voice of God?

How is my relationship new? How is it growing and expanding?

Upcoming April Sermons

2010-04-06T07:49:00.000-07:00

As I'm preparing for the three sermons of April I would love to hear your insights, comments and illustrations that may be of assistance! These three weeks we are going to be looking at:

1. The idea that God is a creative God and in his creativeness he does not appear to us or work in us in the exact same way. He doesn't change but he works in new and fresh ways. I believe there are a number of reasons for this, but included in them is that we cannot control God. We cannot attempt to gain mastery over the eternal God. If we are to be faithful to allow him to be him and not what we have experienced of him then we have to seek his face and recognize his newness.

2. We spend time learning from the past, celebrating the past and cherishing the past, but the past cannot define our future. This is true in our relationship with God as well as our working out as the body of Christ. Each of our personalities play a part into this; some love to stay on the cutting edge and see everyday as a journey, and some walk through life with caution. Both are needed, and both need to be balanced by the other. We must understand that if our message is no longer influential in the world in which we live we must ask the question: "What is the most important thing to us? Is it to remain here with our traditions and comforts or is to to push to any future no matter the cost if we can influence others with the grace and love of Christ?"

3. We will also be taking a look at the way that we must respond to God's newness by being willing to be a part of his doing a new thing as well. It is very easy for us to believe that traditions or things that we have done in the past are the best way to do them in the future, but this may not be the reality. If we lag too far behind the way in which God works we will be of little use to the kingdom. If we are not in touch with what is happening around us, if we as the church attempt to hide from the discomfort of change and adaptation we will miss the opportunity to have a voice in the "wilderness."

I am really looking forward to our time together in the coming weeks. If you have comments, or suggestions or illustrations or questions please leave them in the comments section, they will be of great help. Thanks.

Easter Sunday

2010-04-05T10:36:00.001-07:00

Easter is always a fun Sunday. When I worked at the golf store in Columbus my co-workers would always kid me about getting ready for the "Superbowl." They most often had no idea that the real story behind what we celebrate is indeed the Superbowl of life. To realize that our Savior would endure the pain and suffering that he did, just so we could have relationship with him is indeed too immense to comprehend. And when we understand God's work throughout history he was continually closing the gap which sin had produced. As I think of God's patience and grace I realize so quickly that I have so much to learn and I need to be so much more humble to his desires and leading in my life.

What a joy it is to serve a wonderful and terrific God. I am thankful for the reminder that Easter is to me each year.

From March 28: "Sancti...what?"

2010-03-29T06:46:00.000-07:00

What an amazing reality to know that the very Spirit of God can permeate everything about us and we live out of his presence and reality. When we read of the "Fruit of the Spirit" in Galatians 5 we don't try to gain those character traits we allow them to come out of us because we have the Spirit of God. As Oswald Chambers said, "The most wonderful secret of living a holy life does not lie in imitating Jesus, but in letting the perfect qualities of Jesus exhibit themselves in my human flesh."

How have you witnessed that in your life? What difference does it make when we move from just trying to act like Jesus, to allow him to live through us?

Sancti...what?

2010-03-25T18:41:00.000-07:00

Looking forward to this Sunday and our time looking at Galations 5:16-26. As we begin to think about the incredible work that Christ does in us and through us, we actually live out of his presence, we don't just try to imitate Christ. If it's all about just trying to imitate I can get pretty good at performing. I know all too well what it's like to imitate someone else. Growing up I got pretty good at imitating certain basketball players, the way they dribbled, passed, shot, jumped, gave high-fives, but I was never full of elite ability which would allow me to play at the same level they could play. Likewise, we can learn what Christ is like, about certain aspects of his character and we can try to act like that, but Christ wants to actually live through us, to be our very character and life. How have you allowed him to live in you?

Why do I do what I don't want to do? March 14

2010-03-15T07:11:00.001-07:00

As we discussed yesterday in the service, we have all encountered the reality that when we don't live up to the law of God we are confronted with our sinfulness and our deep need for the grace and forgiveness of Jesus Christ. How is this reality both frustrating and encouraging at the same time? How have you found freedom in Christ when it comes to the war that goes on within us between the sinful nature and the Spirit-filled life?

"Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death. For what the law was powerless to do in that it was weakened by the sinful nature, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful man to be a sin offering. And so he condemned sin in sinful man, in order that the righteous requirements of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the sinful nature but according to the Spirit." Romans 8:1-4