Where Never is Heard

Oh give me a home where the buffalo roam,

And the deer and the antelope play,
Where never is heard a discouraging word,
And the skies are not cloudy all day.

Tony Needs a Sermon Week is winding down, and I would like to thank everyone who participated. It has been challenging, humbling, discouraging, and uplifting - depending on the attitude of the sermonizer. The main thing I got out of it was a reminder to keep my attitude in check when I'm the one preaching the sermon. I'm not always good at that.

I watch several sermons online each week. On Facebook, someone posted an endorsement of a sermon because of a specific statement the pastor made. I was curious, so I watched the 140 minute service. I never heard the statement. There was a space of a few minutes where the sound was turned down - or some technical issue - or maybe I dozed off. What I did see was a frustrated man. He expressed his frustration with the ushers, the camera operator, and the media person. He came across as controlling and manipulative. I pray that he takes time to rest, that his church supports him, and that they thrive in their mission. 

I have several others that were encouraging and eye-opening for me this week. If you have time, you may want to check these out. 

Tullian Tchividjian Inexhaustible Grace for an Exhausted World.

Chris Whitman The Value of Life

Holly Furtick This Time

Pete Hise No Other Name

Clark Whitten Stop Living in the Shadows

 

The Real Gay Marriage Issue

Did you hear that the Supreme Court is hearing a case regarding gay marriage? Well, of course you did, unless you've enjoyed the luxury of a secluded island for the past month. The arguments, confrontations, protests, sermons, passive aggressive Facebook posts, condescending lectures, and bumper stickers have been non-stop loud and proud - from both sides of the debate.

I've generally avoided becoming involved publicly, but I guess today that changes. Here I am writing about it.

 

I have very dear friends who have strong opinions about making gay marriages legal and other very dear friends who say they staunchly oppose any marriage other than one man to one woman for life. Those who are against it have polished their arguments, found scriptures to support their view, and are poised to convince the world that they are right. Those who are for it, have polished their arguments, found scriptures to support their view, and are poised to convince the world they are right. Here's the overwhelming problem I see with this whole debate: everyone is focused on the issue of gay marriage. Meanwhile, the people involved (on both sides) are hostile toward each other, killing each other with their words, and are starving their own spirits. Where is the life in this argument?

 

This is Passion Week for Christians. The week that remembers the week prior to Jesus' resurrection. I cannot believe that Jesus endured what he did over an issue - any issue. He endured beatings, mockings, betrayal, agony, and even death for PEOPLE, not for issues. I personally couldn't care less if my gay friends marry. I have a single daughter that I would love to see in a loving marriage, but more than her finding a husband I want her to experience a fulfilling life in Christ. Marriage - gay or straight - is not what Jesus is about, it's not what His church is about, it's not what my life is about. This Easter weekend reminds us of what Jesus and his church IS about - connecting people to God and His plan for them.

 

I hear some of my church friends saying, "But you're compromising the word of God." Jesus said this, "You study the Scriptures diligently because you think that in them you have eternal life. These are the very Scriptures that testify about me, yet you refuse to come to me to have life." (John 5:36,37) Don't waste your time searching for a biblical prop for your argument. You can surely find it, but so can those you oppose. Instead, search the scripture to find the life Jesus offers, then, get your nose out of the book and get involved with people around you. Get to know someone that has an opinion that is different from yours. Start a civil conversation. Jesus doesn't live in issues, he lives in us. That's the kind of Jesus people will want to know.

Image Copyright (c) 123RF Stock Photos

You Don't Have to Be a People-pleaser

 

What Is Your Trouble?

Copyright (c) 123RF Stock Photos

Jesus left us many promises. I'm wondering if you've ever claimed this one: "In this world you will have trouble." He said we will, not we might, but we will. Then why are we so surprised? Why do we go into hiding or throw a tantrum when trouble comes. It's  not like we weren't warned.

 

Here's my definition of trouble. 

 

Trouble - n. a state or condition of distress, annoyance, malfunction, or difficulty

 

Let's break it down:

• Distress – trouble affecting your mind, thoughts, dreams
• Annoyance – trouble affecting your attitude, demeanor,
• Malfunction – trouble affecting your body, health, activities
• Difficulty – trouble affecting your future, direction, purpose

Which of these is most troubling to you right now? How are you handling it? When Jesus promised us trouble, it wasn't an isolated statement. It was wedged in between two messages of hope.

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble, but take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

He has told us what things? He said many things, but let's look at just three. First, in verse 7, He promised that we wouldn't be left alone or confused in our trouble. The counselor has come to us. Then, in verse 27, Jesus came to give us access to the Father’s love. And lastly, in verses 21-22, our trouble will be followed by a secure joy. No one will be able to wipe the smile from our face or rain on our parade. Joy born out of pain is real joy!

What does all this mean?

Before trouble arrives, we can be prepared through the wisdom God provides,
   in the midst of trouble, we can trust the Father's love,
      and when trouble is past, we will be left standing in unshakeable joy.

When troubles are troublesome, God is awsome.

A Pastor's Job

Most Bible folk know that in Ephesians 4:11 Paul wrote that, among other gifts, God gave pastors to the church. This was a fulfillment of a prophecy given in Jeremiah 3:15 when God said, "I will give you pastors according to my heart, who shall feed you with knowledge and understanding." Oh, that churches would be led by welcoming, loving, generous, wise pastors - pastors full of the Holy Spirit and motivated by the undeserved grace they have themselves received.

However, God's gift was not without warning. "Woe be to the pastors who destroy and scatter the sheep of my pasture!" (Jeremiah 23:1)

It seems that God has a simple word for those he has called to this ministry: Feed, don't destroy or scatter, my sheep.

It has been my observation that it is possible to feed and destroy at the same time. It happens in many ways in churches.

• Trying to force-feed knowledge into a person
• Portions of spiritual food that are too small to maintain life
• Insistence that church members eat the same diet as the pastor
• A monotonous diet that has no variety

As good, observant parents know, you don't treat all children the same, nor do they all learn the same way. It's the same with feeding God's sheep. Each church member is unique and gains knowledge and understanding in different ways. Some learn from the hymns, others through graphics used in the church bulletin or on the screen. Some grow through a sermon with organized points, others through a casual conversation.

 

I don't know of a church that uses this method, but I wonder what it would be like to organize small groups so that members with similar learning styles were grouped together? I suspect that it works better to have different styles in each group - each learning from the other.

 

Either way, pastors, remember that your way isn't the only way. The gift you have been given is the privilege of feeding - nourishing and growing - people who become wholehearted disciples. By the way, they're becoming Jesus' disciples, not yours.

Why I Like Topical Preaching

There is a very simple reason that I enjoy topical preaching: It makes me look at the scripture from a perspective that I might otherwise miss.

I know there are theologians who insist that expository preaching (using a scriptural text and exploring its original meaning, context, and application) is the only way, or the "right" way to preach. Of course, there are no biblical grounds for that assertion. It's a good way to preach, but not the only way.

I think I prepare for both types basically in the same way. I always start with the scripture to see what it says, what was the context in which it was written, and how was it heard. I understand that what it says, and the context will always be the same, but how it is heard will be different in 2012 than it was when originally spoken or written. I see it as my job to preach it in such a way that the listener will not miss what God is speaking to them through the word today.

If the word was only intended for the original context and for the original hearer, then I could preach from any other book today and leave the Bible on the shelf. The original hearer is dead and gone, and the original context vanished long ago. I just don't believe that the Bible is that irrelevant to 2012.

This week, I had the privilege of preaching from John 4. Our topic was Heroes, and I found that as I read the scripture through the lens of that topic, I saw nuances of truth that would have escaped me otherwise. It was an enriching experience for me, and enlightening for our Transformers.

Do you have a preference of preaching styles?

Broken Heart Survivor

Some thoughts on yesterday's message.

Your heart actually refers to your will (decisions you make), your intellect (what you think), and your emotions (how you feel). Proverbs 4:23 Above all else, guard your heart for everything you do flows from it.

A broken heart means a person makes broken decisions, thinks broken thoughts, and feels broken feelings. A broken heart requires a master surgeon who has a quick, powerful, sharp tool. That sounds familiar. Hebrews 4:12 says that God's word is that tool. Jesus is the master surgeon who uses his word to bring healing.  Getting in the word is not just a devotional practice, it is powerful. Your heart will mend when you live by the word.

The word affects your thoughts, your decisions, and your feelings.  Let the word heal your broken heart. It is not a side benefit to being a Christian. It is central to Jesus' plan for your life. Luke 4:18 "The Spirit of the Lord is on me because he has sent me to... bind up the broken-hearted."

Quality of life after heart surgery is much better than before. There is a freedom available to the person who is willing to experience the crisis of change. Find what God says and adjust accordingly.

Don't try to change the other person. No matter how wrong or hurtful the other person is, you can only work on yourself. 

It's your move. Let's do something. Repair the relationship or move on. Refuse to keep living in the pain and brokenness. "Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting." Psalm 139:23, 24

Hold firm in faith to God's word, not to your broken thinking. Don't respond in anger or by isolating yourself.

"For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are–yet was without sin. Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need." Hebrews 4:15, 16

"The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit."

Psalm 34:18 "He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. Psalm 147:3

Why were you placed on this earth? What is your purpose? Let that be your focus rather than letting your hurt rule your decisions, your feelings, and your thoughts.  God will heal your broken heart.

There is abundant life beyond your pain. You need a healer. You need Jesus.

Living in Freedom - Bound but Free (Week 2)

In Matthew 11:28-30, Jesus gives us hope for overcoming a burdened, tired existence:

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.

As a child in Sunday school, I memorized these verses, and I have to admit that the phrase "take my yoke" was never very appealing to me. 

My dad grew up on a farm, so words like hitching, wagon, plow, and mule are all familiar to me in a distant sort of way.  I know enough about yokes to know that they're heavy and constraining.  I have no desire to stick my head in one of those hoop-thingees.

However, if Jesus says I should do it, what does he mean? Would Jesus ask me in my "weary, heavy-laden" state to do something to make me more miserable?  Since that doesn't sound like Jesus, I must be missing something.  There has to be something good for me in this.

I found the good when I looked at the purpose of the yoke.  In farming, a yoke creates a synergy between two animals and gives them a common task and a common destination.

So it is when I am yoked to Jesus.  I find freedom in being bound to him.  Why would I not want to be connected to the source of strength. I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength. Philippians 4:13.  The yoke represents his plan for my life.  I can rest knowing that there is a path laid out for me and he will guide the way.  He guides me in the paths of righteousness For His name’s sake. Psalm 23:3.  I know that the burdened life is not the conclusion of my story.  He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. Philippians 1:6.

Now it makes sense to me how Jesus could say that his yoke is easy and his burden is light.  How about you?  Do you find yourself carrying the weight of the world on your shoulders?  Take a look at Jesus' offer and find rest for your soul.

Check out the song Find Rest from my friend, Bryan Pound.

The Church and Sexuality

All a man's ways seem innocent to him, but motives are weighed by the Lord.  Proverbs 16:2

Church has always been a part of my life.  I mean, I was in church from Day One, but I don't remember one sermon or Sunday school lesson that taught a Biblical view of sexuality.  Never.  Not in a gentle, G-rated lesson in Junior High, not in a youth group setting, and not even from the pastor in the pulpit.  Never.

I suspect my life could have been different if I could have had an open, honest conversation about God's view of me and His plan for my life.  It may have helped me avoid some of the mistakes, addictions and wrong thinking that kept me in bondage for so long. 

Pastors sometimes are afraid to approach this subject, even though no one else in the world is afraid to talk about it.  Our children's sources of information generally have no concept of righteous living or Biblical principals, so our children grow up with twisted views of themselves and a misunderstanding of God's intentions for them in their intimate relationships.  This should change!

Coming up this Sunday, Mt. Calvary Presbyterian Church is holding a Bible conference on sexuality.  I will preach in both morning services on the subject The Church's Battle with Sexual Sin.  Between the services, I will teach an adult class on The Church's Battle with Pornography.

Does your church address the area of sexuality in its teachings?

How would you describe your church's approach to sexuality in general?

What changes would you suggest for pastors in dealing with this issue?

He is the God of the Miraculous

Yesterday morning, during my prayer time, I was captivated by God's miraculous nature.  I was preparing for my day and anticipating having lunch with Pastor Chris and a friend who has been a tremendous blessing to Transformation House over the past 9 months.  At the same time, I didn't want this to just be another ho-hum day.  In my prayer I began to rehearse miracles from Biblical times:  blind eyes that were opened, lame people who were healed, children who were raised from the dead, the day the sun stood still. 

"God, if you did all those things, You are certainly capable of opening doors for me today and leading me to divine appointments with the right people, at the right time."

This phrase came to my mind, "He is able to do exceedingly, abundantly above all that we are able to ask or think according to the power that works within us."

Lunch on Main Street, Greenville

Well, I met Pastor Chris and our friend for lunch.  We shared our hopes and vision for future ministry opportunities in downtown Greenville.  Our friend said, "There's somebody you need to meet."  He picked up his phone and made a call then asked if we wanted to ride a few blocks to meet this guy.  Of course we did!

I won't go into the details here, but before the afternoon was over, we had met three different people who are investing blood, sweat, tears, and dollars in ministry to people in downtown Greenville.  Each one of these men were encouraging and offered their support as we take our next leap of faith.  Chris and I spent the entire afternoon downtown.  We now have four different buildings that are possible locations for Transformation House.  And that's just the beginning!

Our families went to RWOC for the evening service.  One of the first songs we sang was He's Able by Deitrick Haddon.  Then, Pastor Steven Ward got up and told us that we need to keep knocking until God opens the door but that we shouldn't expect Him to open a door if we aren't knocking. 

After worship, Pastor Ben Miller preached a GREAT word on dealing with frustrations.  I won't describe his message here because I believe every word was straight from God's heart to mine.  But, he ended by reading Ephesians 3:20 - you know, the verse that says God is "able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us."

At Transformation House, we are believing for great things.  While we're believing, we're working as if it depends on us, knocking and expecting the door to open, asking knowing He will answer, bleeding because it's a cause worth dying for, praying because we know it depends on God alone, giving because if it's worth having, someone else needs it too, and living like King's kids.

Wouldn't you like to be a Transformer too?

Cracking the Code

It was great to be able to hear from the Lead Team of Quest Community Church for the past few weeks.  This past Sunday we wrapped up the series, Cracking the Code.  Each week we were compelled to examine our relationship with Jesus in a fresh way.  Participating in this series was also a training exercise for us.  We learned to clearly communicate our faith in a way that opens the door for someone else to run to Jesus.  I especially appreciated Pete Hise's final message and the testimonies that accompanied it.  Stories can be powerful, and these certainly were.  Have you ever shared your story?  If not, I would encourage you to work toward doing that.  I would love to hear it.  Here's what I suggest: write it out, then edit it for clarity (Is there a main point that you want to express, and does it come across clearly?), then edit it for content (Did you include too much detail?), then edit it for length (Is it too long for someone to read quickly?), then edit it again just for good measure.  You're ready to share it with us now.

But, shorten it down again to a one-minute version, so that you can tell it quickly and concisely if you need to tell someone about Jesus in a limited amount of time.  Not having enough time should never be an excuse for allowing someone to stay in darkness.

Ready?  Let's hear it!

Created with Purpose Part 2

Tonight, we continued our IN THE BEGINNING series with part two of Created with Purpose.

For anyone trying to discover their purpose in life, here is some advice:

• Make a decision.  Don't wait for writing in the sky before taking a step into your destiny.  I believe God has already put in you everything you need to carry out your purpose.  What are you passionate about? Where are you gifted? What brings you joy?  When you find that answer, you will find your purpose.  God is not waiting for you to "find His will."  He is waiting for you to DO something.  Then, He will bless what you set your hand to do just because you belong to Him.
• Patiently wait for your work and passion to bear fruit.
• Don't waste time on things that don't matter or on things that God won't bless.
• Don't step into a role just because it's the only door open.
• Don't stop pursuing your passion.  Hebrews 12:1-3
• Give up control in areas that you can't control.  Proverbs 16:3
• Find God's will in His word.  2 Timothy 2:15
• Hang out with people smarter than you who have succeeded at what you want to do. 1 Corinthians 11:1

At Transformation House, we believe we should carry out Christ's commission as found in Matthew 28:16-20 and Luke 4:16-19.  The church in general, and Transformation House specifically, should find our purpose for existence in Isaiah 61:1-3:

• Anointed - set apart and given the ability and authority to perform the following tasks
• Preach good news - our message is Christ-centered, it is the message of our daily conversation
• Bind up brokenhearted - a place of refuge, arms and words of compassion
• Proclaim freedom for captives - to help those who deal with issues of life find freedom from their struggles
• Proclaim release from darkness for prisoners - to help people who have no hope of change find the way to a transformed life
• Proclaim God's favor and vengeance - point out the truth that grace is available now but judgment waits alternately
• Comfort mourners, provide for the grieving - put our money where our mouth is, don't just tell people that there is hope, give them hope; tangibly interact with those who have suffered loss
• Restore beauty for ashes, gladness for mourning, and praise instead of despair - be different from every other place.  No long faces and no sob stories.  We are all about beauty, excellence, grace, joy, contentment, praise, and encouragement.

Sounds like somewhere I want to be!  Join us.

The above picture is the interior of the building we are praying for.  The Board of Directors for the property is deciding this week if they will approve our proposal.  The room pictured would be the gallery when furnished with a coffee bar and casual seating.  This is the area we would like to have open each evening.  Thanks for praying for us this week.

THE DIFFERENCE IS THE CALL

     2 Corinthians 5:14-21 reads, "For Christ's love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again.
     So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting men's sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ's behalf: Be reconciled to God. God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God."

Here's my outline of this scripture:

We are compelled by love (v14):

• to be selfless (v15),
• to gain a new perspective (v16, 17),
• to speak with authority (v18), and
• to offer grace (v19)

so that our message has the greatest impact possible (v20, 21).

This call to ministry is for all who follow Christ. However, there is another kind of calling that is for those involved in specific, sometimes full-time or vocational, ministry.

Some colleagues and I are going through the book, Preventing Ministry Failure, by Wilson/Hoffmann.  There are a couple of things that they said that are encouraging as we venture into unknown territory.  First, I didn't choose this ministry, God chose me for this ministry!  Secondly, I have never been at peace pursuing any other venture.  From page 72, "The call into the ministry is the possession of a "knowing" initiated and sustained by God and validated by Scripture."

As we are praying for God to send people who will be joining us in ministry at Transformation House, we are each examining our own call to determine our fit.  After reading through Preventing Ministry Failure, I came up with a list of qualifications and disqualifications for ministry.  Check this out, and see if you agree.

Qualifications: talent, training, education, skills, experience, heritage, personality, passion, spiritual gifts, and an open door.

Disqualifications: struggle with sin, discouragement, previous removal from ministry, experiences, personality, and ego.

Before you get upset and stop reading, let me say that this list is written from a natural way of thinking. If these lists were correct, how would you measure up?  How would anyone ever get into ministry?  Would you just have to make sure that you had at least one more good trait than bad?  Listen up, God does not agree with this list.  There are people who have every qualification listed here who fall flat on their faces trying to "do" ministry.  There are people with all of the disqualifications listed who are impacting our world in a dynamic way.  What makes the difference?  THE DIFFERENCE IS THE CALL. 

When God called me to ministry He knew everything that would disqualify me, but He called me anyway.  To me the question isn't "Am I called?" but "Will I answer?"