This afternoon I had the opportunity to discuss "cause and effect" with my son as part of his school work. At first he was having problems understanding how to determine which was which as he was learning of the uses of "because" and "so". We went through his story and he was still struggling so I put it into terms that he could understand. We began to talk about Star Wars. We went through the life of Darth Vader from a slave boy to Sith Lord. We examined the the causes and the effects of the choices that were made by Anakin and by others that lead him down the road to the darkside.
Then I pointed out that every book, every movie and every life is a series of cause and effect. This got me thinking about the state of man.
(Cause) In the beginning man was created good.
(Effect) God walked with man daily in the Garden of Eden.
(Cause) Man in his free will chose to be disobedient to God.
(Effect) Sin and death entered into all man kind.
(Cause) Man continued to rebel against God.
(Effect) God enacted the first part of His plan of redemption by establishing a people of His own and giving them the law.
(Cause) The Law of God is given to man.
(Effect) Man's sin is reveled by the perfect law of God.
(Cause) God is Holy and Just and Perfect.
(Effect) Man is separated from God due to the sin in our life.
(Cause) Man is sinful.
(Effect) We deserve eternal damnation in hell.
(Cause) No one is good, not even one.
(Effect) God must be true to Himself and deal out justice.
(Cause) God is Loving and Merciful.
(Effect) God pays the price for man's sin by sending Jesus to be the atoning sacrifice.
(Cause) Jesus is righteous.
(Effect) He lives a life without sin.
(Cause) Jesus is crucified by sinful man.
(Effect) Jesus pays the penalty for sin (the wages of sin is death.)
(Cause) Jesus dies.
(Effect) Sin can no longer separate man from God.
(Cause) Salvation is a free gift from God.
(Effect) All mankind can find salvation through Jesus Christ.
(Cause) Each of us has free will to accept or reject salvation through Jesus Christ...
(Effect) ...The choice is yours...
I have often been asked how a loving God could send anyone to hell, but the truth is God isn't sending anyone - He has simply set two choices before each of us and gives us the freedom to choose.
Genesis 2:15-17 "The LORD God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it. And the LORD God commanded the man, “You are free to eat from any tree in the garden; but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat from it you will certainly die.”
Joshua 24:15, "But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD.”
Matthew 7:13-14, "“Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it."
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Monday, November 29, 2010
Perspective
I remember taking a trip with my Geology class where we were traveling through the Appalachia learning about various geological features. We were in a car caravan with CB radios listening as our professor gave lectures on the various "fingerprints of God" that encompass the world in which we live. I was driving along in my Jeep with Denford, a pastor from Zimbabwe who came to America to earn his degree before returning home. As we are driving down the road we began passing homes that were nothing more than rundown shacks. I remember this one home that was just in shambles, the windows where covered with Duct Tape and the car in the yard was covered with rust holes, and the yard was covered in thousands of various chunks of broken machinery. As we passed this house Dr. Bullard told us to look around so we could see the conditions in which the poorest people in America live.
This was a very somber moment, that was until Denford started to laugh. I was caught off guard, I looked over at him and asked what he found so funny. I will never forget his answer. "I find it funny that America's poorest people would be among the richest people in Zimbabwe." He continued, "Look at their home, they have a car, clean clothes, (as he pointed out the cloths hanging on the line) they have a t.v. antenna, and running water. In my country I live in one of the wealthiest families and in our family of 8 we have one car that will seat only 4 people. We must walk nearly everywhere and if we want to get there fast, we run."
That conversation taught me a valuable lesson on perspective. We get so caught up in ourselves, what we do or do not have. We get so caught up in our relative circumstances that we loss sight of the bigger picture.
As we enter into this Christmas season maybe it is time for a paradigm shift. Rather than being so concerned with all of the things we want or finding that perfect gift, our focus should be on the the Christ child who came into the world lowly, humble, meek, and mild born in a barn and swaddled in a blanket resting peacefully in a feeding trough (a manger).
Jesus entered this world poor to make us rich in Him. Our wealth is but garbage compared with the riches to come. May we remember those in need this season and provide for those who can't give back.
“Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’
“Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’
“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’
This was a very somber moment, that was until Denford started to laugh. I was caught off guard, I looked over at him and asked what he found so funny. I will never forget his answer. "I find it funny that America's poorest people would be among the richest people in Zimbabwe." He continued, "Look at their home, they have a car, clean clothes, (as he pointed out the cloths hanging on the line) they have a t.v. antenna, and running water. In my country I live in one of the wealthiest families and in our family of 8 we have one car that will seat only 4 people. We must walk nearly everywhere and if we want to get there fast, we run."
That conversation taught me a valuable lesson on perspective. We get so caught up in ourselves, what we do or do not have. We get so caught up in our relative circumstances that we loss sight of the bigger picture.
As we enter into this Christmas season maybe it is time for a paradigm shift. Rather than being so concerned with all of the things we want or finding that perfect gift, our focus should be on the the Christ child who came into the world lowly, humble, meek, and mild born in a barn and swaddled in a blanket resting peacefully in a feeding trough (a manger).
Jesus entered this world poor to make us rich in Him. Our wealth is but garbage compared with the riches to come. May we remember those in need this season and provide for those who can't give back.
“Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’
“Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’
“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’
Thursday, November 25, 2010
So the Turkey Lives
Interestingly enough there is a belief that every president since World War II has pardoned a turkey a few days before Thanksgiving every year. The fact is this tradition is far newer than this. According to snopes.com (http://www.snopes.com/holidays/thanksgiving/pardon.asp) this tradition can only be traced back to 1989 when then President George H.W. Bush officially pardoned the Turkey given to the White house. This tradition quickly became a yearly ritual that every President has maintained. Yesterday, President Obama followed suit sparing the life of two such birds with a pardon that will allow them to live out the rest of their days.
Now I write all of this because on this Thanksgiving day I see myself as a turkey. Due to my nature (a sinful man) I am destined to die. Like a turkey I am headed for a dark hot place where I will be cooked for all eternity and even though I don't deserve it, and I can not earn it, the King of kings and the Lord of lords has given me a full pardon.
The Bible is very clear that each and every one of us are guilty of sin and we deserve to spend eternity in hell. However, God loves us so much, that He sent His Son to die on our behalf that by His blood we could be declared free of our guilt and be granted a pardon for all eternity.
Let us be thankful today because we are the Turkeys that have received the pardon and as you sit down to eat with your family may the turkey on the table remind you that Jesus paid the price for you, and may you truly be thankful.
Happy Thanksgiving! God bless you!
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Time for a Change
In this song my nephew sings a song he wrote about a man with no hope left in life that he played for us one Sunday morning when I was preaching in Venango Woods Church in PA. To me this song tells about a desperation that is deep within all people. A desperation that is calling out for something that makes this life have value.
Since that Sunday morning I have listened to this song often and every time I think back on my life. I remember all the times that I felt so broken and desperate. I remember walking down so many roads; drugs, sex, violence, ect.. just desiring something to sooth the pain, something to make my life more livable.
The fact is each of of has within us a God shaped hole that we just can't fill with anything else. Our lives are so full of junk. We carry around so much pain, heartache, anger, resentment, and guilt that we can easily become bitter and guarded in every area of life. We put up a front, a perception of who we want people to believe that we are but deep down we wish people knew the real me.
During Jesus' earthly ministry, He warned the religious leaders of the day about wearing masks (the Greek word hypocrite simply means "one who wears a mask")Jesus was telling the people that the Kingdom of God is a place that we can be real. A place where we can deal with all that junk that we try to hide and carry on our own.
Listen to these words of Master Jesus as He speaks to your heart today, "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.” Matthew 11:28-30
The fact is Jesus doesn't want you to carry those burdens anymore but wants us to carry His yoke. A yoke in Jesus' time is a set of teachings that a rabbi teaches His disciples. It is the yoke that binds them together that allows them to carry the load of life.
Jesus was once asked what was the greatest commandment and He responded, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.' All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” Matthew 22:37-40
When we come into God's Kingdom our only burden is a burden of love for all people. All the garbage that life throws at us just isn't that important any more. Our life has value and purpose and as we pour ourselves into others we find that our own problems are lightened. Ephesians 4:2 says, "Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love."
Friends, God never intended us to go through this life alone. We are meant to live in community with one another. We are part of a "Kingdom". we are citizens of a heavenly kingdom that has a great way of living then this earthly kingdom we grew up in. It is time for us to get real, stop playing church and be the men, women, and children God created us to be. When we do we will find the healing and refreshing that our souls so long for.
Saturday, November 20, 2010
LifePoint Community Church: Church Planters Profile
Following you will find the profile that I sent out to many of our friends and loved ones about the church we are starting in Miamisburg. I would love to hear what you think. We are asking that you join us in prayer as we seek God's direction and provision.
Greetings in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,
I would like to introduce myself: My name is Bradley Herbst. I am married to my best friend, Jessica. We have been married for 14 years and have 4 children together: Julie 13, Ruthie 11, Elijah 8, and Ellie 5. God has placed it on our hearts to begin a new work in Miamisburg, Ohio called Life Point Community Church.
The vision to plant a church was placed on my heart 12 years ago when God first called me to ministry. Over the last 12 years, God has shaped and directed this vision as well as developed in us the skills necessary for the task. Depending upon the guidance of the Holy Spirit we have had the opportunities to be shaped and mentored by various godly men and women as God prepared us for such a time as this.
The Journey to Today:
My journey with God began as a young child. I grew up in a broken home and though my parents both loved me in their own way, I never felt love or acceptance. At an early age I was introduced and engulfed into the world of drugs, alcohol, pornography and sex.
When I was 17 my sister invited me to go to a small, country church with her. Spiritual things fascinated me, though I didn’t believe there was a god or gods of any kind, so I agreed to go.
In this church the pastor began to talk about the sin that was oppressing the area. He spoke in detail about a party that I had attended on Friday night. While he spoke something happened. Tears began to run down my face as I was confronted with the darkness that was my life. I accepted Jesus as my savior that day and followed the Lord in baptism by immersion.
I was very hungry to learn more about God and Jesus but something was wrong. I had many conversations about what I should dress like, how I needed to shave and cut my hair, and about all the things I needed to stop or start doing. A few months later I left the church.
I tried to lose myself in the pleasures of the flesh more than ever before. I hurt more and felt more shame then I could ever remember. I hated myself for being weak. I became bitter and violent.
Over the next few years my life began to change. It was during this period that Jesus pursued me to bring about His will in my life. A new church started in Clayton, Ohio called Northern Hills Christian Church. This is where God first began to really teach me His word. He sent Jessica into my world to save my life. He gave us our first child, Julie, to teach me about a Father’s love. Life became bearable, and even though I still got drunk or high from time to time, I had goals and plans and people who loved me. And even more, I had people that I loved more than myself.
While attending Northern Hills Christian Church I began to see the beauty of Christian love and fellowship. Jessica and I wanted to raise our children to have these moral values taught in the church. God began to deal with me about some of the sin issues in my life. At the same time a guy I worked with started talking to me about Jesus.
During our discussions I had shared with him the story of my salvation, more in hope that he would leave me alone then anything else. After listening, he asked me a question that changed my life: “What about your relationship with Jesus, what does that look like?”
Over the next few weeks we discussed in depth what it means to live in relationship with God through Jesus Christ. I started reading my Bible, and more importantly, I began to understand it. God began to radically change me. He removed addictions and forgiveness issues from my life. He started a mighty work of sanctification in me. It was these changes that brought my wife to Christ.
Soon after, I was at work when I felt God call to me. When I answered, He told me to prepare because I was going to preach and gave me the desire to start a new church. I went to my pastor and asked what I was to do and he began training me as a pastor. Though it hasn’t always been easy I have never turned from that calling.
For twelve years God has moved us through seasons of our life, leading us to different places to teach us the things we needed to know for ministry. God surrounded us with godly men and women to help develop and grow us. At each point in our walk God has continued shape that vision for planting a new church.
While at Northern Hills, God taught us the value of love and acceptance. He also allowed us to see the pain of a pastor falling into public sin. God showed us how priceless a great support and accountability network is. While here I trained for 2 years under a godly eldership and was ordained as a pastor.
From Northern Hills God lead us to First Christian Church in Cookeville, TN where we got to see the importance of a solid foundation in the scripture. We also got to see the danger of church focused ministry (keeping the church in its four walls.) While here I worked with the Pastor of Education to develop and teach a bible survey class that taught Genesis to Revelation in 12 weeks.
From there God lead us to the River Community Church in Cookeville, Tennessee. This church has a heart and passion for church planting, missions, and community outreach. God used the River as a catalyst to teach us the power of true faith and the benefit of a debt free church. While here God allowed us to help with some of the groundwork on a new church plant, as well as help out in their children’s church. It is also at the River that we first became associated with the Southern Baptist Convention.
From the River Community Church God called us to serve as an associate pastor at Venango Woods Church, a SBC church in Northwest Pennsylvania where we have been for nearly 4 years. We moved to Pennsylvania with no income, to a church that couldn’t pay us, and God displayed His faithfulness for all to see by providing all of our needs. After being at Venango Woods for one year, the Sr. Pastor left to plant a church in Florida. After much prayer I agreed to be Interim Pastor. It was during this time that God made it clear that I was not to apply for the Senior Pastor position of this church.
During my time as Interim Pastor God did many things to move the church into a healthier condition. Through the study of scripture, the church structure and by-laws were changed from a pastor led body (where the Sr. Pastor was like a CEO of a corporation) to an eldership led body (where the pastor and elders of the church serve united to lead the church.) God has also used us to deal with some sin issues within the leadership that were causing strife and division in the body. While here God allowed us to establish a children’s worship service and a mid-week prayer and study service. We have seen addictions broken, shattered lives restored, and lives changed through the message of Jesus Christ. While here God taught us to endure, to stand firm and not be shaken. We have learned to communicate vision and direction to help others move into a deeper commitment to Jesus Christ. God has taught us to love even when we are ready to quit.
Now He is calling us to step out once more, trusting in His promises, to start a new work in Miamisburg, Ohio called LifePoint Community Church.
The Vision For LifePoint Community Church:
LifePoint is a progressive church in a rapidly changing culture. We are determined to remain real and relevant without compromising the truth of God’s word. LifePoint will
be a multi-staffed, contemporary church geared toward those who don’t feel comfortable
in most churches. LifePoint will be service driven, creating on ramps of service to draw people into a deeper relationship with God through Jesus Christ. LifePoint will focus on kingdom growth and will be committed to Church Planting.
Purpose: LifePoint exists to Engage people with the truth of Jesus Christ, Embracing them as part of God’s family, Encouraging them to grow deeper in their faith, Equipping them for service, while Exalting God in a way that is real and relevant.
Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 12:28-31; John 4:24; 1 Corinthians 9:19-23
Mission:
To impact the world with the life-changing truth of Jesus Christ.
Values: P.U.L.S.E.
People Matter – Because people matter to God, they matter to us. Jesus came into a world full of darkness, pain and sin to reconcile people to God. He then sent us out as His ambassadors with the mission and purpose of reconciliation.
Luke 4:18-21; John 1:1-14, 3:16; 2 Corinthians 5:16-21
Unity of Believers – As a new creation through Christ Jesus we are called to demonstrate our love for one another in a spirit of unity. Jesus entered the world to breakdown the walls of division in our lives and teach us how to love others with an active love.
John 13:34-35; Romans 12:3-8; 1 Corinthians 12:12-31; 2 Corinthians 5:17;
1 John 4:7-12
Living in Community – The world is full of people making their way through this life alone but God said it is not good for man to be alone. Jesus came to bring us into God’s family. As God’s children we are to live in relationship with God and our fellow man. We are a community of believers living together to encourage and strengthen each other in this life.
Genesis 2:18; Acts 2:42-47, 4:32-35
Service Driven – Jesus did not come into the world to be served but to serve others. He set an example for us to follow. Jesus washed the feet of His disciples and ultimately laid His life down for others. He taught that the greatest in the kingdom of God would be the servant of all.
Matthew 20:25-28; John 13:1-16; Philippians 2:1-11
Engaging The Culture – Jesus constantly took the everyday things of life and used them to teach the deep truths of God and His kingdom. He met people where they where not expecting them to become something else to meet with Him.
Matthew 4:18-19; 1 Corinthians 9:19-23; see the parables of Jesus
Our Beliefs:
About God:
He is God and Ruler of the universe. He has eternally existed in three personalities: the Father, the Son (Jesus Christ) and the Holy Spirit. These three are equal and are one God.
Genesis 1:1, 26-27; Psalm 90:2; Matthew 28:19; John 1:1-5; 2 Corinthians 13:14;
1 Peter 1:2
About Jesus Christ:
Jesus Christ is the Son of God. He is equal with the Father. Jesus lived a sinless human life and offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice for the sins of all people by dieing on the cross. He rose from the dead on the third day to demonstrate His power over sin and death. He ascended to Heaven’s glory and will return again someday to reign as King of kings and Lord of lords.
Isaiah 9:6; Matthew 1:22-23; John 1:1-5, 14:10-30; Acts 1:9-11; Romans 1:3-4;
1 Corinthians 15:3, 4; 1 Timothy 6:14-15; Titus 2:13; Hebrews 4:14-15
About the Holy Spirit:
The Holy Spirit is equal with the Father and the Son of God, Jesus Christ. He is present in the world to make men aware of their need for Jesus. He also lives in every Christian from the moment of salvation and provides Christians with power for living, understanding of spiritual truth, and guidance in doing what is right. He gives every believer a spiritual gift or gifts when they are saved. As Christians we must seek to live under His control daily.
John 16:7-13, 14:16-17; Acts 1:8; 1 Corinthians 2:12, 3:16; 2 Corinthians 3:17;
Galatians 5:25; Ephesians 1:13, 5:18
About the Bible:
The Bible is a love letter from God to man. Human authors, under the supernatural guidance of the Holy Spirit, wrote it. It is the supreme source of truth for Christian belief and living. God inspired it; therefore it is truth without any mixture of error from Genesis to Revelation.
Psalm 12:6, 119:105, 160; Proverbs 30:5; 2 Timothy 1:13, 3:16; 2 Peter 1:20-21
About Human Beings:
People are made in the spiritual image of God, to be like Him in character. People are the supreme object of God’s creation. Although every person has tremendous potential for good, all of us are marred by an attitude of disobedience toward God called “sin”. This attitude separates us from God and causes many problems in life.
Genesis 1:27; Psalm 8:3-6; Isaiah 53:6a; Romans 3:23
About Salvation:
Salvation is God’s free gift to us but we must accept it. We can never make up for our sin by self-improvement or good works. Only by trusting in the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ can anyone be saved from the penalty of sin. The penalty of sin is death, which is eternal separation from God. Eternal life begins the moment that one receives Jesus Christ into their life through faith.
John 1:12, 14:6; Romans 6:23; Ephesians 2:8-9; Titus 3:5
About Eternity:
People were created to exist forever. We will either exist eternally separated from God by sin, or with God through forgiveness and salvation. To be eternally separated from God is Hell. To be eternally in union with God is Heaven. Heaven and Hell are real places of eternal existence.
John 3:16, 14:17; Romans 6:23, 8:17-18
Our Goals:
LifePoint will seek areas of need in Miamisburg and the greater Dayton area with a seriousness to meet these needs and bring people the hope that can be found through Jesus Christ.
1 Peter 4:10-11; Acts 20:35; Galatians 5:13-14; Mark 9:35
LifePoint will develop community by multiplying LifeGroups throughout the community. These LifeGroups shall meet in people’s homes and in places of business to foster relationships that lead to service in the lives of one another.
Acts 2:42-47; Romans 12:3-13; Hebrews 10:24-25
LifePoint will remain mission focused in all we do. At LifePoint every member is a minister of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. LifePoint will continually focus on discipleship and leadership development to equip people for the service God has called them into.
Acts 1:8; Ephesians 3:7; 2 Timothy 1:6-8; Romans 10:14; 1 Peter 2:9; James 5:16
LifePoint will be a launch point for new ministries: locally, nationally and throughout the world. LifePoint will multiply by starting other churches. LifePoint will seek to help launch a new church within the first 3 years followed by a new church every other year for the next 10 years. After that LifePoint shall seek to help start a new work once a year.
2 Corinthians 9:6; Matthew 28:19-20; Mark 16:15; Acts 13:2
LifePoint will engage in ministry along side other bodies of believers desiring to make a greater impact for the kingdom of God. LifePoint will not allow denominational difference to hinder the forceful advancement of God’s kingdom.
John 13:34-35; 1 John 4:7; 1 Peter 4:8; 1 John 4:20; Hebrews 10:24
LifePoint will constantly seek new and fresh ways to deliver the timeless truths of God’s word without compromising the integrity of that word.
1 Corinthians 9:19-23; 2 Timothy 2:15; Matthew 9:11-13
LifePoint will continue to grow as we daily take the hope of Jesus to a lost and dieing world.
Acts 2:47; 1 Peter 1:13-19; Ephesians 4:11-12; Matthew 16:18
LifePoint will be 100% debt free. LifePoint will be financially responsible not living beyond it’s means.
Romans 13:8; Proverbs 22:7; Luke 14:28; Luke 16:11
Greetings in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,
I would like to introduce myself: My name is Bradley Herbst. I am married to my best friend, Jessica. We have been married for 14 years and have 4 children together: Julie 13, Ruthie 11, Elijah 8, and Ellie 5. God has placed it on our hearts to begin a new work in Miamisburg, Ohio called Life Point Community Church.
The vision to plant a church was placed on my heart 12 years ago when God first called me to ministry. Over the last 12 years, God has shaped and directed this vision as well as developed in us the skills necessary for the task. Depending upon the guidance of the Holy Spirit we have had the opportunities to be shaped and mentored by various godly men and women as God prepared us for such a time as this.
The Journey to Today:
My journey with God began as a young child. I grew up in a broken home and though my parents both loved me in their own way, I never felt love or acceptance. At an early age I was introduced and engulfed into the world of drugs, alcohol, pornography and sex.
When I was 17 my sister invited me to go to a small, country church with her. Spiritual things fascinated me, though I didn’t believe there was a god or gods of any kind, so I agreed to go.
In this church the pastor began to talk about the sin that was oppressing the area. He spoke in detail about a party that I had attended on Friday night. While he spoke something happened. Tears began to run down my face as I was confronted with the darkness that was my life. I accepted Jesus as my savior that day and followed the Lord in baptism by immersion.
I was very hungry to learn more about God and Jesus but something was wrong. I had many conversations about what I should dress like, how I needed to shave and cut my hair, and about all the things I needed to stop or start doing. A few months later I left the church.
I tried to lose myself in the pleasures of the flesh more than ever before. I hurt more and felt more shame then I could ever remember. I hated myself for being weak. I became bitter and violent.
Over the next few years my life began to change. It was during this period that Jesus pursued me to bring about His will in my life. A new church started in Clayton, Ohio called Northern Hills Christian Church. This is where God first began to really teach me His word. He sent Jessica into my world to save my life. He gave us our first child, Julie, to teach me about a Father’s love. Life became bearable, and even though I still got drunk or high from time to time, I had goals and plans and people who loved me. And even more, I had people that I loved more than myself.
While attending Northern Hills Christian Church I began to see the beauty of Christian love and fellowship. Jessica and I wanted to raise our children to have these moral values taught in the church. God began to deal with me about some of the sin issues in my life. At the same time a guy I worked with started talking to me about Jesus.
During our discussions I had shared with him the story of my salvation, more in hope that he would leave me alone then anything else. After listening, he asked me a question that changed my life: “What about your relationship with Jesus, what does that look like?”
Over the next few weeks we discussed in depth what it means to live in relationship with God through Jesus Christ. I started reading my Bible, and more importantly, I began to understand it. God began to radically change me. He removed addictions and forgiveness issues from my life. He started a mighty work of sanctification in me. It was these changes that brought my wife to Christ.
Soon after, I was at work when I felt God call to me. When I answered, He told me to prepare because I was going to preach and gave me the desire to start a new church. I went to my pastor and asked what I was to do and he began training me as a pastor. Though it hasn’t always been easy I have never turned from that calling.
For twelve years God has moved us through seasons of our life, leading us to different places to teach us the things we needed to know for ministry. God surrounded us with godly men and women to help develop and grow us. At each point in our walk God has continued shape that vision for planting a new church.
While at Northern Hills, God taught us the value of love and acceptance. He also allowed us to see the pain of a pastor falling into public sin. God showed us how priceless a great support and accountability network is. While here I trained for 2 years under a godly eldership and was ordained as a pastor.
From Northern Hills God lead us to First Christian Church in Cookeville, TN where we got to see the importance of a solid foundation in the scripture. We also got to see the danger of church focused ministry (keeping the church in its four walls.) While here I worked with the Pastor of Education to develop and teach a bible survey class that taught Genesis to Revelation in 12 weeks.
From there God lead us to the River Community Church in Cookeville, Tennessee. This church has a heart and passion for church planting, missions, and community outreach. God used the River as a catalyst to teach us the power of true faith and the benefit of a debt free church. While here God allowed us to help with some of the groundwork on a new church plant, as well as help out in their children’s church. It is also at the River that we first became associated with the Southern Baptist Convention.
From the River Community Church God called us to serve as an associate pastor at Venango Woods Church, a SBC church in Northwest Pennsylvania where we have been for nearly 4 years. We moved to Pennsylvania with no income, to a church that couldn’t pay us, and God displayed His faithfulness for all to see by providing all of our needs. After being at Venango Woods for one year, the Sr. Pastor left to plant a church in Florida. After much prayer I agreed to be Interim Pastor. It was during this time that God made it clear that I was not to apply for the Senior Pastor position of this church.
During my time as Interim Pastor God did many things to move the church into a healthier condition. Through the study of scripture, the church structure and by-laws were changed from a pastor led body (where the Sr. Pastor was like a CEO of a corporation) to an eldership led body (where the pastor and elders of the church serve united to lead the church.) God has also used us to deal with some sin issues within the leadership that were causing strife and division in the body. While here God allowed us to establish a children’s worship service and a mid-week prayer and study service. We have seen addictions broken, shattered lives restored, and lives changed through the message of Jesus Christ. While here God taught us to endure, to stand firm and not be shaken. We have learned to communicate vision and direction to help others move into a deeper commitment to Jesus Christ. God has taught us to love even when we are ready to quit.
Now He is calling us to step out once more, trusting in His promises, to start a new work in Miamisburg, Ohio called LifePoint Community Church.
The Vision For LifePoint Community Church:
LifePoint is a progressive church in a rapidly changing culture. We are determined to remain real and relevant without compromising the truth of God’s word. LifePoint will
be a multi-staffed, contemporary church geared toward those who don’t feel comfortable
in most churches. LifePoint will be service driven, creating on ramps of service to draw people into a deeper relationship with God through Jesus Christ. LifePoint will focus on kingdom growth and will be committed to Church Planting.
Purpose: LifePoint exists to Engage people with the truth of Jesus Christ, Embracing them as part of God’s family, Encouraging them to grow deeper in their faith, Equipping them for service, while Exalting God in a way that is real and relevant.
Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 12:28-31; John 4:24; 1 Corinthians 9:19-23
Mission:
To impact the world with the life-changing truth of Jesus Christ.
Values: P.U.L.S.E.
People Matter – Because people matter to God, they matter to us. Jesus came into a world full of darkness, pain and sin to reconcile people to God. He then sent us out as His ambassadors with the mission and purpose of reconciliation.
Luke 4:18-21; John 1:1-14, 3:16; 2 Corinthians 5:16-21
Unity of Believers – As a new creation through Christ Jesus we are called to demonstrate our love for one another in a spirit of unity. Jesus entered the world to breakdown the walls of division in our lives and teach us how to love others with an active love.
John 13:34-35; Romans 12:3-8; 1 Corinthians 12:12-31; 2 Corinthians 5:17;
1 John 4:7-12
Living in Community – The world is full of people making their way through this life alone but God said it is not good for man to be alone. Jesus came to bring us into God’s family. As God’s children we are to live in relationship with God and our fellow man. We are a community of believers living together to encourage and strengthen each other in this life.
Genesis 2:18; Acts 2:42-47, 4:32-35
Service Driven – Jesus did not come into the world to be served but to serve others. He set an example for us to follow. Jesus washed the feet of His disciples and ultimately laid His life down for others. He taught that the greatest in the kingdom of God would be the servant of all.
Matthew 20:25-28; John 13:1-16; Philippians 2:1-11
Engaging The Culture – Jesus constantly took the everyday things of life and used them to teach the deep truths of God and His kingdom. He met people where they where not expecting them to become something else to meet with Him.
Matthew 4:18-19; 1 Corinthians 9:19-23; see the parables of Jesus
Our Beliefs:
About God:
He is God and Ruler of the universe. He has eternally existed in three personalities: the Father, the Son (Jesus Christ) and the Holy Spirit. These three are equal and are one God.
Genesis 1:1, 26-27; Psalm 90:2; Matthew 28:19; John 1:1-5; 2 Corinthians 13:14;
1 Peter 1:2
About Jesus Christ:
Jesus Christ is the Son of God. He is equal with the Father. Jesus lived a sinless human life and offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice for the sins of all people by dieing on the cross. He rose from the dead on the third day to demonstrate His power over sin and death. He ascended to Heaven’s glory and will return again someday to reign as King of kings and Lord of lords.
Isaiah 9:6; Matthew 1:22-23; John 1:1-5, 14:10-30; Acts 1:9-11; Romans 1:3-4;
1 Corinthians 15:3, 4; 1 Timothy 6:14-15; Titus 2:13; Hebrews 4:14-15
About the Holy Spirit:
The Holy Spirit is equal with the Father and the Son of God, Jesus Christ. He is present in the world to make men aware of their need for Jesus. He also lives in every Christian from the moment of salvation and provides Christians with power for living, understanding of spiritual truth, and guidance in doing what is right. He gives every believer a spiritual gift or gifts when they are saved. As Christians we must seek to live under His control daily.
John 16:7-13, 14:16-17; Acts 1:8; 1 Corinthians 2:12, 3:16; 2 Corinthians 3:17;
Galatians 5:25; Ephesians 1:13, 5:18
About the Bible:
The Bible is a love letter from God to man. Human authors, under the supernatural guidance of the Holy Spirit, wrote it. It is the supreme source of truth for Christian belief and living. God inspired it; therefore it is truth without any mixture of error from Genesis to Revelation.
Psalm 12:6, 119:105, 160; Proverbs 30:5; 2 Timothy 1:13, 3:16; 2 Peter 1:20-21
About Human Beings:
People are made in the spiritual image of God, to be like Him in character. People are the supreme object of God’s creation. Although every person has tremendous potential for good, all of us are marred by an attitude of disobedience toward God called “sin”. This attitude separates us from God and causes many problems in life.
Genesis 1:27; Psalm 8:3-6; Isaiah 53:6a; Romans 3:23
About Salvation:
Salvation is God’s free gift to us but we must accept it. We can never make up for our sin by self-improvement or good works. Only by trusting in the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ can anyone be saved from the penalty of sin. The penalty of sin is death, which is eternal separation from God. Eternal life begins the moment that one receives Jesus Christ into their life through faith.
John 1:12, 14:6; Romans 6:23; Ephesians 2:8-9; Titus 3:5
About Eternity:
People were created to exist forever. We will either exist eternally separated from God by sin, or with God through forgiveness and salvation. To be eternally separated from God is Hell. To be eternally in union with God is Heaven. Heaven and Hell are real places of eternal existence.
John 3:16, 14:17; Romans 6:23, 8:17-18
Our Goals:
LifePoint will seek areas of need in Miamisburg and the greater Dayton area with a seriousness to meet these needs and bring people the hope that can be found through Jesus Christ.
1 Peter 4:10-11; Acts 20:35; Galatians 5:13-14; Mark 9:35
LifePoint will develop community by multiplying LifeGroups throughout the community. These LifeGroups shall meet in people’s homes and in places of business to foster relationships that lead to service in the lives of one another.
Acts 2:42-47; Romans 12:3-13; Hebrews 10:24-25
LifePoint will remain mission focused in all we do. At LifePoint every member is a minister of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. LifePoint will continually focus on discipleship and leadership development to equip people for the service God has called them into.
Acts 1:8; Ephesians 3:7; 2 Timothy 1:6-8; Romans 10:14; 1 Peter 2:9; James 5:16
LifePoint will be a launch point for new ministries: locally, nationally and throughout the world. LifePoint will multiply by starting other churches. LifePoint will seek to help launch a new church within the first 3 years followed by a new church every other year for the next 10 years. After that LifePoint shall seek to help start a new work once a year.
2 Corinthians 9:6; Matthew 28:19-20; Mark 16:15; Acts 13:2
LifePoint will engage in ministry along side other bodies of believers desiring to make a greater impact for the kingdom of God. LifePoint will not allow denominational difference to hinder the forceful advancement of God’s kingdom.
John 13:34-35; 1 John 4:7; 1 Peter 4:8; 1 John 4:20; Hebrews 10:24
LifePoint will constantly seek new and fresh ways to deliver the timeless truths of God’s word without compromising the integrity of that word.
1 Corinthians 9:19-23; 2 Timothy 2:15; Matthew 9:11-13
LifePoint will continue to grow as we daily take the hope of Jesus to a lost and dieing world.
Acts 2:47; 1 Peter 1:13-19; Ephesians 4:11-12; Matthew 16:18
LifePoint will be 100% debt free. LifePoint will be financially responsible not living beyond it’s means.
Romans 13:8; Proverbs 22:7; Luke 14:28; Luke 16:11
Thursday, November 18, 2010
The Good News: The Holy Place
I am often amazed how often we get the best news at the least expected times and often at moments that we don't think anything will cheer us up. I remember early in our marriage when Jess an I were struggling with finances and I was getting ready to start collage and we were living on love because there wasn't anything in the bank. I was talking to Jess about how important I thought it was for us to come up with money to get a computer so I could do my course work at home and she was more concerned about how we were going to pay for the apartment we lived in. Priorities!
I remember many times feeling like a failure as a husband, as a father and as a man because I couldn't provide for all our needs. I must admit I was frustrated and overwhelmed. I was 20 and Jess was 18 and I was absolutely clueless. It was at that time that I got a phone call from my dad. He told me to get a pen and paper and write down a # so I did. Then I asked him what it was about. His response was brief, "This lady has some money for you from where I hurt my back when you were a kid." then he got off the phone. Well of course I called her and she worked for Social Security and indeed she had money for me. Almost $10,000 worth. This money allowed us to get a computer and was enough to help us supplement our income as I started my time in school.
The reason I share this is because when we look at Mark 15 and we read about the events that lead up to the death of Jesus and the event of the crucifixion we are confronted with the total depravity of man. Jesus was mocked, beaten, spit upon, flogged and nailed to a cross. The flogging was done by a scourge that would have had pieces of metal and bone in the leather thongs that would have dug into Jesus' flesh and ripped of strips of skin. The art of crucifixion (yes, to the Romans this was an art) is still to this day considered the most painful and brutal form of execution. A person who was crucified was stretched out in a manor that made it very difficult to breath. So if they wanted to breath they had to push themselves up on the nails that were driven through there feet until the pain was so intense that they would drop their weight onto the nails in their hands which was bad enough but the moment that they did that the could no longer breath. In a few moments their body would start fighting for air and push themselves up again. (And don't forget that with every movement they are scraping their raw and bleeding back across a rough wooden surface.) This would continue until either the person suffocated to death or the guards broke the legs of the person forcing them to suffocate.
It is at this moment when Jesus when Jesus breathed His last breath that we find one of the single greatest moments in all the history of man. The curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom.
The Good News:
To many people reading about this curtain, the image that first comes to mind is an image of intense morning - as well it should, but we can not miss the importance of this moment. We must understand the importance of this curtain. It was this curtain that was the entrance to the Holy of Hollies, the most sacred place. A place that only the High Priest could enter and then only once per year after being made ceremonially clean.
When this curtain was ripped in two from top to bottom God was announcing that there is no longer a barrier between man and God. By the death of Jesus all man kind is now able to walk boldly into the presence of the Almighty. The old system has been done away with a new covenant has come.
May you always remember that Jesus made a way for all men to be reconciled with the creator of all things. That by His death we to may die to our sinful nature and through His resurrection we are raised into a new life as a child of God.
John 1:9-13 says, "The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world. He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God."
I remember many times feeling like a failure as a husband, as a father and as a man because I couldn't provide for all our needs. I must admit I was frustrated and overwhelmed. I was 20 and Jess was 18 and I was absolutely clueless. It was at that time that I got a phone call from my dad. He told me to get a pen and paper and write down a # so I did. Then I asked him what it was about. His response was brief, "This lady has some money for you from where I hurt my back when you were a kid." then he got off the phone. Well of course I called her and she worked for Social Security and indeed she had money for me. Almost $10,000 worth. This money allowed us to get a computer and was enough to help us supplement our income as I started my time in school.
The reason I share this is because when we look at Mark 15 and we read about the events that lead up to the death of Jesus and the event of the crucifixion we are confronted with the total depravity of man. Jesus was mocked, beaten, spit upon, flogged and nailed to a cross. The flogging was done by a scourge that would have had pieces of metal and bone in the leather thongs that would have dug into Jesus' flesh and ripped of strips of skin. The art of crucifixion (yes, to the Romans this was an art) is still to this day considered the most painful and brutal form of execution. A person who was crucified was stretched out in a manor that made it very difficult to breath. So if they wanted to breath they had to push themselves up on the nails that were driven through there feet until the pain was so intense that they would drop their weight onto the nails in their hands which was bad enough but the moment that they did that the could no longer breath. In a few moments their body would start fighting for air and push themselves up again. (And don't forget that with every movement they are scraping their raw and bleeding back across a rough wooden surface.) This would continue until either the person suffocated to death or the guards broke the legs of the person forcing them to suffocate.
It is at this moment when Jesus when Jesus breathed His last breath that we find one of the single greatest moments in all the history of man. The curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom.
The Good News:
To many people reading about this curtain, the image that first comes to mind is an image of intense morning - as well it should, but we can not miss the importance of this moment. We must understand the importance of this curtain. It was this curtain that was the entrance to the Holy of Hollies, the most sacred place. A place that only the High Priest could enter and then only once per year after being made ceremonially clean.
When this curtain was ripped in two from top to bottom God was announcing that there is no longer a barrier between man and God. By the death of Jesus all man kind is now able to walk boldly into the presence of the Almighty. The old system has been done away with a new covenant has come.
May you always remember that Jesus made a way for all men to be reconciled with the creator of all things. That by His death we to may die to our sinful nature and through His resurrection we are raised into a new life as a child of God.
John 1:9-13 says, "The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world. He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God."
Sunday, November 14, 2010
The Good News: Three Strikes
As I began blogging about "The Good News" while studying the book of Mark, I had intended to complete this study at the end of October. The most amazing thing about this study is that we can find the Good News of God's kingdom in every passage as Jesus exposes the depth and glory of the kingdom of God. I know that we could spend a lot more time exploring the depths of this book. However, God is leading me towards writing about other topics as well. My goal is to finish up this study in my next couple of posts, knowing I will never be able to examine the height or depth of the Good News we have through Jesus Christ.
Today I want to jump ahead to a passage in Mark 14.
Here we find Jesus talking to His disciples. Jesus knows that the time of His death is near and He wants these guys to be ready to take the Good News to the world. Jesus also knows their hearts, their fears, and their weakness. With all this knowledge, Jesus wants His disciples to know that He loves them, despite all of these things, so He warns them.
"You will all fall away,” Jesus told them, “for it is written: ‘I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered'" Vs. 27
The Jesus goes on to tell them, "But after I have risen, I will go ahead of you into Galilee." vs. 28
Jesus wants them to know that even though these men will reject Him during His darkest moments that He will not forsake them. Yes, Jesus knows He is about to die, but He also knows that the grave can't hold him. So he tells them what is about to happen and of course they don't want to believe Him. Would you?
The great thing about this event in the life of Jesus and His disciples is the very fact that the God-man looks at a mans heart and not his outward appearance. Because Peter and the others were confident in who they wanted to be but they weren't there yet. Listen to Peter's response, “Even if all fall away, I will not.” vs 29 How often do we each get caught up in our own self righteous perceptions. We begin to see ourselves as more faithful, more holy, more righteous, more steadfast, more determined, and on and on. But the fact remains, none of us even know the depths of our own hearts.
Jesus goes then addresses Peter directly, “Truly I tell you,” Jesus answered, “today—yes, tonight—before the rooster crows twice you yourself will disown me three times.”
But you have to love Peter. He is so confident in his own resolve. "Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you.” vs 31a of course Peter isn't the only one because the rest of the verse says, "And all the others said the same."
Then we read about the events that transpire in the garden of Gethsemane and it looks like Peter is determined to prove Jesus wrong. When they come to arrest Jesus, Peter draws his sword and goes on the attack. (It is funny that Jesus teaches Peter that the way of the sword is not the way of the kingdom of God, but that is a study for another time.)
And the disciples fled. Though Peter followed at a distance. and then it happened. As Peter stood by the fire warming his hands, a servant girl saw Peter and made the dreaded statement, “You also were with that Nazarene, Jesus,” vs. 67 and Peter denies it saying that he doesn't know what she is talking about. (Strike 1)
Now if we are going to be fair, Peter was surrounded by a hostile crowd. This was an illegal trial being held by people who wanted Jesus dead. (Often we deny Jesus by our actions when the crowd isn't hostile.) We become fearful of what someone might say or think about us - where Peter was afraid for his life.
Of course Peter goes on to deny knowing Jesus two more times - once to another servant girl (Strike 2) and once to one of the guys with him at the fire. (Strike 3) Peter is then consumed with the guilt of His failure as Jesus' words resounded in his heart. Three strikes and your Out!
The Good News:
If Peter's story ended there it would truly be tragic. We can see the completion of this story as it plays out in John 21:15-19. Here we find a resurrected Jesus confronting Peter once again.
When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?”
“Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.”
Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.”
Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”
He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.”
Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.”
The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”
Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.”
Jesus said, “Feed my sheep. Very truly I tell you, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.” Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. Then he said to him, “Follow me!”
The truth is, everyone of us has denied Jesus. Whether by thought or deed, both in our words and in our silence, we are all guilty, and despite our guilt Jesus has come back to us time and time again and asked, "Do you love ME?"
May you trust Jesus to take away your guilt. He already paid the price for it and it is no longer yours to carry. May you be ever drawn toward Jesus knowing that there is nothing you can do to make Him love you anymore or any less than He already does. And May you acknowledge Him in all your ways!
Today I want to jump ahead to a passage in Mark 14.
Here we find Jesus talking to His disciples. Jesus knows that the time of His death is near and He wants these guys to be ready to take the Good News to the world. Jesus also knows their hearts, their fears, and their weakness. With all this knowledge, Jesus wants His disciples to know that He loves them, despite all of these things, so He warns them.
"You will all fall away,” Jesus told them, “for it is written: ‘I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered'" Vs. 27
The Jesus goes on to tell them, "But after I have risen, I will go ahead of you into Galilee." vs. 28
Jesus wants them to know that even though these men will reject Him during His darkest moments that He will not forsake them. Yes, Jesus knows He is about to die, but He also knows that the grave can't hold him. So he tells them what is about to happen and of course they don't want to believe Him. Would you?
The great thing about this event in the life of Jesus and His disciples is the very fact that the God-man looks at a mans heart and not his outward appearance. Because Peter and the others were confident in who they wanted to be but they weren't there yet. Listen to Peter's response, “Even if all fall away, I will not.” vs 29 How often do we each get caught up in our own self righteous perceptions. We begin to see ourselves as more faithful, more holy, more righteous, more steadfast, more determined, and on and on. But the fact remains, none of us even know the depths of our own hearts.
Jesus goes then addresses Peter directly, “Truly I tell you,” Jesus answered, “today—yes, tonight—before the rooster crows twice you yourself will disown me three times.”
But you have to love Peter. He is so confident in his own resolve. "Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you.” vs 31a of course Peter isn't the only one because the rest of the verse says, "And all the others said the same."
Then we read about the events that transpire in the garden of Gethsemane and it looks like Peter is determined to prove Jesus wrong. When they come to arrest Jesus, Peter draws his sword and goes on the attack. (It is funny that Jesus teaches Peter that the way of the sword is not the way of the kingdom of God, but that is a study for another time.)
And the disciples fled. Though Peter followed at a distance. and then it happened. As Peter stood by the fire warming his hands, a servant girl saw Peter and made the dreaded statement, “You also were with that Nazarene, Jesus,” vs. 67 and Peter denies it saying that he doesn't know what she is talking about. (Strike 1)
Now if we are going to be fair, Peter was surrounded by a hostile crowd. This was an illegal trial being held by people who wanted Jesus dead. (Often we deny Jesus by our actions when the crowd isn't hostile.) We become fearful of what someone might say or think about us - where Peter was afraid for his life.
Of course Peter goes on to deny knowing Jesus two more times - once to another servant girl (Strike 2) and once to one of the guys with him at the fire. (Strike 3) Peter is then consumed with the guilt of His failure as Jesus' words resounded in his heart. Three strikes and your Out!
The Good News:
If Peter's story ended there it would truly be tragic. We can see the completion of this story as it plays out in John 21:15-19. Here we find a resurrected Jesus confronting Peter once again.
When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?”
“Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.”
Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.”
Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”
He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.”
Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.”
The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”
Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.”
Jesus said, “Feed my sheep. Very truly I tell you, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.” Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. Then he said to him, “Follow me!”
The truth is, everyone of us has denied Jesus. Whether by thought or deed, both in our words and in our silence, we are all guilty, and despite our guilt Jesus has come back to us time and time again and asked, "Do you love ME?"
May you trust Jesus to take away your guilt. He already paid the price for it and it is no longer yours to carry. May you be ever drawn toward Jesus knowing that there is nothing you can do to make Him love you anymore or any less than He already does. And May you acknowledge Him in all your ways!
Thursday, November 11, 2010
The Good News: Mark Part 15
Like most people my life can be much like a roller coaster. I can be at the top of a hill on moment and plummeting at neck braking speeds down a hill the next, followed by an endless series of twists, turns, loops, and corkscrews that can leave us dizzy and disoriented. This is life.
As we continue our study of the Good News in the book of Mark, I want to draw your attention to Mark 9:2-13. This event in the life of Jesus is commonly known as the transfiguration, but to me there is a beautiful message in this event that we pastors often overlook.
This event transpires like this: Jesus takes His inner circle of disciples (Peter, James and John) up a mountain with Him. While up on this mountain Jesus reveals His glory by being transfigured. Then while they are watching, two of the great OT saints (Moses and Elijah) show up to talk with Jesus. I can't imagine what it would have been like at that moment, but the disciples are obviously overwhelmed and caught up in the moment. This is the moment of a life time.
At this moment Peter, caught up in the excitement of the moment says to Jesus, “Rabbi, it is good for us to be here. Let us put up three shelters—one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.” (vs. 6 tells us, "(He did not know what to say, they were so frightened.)"
Now lets step back for a second and examine what just happened.
The Son of Man has just exposed His glory as the one and only Son of God and great saints of old show up and Peter is ready to worship all three of them. Yes that is what it means by let us put up three shelters. This word for shelter is the word "Tabernacle" which is the tent that the Hebrew people used to worship God before the Temple was built.
We must understand that in Jewish faith there where no figures greater that Moses and Elijah. This type of worship is very common among people today. (If you don't believe me look at what happened when little girls found out Justin Bieber shared that he had a girl friend)
As if this moment isn't amazing enough. As soon as Peter says that they can build three shelters a cloud covers the whole area and God the Father speaks, “This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to him!”
The Bible then tells us that when they looked around they saw no one but Jesus!
The Good News:
Many times, like Peter, we get so caught up with the events going on around us that we lose sight of what is important. When we do we begin to divide our focus and we don't focus on what is truly important. As I read this passage I am filled with a since of peace by seeing God's gentle and loving rebuke to His disciples. He doesn't scold them or strike them down when they lose focus. He simple states, "This is My Son, whom I love. Listen to Him."
Focus! Look to Jesus alone! There is no one else!
May you remain focused on Jesus no matter what is going on around you. Whether you are sitting on the mountain top or walking in the Valley of the Shadow of Death may your eyes remain on the one and only Son of God who can and will see you through. May we always pay attention to the gentle rebuke to "Listen to Him!"
As we continue our study of the Good News in the book of Mark, I want to draw your attention to Mark 9:2-13. This event in the life of Jesus is commonly known as the transfiguration, but to me there is a beautiful message in this event that we pastors often overlook.
This event transpires like this: Jesus takes His inner circle of disciples (Peter, James and John) up a mountain with Him. While up on this mountain Jesus reveals His glory by being transfigured. Then while they are watching, two of the great OT saints (Moses and Elijah) show up to talk with Jesus. I can't imagine what it would have been like at that moment, but the disciples are obviously overwhelmed and caught up in the moment. This is the moment of a life time.
At this moment Peter, caught up in the excitement of the moment says to Jesus, “Rabbi, it is good for us to be here. Let us put up three shelters—one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.” (vs. 6 tells us, "(He did not know what to say, they were so frightened.)"
Now lets step back for a second and examine what just happened.
The Son of Man has just exposed His glory as the one and only Son of God and great saints of old show up and Peter is ready to worship all three of them. Yes that is what it means by let us put up three shelters. This word for shelter is the word "Tabernacle" which is the tent that the Hebrew people used to worship God before the Temple was built.
We must understand that in Jewish faith there where no figures greater that Moses and Elijah. This type of worship is very common among people today. (If you don't believe me look at what happened when little girls found out Justin Bieber shared that he had a girl friend)
As if this moment isn't amazing enough. As soon as Peter says that they can build three shelters a cloud covers the whole area and God the Father speaks, “This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to him!”
The Bible then tells us that when they looked around they saw no one but Jesus!
The Good News:
Many times, like Peter, we get so caught up with the events going on around us that we lose sight of what is important. When we do we begin to divide our focus and we don't focus on what is truly important. As I read this passage I am filled with a since of peace by seeing God's gentle and loving rebuke to His disciples. He doesn't scold them or strike them down when they lose focus. He simple states, "This is My Son, whom I love. Listen to Him."
Focus! Look to Jesus alone! There is no one else!
May you remain focused on Jesus no matter what is going on around you. Whether you are sitting on the mountain top or walking in the Valley of the Shadow of Death may your eyes remain on the one and only Son of God who can and will see you through. May we always pay attention to the gentle rebuke to "Listen to Him!"
Sunday, November 7, 2010
The Good News: Mark Part 14
I am simply amazed by how often we put on this act like we have it all together when in reality we are far from the mark. It seems like everyday I meet a new person who is determined to convince me that they are a spiritual giant. (By the way if your wondering, I am no where close. Just ask anyone who knows me, I am all messed up)The reason I share this is because in today's study we are going to look at what it means to be a follower of Jesus and embrace the heart of what the kingdom of God is all about.
Look with me at Mark 8:31-38
He then began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests and the teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and after three days rise again.He spoke plainly about this, and Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him.
But when Jesus turned and looked at his disciples, he rebuked Peter. “Get behind me, Satan!” he said. “You do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns.”
Then he called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me and for the gospel will save it. What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul? If anyone is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will be ashamed of them when he comes in his Father’s glory with the holy angels.”
In this passage Jesus starts out telling His disciples in plan words what He would have to suffer so that He could bring the kingdom of God to fulfillment. Peter, ever the first to stick his foot in his own mouth rebuked Jesus. (I love that God can use someone like this to do great things, it gives me hope)
After this Jesus speaks to the crowd and His disciples with this great proclamation, "Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me." This might sound like a great poetic statement to many of us today but in Jesus' day in the ancient Middle East this statement carried a great weight to it.
Let's break this down some
Whoever wants to be my disciple: Being the disciple of a rabbi was the greatest honor a person could have in their culture. If you were a rabbi's disciple it meant that he believed you could do the things he is doing.
Must deny themselves: This is the heart of being a disciple. You say, "no" to your own way of doing things and say, "yes" to your rabbi. This wouldn't have been a very unusual saying for a rabbi. Self denial is a great means of growing deeper in ones faith.
Take up their cross: WOW! Now this would have turned some heads. The "CROSS" was and instrument of torture, pain and death. A form of execution set aside for the most grievous of criminals and political rebels. To this day it is viewed as one of the cruelest forms of death man has ever devised.
Follow me: A rabbi's statement of total acceptance.
The Good News:
The most beautiful thing in this passage is the overwhelming reminder that God's kingdom isn't limited by our goodness. In fact, none of us are good enough for the kingdom of God. Jesus brought us God's kingdom in His very life and in His teaching and in His sacrifice on the cross and in His resurrection.
What Jesus is telling us is that as we surrender ourselves to God that we too will bring God's kingdom to people here and now. It isn't something that people need to sit around and wait on. God's kingdom is here.
May we stop waiting for a kingdom that is to come and embrace the kingdom that has already came and is here and is to come as we take it to others. This is the kingdom that Jesus spoke about. One that transcends all the junk we deal with everyday and produces a better life, one that is worth sharing with others.
This is at the heart of the great commission, that we take God's kingdom to the world as we are going!
Look with me at Mark 8:31-38
He then began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests and the teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and after three days rise again.He spoke plainly about this, and Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him.
But when Jesus turned and looked at his disciples, he rebuked Peter. “Get behind me, Satan!” he said. “You do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns.”
Then he called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me and for the gospel will save it. What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul? If anyone is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will be ashamed of them when he comes in his Father’s glory with the holy angels.”
In this passage Jesus starts out telling His disciples in plan words what He would have to suffer so that He could bring the kingdom of God to fulfillment. Peter, ever the first to stick his foot in his own mouth rebuked Jesus. (I love that God can use someone like this to do great things, it gives me hope)
After this Jesus speaks to the crowd and His disciples with this great proclamation, "Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me." This might sound like a great poetic statement to many of us today but in Jesus' day in the ancient Middle East this statement carried a great weight to it.
Let's break this down some
Whoever wants to be my disciple: Being the disciple of a rabbi was the greatest honor a person could have in their culture. If you were a rabbi's disciple it meant that he believed you could do the things he is doing.
Must deny themselves: This is the heart of being a disciple. You say, "no" to your own way of doing things and say, "yes" to your rabbi. This wouldn't have been a very unusual saying for a rabbi. Self denial is a great means of growing deeper in ones faith.
Take up their cross: WOW! Now this would have turned some heads. The "CROSS" was and instrument of torture, pain and death. A form of execution set aside for the most grievous of criminals and political rebels. To this day it is viewed as one of the cruelest forms of death man has ever devised.
Follow me: A rabbi's statement of total acceptance.
The Good News:
The most beautiful thing in this passage is the overwhelming reminder that God's kingdom isn't limited by our goodness. In fact, none of us are good enough for the kingdom of God. Jesus brought us God's kingdom in His very life and in His teaching and in His sacrifice on the cross and in His resurrection.
What Jesus is telling us is that as we surrender ourselves to God that we too will bring God's kingdom to people here and now. It isn't something that people need to sit around and wait on. God's kingdom is here.
May we stop waiting for a kingdom that is to come and embrace the kingdom that has already came and is here and is to come as we take it to others. This is the kingdom that Jesus spoke about. One that transcends all the junk we deal with everyday and produces a better life, one that is worth sharing with others.
This is at the heart of the great commission, that we take God's kingdom to the world as we are going!
Saturday, November 6, 2010
The Good News: Mark Part 13
I remember my trip to Washington DC when I was in High School. During that trip I got to explore the nations capital with a bunch of crazy high school students while learning about leadership. During this trip I also was moved by the countless numbers of disabled vets that lined the streets of our nations capital. I remember this one man in particular. He sat in a wheel chair, both legs were missing and he had a nasty scare down the side of his face. Yet, despite all the things this man had suffered he sat there smiling sharing stories with anyone that would listen about the joy and pride he had for the service he gave to his country. Though this man never asked for a dime a few of us were moved to buy this man lunch and spend a little time listening to his story.
I had almost forgot about this event till I was reading in Mark 6 today. As I was reading I came across the story of Jesus feeding the 5000 with a couple fish and a few loves of bread. As soon as I started reading this passage I was struck by the power of Jesus' miracle. However, what I found to be most striking in this passage isn't the miracle but the compassion in our Lord Jesus.
You see, while Jesus' disciples were ready to send everyone away Jesus wanted to meet their most immediate need. The reason Jesus wanted to meet this need was because He knew that He was their greatest need and that by showing them this compassion that He could show them the good news of God's kingdom.
Much like this old vet I meet in DC we all are in need of some compassion from time to time and Jesus wants to supply our greatest need. The fact is each one of us has a God shaped hole in our hearts and no matter how hard we try, we just can fill it.
The Good News:
As with this crowd, Jesus doesn't just meet the need we have at the moment but He exceeds our need in such a mighty way that He leaves enough leftovers for the doubting hearts of His followers. I love the fact that Jesus created enough for each disciple to pick up a basket full of the leftovers.
May you remember that Jesus knows your needs and that when He sees you struggling He doesn't look upon your need and send you away but He will meet that need with abundance. May you know that you have nothing to worry about if your life is in His hands.
I had almost forgot about this event till I was reading in Mark 6 today. As I was reading I came across the story of Jesus feeding the 5000 with a couple fish and a few loves of bread. As soon as I started reading this passage I was struck by the power of Jesus' miracle. However, what I found to be most striking in this passage isn't the miracle but the compassion in our Lord Jesus.
You see, while Jesus' disciples were ready to send everyone away Jesus wanted to meet their most immediate need. The reason Jesus wanted to meet this need was because He knew that He was their greatest need and that by showing them this compassion that He could show them the good news of God's kingdom.
Much like this old vet I meet in DC we all are in need of some compassion from time to time and Jesus wants to supply our greatest need. The fact is each one of us has a God shaped hole in our hearts and no matter how hard we try, we just can fill it.
The Good News:
As with this crowd, Jesus doesn't just meet the need we have at the moment but He exceeds our need in such a mighty way that He leaves enough leftovers for the doubting hearts of His followers. I love the fact that Jesus created enough for each disciple to pick up a basket full of the leftovers.
May you remember that Jesus knows your needs and that when He sees you struggling He doesn't look upon your need and send you away but He will meet that need with abundance. May you know that you have nothing to worry about if your life is in His hands.
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