Massive quake, aftershocks hit Chile; at least 122 dead - CNN.com
All right, I know this is not the most important thing right now, but I know that there will be some "preacher" who is going to prophetically proclaim that Chile sinned and God is punishing them for what they have done.
Who will it be? And, what will this individual say?
I challenge whoever to post it first on my blog. I guarantee you that God will hold you accountable for what you say.
Please pray for the people of Chile, for the families who have lost loved ones, and the many whose lives have been shaken. May God's love shine bright on this dark day. May the church be ready to communicate with simplicity and substance the Love of God found in Jesus Christ.
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Friday, February 26, 2010
Remind Them That I Love Them
"Remind them that I love them, that I died for them. Tell them that my love for them is real and that if they open their hearts to it I will fill that emptiness and they will be able to love one another. That's the message. It hasn't changed. Tell them."
Thursday, February 25, 2010
What's Missing?
A few weeks ago my wife made Kool-Aid while I was at work. When I got home, I saw the Kool-Aid in the fridge and immediately it sounded good to me. I poured a glass, salivated at the thought of the cool, tangy drink and turned the glass up to gulp it down, and...
It was tangy all right! In fact, Rebecca had not put any sugar in it. She was adding sugar as she gave it to the kids so that they would not be hyper.
I have really thought long and hard about Christianity in the history of the west and in America and compared it to things that I have read in the book of Acts. The Book of Acts is titled "Acts of the Apostles" but in reality, it should be called "Acts of the Holy Spirit." The Holy Spirit is the central character in the book of Acts. In its prequel, the disciples were scared, dull and slow to understand Jesus, who was right there with him. Though they witnessed his power to change lives through miracles and teaching, they were unable to do those things themselves, accept when Jesus allowed them to. However, in Acts, following Jesus resurrection and ascension, the disciples received the Spirit on the day of Pentecost.
And, they were changed. Peter, an ordinary, though bold, member of the Twelve, preached the first Christian sermon at the Temple as he unpacked Israel's narrartive and re-interpreted it in light of what God was doing in Jesus Christ. He proclaimed the resurrection as Jesus' confirmation that he was both Lord and Christ. Then, as the Apostles scattered, along with their followers, they began to do things that they had seen Jesus do in His ministry. They were empowered and endwelled by the same Spirit who empowered and endwelled Jesus on His mission to save the world. Their works and lives gave evidence of a life-changing encounter with the Holy Spirit.
When I think of the sugarless Kool Aid, and how sour it was, I think about how sour a faith that neglects the Spirit's presence and power must be to God who gave us His Spirit and to a world who so desperately needs to see God at work today.
It was tangy all right! In fact, Rebecca had not put any sugar in it. She was adding sugar as she gave it to the kids so that they would not be hyper.
I have really thought long and hard about Christianity in the history of the west and in America and compared it to things that I have read in the book of Acts. The Book of Acts is titled "Acts of the Apostles" but in reality, it should be called "Acts of the Holy Spirit." The Holy Spirit is the central character in the book of Acts. In its prequel, the disciples were scared, dull and slow to understand Jesus, who was right there with him. Though they witnessed his power to change lives through miracles and teaching, they were unable to do those things themselves, accept when Jesus allowed them to. However, in Acts, following Jesus resurrection and ascension, the disciples received the Spirit on the day of Pentecost.
And, they were changed. Peter, an ordinary, though bold, member of the Twelve, preached the first Christian sermon at the Temple as he unpacked Israel's narrartive and re-interpreted it in light of what God was doing in Jesus Christ. He proclaimed the resurrection as Jesus' confirmation that he was both Lord and Christ. Then, as the Apostles scattered, along with their followers, they began to do things that they had seen Jesus do in His ministry. They were empowered and endwelled by the same Spirit who empowered and endwelled Jesus on His mission to save the world. Their works and lives gave evidence of a life-changing encounter with the Holy Spirit.
When I think of the sugarless Kool Aid, and how sour it was, I think about how sour a faith that neglects the Spirit's presence and power must be to God who gave us His Spirit and to a world who so desperately needs to see God at work today.
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Biblical Recorder - Thoughts on weather cancellations
Here is an interesting article regarding worship cancellations for snow. I was not prepared for the numerous snowfalls this winter, which were out of character even for the Brushy Mountain foothills of Western North Carolina. For the record, our church postponed worship on Sunday, December 20, until 4 PM. On January 31, we cancelled services entirely. On February 7, we still had services, even though snow is on the ground. My personal opinion regarding weather related cancelations has to do with the purpose of worship itself. Is God more concerned that we are present with the community of faith on a particular day at the risk of health and safety? Or, is God more concerned with living a missional lifestyle that impacts the world for his Kingdom on a 365 day basis. According to this logic, the church doors should be opened for one person to be held accountable on one day of the year that could risk the health of many. According to that logic, then God wants us in church if we are sick, injured, or anything like. The purpose of worship is to be transformed into the image of Christ to take His Spirit and Word to a world in need. Sometimes I think of a snow day as a test of faith - like the Sabbath practices of Jesus' contemporaries, are we mean to serve the Sabbath or is the Sabbath meant to serve us?
Would God not rather have us make a decision to cancel one day of services and be a people who are not affected? Would God rather have us be missional disciples who daily live a life of worship? Could we just not give our offering next week (I know FBC Taylorsville came through)?
Check out the article? What do you think?
Monday, February 22, 2010
Associated Baptist Press - Opinion: Why 20- and 30-year-olds are leaving the Baptist church
Associated Baptist Press - Opinion: Why 20- and 30-year-olds are leaving the Baptist church
This is a very telling article regarding 20's and 30's ministry in churches. Please take the time read. I would love to hear your feedback. God bless!
This is a very telling article regarding 20's and 30's ministry in churches. Please take the time read. I would love to hear your feedback. God bless!
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Bringing Joy to the Lord
The seventy-two returned with joy and said, "Lord, even the demons submit to us in your name." He replied, "I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you. However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven." At that time Jesus, full of joy through the Holy Spirit, said, "I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. Yes, Father, for this was your good pleasure." (Luke 10:17-21, NIV)
One of the blessings of being a parent is experiencing the happiness and joy of children. John Alan and Natalie both greet me with excitement when I come home. And, they love to share their accomplishments. Whether it is a picture, a toy, or a hug, they love to give with joy. In John Alan's case, he is learning to read and write. He loves to share when he learns to write a new word. Last night, he made Rebecca a card that said, "I Love You" and was excited to share.
We are sinners. We know that. Preachers, writers, and evangelists constantly remind us that our works before the Lord are like "filthy rags." Yes, that is the case. Nevertheless, Jesus received the joy of the Seventy-two as they returned from their brief mission into the neighboring communities. They saw things that we would love to see. They were instruments of God's grace and instruments of God's power over the forces of evil. They visably demonstrated the things that they had only before accepted by faith. And , they were excited. They radiated joy.
Jesus did not condemn their joy. He did not ask them whether or not they understood that it was God who was working. He received their joy and then gently reminded them that their destiny was more important than the things that they saw on their mission. And, then, Jesus gave praise to his Father who loves it when his children greet him at the door, excited about what they have learned, what they have seen, and what they are able to do.
One of the blessings of being a parent is experiencing the happiness and joy of children. John Alan and Natalie both greet me with excitement when I come home. And, they love to share their accomplishments. Whether it is a picture, a toy, or a hug, they love to give with joy. In John Alan's case, he is learning to read and write. He loves to share when he learns to write a new word. Last night, he made Rebecca a card that said, "I Love You" and was excited to share.
We are sinners. We know that. Preachers, writers, and evangelists constantly remind us that our works before the Lord are like "filthy rags." Yes, that is the case. Nevertheless, Jesus received the joy of the Seventy-two as they returned from their brief mission into the neighboring communities. They saw things that we would love to see. They were instruments of God's grace and instruments of God's power over the forces of evil. They visably demonstrated the things that they had only before accepted by faith. And , they were excited. They radiated joy.
Jesus did not condemn their joy. He did not ask them whether or not they understood that it was God who was working. He received their joy and then gently reminded them that their destiny was more important than the things that they saw on their mission. And, then, Jesus gave praise to his Father who loves it when his children greet him at the door, excited about what they have learned, what they have seen, and what they are able to do.
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Just Preach the Word!
Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage-- with great patience and careful instruction. For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. (2 Timothy 4:2-3, NIV)
"Just preach the Word!" Boy, have I heard that one before - many times, in fact.
When people ask me to preach the word, I have my suspicions. Usually, it stems from the fact that they did not like something that I said. Sometimes, this comment is delivered in context that a value has been challenged, or even better yet, the core of their worldview.
In 2002, I interviewed at a church that declared itself to be an "Independent Bible Church." They were located in an Alabama county adjacent to Jefferson County. At the time I was working at the United Methodist bookstore in Birmingham and completing seminary at Beeson Divinity School. One of the questions I asked this particular church was whether or not they welcomed and cooperated with people of all races. Racism disgusts me and I was determined not to serve a church that promoted racism. The pastor search committee assured me that they were not.
So, on the Sunday of my first trial sermon, I preached on the parable of the Good Samaritan. In that particular sermon I told the story of a time that I invited a good friend and neighbor of mine to my home church. He was African-American. I did not get a warm welcome at the door as the people left. I returned Wednesday night for an interview with the congregation and concerns were raised that I would integrate the church. Needless to say, I did not allow the call process to come to a vote, but withdrew my name. However, after the interview time with the pastor search committee, the chair of the committee said that I needed to "just preach the word!" That was God's way of saying that this was not the right church for me.
Over the years I have learned that "just preach the word" means:
1. Offer an invitation to accept Christ and repent from sins such as cussing, drinking, and sleeping around>
2. Confirm the political and social values that make us who we are. Assure us that God is pleased with who we are already.
3. Tear down those who are different than we are.
4. Confirm our doctrine or interpretations of scripture.
The problem is that all four of these violates Paul's charge to Timothy. Our interpretations of scripture must be challenged, especially if they promote a value or belief that leads to the seperation of people based on prejudice. Preaching the word may highlight those who are different than we are denominationally, politically, socially or culturally. Remember, it was the Samaritan who came to the aid of the man in the ditch. Preaching the word will always challenge the status quo. Until the Kingdom is established in its fullness, we have work to be done. And, finally, our Sin runs deeper than cussing and drinking. I wish that this was all there was to it, but there is much more. Until relationships of unconditional love are established between people who are otherwise fundamentally different, then we have work to do.
I am convinced that no denomination's tradition is totally biblical. I am convinced that many denominations read scripture to confirm their traditions rather than to be transformed by them. And, I am convinced that I don't have all the answers either.
The greatest lesson I have learned is from my theology professor at Beeson. In print he wrote, "My theology is corrigible, i.e., open to correction." We must approach the Bible with humility, willing to be transformed by it.
"Just preach the Word!" Boy, have I heard that one before - many times, in fact.
When people ask me to preach the word, I have my suspicions. Usually, it stems from the fact that they did not like something that I said. Sometimes, this comment is delivered in context that a value has been challenged, or even better yet, the core of their worldview.
In 2002, I interviewed at a church that declared itself to be an "Independent Bible Church." They were located in an Alabama county adjacent to Jefferson County. At the time I was working at the United Methodist bookstore in Birmingham and completing seminary at Beeson Divinity School. One of the questions I asked this particular church was whether or not they welcomed and cooperated with people of all races. Racism disgusts me and I was determined not to serve a church that promoted racism. The pastor search committee assured me that they were not.
So, on the Sunday of my first trial sermon, I preached on the parable of the Good Samaritan. In that particular sermon I told the story of a time that I invited a good friend and neighbor of mine to my home church. He was African-American. I did not get a warm welcome at the door as the people left. I returned Wednesday night for an interview with the congregation and concerns were raised that I would integrate the church. Needless to say, I did not allow the call process to come to a vote, but withdrew my name. However, after the interview time with the pastor search committee, the chair of the committee said that I needed to "just preach the word!" That was God's way of saying that this was not the right church for me.
Over the years I have learned that "just preach the word" means:
1. Offer an invitation to accept Christ and repent from sins such as cussing, drinking, and sleeping around>
2. Confirm the political and social values that make us who we are. Assure us that God is pleased with who we are already.
3. Tear down those who are different than we are.
4. Confirm our doctrine or interpretations of scripture.
The problem is that all four of these violates Paul's charge to Timothy. Our interpretations of scripture must be challenged, especially if they promote a value or belief that leads to the seperation of people based on prejudice. Preaching the word may highlight those who are different than we are denominationally, politically, socially or culturally. Remember, it was the Samaritan who came to the aid of the man in the ditch. Preaching the word will always challenge the status quo. Until the Kingdom is established in its fullness, we have work to be done. And, finally, our Sin runs deeper than cussing and drinking. I wish that this was all there was to it, but there is much more. Until relationships of unconditional love are established between people who are otherwise fundamentally different, then we have work to do.
I am convinced that no denomination's tradition is totally biblical. I am convinced that many denominations read scripture to confirm their traditions rather than to be transformed by them. And, I am convinced that I don't have all the answers either.
The greatest lesson I have learned is from my theology professor at Beeson. In print he wrote, "My theology is corrigible, i.e., open to correction." We must approach the Bible with humility, willing to be transformed by it.
Friday, February 19, 2010
She Said Yes
We were young, both in our early 20's when she accepted a diamond ring and made the commitment to be my wife, and I her husband, for the course of our lives. I cannot say that it has always been easy. We have faced our share of difficulties, but have been blessed with countless joys since that day, including two healthy children.
Through it all, the greatest blessing about Rebecca is that she is consistent, stable and dependable. She is a rock on the good days and the bad ones, and all the average ones in between. She is honest with me when she needs to be, and compassionate when she needs. More than that, she is my best friend and a true friend as I serve in one of the loneliest vocations.
I am forever greatful that on the sanctuary alter of my home church, Huffman Baptist, alone, with just a dozen peach roses, bread and grape juice to commemorate our faith, a diamond ring, and the presence of God's Spirit in our midst, that she said yes to a lifetime of love, of challenges, of joy and of faith.
I love you, Rebecca. Thank you for saying yes.
Thursday, February 18, 2010
A Thought on Worship
Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth. (John 4:23-24, NIV)
Honestly, I struggle with worship. Since I was a little boy I have had this struggle. Why? Worship in my tradition is equated with singing. Though I love good singing like most, I cannot participate because I cannot sing well. Having been somewhat tone-deaf throughout life, and being raised in a church that emphasized excellence in music, I have always participated quietly. Too, I have no rhythm. Being raised in the age of contemporary music and worship, and having connections with African-American worship, I have assumed that you must clap during upbeat songs to express worship. But I cannot do this. In order to clap during songs I have to watch someone else who has rhythm so that I can stay on beat. But when I do this, I lose my place singing and the experience is somewhat draining, rather than uplifting.
My rhythm is so bad that I added a closing chorus to First Baptist's order of worship because I could not walk to the back of the church to shake hands while praying. The closing chorus gives me a clear aisle to walk while the others sing. When the congregation struggled to remember this the first few Sundays, I came clean and confessed why I have added the chorus. I got a good chuckle, and no complaints since!
It is a blessing to see others engaged in worship both reverently and passionately, under whatever style that they see fit. Whether it is gospel, revivalist, traditional, liturgical, contemporary or even pentecostal, I am always moved to be a part of a worship gathering in which worshipers are pouring their hearts and energy before the Lord.
Yet, what is it that God really desires in worship? Jesus said that God is spirit and desires worshipers, who, in turn, worship in spirit and truth. Jesus said this in the context of the Jewish and Samaritan dispute over the proper location for worship. Were the worshippers of God to worship in Samaria or Judea, on Mt. Gerizim or Mt. Zion? We ask similar things regarding the content of a worship service, the style of music, the day, the time and whatever other traditions that influence how we express ourselves before God.
Yet God is not interested in those things. He is interested in truth. He is interested in the worldview through which we give our energy and expressions of praise. He is interested to in worshipping in the core of our being. Not that we come to a certain place to meet God, but that God's Spirit has come to the core of our lives, desiring intimacy and our personal transformation. God wants the things that are important to Him to naturally become important to us. And, thus, our lives to engage the world as if God's priorities are really our own.
Worship is an instrument through which we are transformed so that we naturally direct our energy to the things of God.
Just a thought...
Honestly, I struggle with worship. Since I was a little boy I have had this struggle. Why? Worship in my tradition is equated with singing. Though I love good singing like most, I cannot participate because I cannot sing well. Having been somewhat tone-deaf throughout life, and being raised in a church that emphasized excellence in music, I have always participated quietly. Too, I have no rhythm. Being raised in the age of contemporary music and worship, and having connections with African-American worship, I have assumed that you must clap during upbeat songs to express worship. But I cannot do this. In order to clap during songs I have to watch someone else who has rhythm so that I can stay on beat. But when I do this, I lose my place singing and the experience is somewhat draining, rather than uplifting.
My rhythm is so bad that I added a closing chorus to First Baptist's order of worship because I could not walk to the back of the church to shake hands while praying. The closing chorus gives me a clear aisle to walk while the others sing. When the congregation struggled to remember this the first few Sundays, I came clean and confessed why I have added the chorus. I got a good chuckle, and no complaints since!
It is a blessing to see others engaged in worship both reverently and passionately, under whatever style that they see fit. Whether it is gospel, revivalist, traditional, liturgical, contemporary or even pentecostal, I am always moved to be a part of a worship gathering in which worshipers are pouring their hearts and energy before the Lord.
Yet, what is it that God really desires in worship? Jesus said that God is spirit and desires worshipers, who, in turn, worship in spirit and truth. Jesus said this in the context of the Jewish and Samaritan dispute over the proper location for worship. Were the worshippers of God to worship in Samaria or Judea, on Mt. Gerizim or Mt. Zion? We ask similar things regarding the content of a worship service, the style of music, the day, the time and whatever other traditions that influence how we express ourselves before God.
Yet God is not interested in those things. He is interested in truth. He is interested in the worldview through which we give our energy and expressions of praise. He is interested to in worshipping in the core of our being. Not that we come to a certain place to meet God, but that God's Spirit has come to the core of our lives, desiring intimacy and our personal transformation. God wants the things that are important to Him to naturally become important to us. And, thus, our lives to engage the world as if God's priorities are really our own.
Worship is an instrument through which we are transformed so that we naturally direct our energy to the things of God.
Just a thought...
My resolution for Lent - I vow to give up "Not Blogging"
Yes, that is right! I am ashamed that I have not blogged since the beginning of the New Year, and my last post was somewhat sarcastic, elitist and meaningless. Though I do not officially "recognize" Lent (yet), I thought that this would provide the opportunity to write something meaningful on a daily basis every day until Easter. They may not be the most well-written ideas or awe-inspiring thoughts, but they will be mine.
So here goes...
So here goes...
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