Two Years

(This is a copy of my weekly article in the church news letter for today)

I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. (Philippians 1:3-6, NIV)



But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well. "Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom. (Luke 12:31-32, NIV)

Dear Church Family,

Rebecca and I were just recalling yesterday that it had been two years since we moved to Taylorsville, though, as time seems to fly for a full-fledged adult, it feels as if it should only be six months. Though you made us feel at home with your warm welcome, care and concern for our transition, it has been only recently that it has felt like “home.” Rebecca said yesterday how much she loved it here, and that we are thankful for the wonderful people at First Baptist and in the greater Alexander County community. However, it takes time for a home to be a home. We’ve gotten to know many people, seen our little girl, who was just a newborn infant when we met you, blossom into a beautiful and unique little girl. John Alan began kindergarten at Sugar Loaf Elementary School, and he loves his home in Taylorsville. We’ve shared many joys with you in baptisms, weddings, homecomings and Christmas celebrations. Too, we’ve shared in heartbreaking times of saying goodbye to loved ones. It seems as if we have had more than our share. However, through all this, God has been faithful.

We are thankful for our church family. While we are “different” members of the congregation in that we serve the church as pastor, we have been made to feel like part of the family, rather than an outsider on an extended stay. And, we are thankful to share in your journey, at this stage in the church’s history and ministry to the Alexander County community and beyond.

Where will this all lead? The end result of all our labor is in the hands of God. We are part of a bigger plan, a plan greater than anything God can and will do in the life of one congregation. We are part of God’s plan through His Son Jesus Christ to defeat sin and evil wherever it might be found through the unconditional love only possible through His Spirit. Just as a drop of water could take many routes to the ocean, we are part of a winding journey that could go many paths, but still will one day arrive at the ocean.

We are privileged to be a part of the Kingdom Story and to serve with you as we contribute to God’s purpose for the world. Thank you for two wonderful years. We are looking forward to many more with you.

Grace and peace,

Tim, Rebecca, John Alan and Natalie Marsh

Well, What Did Chile Do?

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.

Remind Them That I Love Them

"The world has become such a frightening place. There's so much anger and not enough love. Deep in the hearts of so many people there's an emptiness that nothing in this world can fill. And that emptiness makes it impossible for them to love...

"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."

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.

Biblical Recorder - Thoughts on weather cancellations

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?

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!

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.