Between 2 Thieves

The Bulletproof Church Growth Strategy - Purpose Statement

noreply@blogger.com (Chris Tolbert) — Wed, 29 May 2013 12:30:00 +0000

According to church growth gurus, the first thing you have to do if you are going to grow a church is formulate a purpose statement. The people in your church need to know why the church exists. While attempting to answer the question, "Why does this church exist?" I decided to search the Scriptures to see what God has to say about why the Church exists. Nestled in the midst of Paul's explanation of his call to disclose the mystery of God also saving Gentiles, he states, "...so that through the church the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places."

So there it is. The reason the Church exists is to put God's manifold wisdom on display so that even the rulers and authorities in the spiritual realm, unseen to us, will know that He is an awesome, wise, majestic and gracious God. By putting God's manifold wisdom on display we are also putting His glory on display, which is not only the reason the Church exists, but also the reason humans exists. As the Westminster Confession proclaims, "The chief end of man is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever."

One thing I tell the people in our church is that the church is not man setting out to do God's work, but God working through man (His people) to put His glory on display. Sometimes we think that God needs us. It's like He has all this work to get done and cannot get it all done, so He saves us so that we can pitch in and help Him get it accomplished. The truth is, God does not need me or you, but He wants us. And He wants us, not because we are so awesome and useful to Him, but simply because He has chosen to love us and He wants to put His glory on display in and through us. This is amazing because in our natural sinful self, we are unlovable. We are God's enemies because we have sought to rob Him of His glory for the sake of our own glory. In spite of this, God loves us so much that He sent His Son, Jesus, to die for us, taking the punishment we deserve for our sins, and then raised from the dead so that we can be reconciled to God. In His marvelous work of redemption, God puts His glory on display.

So in a nutshell, you and I exist as individuals for the glory of God. And Christians, gathered together corporately as a local church body, exist for the glory of God. That is our purpose and should guide and motivate everything we set out to do in God's Name. And because there is much to do, next week I will post about the mission statement of our church.

Perhaps you are reading this and you are not a Christian or you are but your understanding of being a Christian is "do this" or "don't do that." Maybe you don't know your purpose for existing in this world and your life feels like a waste of time and energy. I want you to know that you were created for a purpose and that purpose can only be known and fully realized in a true relationship with Jesus Christ. If you don't know Him, I encourage you to talk with a mature Christian you trust or you are welcome to contact me through the comments section of this blog. Or you could visit Two Ways to Live, for a helpful presentation of the purpose of this life. I will be praying for you. Soli Deo Gloria!

Bulletproof Church Growth Strategy - Introduction

noreply@blogger.com (Chris Tolbert) — Wed, 22 May 2013 12:30:00 +0000

Church-growth is all the rage these days in American Christianity. It seems that the number one question every pastor has to answer is, “How are you going to grow this church?” There are a multitude of books, audio CDs, DVDs, and conference teachings that church leaders spend millions on each year trying to find the magic formula that will grow their church. Mega-church pastors are touring the nation, teaching the principles and strategies they used to grow their church from a two-family Bible study in their living room to a several thousand member congregation meeting on a multi-million dollar campus.

Borrowing business strategies from Wall Street, modern churches look more like a sterile organization than a sanctified organism. Pastors and leadership teams construct purpose and mission statements, conduct market research and execute business plans containing marketing strategies, investment portfolios and real estate acquisition proposals. Just like the nation of Israel, what we call the church today looks more like the world than what the Holy Spirit described in 1 Peter 2:9:

But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.

As I considered my recent call to pastor the sweet folks at SweetWater Baptist, I did what any good prospective pastor would do. I asked myself the golden question, “How am I going to grow this church?” However, I did not look to the church-growth gurus or Wall Street for ideas or strategies. Instead I looked to the Bible, believing it to be the Word of God and all sufficient to accomplish all that God has purposed. In it I believe we are told all we need in order to live well and die well and everything in between. So to answer the question, “How am I going to grow this church?” I went to the Bible and asked, “Well, how does God say to do it?”

I have searched and found what the Bible says in regards to church growth. I have called it the "Bulletproof Church Growth Strategy" based on Jesus' words in Matthew 16:18:

And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

Jesus cannot fail. No matter how pitiful His church looks at times, He is the sovereign God of all that is and has decreed that He will build for Himself a people, created in His image, purchased with His blood, sanctified by His Spirit, and finally reigning with Him as joint heirs to all that the Father has given Him. There is not even a thought of failure; no plan B. Bulletproof.

This truth gives me so much hope and peace, especially in the tumultuous days in which we live. Therefore, in the coming weeks, I will unpack the purpose and mission statements, as well as the actual strategy we at SweetWater will employ to be the church that He created us to be: the people of God. I hope you will be encouraged and strengthened in your own walk as we examine the strategy of a God who cannot fail. Soli Deo Gloria!

Beginning Again

noreply@blogger.com (Chris Tolbert) — Wed, 15 May 2013 12:30:00 +0000

I love Spring. I love seeing the vibrant greens overtake the somber browns and grays of Winter. I love to hear the sounds of life breaking the silence of cold. The weather is not too harsh in either direction and each new day sounds forth the exuberant feeling of opportunity.

Nature is not the only realm that is beaming with activity. My life has been a whirlwind of motion in 2013. We welcomed the birth of our twins, M&M, and all the struggles and joys that come along with having six children. God has been so gracious to us, strengthening us when we have been weak (which has been often), supplying every need (which have been many) and allowing us to see His goodness in the gifts He has given us (which have been overwhelming). I am eager to see what He will do in us and through us this year, praying and knowing that whatever it may be, it will be to the glory of His marvelous grace.

In addition to the expanding of my familial boundaries, God, in His good pleasure, has seen fit to honor my desire to be used for His glory through the preaching and teaching of His Word, and has moved on a wonderful congregation of believers to call me as their pastor. This past Sunday, I was honored to preach my first sermon as the pastor of SweetWater Baptist Church, in Waycross, Georgia. Amidst the pressures, questions and uncertainty of taking on the tremendous responsibility of shepherding people's souls, there has been an exceeding peace that this is one of the things I was created to do. I am not speaking of an abundance of ability on my part, but an assurance that God has gifted me and that He is with me so long as I remain in Him. I lean wholly on His grace and power and look forward expectantly at what I believe He will do in a people who have given themselves over to His headship.

So it is a new beginning with this blog as well. I've set out to regularly blog a few, or maybe several, times before, but each time found myself giving up because the effort greatly exceeded the response. God has recently shown me that my motives are way off course if I measure my success in writing by how many pageviews or comments I receive. So I'm beginning again with a renewed purpose and focus: to please and be pleased in my audience of One. Soli Deo Gloria!

Five for Friday - 6/15/12

noreply@blogger.com (Chris Tolbert) — Fri, 15 Jun 2012 11:30:00 +0000

A Dangerous Set of DVDs - I can't wait to get my hands on a set of these. They look to be life-changing.

The Praise Belongs to God - See the Gospel in action. Katie Davis is an inspiration. Jesus is a great Savior!

Dirty Little Secret of Endorsements - As one who typically looks to endorsements to help when buying books, I found this eye-opening and concerning. There are also theological implications here.

7 Reasons Movie Illustrations are Lame - I have found Cripplegate to be a very though-provoking and insightful blog. With the flood of movie-based Bible studies on the market today, this post offers wise counsel.

That Awkward Moment - Great post from Desiring God concerning the persecution we face in America when we share the Gospel. I needed this.

Wednesday's Wisdom - Wisdom That is Always Relevant

noreply@blogger.com (Chris Tolbert) — Wed, 13 Jun 2012 11:30:00 +0000

It never ceases to amaze me how a book so maligned and written off by skeptics as being irrelevant so clearly and accurately speaks of man's condition at the most fundamental level. As I read this week's focus passage, I couldn't help but chuckle to myself. God really does know us. Are these words not as true today as they have ever been?

Wisdom cries aloud in the street, in the markets she raises her voice; at the head of the noisy streets she cries out; at the entrance of the city gates she speaks: "How long, O simple ones, will you love being simple? How long will scoffers delight in their scoffing and fools hate knowledge? If you turn at my reproof, behold, I will pour out my spirit to you; I will make my words known to you. Because I have called and you refused to listen, have stretched out my hand and no one has heeded, because you have ignored all my counsel and would have none of my reproof, I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when terror strikes you, when terror strikes you like a storm and your calamity comes like a whirlwind, when distress and anguish come upon you. Then they will call upon me, but I will not answer; they will seek me diligently but will not find me. Because they hated knowledge and did not choose the fear of the LORD, would have none of my counsel and despised all my reproof, therefore they shall eat the fruit of their way, and have their fill of their own devices. For the simple are killed by their turning away, and the complacency of fools destroys them; but whoever listens to me will dwell secure and will be at ease, without dread of disaster." (Proverbs 1:20-33 ESV)

Wisdom is calling. Will you hear her call? Will you turn to the One who gives wisdom generously without reproach (James 1:5)? Pay special attention to verses 32 and 33. Naivety and complacency kill and destroy, but attentiveness to God's wisdom brings security and peace. Not health, wealth and your best life now, but security and peace.

I'm also continually amazed at the number of professing Christians who are complacent and naive. One need not look any farther than the thousands of people who flock to and sit under false teachers such as Joel O'Steen, Joyce Meyer, T.D. Jakes and Benny Hinn (and pretty much everyone else on "Christian TV") to see that their is a lack of wisdom among professed follower's of Jesus Christ. I dare not speculate on the salvation of those who follow these charlatans, but I do question whether or not they are actively seeking the wisdom found in God's Word. We have complete access to the very mind and heart of God through the Bible, and God has promised to give wisdom to those who ask and believe. If you find yourself drawn to the likes of those I named, among others, I encourage you to turn off the TV or radio and put down all the NY Times bestsellers these prosperity preachers are putting out and seek wisdom from God Himself through the Scriptures. Wisdom is crying aloud in the street. Hear and turn to her. Soli Deo Gloria!

Five for Friday

noreply@blogger.com (Chris Tolbert) — Fri, 08 Jun 2012 11:30:00 +0000

What Do We Do With the Bible? (Part 4) – The final post in the series from NT Greek guru Bill Mounce. Especially not the last part regarding love of the Bible.

Walking Through Fire – Moving story of a cancer-stricken mother who would not abort her baby in spite of doctors, family, and even her husband telling her to. Tissue alert!

Letter to a 13-Year Old Asking How to Go Deeper in Bible Study – John Piper answers a question from a 13- year old. Sound advise that is helpful whether you are 13 or 103.

Can Christians Use Birth Control? – Albert Mohler offers extremely helpful counsel to Christians who wrestle with the use of birth control. Theology matters.

Running Out of Time – I know I’ve shared a lot of Jon Acuff lately, but he keeps writing killer stuff. Enjoy.

Five for Friday

noreply@blogger.com (Chris Tolbert) — Fri, 25 May 2012 11:30:00 +0000

Here are five post or articles I benefited from this week:

New & Notable Music - Blogmeister Tim Challies shares a few new Christian music projects you may not be aware of. I enjoyed Big Stories for Little Ones and Church Clothes this week. I didn't get a chance to listen to the other two he noted, but I'll check them out next week.

Why Are People So Cruel - Chris LoCurto is another one of the great guys on Dave Ramsey's team (I mentioned Jon Acuff last week). He shared this video and it literally moved me to tears. Every. Life. Is. Beautiful.

I'm Encouraged When an Unbeliever Hits Gospel Notes - Erik Raymond is a pastor who I've interacted with on a couple of occasions via his blog. He is a thinker and has a great eye for how theology (especially the Gospel) plays out in real life. "Then he spoke with prophetic clarity: 'Sometimes peace can only come through bloodshed man.'" Gospel gold.

What Do We Do With the Bible? Read It -Bill Mounce is pretty much the king of Biblical Greek. I usually don't understand much of what he writes (my inadequacies, not his), but this series of posts matches the very heartbeat of what I desire to teach with my blog. Part 2 is below.

What Do We Do With the Bible? Meditate On It - Simply reading Scripture isn't enough to be changed by it. We have to actually engage the Word in order for it to conform our thoughts to it's. I often struggle with taking the time to meditate on Scripture, so this post has been especially helpful.

Five for Friday

noreply@blogger.com (Chris Tolbert) — Fri, 18 May 2012 11:30:00 +0000

Sorry, I missed a Friday or two. Here are 5 items that I deeply benefited from this week.

Kids Get the Gospel - Jon Acuff is quickly becoming one of my favorite reads. He is a very funny guy, but also "gets" the Gospel. I the course of one post I find myself shifting abruptly from deep belly-laughing to crying like a baby.

Trying Not to Complain Around Missionaries - Another gem from Jon Acuff. Humor with a great point.

Satan's Desire for Mothers - Julian Freeman offers great insight as to how Satan lies to mothers and God's truth in response to these lies. As a husband and father, this posted helped me know how to better pray for my wife.

God's Refrigerator Art - I've been wrestling a lot lately with the true nature of my relationship with God and his grace. This offering from the Resurgence ministered to me greatly.

Man with a Love Song - Okay, so this one isn't very "spiritual", but this guy has gotten me back into strumming on my ukulele. He is a wizard on the four-stringed jumping flea and I've been listening to the songs on this page over and over. A great reminder of God's common grace.

Defining My Focus

noreply@blogger.com (Chris Tolbert) — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 11:30:00 +0000

I started this blog several years back. I had just learned about blogs and since I enjoyed reading them and I have a love/hate relationship with writing, I decided to start one. It was simply going to be an online journal of what God was doing in my life. So I came up with a name, signed up for a Blogger account and in a few ~~minutes~~ hours I had my very own blog.

For those wondering, the name of this blog came from a singing duo I once had with a friend. We would go to different churches, nursing homes and events and sing. Really, we would go anywhere anyone asked us to go. In fact, we once sang in a bait and tackle shop! We called ourselves Between Two Thieves because we wanted all focus and praise to go to the One who died between the two thieves.

Anyway, I published a few post here and there when I felt "inspired" and didn't really pay attention to traffic. Months would go by between post and even when I did post, it was just a random blurb about something. I finally just quit with it and went on to something else. But the desire to have a blog would not go away. So this March (2012) I decided to resurrect this blog and give it another go.

I am learning the key to having a blog: focus. So in this post I want to define my focus, or the purpose this blog exists. Are you ready? Drum roll, please...

Practical Theology.

Huh?

Let me be more specific. One of my passions is theology (the study of God). I read and study a lot about big theological ideas categorized by terms such as soteriology, eschatology, ecclesiology and a bunch of other "ologies" that I probably don't even pronounce correctly. Of course I want to know God more through studying theology, but what really motivates me is that I want to learn and experience how theology plays out in real life. I love to think about "big" or "deep" ideas, but I also tend to be very practical. Ultimately, I want to know how these deep theological ideas (think "abstract" or "theory") translate to everyday life (think "concrete" or "application") and I want to share what I find out with anybody who cares to know .

Disclaimer #1: I'm no theologian in the professional or academic sense. I'm simply a man whose life has been completely turned upside down by the mind-blowing message of the Gospel and now, in striving to walk with my Lord daily, I want to know the "how's" and "why's." I'm also no English professor. I attempt to use proper spelling and grammar, but my main goal is to effectively communicate with you, the average reader, so I try to write the way I would talk if we were having a conversation. And seeing as how I'm from south Georgia (the land of a million rednecks (no offense if you are one cuz I are one too!)), that may slip into my writing from time to time. While I'll always give credit to whom it is deserved, I'll leave the MLA or APA writing standards to the guys (whom I appreciate very much) with more degrees than children.

Disclaimer #2: I believe the Bible to be the inerrant, infallible, unchangeable, eternally relevant Word of God. I believe it is God-breathed, that every jot and tittle is true and I read it in the literal sense. It is the book I have chosen to build my life upon and all my eggs are in this one basket. If it turns out to be false (which it won't), I'm in deep trouble because I'll not trust anything that contradicts what it says. I study Biblical hermeneutics, the science of interpreting the Bible, because I want to interpret the Bible accurately. I'm extremely careful to have my thoughts shaped by the Scriptures (called "exegesis") rather than to try to shape the Scriptures by my thoughts (called "eisegesis").

So there it is. The focus of this blog is to share my observations, ponderings, and applications on the topic of practical theology and effectively communicate it with the rest of the non-academia among us. I hope we both will benefit from it and I encourage you to join in via the "Comments" section of each post. I will read every question, comment, and complaint, and while I may not respond to each, I value the exchange of ideas. Just know that NO inflammatory, personally offensive or profane language will be published. Soli Deo Gloria!

Five for Friday

noreply@blogger.com (Chris Tolbert) — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 11:30:00 +0000

On Fridays I will be posting a roundup of five blog posts that I found inspiring, practical, helpful, and worthwhile throughout the week. My hope is that they will serve you in growing in every aspect of your life.

Without further ado, here is the first edition of Five for Friday:

So You Want to Date My Daughter? - As a father of two daughters and two sons, I will be referring back to this one quite often. Jared Wilson nailed it!

No Stone Throwing - Speaking About Human Sexuality - While Christians should defend what the Bible says about human sexuality, we haven't always been so loving in actually doing it. Eric Metaxas helps us think about how we should speak about these things.

Ashamed and Disappointed - Tim Challies shares his thoughts about his recent experience with an abortion clinic in Louisville. Very thought provoking.

Speak for the Unborn - Denny Burk tells some of the history of a pro-life ministry that stands outside the abortion clinic that Tim Challies referred to, encouraging young women not to abort their babies.

My Brother Can't Cry - A beautiful article by Zach Bradford about his disabled brother. Zach does a wonderful job explaining the power of the Gospel in the lives of those with disabilities.

Wednesday’s Wisdom – The Ornament of Instruction

noreply@blogger.com (Chris Tolbert) — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 11:20:00 +0000

“Hear, my son, your father's instruction, and forsake not your mother's teaching, for they are a graceful garland for your head and pendants for your neck. “ - (Pro 1:8-9 ESV)

It felt strange to type the title of this weeks Wednesday’s Wisdom post. “Ornament” seems, being something desired and valued, a misplaced metaphor for “instruction.” However, as we learned in a previous post, wisdom is having God’s perspective of the world and what goes on in it. And if God describes instruction as an ornament, we should align our understanding of instruction as close as we possibly can to His. So in this week’s post, we are going to try to understand how instruction is a really a precious gift to be desired and valued, instead of a condescending interaction to be offended by.

In the context of this passage, a father is exhorting his son to listen to and heed the instruction and teaching of his parents. He goes on to describe the value of such instruction and teaching. In American pop culture, parents, especially Christian parents, are portrayed as selfish, ignorant, incompetent and hypocritical dictators that are simply trying to control and ultimately ruin the lives of their children. Just think of some of the television shows on prime-time. Sadly, this portrayal is not merely inaccurate, but is a gross and purposeful misrepresentation. Even most parents that are bad at parenting love their children and have their best interest in mind. For example, a parent may reason that giving his teenage son beer would be more safe rather than him going out drinking with other teenagers. This is bad parenting, but good and loving intentions.

I love “The Andy Griffith Show.” I admit getting a little teary-eyed sometime when Andy is teaching Opie an important lesson about life. Do you remember the one where Opie had a slingshot and killed the songbird? Andy opened the window so that Opie could hear the baby birds that no longer had a mother. He didn’t do this to hurt Opie. But he didn’t do it simply to keep Opie from shooting birds with a slingshot. He was instructing Opie about life and death and the consequences of our choices so that Opie would grow up to be a man who valued and respected life and understood the responsibility every man has for the choices he makes. It was not some evil ploy to inflict pain on his son. Andy loved Opie and wanted to see him grow up to be a real man. This is an example of a father’s instruction being an ornament, or a “graceful wreath”, as our passage puts it.

This is not to say that all instruction is desirable and valuable. There are plenty examples of instruction that is worthless and wrong, and by seeking godly wisdom we can discern the difference. But, what I hope you take away from this post is two-fold. First, if you are a parent or an adult who has influence over others, I hope you see your opportunity to instruct and teach as a serious responsibility and opportunity to shape those in your care or under your authority, and that part of your instructing them will be to teach them how desirable and valuable such instruction is so that they will grow to be people who can accept, and even seek out, good instruction. Secondly, if you are a child or person under authority (which we all are), I hope that you will understand the value of good instruction, and desire it, not forsake it.

The Big Picture

noreply@blogger.com (Chris Tolbert) — Fri, 13 Apr 2012 11:45:00 +0000

The Bible is a often a very intimidating and misunderstood book, though it need not be. I remember as a teenager thinking of the Bible as a mystical book full of magical power and that in order for the magic to work in my life, I had to read it differently than I would any other book. I can remember listening to preachers quote the Bible and not having a clue as to what they were talking about. I concluded I was missing the big picture and thought that the only way to get this knowledge was by some kind of supernatural experience with God. While much of this way of thinking had to do with the teaching of the particular denomination I was apart of, it lead to me reading Scripture and then waiting for the magic to happen. And when the magic didn’t happen, I would get frustrated and conclude that either it didn’t work or I didn’t have the gift to “do it right.” Finally quit reading the Bible altogether.

Thankfully, God called me to Himself and saved me in 1999. When He did, He gave me a renewed hunger to read His Word. As I read, there was much I still didn’t understand. However, there were many things that I understood clearly and realized that they were contrary to what I had been taught as a teenager. It was then I purposed in my heart to read the Bible as my only source of truth and to read it diligently because I wanted to know the truth. Not only did I accept the Bible as the standard of truth, but I also determined to test anything I read or heard regarding Christianity against the Scriptures. And as I’ve come more and more to see the “big picture” of the Bible’s redemption story, it has become much easier to see how the Bible applies to everyday life as well as to spot when its being misapplied.

So I want to share with you the secret I have found to unlock understanding the big picture of the Bible. Are you ready for this?

Read the Bible.

That’s it? That’s the big secret, you say?

Well, yes. A recent study by LifeWay Research found that the biggest correlating factor for spiritual maturity is biblical literacy. In other words, the more a person understands the Bible, the more he/she grows spiritually. And in order to understand it, one must actually read it.

Now I understand that there are many who have read the Bible cover to cover and still have an incorrect understanding of what it actually says. However, I believe that is a result of their understanding being shaped by presuppositions rather than by the words of Scripture. In the coming weeks, I will be doing a series on “how” we must read the Bible, but for now I just want to encourage you to read the Bible. The whole Bible. Even Leviticus and the Minor Prophets. Below are some plans that you can actually stick to and will help you get the “big picture.”

Prof. Grant Horner’s Bible Reading System – I’m currently following this plan. I love it because it is not date-driven. If I miss a day, I can simply pick up where I left off and not have to make up any missed days. I also love the fact that because I’m reading from different sections of the Bible each day, the Bible is its own commentary and I can see how it all ties together. Note: this plan is also very flexible. I’ve found that 10 chapters a day is a bit much for my schedule, so I read five a day instead. The key is to read every day.

Read the Bible for Life – I’m very excited about this project. It offers several different reading plans to choose from with the goal of showing you the main story of the Bible and how it all ties together.
Please let me know if you find this blog helpful. My goal is to be a resource to help Christians grow in faith and love for Jesus Christ.

Wednesday's Wisdom - Fear God

noreply@blogger.com (Chris Tolbert) — Wed, 11 Apr 2012 11:20:00 +0000

Last week I let Spring Break and the fact that I was working on my SpeakEZ Attire project be my excuse for not getting Wednesday’s Wisdom in. Perhaps that wasn’t so wise. So, in catching up, this week we will investigate what it means to fear God, which Solomon tells us, is the beginning of knowledge.

"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge;
fools despise wisdom and instruction."

I've heard "the fear of the LORD" explained as simply "reverence” or “respect for God" in an effort to lessen the "fear factor" so to speak. But to speak of the fear of the LORD as merely reverence or respect is to bring God down to be less than what He truly is.

I can remember as a teenager in high school being faced with choices to either do what I knew to be right or what I knew to be wrong. For example, on Friday nights after a ball game, I could either go home or go out drinking with friends. I always chose to go home. What could motivate a teenage boy to choose going home over partying with the boys? My father. Now have always loved and respected my earthly father. But I have come to realize it was not my love and respect for Dad that motivated me to choose home over partying. It was fear. Pure fear. I knew that if I chose to do what I knew was wrong and my daddy found out, there would be a day of reckoning. And, honestly, I was afraid of what he might do to me.

I feared my earthly father. No, I didn't walk timidly around him anticipating a random act of violence. I didn’t avoid his presence or speaking to him because he was a volatile and abusive man. He was none of those. What I feared was his wrath toward my disobedience. And this fear motivated me to make the right choice on more than one occasion.

I believe that is a good illustration of the fear of the LORD. God is not a tyrant. He loves us more than we could ever comprehend. We don't have to tiptoe around Him. As His child, even when I was in the depth of my depravity, His love for me was the same as it is today and as it will be throughout all eternity. And because He is the perfect Father, He will always discipline me when I stray from Him. And that scares me. It also brings about knowledge.

The other day my son ran out toward the highway. And after I ran and snatched him away from the danger and applied superior force to his posterior side, he gained the knowledge that running onto a busy highway is dangerous. He has never seen what a vehicle traveling 65 MPH will do to a little boy upon impact. But he knows that there is something about that highway that initiates a strong reaction from his father who loves him. And hopefully, the fear of that reaction will keep him from running toward the road until he can understand the real danger such an act poses.

That is why I believe Solomon wrote that the fear of God is the beginning of knowledge. We may not completely understand exactly why God struck Ananias and Sapphira dead when He did, but we do learn that God’s discipline can be a matter of life or death. And we fear. And that kind of fear is a good thing.

SpeakEZ Attire

noreply@blogger.com (Chris Tolbert) — Sat, 07 Apr 2012 11:00:00 +0000

I've been a Christian for over a decade now, and one thing, among many, that hasn't gotten any easier is initiating a conversation with somebody about spiritual things for the purpose of sharing the Gospel. I love the Gospel. I love to share the Gospel. I've traveled through neighborhoods, door to door, sharing the Gospel.
I've walked the through the mall and stood outside of movie theaters, stopping people to ask them about their faith. I've even stood in the back of my pickup truck in a parking lot full of teenagers and proclaimed the Gospel. But I always feel like a cold-call salesman when I think about telling others about my faith. I'm afraid that the person I'm trying to engage with the "Good News" will feel like I'm simply trying to sell him something he doesn't want.

I've tried different methods (WOTM), acronyms (F.A.I.T.H), and tracts. I've bought DVDs and listened to sermons and teachings on how to share the Christian faith. And while all of them have been successful (you always win when you share the Gospel), none of them have helped overcome the most difficult part, breaking the ice, without making me feel like I have to trick people into the conversation.

I fear - better yet I know - I'm not the only one who feels this way. I've spoken with Christians who know the Gospel and will not hesitate to proclaim it if the subject comes up. Unfortunately, the subject seldom comes up. So I've spent many hours trying to figure out how to raise the subject without being perceived as sneaky at best, or obnoxious at worst.

We live in a culture that is crazy about t-shirts. I have to admit, I love them too. They can be used as wearable billboards. Some are good, some are bad, but good or bad, they can attract attention. And with a t-shirt, you have a good three second opportunity to get someone to think. Best of all, you leave the ball in their court. If they want to speak to you or ask about your t-shirt, they can. If not, no problem.

With this concept in mind, I've created SpeakEZ Attire. I'm designing shirts that are simple, yet thought provoking. My goal is to design clean looking shirts that provoke people to think about eternity and things that really matter and spark them to ask questions. I believe these shirts will open up more opportunities to share the Gospel.

Here is one of the designs:

Front

Back

Here is another:

Front

Not all of them relate directly to the Gospel. The design that inspired this whole t-shirt idea is actually a pro life design. A few days after my Mom told me my story, this thought hit me and I decided to make it into a t-shirt.

Front

Back

I have a few other designs in the store and several more to release periodically through the year. Please take a minute to leave feedback (positive or negative) in the comments section on the concept as a whole and/or the designs I've placed here. I genuinely value your opinion.

If you would like to check out the on-line store, click here. My desire for SpeakEZ Attire is to help Christians engage our culture with the Gospel of Jesus Christ by provoking thought and sparking conversation. Soli Deo Gloria.

Wednesday’s Wisdom – To Know Wisdom

noreply@blogger.com (Chris Tolbert) — Wed, 28 Mar 2012 14:04:00 +0000

The author of Proverbs 1, identified in verse 1 as King Solomon, lays out the purpose of this book in verses 2 – 6.

To know wisdom and instruction, to understand words of insight, to receive instruction in wise dealing, in righteousness, justice, and equity; to give prudence to the simple, knowledge and discretion to the youth-- Let the wise hear and increase in learning, and the one who understands obtain guidance, to understand a proverb and a saying, the words of the wise and their riddles.
- Pro 1:2-6 ESV

One can have intellectual knowledge without having wisdom. In fact, in our age of skepticism there are many who claim to be wise due to their intellectual prowess. There are, and have been throughout history, great thinkers who, though wise in worldly wisdom, were actually void of true wisdom that only comes from God.

It’s really a matter of perception. God is the only truly wise being for He is omniscient (all-knowing) and sees the world perfectly. Therefore, true wisdom is our ability to see the world the way God sees it. Now, understand, our understanding in this life is finite and therefore we will never be able to see the world perfectly as God sees it. But as we pray for and seek out Godly wisdom, we will grow in our ability to see the world as God does. We will gain more and more understanding as to the “how’s” and “why’s” that are asked when difficult situations arise in our lives and in the lives of others. We will be able to react differently to circumstances when we can see, in a general way, the “big picture”. We will not have all the answers, but we will have insight and instruction to guide us and increase our faith in God.
The book of Proverbs is probably the most practical book in the Bible. It addresses and gives guidance to everyday matters of life such as marriage, parenting, business dealings and family life. While the proverbs are not specific promises for everybody and every situation, they are general principles as to how the world works and what kind of choices we should make in the plethora of situations we face as humans in a fallen world.
I want to encourage you to read and meditate on Proverbs 1:2 –6 during this next week. Ask God to show you how Proverbs can give you Godly wisdom and understanding for daily living.

She Had A Dream

noreply@blogger.com (Chris Tolbert) — Fri, 23 Mar 2012 14:00:00 +0000

She was nineteen, pregnant, and scared. Single and unable to support herself and a baby, the thought of having to tell her parents was more than she could bear. The baby's father had given an ultimatum; either the baby goes or he does. So she scheduled an appointment to "have it taken care of."

But as she drifted off to sleep on the night before her scheduled abortion, she had a dream.

Dreams are peculiar things. In the Scriptures, there are many instances where God used dreams to communicate with people concerning events that were going to take place. For example, in Genesis 41, the Pharaoh had a significant dream, symbolically denoting that there would be seven years of plenty followed by seven devastating years of famine in Egypt. Sure enough, it came to pass that the dream was fulfilled. Thankfully, God had extraordinarily arranged for Joseph to be in Egypt to interpret the dream and act in light of it "that many people should be kept alive"(Gen. 50:20). But without an interpreter, how can you know which dreams are significant and which ones are only dreams?

In this young ladies dream, was the image, as vivid today as it was 32 years ago, of her lying stone cold dead on the table at the abortion clinic. She awoke, frightened and sobbing at what she had seen, and in that moment decided that she would not go through with the procedure and would instead fling herself upon the mercy of her parents. The next day, instead of reporting to the clinic, she showed up at her parent's house.

In a perfect world, the story would end with her parents lovingly taking her in and, while heartbroken over their daughter's sin, resolving to love and support her in spite of it. Of course in a perfect world, she would not have been in this predicament in the first place. But our world is far from perfect. Her parents did agree that she should come home and have the baby but instead of treating her with loving affection, she was given the silent treatment instead. Her father didn’t speak to her at all and her mother only spoke when there were chores to be done. So each day she worked and completed chores, enduring loneliness and shame until the baby was delivered.

My mom sat on our couch on a Sunday night and shared her story. My story. As she spoke, I couldn't help but be moved at the thought of how close I had come to never getting to hold my four precious children who were in their rooms asleep. I was overwhelmed with gratitude as I looked across the room at my wife, my best friend, and thought of the love and memories I would have missed out on had my life been terminated on schedule. And I was compelled to praise God for my mother and the courage He gave her to face her parents, endure the guilt and shame and trust Him to carry her down this hard road of uncertainty - all because she had a dream. While she had no way of knowing then the significance of that dream, today its significance cannot be overstated. My life was spared and I give God all the glory. I want to spend this gift of life He has given me proclaiming His excellent greatness, His extravagant grace, and His enduring love.

In God's impeccable timing, today is the opening night of October Baby, a movie about a girl who survived an abortion attempt. According to the website,

"The producers of OCTOBER BABY have assigned 10% of the profits of the movie to the Every Life is Beautiful Fund, which will distribute funds to frontline organizations helping women facing crisis pregnancies, life-affirming adoption agencies, and those caring for orphans."

Please go out and enjoy this movie all while supporting an organization that is working hard to help save lives. And take the time to praise the God of all creation for the gift of yours. Soli Deo Gloria!

Introducing Wednesday's Wisdom

noreply@blogger.com (Chris Tolbert) — Wed, 21 Mar 2012 11:30:00 +0000

Wisdom has always had an attraction to me. As a child, I always loved the old, wise sage-type characters in books in movies. My all-time favorite is Mr. Miyagi from The Karate Kid. He had such simple, yet profound, answers for every situation Daniel-san faced. I often dreamed of being that kind of father to my sons and daughters. It didn't take long after becoming a father for me to realize that I don't possess this type of wisdom. Sometimes I wonder if I ever will.

One of the most important genres of literature in the Bible is wisdom literature. The books of this type include Job, the Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Solomon (aka Song of Songs). These books can be some of the most difficult to interpret, but most thought provoking and enriching when properly understood.
In Proverbs 3:13 - 15, the author declares,

"Blessed is the one who finds wisdom, and the one who gets understanding, for the gain from her is better than gain from silver and her profit better than gold. She is more precious than jewels, and nothing you desire can compare with her."

In my quest for Godly wisdom, I have committed to consistently read through the book of Proverbs. I encourage you to do the same, for I have found it to be extraordinarily helpful and vital in understanding the world I live in, the human being that I am, and the God that I serve.

Each Wednesday I will publish a post centered around a proverb that I've read and pondered during my monthly reading of Proverbs. I would love for the comments section of the post to be a place where you can share your thoughts concerning the proverb as well. I hope that this will help all who participate to grow in Godly wisdom and understanding.

If you plan on participating in Wednesday's Wisdom, I encourage you to introduce yourself in the comment section.

Not By Bread Alone

noreply@blogger.com (Chris Tolbert) — Tue, 20 Mar 2012 11:30:00 +0000

"Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God" - Matthew 4:4

A recent study by LifeWay Research found that the main correlating factor in spiritual maturity is biblical literacy. It is impossible to overstate the importance of reading and understanding the Scriptures in the life of a believer. As Jesus stated when He quoted Deuteronomy to the devil, the Word of God is more necessary than the food we eat. Food can only temporarily satisfy and nourish our body, but God's Word eternally satisfies and nourishes our souls.

I've been a Christian for about 13 years now, and over this time I've come to understand the necessity of knowing the Bible in order to live it. The more I learn, the more I realize how little I know and how much more I need to learn about what the Scriptures say and how it is to be applied in everyday life. And the more I've come to realize the beauty and indescribable worth of our God's revelation of Himself to us through the Holy Bible.

God has given me a burning desire to know, live and teach His Word to others. As a Sunday School director in a local church body, I want nothing more than to see our teachers wholly committed to not only studying and teaching the Bible, but more importantly, instilling a passion in our church members to go and do likewise. In the same way, I want Christians around the world to do the same. This is why I've decided to commit to this blog.

There is absolutely no limit to the transformational power of the Word of God in the life of a believer and a church. Programs, presentations, and preachers will come and go, but the Word of God will endure forever. No matter what our culture tries to tell us, the Bible is timeless, for it doesn't simply address ever-changing customs and trends, but it speaks directly of and to the heart of who we are and what we need most as humans. It lays out to us the purpose for our existence, the problem that keeps us from fulfilling that purpose, and the Solution that enables us to ultimately achieve the end for which God created us - to glorify Him and enjoy Him forever.

This blog exists to that end. My prayer is that it will become a sort of on-line community where everyday believers can come to find resources and teaching that will help them to accurately know God's Word so that they may actively live it and then in turn ardently teach it to others so that God gets all the glory and honor in the end. Soli Deo Gloria!

Another Sonnet

noreply@blogger.com (Chris Tolbert) — Fri, 25 Mar 2011 14:49:00 +0000

While slowly rambling through a dusty field,
I stopped midway to wipe my sweaty head.
My sandal struck a secret partly sealed
beneath the sun-baked ground no soul had tread.

What is this buried object here amid
the rocks no one would seek? By digging here
with dirty hands a treasure I unhid.
Alone, I hid again while coast was clear.

As joyful heart beats strong within my chest,
my current task I joyfully postpone
on finding such a treasure clearly blest,
I go and sell off everything I own.

What ever could give joy midst such great cost?
Now, I by treasure found am no more lost.

Feel free to let me know what you think!

Sweeter With Time

noreply@blogger.com (Chris Tolbert) — Fri, 11 Mar 2011 14:48:00 +0000

I once heard (probably from a country song) that love is like a fine wine; it just gets sweeter with time. That has definitely been my experience. I can honestly say that when I got married I had no idea what true love is. I thought that the warm fuzzy feeling and giddiness I felt around my high school sweetheart was love. Although I don’t have a complete understanding as to the depth of love, after 11 years of marriage (to that same high school sweetheart) I have learned that love is more intimate and satisfying than I ever could have dreamed. There is a surety and security in love that is worth more than all the gold in Fort Knox.

When Sabrina and I were dating, our song was “Long As I Live” by John Michael Montgomery. Back then, the chorus was the part of the song that emphasized how I felt. It was that immature but zealous passion to be with her and to declare that I would love her “as long as I live”. As time marches on, the verses have solidified in my mind and heart, and I think I can truly identify that this is the kind of love I really have for my best friend. In honor of her birthday today, I wanted to share the lyrics to our song.

The world's been spinning 'round since time began

An' when it stops, it's out of my hands

So I could swear forever for all it's worth

Or give you every day I have on Earth

No matter if there's mountains you can't move

Or harder times then you thought you'd go through

And the weight of your world's too much to bear

Just remember I'll always be there

The moon and stars aren't mine to give

Neither is eternity

But I'll give you a promise tonight

That I can keep

Long as I live

Long as I breathe

With every heartbeat

I'll need you near me

I won't leave you behind

'Til the Lord says it's time to go with him

I'm yours long as I live

I'm yours long as I live

Sabrina, if you read this, I don’t know how many more birthday’s I’ll get to celebrate with you, but however many, I want you to know that I’ll love you “as long as I live”. And that’s a promise I can keep.

Whom Are You Living For? - Part 2

noreply@blogger.com (Chris Tolbert) — Fri, 25 Feb 2011 18:41:00 +0000

As promised.

So now we must look at ourselves in the mirror of God’s word and answer the question, “Whom am I living for? At home, at work, at school and at church, Whom am I living for?” And if the answer is anyone or anything other than Jesus, we must repent and ask God to give us a heart for Him, a desire to see His Name and His fame spread, and the strength and courage to go out and show Him to our community.

Do you notice that in this passage Paul’s desire is not at all man-centered? While it is man-ward it is completely Christ-centered. Let’s continue reading.

For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. 22If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. Yet which I shall choose I cannot tell. 23 I am hard pressed between the two. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better. 24But to remain in the flesh is more necessary on your account. 25Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with you all, for your progress and joy in the faith, 26so that in me you may have ample cause to glory in Christ Jesus, because of my coming to you again.

Please, don’t miss that last line. “So that in me you may have ample cause to glory in Christ Jesus, because of my coming to you again.” In other words, Paul is saying, though I would rather die and thereby gain Christ, for He is my treasure, I’m convinced that, because it would grow you more and give you more joy, thereby causing you to glory in Christ all the more, I will remain and continue with you all. To strip it further, Paul is saying, I would rather die and be with Christ, my treasure, but I know that He will get more glory for Himself if I stay, so if that is His plan, that is what I will do. Again, does your heart beat that way? Would you rather sacrifice your greatest want, greatest desire, if it means that Christ would be more glorified in you? Whom are you living for?

Now, what does this look like lived out. Well, if Christ is truly our treasure then we will seek to know Him more, through His word, through prayer and meditation, and through corporate and private worship. Hereby, we love our God with all our heart, soul and mind. But how do we love God with all our strength? I believe we do that by living out the second part of the Great Commandment - and love your neighbor as yourself. The amazing thing about God’s plan is that when we do the latter, we do the former. As we go into the world and love our neighbors in real, tangible ways, we are loving God with all our strength. God is being glorified and people are being ministered to. It’s a win, win. Scripture says that even when we are reviled for Christ’s sake, we win and God is glorified. The only time we lose is when we fail to go and obey our Master’s command. Let is be obvious to everyone we meet that the answer to the question, “Whom are you living for,” is unmistakably, “for me to live is Christ.”

Whom Are You Living For? - Part 1

noreply@blogger.com (Chris Tolbert) — Tue, 22 Feb 2011 13:31:00 +0000

This post will be part 1 of my notes for a sermon I had the opportunity to preach this past Sunday at my home church. Our pastor and his family were out of town visiting their son in college, so he asked me to fill in for him. It was an honor to be entrusted with such a great responsibility as proclaiming God's Word to His people. I pray that He would be glorified in all that was said.

These are the notes I used and do not contain every word I said, but the core of the message is intact.

Whom Are You Living For?

Philippians 1:18b - 21a (ESV)

Let us turn to Philippians, chapter 1, and as I speak to you today on what I believe God has laid on my heart and mind to speak, I want to encourage you to ask yourselves a couple of questions.

1. Is what Bro. Chris saying the truth according to Scripture?
2. If it is, what am I going to do about it?

Our church as experienced exponential growth in the last 2 - 3 years. I know you may be asking, “What is he talking about; look at us?”, but I’m talking about growth that is infinitely more beautiful and awesome than mere numbers. I’m talking about spiritual growth and maturity that comes from God alone. God has grown us as individuals and as a collective body of Christ in ways we don’t even recognize. And we have the promise of His Word that He will continue growing us and conforming us to the image of His Son, our Lord Jesus Christ. In light of this promise, my prayer today is that this message will be an instrument of God to further His work in us and through us to the glory of His great Name. I want you to understand that the purpose of this message today is not to discourage us or beat us down over what we’re not doing, but to cause us examine our lives, individually and as a church body, to see what we must do to grow further in the grace of our Lord and to live this vapor He has given us for His glory. So the question I ask you today is, “Whom are you living for?”

Yes, and I will rejoice, 19for I know that through your prayers and the help of the Spirit of Jesus Christ this will turn out for my deliverance, 20as it is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be at all ashamed, but that with full courage now as always Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or by death. 21For to me to live is Christ...

Tradition holds and many scholars agree that this letter from Paul to the believers in Philippi was written from the Roman prison during his stay there described in Acts 28. Philippi was a Roman colony whose population was mostly made up of retired Roman soldiers. For this reason, and the fact that there are no Old Testament quotations or Jewish names referenced in this letter, it is most likely that the church at Philippi was a group of Gentile believers. While there is a spirit of joy and gratitude in this letter, it was written to encourage and exhort believers who were facing persecution and pressures by false teaching.

Let us to look at the what is going on here in the passage we just read. Paul is in prison for preaching the Gospel. And he is rejoicing. Why is he rejoicing? Well let us look back to verses 12 - 18.

12I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel, 13so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard and to all the rest that my imprisonment is for Christ. 14And most of the brothers, having become confident in the Lord by my imprisonment, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.
15 Some indeed preach Christ from envy and rivalry, but others from good will. 16The latter do it out of love,knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. 17The former proclaim Christ out of rivalry, not sincerely but thinking to afflict me in my imprisonment. 18What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed, and in that I rejoice.

So Paul is sitting in a prison cell rejoicing because, due to his imprisonment, he has had the opportunity to preach the gospel to his fellow prisoners and even to the prison guards. In fact the gospel has even reached the royal household. He is rejoicing because the brothers and sisters who are not in prison are now more emboldened to preach the gospel and even his enemies are preaching the gospel out of rivalry, which means that while they are preaching the true gospel, there motives are selfish and contrary to that of Paul’s. Nonetheless he rejoices because the gospel is being preached. Then as we come back to our original passage, we see the driving force behind his joy. Paul rejoices because, “For me to live is Christ...” Paul isn’t concerned about whether he will live or die, only that in his life or in his death that Christ is glorified. Does your heart beat that way?

Now if we are not careful, we will try to justify ourselves with the thought that Paul was different than you and I today. We will seek to derive comfort in a false premise that Paul was a “radical” Christian and that we are just “normal” Christians. We will esteem Paul as to having attained some higher level of closeness with God because, after all, he was an apostle. And in doing so, we will excuse ourselves from having to honestly evaluate our lives and answer the question that has been posed to us. The question, “Whom are you living for?”. And then having freed ourselves from the sting of conviction, we will pull the covers back over our heads and drift back to sleep in the bed of our “comfortable” Christianity.

May it never be! The same God who blinded Paul on the rode to Damascus has reached down and ripped us from the miry pit of our sin. The same Spirit that transformed this evil Pharisee, this Jew of Jews, into a “Jesus freak” has quickened us also from the dead and now dwells inside us, giving us eternal life. And the same Jesus, of whom Paul wrote to the Galatians, “... redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming the curse for us...”, this Christ paid for our redemption also with His very blood. That is why, later in Philippians, Paul writes, “Brothers, join in imitating me...”. This is not “radical” Christianity. This is “normal” Christianity. For this is that great commandment: You shall love your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind.

...to be continued

Why Not Here? Why Not Now?

noreply@blogger.com (Chris Tolbert) — Fri, 21 Jan 2011 15:25:00 +0000

If you gotta start somewhere why not here

If you gotta start sometime why not now

If we gotta start somewhere I say here

If we gotta start sometime I say now

Through the fog there is hope in the distance

From cathedrals to third world missions

Love will fall to the earth like a crashing wave

TobyMac, City On Our Knees

I’m going through Radical by David Platt for the second time now. This time slowly, so that I can take in and digest the truths he has written. And one thing is painfully clear: things have to change. If I’m going to follow Christ, I must follow Him in they way He commanded and not how my culture has deemed acceptable. Jesus has no time for casual Christians. The Father seeks worshipers and has commissioned His children to go find them no matter the cost. And while the cost is great, the reward is greater. See, Jesus is the reward. And He is enough!

While I currently give to international mission efforts, and plan to give more in the future, I’m not going to the international mission fields anytime soon. The fields in Pierce County, GA are white unto harvest and the laborers are few. So the place is here and the time is now to go and make disciples. People right here, right now, are dying without the truth. Sure, we’re in the Bible belt and most people here have at least heard of Jesus. But what “Jesus”? The one Joel Osteen and Benny Hinn preach about, who for a fee will give you your best life now and maybe even heal you? Or the Jesus of the Bible who commanded anyone who would follow Him to deny themselves daily. And have they ever seen the Gospel lived out? Or do they just see people gather week after week in padded pews and climate controlled buildings? As my awesome pastor says, “They see the church, but do they see the Church?” So I will go. For the glory of my Savior, I will go. And whatever comes, He will lead and guide me.

I encourage you to read Radical, thoroughly and carefully. I have seen many reviews where people have taken David Platt to say that poverty is the way to holiness and having wealth is evil. These people have missed the whole heart of the book. Two questions you must answer for yourself while reading this book are, “Is this author telling the truth?” and “If he is, what am I going to do about it?”

Book Study - Pastor Dad

noreply@blogger.com (Chris Tolbert) — Fri, 19 Nov 2010 14:08:00 +0000

I spent time with my lovely wife last night studying a short book by Mark Driscoll called Pastor Dad. This book gives good biblical insight into the joy and responsibility of being a father. I can tell you that I have already been convicted by some of the things Pastor Driscoll has said and we’re only a couple chapters in. Although painful, I know that this study will be worth it’s weight in gold as I strive to be a better father to our three children. I think Sabrina has been convicted as well and I know that God will use this to help mold her into the mother she wants to be.

In reading chapter 2, the most convicting section to me is on page 9 where it talks about hypocritical fathers who tell there children to do something, but don’t do that themselves. I’m not one to tell my children, “Do as I say, not as I do,” but I am guilty of holding them to higher standards than I hold my self. For example, just this week I admonished my daughter to clean her room. She is very bad about not putting things back where they belong when she is finished with them. I’m the same way. So in essence, just me telling her to clean her room and put things back where they belong was telling her, “Do as I say, not as I do!” I need to hold myself to the same (or even higher) standards than I hold my children to. Otherwise, I’m a hypocrite. So I repent of the sin of hypocrisy and pray for the grace to live out the standards I wish my children to live out, so that they will not only hear it in my words, but also see it in my life.

Since we have our book study on Thursday nights, I’ll make it a point to share what how this book has benefited my wife and I in my Friday posts. So until next time, Soli Deo Gloria!

Lessons From A Friend I Didn't Really Know

noreply@blogger.com (Chris Tolbert) — Thu, 18 Nov 2010 15:10:00 +0000

Yesterday I attended the funeral of a friend I never knew. James Holton “Holt” Rowland, 16, entered eternity on November 10, 2010. I knew of Holt, but didn’t really know him personally, only having spoken with him a handful of times. The last time I remember seeing Holt was on October 14, 2010 at a wild game supper at Bristol Baptist where I was leading worship. I wish I would have gotten to know him, as I feel I have missed out on a great blessing.

As I listened to the men who were asked to share memories of Holt yesterday at his celebration service, I heard the testimony of a young man who loved Jesus. That wasn’t just something that Holt said. It was shared that most often he didn’t even have to say it because his love for Christ was evident in the way he lived his life. It was manifested in the way he loved his friends, family, baseball, church and community and in how he lived out the great commandment - to love God with all his heart, mind, soul and strength and to love his neighbor as himself. Holt understood that there was nothing inherently good in him; that good could only be found in God. And Holt lived and died bringing glory to God.

I came away from Holt’s service with a new perspective on my own life. Learning of Holt’s life challenged me to take inventory of where I’m at in my walk with Christ and showed me that I have a lot of growing up to do. As I pondered what kind of legacy I would leave if I died today, I came to realize that there is so much more I can do to exalt and magnify Christ in my time here on Earth. There are three specific areas where I must, as Holt reminded me, decrease so that Jesus may increase: my family, my church, my community.

If I could sum up in a single phrase what Holt Rowland’s life has taught me, it would be “Bloom where you are planted.” Many times I think that in order to glorify God and make His Name great I have to do something on a grand scale so that a lot of people will see it. But when I dig down to the root of this idea, I see pride and the desire to exalt myself rather than Christ. It pains me to admit this, but ultimately it is the truth. The sovereign Lord of the universe put me where He did so that my life would be spent pointing to Him and not me. So that is exactly what I commit to do from this day on. To bloom where I’m planted so that Christ may be exalted and worshiped.

If I could tell Holt something today, I would tell him how much I admire his love for Jesus and for people. Because of our kinship in Christ, I count him as a brother and a friend, though I never really knew him. And, because of Jesus Christ, I know that I’ll be where he is one day. Although I don’t fully know how it all works up there in Heaven, I hope that I will get to spend at least a small fraction of eternity getting to know Holt. One thing is for certain, I’ll know where to find him - worshiping at the feet of the Savior he loves.

See you later, Holt.