Experience Life!

Questions, Questions, Questions???

2012-02-09T14:51:00.001-06:00

With some time on my hands, I've had some time to be introspective. Through this self examination, I've found some wonderful things... and some things to work on.

My friend, Dave Jochum, has been coaching me through some leadership material. One of my assignments was to have some people that are close to you answer these two questions:

What do I do when I communicate that connects with people?
What do I do when I communicate that turns people off? (Ouch!!!)

The first question is wonderful and I got some great feedback. A couple of the answers to question number 1 were similar. That helped me to see some of my strong points in communication.

The second question is tough... but beneficial. I am glad I love all the people that answered these questions! It is sometimes hard to hear constructive criticism but I knew it was given in love. As I thought about the answers to question number 2, I realized that there was a lot of validity to what they were saying. This gave me some things to work on in my communication.

I need your help! Reply to this thread and let me know some tools, questions, ways that you use to examine yourself. These can be spiritual or personal. List and explain whatever tools you use (have used) to look at yourself to make you a better person. Let's grow together!

My Journey

2012-02-06T08:42:00.001-06:00

The past three months have been difficult yet invigorating. Turmoil on the outside yet peace on the inside. In crisis yet a great time of faith building. The past three months have seemed like one huge oxymoron. Many times, God works mightily in the middle of a situation that seems like an oxymoron.

When I knew God was leading me to resign the pastorate at Riverside, I knew I had to listen and do it. So, I did it. I am so glad that God gave Susan (my wife) a peace about the decision as well. We knew we were in for a ride on the faith building train. We also knew God was going to use this time to grow our kids faith as well.

God is so faithful. A couple of weeks after leaving Riverside, a friend emailed me that he had a dream and the Holy Spirit wanted him to share it with me. He told me to follow the Spirit and wait on the Lord. Don't do what looks right or is the easiest, just follow the Spirit. Wow, I needed that. I had an opportunity arise for a decent job recently. But, I knew God was not leading me to take the job so I removed my name from consideration. I thank God for the clear direction.

I have used the past couple of months as a sabbatical. I have been studying, reading, praying, and writing. God has used this time to grow my faith and re-energize me for my next assignment. I don't have any idea where my next assignment is but I know that God already has it prepared for me. I was thanking Him this morning for providing it for me. I know it is coming. I just have to wait on Him. He will provide.

About a month ago, I was a little down. I was reading in the book of Joshua and God gave me a rhema (a word specifically for me and my situation). He told me, "Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go (Joshua 1:9b)." Man... I needed that. God wants me to be strong and courageous. He wants me to have no fear about this time our family is going through. He's got this!!!

As the days and weeks continue to go by with no immanent ministry position on the horizon and no upcoming income that I know of; I know God is the one taking care of us. He knows I am available to do whatever He wants. The pressure is off me. He will provide for me and my family as I listen to His Spirit and follow His leading.

As I was praying last week, I began wondering if I was going to miss God in this. I was afraid I might not hear Him when He speaks to me. God spoke to me clearly in my Spirit and said, "You are not going to miss it." That's exciting!

God is faithful. Therefore, I trust. I encourage you to trust Him today in whatever circumstance you find yourself!

Oops... Here I Go Again!

2012-02-02T09:33:00.000-06:00

Last night, Susan (my wife) and I were sitting in the car waiting for Christina (our 14 year old daughter) to get out of youth. They were late getting out. Oh how I hate when things don't happen on schedule. Can you relate to that? It is in my personality. I am wired that way. But, just because I'm wired that way doesn't excuse my behavior.

Susan and I were having a nice conversation... just me and her. I should have been enjoying the time together... but, I was upset about Christina (and the whole youth gathering) being late. Susan was sharing with me about some of the things going on at school regarding her Bible class. Don't get me wrong, I was interested. I love hearing about what my wife does. She is so creative and called to do what she does. BUT, at what I thought was the end of her story, I jumped in and griped and complained about the lateness of the hour. Did we have anything pressing to do? No. Was this a life changing lateness? No.

Susan had not finished her story. I had been paying more attention to the time than her story. I hurt her feelings. I don't blame her for being upset with me. I missed a great opportunity to connect with Susan. That time will never be back. I blew it.

Romans 12:10 (ESV) says, "Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor." Instead of being worried about the time, I should have been in tune with her needs putting her first above any inconvenience I might have been experiencing.

Oh, what lessons God continues to teach me. Through Christ living in us, we can overcome our personality quirks that get us in trouble. I was focused on getting my needs met instead of Jesus. I am glad God is always showing us His grace and mercy in these situations.

My prayer is that Susan is practicing Ephesians 4:32 (ESV) "Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you." I know she is, she has had to forgive me more than once.

Miracles and Faith

2012-01-30T14:01:00.000-06:00

I was watching a show on television that tried to explain the parting of the Red Sea when the Israelites were leaving Egypt. They did all these experiments to prove that a wind could have come and parted the Red Sea, just as told in the Bible, from a natural perspective. No, a miracle doesn't happen because some freak wind blows a certain way. The Red Sea parted for Moses because God said it was going to happen. Either believe it or don't... but don't try to explain it with a natural explanation.

In fact, I was reading Joshua chapters 3 & 4 today and noticed something. As the Israelites were crossing the Jordan to take the promised land, God did another miracle. God told the priests carrying the ark to go and put their feet in the waters of the Jordan. He told them that when they did that, the waters would stop flowing down the Jordan. The Jordan River would be "parted" just like the Red Sea was! Then the Israelites could all cross the river.

I don't think it was an accidental wind that caused this second "parting" to happen. In fact, it took a great act of faith. Just as Moses had to raise his staff for the Red Sea to be parted, the priests had to step into the Jordan for the waters to part. Wow! That's faith. Tell me this is not a miracle... the Bible says they all walked through this riverbed and it was DRY ground. I've never seen something covered with water that was not still wet when you removed the water. That was another miracle. Miracles can't be explained. They must be received by faith.

Faith always involves action. Faith is never just believing a set of facts but acting on them as well. What is God calling you to step out on faith about right now? It's time for you to step into the Jordan. God will do His part (be faithful) when we act on His promises by faith!

Focus, Focus, Focus

2012-01-27T16:38:00.000-06:00

Joshua 1:7 (NASB95) says, “Only be strong and very courageous; be careful to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, so that you may have success wherever you go."

The new leader Joshua was being taught by God on the way He needed to go to lead the Israelites. We must remember that Joshua was under the Old Covenant and therefore, was under obligation to the Law. Putting this verse in New Covenant terms would read something like this: "Be strong and very courageous; be careful to keep your focus on God, don't turn to the right or to the left..."

My wife, Susan, and I were talking the other day at the dinner table. We noticed how our son, Jonathan, is very focused when you give him a plate of food that he really likes. It is hard to interrupt him when he is really enjoying his food. Focused.

God wants us to have that kind of focus on Him. Not interrupted by the sounds that try to get us to turn to the right or to the left. Not interrupted by the urgency of things that zap us of our energy to follow God. Just plain enjoying God throughout our day as we focus on Him.

Israel - Day 9 - January 7, 2012

2012-01-07T14:54:00.000-06:00

We started our day by going to Herodian. Herod basically took a mountain and added on to it to make it higher. This caused the city to be naturally protected. What a beautiful view. You can see the Dead Sea and the mountains pas it in Jordan. This site has some ruins from this time period.

Our next stop was the Israel Museum. One of the highlights is a scale model of the city of Jerusalem at the time of Jesus. Also interesting was the display of the Dead Sea Scrolls.

We then popped by the Knesset building (Israel's Congress) for a look at their building.

Then it was on to lunch then the Garden Tomb. This site is almost assuredly not the spot of Jesus' tomb but is a great example of what Jesus' tomb probably looked like. The setting is very much what a garden in Israel would have looked like.

Next, on to the Valley of Elah. This is the place where David slew Goliah. You could see where the Philistines would have been on one side and the Israelites on the other. I got a stone from this valley to bring home. Maybe it's the one David used?

Last we went to supper in Joppa before heading to the airport. It has been a great sabbatical journey. I can't wait to get home!

Israel - Day 8 - January 6, 2012

2012-01-06T11:46:00.001-06:00

We began at the Jerusalem overlook again today. Dr. Dukes shared the devotion today. We then proceeded to the location that is believed to have been where the Upper Room is located. There is strong evidence this was the right place.

Next, it was on to Peter at Gallicantu. This is the place where Peter denied Christ. It was also Caiaphas' palace. Jesus would have been tried and scourged there. We saw plausible locations where this could have occurred. Also we saw the actual road Jesus would have walked down after His trial.

Our next site was En Harim. This is where Elizabeth and Zechariah lived and John the Baptist would have been born.

We then proceeded to Nabi Samuel, the purported place of the tomb of Samuel. This is probably not true... but, it is the site of the ancient city of Mizpah. Mizpah is an ancient city from the time of the Judges. The view from the top of this mountain is spectacular.

Finally, we went to Mt. Scopes. It has an unbelievable view of the desert, Dead Sea, and even the mountains in Jordan. Another great day and it's back to the hotel.

Israel - Day 7 - January 5, 2012

2012-01-05T21:55:00.001-06:00

We began othe day, once again, at the Jersusalem Overlook. Next, it was on to the old city and inside the walls through the Lion's Gate. We then proceeded to the Pool of Bethesda. I shared a devotional at the site... One of the highlights of my trip.

From there we went to the Temple Mount. This is under Muslim control. You can see the place that the Temple stood from the time of Soloman. The Dome of the Rock is an impressive Muslim structure from 617AD. I'm sure the archeological remains there, if we were allowed to dig, would be substantial.

Off to lunch at the Aroma coffee shop. Aroma is like Starbucks with better food. Afterward, we spent the afternoon at the Holocost Mueseum. This was a powerful, heavy afternoon trip remembering the Jews who were slaughtered through Hitler's regime.

Back to the hotel... I'm so tired... but it's a good tired!

Israel - Day 6 - January 4, 2012

2012-01-04T22:57:00.000-06:00

We began the day by going to an overlook of the city of Jerusalem. This place had a beautiful view of the city the enabled our guide, Gila, to share where everything is in the city.

We then went to the top of the Mount of Olives where several people rode a camel (not me). We proceeded to walk down the Mount of Olives on the path that would have been Jesus' triumphal entry route into Jerusalem.

We stopped at Dominus Flavus, the place of tears, then went to the Garden of Gethsemane. I could imagine Jesus sweating drops of blood during His last hours.

We then went into the old city through the Damascus Gate. We went through the Moslem quarter of the city. There were many sights, sounds, and smells.

We did some shopping then proceeded into the Church of the Holy Seplucare, where both Calvary nod the empty tomb are located. It was really awesome to touch the stone that they believe held Jesus' body... Until the resurrection!

After lunch and more shopping, we went to a Jewish shop owner's store. He teaches at a Jewish seminary and we were able to have a discussion with him about our faiths.

Then we went to the Western Wll (wailing wall). So many people trusting in a place to help instead of just trusting God. Very interesting. We were able to go under the Western Wall to see some of the wall as it was at the time of Christ. After an exhausting day, we were able to come back to our hotel and crash. What a day!

Israel - Day 5 - January 3, 2012

2012-01-04T22:18:00.001-06:00

We started the day leaving the Sea of Gallilee. We went to Mt. Carmel where Elijah Took down the prophets of Baal. I have a pic on FB of me withe the statue of Elijah in the background. You can see an unbelievable view from the top of Mt. Carmel. You can see how Elijah would have been able to see the clouds coming from the Mediterranean.

Next it was on to Ceasarea Maritima. This was a large port city on the Mediterranean Sea. This was the birthplace of Gentile Christianity. Cornelius from the book of Acts was the first Gentile convert here. Paul was imprisioned here for two while waiting to go to Rome. I walked down the steps that Paul would have walked down to go to a boat to go to Rome.

Finally, we headed toward Jersualem. Our next stop was a few miles south of Jersualem, Bethlehem. We went to the Church of the Nativity and saw the place where Jesus was born.

Finally, it was on to the hotel where we will be staying in Jersualem.

Israel - Day 4 - January 2, 2012

2012-01-02T12:25:00.002-06:00

After a walk and breakfast, we began our day by driving to an overlook of the city of Nazereth. The old city of Nazareth was nothing to behold. There are no ruins or anything like that to look at.
But the view from this overlook was spectacular of the Jezreel Valley.

Our next stop was the nearby city of Sepphoris. Jesus probably came to this city with his father when he was a young man to do carpentry work. Sepphoris is not mentioned in the Bible, which is surprising, because it was a pretty large city. We saw many ruins there.

An awesome site today was Megiddo. Megiddo was the site of many Old Testament events. Josiah's death happened on a field we looked on today. Megiddo overlooks the valley of Armageddon, where the last battle of Revelation occurs. Pics on FB.

Next it was off to Ein Harod. This is the spot that has the actual brook that God used to shrink Gideon's army down to 300 men. Again, pic on FB.

Last, we went to Beit She'an. This place has some of the best preserved ruins from around the time of Jesus. We had devotional in a Roman theater that would has seated about 7,000 people. Awesome.

Will be leaving our Gallilee hotel in the morning to go up to Jerusalem for the last of our trip. Good night!

Israel - Day 3 - January 1, 2012

2012-01-01T11:31:00.000-06:00

Started the day with a brisk walk at 5am. Then on to breakfast and on the bus at 8am. Our first stop today, Kursi. Kursi was known as the country of the Gerasenes in New Testament times. It is believed that Jesus healed the Gerasenes demoniac here and the pigs committed sui-cide.

Next, it was off to the mountains of the Golan Heights. We took a Jeep ride through the trails of the Golan Heights. We Pics of this will be on FB. This was an awesome experience. These open Jeeps gave you a great view of everything. We were at the Jordan River near its headwaters. At the top of a mountain we learned about the six day war in 1967 that won back this area from Syria.

Next was lunch at a restaurant in Mas'ada. I had a Labne. It looked like a big quesadilla. Pretty tasty. You can see the lady making in on FB.

After lunch, our next stop was Ceaserea Philippi. This was a gentile city with pagan worship long ago. It is also believed to be the place of Peter's confession... "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." as found in the gospels. The transfiguration may have happened near here on Mt. Hermon.

Our last stop of the day was at the ancient city of Dan. Much of this site was pre-Jesus. this is the place that Jeroboam built an altar and setup one of the golden calves for worship. The last part of this site was a real treat. The gates of the original city of Dan were there that are over 4,000 years old. We saw the gate that that we know Abraham would have passed through when following God's directive to the promised land! WOW! In Gensis 14:14, we know Abraham went through Dan and would have had to have gone through this gate.

We are now back at the hotel about to eat and have Bible Study. What an awesome day!

Israel - Day 2 - December 31, 2011

2011-12-31T12:10:00.001-06:00

I went to bed too late and got up too early today. Oh well, ready or not here I come. We came to our hotel last night and checked in. We are staying right on the Sea of Gallilee... Breathtaking! After breakfast this morning, we went to Tiberias and boarded a boat. We stopped the boat in te middle of the sea of Gallilee and Dr. Dukes taught from the passage about Jesus walking on the water. We continued our boat ride to Gennesaret.

At Gennesaret, there is a museum with a well preserved boat that was found in the 1990's that was from the time of Jesus. Could this have been Peter's boat? No telling,but it was definitly one like it. I put a pic on FB.

We then went to Chorazin. The gospels never record Jesus actually going there but He must have. He has some bad things to say about Chorazin in Luke 10 which lead one to believe Jesus went there... Probably many times. Jesus might have taught in the Synagogue there.

My favorite stop of the day was Capernaum. In Matthew 4, Jesus moves His ministry to this city. We KNOW Jesus was there. He taught in the synagogue there. The house of Peter is there in Capernaum. There is strong evidence, Dr. Warren said, to suggest this the remains we saw were actually Peter's home. Wow!

We went to a great falafel stand for lunch. Yummy. Next to the place called the Primacy of Peter. This is where Catholics believe Peter was given the keys to the church. Protestants take this to be the place where Jesus appeared after His resurrection and ate breakfast with the disciples. Pretty cool. Go see my pics on FB. Thery're out there. On to the bed! We have another big day tomorrow.

Israel - Day 1 - December 30, 2011

2011-12-30T14:29:00.000-06:00

After a plane trip from New Orleans to New York, a bus trip between airports in New York, a 3 hour layover, a 10 hour flight from New York to Tel Aviv, and a two hour bus ride into the Negev desert, we finally arrived at the Ramon Inn in Mitzpen Ramon last night. After dinner and Bible study, Me and my roommate (Walt Barnes - Pastor of Roseland Park Baptist Church in Picayune, MS) crashed. We woke at 3am due to a misinterpretation of the correct time.

So after a really early start, I walked my 2+ miles (inside in a hallway of the hotel... It's too cold outside for this boy) and we went to breakfast. After breakfast, we began our journey with a trip to Ramon Crater. This place is the Grand Canyon of Israel.

Next it was off to Avdat, an ancient Nabatean city. We saw an ancient settlement that had been excavated. This city was on an ancient spice trade route. Avast has an excavated church that has a baptismal pool shaped like a cross. You can see a picture on Facebook.

It was on to the city of Beersheva. The highlight of this stop was a well, thought to be Abraham's well from about 2,000 BC. Again, pic on FB.

Our next stop was my personal favorite of the day... Masada. Masada was an ancient city on top of a mountain that was almost inaccessible. A snake trail winds up the mountain. This trail was used to bring goods to the top via animals. It is an awe inspiring view from Masada. You now ride a huge cable car to get to the top. This city was overrun by the Roman army in 73AD. There were a remnant of Jews left after the destruction of Jerusalem in 70AD. This was their "Alamo." You can see several encampments at the bottom of Masada where the Roman soldiers stayed during their siege.

The last stop of the day was En Gedi to stop and check out the Dead Sea. I put a pic of me on FB at this site. Several people swam (not me). The water is too slimy feeling! This place is the lowest on earth... 1,300 feet below sea level... Makes New Orleans seem like its on a mountain! Had a great first day.

Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Blue

2010-10-12T07:57:00.000-05:00

Okay. Gotcha. All I've got is something new. We began something a couple of weeks ago that is really making a difference in my message preparation and delivery. Our staff, and a couple of other individuals, have begun meeting with me each week to share their thoughts and ideas about the upcoming weeks message. They share biblical insights, background, and possible applications for the weeks message. This is not a collaboration but is a sharing of ideas. I still decide what goes in the message or not. But I am finding it helpful to have some outside thought on the message. I think it is making me a better communicator. Props to the people meeting with me. They are stretching me and making me better to the glory of God!

Fall is in the Air

2010-09-27T08:50:00.002-05:00

It's ten degrees cooler in New Orleans this morning than it has been all summer. Fall is in the air! When I think of Fall, I think of change. God's creation changes with the seasons. His Church also has to change.

Myself, Tiffany Meliet (our Children's Minister), and Larry Marquez (Leadership Team member) just got back from a visit to North Coast Church in Vista, California (right outside San Diego). We were at a two day intensive, personalized conference just for us. North Coast Church started at about our size and is now very large. I asked God to use them to help share some of His plan with us. Their expertise in the area of small groups is unmatched. Needless to say, we learned a lot about small groups and will be implementing some things at the start of 2011.

Another thing we realized, our worship center is not setup as well as it could be for worship. We will be making some changes in regards to our physical setup very soon.

We are also in prayer about adding another worship service on Sunday morning. Please pray with me about this. There is change in the air both in the season and within the body of Christ here at Riverside. Don't you want to come be a part of it?

God Moves

2010-06-08T17:37:00.002-05:00

I was moved and humbled two weeks ago as God showed His awesome power through leading people to give to Beyond Our Ability. Those gathered were challenged to give to match a pledge of $2,500 thereby making it a $5,000 gift. Before the end of the day, over $15,000 had been given toward Beyond Our Ability. It is so neat to see God's activity among His people. God's people rise to the occasion when the Holy Spirit of God challenges their hearts.

The Holy Spirit is issuing another challenge for us. In John 7:16, Jesus said, "My teaching is not mine, but His who sent me." Jesus was sent by the Father for a purpose. God has called us as His children to also live a "sent" life. We are here for a purpose. God wants to use you to be His hands and feet in this world. But we must be willing to let Him use us. Will you accept the challenge.

God Rocks in 2010

2010-01-01T15:28:00.003-06:00

God reminds me every year of how important new beginning are. God is always at work. Sometimes I forget how much God is moving and feel like things never change. But things are always changing and God is always working. Isn't God awesome!

No matter your circumstance, God is always working to point you toward the better. God is always drawing you to Himself. Don't give up. When you have a relationship with God through Jesus Christ, there is always hope. Happy new year!

Who Stole My Church? Part 2

2009-08-13T12:06:00.002-05:00

As I have reflected on the book "Who Stole My Church?", I wonder how many pastors are out there trying to implement change in traditional churches in order to follow the mission God has given to each body of believers?

Being transparent, I knew coming to Riverside that God was going to have to change A LOT OF THINGS to make Riverside Church relevant in the world we live in. I told the pastor search committee don't bring me in if you don't want major change. In fact, the pastor search committee was down to 2 choices for their pastor, me and an older guy (in my mind probably past his prime) that would have probably delivered the status quo. The choice was clear for the committee, bring me in is a choice for change. Bring the other guy in is a choice for the same. The rest is history.

I came in as pastor and was accessing Riverside from top to bottom. Then hurricane Katrina hit and changed everything. We went from a country club ministry to an emergency room ministry with one named storm. Changes were happening minute by minute instead of over long periods of time. Riverside was being reshaped by adapting to an ever changing situation.

When things began to get to a new normal, many wanted Riverside to go back to exactly the way it had been. We could never go back. God had changed my heart and the heart of this church to minister in fresh and exciting ways. There was no going back. God was leading us in a new direction.

Whenever you have people and change, you have conflict. This was (and is) also true at Riverside Church. When a new pastor is preparing to come, change sounds good... in fact, it sounds good until YOU have to change something that is near and dear (or just comfortable) to you. Then change gets hard.

I have no regrets, absolutely none. I am not perfect but have followed God's leadership with respect to leading the body of believers at Riverside. God has a great plan for Riverside. God has given us a great mission and vision.

We have lost some people along the way and have also gained some folks. God is moving in fresh and exciting ways if we will just let go of stuff that doesn't mean anything and follow God. How about you?

Who Stole My Church?

2009-07-23T10:48:00.003-05:00

I just completed reading the book "Who Stole My Church?" by Gordon MacDonald. It is a work of fiction based in a very real setting. In fact, so real, it could have been written about Riverside Church.

The book chronicles the process of change in a church from the tradition of the past to a vibrant 21st century church. It speaks to the feelings and hurts of those caught in the middle of the change. I would recommend this book to anyone who is struggling with why church can't be the way it always was.

I don't want to give too much of the storyline away. You will be hearing more about the topics presented in this book in later blogs. Get a copy of the book and read it with me!

Interesting Verse

2009-07-16T13:46:00.003-05:00

I was studying this morning for a part of a message I will be delivering on Sunday. I am actually going back to a verse that was in my message last Sunday but I did not have time to fully explain. The verse is Acts 2:38 (NASB95), "Peter said to them, “Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit."

Catholic thought takes this verse to mean that if you don't baptize (in their eyes sprinkle) babies (or anyone for that matter) and they die, they are dead in their sins and cannot go to heaven. Church of Christ followers believe this verse teaches that if you are not baptized after salvation, you cannot enter heaven. In other words, you must be baptized for salvation to be complete (baptismal regeneration).

When studying Scripture, there are a few rules that I follow when it comes to interpreting a passage. One of these rules is to NEVER take one verse by itself to make a doctrine or teaching. This is the only verse in the Bible where it apparently says you must be baptized to be saved. In fact, the rest of the New Testament scriptures point to salvation being by faith and faith alone in Jesus Christ. There is nothing else to corroborate this interpretation.

Therefore, when studying this verse, I look to the original Greek text to look for other possible meanings. The word "for" in this verse is the Greek transliterated "EIS." Many times, this word is translated as "for." But this word can just as easily (and still be hermeneutically correct) be translated "as a result of." In light of the rest of the New Testament I think the last half of this verse should be translated “Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ as a result of the forgiveness of your sins."

Wow, this verse makes so much more sense this way. Because we have been forgiven of our sins, we will want to be baptized... to be identified with Jesus Christ. It fits with the rest of the teaching of the New Testament. Let me know what you think!

Most Misinterpreted Passages in the Bible

2009-07-09T15:04:00.002-05:00

God has me thinking. That's always a good thing. I have been thinking about a series of messages that will focus on the most misinterpreted and misunderstood passages in the Bible. I have a few in mind. What do you think? Do you have any passages I might consider? Reply and let me know!

Interesting Article

2009-07-02T09:14:00.002-05:00

Last weeks conversation stopped after the last comments I shared with you in the previous blog. I hope you can see that God's motivation has always been love, never fear. He sent His Son not to avenge some need He had for power and control, but totally out of love for us to pay a price we could not pay. There is no law in the world we can keep to make Him love us.

He loves us just as much today (no matter our sin level or circumstances) as He ever will. His love motivation always points us to rely on Him instead of relying on ourselves. His loves motivates us to love Him and follow Him.

Fear is not a good long term motivator. Love is. God's love is always pouring out to you calling you to a more intimate walk with Him. Are you listening?

2009-06-25T08:23:00.004-05:00

I found this interesting article and conversation going on in Facebook and thought you might enjoy reading it...

Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God? By Scott Brittin (Jun 18th, 2009)

Tue at 7:25pm

Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God?

By Scott Brittin (Jun 18th, 2009)

Jonathan Edwards (1703-1758), an evangelist from the early 1700's helped lead revival in early colonial America. "Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God" was the title of a famous sermon he delivered on July 8th 1741. Only four days after the 4th of July. Oops, sorry they had not invented Independence Day yet. That was still 35 years away. The story is told that as he gave the sermon (he actually read the sermon) people clung to the pillars and posts of the church building for fear of being dragged to hell and punished for their sins at the hands of an angry God. Are sinners in danger at the hands of an angry God? Is God angry at you? Romans 1:18-20 says "For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, because that which is known about God is evident within them; for God made it evident to them. For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse." According to this passage, the wrath of God is revealed, but whom is it revealed against? Paul tells us God's wrath is revealed against all ungodliness and unrightteousness. However, he doesn't leave it there. He specifies whose ungodliness. It is revealed against those who repress the truth of God. They deny the glory of God and instead glorify man. They are haters of God. Even though they know God, they will not acknowledge God. The wrath of God is revealed against the unsaved who repress the truth of God. Ephesians 2:4 tells us that before salvation we were "by nature children of wrath". Ephesians 5:5 tells us "the wrath is upon the children of disobedience?" In the context this is referring to the unsaved. Does God reveal His wrath against the saved? According to Romans 5:9 "Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him." Those who have been justified by Jesus' blood are saved from the wrath of God. God revealed His wrath against Jesus when Jesus became sin for us. God's justice and holiness were satisfied. How many sins were paid for? You know the answer to that. All of them, past, present and future. Were only the big sins paid for? No! The big sins, the little sins and the in between sins were all paid for. Yet we think God must be a little bit annoyed or disappointed with me when I commit the same sin for the hundredth time. If you are thinking that, you are bringing God down to your level. God knew all your sins. You cannot surprise God with some sin that He has not already taken care of. This does not mean God is happy with your sins that you commit yesterday, today or tomorrow. It grieves Him because He knows how it will hurt you and others. Sin still brings death to the believer-not spiritual death, but death in their soul and even body. Paul mentions in 1 Corinthians that some of the believers had died because of their sin. He uses the term they have "fallen asleep". There are still natural consequences to sin. If I insult my wife it will bring hurt, pain and potentially death to my relationship with my wife. But God's wrath will not and cannot be revealed against you. God is at peace with Himself and with you. The wrath of God was revealed against all unrighteousness and ungodliness when God put the sins of the world on Jesus. In 1830, George Wilson killed a mail worker in his attempt to rob the mail train. President Andrew Jackson pardoned George Wilson, the murderer and mail-train robber, forgiving what would have earned him a death sentence. Wilson, for some reason, refused this offer of pardon. After the Supreme Court decided there was no legal way to make him accept it, he was hanged. What a strange way for a man who is sentenced to death for his crime to respond to a pardon. Yet God has offered a pardon to all mankind by taking the consequences of our sins on Himself. So many refuse that pardon. God concurs with the Supreme Court. You cannot make a person accept the pardon. When a person refuses to acknowledge God and ignores the pardon, the wrath of God is revealed. It is not that God is even angry, Christ satisfied that anger. Yet George Wilson was still hung. The wrath of the government was revealed against George Wilson even though it had offered forgiveness. What about you? Have you received the pardon? If you have, are you still walking about as if God is angry with you, as if you are still waiting for the lightning bolt to hit you? Are you convinced God is out to get you, so you hide from God out of fear of His anger, believing He is still disappointed in you? Can you imagine if George Wilson had accepted the President's pardon, yet every day of his life he walked around looking over his shoulder for fear that the hangman was still pursuing him? Why not rest in the pardon. Rest in the love of God that was willing to sacrifice Himself to pay for your pardon. "Sinners in the Hands of An Angry God"? The question comes down to, "Is God angry"? Scripture says, "God is Love" (1 John 4:8) God did have anger toward the wicked, but because "God IS love" that anger was revealed against Christ on the cross. God so loved the world that He gave. What a shame for the unbeliever to not receive the love of God and the pardon and forgiveness of God. What a shame for the child of God to not embrace what is already his. "Sinners in the hands of an angry God" is fear motivated, but "sinners in the hands of a loving God" is life and peace if they will receive it. The members of Jonathan Edward's church clung to the pillars of the church for fear that they would be dragged to hell at the hands of an angry God. The reality is that we don't have to shy away from the hand of God but can cling to the tender hands of a loving God who will not let go of us nor let anyone snatch us out of His hands. The Gospel really is GOOD NEWS. The gospel is not saving us from God's anger, but saving us to experience God's love.

Lisa Love at 8:26pm June 23

Thank you Phillip for this. I love God so much and I never fail to be in awe that He LOVES ME even more that I can comprehend!!! I AM FORGIVEN!!!! Again, I so appreciate all of your notes! God Bless you!!

John Fincher at 6:19am June 24

Enjoyed this treatise. I've always wanted to read his sermon.

Damon W. Larimore at 4:15pm June 24

"The gospel is not saving us from God's anger, but saving us to experience God's love." What does that even mean?

Let's see...Jonathan Edwards helped lead revival -- I am assuming 'true' revival' -- in the hearts of men. Though we know that it is God that ultimately works in the hearts of men to repent and believe. Actually after seeing men and women fearful of their own shallow faith and possibly self-righteous and man-pleasing hearts, Jonathan himself was taken aback by the reaction of the congregation from this sermon. There was wailing and weeping occuring in men and women. He preached on God's Grace and Mercy as well. Yet he is known mostly for this Sermon.

Proverbs says 'The fear of the Lord is the beginning of Wisdom' God IS Love. God is THE LAW. God is creator and JUDGE. He has many attributes that work together and don't contradict each other. How did God hate Esau?

I am glad to hear that God loves sinners and has no wrath left for them. No hell.

Jim Caldwell at 4:35pm June 24

"The Gospel really is GOOD NEWS. The gospel is not saving us from God's anger, but saving us to experience God's love."
AMEN to that.

If your motivation to know God is to keep you from going to hell, the motivation probably will not last very long. Most people whom fear has been used as a tool to point them to God never truly become disciples. They never really KNOW God. If your motivation is to follow God because he wants an intimate love relationship with you, this motivation will last an eternity. That is the heart of God.

BTW Damon, God is NOT "THE LAW".

Damon W. Larimore at 8:21pm June 24

Well not the entire Law. Man made some of that up.

Like a sherrif is 'the law' to punish....lawbreakers. Like all of us who break His commandments.

If God is not the Law. Then God isn't judge. Then there is no sinner. then there is no hell. LOL That is good news.... Read More

When has fear become bad? It sure is spoken of alot in the Bible. When I quit 'fearing' 'my power tools is when I lose a finger. Bad analogy? It was not until I realized I was in danger of Hell that what God did for me on the Cross, broke my heart.

I was pretty happy in my sin and could really care less about God or whether God wanted a 'intimate love relationship.' I was having plenty of, now remorseful, intimate relationships. My own motivation to know God is absent of Holy Spirit. He opened my eyes to who he is and what He has done for me, despite my evil, loved me and gave mercy.

Mike Little at 9:58pm June 24

God is not "the law". Show me where the Bible says that. The Bible says that the law is good, but that it is a "tutor" to lead people to Christ. The law is the vehicle by which men and women know they have sinned. Before Christ, a person has no choice but to live by the law. Upon receiving Christ, a person can choose to live by "Christ in us, the hope of Glory". Christ indwells every believer and will live through them.

God made the tree, but He is not the tree. God made the earth, but he is not the earth. God created the law, but He is not the "law". I think a lot of Christians are law worshippers.

We want to make the law central (and have no other choice before coming to Christ), but God wants us to make Christ central.... Read More

Damon, I think Scott means that God's anger was fully taken care of on the cross, every sin atoned for - past, present and future. God's anger has been dealt with, but his love relationship with us is waiting on our response to his call.

Damon W. Larimore at 7:46am June 25

My use of the word Law as saying God is the law, is to say God is the standard of Holiness, purity, and the standard of Good. Not the ten commandments that everyone is so hung up on and can't reconcile with Grace and mercy.

I am not a law worshipper.

The bible does say all have sinned and fallen short of the Glory of God. What is that Glory? What is that standard? If not God, then whom? ... Read More

Who is the Law if not God? Who is the Judge if not God?

Jim Caldwell at 9:13am June 25

God's intention from the beginning was to have an "intimate love relationship" with each human just as He had with Adam and Eve before the fall.

Because of man's sinfulness, God already had the plan devised to send His Son to die for our sins. Not only our sins (plural), but to die to sin (singular) itself (2 Cor. 5:21).

God has always dealt with man through covenants (even though they are not used or understood very well in western culture today). A covenant is an agreement made by the superior party for the good of the weaker party. In other words, a totally selfless agreement.

The Old Covenant was given through Moses and consists of what we call the Ten Commandments and the rest of the Mosaic law. This covenant was for the Jewish people and has never saved anyone. God used this covenant to show the Jews that they could not attain the standards of God on their own. This covenant was used to point the Jews to their need for a Savior.

The New Covenant was ushered in through the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus. This is the only saving covenant.

Jesus paid for all our sins... past, present, and future. Therefore, we can live in fullness and freedom because of His great love, not out of fear of condemnation. Romans 8:1 says there is no condemnation left for us. Jesus took it all on the cross.

It is the love of God that compels us. We love, because He first loved us. God is not some cosmic sheriff just waiting for us to screw up. He is the life giving God that wants to live in each believer through the power of the Holy Spirit.

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I will post more of this conversation as it unravels.... Jim

Living Loved

2009-06-11T13:35:00.002-05:00

Do you live like you're loved? So many of us live our lives not really sure of God's love for us. We say He loves us but many times we don't really act like it. We think that there is some set of standards we must live up to to "deserve" God's love. I am glad to tell you today that you are fully loved by God. In fact, God loves you just as much this moment as He ever will... and that's totally. When you begin to believe that you are truly loved you will live like it. When you live loved you lead and experience a full and fulfilling life. Is your life like that? Go and live loved!