Fueling Faith: A Blog by Massimo Lorenzini

My First Moto-Video

2011-07-09T17:35:00.001-06:00

Check this out: This is my first attempt at a motorcycle video on a road near my home in Rio Rancho, New Mexico. I'm riding my 1998 Ducati 900 CR. The camera is viewing through my yellow windscreen and the sky was very hazy from wildfire smoke, so no blue skies in this video. What do you think? Comment below. Oh, and be sure to turn up your speakers...loud.

My first attempt at a moto-movie. Spent about 15-20 minutes on this without ever using this program before. Pretty cool...

Rob Bell's Attack on the Biblical Doctrine of Hell

2011-04-13T22:12:00.002-06:00

Rob Bell is the author of a new book called Love Wins that seriously undermines biblical truth when it comes to salvation, God's holiness and justice, and the reality of an eternal hell. I just recorded an audio presentation dealing with this topic for my radio program CrossTalk that is available to hear online below or download the file at www.sermon.net/solafide.

In my presentation I referenced a book review of Love Wins by Kevin DeYoung that is available in pdf format here and an article about the biblical teaching on hell by Jonathan Gibson which appeared in June 2010 in the The Briefing here.

We are living in treacherous times in which the God-glorifying and soul-satisfying doctrines of the Bible are being distorted, doubted, and denied. Faithful Christians must contend for the truth once for all delivered to the saints (Jude 3) and I offer this very modest effort to that end.

Why Does God Allow Death & Suffering?

2011-04-05T11:35:00.001-06:00

How can it be that God is good and all-powerful, yet evil exists. There is a good, rational, biblical answer. Find out and equip yourself to give an answer to others.

To get this same material, including the graphics, in print, order here

New Radio Program "CrossTalk" on KKIM

2011-03-22T12:40:00.000-06:00

Share |

I have a new radio ministry program called CrossTalk. Listen to interviews with Christian leaders from New Mexico and elsewhere about how to keep the main thing the main thing when it comes to living the Christian life. Listen to this 2.5 minute audio promo to learn more about it (below). You can also download past programs at www.sermon.net/solafide.

Are You In a Rut?

2011-02-19T21:41:00.000-07:00

Share |

• On a sign along an Alaskan highway: “Choose your rut carefully. You will be in it for the next 200 miles.”

• What’s the difference between a rut and a grave? About 5 feet.

• Are you in a rut?

• You might be in a rut if you can’t remember that last time you tried something for the first time?

• You might be in a rut if you spend more time watching others fulfill their dreams on TV than you spend fulfilling your own.

• You might be in a rut if you haven’t made a big mistake lately.

• You might be in a rut if you can't remember that last time you were excited about something the Lord showed you in His Word.

• You might be in a rut if you have cannot remember that last time prayed on your knees for someone else.

• You might be in a rut if you can’t remember that last time you had a conversation with a non-Christian about the gospel.

• You might be in a rut if during a worship service you are more aware of yourself and others than you are of God.

• You might be in a rut if you engage in sins that you don’t even bother to confess anymore.

• You might be in a rut if you routinely make decisions, spend money, make plans, and God’s will never crosses your mind.

• The only way out of a rut is a holy determination to seek God.

• “You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart” (Jer 29:13, ESV).

New Books and KingdomWear Fundraiser

2011-01-31T06:07:00.000-07:00

Share |

I'm pleased to announce the publication of two books I have written. One is 130 pages on the topic of biblical manhood and fatherhood and the other is 290 pages entitled Getting to Know the Bible.

While both books are available on Amazon, I get a higher royalty if you order directly from the publisher. Just click on the images to go to the online store.

Also, we have established a fund-raising venture with KingdomWear. This Christian-owned compay provides unique and attractive jewerly and other witness-wear. KingdomWear donates 40% of all sales to our ministry! Check out their stuff and buy something yourself or as a gift for someone special.

Who’s Really Lord of My Life?

2011-01-05T13:49:00.000-07:00

Share |

Lately I’ve been contemplating Christ’s call to self-denial. All men naturally love self and the most basic essence of sin is self-love and living a self-directed life without regard to the rightful rule of God. Christ’s call to self-denial is a radical break from what we would naturally want to do. It’s an about-face command to go the opposite direction that we have been going in.

It is a constant challenge to us, even as Christians, to abide under the yoke of Christ. To follow where He leads rather than living for ourselves. We forget that He is the Good Shepherd and would never lead us except to what are ultimately greener pastures. But in our sinful distrust we think we know what is better for us. Discipleship is coming to the realization that Christ’s purpose is all that really matters and we are most happy when we follow after Him.

In his book, True Discipleship, William MacDonald quotes an American college student, converted to communism and writing from Mexico to his fiancée to break off their engagement:

We communists have a philosophy of life which no amount of money can buy. We have a cause to fight for, a definite purpose in life. We subordinate our petty personal selves into a great movement... compensated by the thought that each of us...is contributing to something new and true and better for mankind. The communist cause is my life, my bread, and meat. I work at it in the daytime and dream of it at night....Therefore, I cannot carry on a friendship, a love affair, or even a conversation without relating to this force which both drives and guides my life. I evaluate people, books, ideas, actions according to how they affect the communist cause . . . . I've already been in jail for communism...if necessary I'm ready to go before a firing squad.

Isn’t the cause of Christ far better and greater than anything else we could give ourselves to? Why don’t we place our entertainment and comfort beneath the cause of Christ and give ourselves to what is really worth living for, even dying for if need be? Dying? Yes, Christ expected that His disciples’ lives be expendable for Him and that each take up his cross, ready if need be to die (Matt 10:38-39; 16:24; Luke 14:26-27). The most repeated verse in the New Testament is "whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it" (Matt 16:25; 10:39; Mark 8:35; Luke 9:24; 17:33; John 12:25).

Christ commanded the original twelve to go "into all the world, and preach the gospel . . ." (Mark 16:15) and thereby to make more disciples, "teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you" (Matt 28:20). Obviously the "all things" new disciples were to be taught included that they also make disciples and teach them "all things" Christ had commanded the original twelve. In other words, each new disciple is responsible to make other disciples and to teach them to observe all things Christ commanded the original twelve (Matt 28:20). One can hardly tell others to do what one neglects to do oneself.

Along with Christ’s "follow Me" was His promise, "and I will make you fishers of men" (Matt 4:19). Yet many who call themselves Christians have little concern for winning the lost to Christ, instead letting days and even weeks go by without telling another person about Christ and the salvation which He obtained at Calvary and offers to all.

How about you? Are you denying self and making Christ’s purpose your own? This is His purpose for you. Will you receive it? Jesus prayed to His Father, "As You sent Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world" (John 17:18). The purpose for which the Father sent the son into the world—to gather a people for His name—is the same purpose for which you and I are sent into the world. This is our mission. Will you choose to accept it?

Maybe you desire to but don’t know how. No problem. You can find a practical training manual in personal evangelism at www.frontlinemin.org/wwf.asp. Following Christ in evangelism isn’t easy, but then again, nothing worth doing is easy. The Lord Jesus promises to be with us as we seek to be obedient to His mission: "Remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age" (Matt 28:20b, HCSB).

What Does Christmas Mean to You?

2010-12-15T12:28:00.000-07:00

Share |

Christmas is confirmation that God is making good on His promise to redeem His fallen creation. The fact that Jesus was born roughly 2,000 years ago to set in motion the great reversal of sin’s curse brings us great assurance that what God has begun, He will bring to completion (Phil 1:6).

While I enjoy that sights, sounds, and smells of the Christmas holiday, I find the unseen reality of Christmas far more exciting. With the eye of faith I see God on the move. What God has done for us by giving us His Son for our salvation will one day culminate in our final redemption.

And he who was seated on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” Also he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.” And he said to me, “It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. To the thirsty I will give from the spring of the water of life without payment. The one who conquers will have this heritage, and I will be his God and he will be my son (Revelation 21:5-7, ESV).

Yes, God is making all things new. Christmas means that the Old Testament promises are true and real. God did send a Redeemer! And, He did accomplish our redemption! What inexpressible joy there is in this truth!

As we give and receive gifts this Christmas, take a few moments to reflect on the gift God gave us in Jesus. What is that, you ask? How does “all things” sound?

He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? (Romans 8:32, ESV)

We are counted as co-heirs with Christ. Think of it . . . we possess everything Christ does!

The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him (Romans 8:16-17, ESV).

Yes, it is truly good news that Christ came “to make His blessings flow far as the curse is found.” Yet we live in between Christ’s first and second comings. We have redemption purchased by Christ’s death and resurrection, but final redemption will not occur until Christ returns.

As we look forward to our final salvation, we patiently endure hardship and suffering in the present life. The gospel is honest about our present condition even as it celebrates the glory to come. As believers in Jesus, we affirm the biblical pattern of suffering now, glory later.

Are you undergoing suffering in one form or another? The meaning of Christmas gives us the hope to endure faithfully. Indeed the more we suffer, the more we cling to the hope of the gospel just like a person who is about to jump out of a failing jet clings to his parachute.

So, for me, Christmas is about clinging to the hope we have in Christ. It's because He came that I can have confident assurance that He will come again to make all things knew. That is indeed something to celebrate this Christmas!

P.S. I've been teaching a 3-part series on the Promise of Messiah looking at the specific predictions about Messiah's first coming. You can download or listen online to the messages here: www.sermon.net/solafide.

New Study Guide on Spiritual Leadership

2010-10-23T10:45:00.000-06:00

Share |

I just self-published a short book I've titled Essential Qualities of Spiritual Leadership. This book is a 5-part study guide for equipping Christian men in some of the essential qualities men need to possess to exercise spiritual leadership. The five lessons include a study of 1 Timothy 3 and the qualifications for elders, John 13:1-17 on Jesus' model of servant leadership, John 13:18-38 and 1 Corinthians 13 on the supreme virtue of love, Philippians 2:1-11 and humility, and finally, 1 Samuel 12 and the importance of personal integrity demonstrated in obedience.

Each lesson includes reading assignments from additional books with accompanying self-evaluation assignments.The books are listed below according the corresponding study in the five-part series:

1. Alexander Strauch, Biblical Eldership; John MacArthur, The Master’s Plan for the Church

2. J. Oswald Sanders, Spiritual Leadership

3. Alexander Strauch, Leading with Love

4. C.J. Mahaney, Humility: True Greatness

5. Jerry Bridges, The Pursuit of Holiness

The book makes a helpful study for anyone, but is especially suited for training potential church or ministry leaders.

To purchse, use the following link: https://www.createspace.com/3495080. For a 20% discount use the following code during check out: G6ZXJJJ3.

ESV and NASB Calfskin Bibles, Get One or Give One

2010-10-12T18:25:00.008-06:00

Share |

There’s nothing quite like a high quality calfskin Bible. Few things get better with age and a calfskin, smyth-sewn Bible is one of them. Treat yourself or get one as a gift for someone special.

Stack of ESV Thinline Bibles

These Bibles are brand new, rebound with very supple calfskin covers handcrafted by ABBA Bible Design of Mexico City, Mexico. The cover features raised spine, stitched edging and gold or silver stamped “Holy Bible” and “ABBA” on the spine. More details are given below for each particular Bible available. These Bibles are much lower in price compared to similar calfskin Bibles. Please email with any additional questions.

These are all I have left as of April 5, 2011. Get 'em while they last!

NASB Ultrathin Reference Bible

Block Features:

Dark brown Bible on top of black/brown.

NASB 1995 text
Double-column text layout
Center-column cross references
Concordance
8 pages of color maps
Smyth-sewn binding
Words of Christ in red
Presentation page
Family record pages

Note the natural calfskin grain.

8 Point text
Gold page edges
Ribbon Marker

Available Bindings:

Dark Brown/tan - $95

ESV Personal Size Reference Bible

Block Features:

Note the stitched edging and leather lining.

Updated 2007 text
Convenient portable size
Single-column, paragraph format
Over 80,000 cross-references on the inside margin
Words of Christ in readable black text
Concordance with nearly 6,000 references
Table of weights & measures
7.4-point type
Introductions to each book
Ribbon marker
Silver page edges
Presentation page
Smyth-sewn binding

Available Bindings:

Dark Brown - $90
Tan - $100

ESV Classic Thinline (text only)

NASB Bibles on left, ESV Personal Reference on right.

Block Features:

Updated 2007 text
Less than 1 inch thick
9-point type
Words of Christ in red
Presentation page
Family record pages
Full-color maps
Concordance
Smyth-sewn binding
Double-column, paragraph format
Ribbon marker
Gold page edges (unless otherwise noted below)

Available bindings:

Black/tan with silver pages (leather lined) - $110
Tan with silver pages - $110

Email me to order: mlorenzini-at-hotmail.com. Shipping is $5 for first Bible and $3 for each additional Bible.

New HCSB Study Bible Raises the Bar

2010-09-23T15:25:00.001-06:00

Share |

I received my new HCSB Study Bible today. This review is based on my initial impressions and will not address the HCSB translation (which I do like), but only the features of the study Bible. I must say, the HCSB Study Bible certainly raises the bar for study Bibles. One of the first things you will notice is that Holman spilled A LOT of ink on this Bible. There are entire pages with color, full color photos and maps right there on the Bible pages, and different color inks for verse numbering and cross references (blue) and headings (brown) that effectively stand out from the usual 'sea of gray' study Bible.

I realize that photos seem like a gimmick, put they really do draw the reader into the text and give the impression of 'being there' (a picture is worth a thousand words). I find the brown, ancient scroll-like coloring for pages used for book introductions and charts very appealing too.

The content for book introductions is quite brief compared to what you will find in the ESV Study Bible and to a lesser degree other study Bibles. Perhaps this feature is in keeping with the publishers goal of keeping the focus on the text itself, but the difference is substantial. The amount of commentary below the text is similar to other study Bibles like the NIV, ESV, or MacArthur Study Bibles. In addition to the many in-text charts, maps, illustrations, and Hebrew and Greek word studies in the HCSB Study Bible, I appreciate the short doctrinal essays scattered throughout on topics like "Christ in the Old Testament" and "The Biblical Basis for Missions." Rather than a regular concordance, the HCSB Study Bible contain an topical concordance which is fine with me, though I know some readers greatly dislike a study Bible without a substantial concordance.

Concerning the physical properties of the HCSB Study Bible, I purchased the genuine leather indexed edition. I am very pleased with the binding. This Bible is smyth-sewn and very flexible--enough for the pages to hang down over your hand if you hold the spine (the true test of quality binding). The leather is flexible, but SUPER thin. It seems likes they took a piece of leather and sliced it into about 5-6 sheets to get it so thin. This is the one complaint I have with the binding. The paper is outstanding as is the printing itself. My edition came with two ribbon markers. The thumb indexing has a unique cut rather than the regular "crescent" shape and there are different colors for OT and NT (black for OT and red for NT).

Overall, the construction, printing, and content of the HCSB Study Bible is exceptional and really does a good job of drawing the readers attention. At this point, I'm not sure the excellent features are enough to win me over from the ESV Study Bible as my main study Bible partly due to my preference for the ESV as my main study and preaching translation, and the too brief book introductions. But if you are not settled on a study Bible, the HCSB Study Bible is definitely one that I would recommend the reader consider. Even if you do not want to use the HCSB text as your main Bible translation, the HCSB Study Bible is well-worth the investment as a reference tool and perhaps even as your primary study Bible. Bravo Holman Bible Publishers on a job very well done!

If you are interested in purchasing a copy I recommend the Black Genuine Leather Indexed edition or, if you can afford it, the Black Premium Cowhide edition. I also recommend you order them through those links (Amazon referalls with the best price and optional free shipping) to help support my web ministry (http://www.frontlinemin.org/).

Sanctification, the Evidence and Goal of Justification

2010-03-20T11:16:00.004-06:00

Justification refers to a Christian’s position before God. The moment you were born again, God justified you. On the basis of Christ’s finished work, God thought of your sins as forgiven and declared that you were righteous.

Sanctification, on the other hand, refers to our practice before God. It is the ongoing process of battling sin and becoming more like Jesus. Though sanctification is the evidence and goal of our justification, we must never see it as the basis of our justification. Here’s where so many Christians get confused. They try to earn what has already been given to them as a free gift. As Martin Luther stated, “The only contribution we make to our justification is our sin which God so graciously forgives.”

There are other vital distinctions. Justification is about being declared righteous; sanctification is about becoming more righteous. Justification is immediate; sanctification is gradual. Justification is complete the moment God declares us righteous. It does not take place by degrees. Sanctification, however, is a process that lasts as long as we live. Finally, while every Christian enjoys the same degree of justification, we vary in terms of sanctification. You will never be more justified than you are at this moment, because justification is an act of God. But by God’s grace, you will become ever more sanctified as you cooperate with God’s Spirit in the process of change.

Though it’s important to distinguish between justification and sanctification, these two doctrines are inseparable. God does not justify someone without sanctifying him as well. Sanctification is not optional. If one has truly been justified, that will be evident by a progressive work of sanctification in his life.

-C.J. Mahaney

Are You A Person of Faith?

2010-03-18T13:16:00.007-06:00

Today there is a lot of talk about "people of faith" or "faith-based communities." People, mainly politicians and the media, use this type of language to refer to religous people or organizations. But in reality, everybody is a person of faith to one degree or another. Faith, in its general sense, is something every human exercises. Faith is the expression of confidence and trust in something or someone to work for our good. We trust in doctors when we need surgery. We trust in newspapers to report what actually happened yesterday. We trust in a friend to confide in and find comfort.

But what about biblical faith? What kind of faith does God's Word encourage? If we look at the book of Hebrews in the New Testament we see a lot of discussion about faith and its relation to God's promises throughout the book. But just examining chapter 11 we find the chapter begins with a simple definition of faith: "Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen" (Heb 11:1, ESV). Throughout the chapter we find explicit connection between faith and promise:

By faith he went to live in the land of promise, as in a foreign land, living in tents with Isaac and Jacob, heirs with him of the same promise (11:9).
By faith Sarah herself received power to conceive, even when she was past the age, since she considered him faithful who had promised (11:11).
These all died in faith, not having received the things promised, but having seen them and greeted them from afar, and having acknowledged that they were strangers and exiles on the earth (11:13).
By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac, and he who had received the promises was in the act of offering up his only son (11:17).
who through faith conquered kingdoms, enforced justice, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions (11:33).
And all these, though commended through their faith, did not receive what was promised (11:39).

So faith is only as good as its object. Biblical faith rests on the sure promises of God. Faith is being sure and certain that God will do what He has promised. Pastor John Piper said, "Faith is being satisfied with all that God is for us in Jesus, not just an assent to truths (past or future) but heartfelt valuing and treasuring of all God promises to be for us in Jesus."

Faith corresponds to promises. They go hand in hand. Living the life of faith is living as if God will keep His promises. Ask yourself, "How would I live differently if I really believed God is who He says He is, the Bible is really His sure and infallible Word, and the gospel promises are really mine forever?"

Where do people go wrong in their life of faith? Mainly in two ways:

Believing something God has not promised.
Not believing what God has promised.

Those two errors seem to cover it all. First, faith is not wishful thinking or a "hope-so" sentiment. Faith is not a force that works supernaturally to make things go our way. Faith is not a lasso we throw on the neck of God to get Him to do our will. No, biblical faith is humble, submissive, confident knowledge, assent, and trust in what God has said.

Many people have expressed disappointment with God. Perhaps you know someone who has stopped attending church or praying or reading the Bible because something in their life didn't turn out the way they had hoped. Circumstances become larger to them than God's love expressed in the gospel. They wrongly conclude, "If God loved me He would never allow this miscarriage." "God let my spouse leave me for another person. I just can't trust Him anymore." "My son became an atheist even though I took Him to church all his childhood." Some people look at their negative situation and read into it that God doesn't care for them.

But, these people neglect to remember that God has not promised everything to go well for us in this life. Rather we find promises to the contrary:

In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world (John 16:33).
through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God (Acts 14:22).
Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer (12:12).
Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted (2 Tim 3:12).
Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you (1 Pet 4:12-14).

Rather than looking to our circumstances to see God's love and care we should look to the place where God has settled once for all His love and concern for us--the cross! "But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us (Rom 5:8). Or, "In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins (1 John 4:10). In fact, you'd be hard pressed to find references to God's love in the New Testament that do not directly or indirectly point to the cross of Christ.

So God has made it unmistakably clear to us who believe that His intention to us is good and not evil. Even the trials and suffering we undergo in this life are not wasted but allowed by God for our good: "And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose" (Rom 8:28). So even though our sufferings and hardships are very real we know that God has our good at heart and the glory that awaits us when Christ is revealed will far outweigh whatever sufferings we endure: "For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us" (Rom 8:18). Yes, we can trust Him even in the midst of suffering.

So some people grow disillusioned with God because of their circumstances and so show that they have believed something God has not said, that "things go better with Jesus." The other way people go wrong in their life of faith is to not believe what God has said.

Ancient Israel is a good example of an unbelieving people. God had led them out of slavery in Egypt. They witnessed the 10 plagues on Egypt and the stunning deliverance through the Red Sea. They were led in the desert by God's manifest presence and experienced His faithful provision of manna and water. God placed His shekinah glory in the tabernacle and brought them to the edge of the promised land. Yet, the people believed the negative report of 10 of the spies rather than trust God's promise to give the land to them and believe the report of Joshua and Caleb. For this reason, God's anger burned against them and He promised that none of those people would enter the promised land (Deut 1).

Then 38 years later the next generation again is brought to the edge of the promised land and God instructs the Levites who carried the Ark of the Covenant to stand in the Jordan River (Joshua 3). God promised to cause the water to cease flowing and the people would cross over on dry land. They had to trust God and obey Him before they experienced God's promise.

Some people say, "I'll believe it when I see it." The Bible way is to say, "You'll see it when you believe it." Christ's enemies taunted Him while He was on the cross saying, "Let the Christ, the King of Israel, come down now from the cross that we may see and believe” (Mark 15:32). Earlier Jesus told these people, "Unless you see signs and wonders you will not believe" (John 4:48). Some people want proof and understanding before they will believe. But if that we had the kind of proof these people want, what need would there be for faith? Understanding is the reward of faith. "And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him" (Heb 11:6).

We have no right to believe something God has not promised. We also have no right to disbelieve what God has promised. Where are you struggling today in your faith in God's promises? Have you neglected to feed your faith with reading and reflecting on God's Word? Have you neglected prayer? Are you believing things you have no Bible chapter and verse to support? Your faith will strengthen to the degree you know and believe God's Word. "So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ (Rom 10:17).

If you don't already have one, why don't you make a daily appointment with God to meet Him in Scripture reading and prayer right now? Don't let the circumstances of life control you and your trust in God. Make up your mind to fight the fight of faith and triumph over the world, the flesh, and the devil. You can be an overcomer as you feed your faith on God's promises: "For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith" (1 John 5:4).

Are You in the Giving Spirit?

2009-11-30T20:30:00.004-07:00

Recently I became a mentor with Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Northern New Mexico and was paired with an 8 yr. old boy named Christian. On one of our outings I took him to see the new movie based on the classic Charles Dickens story A Christmas Carol. It was quite a thrill with the techno animation and in 3-D. Of course, the story itself is pretty powerful. I was reminded how miserable it is to be a miser like Ebenezer Scrooge was and the joy of giving was rekindled as we saw Scrooge transformed due to his visits of the ghosts of Christmas past, present, and future.

Not soon after seeing this movie I listened to the audio book The Treasure Principle: Discovering the Secret of Joyful Giving by Randy Alcorn. If you read just one Christian book in 2010, I highly recommend this one. Alcorn sums up the message of his book with six keys of giving. These are reproduced below along with some points to ponder taken from 18 study questions he posted on his web site. Listen for the voice of God’s Spirit as you read and see if God just might be calling you to embrace more of the giving spirit this Christmas and beyond. Someone said, "You’re never more like God than when you give."

Key #1. God owns everything. I’m His money manager.

We are the managers of the assets God has entrusted—not given—to us. The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it (Psalm 24:1). The land is Mine and you are but aliens and My tenants...the silver is Mine and the gold is Mine (Leviticus 25:23; Haggai 2:8). It is required of a steward [property and money manager] that he be found faithful (1 Corinthians 4:2).

If God is the owner, then what is my role? Do I have any rights? What are my responsibilities?
Do I fall into the trap of "tipping" God a little each month? If I tithe faithfully, what are my responsibilities with the remaining 90 percent of my income?

Key #2. My Heart Always Goes Where I Put God's Money.

Watch what happens when you reallocate your money from temporal things to eternal things.

Last year, did I give to others (e.g. tithes, offerings, personal gifts) as much as I spent on myself (e.g. entertainment, vacations, club memberships)? How does my giving history reflect my understanding of Jesus’ words in Matthew 22:38-39, the second greatest commandment ("Love your neighbor as yourself")?
Specifically, what keeps me from giving more? Am I afraid of giving? Do I trust that God will meet my needs if I give?
How much giving (percentage of my gross income) would it take to make me uncomfortable ... 5%? 10%? 25%? 50%? More?
Do I consider money I’ve given away as part of my ‘net worth’? Do I give the same attention to the money I give as I do to the money I invest?

Key #3. Heaven, not earth, is my home.

We are citizens of "a better country—a heavenly one" (Hebrews 11:16).

In Matthew 6:19-21, Jesus said, "For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also." As God’s steward, am I sinking His money into temporal things, or am I sending it on ahead, using it to advance His Kingdom?
Am I more attached to the things of this world or to the things of God’s Kingdom?
Does the way in which I live my life, spend my time, and handle my money point others to Christ? Am I more excited about the latest release of a Hollywood movie or the spiritual growth of a friend? Do I see a business deal as a prospect for profit or as an opportunity for ministry?

Key #4. I should not live for the dot but for the line.

From the dot—our present life on earth—extends a line that goes on forever, which is eternity in heaven.

Alcorn compares our short lives on earth to a dot and our eternal lives in heaven as a never-ending line that extends from that dot. If God were to audit my finances, would He conclude that I live more for the "dot" or more for the "line"? What would some of His observations be?
Do I consider money I invest as "mine" but money I give as "lost"?
Do all of my purchases or spending have eternal consequences?

Key #5. Giving is the only antidote to materialism.

Giving is a joyful surrender to a greater person and a greater agenda. It dethrones me and exalts Him.

Have money and possessions created greater faith or caused greater fear in my life?
Are my possessions "competing" with my giving? If materialism is a "disease," then what is the "cure"?
Which is really most important to me – "building bigger barns" (Luke 12:16-21) or "storing up treasures in heaven" (Matthew 6:19-21)?

Key #6. God prospers me not to raise my standard of living, but to raise my standard of giving.

God gives us more money than we need so we can give—generously.

Why have I been given more than I need? How am I using the "surplus"?
Do I really believe that it is more blessed to give than to receive (Acts 20:35)? How does my belief tangibly prove itself in my life?

To sum it all up, Alcorn says, "You can’t take it with you, but you can send it on ahead."

Seeking an eternal perspective with you,

Pastor Massimo

Keeping Our Kids

2009-11-28T10:26:00.004-07:00

It has become epidemic how many young people are leaving the church. According to Outreach Magazine, 2 out of 3 teens leave the church after high school graduation. Many church leaders have expressed concern about this trend and are seeking to address it. How can we reach our kids minds and hearts?

Personally, I see that for the majority of our teens, the problem lies in the home. Most Christian parents are disengaged spiritually from their teens. They seem to believe that as long as they can get them to church they're fulfilling their responsibility. How many of these parents actually know the hearts of their children? How many know the questions they have about the Christian faith? How many have recognized what has captured the affections of their teenager? How many times do they discuss the pastor's sermon and how it relates to their life or pray together? I fear that when it comes to engaging our teens, we have dropped the ball and the world is quick to fill the void.

I would welcome your thoughts and what is or isn't working in your context. Perhaps to get some ideas flowing you might read the following article. Dr. Al Mohler, president of Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, offers some advice to churches and parents. Read his interview with Answers in Genesis here: http://www.answersingenesis.org/articles/am/v4/n4/church-change.

What is A Pastor to Do?

2009-11-03T12:18:00.004-07:00

I think it would do us some good to examine the expectations we place on a pastor. Are they realistic? Even better, are they biblical? Where do we get a job description for a pastor? What if we were to poll church members and come up with a composite summation? Well, we might just end up with the following want ad. One wonders who would apply for the job.

"Minister Wanted"

A real challenge for the right man. Opportunity to become better acquainted with people. Limitless benefits! Applicant must offer experience and know-how as:

Office Manager, educator, artist, theologian, circus clown, audio engineer, politician, salesman, diplomat, writer, missionary, traffic cop, psychologist, funeral director, wedding consultant, master of ceremonies, athlete, and teenage specialist.

Must know all about the problems of birth, schooling, marriage, children, diets, and death. Also conversant with the latest theories and practice in economics, nuclear science, nutrition, pediatrics, and women’s liberation.

Right man will hold firm views on every subject, but is careful not to upset people who disagree. Must smile habitually, sing softly. Must be forthright, but flexible; return backbiting and gossip with Christian love and instant forgiveness.

Should have friendly disposition 24 hours a day. Must be a captivating speaker and intent listener.

Education preferably beyond Ph.D. requirements, but always concealed in homespun modesty and folksy tale. Able to sound learned, however. Familiar with literature read by congregational members. Will spend at least 30 hours per week in the study, but remain ever available and adaptable to sudden interruption.

Must certainly be "up" on current events, novels, the arts, and periodicals – reading a minimum of 15 hours weekly in fields outside the ministry.

Applicant’s wife must be both stunning and plain – smartly attired, but conservative in appearance. Gracious, yet discerning, loving, yet disciplined. Efficient, yet casual and available. Must be thrilled to work in church kitchen, teach Sunday school, run copy machine, baby sit, never become discouraged, never listen to gossip, and yet be fully aware of all church problems so she might "pray more intelligently."

Applicant’s children must be clean-cut, all-American models. No long hair, beards, mustaches, bare feet, overalls, or pukka-shell necklaces. Well-behaved, yet no different from other youths at church. Tanned and handsome, but seldom at the beach (unless witnessing). Present and quiet at all church services.

Applicant’s auto must not be new…or old. Adequate, but not stylish. No van, camper, sports car, convertible, or motorcycle permitted. Home near the church and always available for gatherings. Must be neither large nor small, lest others feel uneasy. Swimming pool questionable, since family must appear humble, slightly strained, decent, and unoffensive.

Directly responsible for views and conduct of all church members and visitors. Impervious to criticism, yet teachable and transparent. Visionary, yet budget-minded. Creative, yet traditional. Defender of the faith, yet pleasant and positive.

All replies kept confidential. Anyone applying must undergo full battery of exams…to determine sanity. (Source unknown)

Ridiculous? You bet. Exaggeration? Sure. But is there some truth to it? Yep! While you won’t find this want ad listed in any employment directory, many churches post them in the pew.

So what is a pastor to do? We don’t have to guess. God’s Word tells us plainly that Christ gave to the church gifts including that of pastor-teacher, "for the training of the saints in the work of ministry, to build up the body of Christ" (Eph 4:12, HCSB). I like to think of a pastor as a player/coach if we use the metaphor of a sports team to picture the church. The pastor is a fellow player in that he too serves the body with his gifting and he is a coach in that he also trains and leads the church similar to a coach training and leading an athletic team.

What are the qualifications for a pastor? Again, God’s Word doesn’t leave us in the dark. You may read those qualifications in 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1. You will find there that almost all of the qualifications have to do with character qualities. Only one qualification has to do with function and that is to be able to teach God’s Word and refute those who contradict it.

Training season never ends this side of eternity. When the church is not trained, the ministry will flounder. Christ has given pastors to His church to provide training for your spiritual growth and personal ministry. Two questions for you to consider at this point: (1) Do you see yourself in need of training? (2) What kind of ministry does the Lord have for you to put that training into practice?

Repentance and Faith: A Marriage Made in Heaven

2009-09-16T16:07:00.003-06:00

Now after John was put in prison, Jesus came to Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel” (Mark 1:14-15, NKJV).

Repentance and Faith Must Always Be Joined
Jesus preached both repentance and faith. Repentance and faith are two sides of the same coin: Tails, we turn tail on the corrupt fruits of sin and unbelief; heads—we head straight for Jesus and trust His promises. Repentance is not optional anymore than faith is optional. Repentance and Faith are both commanded by Christ. The gospel is both an invitation and a command.

What is repentance? Repentance is a turning from sin and to God (Acts 3:19). In true repentance, one cannot turn to God without turning from sin and one cannot turn from sin without turning to God. Two Greek words are translated “repent” in the New Testament. First, metanoia means literally “a change of mind.” This word is used in Acts 17:30, “God . . . now commands all men everywhere to repent.” The other word is epistrophei which means “to turn to, to cause to return, to bring back.” It is used in 1 Thess 1:9, “you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God.” Both words are used in Acts 26:20, “repent, turn to God, and do works befitting repentance.”

What is faith? Faith is unwavering trust in the promises of God. Saving faith is not mere mental assent, but an active response to God in trust and obedience. The Reformers identified three aspects of biblical faith: (1) I understand with my mind – notitia, (2) I accept with my emotions – assensus, (3) I trust with my will – fiducia. Peter put it this way, “He indeed was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you who through Him believe in God, who raised Him from the dead and gave Him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God” (1 Pet 1:20-21).

We must not think that we can be saved by reforming our lives without trusting in the righteousness of Christ. We must us also not think we can be saved by trusting in Christ without having a change of life. Christ preached both repentance and faith and what Christ has joined together let no man separate!

We create hideous and monstrous distortions of the gospel when we separate repentance and faith. Imagine what you would have with repentance without faith:

Repentance without faith leads a man to despair by not hearing or believing the promises of God in the gospel (God’s love, forgiveness, acceptance, security). He is left with bitter regret, no hope, no assurance.
Repentance without faith leads a man to pride in thinking he can “pull himself up by his own bootstraps.” He doesn’t need a Savior. He’s a self-made man or woman.
Repentance without faith makes God a liar: “he who does not believe God has made Him a liar” (1 John 5:10).
It’s impossible to repent without faith: “But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him” (Heb 11:6).
Repentance without faith cannot save. Two examples in the Bible of those who had repentance without faith are Esau and Judas Iscariot. Neither is a positive role model!

Imagine what you would have with faith without repentance:

Faith without repentance presumes on the grace of God.
Faith without repentance is not real faith because it doesn’t actually believe God’s Word (ignores the command to repent).
Faith without repentance is nothing more than the faith of demons: “You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe—and tremble! But do you want to know, O foolish man, that faith without works is dead?” (Jas 2:19).
Faith without repentance cannot save: “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven” (Matt 7:21).
Those who never repent of their sin will never inherit the kingdom of God: “Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God” (1 Cor 6:9-10).
Those who refuse to repent will end up in hell: “But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death” (Rev 21: 8).

What we need is to proclaim both and practice both. We need repentance that causes us to deny ourselves and follow Christ because He has redeemed us through faith in His shed blood. We need to be stripped of our pride and our sin in repentance, and clothed with grace and righteousness in faith.

Repentance ejects sin from the heart and faith enthrones Christ as Lord. Repentance purges the soul from dead works and faith fills the soul with living works. Repentance tears down the fortress of hostility to God and faith builds a temple for the habitation of the Spirit of God. Repentance is the time to weep and mourn over sin and faith is the time to rejoice in the grace and salvation of God.

The Problem of False Converts
The greatest hindrance to the purity of the church and the spread of the gospel is not the existence of unbelievers in the world. Rather, it’s the existence of unrepentant and unbelieving people in the church. Nominal Christianity is the greatest obstacle to real Christianity.

There are many who profess faith in our churches, but never manifest the fruit of repentance and faith—a heart that loves to obey God. You’d think I was nuts if I tried to explain to you a sun that never did shine or a fire that never did give heat. That would be no kind of sun or no kind of fire. If you saw a body lying still with no signs of life you’d say it was dead.

If you see a professing believer who does not love God, does not obey God, does not produce any evidence of being born again, then we must conclude we are dealing with someone who does not know God.

He who says, “I know Him,” and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him (1 John 2:4).

The Greatest Need We Have
What is the greatest goal of salvation? To escape the consequences of Sin? To go to heaven when you die? To make your grandmother happy?

No! The greatest goal of salvation is to have every obstacle that interferes with your enjoyment of God removed, namely, the eradication of your sinful nature in exchange for a new, Holy Spirit-wrought nature that is able to truly love God and delight in God. Your greatest need is not to escape judgment, or go to Heaven, or experience forgiveness for past sins. Your greatest need is for conversion, for transformation, for regeneration! Prior to conversion, your sin nature dominates your heart (emotions), mind, and will. You need to be liberated from the bondage of sin so you can: (1) Understand and believe the truth of God in your mind, (2) Obey God with your will, (3) Love God from the heart (affections).

As a Christian, you will continue to need to practice repentance and faith because not one of us does these perfectly (believe God, obey God, love God).

If you’ve never been converted, allow me to summarize the main issue for you. (1) Your sins are an offense to God and have separated you from God. (2) You are totally unable to remedy your situation. (3) Only Christ, as He is offered to you in the gospel, can save you. If you agree with and believe these three truths, seek God for salvation. Plead with Him for deliverance from the bondage to sin. Appeal to His grace to grant you repentance and faith. Ask Him for the gift of the Holy Spirit to give you a new heart and to bring you to a sound and thorough conversion.

Why must we keep faith and repentance joined?

You cannot dirty your hands and expect to be clean.
You cannot run from God and expect to be reconciled to Him.
You cannot be ignoring Him and be believing Him.
You cannot be saved by faith without repentance.

What We Believe, Part 1

2009-09-05T17:32:00.005-06:00

The following is the first in a series of posts on Christian doctrine. These studies originate from my teaching ministry at First Baptist Church of Española, New Mexico.

WHAT WE BELIEVE
A STUDY OF CHRISTIAN DOCTRINE

By Massimo Lorenzini

INTRODUCTION

GOALS OF THIS STUDY

To Attain Assurance of Eternal Life
1. and that from childhood you have known the sacred Scriptures, which are able to instruct you for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus (2 Tim 3:15).[1]
2. 11 And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. 12 The one who has the Son has life. The one who doesn't have the Son of God does not have life. 13 I have written these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know that you have eternal life (1 John 5:11-13).
To Grow in the Knowledge of God
1. Now if I have indeed found favor in Your sight, please teach me Your ways, and I will know You and find favor in Your sight. Now consider that this nation is Your people (Exod 33:13).
2. This is eternal life: that they may know You, the only true God, and the One You have sent--Jesus Christ (John 17:3).
To Strengthen Our Love for God's Word
1. 97 How I love Your teaching! It is my meditation all day long. 98 Your command makes me wiser than my enemies, for it is always with me. 99 I have more insight than all my teachers because Your decrees are my meditation. 100 I understand more than the elders because I obey Your precepts. 101 I have kept my feet from every evil path to follow Your word. 102 I have not turned from Your judgments, for You Yourself have instructed me. 103 How sweet Your word is to my taste-[sweeter] than honey to my mouth. 104 I gain understanding from Your precepts; therefore I hate every false way (Ps 119:97-104)
2. 7 The instruction of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the Lord is trustworthy, making the inexperienced wise. 8 The precepts of the Lord are right, making the heart glad; the commandment of the Lord is radiant, making the eyes light up. 9 The fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever; the ordinances of the Lord are reliable and altogether righteous. 10 They are more desirable than gold-than an abundance of pure gold; and sweeter than honey-than honey dripping from the comb. 11 In addition, Your servant is warned by them; there is great reward in keeping them (Ps 19:7-11).
3. 1 How happy is the man who does not follow the advice of the wicked, or take the path of sinners, or join a group of mockers! 2 Instead, his delight is in the Lord's instruction, and he meditates on it day and night. 3 He is like a tree planted beside streams of water that bears its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers (Ps 1:1-3).
To Be Equipped for Ministry
1. 16 All Scripture is inspired by God and is profitable for teaching, for rebuking, for correcting, for training in righteousness, 17 so that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work (2 Tim 3:16-17).
2. 11 And He personally gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, 12 for the training of the saints in the work of ministry, to build up the body of Christ, 13 until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of God's Son, growing into a mature man with a stature measured by Christ's fullness. 14 Then we will no longer be little children, tossed by the waves and blown around by every wind of teaching, by human cunning with cleverness in the techniques of deceit. 15 But speaking the truth in love, let us grow in every way into Him who is the head—Christ (Eph 4:11-15).
To Be Able to Share and Defend our Faith

But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect (1 Pet 3:15, NIV).

WHAT IS SYSTEMATIC THEOLOGY/DOCTRINE?

We all do Systematic Theology.
1. Any time you say, "The Bible teaches . . . " you are doing systematic theology.
Systematic Theology should be done right (i.e., biblically).
1. It's possible to have bad/unbiblical theology.
2. When someone says, "I think God would never send anyone to hell," that is a person who has bad/unbiblical theology.
What is Systematic Theology? What is Doctrine?
1. The word "theology" comes from two Greek words—theos meaning "God" and logos meaning "study"—theology then is "the study of God."
2. Systematic Theology answers the question, "What does the whole Bible teach about a particular topic?"
3. The biblical teaching of a topic is a "doctrine."
  1. The word "doctrine" means "teaching."
4. Anyone who thinks about God is a theologian. The question is, "Is our theology biblical and true?"
We must be careful to base our theology on God's Word.

All theology must find its basis in a careful study of the Bible.
1. The Bible is our source of authority for learning about God because it is God's revelation of Himself to mankind.
2. The Bible contains God's redemptive acts and the inspired interpretation of those acts.
3. If God did not reveal Himself to us, we could never know Him.
We can also refine our understanding of theology by reading/hearing the teaching of those theologians and teachers God has given to the church.
1. You could and should try to develop your theology from a personal study of Scripture, but it would take you many years of diligent study. We can benefit from the study of others who have gone before us.
2. Someone said, "Christian theology is entering into a 2,000 year old conversation."
3. "Consequently, if you do not listen to Theology, that will not mean that you have no ideas about God. It will mean you have a lot of wrong ones." –C. S. Lewis
Theology and doctrine must be written down for clarity and correction.

The church has always written down its beliefs to clarify teaching and protect the church from error.
The early creeds were written in response to heresy.
Confessions of faith also clarify the doctrine of the church.

The Baptist Faith and Message

The Baptist Faith and Message is the statement of faith adopted by the Southern Baptist Convention.
Who are Southern Baptists?
1. Since its organization in 1845 in Augusta, Georgia, the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) has grown to over 16 million members who worship in more than 42,000 churches in the United States. Southern Baptists sponsor about 5,000 home missionaries . . . [and] . . . more than 5,000 foreign missionaries in 153 nations of the world.
2. The term "Southern Baptist Convention" refers to both the denomination and its annual meeting. Working through 1,200 local associations and 41 state conventions and fellowships, Southern Baptists share a common bond of basic Biblical beliefs and a commitment to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the entire world.[2]
What is the purpose of the Baptist Faith and Message?
1. On June 14th, 2000, the Southern Baptist Convention adopted a revised summary of our faith. The committee's report says in part:
  1. "Baptists cherish and defend religious liberty, and deny the right of any secular or religious authority to impose a confession of faith upon a church or body of churches. We honor the principles of soul competency and the priesthood of believers, affirming together both our liberty in Christ and our accountability to each other under the Word of God. Baptist churches, associations, and general bodies have adopted confessions of faith as a witness to the world, and as instruments of doctrinal accountability. We are not embarrassed to state before the world that these are doctrines we hold precious and as essential to the Baptist tradition of faith and practice. As a committee, we have been charged to address the "certain needs" of our own generation. In an age increasingly hostile to Christian truth, our challenge is to express the truth as revealed in Scripture, and to bear witness to Jesus Christ, who is "the Way, the Truth, and the Life."
  2. The 1963 committee rightly sought to identify and affirm "certain definite doctrines that Baptists believe, cherish, and with which they have been and are now closely identified." Our living faith is established upon eternal truths. "Thus this generation of Southern Baptists is in historic succession of intent and purpose as it endeavors to state for its time and theological climate those articles of the Christian faith which are most surely held among us."
  3. It is the purpose of this statement of faith and message to set forth certain teachings which we believe."[3]
The fact that the SBC has an official confession of faith demonstrates that Southern Baptists are a doctrinal people and what we believe matters.
1. The BF&M demonstrates that we hold essential doctrines in common with other Christians and denominations, thus testifying to our basic unity.
2. The use of such confessions is voluntary and in no way should be imposed upon believers or churches against their consent.
3. Confessions are used to testify to the world our basic beliefs.
4. Confessions also are to be used to prevent false brethren from entering the fellowship of a church and thus pollute and destroy the fellowship and to discipline those who have erred in their doctrine.
As a church and denomination, we must know, defend, and pass on the deposit of divine truth that has been entrusted to us. A study of doctrine helps us do that.
1. Timothy, guard what has been entrusted to you, avoiding irreverent, empty speech and contradictions from the "knowledge" that falsely bears that name (1 Tim 6:20).
2. 13 Hold on to the pattern of sound teaching that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. 14 Guard, through the Holy Spirit who lives in us, that good thing entrusted to you (2 Tim 1:13-14).
3. Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who doesn't need to be ashamed, correctly teaching the word of truth (2 Tim 2:15).
4. Contend for the faith that was delivered to the saints once for all (Jude 3).
Throughout this study your theology will be clarified, challenged, and possibly corrected.

We must remain teachable. Our theology should be "corrigible."

Dictionary definition of corrigible: "subject to being revised, improved, or made more accurate."

APPLICATION

What would be the gradual result in a church that did away with or neglected their confession of faith?
What would be the gradual result in a church that affirmed, taught, and utilized their confession of faith?
Read Matthew 28:18-20. How does a study of theology help us fulfill the Great Commission (note the following "…teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you…")?
Think of a jigsaw puzzle. If you have ever tried to complete a jigsaw puzzle you know that in the beginning it is hard to put the pieces together. But the more pieces you have put together, the easier it becomes to put the remaining pieces together. In what way is systematic theology like doing a jigsaw puzzle?
How would a better knowledge of all that the Bible teaches benefit your life?

Notes:

[1] Unless otherwise noted, all Scriptures from the Holman Christian Standard Bible.

[2] From the official SBC web site under “About Us,” http://www.sbc.net/aboutus/.

[3] from the Preamble to the Baptist Faith and Message 2000 found at http://www.sbc.net/bfm/bfmpreamble.asp.

God Has Gifted Us to Participate in His Eternal Purpose, Part 2

2009-09-01T17:00:00.000-06:00

11 And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, 12 for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, (Eph 4:11-12, NKJV).

Here we find the divine plan for ministry. The Lord Jesus has gifted His church with leaders who equip the believers for ministry. Verse 11 lists those Christ has given as gifts to His church: “And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers.” The gifts are the men themselves, not just the capacities given them or the offices they hold.

The first two offices are “apostles” and “prophets.” These appear to be limited to the first Christian generation as foundational to the church (cf. 2:20; 3:5). Apostles were those who had seen Christ (1 Cor 9:1-2), were witnesses of His resurrection (Acts 1:8, 21-23), and were immediately commissioned by Him to preach the gospel (Matt 10:5; Gal 1:1). In a broader sense, others closely associated with the apostles directly commissioned by Jesus are also called apostles (Barnabas in Acts 14:4,14; Timothy and Silas in 1 Thess 2:6).

Prophets performed a preaching function; they spoke under the direct inspiration of the Spirit of God. Through them, God gave guidance and instruction to the church when there was no written New Testament (NT). After the writing of the NT, the offices of apostle and prophet appear to have ceased. Evangelists and pastor-teachers are needed for every age and so continue.

The word “evangelists” occurs only three times in the NT, to describe Philip (Acts 21:8), Timothy (2 Tim 4:5), and here in Ephesians 4. It means “one who announces good news.” This is a special gifting and ability to preach the gospel clearly and effectively to the unconverted, often in an itinerant ministry. It also may be a special enablement to equip others to share their faith. Our text certainly indicates that the function of these gifted men is for the equipping of the saints for their ministry.

The next office is translated “pastors and teachers.” The original Greek text signifies one office with a dual function. Note the text reads “some pastors and teachers” rather than “some pastors and some teachers.” When the modifier “some” is used with the conjunction “and” then it applies to both nouns.

Rather than being itinerant, the emphasis of the teaching pastor is on shepherding and instructing in a settled ministry. This office is synonymous with bishop/overseer and elder. We find all three terms used together by Peter:

1 The elders [elder] who are among you I exhort, I who am a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that will be revealed: 2 Shepherd [pastor] the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers [bishop/overseer] (1 Pet 5:1-2a, emphasis added).

The pastor-teacher is to give himself to the teaching of the Word of God. He is to present every believer under His charge mature in Christ: “Him we preach, warning every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus”(Col 1:28). They are not to be distracted by other tasks that can be delegated to others (see Acts 6:1-6).

Christ’s gift of apostles, prophets, evangelists, and pastor-teachers are given for a specific purpose: “for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ” (v. 12).

The word “equipping” means “to make fully ready.” The dictionary defines equip as, “to supply with intellectual, emotional, and spiritual essentials.” The believers are equipped “for the work of ministry.” We can define “work of ministry” as whatever role God has for you that either directly or indirectly contributes to the fulfillment of the Great Commission. “Ministry” means service; to minister means to serve. Every Christian should be “in the ministry.”

And what is this work of ministry or serving supposed to achieve? It all should contribute to “the edifying of the body of Christ.” To edify means to build up. It refers to growth in maturity.

The process then is: (1) The gifted men equip the saints, (2) the saints then serve (using their own gifts, (see Rom 12:3-8; 1 Cor 12; 1 Pet 4:10-11), (3) the body is then built up or edified and we all grow into maturity (i.e. Christlikeness). Every Christian is to contribute to this goal.

Every Christian is commissioned, for every Christian is a missionary. It has been said that the gospel is not merely something to come to church to hear but something to go from the church to tell—and we are all appointed to tell it. It has also been said, “Christianity began as a company of lay witnesses; it has become a professional pulpitism, financed by lay spectators!” Nowadays we hire a church staff to do “full-time Christian work,” and we sit in church on Sunday to watch them do it. Every Christian is meant to be in full-time Christian service . . . There is indeed a special ministry of pastor-teachers and evangelists – but for what? . . . For the perfecting of the saints for their ministry. –Vance Havner

What an amazing plan God has for us! What a privilege to be part of His church! I trust you are already engaged in ministry or moving in that direction. If not, what is keeping you from it? God has a plan for His church and that plan includes YOU! A body needs all its parts functioning to be healthy. Ask yourself, “Am I doing my part?”

God Has Gifted Us to Participate in His Eternal Purpose, Part 1

2009-08-27T15:53:00.002-06:00

Have you met the Tate family? Every church seems to have some members of the Tate family. Perhaps you have met some of them.

There is old man Dic-Tate who wants to run everything, while Uncle Ro-Tate tries to change everything. There's sister Agi-Tate who stirs up plenty of trouble, with help from her husband, Irri-Tate.

Whenever new projects are suggested, Hesi-Tate and his wife, Vege-Tate, want to wait until next year. Then there is Aunt Imi-Tate, who wants our church to be like all the others. Devas-Tate provides the voice of doom, while Poten-Tate wants to be a big shot.

But not all members of the family are difficult. Brother Facili-Tate is quite helpful in church matters. And a delightful, happy member of the family is Miss Felici-Tate. Cousins Cogi-Tate and Medi-Tate always think things over and lend helpful, steady hands.

And of course there is the black sheep of the family, Ampu-Tate, who has completely cut himself off from the church.

Sound familiar? That humorous story illustrates the diversity found in churches. It is amazing that God has brought people together from such diverse backgrounds to work together as a local church carrying out gospel ministry. While the diversity can sometimes cause friction, God intends that the diversity of members should serve to strengthen the church as each one makes his or her unique contribution.

7 But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ's gift. 8 Therefore He says:
"When He ascended on high, He led captivity captive, And gave gifts to men."　　
9 (Now this, "He ascended"--what does it mean but that He also first descended into the lower parts of the earth? 10 He who descended is also the One who ascended far above all the heavens, that He might fill all things.) (Eph 4:7-10, NKJV).

First, observe in v. 7, "But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ’s gift." Christ is the source of spiritual gifts given to every believer. Spiritual gifts are divinely granted capacities for spiritual service. The purpose of spiritual gifts is for mutual edification. These gifts are sovereignly and graciously given to individual members of Christ’s body. Spiritual gifts are granted to us for the purpose of conducting good works that edify the body.

Secondly, we also learn that Christ’s grace gifts are given "to each one of us." No Christian can rightfully say that he or she has nothing to contribute to the life of the church. Christ not only calls us to spiritual service, He equips us.

Paul next quotes from Psalm 68:18 demonstrating that Christ is the One who leads His people out of captivity. In verse 8 we read, "When He ascended on high." Paul identifies the One who ascended is Christ who "first descended into the lower parts of the earth," v. 9. In His humility, Christ descended to earth in His incarnation to serve us. Possibly, though not likely, it can refer to descent into the grave or Hades, in other words, the death of Christ (cf. Acts 2:27, "For you will not leave My soul in Hades, nor will You allow Your holy one to see corruption.")

After His resurrection, Jesus "ascended far above all the heavens, that He might fill all things," v. 10. He is the ascended Lord of the universe who has all authority in heaven and on earth (Mat 28:18). The extent of His authority is unlimited. His grace and gifts supply sufficiently to every need. He fills all things.

Jesus is Lord of His church. He purchased His bride with the price of His own blood. He has a purpose and a plan for His church. That purpose is to glorify the grace of God among all people. His plan is to give gifts to His church to equip and mobilize the saints of God to spread the Good News. Jesus loves His church and supplies His church. We are His captives being led His glorious train. How wonderful it is to be part of His triumphal procession! We will learn next week about the various gifts Christ gives to His church. But for now, take a moment to thank and praise God for calling you and gifting you to be part of His eternal purpose.

God Has Given Us a Calling to Contribute to His Eternal Purpose

2009-08-20T13:34:00.001-06:00

Several years ago a senior citizen was driving down the freeway, his car phone rang. Answering, he heard his wife's voice urgently warning him, "Herman, I just heard on the news that there's a car going the wrong way on Interstate 280. Please be careful!" "It's not just one car," said Herman. "It's hundreds of them!"

How important it is that we know we are going in the right direction! The Epistle of Paul to the Ephesians instructs us on what the right direction is for us as believers and as a church body. The theme of Ephesians is the mystery of God’s eternal purpose was hidden in ages past, but is now revealed in and through the church.

Ephesians helps us answer questions surrounding our identity and purpose in Christ: What is our purpose as a church? What is our aim? What should we be doing as disciples of Christ? A mystery is a previously unrevealed truth related to God’s redemptive plan.

9 having made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure which He purposed in Himself, 10 that in the dispensation of the fullness of the times He might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven and which are on earth--in Him (Eph 1:9-10, NKJV).

God has chosen to display His glory in and through the church (to the nations and the angels). In previous articles we learned that (1) God has given us participation in His eternal purpose which is to gather a body of worshippers who glorify God and enjoy Him forever, (2) God has given us the means for fulfilling His eternal purpose through our involvement in the local church. This week we will see that God has given us a calling to contribute to His eternal purpose.

Ephesians 4:7-16:

7 But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ's gift. 8 Therefore He says:
"When He ascended on high, He led captivity captive, And gave gifts to men."
9 (Now this, "He ascended"--what does it mean but that He also first descended into the lower parts of the earth? 10 He who descended is also the One who ascended far above all the heavens, that He might fill all things.)
11 And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, 12 for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, 13 till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; 14 that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, 15 but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head--Christ—16 from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love (Eph 4:7-16, NKJV).

The key verse is 4:1. It makes an appeal based on all the blessings in chapters 1-3, and announces the emphasis of chapters 4-6. Notice the order: indicative → imperative. The moral commands flow out of redemptive realities. We are given the commands of chapters 4-6 only after learning of all the blessings we have in Christ in chapters 1-3. We obey God not to earn His favor, but to express it!

I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called (Eph 4:1).

In v. 1 the word “walk” describes the course of one’s life (cf. 1 John 2:6, “walk even as Jesus walked.”). We are to walk in a manner consistent with our “calling.” What are we called to? To holiness, to sonship, to service. Another Bible translation puts it this way: “live the kind of life which proves that God has called you” (God’s Word).

The apostle Paul details the various ways we are to live out our calling in a worthy way in chapters 4-6.

1) In relation to the church (4:2-16).
2) In relation to society (4:17-5:21).
3) In relation to the family (5:22-6:9).
4) In relation to the invisible forces of evil (6:10-20).

In the coming weeks we will examine 4:7-16 to find out just how God wants us to contribute to His eternal purpose in a detailed study of this passage of God’s Word. For now, consider how amazing it is that our holy and almighty God would invite us and equip us to play a significant role in what He is doing in the world. You and I are part of something great. There is no such a thing as a pew potato Christian in His plan. Let’s commit ourselves to finding out more of God’s plan for us as a church and let’s apply what we learn. He has great things in store for us! Praise His name forever!

The Means for Fulfilling God’s Eternal Purpose

2009-08-11T20:45:00.003-06:00

God has given us the means for fulfilling His eternal purpose—the local church. "The local church exists as God’s chosen vehicle for aiding believers in the fulfillment of the Great Commission." I like this definition of the local church. God is the one who thought of and formed the church. It is not a man-made invention. Sometimes people say, "I’m spiritual, just not into ‘organized’ religion." Well, I think organized is better than disorganized. But, we must remember that the church is God’s idea. He has given to us the means for carrying out the ministry He has called to participate in.

The first instance of the word "church" in the New Testament is in Matthew 16.

And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it (Matt 16:18, NKJV).

Jesus, the King, is building His church on the confession of faith that He is the Savior-King. The church of King Jesus is the manifestation of the kingdom of God in the present age. Local churches are really outposts of the kingdom. They are not just religious organizations that exist as one among many communities in the "global village." No, a church is made up of kingdom citizens who will one day live in the fully-realized and established kingdom of God during the Millennial reign of King Jesus.

God the Father has promised to Jesus, the Davidic King, the right to rule the world: "Ask of Me, and I will give You the nations for Your inheritance, and the ends of the earth for Your possession. You shall [rule] them with a rod of iron" (Ps 2:8-9b; Cf. Rev 2:26-27). Jesus will one day rule the world physically. In the meantime, King Jesus exercises His authority in and through the local church.

Any Christian who is not participating in the God-ordained structure of a local assembly of believers is in disobedience to God. The first Christians were drawn to each other out of mutual love and fellowship. It was their new identity in Christ that drew them together seemingly without having to be told "this is what Christians do." What they did can give us insight into the ministries of the church that we should emulate.

42 They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43 Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. 44 All the believers were together and had everything in common. 45 Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. 46 Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 47 praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved (Acts 2:42-47, NIV).

From this description of the early church we can identify five ministries of a local church:

The ministry of teaching: "they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching."
The ministry of fellowship: "they devoted themselves to . . . the fellowship. . . . All the believers were together and had everything in common.　. . . They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts.
The ministry of worship: "they devoted themselves to . . . the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe . . . . they continued to meet together in the temple courts . . . praising God."
The ministry of service: "Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. . . . enjoying the favor of all the people."
The ministry of evangelism: "And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved."

It is quite evident from a study of the New Testament that a believer cannot live out the Christian life apart from the local church. Yes, it’s true that sometimes churches do not live out their calling to love one another and many people have been disappointed and even hurt by a church. But that is no reason to abandon the local church. God uses the local church, as imperfect as it is due to being filled with imperfect people, to refine and sanctify us as we participate and exercise the "one anothers" of the New Testament. God will never abandon His church. May we give ourselves to loving and serving our Lord Jesus Christ, the Head of the church, through our participation in the local church.

In service of the King,

Pastor Massimo

The Purpose of the Church

2009-08-05T08:28:00.002-06:00

You and I were created with two needs that knowing God and participating in the church provides—meaning and belonging. It is now scientifically demonstrated that human beings are biologically wired to seek meaning and belonging. This observation explains a lot of what we see in society, doesn’t it? Of course God knew about this long before we did; He’s the one who formed us this way!

We are blessed to live in an era when we have a complete Bible that reveals to us the plan and purpose of God. This plan and purpose was once a mystery in previous ages.

9 having made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure which He purposed in Himself, 10 that in the dispensation of the fullness of the times He might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven and which are on earth—in Him (Eph 1:9-10)

8 To me, who am less than the least of all the saints, this grace was given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, 9 and to make all see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the ages has been hidden in God who created all things through Jesus Christ; 10 to the intent that now the manifold wisdom of God might be made known by the church to the principalities and powers in the heavenly places, 11 according to the eternal purpose which He accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord, 12 in whom we have boldness and access with confidence through faith in Him (Eph 3:8-12).

In Paul’s Letter to the Ephesians we learn about God’s purpose for the Church. We learn that this purpose was a mystery. A mystery is a previously unrevealed truth related to God’s redemptive plan. We might fairly describe the theme of Ephesians as “The mystery of God’s eternal purpose was hidden in ages past, but is now revealed in and through the church.”

Ephesians helps us answer questions surrounding our identity and purpose in Christ: What has God done for me? Who am I in Christ? What is my aim? What should I be doing as a disciple of Christ? How do I relate to the church? We will look at some of these questions in more detail the in forthcoming weeks.

First, we must understand that God has given us participation in His eternal purpose. Is our ultimate purpose worship or evangelism? John Piper said, “Missions is not the ultimate goal of the church, worship is. Missions exists because worship doesn’t. Worship is ultimate, not missions, because God is ultimate, not man. When people from all nations are before the throne, missions ends. Missions is a temporary necessity, but worship is eternal.”

And they sang a new song, saying: "You are worthy to take the scroll, And to open its seals; For You were slain, And have redeemed us to God by Your blood Out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation (Rev 5:9).

The purpose of the Great Commission is to be the means of gathering worshippers together in Christ to the praise of the Father’s glory.

11 In Him also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will, 12 that we who first trusted in Christ should be to the praise of His glory. 13 In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, 14 who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory (Eph 1:11-14).

So when somebody asks you why you go to church, you could tell them you do so because you find God and His people to be your all-satisfying source of joy, meaning, and belonging. The church is at the very center of what God is doing in this age and we get to be a part of it! God has met two of our deepest needs by creating the church and calling us to participate in it. This is why there’s no place I’d rather be when the church gathers for worship then with the people of God to the praise of the glory of God. The next time the church gathers, will you be there to find your meaning and belonging?

Why the Gospel is Good News

2009-08-03T11:33:00.004-06:00

19 Now we know that whatever the law says speaks to those who are subject to the law, so that every mouth may be shut and the whole world may become subject to God's judgment. 20 For no flesh will be justified in His sight by the works of the law, for through the law comes the knowledge of sin. 21 But now, apart from the law, God's righteousness has been revealed—attested by the Law and the Prophets 22 —that is, God's righteousness through faith in Jesus Christ, to all who believe, since there is no distinction. 23 For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. 24 They are justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus. 25 God presented Him as a propitiation through faith in His blood, to demonstrate His righteousness, because in His restraint God passed over the sins previously committed. 26 He presented Him to demonstrate His righteousness at the present time, so that He would be righteous and declare righteous the one who has faith in Jesus. 27 Where then is boasting? It is excluded. By what kind of law? By one of works? No, on the contrary, by a law of faith. 28 For we conclude that a man is justified by faith apart from works of law (Romans 3:19-28, HCSB).

Here we find the clearest explanation of the gospel in all of the Scripture. In seminary, I was required to memorize this passage of God’s Word through to the end of the chapter (along with many other passages). I immediately saw the wisdom of my professor’s choice in selecting Romans 3.

Too often, we as Christians are easily led away from the simplicity and purity of the gospel of grace into an unbiblical extreme. Some Christians may have a careless and low view of God’s holiness and righteous law and live as though it doesn’t matter how one lives. Or on the other hand, we over-shadow God’s grace by emphasizing God’s standards for righteousness and live in constant dread and shame because we fail to keep God’s law. Then there are those miserable souls who make everybody else miserable because they wrongly believe that they actually do keep God’s law, unlike everybody around them.

So we have those who err by emphasizing God’s grace to the neglect of His law, and those who emphasize God’s law to the neglect of His grace. The biblical balance is placing the proper emphasis on both God’s law and His grace. The apostle Paul understood and vigorously defended this balance.

In the opening chapters of the Epistle to the Romans, the apostle Paul writes as God’s prosecutor with the entire human race on trial in the court room of Almighty God. In 1:18-2:16, Paul demonstrates the sinfulness and guilt of the Gentiles. In 2:17-3:8, Paul condemns the Jews. In 3:9-20, Paul brings the case against humanity to a head with a series of references to the Old Testament showing how sinful mankind is. The law stops every mouth and holds all the world guilty before God (3:19). The law cannot justify, only condemn (3:20).

But in 3:21 we find one of my favorite phrases in the Bible—“But now.” I love the “buts”of the Bible. Paul has just pushed us all below the line of despair up to 3:21 where he introduces the saving grace of God in Jesus Christ. Here Paul declares that though we are all unrighteous in God’s sight due to our violation of the law of God, there is a rightouesness apart from the law which is available to those who exercise faith in Christ.

Jesus Christ bore the wrath of God against our sin (3:25), satisfying the righteousness of God so that God could show mercy and justify “the one who has faith in Jesus” (3:26). God has demonstrated infinite wisdom in the way He chose to save us. It is profoundly significant that God chose to save us by the death of His Son on the cross. God maintained His justice against our sin by punishing sin in Jesus. God can also show grace to us and declare us righteous becuase our sin has been taken out of the way.

What effect does this amazing reality have on the believer? For one, it excludes boasting (3:27). A proud Christian is as much an oxymoron as trying to imagine dry water. Left to ourselves, we are guilty sinners deserving of God’s eternal wrath. “But God…,” praise His name, God has intervened and redeemed us from our sin by the cross of Christ.

“We conclude that a man is justified by faith apart from works of law” (3:28). In relating to God, we must be careful to avoid unbiblical thinking. We must avoid emphasizing God’s law to the exclusion of God’s grace and vice versa. When we embrace the gospel of grace we find ourselves responding to God out of pure love and devotion rather than legalistic pride, shame, or carefree indifference. God has removed every barrier to Himself in the gospel. Because of His grace, the child of God has His favor, acceptance, and right standing. The believer has been reconciled to God, adopted as His child, declared righteous, and purified from sin. Now all that remains for us to do is live like we believe it!

Ministry Update #1

2009-07-26T21:52:00.004-06:00

Ministry in New Mexico
A brief report for you about my first day in the pulpit here at FBC Espanola, NM. It went really well. Received a lot of positive feedback. The church seems to realize they are pretty much a restart, but they do a have a lot going for them. They love God's Word and want to reach people with the gospel. I made a new web site for the church last week at http://www.fbcespanola.com/. Our biggest need right now is a children's program during the worship service. We also need to form a worship band.

I had a meeting with the deacons tonight and we are agreed that the priority is to get the Sunday morning ministry at the level it needs to be and then from there branch out to other ministries. I'm surprised at how many attend even without a children's ministry in place. I'm posting the sermons here: http://www.sermon.net/solafide.

Ministry with WorldVenture
As for our ministry with WorldVenture to Italy, we really need to find a Partner Development Coach. This person is sort of an accountability/encouragement person to keep us on track with our support discovery. This person has to be able to attend training with me in Colorado. We really need God to provide someone soon. I asked one person in ABQ and he is willing but cannot attend the training. I'm hoping WV will let him be the one even without the training. Please pray with us about this need.

We have our prayer cards and would love to send you one. Please reply with your request and mailing address and we'll get one out to you. You can read our ministry profile on the WorldVenture web site here: https://worldventure.com/Missionaries/Missionary-Directory/Missionary/Lorenzini_Massimo_Kimberly.html (If you get a security notice, click "no" to see all the content)

Family News
The kids love being in a house now instead of an apartment (they can run and jump without disturbing neighbors below). They have a swing set in the backyard. It's really nice living across the street from the church. Kimberly loves having a normal sized kitchen and being in driving distance of family. Her mother has already been over and my mother, sister, and neice came over today. I'm enjoying riding the Ducati in the mountains of Northern NM. Now need to find a place to play racquetball. Here's some photos I took recently around our area.

Let us know if you are ever in beautiful New Mexico. We'd love to visit and show you around.

Massimo, Kimberly, Aemilia, Gianna, and Loris.