Northview... the blog

"We're going to have a baby"...and the Bible.

noreply@blogger.com (Nathan Shaver) — Tue, 03 May 2011 12:00:00 +0000

The week I received the news that we were expecting the birth of our first son is the same week I learned to read my Bible.

He didn't stand out in a crowd, nor did he crowd any kind of conversation. He sat on a sofa with his tattered, marked-up, almost cover-less Bible in his lap and smiled as he observed the room. I was getting ready to go on stage for a sound check and passively said, hello.

As the sound check was coming to a close, my wife pulled me off the stage to tell me the news, "We are going to have a baby." Overwhelmed and shocked I took a few minutes to gather myself before returning to the stage. I sat on a sofa that was also occupied by Dr. Robert Lowery.

He sat there reading his Bible with the eyes of a scavenger looking for detail all while maintaining a sense of wonder and devotion. He had a blue ink pen in his hands and was noting and marking new insights.

I sat there watching him for a minute then he greeted me. He asked me my name and encouraged me with a hearty congratulations. I commented on his obsessive marks and scribbles. He talked about Dave Matthews and U2. I asked what he was reading and he told me about the record, Slow Train Coming by Bob Dylan. He connected with me.

Later on he sat me down and showed me how to read the Bible. He gave me insights into the importance of reading contextually. Dr. Lowery taught me how to look at the Scriptures, how to meditate, and think. One week, that's all we had together. But this man who had personally mentored and taught so many in the classroom, sat with me in a green room in Adrian Michigan and taught me how to read the Bible.

He passed away last week. I never spoke to him again. There was never a time that I got to sit under his teaching beyond the sofa in Adrian. But I've never forgotten the simple tools he gave me and the hunger he had for God's Word.

My son is now nine years old. My Bible is not as worn out or marked up, but my memory is. Dr. Lowery was the man who taught me to read the Bible, the same week I heard the news.

Knowing God

noreply@blogger.com (Nathan Shaver) — Tue, 12 Apr 2011 13:49:00 +0000

I've never walked among tombstones saying to myself, "This all makes perfect sense. This is how life is supposed to end." No! I walk through the cemetery asking deeper questions.

Seeking to know the deeper meaning of life has been the pursuit of the ages. Men and women of old sought how we might extend and perfect our lives. Scientist and Philosophers try to bring comfort by prolonging our health and conjuring up reasons to live. There is really only one source that has given me any hope in answering these questions...

In John 17 Jesus prayed, "And this is eternal life, that they know you the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent." Life begins with God, and continues to be sustained forever as we grow in our knowledge of God as revealed to us in the person and work of Jesus Christ.

Our deepest desire is to find the purpose for our existence. God in his wisdom has given us an answer, we exist to know God! There is no other pursuit worthy of your life and energy. Life will find deep purpose and joy when we begin to seek after God. He wants to be known and treasured by you.

Take time to pray and meditate over John 17:3. Ask the Lord to make himself known to as you read His word and seek His face.

For His Glory!

Stories from Exile - ch 9

noreply@blogger.com (Northview) — Tue, 03 Aug 2010 13:11:00 +0000

God is faithful to His Word

As we journey through the book of Daniel, we see the incredible character of a great prophet. We also see the visions that God revealed. In each case, these visions became a reality. God was faithful to bring to pass what He revealed in advance. If you pop back four books in the Bible to the ninth chapter of Isaiah, you see where God revealed the coming of His Son in advance of our Savior’s arrival. Time and time again this is evident in the Old Testament. God reveals something and within the hour or within years, it comes to pass. God is faithful to His Word.

The OT is such a stunning reminder for me of God’s faithfulness. He never abandoned His people regardless of how many times they turned away from Him. His compassion was overwhelming and brought to pass all that He said. Each time He revealed His plans, they set one more stone in the path that led to the coming of His only Son. The connection to the New Testament is evident in the fact that over fifty OT Scriptures are referenced in Matthew alone.

As I study God’s Word and hunger for it like my morning cup of coffee, I find more than ever that God remains faithful. I so very often have claimed a specific Scripture as my own and stood in amazement as that Truth rested beautifully in my present circumstances to bring me wisdom and peace. The more God reveals to me, the greater my reservoir of His faithfulness becomes. In my moments of doubt or weakness, I just tap in to the joy of my past relationship with Him and all that He had done. It refocuses me and reminds me that His Word is unchanging, but He will use it to change me more into His image.

I am thankful beyond what I can convey for God’s Word and His consistent faithfulness to every single living letter that is in it.

Stories from Exile - ch 4

noreply@blogger.com (Northview) — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 16:45:00 +0000

Pride is an interesting concept within our culture as the human race.
As Americans, pride in one's self is considered positive when it is used to build confidence, but it is looked down upon when it leads to arrogance or violates the civil liberties of democracy. In the WWII era, pride caused evil dictators to exploit the confused public by killing innocent civilians based on religion and beliefs. In ancient literature, pride, not humility, often leads tragic heroes to their downfall. C.S. Lewis effectively argues that pride is the worst sin in his book Mere Christianity,but not because he believes sins are unequal in severity, but because pride ultimately led to evil in the world. Because Satan's pride led him to rejecting God, C.S.
Lewis also argues that God did not create evil because even Satan was a "fallen angel." But that topic in itself could be another paper, so I'll focus on the topic of pride, specifically in the context of Daniel 4.
I find it interesting that God often reveals himself through dreams.
Because of Nebuchadnezzar's pride in his works, he was sent to live and eat grass with the oxen until the end of "seven times", which was beautifully symbolized in his dream. The giant tree, as Daniel interpreted it, stood for the great kingdom that Nebuchadnezzar built. Because Nebuchadnezzar worshiped his kingdom and thought of himself to be God, God intervened in his life to show his true sovereignty.
So the real question is, how can this passage be applied to our lives? None of us appear to be power hungry dictators that see ourselves as God, right? The point of this passage is not to keep people from success or from having confidence; it is to remind us who really has the power. God blessed us all with gifts and talents to use for the work of this kingdom. Nebuchadnezzar's gift of leadership and speaking is not the issue; the real issue is that he used his power to force people to worship him and to oppress the poor. Nebuchadnezzar did not praise the true creator who gave him the gifts; he instead idolized and praised himself.
To apply this to our lives, we must look to God and remember who gave us our talents and abilities instead of taking the credit for everything we do. We may have a successful career or earn top grades because we legitimately work hard, but we also must remember that God created us with the drive to work hard and the mind to reason though difficult material.
We may have changed the world in some way, but God gave us the mindset to care for those in need though the Holy Spirit (along with the abilities we used to make it happen and the grace through Christ). These circumstances are not only the trinity daily at work (again, another paper in itself!), but simple concepts to help us realize who is really in control: God.
Nebuchadnezzar's dream and experience caused him to change, and his "tree"
was cut down for the better. Let me end by asking, what trees need to be
cut down in your life?

- The lumberjack

Stories from Exile - Ch 2

noreply@blogger.com (Northview) — Thu, 17 Jun 2010 15:30:00 +0000

On paper, I made decent grades in school. But school was a long time ago, and I can't keep those report cards in my pocket to prove my intelligence. In the world we live in, no one would put me on a stage with Stephen Hawking or ask me to solve our political issues. But in reading Daniel 2 this week, that kind of seems how it would have looked when Daniel went to the king to interpret his dream. Daniel wasn't the first guy that was brought in to interpret the dream. He actually wasn't called at all. Instead, he went to the king and offered his help. The thing that set Daniel apart from the other wise men was that the wise men tried to find the king an answer from their own store of knowledge, but Daniel relied on God to provide the wisdom and interpretation.
I want to be as bold as Daniel; to rely on a wisdom that is outside of myself. So many times I find myself pulling from my own store of knowledge, which I've already told you is not very impressive, instead of asking our intelligent creator (who is more knowledgeable than a million Stephen Hawkings put together) for a piece of his wisdom.
In this life of Exile that I live, I am so thankful that I have a God who is powerful, wise, and is present here with me in my time of Exile. On my own, the impact I make for His Kingdom is very small but with Him and the wisdom He provides, its unlimited.
Lord, help me to be reliant on You alone.

- The unintelligent one

Stories from Exile - ch 1

noreply@blogger.com (Northview) — Wed, 09 Jun 2010 14:43:00 +0000

I have sensed the presence of God in powerful ways throughout my life. It has mostly taken place far from the mundane and normal rhythms of a day. Church Camps, Conferences, and Special Church Services like exciting Moses-like mountain top experiences I have felt so close to God.

Then there is the normal life I live. Get up early, go to work, come home, and go to bed. Where is God in any of this? He doesn’t seem to be present or aware of how “normal” my life can feel at times? I know that he has made me for his own glory and I’m called to follow him, but its on days like this I seem to be separated from His presence and completely “exiled.”

Lord I have seen in Your Word that You are not far from me, but close. Your servant Daniel is teaching me that You are here in the present and waiting for me to seek your presence. All Powerful and Mighty God teach me to trust You in every moment of my day and lead me to the place Your glory dwells, that I might know that You are here with me now…even in my place of “Exile.”

- The Servant

golf clubs for sale

noreply@blogger.com (Northview) — Wed, 26 May 2010 20:23:00 +0000

Remind me to never play golf with Tom Allison again! Unless, of course, he is on my team. He hit a bad drive, by his standards, and still out drove me on the last hole by 20 yards. And I hit a good drive! As well as I think I am playing sometimes, there will always be someone better, and there will always be someone worse. (I'll leave the names of the other players out of it!) The same goes with running a race right? Some in front of you and some behind you.

There is one finish line in which we can all cross together and the work that goes into completing the race was already done for us. However, while we are here, we still have the opportunity to draw close to God and again there will be some who are farther along in their discipleship and some not as far. But, we need to keep on drawing closer. It isn't a salvation issue as Jesus paid the debt for our sins and when we have accepted Him we have that assurance. It is more a desire that should be within us to want to love Him with all of our heart, soul, mind, and strength. What have you done today or this week to show your love for God? Would others be able to look at your life and know that you love Him and have laid down your idols to follow Him?

Make everyday a goal to inch ever so closer to the God that made you, loves you, saved you, and wants to be in community with you. Have a great rest of the week.

Andy

What kind of player are you?

noreply@blogger.com (Ancarrow...the blog) — Mon, 10 May 2010 15:26:00 +0000

n sports, there are great players, and there are there are great-skilled players. After years of coaching, I see a huge distinction. It's fairly easy, with the right skill-set and the God-given talent, to be best player on a poor team. What's more difficult is to be a person who, in the face of difficulty, or when everyone is not of the same talent-caliber, makes their team and teammates better. Everyone is rising to their leadership.

For example, I was, by no means, the best player on any soccer team I played on. I never lived in that illusion. When pieced with random "I've been playing club soccer since I was four so that my mommy and daddy can feel better about their own inadequacies" types of players, some would take the opportunities they'd been given, and use it to make me better. Their footwork improved mine. Their shots created opportunities for me. It was a good fit. They may yell at a mistake someone made here and there, but it was rooted in the encouragement of helping us be the best players we can be.

But then there were the "stars" that would just scream. We existed for them. They'd cry at officials over every call. They'd cut everyone down at halftime. They screamed a lot...but motivated no one. In short, they're just talented divas.

The same is true for the body of Christ. Are we the players that improve enhance our brothers and sister's walks with how we come alongside them, or are we too busy whining about how stupid and wrong everyone is, and how we're the only ones who "get it."

I am hoping to be the latter this week. May you do the same.

The Church

noreply@blogger.com (Northview) — Tue, 04 May 2010 18:00:00 +0000

“The problem with the church today I believe is that one reason why the church of God at this present moment has so little influence over the world is because the world has so much influence over the church.” Charles Spurgeon, 150 years ago.

I came across this quote while reading and thought 150 years ago, it could be said today. Sadly, We “the church” let the culture control what we teach and how we live. Much of the time the world’s influence is so subtle that it meshes into to our being in a way that we allow it to control our thinking and way of life. How does this happen? I could go on for a long time on the ways that our culture tunes us in to living in a way that leaves us looking no different from the world in how we live. Do to time I will save you from that and keep it simple. We are the church, you and me, believers in Jesus, Got it… we, need to grow in our knowledge of the word of God and let it dwell deep with the spirit of God that is in us. And when this happens church. We influence the world by how we live, which is influenced by what we know and is anchored on who we live for.

Tried to keep it simple. Now go and influence.
Don

Most Important paragraph I've ever read...outside the Bible!

noreply@blogger.com (Nathan Shaver) — Thu, 15 Apr 2010 17:30:00 +0000

I have grown to appreciate and love the works of John Owen. His pen is often a gospel-scalpel on my heart. Please read this excerpt from The Glory of Christ:

“How glorious the Lord Jesus Christ is in the eyes of believers? When Adam sinned, he stood ashamed, afraid, trembling, as one ready to persih for ever under the severe displeasure of God. Death was what he deserved, and he fully expected the sentence to be immediately carried out. In this state, the Lord Christ in the promise comes to him, and says, ‘Poor creature! How terrible is you condition! How deformed you are now! What has become of the beauty, the glory of the image of God in which you were created? See how you have taken upon yourself the monstrous shape and image of Satan? And yet your present sorrow, your physical return to dust and darkness, is in no way to be compared with what is to follow. Eternal distress lies before you. But now, look up and behold me, and you will have a glimpse of what infinite wisdom, love and grace have purposed for you. Do not continue to hide from me. I will take your place. I will bear your guilt and suffer that punishment which would sink you eternally into the hideous depth of hell. I will pay for what I never took. I will be made a curse for you so that you may be eternally blessed.’ In the same vein the Lord Christ speaks to all convicted sinners when he invites them to come to him.”

Owen, John. The Glory of Christ. Carlisle, Pennsylvania: Banner of Truth Trust, 1994.

Hello Seattle.

noreply@blogger.com (Ancarrow...the blog) — Wed, 14 Apr 2010 16:26:00 +0000

Now that I am back on Eastern Standard Time, I have began compiling my thoughts about my most recent Missions Opportunity with the high school students from the X.

This year, we worked with an organization called Network Tacoma, (www.networktacoma.org), and organization that is basically helping families who are either a step away from, or a step out of, being on the streets. We helped flip and clean out some apartments for families who would struggle to get apartments otherwise.

There was one project that took all week - the cleaning out of an apartment from someone who had been evicted. None of our were prepared for what we found in the place (some of which I cannot mention here, so that I may remain employed). Food had been left out where it was on the final day they left. The smells were appalling. The evidences of children living in this place at one point were heartbreaking. And, just when you thought you had found the "worst of it," there was something else to turnover or move that was even more saddening.

Seeing the chaos of this person's final days in an apartment is only a small taste of the chaos and torment this person lives with daily....

I wrote this in my journal following day 2 -

"pill bottle after pill bottle, a book of morman, a WOW worship CD, and drugs: this is a person looking for something to bring hope to their hopelessness. Jesus, where would I be without you?"

It's easy to have an opinion about what would have fixed this person's situation. Maybe a bigger government with more "health care options?" Maybe a job opportunity, or a hip cool, church with a rocking worship pastor and some crazy cool preaching. Maybe if there were more "family values" on the west coast?

Here's the truth: apart from Jesus, we live in darkness. Our hearts are prone to do dark things, and it's a slippery slope from my current situation to the desperation of the situation we found ourselves observing in Tacoma. We are a people who are looking for hope, and will worship a variety of things until we find it. In the process, these things enslave us.

My nuclear family, college education, and work ethic give me some benefit in this world...but they do not give me unfailing hope that the gospel offers. Lord, may I not rest in the former things, but rejoice in the latter.

Mark 1 :: The Kingdom Is @ Hand...

noreply@blogger.com (Nathan Shaver) — Thu, 25 Mar 2010 13:12:00 +0000

In the first chapter of the Gospel according to Mark, we have insight into Jesus preaching ministry. Following the pattern of the proclamation of John the Baptist in the wilderness, we find that Jesus picks up right where John left off. “Jesus came into Galilee proclaiming the gospel of God saying, “The time is fulfilled, the Kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel” Mark 1:14b-15. The voice of one crying in the wilderness had been silenced by Herod and now a voice coming out of the wilderness begins to proclaim the Kingdom of God.

The message is full of promise and deliverance. I have paraphrased what I think might be the root of the message of Christ:

“The day has come, it’s here. The rule of God over our hearts and lives is available, right here...right now. Turn to God and remove any obstacles that might keep you from submitting fully to his rule. Trust that everything he has promised is being fulfilled. Believe in me.”

There is no longer any reason to wait for your true identity to be revealed. Jesus calls us to hear the good news that everything that God promised has been fulfilled. He is making himself available to us. Restoring his rule over our hearts and lives. Have you submitted to the rule of God? This is what we were made for. Are you living under the gracious transformative rule of King Jesus? Believe what he said is true and turn to him with your whole heart. Believe in the good news: God is making himself known and available to mankind through his beloved Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. There is no better time!

Sour Grapes and the Madness of March

noreply@blogger.com (Ancarrow...the blog) — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 15:07:00 +0000

I had the perfect setup: I was pumped full of coffee, my jersey was on, friends were gathered, and I had ordered over 150 glorious wings of differing taste and spice level. I was even comfortable rooting for a team that my grandfather swore to hate beginning in 1984. The perfect to setup to celebrate a second Superbowl for the Indianapolis Colts, and my favorite player, Peyton Manning.

It was promising...they looked great for a while. I got got excited and then...

they ripped my heart out.

I've lost some heartbreaking games as a player, and later as a coach. I've cheered for some really bad teams (Long-standing Orioles fan right here) in my time, but this one made me sick. I stayed away from ESPN, ESPNRADIO, and readied myself for the barrage of "Manning hating" that would happen all around me. It was watching a team snatch defeat from the jaws of victory. It was the reversal of all the fourth quarter comebacks that Colts fans have just come to expect. And I, the fan, had no game check or vacation to medicate my pain. While I snapped out of it fairly quickly, I still get frustrated thinking about it.

You may be saying, "hey Scott - February called, and it wants its headline back." Here's my heart....we're approaching March Madness, another great sporting event. Unless you're my intern, who cheers for North Carolina or whoever else is winning, you may have a team of choice. There's a good chance that team is going to let you down this month...

Some are Hoosiers...waiting for the 2nd incarnation of coach Knight, minus the choking thing...oh, and while your down, let me kick you by reminding you of what happened the last time IU was in a title game (Fear the turtle)

Some are Boilermakers...and you've watched a hopeful season crumble in the wake of a knee injury.

Some are Bulldogs...and there's a great excitement about how far you can go.

and lastly, some are fans of whoever may win them the office pool (and yes Lindsay, I'm prepared to lose to you, and my wife, and three other wives, again this year).

All around the country, with sporting events, we'll take a good thing, and make it a god thing...and that'll be a bad thing. I did it a month ago with the Colts, and, if I'm not careful, the Madness of March, and an eight game maryland winning streak, will sweep me away into placing worship in the wrong place. For those who will scoff at us and say, "yeah, we told you, it's just a game," you'll do it with money, relationships, comfort, status, popularity, or a variety of other things.

Sports are great at reminding me that people make terrible gods, as they cannot deliever what they promise. In all the madness of march, marriage, or your job, remember the one who can promise (and not fail you) - "NEVER WILL I LEAVE YOU OR FORSAKE YOU."

noreply@blogger.com (Northview) — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 21:08:00 +0000

I am still amazed what Jesus said to his disciples. "I am leaving and it is to your benefit…your advantage…that I go away"….Are you crazy Jesus…. "So that the Holy Spirit may come and move the world concerning sin, righteousness, and judgement." My first thought was no way. It is not better for you to leave Jesus. How can being away from your physical presences be better? Jesus knows the Holy Spirit that we receive when we come to know and follow Him, will guide us in all the truth and power.
And let me tell you that when you allow yourself to be led by the spirit it changes the way you live your day…. Let me give you one example. I was talking to a lady recently and just felt God moving our conversation to one area and I began to speak. We continued to talk for about 30 mins and while I was leaving she said Keehner, how did you know? How did you know that I wanted to talk about and most of all needed to talk about? As I left, I thought of Jesus words…. It is better, that I leave...the Holy Spirit.

Questions from those with a Catholic background

noreply@blogger.com (Northview) — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 19:04:00 +0000

A question was asked, "If someone grew up Catholic, is it okay to take communion in a Christian church? What does the Bible say about it.
We see the Lord's Supper started when in Matthew 26, Mark 14, and Luke 22, Jesus took bread, broke it, gave it to his disciples and told them to eat it in remembrance of Him. He did the same with the cup. In Acts chapter 2 it says that people gathered in temple courts and then in people's homes and devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching, fellowship, the breaking of bread (communion), and the prayers. The people it was given to or that were practicing it were those that believed that Jesus died on the cross for them. Growing up Catholic, Methodist, Episcopal, or other denomination does not exclude someone from joining us in taking communion. It is set out for and prepared for those that have a personal relationship with Jesus and have accepted Him as their Savior. In 1 Corinthians Jesus again is quoted in explaining communion to His followers and says that we need to examine ourselves and take communion in a worthy manner. If we aren't right with God we ought not to take communion when it is passed. The Bible says that if we take it in an unworthy manner that we drink judgment on ourselves. I hope that clarifies that a bit.

Andy

Haiti :: A Response

noreply@blogger.com (Nathan Shaver) — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 19:15:00 +0000

Our team arrived at Indianapolis International last night around 11:35 PM. My close friend Greg Willhelm and I were chatting about the feelings we were having prior to seeing our families awaiting us at baggage claim 4. I realized that all we had experienced together over the last eight days would eternally impact the way we see the world. Each encounter would be forever stamped on our hearts and ingrained in our imaginations. As we approached the terminal I looked over at Greg and with my snarky grin I said, “Dude, I’ve got butterflies!”

The emotions I had awaiting to reunite with my family surfaced because I had cultivated a deep longing for Rachelle and the kids. It was the kind of longing that only extended separation can allow us to feel. For eight days I was completely helpless, unable to communicate with my family. All of the sudden in the matter of a few minutes walk down a concourse I would experience a reuniting and reconciliation.

Walking the streets of Caracol Haiti Thursday afternoon I felt the same feeling. There was a sense of longing and anticipation at every turn. Trodding along crooked streets in the shadows of rusty tin roofs the “Kingdom of God” that Christ talked so much of began to take shape before me. There wasn’t an obvious tangible expression of it but only small glimpses. Step after step new expressions of hope would appear in the form of a small child waving tirelessly to catch the attention of the Large Blanc walking the streets or a man diligently weeding his plot of peas and watering the plant with the sweat of his brow. In the midst of the most materially impoverished people I have ever been among I sensed a great anticipation. I literally had butterflies.

As we left the streets to go back to our “safe” compound I couldn’t help but notice how dirty my clean shows had become. My feet were covered with muck and grime. Disgusted I kicked each shoe off and thought about cleaning them but I decided to let them be. I needed a reminder that the dirt of the earth is the substance of the kingdom and with each and every step I would take in these shoes I would be getting a little closer to the mission.

“Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name.
10 Your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
11 Give us this day our daily bread,
12 and forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors.
13 And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.”

Matthew 5:9-13

Originally written for www.nathanshaver.wordpress.com more on Haiti can be read there.

All the World is Mad...

noreply@blogger.com (Ancarrow...the blog) — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 15:00:00 +0000

In wake of the devastating pictures of Haiti, the craziness and chaos of "health care reform," and the era where people claim to like Jay Leno more than Conan O' Brien, it's easy for many to throw their theological hats into the ring; postulating, prognosticating, and evaluating where God is in times of chaos. After all, wouldn't a good God gave save and protect us from all of this? look around - It's hard to escape tragedy. My vacation time this December was immersed in it; hurting friends, broken people, desperate parents of hurting kids, and the anger and shock fully - bloomed patterns of addiction. In quiet moments that followed conversations and phone calls, my joy was stolen, and I pull up my hood and try to escape the world as I quietly mumble to myself the words that I hate to hear myself say: "I deserve better than this...I've done so and so, for so and so, for so long...I need to get away"

Yiikes. Did I just say that? Do I deserve better? I'm guessing you've been there...

We are brimming with cumbersome, murderous greed,
And malevolence deep and profound.
We do unspeakable deeds, does our wickedness know any bounds?

Something's gone terribly wrong with everyone;
All the world is mad.
Darkness brings terrible things; the sun is gone -
What vanity! our sad, wretched fires.

We can't medicate man to perfection again;
We can't legislate peace in our hearts.
We can't educate sin from our souls, it's been there from the start.

But the blind lead the blind into bottomless pits,
Still we smile and deny that we're cursed.
But of all our iniquities ignorance may be the worst.
(Dustin Kensrue/Thrice - "All the World is Mad")

The gospel exposes the idea that "I'm good on my own," or that my actions alone will bring me consistent, eternal peace, as what they truly are: lies. No amount of "can-do"-ness, long hours, or clean language can earn my that hope. Apart from Jesus, I continually contribute to the chaos and ugliness of this world. As believers, we cling to the promise of Jesus in John 16:33 - "I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” In the end, my hope is not in stable earth, stable governments, or an NBC without Jay leno (still hoping though). My hope is in Jesus, the author and perfector of faith, who bring the hope of being made new to our suffering and momentary troubles. This hope changes the way that I suffer and endure...for I deserve nothing good apart from Him.

In the meantime, tragedy must be times where we remind one another that "it could have been us," and sometimes, "maybe it should have been us." Rather than flippantly tooting our horns on religious broadcasting, or fill out blogs with "better us then we" remarks, we must bring the gospel to bear with our time, our talents, and our treasures. All must be used to point to the madness of the world, and the hope of Jesus in the midst of the madness.

SA

Story

noreply@blogger.com (Northview) — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 20:26:00 +0000

I have this memory growing up when it was about time to go to bed, I'd brush my teeth, put on my pajamas and get into bed but you couldn't call it a day until mom came in to read myself and my brother a book. Every night so it seemed we would take a book off the shelf and our mom would read us a story, these stories were exciting filled with conflict and resolution, wonderful characters who had purpose and you wanted to cheer for them cause you were so engaged into there story. If I were to go to a movie about your life would I be as engaged? What kind of story are you telling with your life, you see we are all living in the midst of our own story but a lot of our stories are mundane and not very inspiring. It seems like we live in a world that has lost the meaning of a good story, I just saw a movie over the weekend that had all the special effects you could want but the story wasn't very good, we have lost the art of a good story.

I say all these things because I'm reading a book currently on story, it's called A Million Miles in a Thousand Years by Donald Miller. Now I hate endorsing a book before I'm completely finished but I think this one is worth it, the book is about writing a story with your life by the greatest storyteller of all God. God has called us to tell great story's with our lives, to live in conflict to always be working toward something that is worth it but the question is what do we desire? What is so important to us that we would die for it? This is a key ingredient to living a good story with our lives. For far too many the story is the American Dream, it's all about buying a new Volvo or building a new house, or how about the dream vacation to Ireland and Scotland so you can play at the Birth Place Golf, ok maybe that's just me but you get my point. So what is something that is worth dying for that can make our stories great?

I would argue that the things that matter are things that take the most sacrifice, relationally, financially, and physically. It's sacrificing your cushy 9-5 job so you can devote your time to building wells in South America, it's leaving your home and job in Central Florida to go be a missionary and live full time in Japan like some of my friends recently did. These are the things that make a story great it's the stuff of movies really, I would love to go see a movie about a guy who leaves his home in Danville Indiana to live on an Indian reservation in Arizona but goes through close to death encounters with the natives, rejection from his family and financial strain to get there. Wouldn't that be a great movie? I would love to see a resolve to a story like this.

So what story will you tell in 2010, I hope it's one that will inspire us all to live a life that is just a little more missional.
Grace and Peace be with you this new year.
Clayton Wheeler

A week away...

noreply@blogger.com (Nathan Shaver) — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 14:24:00 +0000

As Christmas is upon us, I am praying that God would continue to work the wonder of the incarnation in our lives as a Church. His Word is very clear that "the Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us." (John 1).

In God adding to his divinity (godness), humanity (you know just like us) he reached into our world to act on our behalf for the glory of His name. How are you reaching into others lives with the news that God has reached into your life? This season is full of hustle and bustle but you encounter so many along the way that may have never heard that Christ has come to earth and made God known to us, or maybe its someone working in "Retail" that just needs to be reminded of the Incarnation.

Let's try and take this good news of great joy into every environment we find ourselves in this week (especially our homes).

Just a little reminder that Next Thursday night, December 24th @ 6PM we will join together in thanksgiving and remembrance of God coming to us in flesh as we celebrate Christmas as a church body on Christmas Eve. Invite some friends and neighbors!

I know this guy... and where to start reading in the Bible

noreply@blogger.com (Northview) — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 20:38:00 +0000

Several weeks ago we had an "open mic" day and allowed you to ask questions of our esteemed panel. I thought I would take a few paragraphs and answer one or two of the questions that were not addressed.

I know this guy, he goes to church but it doesn't seem to make any difference in how he lives. Any advice?

2 Timothy 3:16 says, "All scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work."

Proverbs 27:17 says, "As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."

We have a responsibility to call each other on unholy living, unholy behavior, and poor decision making. The issue in helping this person or those people in our lives that live differently than they say they believe, is to do so in love. When you approach someone with the right heart, you take them aside one on one, you point out to them scripturally how they are living wrong, you pray with them, and you explain to them that you are approaching them because you love them and want them to enjoy the peace that God wants for them, which can only come in living according to His word. Be prepared for the log to be taken out of your own eye as well, but we should be open to that. The other thing I would add is to be proactive in creating an environment for that person to be the person he/she is in Christ by inviting him/her to live life with you through dinners, fellowship opportunities, Life Group, classes, or whatever else might take their mind off of the worldly living and into constructive, encouraging surroundings.

"What is a good book of the Bible for new Christians to start in as they walk with God?"

Great question. Starting in the gospels can help someone understand how Jesus lived and what He did for us. But it is important to not just read, but study. Take smaller chunks and research what the meaning of the passage is by reading commentaries on studylight.org and other helpful websites. I suggest to every new Christian that they plug into our Basic Stepping Stones class taught on Sunday mornings. It is a great environment to ask questions, study, and grow. The reading isn't always the issue, it is getting into environments that will challenge someone to grow. Life Groups and our spiritual formation classes are great places to land.

Did Christianity cause the Economic Crash?

noreply@blogger.com (Ancarrow...the blog) — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 02:56:00 +0000

This article caught my eye in line at a Barnes & Noble Coffeeshop. It's a long article, but completely worth the read as we come out of the "Chase What Matters" series. May our hope be in nothing but the unmerited, undeserved love of Christ, and nothing in addition. Let me know your thoughts.

http://www.theatlantic.com/doc/200912/rosin-prosperity-gospel

Scott Ancarrow

The Divided Heart :: 2 Kings 17

noreply@blogger.com (Nathan Shaver) — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 16:07:00 +0000

Confronted with a choice, I had to make a decision based upon principle. What did I truly believe about myself? Was I ready to cut away the manageable, convenient relationship for one that would demand my life and all I had? The choice was there before me and I had to either kill off "the easy" for the "joy of depth" or turn away from the fullness of a "self-denying life" and continue to chase the manageable "convenient friendship".

In 2 Kings 17 we encounter the culmination of the heart of Israel toward God in relation to other gods in their midst. Hundreds of years of denying themselves of the blessing of obeying God’s revealed will for their lives in the Promise land led them to embody the curses God had promised would come if they would rebel against their Deliverer.

This passage is heart breaking, because we see the downfall of a people who had continually ignored the voice of their God in order to gratify themselves. The immediate, manageable gods of the nations who had possessed the land before them, seemed to provide a more satisfying, experiential life full of tangible expressions of worship. These gods placed man at the center and allowed man to prescribe how these false gods would be worshiped. Whenever man is allowed to conjure up the elements of worship, it will always benefit man and his desires.

Israel had become enslaved once again. Not to Egyptian Pharoahs but to the will of the flesh of men. They had turned their hearts from the revealed will of God who had delivered them and brought them up out of Egypt and traded it for a man-exalting, flesh-pleasing form of worship that denied the power of the Holy One in their midst. All the while saying that they loved God.

There is a fallen inclination that we have about ourselves. We tend to set our feelings and desires up above anything or anyone, especially if they lay any claim on our wills. Longing for the most satisfying experience we will deny the most fulfilling, life giving, flesh-killing reality and trade it for a manageable quick-fix experience that will gratify our yearnings for just another moment, and all the while say, “I love and fear the Lord”. Our hearts reflect so easily the divided heart of Israel and we sit in judgement over them when we read and wonder how they could have gotten so far off track.

11 years ago I sat outside my dormitory on Ozark Christian Colleges Campus, asking myself if I would rather have a friendship (with a member of the opposite sex) that was manageable, a friend I knew well and could finish their sentences. Or would I rather give my life pursuing a girl who had captured my heart and was full of mystery and wonder. I loved her and I knew it! But this pursuit would demand everything I had and would be the end of all other quasi-dating relationships. My heart would be devoted to Rachelle Marie Stewart and there would be no room for any other or I could just add her to the list of manageable friendships that I pursue when I needed them or wanted something from them. I had to decide to add her to the long list of friends or devote myself wholly to her and know and be known as a “lover”. There could be no middle ground. I love Rachelle and her alone!

Oh Father, Son, and Spirit, Unite my heart! Tear down any idols that I have constructed to satisfy my own desires. Incline my heart to your revelation and teach me to walk in your ways. Satisfy my longings with the bread of life and living water. May the well of my heart be filled to overflowing by the power of the indwelling Spirit of God. Lord turn our affections to you! You alone are the God who saves, you are not without testimony. Now unto you alone, God of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and the Church. Amen.

What a day!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Northview) — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 19:48:00 +0000

The leaves are changing, the temperature is amazing, God has so blessed my family that to be discouraged seems to be a sin (and it is). I have a problem in that I hang on to money like I hang on to my liver. You're going to have to take a scalpel, knock me out, and bring a few friends to pry it out of me. Don't get me wrong, I make a point of giving the first of our fruits and realize that if God wants it back, it's His to begin with and He can have it. But when it comes to purchases or services needed, I have to slink into a corner and suck my thumb in the fetal position for an hour after spending money. Today came braces. Talk about an expense! After you make arrangements and make the down payment they take you to the room where they explain all that is going to happen, give you a $75 toothbrush, talk about all the prizes the kids get when they show up and brush their teeth, give them a "free" t-shirt, and make it all sound so generous of them. I have been sulking all day as I think about the size of the check I wrote and then of the money I will be paying each month to them. I stopped and thought about a verse I shared with the kids in the elementary class this past Sunday. It is the same verse that John shared in adult worship. Proverbs 3:5-6 says, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight." In ALL your ways acknowledge Him. I stopped today and told God thanks for providing for us that I could write that check. I then went to "student led" parent-teacher conferences and heard about how my boys have been doing in school. I have to challenge myself to not get caught up in grades. I want the boys to work hard, but mostly I want them to live in a way that others see Christ. The teachers didn't use those words, but in essence that is what they are doing and I couldn't feel more blessed. I just prayed as I am typing this that the discouraging spirit in my house would be changed to hope, glory, and encouragement as we are blessed every day by the creator of this universe. To God be the glory forever and ever, A-men.

Doers of the Word

noreply@blogger.com (Northview) — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 17:56:00 +0000

We started our first Northview Life Group last night, did my wife and I. We had a great time getting to know a few families, one of which we didn't know very well at all when the night began. We kicked off our group with Mark Moore's How to Study God's Word. He said something that really spoke to me. I don't have the exact quote but it was something along the lines of this; You can't fully know what God is teaching you through His Word if you don't obey it. In essence he was saying that we can research and learn all we want about the words on the pages, but without doing what it says we will not fully understand because we will not have experienced the promises, the blessings, and the miracles. James says not to just be readers of the Word, but doers of the Word (James 1:22). Good advice in kicking off our series.

Andy

Who do you serve?

noreply@blogger.com (Northview) — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 13:05:00 +0000

So have you ever had those moments in your life where you have found it to be easier to serve something else? Something that wasn't your father in heaven? Now I'm not talking about serving another God as much as serving something that is visible, maybe it's an I pod, maybe you play too much Golf, maybe you put friends or work above your own family, whatever it is you see what I'm saying here. There is this story in 1 Kings 18 about Elijah going up to Mount Carmel, he goes there because they are serving other god's and Elijah decides to challenge King Ahab to a duel of sorts. So they go up on the mountain and they find out who the true God is, he tells them you call out to your god's and I will call out to my God. Let's see what happens.

Elijah first's asks them to choose a bull but to call out to the bale's to light it on fire, they dance around it, they call out from morning till night but nothing happens. It says that later on Elijah begins to taunt them, he says things like maybe he's on vacation or busy, shout louder, or perhaps he is deep in thought. When he says deep in thought it actually translates on the toilet, so Elijah is basically saying that your god is on the toilet, great stuff. So here is an account of the first ever trash talker in human history and it's Elijah, if he was around today he'd be that annoying guy in your fantasy league who is always talking smack even when he losses ever week. Let's see what happens after this.

So Elijah build an altar and makes a trench around it, he then orders them to fill four jars of water and fill this trench. They do this a couple of times, when the trench was overflowing Elijah went to pray to the LORD and asked him to reveal himself to them on this mountain. then all of a sudden God sent fire down around them and it burned up the sacrifice, the wood, the stones, and the trench, it also dried up the water that was there. He did this so that there hearts might turn back to him and that they may come back to the one true God.

How many times do we live this story in our own lives? We find ourself worshiping something else because it looks better, it's easier, or maybe it makes you happier and after all God wants you to be happy right? NO! God is more concerned with your joy and your holiness than your happiness. You see God wants to reveal himself to you today just like he revealed himself to Elijah on Mount Carmel, come this weekend to one of our services and allow God to reveal himself to you as we study this narrative more in depth. I hope to see you there.
Grace and Peace,
Clayton Wheeler