WPC LateNite

Notes from Metamorphosis: Beneath the Surface

2009-03-05T08:03:00.000-08:00

Metamorphosis-Beneath the Surface

IceBergs Facts
1. Only about 10% of an iceberg is visible above the surface.
2. The majority of an iceberg, approximately 90%, exists below the surface of the water.
3. The Titanic sank because it collided with a section of the submerged other 90%.

Beneath the Surface
Most (people) shipwreck or live inconsistent lives because of forces and motivations beneath the surface of their lives, which they have never considered. ~ Peter Scazzero

1. Jesus desires to change what’s beneath your surface.

Woman at the Well
John 4:4-26 (NIV)
4 Now he had to go through Samaria. 5 So he came to a town in Samaria called Sychar, near the plot of ground Jacob had given to his son Joseph. 6 Jacob's well was there, and Jesus, tired as he was from the journey, sat down by the well. It was about the sixth hour. 7 When a Samaritan woman came to draw water, Jesus said to her, "Will you give me a drink?" 8 (His disciples had gone into the town to buy food.)
9 The Samaritan woman said to him, "You are a Jew and I am a Samaritan woman. How can you ask me for a drink?" (For Jews do not associate with Samaritans.) 10 Jesus answered her, "If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water." 11 "Sir," the woman said, "you have nothing to draw with and the well is deep. Where can you get this living water? 12 Are you greater than our father Jacob, who gave us the well and drank from it himself, as did also his sons and his flocks and herds?" 13 Jesus answered, "Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, 14 but whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life."
15 The woman said to him, "Sir, give me this water so that I won't get thirsty and have to keep coming here to draw water." 16 He told her, "Go, call your husband and come back." 17 "I have no husband," she replied. Jesus said to her, "You are right when you say you have no husband. 18 The fact is, you have had five husbands, and the man you now have is not your husband. What you have just said is quite true." 19 "Sir," the woman said, "I can see that you are a prophet.
21 Jesus declared, "Believe me, woman, a time is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem. 22 You Samaritans worship what you do not know; we worship what we do know, for salvation is from the Jews. 23 Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. 24 God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth." 25 The woman said, "I know that Messiah" (called Christ) "is coming. When he comes, he will explain everything to us." 26 Then Jesus declared, "I who speak to you am he."

What’s the Problem?

1. Above the Surface—What the Woman Saw
• Physical Problem--Water (v.15)
• Hints at Real Problem (v.17)
• Religious Problem—Mountain (v.20) and Messiah (v.25)
2. Beneath the Surface—What Jesus Saw
• Shame (v. 4-6)
• God-shaped Hole in Her Heart (v.13-14)
• Unhealthy Longing for Relationship (v.18)

2. Our Outward Actions Hint at Deeper Issues.

Heart Problem

Luke 6:45 (NIV)
45 The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks.

What’s Your Overflow?
Acts of the Sinful Nature
Galatians 5.19-21 (MSG)
1. Loveless, cheap sex
2. A Stinking accumulation of mental and emotional garbage
3. Frenzied joyless grabs for happiness
4. Trinket gods
5. Magic-show religion
6. Paranoid Loneliness
7. Cutthroat competition
8. All-consuming-yet-never-satisfied wants
9. A brutal temper
10. Impotence to love or be loved
11. Divided homes and divided lives
12. Small-minded and lopsided pursuits
13. Turning everyone into a rival
14. Addictions
15. Ugly community

Fruits of the Spirit
Galatians 5.22 (NIV)
1. Love
2. Joy
3. Peace
4. Patience
5. Kindness
6. Goodness
7. Faithfulness
8. Gentleness
9. Self-Control

3. Pay Attention to Your Emotions.

Proverbs 4:23 (NIV)
23 Above all else, guard your heart (inner person), for it is the wellspring of life.

1. SLOW DOWN
2. TAKE AN EMOTIONAL INVENTORY

Ignoring our emotions is turning our back on reality. Listening to our emotions ushers us into reality. And reality is where we meet God…Emotions are the language of our soul.
~Dan Allender

4. Change through discovery and surrender is a continual process.

Colossians 3:9-10 (NIV)
9 Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices 10 and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.

BENEATH THE SURFACE
1. Jesus desires to change what’s beneath your surface.
2. Our Outward Actions Hint at Deeper Issues.
3. Pay Attention to Your Emotions.
4. Change through discovery and surrender is a continual process.

The State of LateNite Address

2008-11-19T07:16:00.000-08:00

Article II, Section 3 of the United States Constitution says the following,

He (the President) shall from time to time give to Congress information of the State of the Union and recommend to their Consideration such measures as he shall judge necessary and expedient." (Article II, Section 3)

Grant it, we are not the United States Congress and I am not the President. However, I believe it advantageous to provide information regarding the State of LateNite and recommend to you “measures” that I “judge necessary and expedient.” I am going begin addressing the State of LateNite by first looking at the history of our ministry. Secondly, after I look backward in order to understand where LateNite has been, I will pause to reflect upon where we are. Finally, once I have assessed where we have been and where we are, I will address the question, “Where are we going?” Or, better yet, “Where should we go?” As we weave our way in and out of these questions, Scripture will guide our journey.
Where Have We Been?
We look backwards not to fret, disregard, or day dream about “the old days,” but simply to learn about our past in order to gain a better understanding of our present and future. As I reviewed the history of LateNite via documents and through conversation, it became apparent to me that the history of LateNite can be divided up into four eras; the Praytor Era, Transitional One, the Edgar Era, and Transitional Two or the Baker Era.
The Praytor Era, named after then college director, Treb Praytor, had two primary characteristics; an influential worship service and an emphasis upon missions. Attendance at the LateNite service averaged over 300 and the LateNite community consistently participated in both national and international missions during the Praytor Era.
The Transitional One Era included the the loss of leaders which led to the quick decline of numerical attendance at the LateNite Tuesday service and LifeGroups. At the end of this era, the community had decreased to roughly 100 attendees at the service and 40 to 60 involved in LifeGroups.
The Transitional One Era was followed by the Justin Edgar era. During this era, the emphasis upon missions continued. However, a shift occurred away from the focus on the LateNite service to an emphasis upon LifeGroups. Numerically, the LateNite community continued its decrease in size as quality in community was pursued.
The Baker Era, which followed the Edgar Era, was a transitional era as Jeff Baker served as interim college director. During his short time, Jeff did what any good transitional leader does; tend to the flock by trying to prepare it for its new leader. He continued to place an emphasis upon missions while maintaining both Tuesday night service and weekly LifeGroups.
Therefore, the history of LateNite is composed of four eras; the Praytor Era, the Transitiional One Era, the Edgar Era, and the Baker Era. The history of these eras teaches me that, after an emphasis upon missions and the LateNite service, the LateNite community decreased while an emphasis upon missions remained.
Where Are We Now?
What is our current state of ministry as of November 11th? I see three primary characteristics. First, I believe that majority of you here tonight have bought into our ministry. In other words, you have placed a stake in the ground and have said, “LateNite is my home and I deeply care about it.” Secondly, I believe our community is bought into the idea of ministry and missions. The Malawi Project and activities like Walk for the Cure testify to this fact. Thirdly, I believe that there are many of you who are starting to value not only LateNite, but our parent body, Westminster Presbyterian Church. I only have to go to the nursery or attend trunk-or-treat to see evidence of this belief. To review; a group of college students bought into LateNite, committed to ministry and missions, along with valuing participating in the larger church is the current state of LateNite. Now we must ask, “Where are we going?” Or, “Where should we be going?”
Where Should We Be Going?
Brace yourself because here is my answer to the question, “Where should we be going as a LateNite community?” I do not know. (And now you know why I get paid money to do my job.) I do not know where we should be going as a ministry because I believe the answer is out there (pointing at audience) somewhere—the answer is within you. I base this belief upon Paul’s words to the Corinthian church found in 1Corinthian 2.10-13,

10 but God has revealed it to us by his Spirit. The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God. 11 For who among men knows the thoughts of a man except the man's spirit within him? In the same way no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. 12 We have not received the spirit of the world but the Spirit who is from God, that we may understand what God has freely given us. 13 This is what we speak, not in words taught us by human wisdom but in words taught by the Spirit, expressing spiritual truths in spiritual words.
If we are Christ-followers, the Spirit lives within us and empowers us to know the things of God, including his vision for this ministry. Paul asks later in the next chapter, “Do you not know that you are a temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?” Paul is not addressing individuals with these words. Instead, Paul is addressing the entire church body and placing an emphasis upon the Spirit’s role within the entire Corinthian ecclesia. Because the Spirit resides within, the church or ecclesia, and because it reveals to us the things of God, we will know where we should go as a ministry only when each of us starts paying attention to the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives. Let me state that again: We will know where we should be going as a ministry only when we start paying attention to the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
Because the Holy Spirit empowers us to know God’s will for our community, I believe we need times where our entire community comes together in order to simply ask and answer, “What is the Holy Spirit revealing to you lately?” I believe if we ask this question enough and listen to and look for any common threads in our answers, we may decipher where the Spirit is leading us to go as a community. Therefore, I am proposing that our community has once-a-month vision nights where we will come together, eat good free food, pray, and discuss ideas for our ministry. The first vision night will take place at my house on Monday night, January 19th. Again, good, free food will be provided. The eating will start around 6:30.
How Are We Going to Get There?
Once we decide on a vision, the next question is, “How are we going to get where we need tog go?” Paul answers this later in 1 Corinthians 12.1-11 where he states,

1 Now about spiritual gifts, brothers, I do not want you to be ignorant. 2 You know that when you were pagans, somehow or other you were influenced and led astray to mute idols. 3 Therefore I tell you that no one who is speaking by the Spirit of God says, "Jesus be cursed," and no one can say, "Jesus is Lord," except by the Holy Spirit. 4 There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit. 5 There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. 6 There are different kinds of working, but the same God works all of them in all men. 7 Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. 8 To one there is given through the Spirit the message of wisdom, to another the message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, 9 to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, 10 to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues. 11 All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he gives them to each one, just as he determines.
In essence, Paul says that each Christ-follower has gifts that they are to use for the church. He also says that the only way the church is going to go where it needs to go is if everyone chips in and plays their part or fulfills their role.
Now, here’s a little secret. I need you. I am good at three things; teaching, shepherding (or caring for you guys), and developing leaders. That is it. I am either average or below average at everything else. This means that I will do an average job putting together average events that will most likely produce average results unless someone gifted steps up to fill the void. If you desire to see something spectacular happen in an era of our ministry outside of teaching, shepherding or training leaders, step up. Create the idea, pitch it to me, and if I think it fits into the overall direction of our ministry, we will roll with the idea.
At this point, I am guessing that you may be thinking two things. First, you might be thinking, “I don’t have any time to add another leadership requirement or expectation to my plate in order to fill my role.” Secondly, “How do I know what I am good at?” Or, “What are my spiritual gifts?” In an effort to answer the first question, let me take the hit on this one. I believe I asked too much from a few of you when I asked you to be on leadership earlier in the Fall. My requests were broad and not efficient enough. As a result, I am scrapping the way we do leadership. There will be no more broad requests regarding leadership. I will not ask you lead a broad era. Instead, I will make specific leadership requests for specific actions that will not take up much of your time. Be prepared. I am going to be asking a few of you over the next few days and weeks to reconsider leadership under these new guidelines. What if you don’t know your gifts? I want to devote part of our monthly vision/leadership gathering to helping you discover ways that God has gifted you in the Kingdom.
Why Are We Doing This?
We find the answer in the next chapter of Corinthians, chapter 13,
1 If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. 3 If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing. 4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. 8 Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. 9 For we know in part and we prophesy in part, 10 but when perfection comes, the imperfect disappears. 11 When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me. 12 Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. 13 And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.

We discover we should be going and fulfill our roles in getting there because we are called, above all else, to love. We are to love as Christ loves us because it is Christ-driven love embodied by the ecclesia that is the hope of the world. I believe we do what we do because we are called to love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength and to love our neighbor as ourselves.

Notes from Jesus and War

2008-10-30T09:34:00.000-07:00

Gettysburg Address

But, in a larger sense, we can not dedicate -- we can not consecrate -- we can not hallow, this ground-- The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here, have hallowed it, far above our poor power to add or detract. The world will little note, nor long remember what we say here; while it can never forget what they did here. ~ Abraham Lincoln

The Brave Men…

July 1-3, 1863
Gettysburg, Pennsylvania
172,000 Soldiers
634 canons
569 tons of ammunition
5,000 dead horses
51,112 casualties

The Vietnam War

Somebody got killed today. Somebody was liable to get killed tomorrow, and the day after. This was not war movies on a Saturday afternoon; it was real, and it was ugly.
Colin Powell

This was not war movies…

1963-1975
8,744,000 U.S. forces
153,452 wounded
1,947 missing
58,217 dead

The Iraqi War
To all the men and women of the United States Armed Forces now in the Middle East, the peace of a troubled world and the hopes of an oppressed people now depend on you. That trust is well placed.
~ President George W. Bush,
March 19, 2003

The hopes of an oppressed people…

140,000-Current Number of US Troops in Iraq
30,757 wounded
4,191 dead

Prescriptive or Descriptive?

Ecclesiastes 3:1,8 (NIV) 1 There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven: 8 a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace.

Jesus’ Policy On War
1. Jesus is the greatest warrior, warring to reconcile humanity to God.

Exodus 15:3 (NIV)
3 The LORD is a warrior; the LORD is his name.

Isaiah 42:13 (NIV) 13 The LORD will march out like a mighty man, like a warrior he will stir up his zeal; with a shout he will raise the battle cry and will triumph over his enemies.

Isaiah 63:2-3 (NIV) 2 Why are your garments red, like those of one treading the winepress? 3 "I have trodden the winepress alone; from the nations no one was with me. I trampled them in my anger and trod them down in my wrath; their blood spattered my garments, and I stained all my clothing.

For What Kind of Messiah Are You Looking?

Old Testament Jews
They were looking for Messiah to politically and milliatarily liberate them from Roman oppression.

1st Century Christians
They understood that Jesus’ liberation was a liberation of the heart, enabling humanity to once again commune with Triune God.

John 19:30 (NIV) 30 When he had received the drink, Jesus said, "It is finished." With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.

1 Corinthians 15:54-55 (NIV) 54 When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true: "Death has been swallowed up in victory." 55 "Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?"

John 17:3 (NIV) 3 Now this is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.

Jesus’ Policy on War

1. Jesus is the greatest warrior, warring to reconcile humanity to God.
2. As the ecclesia partners in ushering in the Kingdom, we too must war with evil.

Matthew 5:38-42 (NIV) 38 "You have heard that it was said, 'Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.' 39 But I tell you, Do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. 40 And if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. 41 If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. 42 Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.

"It was a slap to insult, degrade, and humiliate, a slap meant not for an equal but for an inferior, to put someone in their place. But by turning the other cheek, the person made the abuser look them in the eye, and the abuser could now only hit them with a fast, as an equal.

But by turning the other cheek, the other person said, “I am a human being, made in the image of God, and you cannot destroy that.” Do not cower, do not punch back. Make sure the person looks you in the eyes and sees your sacred humanity…"
~Shane Claiborne,
Jesus for President

Ephesians 6:10-12 (NIV) 10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.

Ephesians 6:13-14 (NIV) 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place,

Ephesians 6:15-17 (NIV) 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

Jesus’ Policy on War
1. Jesus is the greatest warrior, warring to reconcile humanity to God.
2. As the ecclesia partners in ushering in the Kingdom, we too must war with evil.
3. Our main battle is spiritual, but it manifests itself in physical ways.

Luke 4:16-20 (NIV) 16 He went to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, and on the Sabbath day he went into the synagogue, as was his custom. And he stood up to read. 17 The scroll of the prophet Isaiah was handed to him. Unrolling it, he found the place where it is written: 18 "The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed,

Luke 4:19-21 (NIV) 19 to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor." 20 Then he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant and sat down. The eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fastened on him, 21 and he began by saying to them, "Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing."

Jesus’ Policy on War

1. Jesus is the greatest warrior, warring to reconcile humanity to God.
2. As the ecclesia partners in ushering in the Kingdom, we too must war with evil.
3. Our main battle is spiritual, but it manifests itself in physical ways.
4. National war is justified when defending the poor, weak, and needy, but not to advance the political agenda of a nation-state.

Jesus’ Policy on War

1. Jesus is the greatest warrior, warring to reconcile humanity to God.
2. As the ecclesia partners in ushering in the Kingdom, we too must war with evil.
3. Our main battle is spiritual, but it manifests itself in physical ways.
4. National war is justified when defending the poor, weak, and needy, but not to advance the political agenda of a nation-state.
5. We must remember that our greatest weapon is love.

Romans 12:9-13 (NIV) 9 Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. 10 Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. 11 Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. 12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. 13 Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality.

Romans 12:14-17 (NIV) 14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. 16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. 17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody.

Romans 12:18-21 (NIV) 18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 19 Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," says the Lord. 20 On the contrary: "If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head." 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Prescriptive or Descriptive? Both

1. Jesus is the greatest warrior, warring to reconcile humanity to God.
2. As the ecclesia partners in ushering in the Kingdom, we too must war with evil.
3. Our main battle is spiritual, but it manifests itself in physical ways.
4. National war is justified when defending the poor, weak, and needy, but not to advance the political agenda of a nation-state.
5. We must remember that our greatest weapon is love.

Notes from Jesus and the Economy

2008-10-23T07:28:00.000-07:00

Jesus for President:
Jesus and the Economy
October 14, 2008
WPC LateNite

Luke 12:13-17 (NIV) 13 Someone in the crowd said to him, "Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me." 14 Jesus replied, "Man, who appointed me a judge or an arbiter between you?" 15 Then he said to them, "Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions." 16 And he told them this parable: "The ground of a certain rich man produced a good crop. 17 He thought to himself, 'What shall I do? I have no place to store my crops.'

Luke 12:18-21 (NIV) 18 "Then he said, 'This is what I'll do. I will tear down my barns and build bigger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods. 19 And I'll say to myself, "You have plenty of good things laid up for many years. Take life easy; eat, drink and be merry."' 20 "But God said to him, 'You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?' 21 "This is how it will be with anyone who stores up things for himself but is not rich toward God."

World’s Economy

Greed Driven
Materially Abundant
Low Focus

Greed Driven
Luke 12:15 (NIV) 15 Then he said to them, "Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions."

Materially Abundant
Luke 12:15 (NIV) 15 Then he said to them, "Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions."

Low Focus
Luke 12:17-20 (NIV) 17 He thought to himself, 'What shall I do? I have no place to store my crops.' 18 "Then he said, 'This is what I'll do. I will tear down my barns and build bigger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods. 19 And I'll say to myself, "You have plenty of good things laid up for many years. Take life easy; eat, drink and be merry."' 20 "But God said to him, 'You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?'

Luke 12:22-26 (NIV) 22 Then Jesus said to his disciples: "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. 23 Life is more than food, and the body more than clothes. 24 Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds! 25 Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? 26 Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest?

Luke 12:27-31 (NIV) 27 "Consider how the lilies grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 28 If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today, and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, how much more will he clothe you, O you of little faith! 29 And do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it. 30 For the pagan world runs after all such things, and your Father knows that you need them. 31 But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well.

Luke 12:32-34 (NIV) 32 "Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom. 33 Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will not be exhausted, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. 34 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

World’s Economy

Greed Driven
Materially Abundant
Low Focus

God’s Economy

Trust Driven
Relationally Abundant
Kingdom Focus

Trust Driven
Luke 12:24-26 (NIV) 24 Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds! 25 Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? 26 Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest?

Relationally Abundant
Luke 12:33-34 (NIV) 33 Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will not be exhausted, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. 34 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Kingdom Focused
Luke 12:29-32 (NIV) 29 And do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it. 30 For the pagan world runs after all such things, and your Father knows that you need them. 31 But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well. 32 "Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom.

World’s Economy

Greed Driven
Materially Abundant
Low Focus

God’s Economy

Trust Driven
Relationally Abundant
Kingdom Focus

Jesus’ Economic Platform

Trust In Me…I will supply all your needs
John 14:1 (NIV) 1 "Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me.
Philippians 4:19 (NIV) 19 And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.

Take time to relationally invest in others
Mark 12:31 (NIV) 31 The second is this: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no commandment greater than these."
Luke 12:33 (NIV) 33 Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will not be exhausted, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys.

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

Jesus’ Economic Platform Lived Out

Hebrews 12:25-29 (NIV) 25 See to it that you do not refuse him who speaks. If they did not escape when they refused him who warned them on earth, how much less will we, if we turn away from him who warns us from heaven? 26 At that time his voice shook the earth, but now he has promised, "Once more I will shake not only the earth but also the heavens." 27 The words "once more" indicate the removing of what can be shaken--that is, created things--so that what cannot be shaken may remain. 28 Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, 29 for our "God is a consuming fire."

Jesus’ Economic Platform Lived Out

Hebrews 13:1-4 (NIV) 1 Keep on loving each other as brothers. 2 Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it. 3 Remember those in prison as if you were their fellow prisoners, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering. 4 Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral.

Jesus’ Economic Platform Lived Out

Hebrews 13:5-8 (NIV) 5 Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you." 6 So we say with confidence, "The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?" 7 Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith. 8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.

Notes from Obama, McCain, and the Kingdom

2008-10-23T07:20:00.000-07:00

Jesus for President:
Obama, McCain, and the Kingdom
October 7, 2008
WPC LateNite

God’s Kingdom

Has Government and Laws—Isaiah 9.7

Not of this World—John 18.36

As Christ-followers, we ultimately citizens of God’s Kingdom—1 Peter 2.9

But we are still called to engage our governmental processes in love—1 Peter 2.13-14; Romans 13.1-9.
God’s authority
Respect authority
Obey laws
Vote—It is part of our governmental process

So that others may see our good deeds and glorify God—1 Peter 2.12; 15

How To Engage?

We must understand that our political system will not save the world—God is accomplishing this through Jesus and his church. Matthew 16.18, Luke 4.17-21

We are to vote with the understanding that we are voting for broken people who need God as much as we do—Pray that they too will encounter God’s redeeming grace. Luke 19.10, John 3.16

Our Kingdom actions may not make sense in the United States’ political system—Love anyway. John 18.36, Acts 8.1, 2 Thessalonians 1.3-6

A Prologue of Romans 13.8-10 and the poem “Anyway”

Love covers a multitude of sins—1 Peter 4.8
1 Thessalonians 5.12-12—We may be persecuted due to our efforts to Love in a Kingdom way, yet we called to Love Anyway.

Notes on Jesus and the Environment

2008-10-21T20:08:00.000-07:00

Jesus for President:
Jesus and the Environment
October 21, 2008

We are the only species in this vast web of life that no animal or plant in nature depends on for its survival—yet we depend on the whole web of life for our survival.
Thomas Friedman

God’s calling to the Christian community…is that we should exhibit a substantial healing here and now, between man and nature and itself, as far as Christians can bring it to past.
Francis Schaffer

Summer sea ice is not forecasted to completely disappear in the summer months between 2013 and 2040—something which hasn’t happened for over a million years.
www.cnn.com/ October 21, 2008

Law of Supply and Demand—If we use all of our renewable resources without providing proper time for them to renew, where will we obtain the necessary resources to supply the increase of demand caused by population growth?

John 1.1-14

Christ was and is and will continue to be the living word of God, verse 1.
All of Scripture teaches us about characteristics of the Word, Jesus.

All things were created through Christ, verse 3.
Christ was present in the beginning.

Therefore, we cannot address the idea of creation and creation care without understanding that the earth was created through Christ. And, in order to understand how Christ feels about the cosmos, we must read Scripture, the “Word”, in order to understand how God the Son feels about Creation care.

Jesus’ Political Policy on the Environment

I am a wonderful artist.

Creation was declared “good/very good” six times in Genesis 1. (1.10, 1.12, 1.18, 1.21, 1.25, 1.31)
Psalm 104—The Message Version

And I care a lot about my work.

Colossians 1.17-18—All things were created by Christ and for Christ.

The earth was created for you and you can learn from its existence.

Genesis 1.29—God gave every seed bearing plant to Adam and Eve for food.
Luke 12.22-31—Jesus tells us to consider and learn from the lilies.

I am asking you to help me take care of it, so steward it well.

Genesis 1.28; Genesis 2.15—“Subdue” is derived from the same Hebrew word to represent a benevolent king.

Yes, the earth is corrupt and full of brokenness and sin. However, I am making all things new.

Colossians 1.20—Jesus is reconciling ALL things to himself through his life, death and resurrection.
Revelation 21.1—There will be a completely new heaven and new EARTH that will strongly resemble the first heaven and earth found in Eden.

How Do We Respond?

Psalm 140.32-33—We worship the God of Creation.

Luke 12.24—We stand in awe of and learn from creation.

Genesis 1.28—We steward creation well.

A LateNite move back into the chapel.
$156/hour to be in sanctuary.

A LateNite cut back on waste.
Ride a bike
Carpool
Walk
Use coffee mugs instead of Styrofoam
Nalgene Water Bottles vs. Plastic Throw Away Bottles

A LateNite Use of Technology
Use of website, Facebook, and Myspace pages for sermons notes instead paper handouts

A LateNite push for WPC to recycle
Tara is willing to lead this charge
Colossians 1.15-20—We remember that God is redeeming the earth.

How do you respond?

Getting Ready for Tomorrow Night

2008-10-06T09:05:00.000-07:00

Earlier this morning, I sat at my desk and read the many reports focused on the political mudsligging that is taking place between Obama and McCain. Normally, I enjoy reading and studying the political arena. However, as the election nears and the mudsligging increases, my heart sinks. I find myself discouraged and turned off by the extremely negative nature of the campaign. Once again, I find myself thinking, "I wonder how Jesus would view this election?"

Tomorrow night, we begin a series at LateNite titled, "Jesus for President" and one of the goals is to answer the question just posed. We will also be looking at what the Bible says about the economy, global warming, and war. If you are like me, discouraged by the political temperature, asking, "There's gotta be more." I invite you to take part in this series as we reflect upon the ultimate King and how he would engage this political season.

Tomorrow night, 8:15, sanctuary of WPC.

Obama, McCain, and the Kingdom

2008-09-04T11:45:00.000-07:00

I must admit that I am a politically junkie. There are so many things about politics and election season that strongly woo me into paying attention. So, as I was watching my daughter sleep last night (such a sweet, precious site) I found myself engrossed in Governor Palin's speech at the Republican National Convention. Her words prompted me to begin text messaging a friend of mine whose political views differ slightly. A few text messages and a phone call later, I found myself stirred as I tried to go to sleep. As my buddy and I dialogued back and forth about the policies of both Obama and McCain, I began to acknowledge a conflict going on inside of me; a conflict that has been brewing for a while. Please allow me to explain.

As a Christ-follower, I believe my ultimate allegiance does not lie with the United States of America or the deep south (but I am very thankful for Sweet Tea and Chick-fil-a. I also miss Portillo's Hot Dogs-a Chicago favorite.) My ultimate allegiance lies with the Kingdom that Jesus began over 2,000 years ago in a manger. Because my allegiance ultimately lies with Jesus' kingdom, I have been asking myself, "If and where do the policies of Obama and McCain fit into Jesus' teachings?" As I talked with my friend, I found myself getting deeply confused as I began to mentally see what I believe are Kingdom principles from both sides of the political isle. (Grant it, many of you may not agree with me about my mental observation. Read on.) If there are issues that Democrats support that Jesus would support, I am all for supporting the Democrats. However, if there are issues that Republicans support that Jesus supports, I am all about supporting the Republicans. What to do?

How about this? Let's get together a group of us and dialogue about the 2008 Election, Obama, McCain, Jesus, and the Kingdom. Would you be willing to tackle my questions and whatever questions you may have regarding the Kingdom and politics? If so, I invite you to join us starting October 7th as LateNite begins the series "Jesus 4 President." It will be our goal to take a deeply biblical look at what Jesus says about the hot political topics of this election; specifically the economy, war, and the environment. I also invite you to engage the discussion at our website, wpclatenite.org.

Happy Voting!

Devotional 8-23-08

2008-08-23T18:09:00.001-07:00

Many of you reading this are gearing up for a new year or your first year at either Tech, LCU, or South Plains. While newness can be exciting, it can also, at times, be overwhelming. Matter of factly, most of the time, newness is both. My wife, Tara, and I share with you the anxious nervousness of a new beginning as we prepare for the birth of our first daughter, Natalie. We are deeply, deeply excited about meeting our little girl and holding her for the first time. However, we are also nervously asking ourselves, “Will we know what to do?” (True story…I woke up this morning thinking, “How I am going to change Natalie’s first dirty diaper?” Maybe I’ll just hand her to Tara :0) )

Being dependent on someone else is often challenging for those of us who grew up in the Western world because we have been taught the values of independence, perseverance, and hard-work. However, such an emphasis overlooks one undeniable fact; no matter how hard we work, we are still broken messy people who often lose our way and are in way over our heads. How do we overcome our moments of overwhelming confusion? We be dependent. We be dependent upon our family, our friends, our community, and most importantly, our Creator.

Jesus told Paul in 2 Corinthians 12, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Combine these words from 2 Corinthians with the first beatitude, “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven,” and I believe we see the importance of dependence and weakness in the Kingdom. Being poor in Spirit, weak, and overwhelmed forces us to call out for help to the two entities we as humans were wired to do deep community with; one another and God. And when we do ask for help, the multiplied impact of those helping us with our challenging situation increases the likelihood that we will survive and possibly thrive during our difficult season.

Paul said after Jesus’ words in 2 Corinthians, “For when I am weak, then I am strong.” Paul was strong when he was weak because he was dependent upon his community and ultimately, God. May all of us, in overwhelming moments, not hesitate to ask each other and our Creator for help. I am already preparing my first 2 a.m. diaper change prayer…”Lord, please wake Tara up.” Okay, just kidding…

WPC LateNite Welcome

2008-08-07T20:59:00.000-07:00

Welcome to WPC LateNite; we are excited about the upcoming year and the way that God is moving in the lives of young adults living in Lubbock Texas. Please take a few minutes to browse our new website and get to know us a little better. We hope that you will join us for our Young Adult/College service in Hester Chapel on Tuesday evenings @ 8:15 PM. Stay tuned for more content-related blog posts coming soon!

Paul.