The Pastor's Heart

FROM GRACE TO GRACE~ My Faith Story

2015-01-12T22:08:00.003-08:00

Introduction

Recently, I took my family to a meeting that left a profound impact on me. The location was not grand or glorious and the people where real and from the outside most likely looked like a typical group of friends hanging out. This meeting caused me to take inventory of my life and brought me face first into a conversation with Jesus. It was a time of experiencing the sin revealing, life transforming grace of Jesus.

As we sat around in one members living room other members began to share their story. It was intriguing to me to watch the openness and support around the room. Although the stories and experience shared around the room where as vastly different as the faces filling it there was a sense of commonality that bound them altogether.

This group met with the purpose of bringing glory to God by recognizing the power of God to change the hearts of wicked men and nothing demonstrated this reality more than observing how this group related to each other. I felt as if for perhaps the first time I was watching the “real church.” As each person shared his or her story the gospel message was clearly demonstrated. With every detail of every story the truths of the liberty of the gospel was put on pure display. With each struggle God’s grace was proclaimed more loudly. It was in this moment that I saw with my own two eyes what in my heart and in my mind I had always yearned to see. It was liberating, and exhilarating.

In light of this experience, I am compelled to put to print my own story and to make a record of God’s grace that has been at work in my own life. Thus in the following pages I seek to do that very thing. This is my story of how God’s grace has brought me from grace to grace. When I was helpless God called me to service. I am a wicked man so all I have is the Words of God. His words are enough for me.

Family

My family, and coincidentally my story is much like your average American, working class family of the nighties. I grew up in a Christian home, we attended church about as much as any other family in the church saturated south. Church attendance was just something you did.

We prayed read the bible and lived a moral life. There where certainly times when we where more actively involved than at other seasons. Yet like many other families it was something that was more or less a one-day a week event. My family did not “live” at the church.

Both of my parents where amazingly godly examples and taught my five siblings and I to fear and seek the Lord. I will forever be in their debt for that alone.

Much like many families the level of religious commitment from generation to generation has an ebb and flow. Both my grandfathers spent many years in ministry in their younger years; serving as missionaries to unreached people groups of Alaska, planting churches, and preaching the gospel.

Unlike my grandparents very few of my parents siblings continued in the same level of commitment to the church. While still devoted to the Lord, many of the preceding generation sought out other things. Many of my relatives where burnt greatly by the church and spent far less time connected to a local body than the generation before them.

Despite the waning sense of ministry involvement in my family and a growing complacency toward the church I sensed a strong draw toward understanding what the church was and why it existed.

Faith and the South

I grew up as a child of the south. Most of the years I remember as a child where spent either on the road with my dad meeting new people or of growing up in the hyper-religious subculture that is the deep south.

Still scared by the despicable acts of slavery, and rooted in theology that is murkier than the rivers that run through the marshes and flat woodlands; was the place I knew as home. Deep in the heart of Mississippi is where I developed a hunger for God. It was there I began to learn many heart-wrenching things about the state of the church.

Just fifteen miles from the sight of the “Mississippi Burning” where three social workers where lynched for racial reasons and the murderers where “church people.” Feeling justified and motivated by their bias interpretation of scripture. Growing up in this area you could cut the racial and religious tension with a knife.

One faithful Sunday my family, like every good Mississippian family attend a local church, Mount Nebo Baptist Church. One of but 100 small Baptist churches within driving distance of our home. This service was perhaps the most memorable service I have ever been apart of.

As we drove in to the parking lot that Sunday morning we where greeted in the tradition southern way, handed a program and shown to our seat in the back of the sanctuary. But something was amiss. There was tension in the air, evil like this six-year-old boy had never felt before and would come used to.

I don’t remember a thing the pastor said or much of the planned ceremony. Yet what I do remember was a sudden eruption within the church. It was loud and turned ugly fast.

A group of members got violently upset with something the pastor had said. At one point the angry members split the church down the middle. One elderly lady ran up and down the center isle shouting, “all the members on the right, and visitors to the left.” I had no clue what was going on but wanted to find out. Matters escalated, one group was shouting and yelling profanities and accusations while another was signing praises to their creator. At one point my dad stepped out of His pew walked down to the front with bible in hand and loudly addressed the church crowd that was turning into an angry mob. He read several scriptures and gave a heavy warning. This was the only time I ever saw my dad do anything of the sort and honestly was one of the most pivotal moments in my walk.

The service culminated with us walking out for our own safety. Some disgruntled members assaulted the pastor and law enforcement came to dismiss the service and the church mob. Later at the same church a guest speaker came, that service was not much better. He preached about the evils of modern medicine and stated that all doctors where witches.

From that moment on I always enjoyed sitting with my parents in church because I never knew what to expect. We did not remain at that church much longer as other more serious issues arouse. Yet the same division and brokenness of the church seemed to follow every church we attended.

Surrendering to the Call

I remember it like it was yesterday; I was sitting in the guest room of a friend’s home lying on their waterbed at seven years old. I have always been self-analytical. As I was sitting there reading a book, I began to think about a story my parents or Sunday school teacher had taught me of Peter walking on the water. As I remembered the story in my head I pretended to be Peter and in a moment realized that I was sinking and that Jesus was there to save me if I called out to Him.

So the best I knew how, I knelt down on my knees beside the bed and prayed a real simple prayer and remembered that in the bible stories I read that people always ran and told everyone about their decision. So I ran out of the room and told my mom, then my sister, then my dad. A few months later I was baptized in a small country church. Shortly after this moment my friends started asking me about Jesus and the church so I explained to them the gospel from my innocent viewpoint and began to lead my friends to Christ.

Months turned to years and we moved many times in those next several years. As I became a teenager I was introduced to a whole new world of temptations and challenges. By age twelve I began to sense God calling me into vocational ministry. I began leading in my youth group; leadership roles just seemed to fall into my lap. By age 15 I was leading a Wednesday night boys group, preaching 1-2 a week and beginning to look toward mission involvement.

During this season of my life I also slid into a rather dark period. As a seventh grader I allowed myself to become introduced to pornography. This struggle was something I kept from everyone. I feared what people would think of me if they knew. I never sought help, or counsel. This struggle continued through the rest of my teen years and into the very early part of marriage. I felt an incredible sense of guilt and shame.

Yet through it all God showed me such irresistible, unmerited grace. At fifteen I was introduced to my beautiful wife. At the time I was leading our youth group on Wednesday evenings. As time went on we began to build a strong friendship, working side by side in ministry. As we shared our struggles and dreams we felt a sense of calling on our lives to togetherness.

As friends we began to discuss the possibility of marriage and life together. On November 18^th2007 we officially began our journey toward that life together. Our relationship was not without issue. We struggled greatly with physical temptations. Though we remained for each other till our wedding it was not without loss. Yet again despite our sinfulness God showed his unfailing grace yet again. Less than a year later in August of 2008, I dropped to one knee and asked for her hand in marriage. Though we still had our struggles 10 months later we were married.

During our relationship and into our engagement, I spent several months to years in a discipleship process with our Pastor pursuing ordination. Shortly before turning 18, on January 18^th 2009 I was ordained into the ministry. Not long after that day in January, I moved overseas to Great Britain where I served as a missionary intern. This was a time a great spiritual transformation and awakening for me.

No Turning Back

In the months to follow, my wife and I where married, we accepted youth pastor position, and began a traveling preaching ministry. It was at this moment that God began to awake in us a desire to be missionaries and church planters.

During our first year of marriage we sought out many opportunities to engage our friends in prayer and evangelism. At one point we began holding meetings in our apartment for the purpose of prayer, and evangelism. Little did we know that this would become the building blocks of future ministry.

We did not have much when we first started. I had no formal theological education other than the training from other pastors I had sought out and the books I devoted myself to studying. At the time of our wedding I had not yet completed my High School Studies. Yet by God’s grace doors began to open. After a year doing ministry out of our apartment, volunteering at our church as the youth pastors a church extended a call to us to serve as their Pastor.

So at nineteen, both my wife and I set out on a new leg of our journey. We loaded everything we owned into a small moving van and with the help of a few faithful friends took the long three-hour drive to a small rural farming town to began working as the pastor.

We where filled with great expectation and excitement as we adjusted to this newest phase in our life. I knew it would be a challenge pastoring a church with little experience to go on, no formal schooling, and no other leaders within the church I was serving. I went back to the only thing I knew, God’s Word.

It was in those first few weeks that I learned that I am truly a fragile being. I had absolutely nothing to offer these people that had sat in those pew longer than my parents had been alive. What did I a nineteen year old, uneducated, southern boy have to offer to these educated elderly men and women? The answer I learned was absolutely nothing. So I began on Sunday mornings to simply preach as best as I could expositional from book to book.

Sunday Nights they came back, to my surprise I might add so I began to ask people why they came. I wanted to know their story. I felt like a scientist trying to reverse engineer something glorious. I didn’t have all the answers. I had at that point two very different pictures. On one hand I had a picture in my mind of the disastrous churches I had been apart of growing up in Mississippi. On the other I had the exciting picture of a real church from the book of Acts. My goal was to get to know people and show them both pictures and ask questions so that we did not take the same path as my first church experience.

During this season of life my wife gave birth to our first child, Elliana Rose. We chose her name because it is derived from a Hebrew name meaning, “God has answered my prayer.” It was a time of great joy for our family. Yet, with the addition of a child, I finished my High School studies and began attending a local college, and new life situations; we began to struggle severely finically.

Our time at that church was short lived. After two years we once again where packing our bags. Despite our shortcomings, though God’s amazing grace we had accomplished much in our time there. The church had moved past some of their past struggles and began building what would in time become their new church. For us we had accepted a full time pastorate in a neighboring community and left the church in the cable hands of an older minister.

Ministry seemed extremely promising in this new community. Though much like our previous ministry, we were now full-time. Which provided me the luxury of full-time study and ability to pastor without the concern for the finical well being of my family. The next year and a half would become the greatest struggle and joy of our life together.

In the months to follow, we saw tremendous amounts of growth and response to the gospel. Within 9 months we had seen more than ten percent of the town population come to accept Christ and follow him through baptism. God began to move in the High School and within the church as well.

At the height of the honeymoon period, at this new ministry, my wife and I got word that we were expecting our second child. We were thrilled. Yet unbeknownst to me there was a deeper issue that was about to be unearthed. While there were great strides for the gospel being made I discovered a doctrinal stronghold that existed over the church. Things began to surface to which I did not know how to respond. Issues that would greatly effect the direction of the church, and impact the message of the gospel began bubbling to the surface.

Over the course of the next few months I immersed myself in study like I had never known. I read books after books, attended seminar after seminar, talked to godly men, and spent many sleepless nights compiling a series of critical studies for the church in hopes to steer the ship back on course. Realizing I needed more training and depth I enrolled in seminary classes for the upcoming semester.

This season led to a series of writings and bible studies with leaders and study groups that lasted well into the night. Much fruit was borne out of those meetings. Hearts where indeed turned. My heart was turned to a deeper love for the church and for the study of God’s word.

Yet one unintended result of those meetings was the events that would precede them. During this season other meetings where being held. Far too many traditions where being called into question for the liking of certain individuals and change had to take place. It was also during this time that our newborn daughter was diagnosed with a birth defect that would eventually lead to reconstructive skull surgery.

Pain and New Beginnings

Mid-August my wife and I made the painful decision, without knowing what was to lie ahead to break away from the church and offer our resignation. That same month we relocated our family to Kansas City for our daughter’s surgery and began the process of finding a new job in the secular workforce and prepare for whatever ministry was in the future. In the process we have lost many good friends and many sleepless nights that we will never get back. Yet God has been more than faithful through it all.

God through his infinitely sovereign grace has opened doors once again. For us to enjoy a new season of life, though we don’t know what it will look like. We have devoted our whole life to this cause. In the past few days and even weeks God has added more clarity to this new season we are in.

We know that God has called us to serve the church, reach the lost, and proclaim His truth. That is what we have long sought to do. We knew God was calling us to deeper study, now we know it is here at Seminary. We have known since the inception of our relationship that God had called us to plant churches. Now we know God has planted us in Kansas City for that reason. We did not ask to be here rather God has planted us here in this city at this time for his purpose.

We are thankful that His grace has lead us to a new church home that is not only what I have envisioned a church to be since I began seeking as a five year old boy in Mississippi, but also a place where we can sit in accountability, community, and experience the authentic relationship of Christ. We look forward to what God is doing in this city and in this season.

Yet our story is only begun. But when I look back on the last 24 years of my life I’m excited and nervous as I look forward to what the next several decades will bring….

To be continued…. By God’s grace.

Abigail/Reed Family Update: A Transplant of Faith

2014-08-30T10:27:00.000-07:00

This week has been one filled with unspeakable challenges and picturesque blessings from the Almighty. God has proven his sovereign grace time after time after time this week. In a matter of one week we have left our home, a ministry that is near and dear to our hearts, and many great friends. We have stayed at the hospital bedside of our 9 month daughter through her recovery from major cranial surgery, and relocated our family to Kansas City; all of this in a matter of one week.

As we I sit here in our new house, abet it temporary, drinking a cup of coffee and listening to the sound of my daughter sleeping I stand in awe of the sheer number of blessings we have witnessed this past week. I assure you I will explain how we got to this point shortly; however, I would first like to share with something God has been speaking to us. In the past week God has been challenging us to wholeheartedly, with no reservations, or doubts follow Him. As my wife and I spent many hours this week talking (it’s hard to sleep in a hospital anyway) and praying about our future and the direction God is leading us, I was reminded of the story of Abraham.

Following God requires more than is possible on our own; because, following Christ requires a spirit and faith that is impossible to create by human means we require the heart of God to be transplanted into our very lives.

Abraham’s Faith Journey and Transplant

From Nothing To a Nation

In Genesis 12, God calls Abram to leave his job, his family, friends, and his community. Abram didn’t have much to go on but faith and a prayer. He could not do the things that would be required of Him had God not changed his heart and transplanted him from Ur to Israel.

"Go out from your land, your relatives, and your father’s house to the land that I will show you."

Abram was not likely not a God fearing man and very likely a man who worship various false God's in his homeland of Ur. But when the one true God spoke He listened. I imagine myself in Abram's shoes. Spending my whole life doing the religious thing, making sacrifices to appease the "gods" praying and hoping that those tickets and golden statues would speak to me and bring favor. Now in the midst of the Chaos God calls Abram's number.

Abram most likely wasn't looking for God; however, God was calling Abram out. It has long marveled me that the first recorded words we have that God spoke to Abram was "Go out." God starts His relationship with Abram by ordering Abram to come to attention, and march out. To be at point, leave everything behind, and to move hastily in a new direction. God was calling Abram to promptly and toughly follow His command. Perhaps the most fascinating thing about the whole story is found in verse 4:

So Abram went as the Lord had told him.

What Abram did is not easy. He left behind absolutely everything. All he had with him when he left Ur was his wife, his nephew Lot, and some meager personal belongs. What is more is that they did not even know where they were going, how they would get there, or how long they would be traveling. But they went...

How many of us would do the same thing? It certainly isn't easy but it is after all the central theme of the gospel. Are you wiling to risk it all on faith and a prayer? To follow Jesus means to do the hard things, to walk the narrow path that few would dare to take. To speak to the hurting, to reach out to those in need, to take a chance on the broken road, the outcasts, and the perverse. For after all this is what God has done for us when He came to die for you and I.

It was for this reason the Jesus told His disciples as He sent them out in Luke 9:3:

“Take nothing for your journey, neither a staff, nor a bag, nor bread, nor money; and do not even have two tunics apiece.”

In both the accounts of Abram, and the twelve disciples God proved His faithfulness. God showed that He is indeed sovereign over all His creation, and that if we will put our hope and trust in His leadership that he will sustain us. For Abraham, God changed his name, and blessed him beyond his wildest dreams. For the disciples they got to witness God in the flesh doing a great work. One common thread between both their stories and our own is that through it all God name is elevated high above all other names.

Our Faith Journey and Transplant

From Confusion To Clarity

I greatly admire the faith of Abram, the disciples, and those heroes and heroines of the faith who gave it all in pursuit of God. I respect individuals like Lottie Moon, Annie Armstrong, Jim Elliot, Hudson Taylor, the early American Pilgrims, and others who courageously followed the call of God to share the message of the gospel with the entire world no matter the cost and no matter the personal discomfort.

Before the time our family was even established and before we were even a couple, my wife and I knew that God had called us together for a special purpose. God had placed in both of It is that sacred principle we have devoted our life to: Follow Jesus, being a disciple-making disciple for God’s glory.

Our hearts a burning desire to be missionaries of the gospel. It is how we met, grew in our friendship, inevitably fell in love, and stared this adventure of marriage and parenting.

Therefore, it is our belief that everything we might face in life is an opportunity to carry out that mission, to be refined, trained, and when need be broken down so we can get out of the way and let God get all the glory. When we reach the end of ourselves is when we find God. Sometimes it takes a reaching the place of total helplessness until we realize how much we need God.

In spite of all the uncertainty one thing is certain, sooner or later we will all hit rock bottom. Christ is the rock at the bottom and either we will be sharpened or we will shatter. It depends on how we choose to strike the stone at the bottom.

This passage from Psalms has gotten me through without question, one of the hardest yet greatest weeks of our life:

The Lord sustains all who fallAnd raises up all who are bowed down.The eyes of all look to You,And You give them their food in due time.You open Your handAnd satisfy the desire of every living thing. The Lord is righteous in all His waysAnd kind in all His deeds.The Lord is near to all who call upon Him,To all who call upon Him in truth.He will fulfill the desire of those who fear Him;He will also hear their cry and will save them.The Lord keeps all who love Him,But all the wicked He will destroy.My mouth will speak the praise of the Lord,And all flesh will bless His holy name forever and ever.

I want to do just that. I want to brag on Jesus for a little bit. It’s been a tiresome few months and we are starting to see the light feel the prayers of hundreds of believers. Where we are now and the miracles that have been ordained over the past few weeks and days are to numerous and to precise to explain any other way than simple: Divine Intervention

Divine Interventions

From Craino to Coffee

Rewind to April

As I mentioned earlier: “I am sitting in our new house… drinking a cup of coffee and listening to the sound of my daughter sleeping… amazed by the sheer number of blessings we have witnessed over the past week.” You are probably curious as to how we got to this point. I assure you it’s been nothing short of a miracle of God’s grace and through the prayers and support of countless faithful brothers and sisters fasting and praying. We greatly appreciate all those who prayed for our daughter.

In order for you to understand the overwhelming peace I have right now as I sit here typing this post drinking a cup of coffee, we need to back up a couple weeks:

Back in April, I posted a blog post after our visit with the Plastic surgeon who was scheduled to preform surgery on Abigail. I shared with you how that day had been, “One of the hardest days for our family.” At that time there was so much uncertainty and confusion. We where just wrap our minds around the idea that in four short months our daughter would undergo major surgery.

A Challenging Summer

Needless to say, this has been one of the longest summers for our family. It has been one of the most eventful and busy seasons of our short life. There have been a number of ups and far greater amounts of downs, but the deeper and darker the valley the greater the mountaintop.

We have seen a number of major changes and faced various challenges from raising a toddler and a baby to the developing circumstances at our previous ministry that enviably led to my resignation and our relocation to Kansas City and our decision to Attend Midwestern Baptist Seminary. Through it all God has been more than faithful to do above and beyond what we could every hope or think.

Back in May God began to lead my wife and I to attend Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in North Kansas City. Unsure of when and how that could or even if it would happen we began to prayerfully consider it. As surgery dawned nearer and the realization that we would be leaving our current position and community we were faced with many challenging decisions. It was a logistical nightmare. I had to find a new house, a new job, and a new way of life and quickly. The obvious solution was Kansas City.

I applied for Seminary and was approved and enrolled in classes for the spring semester. Shortly thereafter (3 weeks ago), It became apparent due to other factors that relocation was eminent and I began applying for work and housing. On a return trip from Kansas City after visiting the Seminary, going to Appointments, and doing a number of job interviews my wife and I decided that if we got a job offer by the end of the week we would resign and relocate our family to Kansas City to prepare for Seminary before our daughters surgery.

A New Direction

On the same day that we had that conversation I received not one but 3 job offers. By the end of the week I had received another 5 job offers. By the time I am typing this post I have received more than 15 job offers. After countless hours of counsel, prayer, study, and with a job in hand we knew that this was God’s direction and He was undoubtedly leading us to take a big step of faith.

By this time, two weeks to surgery, we knew God was calling us to move to KC, and had secured on a job; however had no place to stay. We turned in our resignation at the church and began to pack our house and sell most of our belongings. Shortly after this we received word from Lee’s Summit First Baptist a church in the Kansas City Metro Area that we would be allowed to stay in their missionary house until we were accepted into seminary housing.

As the week prior to surgery came to a close we where overwhelmed by the task of packing and cleaning house. God sent some amazing people from First Baptist Oronogo Missouri came a emptied out the house and just blessed us in a huge way. Leading up to surgery God supplied each and every need that came up. We had such a peace going into the surgery. We could feel God all over the whole situation from start to finish. We knew with absolute certainty that this new direction was God’s direction for our family.

Restructuring

Sunday, August 24^th 2014 I preached my final message at my former church. It was one of the hardest sermons I’ve ever had to preach. I will sorely miss the congregation there and will continue to lift them in my prayer, and look forward with great expectation to all the mighty things God is going to do through the church body. We built many relationships in the short time we were there and love each of them greatly.

God has clearly showed us that our family needs to take time for some major restructuring in many areas. This new season of life is all about just that, restructuring in our relationship, faith, and ministry. Nothing more clearly marks this new season than the major reconstruction of my daughter’s skull.

Early Monday morning we went in to the Children’s Mercy Hospital and sat in the waiting area for more than 8 nerve-racking hours. We experienced tremendous support from family and friends who made the long drive to sit and wait with us. Every hour we received updates on her progress. After what seemed like an eternity we were finally reunited with our precious Abigail.

Abigail came through surgery remarkably, in one surgery they were able to correct the birth defect that caused her skull to fuse prematurely placing extra pressure on her brain and distorting her face shape. It was an emotional scene when we got to see her face for the first time after 8 hours. Despite coming through surgery remarkably her journey was far from over. After a few hours her swelling had increased, she could no longer see, and was connected to a plethora of wires, tubes, and monitors. It was a heart-wrenching scene.

In the meantime, the Ronald McDonald House, where we stayed the night prior and where my parents and daughter planned to stay during recovery had a water main break and had to be evacuated. God provided for that need however through the generosity of Lee’s Summit First Baptist opening their home to us early.

After only one night in the PICU (Pediatric intensive Care Unit), Abigail was released to her own recovery room. Once there she made leaps and bounds in her recovery. To the surprise of the medical staff made a quicker than expected recovery and was sitting up on her own eating, drinking, laughing and playing by her second day of recovery.

Now almost a week after we were getting ready to head to Kansas City Abigail is sitting here at the dining smashing Bananas and keeping us up late laughing and playing. It seems that post surgery she is ten times more energetic and playful than before. Despite all odds she can now open her eyes and see. She smiles and laughs all the time now. Best part is we can tell she is no longer in pain as she was prior to surgery and the seizers she was having before are a faint memory now. Thank you all for your prayers and support! It’s friends and prayer warriors like you that make it easier to make it through the hardest days. We will continue to update you on Abigail’s journey.

What’s Next

During Abigail’s recovery, I spent a considerable amount of time on my adventures. God showed me his grace time and time again through flat tires in the parking garage revealing the need to replace the tires to avoid what could have been a costly blowout, a busted water main that lead to a going in to the house and finding the air conditioner was out, and enviably sending our oldest daughter to stay with her grandparents until we get settled.

At one point I was broke down at a gas station in one of the worst neighborhoods of Kansas City with a flat tire at dusk. During my adventure through the “forgot neighborhood” as I limped my car along I witnessed such a heartbreak, despair, and lostness. The Kansas City Metro is by no stretch of the imagination part of the Bible Belt. It is situated in the heart of the country and is vastly diverse. It is filled with people from every walk of life, every tongue, and every nation. As I drove through some of the more remote parts of KC there was no church on every corner, not even one every couple miles. There are entire heavily populated districts with no evangelical presence. More than 2 million live in the metro area and only 6% have received the message of the gospel.

Conclusion:

As I sit here and finish the last few drops of my coffee, I am reminded that like the cup I just sat down, some times life can burn us, some times it may be bitter but by God’s grace it’s always good to the last drop. In the hands of our God nothing is wasted. Not our time, not our talents, not a single moment is wasted that he can’t redeem. The sweetest part is when your cup runs empty and get to fill it up all over.

In a few short months we start seminary, next week I start working for a great company that will pay my way through seminary, These are exciting time and I look forward to each new day as God begins to unravel his purpose for us: To be disciple-making disciples for His glory. We look forward to being apart of God’s work and assisting in penetrating the darkness in this City. God has strategically placed us here in this time and in this place, under these conditions for His glory. So to whatever may come next, In Christ we’re ready.

Abigail Update! Seizers, Miracles, and everything in between.

2014-06-12T22:05:00.002-07:00

They say, “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” Of those steps we take along life’s journey the first one is often the hardest. Throughout this life our paths meander down many unexpected and at times difficult stretches. For some we choose to take the road less travelled for others a path of toil and pain. Each one embarks on their own journey, some to discovery others to despair. Though the roads we travel may seem rough and steep; and even though many seem to have lost the way, there is hope and healing in our God who winds the path we tread. For He is the one who goes before us. He is the one who stands behind. He has seen our ending from our beginning. He reigns sovereign over time.
            I could pick many a milestone from which to begin, this discussion of God’s grace and the sovereignty of His plan. For it only takes a moment, a single ounce of strength, for us mere mortals to catch a glimpse of His grace. If we would but stop for a moment and peer into to the Spirit’s realm imagine all that we would see. Then we would finally know that even in chaos, God is working mightily.
            Nonetheless, I shall choose one example of God’s grace. It came, on a wintery day on November 20^th, 2013, in the form of a
child. Her name is Abigail Grace. Like a miracle from heaven, she came without warning. Through her baby blues and her adorable smile, God has softened my heart and began to show me a glimpse of the depth of his grace and love. She truly is “her father’s joy.”

            As most of those close to us know, on April 18^th 2014, our precious girl was diagnosed with a rare birth defect know as Crayniosnostosis. (For more on this check out my previous blog post). Since that time we have been on a roller-coaster of emotion. There have been many ups and an equal or greater share of downs. It has been a difficult journey. But we cling tight to the promise: With God all things are possible. Now with a surgery date of August 25^thfast approaching we hold ever tighter to that promise.
            Less than a week ago, Abigail began showing signs of having minor seizers. We had been keeping a close eye on here and made a call to her doctor for advice. They had advised us to go in for an additional CT scan. Our nerves were about shot.
            The week leading up to this day was nothing short of chaotic. Work stress, upcoming ministry event, spring-cleaning, and preparation for a long and arduous summer, not to mention two night of sleeplessness due to toddler nightmares had left us utterly drained.
            We made our way to the hospital and this is where the real miracle began…

As much as this is about our daughter, God had a greater purpose. He worked everything to fulfill his purpose and plan, to transform the chaotic into the miraculous.
            For those wondering, Abigail is still slated for surgery in August. And the plates in her head are still very much fussed. But God is using her journey to bring hope, healing and salvation to others. This is not a story about Abigail or even a story about us, rather a story of God’s sovereign grace.
            At the same time our family was making our way to the hospital out of concern for our daughter, the Heavenly Father was sending another one of his daughters to cross our path.
            Her name is Betty (changed name for privacy) she had a rough life, lost her husband and son due to a horrific turn of events, and early today attempted to take her life.
            God sent Betty to the same small ER room occupied by our little family. She began expressing her hurt and desire to leave this world to the staff, and law enforcement officers. Weeping and pleading for reassurance that she had not lost her mind. Explaining that voices in her head told her to take her life so she could go to be with her loved ones.
            At the right moment, I introduced myself as a pastor and offered to talk with her if it would help. She invited me in and I only got the chance to tell her who I was and that with God there is hope before the doctors began a series of tests and procedures.
            In time God would open a marvelous door. In the meantime my wife and I went about our business attending to Abigail and singing worship songs to her. We sang, “Jesus loves You” “Greater is He that is in Me” and a plethora of other simple songs. During our waiting period to be released the lady on the other side of the curtain began to express to the nurses that, “As long as they sing I can’t here the voices.” This is the only time the voices ever stopped.” The longer she stayed the more peaceful she became.
The only thing that stood between her and us was a thin veil, praise be to God that nothing can stand between us and God’s grace and mercy. The scene reminded me of a passage of scripture in Romans 8. The Apostle Paul tells the Roman believers
“We are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”             ~Romans 8:37-39
After an hour of waiting on running tests of our own, God opened a door of opportunity. As the room thinned and we were preparing to leave; I heard a faint voice:
“Sir, Sir. Do you talk to God?” Asked the lady from the other side of the curtain. I smiled and replied, “Why yes actually that is kind of what I like to do!"
She asked me to explain the gospel to her and expressed that for the first time in months she felt peace, hope, joy, and light. She understood Jesus was the only way out of her situation and that God was calling her to live life for Him. After sharing the gospel with her she went on to say, “you know the Bible is a pretty gnarly book… Jesus is a pretty gnarly dude too.” She gave her life to the Lord today and than began to share her newfound faith with anyone who would listen.
God put a spark in her eye and a spring in our step. Afterward the doctors told us that Abigail’s CT scan came back good and that she was showing no cause for concern. That can’t explain why she had those seizer like attacks. I believe that He may have allowed them just so that our paths would cross and one of His children would come home.
There were two seizers that took place today, one in the form of Abigail’s brain sending some “gnarly” signals to her body and another from God sending some “gnarly” blows at the enemy. Because of Abigail’s suspected seizers we got to witness first hand God’s seizer of this lady form the clutches of the evil one.
Never underestimate the everyday moments you face in life. Never take for granted the voice and time your given. Never take for granted the opportunity in front of us to share the good news of Jesus or to simply sing a song of praise or say a silent prayer. You never know it just might save a life.

Having a Battlefield Mindset Eph 6

2014-06-04T10:39:00.000-07:00

The date was June 6^th, 1944. This infamous date went down in history as D-Day. It was on this day 70 years ago that 175 thousand men stormed the beach of Normandy to wage war against the Axis of Evil. On that day more than 10,000 men gave of their lives fighting for our freedom. The Battle for Normandy was one of the largest most significant battles in Human History. Not only did it represent one the largest armadas in history, it marked the turning point of the second world war.

From reading, listening, and hearing the stories from those who fought that day it is obvious that there had to be a certain mindset. Defeat was not an option. IT was do or die. There was no turning back. This mentality was best put by the Commander of the Allied forces, Dwight D. Eisenhower, "This operation is not being planned with any alternatives. This operation is planned as a victory, and that's the way it's going to be. We're going down there, and we're throwing everything we have into it, and we're going to make it a success."

Those 175 thousand men were not going to the beaches of Normandy for a sightseeing trip, they were not going to simply turn around after seeing the task ahead of them. They planned and accepted the fact that at the end of the day the “Stars and Stripes” would fly over the beach. Defeat was not an option there was no turning back, no giving up, no chance of surrender. They were victors in mind before they stepped foot on the battlefield. History bears record to their victory.

Much the same way we as followers of Christ are called to live with the same battlefield mindset. To live with no regrets, never looking back always pushing forward, never giving up always looking up. We are called to live with victory in mind and never bow to the pressure of the enemies forces. Are we planning to be victorious are we living our life in expectation that God is going to bring the lost to Him. This is one of the central messages of the Apostle Paul to the church in Ephesus. He instructs timothy to BE STRONG in 2 Timothy 2:1- 6:

“You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. The things which you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, entrust these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also. Suffer hardship with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No soldier in active service entangles himself in the affairs of everyday life, so that he may please the one who enlisted him as a soldier. Also if anyone competes as an athlete, he does not win the prize unless he competes according to the rules. The hard-working farmer ought to be the first to receive his share of the crops”

Have we as solders of the Most High been engaging in civilian affairs? Have we gone AWOL in our Christian duties? God is calling us to take our stand firmly on His word. We are called to return to our posts and live for him bodily and fight the good fight. There is a dark and ominous enemy greater than all the evil of Hitler’s regime combined. Our enemy seeks to destroy the souls of all mankind. His is the enemy of our God. Our battle is not one of physical force and tangible ammunition.

IT’S A SPIRITUAL WAR FOR THE SOULS OF EVERY MAN WOMAN AND CHILD.

RETURN TO YOUR POSTS! AFTER YOU’VE DONE EVERYTHING TO STAND! STAND!

IF YOUR BURNT OUT OF DOING MINISTRY KEEPING GOING!

YES IT IS HARD BUT GOD IS GREATER!

THE STAKES ARE TOO HIGHT FOR MY FRAILTY TO INTERFERE!

THE STAKES ARE TO HIGH FOR MY PERSONAL PREFERENCES TO INTERFERE!

THE STAKES ARE TO HIGH FOR HOLLOW CHURCH POLITICS AND SQUABBLES!

"This operation is not being planned with any alternatives. This operation is planned as a victory, and that's the way it's going to be. We're going down there, and we're throwing everything we have into it, and we're going to make it a success."

Abigail Update! Our Journey of Faith, Fear, and Family

2014-04-23T19:34:00.000-07:00

For those of you who don't know....

Our precious daughter Abigail was born with a rare but serious birth defect. It is called cranolsytosis.
Craniosynostosis is a birth defect that causes one or more sutures on a baby's head to close earlier than normal. The skull of an infant or young child is made up of bony plates that allow for growth of the skull. The borders at which these plates intersect are called sutures or suture lines.

If left untreated it could cause some very serious brain damage, behavioral issues, and the like. This is new and uncharted territory for my family. Never before have we had to walk through something so difficult.

In Abigail's case surgery is the only option. And it's no laughing matter. In order to correct the shape of her skull and allow her brain rom to develop she will undergo a extensive surgery at Children's Mercy in Kansas City, Missouri. The operation will take more than 5 hours and will entail removal and re-shaping of the frontal portion of her skull. While their are risks involved with any and every operation; this procedure is fairly safe and is about 98% effective. We have a great team of people at Children's Mercy Dedicated to a quick an easy recovery. Abigail is only expected to spend 3 days in the Hospital.

It was hard to hear as the Surgeon explained all the details. And there have been many emotions expressed on this family excursion to KC. Honestly we have vacillated between anger and peace, confusion and clarity, shock and comfort, horror and joy. Today has been among the roughest days in our family Not to mention my dad being hospitalized for a hear condition! Call me crazy but I find a great deal of joy in this insanely hard season! We are inevitably facing a rather intensive operation this summer unless the Lord intervenes.

Our family covets your prayers during this season of life. There will be many struggles ahead and allot of trips to Kansas City.

There is a silver lining to every storm. Sometime God does calm the storm yet other times He calls us to walk through the storms and calms our hearts. We may not like it but we have to trust in Him and He will sustain us!

So it is in this time that I, call me crazy, but thank God for this trial. Because I know our God is Greater!

"Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, 5and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.

For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. For one will scarcely die for a righteous person—though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die— but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us."

Honestly this is more than I can bear but I know that It is not more than He has bore! He has place my family in this time and in this season and prepared us to go through this trial long before I was ever born. He has a reason We are called to use our suffering to point others to the healing at the cross.

So call me crazy but I know that I have a reason to say that He is God. And IN him I will have no fears. My daughter will have no memory or noticeable long term effects. But our faith and bond as a family will be forever shaped by the way we respond during these trials. Our witness and testimony will be tested and in the end We will be made stronger and God will be lifted higher. Don't look at me and see strength cause there is little to none left. I have learned one thing: in everything to be content and trust God's plans.

God is still God and I am still man. He sees the future I see the present. In faith I too can see a glimpse of the future through the eyes of faith. God does not call us to take 1000 steps down the road nor to plan out every step of our lives. Instead he calls us to have just enough faith to take the next step and draw our next breath. No matter how hard. No matter how painful. He calls us to do what is the next right thing and leave the results up to Him while trusting in Him to give us strength.

PS:
I must say that We are so blessed to be surrounded by so many loving and caring people. I want to give a big shout out to my Church family! It is such a blessing to be supported through your prayers, gifts, love, and kind words! There is no way we could be help together if it wasn't for the grace and love of God I see expressed through each of you. I look forward to sharing with you these struggles and pray that in some way that as we share the hard times together that we will Grow together in God's grace. I

God's Grace For The Harvest: Ruth 4

2014-02-26T10:04:00.001-08:00

Sometimes hard times fall on us all. Sometimes we walk through difficult seasons in life times in which we wonder if we will ever pull out of. This past week as I helped my wife's family lay her grandfather to rest I had the opportunity to spend time with her family and see God bring a new sense of hope and purpose. Only God is able to bring purpose to pain. Only God is able to empower the broken. This week I walked through one of the lowest, hardest valleys with them as well as for myself. Yet at the same time experienced one of the most rewarding and healing times. For the follower of Christ the deeper the valley the greater the victory. Through the death of my wife's grandfather her entire family was able to spend time together all in one place for a weekend for one of the first times in decades. Though the hard times God brought healing, joy, and fellowship. Only God can do that.

As I spent time with them at there family getaway in the hills of the Ozarks I had the chance to do one of my favorite past times, hiking. I spent a good 3-4 hours out in the woods praying and talking with God. As I climbed up those steep, rocky Ozark mountains, I was reminded of the passage of scripture I had read one day earlier at the funeral. The Lord is my shepherd. "Yeah though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death i will fear no evil." It was rugged terrain. As a climbed the final peak, known as inspiration point the path grew steeper, more difficult, and at points hard to follow. There was no turning back once you set out though. Yet as difficult a climb as it was the view from the top made the journey all the more worth it.

In the same way, as we go though seasons in our life of hardship we can find strength in knowing that, though suffering may last the night Joy comes with the morning. Even through the difficult seemingly impassable moments in life God is greater. Do not give up in the hard times for we will enjoy a great harvest if we do not give up.

Are we willing to suffer for the sake of the gospel? Are you willing to sacrifice your hopes, dreams, and fears to follow after Christ? Jesus calls out to us to follow Him. We are not given a crystal ball into the future that predicts every detail of our lives. Yet we are given a precious promise that God will be our source of refuge and if we trust Him he will save us from our fate.

The message of the gospel is clear. Jesus and the apostles w clear in their message: You are all sinner, for you have fallen short of God’s standards, no one is righteous and able to rely on their good works to get them to Heaven. Truth is truth it is not relative. Just like Elemilech and his Sons, because of foolish pride and wrong decisions we have ended up in a land of famine, and if we remain it will destroy us. Do not remain in sin and disobedience to God. Confess your sins, declare Jesus as Lord! Repent, and be Baptized because of what God has done for you.

There is a time to be silent, it is not enough to believe these things to be true you must speak it out. There is a time to take action because the harvest is coming to an end. Soon it will be too late. If you have not publicly made it know your relationship with Christ you need to do so. Jesus said if you are ashamed of me among men I will be ashamed of you before my Father. If we will not publicly follow Christ through confessing him as our Lord and following that action with Baptist you are not saved.

God has prepared a place for those who love him and publicly follow him in paradise; yet if we do not confess Him as our Lord our fate is secured in the Lake of Fire. What will you choose? Life and death are before you this day you might not get another. Choose wisely do not put this off. The harvest is drawing near the day of judgment is fast approaching are you ready? Will your life end with new life or death?

Review of God's at war by Kyle Idleman

2014-02-25T12:59:00.002-08:00

Jesus said the greatest commandment is this: Love the Lord your God with all your heart, mind, and strength. He called His followers to a deeper level of sacrifice and commitment than required of any other leader. When he invites us to follow him he does not do so flippantly or casually. This is an invitation to start over. He calls followers to denial of self and whole hearted commitment. Devotion to Christ is not about adopting a moralistic self-improvement program; in fact it’s not about us at all, it’s about God the creator, savior, and Lord of all.

In god’s at war, Kyle Idleman provides a profound and convicting commentary on the internal struggle of mankind. As he brings out in his book idolatry is not an issue--It is THE issue.Kyle takes readers on a revealing journey helping Christ followers identify the false gods which wage a diabolical war for our hearts. Through a series of probing questions, and biblical explanations Idleman provides a valuable reminder of the false gods we allow to have control of our heart. What do you sacrifice for? What makes you mad? What do you worry most about? What controls your life? By honestly answering these questions we begin to get a brutal look at the condition of our heart.

Tracing the damage trail caused by sin throughout scripture and human history, Kyle get to the heart of the human plight. Our society obsesses over treating our symptoms; yet all to often are not willing to treat the source problem. The first and original sin was not Adams sin od disobedience but Lucifer’s prideful idolatry and thus he filled man with this same idolatry. This is a central theme in Kyles book. Kyle charges believers to not put a fresh coat of paint on the deep issues that we face, rather to take a brutally honest inventory of our heart and lives. All too often we say we have a problem with lying, lust, anger, ect. Yet these are symptoms of a much deeper issue. It’s a matter of the heart.

Jesus said from the abundance of the heart the man speaks. The question we must ask ourselves is to whom have we pledged our allegiance? What god reigns supreme in our hearts. Is it the god of pleasure, power, love, or the one true God? What are we thirsty for? Are you craving attention, companionship, family, more money, more power, and more attention? Serving false gods relentlessly calls us to chase after many things to find fulfillment, they demand more than we can bear, and provide far lee than we hoped. Though they all promised satisfaction they leave us more thirsty more empty than before.

Jesus calls us to come to him for he is the only one who truly satisfies. He said, “Drink from me and you’ll never thirst again” As the noted British apologist once said. That if I find in myself a desire which nothing in this world can satisfy the only logical conclusion is that I was made for another world.”

No matter where you are in your walk I strongly recommend god’s at war to any Christian. It is a book that should be in every Christians library. After reading this book you will not look at life and the faith the same way.

Check out more and order your copy here

God’s Grace In Our Risks. Redeeming Ruth Chapter 3

2014-02-10T10:27:00.002-08:00

God shows us great love despite our failings, in the middle of our suffering, and in the times of blessing. God’s love is amazing and undeniable. The story of Ruth demonstrates the extent of God’s love and masterfully depicts the love of God in a human story. We see that there is one quality that is unfailing and unceasing: LOVE.
1 Corinthians 13 explains how a relationship is made manifest in our lives.

“Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, and endures all things.”

The love of God is the most powerful, most dynamic, and rewarding force known to mankind. Love is unfailing, undying, and unmistakable. God’s love is a divine invitation. God’s has extended an invitation to come and follow him to eternal life. From the wellspring of God’s love comes the question will you follow me. This is a question which demands an answer!

For us today God is asking us a question that demands an answer. He is calling us as a church to follow him to new territories. Sometimes faith is like scary uncharted waters. We are required to do and say things that make us uncomfortable. God stretches us outside our comfort zone.

It’s not enough to remain the way we started out. We have to take an uncomfortable step from time to time. The Christian life requires us to abandon thinking about money from a business perspective, give up our selfish views of physical intimacy, and personal ambitions. We must walk by faith and not by sight! Why? Because on this earth we only see part of the picture. But one day our faith will be made sight. God’s love never fails:

Love never ends. As for prophecies, they will pass away; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when the perfect comes, the partial will pass away. When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I gave up childish ways. For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known. So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love.

God’s love demands an answer! It demands our devotion, faith and commitment. It requires us to step out in faith and take a risk. If you never take a chance, never take a risk how can you ever hope to find success. It is one thing to talk a good talk and carry on but there comes a time to take action.

In Ruth Chapter 3 That is exactly what Naomi instructs Ruth to do, take a risk and put her faith in God’s provision. Though her actions may seem provocative and not what I would suggest to someone as the best way to find a husband. This is one of those descriptive portions and is not a biblical mandate to how to find a spouse. What we see is that she was exposing herself and taking a major risk.

RUTH 3:8,9

"And it came to pass at midnight, that the man was afraid, and turned himself: and, behold, a woman lay at his feet.

"And he said, Who art thou? And she answered, I am Ruth thine handmaid: spread therefore thy skirt over thine handmaid; for thou art a near kinsman."

Boaz was startled by something, so he turned, or bent over, and saw Ruth lying at his feet. In reply to Boaz' question, Ruth identifies herself as a maidservant, again taking a lowly position. She acts toward Boaz in humility. And she looks for Boaz to take action because of who she is.

Ruth uses a very expressive metaphor here in asking him to spread his skirt over her. The word "skirt" here is in the plural, and in such a case it more often means "wings" than part of a garment. It may be that Ruth was saying "spread thy wings over thy handmaid", a very beautiful and delicate way for Ruth to express her wish.

She calls Boaz GO-EL, "near kinsman". This makes her request a formal one, and she's looking to him to resolve the legal question of redemption. The word "skirt" refers to the corner of the counterpane, or blanket, which Boaz had over him. A man and wife sleeping together would share this blanket. Therefore, in those times, the act of covering Ruth with part of the blanket would have been symbolic of sealing the redemption and kinsman redemption. Thus it’s not impure this was the ceremony, the ring, the whole deal.

There are some very interesting and difficult portions of this text. Naomi was giving Ruth some very risky counsel she was banking on the fact that Bo’az was a worthy man. It was a risk, the advice was

Get dressed up nice, bathe, and put her makeup on. Then go to the party where Bo’az is at. She was to stand where Bo’az could see here then go lay at his feet after he went to go lay down after drinking a fermented beverage. For those who grew up Baptist this means he was drinking wine or beer. YET he was a very upright man.

Naomi was sending a young Moabite woman who grew up in a perverse immoral country, to go to a place that could be dangerous. Naomi told her to lay at his feet and do whatever he says. DANGEROUS??!!!!! Bo’az responds to her actions cautiously, boldly, and with a great question: Who are you? In those days prostitutes would hang out at the threshing floor at the time of harvest because the men were typically drunk, pockets full of cash, and alone.

Bo’az is a picture of Christ. Although he had no legal obligation to marry Ruth yet he desired to marry her. He could have rejected her, taken advantage of her, or sent her away. Instead he prayed for her and proves his integrity. He is a man who did not go around the law or destroy her reputation. He wanted to marry Ruth not because he had to but because he loved her, just as Christ loves us not out of duty rather out of compassion and mercy. For it’s by grace we have been saved. Bo’az was a man who fulfilled the law. Someone else had a legal claim to Ruth and her land. He redeems her and assumes the burden of Ruth

As we wrap this up consider this:

The sovereignty of God is working through all of these people: through the counsel of Naomi, though it is risky, to be sure; through the faithfulness of Ruth; and through the trustworthiness of Mr. Boaz. And what we see is that the flip side of the providence of God, which is the theme of the Book of Ruth, is that sometime we have to take calculated risks. I want to be very careful with this. I’m not saying you make foolish decisions. But Ruth and Naomi here take a calculated risk, and I – I agree, it is a big risk. But sometimes, when you’ve done all you can, you have to take a calculated risk, trusting that God is sovereign and good, and he will figure it out.

Ruth, like the church, which is the bride of Jesus, comes to Boaz as we come to Jesus, and what does she ask? “Will you redeem me?” And then who does all of the work? Boaz, who is a picture of Jesus, who is our glorious Boaz. That as Boaz is like Jesus, so we are to be like Ruth, the church, the bride of Christ. And we come to the Lord Jesus and we ask him for redemption, and he redeems us at a great cost, more than just the money that Boaz spent, but Jesus gives his own blood. He lives, dies, rises, he gives us himself as a gift to redeem us, to enter into a relationship with us. You say, “Why would he do that? He’s not obligated. He doesn’t owe us anything.” That’s grace. That’s love. That’s mercy. Jesus treats us like Boaz treats Ruth.

And Ruth trusts Boaz and just sits there, in faith, that Boaz will redeem her in the same way that we do not participate in any way in our redemption. We simply acknowledge that it is the Lord Jesus, our glorious Boaz, who does all of the work – who has done all of the work of redemption. And we rest in that. We trust in that. And we live our lives under the security that the God, who is for us, is always for us and that enables us to live lives of humility, like Ruth, of boldness, like Ruth, and occasional risk, like Ruth, trusting him to work out the details, because we love him, and we’re not sinning, and we’re in the place that he can bless.

If you don’t know Jesus, you need to know Jesus. He is the God of Ruth and Boaz. Ultimately it is the Lord Jesus who is coming through this family line. It is Jesus who is like Boaz, and it is Jesus who asks us to come to him, like Ruth, simply asking to be redeemed, and then trusting his finished work of death, burial, resurrection, to redeem us. You need to become a Christian tonight, if you’re not. And you do it by confessing your sin to Jesus, and asking him to redeem you.

What risk is God calling you to take? Is it to step out and share your faith, join this body, confess some hidden sin, surrender to ministry service? What risk is God asking you to take? Do you need to feel that redemption of God today? Do you need to find rest under the refuge and comfort for your heartache?

Redeeming Ruth: Grace in Our Luck Ruth Chapter 2

2014-02-03T09:58:00.001-08:00

The story of Ruth is a beautiful story of God’s redemption and grace. It started on a very bad note. The story starts with Elimelech (God is my King) and his wife Naomi. They have two sons that sound neat, but mean Sick and dying. But the story gets better. As last week illustrated sometimes life sucks! But as bad as life is God is greater!

Ruth chapter 2 starts with a conversation. In fact, most of the book is a conversation because it is focused on two lonely women and women talk a lot! Naomi and Ruth are both starving and Ruth request permission from Naomi to go and work.

They have no food. They’re flat broke. Usually your husband, your father, your sons, are your, sort of, protector, defender, and they have no husband, no father, no son. They’re all by themselves. They’re flat broke. They’re getting hungry. There’s no money in their pocket. There’s no food on the shelves. The fridge is bare. Ruth looks at her mother-in-law, says, “I’m asking your permission to go out in the fields and glean.” And she, in faith, she in faith is trusting, “When I get out there, God’s gonna give someone a heart for me and you, and we’ll find favor in their eyes.” This is faith. She’s saying “I didn’t move all the way from Moab to Bethlehem and give my life to the Lord for the Lord to let me down. I’m gonna go out there and he’s gonna introduce me to somebody who’s gonna take care of us, give me a job, give me dinner, give me something. Do I have your permission to go glean?”

Ruth goes out to glean in the fields in verse 3. Gleaning is the Hebrew Equivalent of Food Stamps, the Hebrew welfare system. It was not intended to be permanent but a means for the impoverished to work their way out of poverty. It was not always a secure position. There was some danger in going out to the field as an attractive, young, foreigner. As a Moabitess she had no rights and the times she lived in where dark.

It just happened that she was directed to glean in the fields of Boaz. As Christians we don’t believe anything happens by accident. God’s sovereignty is evident in this passage. His hand of providence is evident in the events of Ruth. And if we are willing to see it, God’s providential hand in our circumstances. Suffering is momentary and we must be willing to go out and take actions when God opens a door.

Boaz was an upstanding member of society. God lead Ruth to Boaz’s field to glean; because he was a worthy man. This phrase is often times describe a man of war, a man of wealth, and a man of wherewithal. Boaz is a man’s man. He was a chivalrous man who was a protector, provider, pastor. He loved and feared God had a job then approached Ruth. He was a good man and a great boss. He prayed for, blessed, and supported his employees.

Rich or poor, we should strive to serve like Ruth and give like Boaz. We are like Ruth in our Christian life. We have all been through a period where we were helpless in

our sins and in need of redemption. Boaz portrays a picture of Christ to us. God cares for His people and desires to work things out. There are many people who have a socialistic view of Christianity and have adopted Robin Hood theology; who essentially believe that the rich are sinful and the poor are righteous. But in this story we see two people on two separate ends of the economical spectrum both live very righteous lives.

Bo'az demonstrates that true charity does not rob from one in order to give to another. Those who work for their money deserve to enjoy the benefit of their labor. The law required that Bo'az provide a portion to assist those in need. But He went above and beyond that and moved from the law to grace. That is true charity and a picture of God's love for us.

On the other hand there are those who think that financial wealth is an indicator of spiritual blessing. This is what’s called prosperity theology. And it couldn’t be farther from the truth. Rich or poor have nothing to do with the work of God. He uses all of the above. He invites us to be generous people, freely we have received freely we give. God calls us to himself.

I invited you to Jesus. I invite you to his mission. I invite you to be people of grace and generosity and lavish favor and kindness. I invite you to the kingdom lifestyle of Jesus. If you don’t know him, you need to. He gave salvation as a gift. Just, don’t come to him with hands full. Come to him with hands empty, as Ruth came to Boaz, and he will exceed all expectations. Confess your sin, and the Lord Jesus Christ will forgive you. Trust Him for he works all things out for your good and his glory

Part 1 of 5: Grace For our Trials

2014-01-29T09:56:00.000-08:00

This week we start in on Chapter one of Ruth. It's a beautiful story about God's redemption and ability to heal our hurting hearts.

It's a story of the providence of God despite our wrong choices, direction, and attitudes.

Sometime life happens, Sometimes things are hard but if we will stay faithful to God it will work out for good. Don’t give up with life hits the fan. Trust that God is able to redeem your broken situation. We must believe that God is both Sovereign and Good.

Maybe you need to experience that love of God. Perhaps your going through a season that you don’t know how or if you will come out of. Perhaps the darkness in your life is so bleak that you have forgotten the light of the son.

Redemption begins when we resist the world’s solutions to quit and run and run to God for shelter and hope.

Maybe for you it’s a shattered dream, a broken marriage, a broken family, a hurting heart, a dying loved one.

God's Loves You! Won’t you let God heal your hurting heart? Make the right choice

Redeeming Ruth: Introduction

2014-01-29T08:12:00.002-08:00

Introduction

Last week I wrapped up a 6 month study of Acts. It was exciting studying about the great power and mysteries of God and the passionate response of his people. For the next 5 weeks we are going to take a look at the story of a young woman from the old testament.

As we go through the month of February we will take a look at the Book of Ruth. Ruth is a truly beautiful story of grace and redemption. Although this story begins with in a very dark ominous manner with a famine and three funeral; the ending brings us hope and the promise of new life through the marriage of Ruth and the birth of a son.

This book is highly symbolic and meaningful to us today. Do not get side tracked by the romance and human side of this story as great as it is. This book is full of both romance and irony. Yet all the underlying themes and messages of this text point to the central message of the book: "The Providence of God"

Ruth is the eight book of the bible positioned between Judges and 1 Samuel. I do not believe that this is a coincidence; rather a marker of God's providence. The time of the Judges was one of the darkest, violent, and lawless times in the history of the nation of Israel. Ruth brings new hope to a nation on the brink. it's why I believe it to be providential that God inspired the framers of the biblical cannon to place it as the eight book of the bible. for the number eight is symbolic of a new beginning. After the season of darkness during the time of the judges a new beginning is much needed. And leads into the time of the prophets and perhaps one of the greatest of them all, Samuel. The two book of Samuel provide an account of the rebuilding of the nation of Israel upon Godly principles and the hope of a messiah.

Ruth is one of only two books in the entire cannon of scripture named after a woman. Ruth is the story of a Gentile woman who marries a Jewish man. In contrast, Esther is the story of a Jewish woman who marries a Gentile man. Yet both Esther and Ruth proclaim the providence of God to save and redeem his people.

This book of Ruth is full of typology, symbolism, and grace. We are introduced to several heartwarming characters and one man, Bo'az who looks a lot like Jesus. Ruth is one of the greatest love stories of all-time while yet is a story of a great harvest. God is still about this today. As we immerse ourselves into this story
we will grow in our understanding of God's love for us and the spiritual harvest we are called to work.

The Macedonian Call (A Last Chance Call From A Dying Nation) Conclusion of Acts Sermon Series

2014-01-21T10:22:00.005-08:00

What if the souls of man could talk? When we look at our society it is obvious that there is great pain, fear and confusion. Do you hear the lost and hurting screaming out you name?

Researchers find that nearly 70 percent of Americans are on at least one prescription drug, and more than half receive at least two prescriptions. Twenty percent of U.S. patients were also found to be on five or more prescription medications. 1 in 10 Americans are currently using anti-depressants. Antidepressants are most common among Millennials . This is the demographic which is least likely to attend church.

Who Are Millennials

· 80 million young adults born between 1984 - 2001 approximately 30% of US population.

· By 2014, 36% of the U.S. workforce will be comprised of millennials.

· By 2020, 46% of all U.S. workers will be millennials.

According to Current research by Tom Rainer, When asked to describe themselves, two-thirds used the term Christian. Interestingly, nearly three in tenpicked either atheism, agnosticism, or no preference. In other words, they have moved completely away from certain belief in God. When asked if they were “born-again Christians”, using a precise definition provided by the interviewers, only 20 percent affirmed this definition of belief and experience. And when presented with seven statements about orthodox Christian belief, the researchers found that only 6 percent of Millennials could affirm them and thus could be properly defined as Evangelical. 6 percent of one of the most influential generations in our society could be defined as genuine Christians.

How did this happen? It has been a gradual progression throughout the generations. It started with the extreme religious views of my grandparent’s generation which led to burnout in my parents’ generation aided by the hippy era, followed by a total abandonment of Christian values of my generation.You hear of such stories all the time. Grandparents grieve over their kids not “going to Church” whose grandkids have no real interest in church life. How many stories have you heard of an old-fashioned fiery preacher whose kids saw so much hypocrisy that they just gave up on the church scene except for special occasions and raised their kids to be “free thinker”?

This is truly sad! What is worse is that while an entire generation has been cast by the wayside the church for the most part has watched. The majority of Church goers are those born from 1922-1960. Almost every is a church filled with those under 50. Even then it is controlled by those over 50. The Baby Boomer Generation and the Mature Generation make up the vast majority of churches. Services and outreaches are very much dependent upon their styles and methods. And we ask why there are not more “young people” in church. Nearly 60percent of these generations are religious and attend church weekly. Many required their children to attend services and carryout strict observance to religious standards, boycotted any kind of rock music, and stood against all things modern.

My parents’ generation burnt out by the extreme views of their parents, products of the hippy era, and began to leave the church. Watergate, the advent of MTV, single-parent homes, and latchkey experiences played influential roles in their development. They were the first generation to embrace the
personal computer and the Internet. They welcome diversity, are motivated by money, believe in balance in their lives, are self-reliant, and value free time and having fun. I’ve heard many Gen X’s, (parents between 30-50) talk of how they have decided to give their kids everything they never had. They are more likely to skip church for work, vacation, or extra downtime.

If we are honest, most churches, especial those in rural areas are targeting the same groups as we have for 100 years. We have all but ignored the cries of those in need. And while the church has not changed its approach or adjusted its hearing to the cries of the lost we have lost touch with over 50% of our nation’s population. Wake up church we are losing ground. Let’s not let our own traditions strangle the future of our children and our children’s children. It’s easy for the church to become deaf to the cries of those in pain in our society. To turn a blind eye to their suffering, and an cold shoulder to their problems.

There is a work for each one of us to do and we must do it. As we finish up our study of the Book of Acts we will look at The Apostle Paul and how he responded to the Macedonian Call to serve and share the love of God. We will see that from that moment he was busy about the gospel. Despite facing fierce opposition, tempting distractions, and opportunity to abandon the mission, he did whatever was necessary to share the message of Christ. In the end though he lost his life at the hands of a ruthless emperor he was victorious in Christ! Are we willing to do the same?

I assure you that there will be struggles, there will be opposition, there will be times when we feel as if we have run aground and our hopes are ship wrecked. But if we stay the course to then end neither height, depth, powers or rulers can stand between us and the message of the hope of Jesus Christ. The Enemy will come with great distractions, of idolatry, religiosity, fear, threats and discouragement. But If we continue in what we have been called to do we will reap a harvest if we do not grow weary!

So church h lift up your face get your focus back on where it ought to be and that is on sharing the gospel We are to be a light. We must reach out to the hurting, train new leaders and give up some of our former things in order to reach an unreached people group among us.

Are you willing to do whatever it takes to reach the lost? No matter the cost? No matter how it goes against your style, tradition or even comfort zone? Jesus did not come to save those who are well but those who are dying? Are you with me? Will you be willing to do whatever it takes? No matter the cost? Because what we are doing is not working. Are we willing to deny ourselves and follow Christ? Because our families, our children, grandchildren depend upon how we respond to this challenge.

The future of this church depends on how well you remember this warning. The future of this town depends on how will you carry out this message. The future of this great nation hinges upon the faithfulness of God’s people to humble ourselves and seek his face, are willingness to repent of our sinfulness and seek His face.
I say again , ARE YOU WITH ME?

Turmoil in Peace City Acts 15

2013-12-23T14:05:00.000-08:00

If it wasn’t for people church life would be simple. You know what I’m saying. Sometimes the hardest part of being involved in ministry is dealing with people. The truth is people are complicated, emotional, and tend to be a touch selfish. Conflict is bound to happen when more than two individuals spend much time in close proximity to one another.

Come on, if we are brutally honest, there are parts of church life that are less desirable than others. While I look forward to preaching and teaching the word and spending time with individuals in counseling and visiting situations, I don’t look forward to the politics of church. Anytime you get a group of people together who think differently and start discussing things such as money or traditions you are in for a long night. These issues have split many a church throughout church history.

This is nothing new. These issues plagued the early church as well. In fact one of their biggest obstacles was over the traditions of their forefathers. The debated the same things about whether salvation was a free gift of grace or dependent on human works. There was great debate in their time and that same debate carried on today. I have heard many people say, “We should not debate over Scripture” but salvation is no trivial matter. If we are to get salvation wrong we get the whole Christianity thing wrong. It’s that simple.

In Acts that was what was on salvation and chopping block: “How do we introduce outsiders to the gospel?”

One group wanted to require them to undergo a special ceremony to prove their loyalty, and required them to keep a list of man-made laws and traditions. These men were self-appointed guards of legalism. They were requiring more than God had asked. They were adding elements on to salvation. They made Salvation and inclusion into the church about works and not about grace. The Judaizers were saying that Gentiles must become Jews before they could become Christians.

How much are we like that in our groups and churches. Jesus made the gates to heaven narrow enough, too narrow for us to convert the way of Christ into a toll road. We are called to call people to repentance in Christ, they do not have to become Baptists, or Pentecostals, or ect. We call them to repentance in Christ, not admittance in our belief system

THE SOLUTION

When it comes to a doctrinal issue, now that is something we can’t just vote on. That takes some serious prayer, study, fasting, and discussion. In every church differing opinions are abounding; however, peacemakers are few and far in between. So what do we do when we are faced with a dilemma in church life? Who is qualified to make spiritual decisions for the body? Who establishes the doctrine of the church? When we can’t agree what is the solution?

Fortunately, God did not leave us in the dark when it comes to these issues. Sometimes it can be disconcerting and difficult to hear God’s voice through men because while God’s word is perfect man’s interpretation is subject to error. That is why God gives us a structure to resolve conflicts and keep unity.

God’s solution to overcoming disagreements and disputes is accountable leadership and submission to an elder body. Like it or not God places “Elders” in every church who are to establish doctrine and lead through disputes and are held accountable to other leaders and to God. The Body is expected to submit to their teaching and lead. The answer to resolving a matter is not by voice vote or secret ballot but by submitting to an elder body that prayerfully and diligently walks through the scriptures and seeks God for an answer.

This style of conflict resolution goes all the way back to Acts 15. Historically church leaders have met to discuss doctrine and settle issues and there has always been resistance to doing the work of the gospel. Yet, it is through these moments when people of differing views sit around the table and discus doctrine that we can come to see the error of our own ways. For truthfully we are all human and we could all be wrong on a great many things and only by engaging in challenging debates will we be confronted with that error. To error is human but are we willing to be vulnerable and to humble ourselves and listen to others viewpoints?

We must humble ourselves, realize we are fallible, and accept God’s plan of salvation and sanctification of His church. God has set a pattern for his church to follow: submission to a plurality of elders who are accountable to each other and to God. We are called to submit one to another and come to a place where we accept that although I personally disagree I am able to lay down my pride and not feel the need to voice all my objections. The Kingdom of God is not a democracy sometimes we have to yield our will and do what His word says.

Are we willing to lay our pride down before the king? Are we willing to stop trying to rule our own life, Are we guilty of trying manipulating others? Are we guilty of putting a heavier burden on outsiders than we ourselves could bear? At the foot of the cross we must lay it all down.

The Stoned Apostle and the problem with praise ~ Acts 14

2013-12-16T12:48:00.003-08:00

I once heard it said, “You are never as good as people say you are, and your never as bad either.

As much as we all love a little praise and enjoy accolades; we would do wise to avoid those who have only good things to say about us. If the enemy cannot discourage us from our mission he will attempt to cause us to fall victim to our own success. Showering a person in excessive praise is like handing a habitual poor person a million dollars or a drunkard a bottle of Jack Daniels. It does more harm than good. A little praise is a good thing, too much is damaging. A little hope can inspire people too much can become dangerous.

This was the scheme the enemy used to try and bring down Paul and Barnabas in Acts 14. The ministry they did in the Region of Iconium was so immensely successful that a great many of the Jews and Gentiles believed on Christ. Wherever they traveled people desired to hear them speak. Paul delivered some of the most profound, convincing, and moving messages the people had ever heard. He was not only a skilled orator, he was also an accomplished philosopher, and a highly entertaining individual. Yet atop these traits, he was a man filled with the power of the Holy Spirit.

Paul’s hope inspired the elect, those hungry for the world and whose hearts had been cultivated by the Holy Spirit and it enflamed the agents of the enemy. The enemy tried to intimidate Saul, to drive him away. When Paul refused to stop he was faced with a new challenge his ego. The enemy appealed to Saul’s ego in a subtle way to get him to change sides. That after all has been his scheme from day one. He sought to turn Adam and Eve to become like him by claiming divinity. He Even attempted to turn Jesus when he tempted Christ in the wilderness. He wanted Christ to bow to him and he would give him all the kingdoms of the earth. If Satan can’t destroy us than he will become our biggest cheerleader; it would bring him pleasure to watch man destroy himself in pursuit of fame and power.

So what is the point I’m trying to make?

In this passage there are several things that standout to me about the character of Paul and the picture of a Spirit-Filled life. First is that those who are yielded to the Spirit lead effective and bold lives. Secondly, those who are yielded to the Spirit are faithful to the end. Finally, those who are yielded to the Spirit are humble and discerning.

In the course of a few days, Paul and Barnabas had been threatened with death, treated as Gods, and stoned nearly to death. Despite all of this they went right back to the same people who tried to kill them. They were resolved not to allow anything to get in the way of the message of the gospel. They would not treats, death, illness, or their own pride to get between the lost and Christ.

What about us. Do we have that same resolve? Not just to stand in the face of persecution but the faith to deny ourselves and to not be swayed by the flattery of others. Proverbs 29:5 reminds us that “A man who flatters his neighbor spreads a net for his feet.” Are we willing to be discerning enough to notice when we are being set up for a fall. Are we allowing our pride to get between us and the gospel?

Paul was not in it for fame or fortune. I can hardly imagine Paul as a televangelist. This account should serve as a warning to us of what this word will throw at us. Are you ready?

Come To Jesus~ Acts 13:13-43

2013-12-11T05:50:00.002-08:00

Have you ever been around a group of people who had seemingly no purpose, no direction, and no vision for the future? That is what the religious crowd had become in Paul’s day. They were like a pile of dead dry wood, a tinder pile awaiting a spark. The embers of hope, purpose, and vision had long since burnt out. How could they last much longer Judaism was dying out as creation made room for the Savior of the world.

Luke provides for us the accounts of the first missionary team and their first journey. In Acts 13 Paul and Barnabas embark on a difficult mission. John Mcarthur describes their journey in his commentary as being arduous. He writes,

“The road from Perga to Pisidian Antioch, some one hundred miles away, was difficult and dangerous. It wound its way through the rugged Taurus mountains, clinging to cliffs that ascended to dizzying heights. Travelers also had to cross the turbulent and flood-prone Cestrus and Eurymedon rivers. The Taurus mountains were notorious for the robber bands who infested them. Those bandits, who had plagued Alexander the Great and Augustus Caesar, were still unsubdued in Paul’s time. When Paul wrote, “I have been on frequent journeys, in dangers from rivers, dangers from robbers” (2 Cor. 11:26), he may well have had this journey in mind.”

Paul and his companion are taking the message of the Good News of Jesus Christ to the most remote parts of their world. They risked it all to carry Christ’s message to those in need of hope. Upon arriving at their destination they found a group of people hungry to hear of their message of hope.

Pisidian Antioch

In the Synagogue, After the reading of the Law and the Prophets the temple officias and the people were desperate for some real hope. The law was given so that we may see our need for the Grace and sacrifice of Christ. The stage of man’s heart had been set. For what the Law and the prophets could not do, Christ had indeed competed. The people grew hungry for hope.

The Holy Spirit sovereignly arranged the circumstances, opening wide the door for Paul to proclaim the gospel. He stood up, and motioning with his hand to get the audience’s attention. In like manner, the Holy Spirit sovereignly arranged the circumstances, opening wide the door for us to share of the hope locked inside our hearts. It is for this reason that Peter urges us all to “sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you (1 Peter 3:15)” We are to be ready in season and out of season, ready to walk through the doors of divine opportunity.

Men have long wrestled with the question of where (if anywhere) history is going. Is there a purpose, goal, or culmination to history? Or is it merely a succession of sunrises and sunsets, a meaningless series of swiftly flowing years leading nowhere?

Viewing history as purposeless appeals to sinful people, since it grants them freedom to do as they want with no fear of accountability to a divine moral judge; for if there is no God we are permitted to live any way we choose. However this is not reality, the Spirit draws the hearts of all mankind. We have been created without excuse. Even the heaven declare the greatness of God. Our own laws and prophets are covered in the fingerprints of God. All of which lead to the overwhelming reality that we could never keep the letter of any law. The good news is that God has fulfilled the covenant of the law and it could no longer satisfy. Just as the wise King wrote:

He [God} has made everything appropriate in its time. He has also set eternity in their heart.(Ecc 3:11).

Therefore, we must view Jesus as the culmination of history, the fulfillment of prophecy, and the justifier of sinners. He is my source of hope, life, and of a future. Apart from the saving grace of Christ I have nothing. I have great hope in Him, I am truly satisfied with Jesus he is my hope and stay. What about you? Are you living an aimless, wander life void of purpose and security? Do you find yourself feeling as if your whole life is like the tossing waves? When you thin of your future does it frighten you? Do you have a peace a security about where you shall go after this life is through?

If you said no to any of the above: Come To Jesus! Come To Jesus and find hope, security, and purpose, Come to Jesus and find salvation. Most importantly, Come to Jesus so that you may live!

Superseding Superstition Acts 13;4-12

2013-12-02T11:35:00.001-08:00

It is no secret that Kings and rulers throughout history have consulted astronomers, magicians, and sorcerers. Today it is not unheard-of that world leaders consult astrologers as they schedule key events. It is also no secret that there are demonic forces at foot in our world. How else could you explain some of the most wicked, heinous acts?

What happens when the power of the gospel confronts the power of the occult? The contest on Cyprus in Acts chapter 13 and its outcome show us. The Missionary Thrust: Proclaiming the Word (13:4-5). God wins every conflict, the war is already won and our enemy is playing for keeps.

The Power of God is strong enough to convince and shut up politicians. Now that’s powerful. Paul and Barnabas were led by the Holy Spirit and because of the power of the testimony and the message they proclaimed even the Governor of the region, known as the proconsul desired to hear their message.

The Governor was recorded as being an intelligent man, and desired to hear more about the message Paul and Barnabus preached. The lost are hungry for the gospel. 8 out of 10 people would at least listen to the message of the gospel, according the Billy Graham Evangelistic association. Church goers have bought the lie that the world is not interested. That is simply not true. People are desperate for hope, healing and purpose.

Furthermore, Satan cannot by any means stop the conviction of the Holy Spirit; nor can he hinder sinners from hearing the call of God to repentance. However he can try to confuse the hearer with vain philosophy, discourage the messenger, and distract us from the faith. That is exactly what Bar-Jesus, the false prophet was seeking to do.

Bar-Jesus is probably a court astrologer with demonic powers (who calls him part of the world of "religious con-artists who practiced quackery and interpreted dreams"). He reminds me a great deal of flaky tela-evangelists like Peter Poppoff, or other who exploit “divine powers” to bring about fame and fortune. As a sorcerer he claims to know magic formulas by which he can break the bonds of fate and give the governor control over the future. When faced with the truth of the gospel, Bar-Jesus actively opposes the missionaries (compare Lk 21:15; Acts 6:10). He makes every effort to "completely turn aside" the governor from the faith (compare 13:10; 20:30). Bar-Jesus was full of the devil.I find his name interesting. Bar in the Greek means Son of Jesus or the son of the one who saves. He tried to set Himself up as someone great, he imitated the powers of God. He tried to convince the rulers and the people that he had real, unrivaled powers.

Despite the convincing show put on by Bar-Jesus, we see a greater power at work. Satan has limited power, is not omnipresent, omniscient, nor omnipotent. He is a created being and though he has been around for many ions he is limited yet crafty. He can predict the ways of man. However he is by no means a rival to God.

In contrast, The Holy Spirit is clearly at work in this confrontation and is the victor hands down. In the first half of this passage we see the sovereignty of God the Spirit to draw sinners to him and His followers to action, empowerment of his followers to deliver His message, and the overwhelming power over the enemy and the effect that has to bring sinners to repentance.

After the Holy Spirit defeated the powers of the enemy by striking the sorcerer with blindness the Governor believed. This story is a reminder of what the Apostle John reminds us of in his epistle:

“You are from God, little children, and have overcome them; because greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world.” ~ 1 John 4:4

No matter what difficulty we face in life our God is stronger. The question than for us: are we satisfied with Jesus? Are we trying to find something else outside of our relationship with Jesus Christ? Are we relying enough on the power and sufficiency of the Holy Spirit or on our own strength? At the end of the day I am not enough! I need Jesus and His Spirit every hour. Without him my attempts to show off are nothing. We can have the most convincing display of power and piety yet if we are fighting for any team but God we have already lost?

Whose team are you on any way are you fighting for yourself, your family, your career? If you’re fighting to make yourself known than your fighting a losing battle. I urge you to stop fighting to lay it all down at the foot of the cross and let God fight your battles. It’s not yours to fight! Give it to God

Eaten Alive - Acts 12:20-25 - King Herod and the Picture of Sin and Depravity.

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Be careful what you fill yourself with for it may become your undoing. The sin we all wrestle with is idolatry stemming from pride. The good news of the gospel is that we are nothing apart from Christ. On our own we are filthy, and if left to our own thoughts and ways we will be lead to destruction.

James reminds Christians in his epistle to remember the source of our temptation,

“Let no one say when he is tempted, ‘I am being tempted by God’; for God cannot be tempted by evil, and He Himself does not tempt anyone. But each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust. Then when lust has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and when sin is accomplished, it brings forth death.”

Christians would do well to note that temptation occurs when we are “carried away by our own lusts.” Satan’s has no power, influence, or authority in the life of a believer. Sin is a conscience choice for a follower of Christ. We cannot continue to live in open unrepentant sin and claim Christ. When we sin we make the choice freely to do so. When we face the effects of that sin we do so as a direct result of our failings. Therefore we should not Blame God for the sorrow in our own life. Likewise we should not give Satan credit for creating the chaos in our life. We have created our own mess. Satan cannot oppress or possess a child of God by his own authority. Sin is a conscience choice.

God knows the wickedness of our hearts and sees us from the inside out, yet he loves us anyway. He loves us enough to give us the freewill to choose to follow him or to walk away, to honor him or dishonor him. No better example of this can be found biblically than God’s encounter with Cain in Genesis 4.

“Then the Lord said to Cain, ‘Why are you angry? And why has your countenance fallen? If you do well, will not your countenance be lifted up? And if you do not do well, sin is crouching at the door; and its desire is for you, but you must master it’.”

We must recognize our sinful tendencies and learn to master sin. For sin is crouching at the door of our hearts and family, our church, community and nation. If we choose to allow sin to have a foothold it will devour us. Peter warns Christians to “be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:8). Don’t be fooled sin is destructive, and given the opportunity it will destroy you and no sin can go undiscovered.

We’ve all heard stories of lion tamers ferociously attacked by the lions they worked with. Almost every time one of these mentally challenged lion tamers (which is an oxymoron statement in and of itself) are attacked they seem to always respond “I don’t know why he did that.” I can tell you it’s because he is a lion. A lion is a lion, and will always be a lion. You can’t tame a lion you have to kill it. You can’t teach a lion, who sole purpose is to kill and devour other living things to be a house cat! The only reason the Lion wouldn't attack it’s trainer is because it just ate.

Likewise you can’t tame sin. Sin must die, and through the power of the Holy Spirit we must kill it. If you wrestle with sin something is going to die the only question is who will act first. In Acts 12 King Herod was playing around with Sin and it was his undoing. God will not be mocked nor share his glory with another. Herod was a prideful arrogant, angry man. Herod’s pride produced an angry heart, which lead to setting himself up as God. Herod worshiped himself and gladly accepted the praise of the Jewish people, which ultimately lead to his destruction.

Yet, despite our sin and depravity he chooses to love us. Just as Sin is a conscience so too is the decision to love. Paul reminds us that while we were still living in Sin God loved us and gave his son as a ransom for our sin. God knows us yet He loves us anyway.

Whom Shall I Fear? Thought on Childbirth and Acts 12

2013-11-19T09:35:00.000-08:00

This week as I am looking forward to meeting my daughter, who is expected to make her arrival any hour, Our series on

the book of Acts brings us to chapter 12 and the accounts of Peter’s arrest. As I reflect on the events of this week and those events yet to come I can’t help but remember one of my mom’s infamous saying:

“life is like childbirth, you just have to breathe through it”.

You see my mom had 6 kids and I’ll never fully understand what she meant being a man; however from observing my wife going through the fire per say I’ve learned a few things.

Life is full of uncertainty. At times it is all we can do to hold onto the promise that this pain is only temporary. It is far too easy to become discouraged by our present circumstances, losing sight of our assurance and the big picture. There are situations which present themselves that are both intimidating and challenging.

The Apostle Paul writes, in Romans 8 to the believers facing trying times; reminding them:

“The sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us… for we know that the whole creation groans and suffers the pains of childbirth together until now.”

It is this type of hope and assurance that enables us to endure the injustice, pain, and heartbreak that are so frequently associated with this world. Sometimes life just is not fair. We want a break from the constant turmoil and stress of life. In the midst of our struggle we lose sight of the end result and thus lose our motivation and purpose for today.

I think of no better analogy then my wife preparing to give birth to our second child. This past week we took a late night hospital run eagerly expecting that we would have a baby by morning. The bags were packed, babysitter called and coffee was in queue. We were ready, none more so than my lovely wife. She was in a world of hurt, full of excitement, and anxiety awaiting the birth of our little girl.

Unfortunately after three hours in the room we were sent home with our baby yet to make her shinning debut. There was disappointment, my wife just wanted to be done already. We were both worn out. Her strength is inspiring to me. If the roles were reversed I question whether I would have that same resolve to carry a child with joy for 9 months. It is the goal at the end, the rewarding feeling of holding her child in her arms that gives her purpose for all the painful, unfair, disappointments that come.

The same is true of us and our eternal reward. Life may be difficult in the here and now but it’s going to get better. We have been sovereignly placed here in this place and time to accomplish God’s purpose. Like the woman carrying a precious child in her woman for 9 months we have been entrusted with a great treasure: the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Pain and adversity give birth to a greater glory. A little pain and suffering is a good thing. For it is through the fire that we find our purpose. We must not lose sight of the ever-present Christ in the midst of our pain. Just as Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego were joined in the fire by the Son of God so to shall we be comforted in our times of grief and pain if we stay near to the heart of God.

“We have this treasure in earthen vessels, so that the surpassing greatness of the power will be of God and not from ourselves; we are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not despairing; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying about in the body the dying of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body. For we who live are constantly being delivered over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh. So death works in us, but life in you.But having the same spirit of faith, according to what is written, “I believed, therefore I spoke,” we also believe, therefore we also speak, knowing that He who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also with Jesus and will present us with you. For all things are for your sakes, so that the grace which is spreading to more and more people may cause the giving of thanks to abound to the glory of God.

Therefore we do not lose heart, but though our outer man is decaying, yet our inner man is being renewed day by day. For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison, while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal.

Our current struggles are temporary and bash in light of what is coming. We serve a Powerful God! There is no rebel no rival who could ever take his place. Who is there like the Lord God almighty! If God be for us, than who can be against us. Strong and mighty is the Lord and great are His ways. He is perfect and righteous! He God has put before me a task to accomplish than there is nothing that can stop me until God decides my time is done.

No weapon formed against me shall prosper because our God is greater than the God of this age. Though Satan may seek to destroy my life I know in whom my hope is found. My hope is found in nothing less than Jesus blood and righteousness. In him alone I will place my trust. I will not fear man who can only harm my body. God alone shall I fear! He is my strength. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death I will fear no evil for He is with me.

Perfect love casts out all fear. God is perfect love and in him there is no darkness. The enemy shakes and trembles and the sound of his great name and the name of JHesus shall be my refuge in times of stress! In him alone shall I fear.

Let me leave you with this encouragement form Psalms 27:

The Lord is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear?The Lord is the [a]defense of my life; Whom shall I dread? When evildoers came upon me to devour my flesh, My adversaries and my enemies, they stumbled and fell. Though a host encamp against me, My heart will not fear; Though war arise against me, In spite of this I shall be confident.One thing I have asked from the Lord, that I shall seek:That I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life,To behold the beauty of the Lord And to meditate in His temple.For in the day of trouble He will conceal me in His tabernacle;In the secret place of His tent He will hide me; He will lift me up on a rock.

Abortion, Gay Marriage, & Marijuana

2013-11-11T19:54:00.000-08:00

Disclaimer: Please hear me out on this... These are my own personal views related to the issues facing our nation today. Posting this for consideration and discussion. I'm open to hear any side and discuss any point logically and calmly.

I understand the turmoil over Abortion, Gay Marriage, and other social issues. But perhaps we have been looking at the whole situation all wrong....

ABORTION....

From a biblical worldview: Abortion is wrong and was punishable by death in the OT.

from a Constitutional view: Should the government be kept out of the matter, leaving the question to each person for their conscientious consideration.

From a scientific viewpoint: Life begins at conception and the baby has a heartbeat as early as 6 weeks. most women don't find out they are pregnant until then.

All things considered: Without legislating morality, which I feel is wrong. Our government and it's laws should not favor any one religion. Therefore, since life begins at conception, every human life has the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Define life and give every life the same protections.

Gay Marriage:

DISCLAIMER: The term "gay marriage" is a misnomer. Its like saying, "green orange", "rock soft", "Productive State worker". Some words don't work in the same sentence.

Biblically: 1 man + 1 woman. Marriage is a religious institution not a creation of the state.

Constitutionally: Government does not have the authority to define, license or restrict personal relationships. Consenting adults should be free to choose their own sexual practices and personal relationships.

All Things Considered: before the 1500's marriage was a religious practice without any intervention or regulation from the secular government. In the 1500s, a pestering theologian instituted something called the Marriage Ordinance in Geneva, which made “state registration and church consecration” a dual requirement of matrimony. We have yet to get over this mistake. But isn't it about time we freed marriage from the state?

By arguing for government definition of marriage we undermine the significance of marriage and spiritual meaning. What if there was no government to "recognize" your marriage, would you still be married? People outside of a covenant with God will still live together. They aren't married (Marriage is done in the sight of God) It is for this reason that "I refuse to say by the power invested in me by the state of ..." The state has no power other than what you and I give it....

Imagine the manpower and tax dollars that could be saved if the government got out of the marriage business and divorce industry... Can anyone say separation of church and state.

The only amendment I support is one that states "the federal or State government has no right to define or regulate marriage."

Marijuana:

Biblicaly: Addiction to any thing is wrong.... It's a wild herb. What God has made don't call unclean. a substance itself cannot be sinful. abuse is. all things in moderation. It is wrong for Christ followers to get high, look like sinful soceity or break the law in this area.

Constitutionally: Hmmmm..... there is nothing prohibiting it. Government should stay out of this area. Focusing in on the major issues.

All things considered: The government should not legalize marijuana or make it expressly outlawed. Like Alcohol it should be regulated and outlawed for minors. Adults should be free to make choices for themselves and to accept responsibility for the consequences of the choices they make.

Unimaginable - My journey of repentance from Pride and Prejudice.

2013-11-11T12:47:00.005-08:00

un·im·ag·i·na·ble

ˌənəˈmaj(ə)nəbəl/

adjective

1.
difficult or impossible to imagine or comprehend.

"Unimaginable, unthinkable, there is no way on God's green earth that I would every do that!"

Have you ever told yourself anything like that? Certainly, each one of us has a list of things, people groups, or places that we are prejudice against. If we are honest with ourselves, we all our prejudice to a degree.

For you it may be against a certain people group. For others it may be against a certain person or family. Some people are prejudice against other skin tones, or nationalities. Others have prejudices based on religious or ethical differences. I know some people who would not as much speak to a homosexual man or woman, would not even acknowledge the presence of a prostitute. Many I've spoken to in this area are prejudice against Hispanics or those who are not from your neck of the woods or culture.

Whatever the hangup, we must let it go. we cannot claim to be a legitimate follower of Christ and hang on to such short-sided, idiotic, bigoted pride and prejudice. We are called to be counter-cultural. We should be on the front lines reaching out to our gay neighbors, serve as a place of refuge for the outcasts, seek to share the love of Christ with those who this society has rejected.

We are called to be on the front lines defending the freedom of all people! Although it is biblicaly wrong: people have a freedom to live a life contrary to Scripture. The standards of Christianity are not for the unbeliever but for those who are being saved. Therefore, we must uphold a persons choice to live outside of those standards that govern our lives. God deals with each one according to their own ways.

We are all in need of forgiveness and God's grace. Those outside of a covenant relationship with god are free to live in their bondage and sin. Homosexuals are free to live as if they were married. I would say that it is worse for a christian to live in sin than it is for the homosexual outside of the covenant of grace. The Christian refusing to show mercy and grace toward the outsider is far worse than someone living in ignorance.

We as Christians ought to be the loudest proponents of religious liberty.

We are called to call the world to repentance yet how will we do that if we isolate ourselves from the?

You say, "Unimaginable, unthinkable, there is no way on God's green earth that I would ever accept a gay, a Muslim (fill in the blank) into my home, to eat at my table, to sit with my family."

Scripture say: "Unimaginable, unthinkable, there is no way on God's green earth that I you could every not do that!"

We all have to face those things that we are prejudice about at some point in our lives. Peter in Acts 9-10 had to overcome some major prejudice. He had to overcome cultural, ethical, religious, and racial prejudice. God asked him to rethink everything he had grown up believing.

"He was religious indeed ---------------- religiously wrong!"

Myself I have had to walk down a road of encountering my prejudices and discovering how wrong I have been. I grew up in a small country town in the bible belt. Nearly everyone went to church on Sundays, work on Mondays-Friday, partied all weekend (I opted out of that scene) then showed up in church to repeat the process.

It was as country as country gets. Like most country towns, faith, family, and hunting is what made the town tick. If you weren't from around there everyone knew it. Unless you were part a family you were treated as an outcast, but once you became one of the locals you were treated like family and they would give you the shirt of your back.

The churches in my town were predominantly Pentecostal and Baptist. On Sunday afternoon, it only mattered who got to the restaurant on-time. Believe me, there were plenty to choose from. We attended one of the main Pentecostal churches in town. I grew up going to Sunday School, attending bible studies and youth meetings. I enjoyed the enthusiasm. After visiting some of the local Baptist churches I determined to never join a Baptist Church.

I was fairly prejudice against Baptists. I thought baptist were dry, boring, and believed in fire insurance. As the years went on I discovered numerous doctrinal areas I disagreed with within the Pentecostal circle. I found hope in the Baptist church. I found that the very thing that I was prejudice of was the very thing I needed. I found the doctrinal things I thought I disagreed with that I agreed more strongly than I knew.

As I left the bible belt, I discovered that outside of the "churchy" culture of the Midwest people think differently. They have the freedom to do so. I can't expect people who do not believe as I do to live as I do. I must see all people as fallen and in need of a Savior! I remember a conversation I had with my wife, when we were dating, over my unwillingness to allow a guy I thought was gay to cut my hair. I had allot of excuses but no real reasons. I had strong prejudice against such a lifestyle because of the way I was raised. I was wrong. He did not know Christ as his Savior and the only message I was sending was that I was too good to share the same room as him.

Although the sin is wrong and such a lifestyle is incompatible with being a christian, we are called to show love to them. We are called to be a safe place for the weak, the hurting and a source of love of grace for the outcasts. It may make you uncomfortable but I challenge you to befriend someone who lives a lifestyle far from what you are comfortable with.

Peter befriended a centurion. A Roman official who could have arrested him and a gentile on top of that. Jews were not to associate with such people. Jesus made friends of tax-collectors, prostitutes, scumbags, and the diseased. What about you? Who your friends are speak of who you are. if you only surround yourself with like minded people you will become narrow minded and short-sided. Hard to help those who have no need. Hard to save those who are already saved.

Jesus said his mission was not to save the righteous but the sinner. That same mission applies to us, His followers! So lets make friend s of people who are needing Jesus!

A New Name; A New Mission Acts 9:26-31; 10:22-24

2013-11-05T06:43:00.001-08:00

Kids understand that you need friends. Don't get too busy for fellowship.

Barnabas was born as Joseph. He was later given the name Barnabas as a nickname which in time became his identity and what he was known by. He was a leader in the early church, a good man, full of the Spirit, and full of faith (Acts 10:24). He received the name Barnabas because of the type of man he was. Barnabas means “son of encouragement" it was because of his gift at being a leader maker, an instrument of God to equip the saints and to encourage others in their faith that he received this name.

One of the most remarkable things about Barnabas is his willingness to come to the defense of Saul (Later known as Paul). The aspect of Barnabas’ life and ministry we will focus upon is his obedience to the call of Christ to make disciples and/or Christian leaders.

What Is a Christian Leader?

Let's begin with a definition. What is a Christian leader? Broadly speaking, a person is more or less a Christian leader as that person exerts more or less Christian influence in Christian ways. Or to put it another way, to the degree that you shape others toward the image of Christ you are a Christian leader.

That's a very broad definition of Christian leadership, and should include every obedient Christian, because we should all be influencing someone to be more like Christ. But if we get more specific, what we usually mean by a good Christian leader is someone who is really good at influencing others toward Christlikeness. They have personal strengths that draw others into the sway of their influence and lead them to the ways of Christ.

There are people who oppose leadership wherever it begins to emerge. But if we had time, I would love to test the following claim by the Scriptures: Opposition to Christian leadership (or an anti-leadership mentality) is not born out of great vision, but out of little resentments. A church without strong leaders is not a democracy of giants. What the church needs worldwide is Spirit-filled, Bible-saturated, Christ-exalting, self-abasing, determined, persevering leaders who exert deep, broad, life-changing influence for Jesus Christ.

The Need For Leader-Makers

The only way we will see a church full of godly leaders. Young adults, youth and older adults alike leading society in every way is if we have solid leader makers. The church is called to be on the forefront politically, socially, economically, and in every area of our society and community. We need Godly leaders in those areas. We also need Barnabas types who are holding their feet to the fire and their heads up high.

Listen to what Charles Spurgeon said concerning the housekeeper at the school he attended as a teenager in Newmarket:

She lived strongly as well as fed strongly. Many a time we have gone over the covenant of grace together, and talked of the personal election of the saints, their union to Christ, their final perseverance and what vital godliness meant; and I do believe that I learnt more from her than I should have learned from any six doctors of divinity of the sort we have nowadays.

The church is not called to be complacent! We are called to be proactive in our faith and in the work of encouragement. Last week I challenged the church to pray for and reach out to those lost people in our lives. This week I will give you the benefit of the doubt, trusting that you took that challenge. Now I want add another challenge to that.

I challenge each follower of Christ to be a leader maker. We are all called to discipleship! Therefore, when was the last time you identified another Christian who was in need of encouragement and took steps to build them up?

I challenge you this week to identify another Christian brother or sister and invite them to lunch. Begin to build a relationship with them, encourage them in their walk, and build a friendship with them.

Everyone needs a Paul figure (a mentor), a Barnabas figure (a friend/encourager), and a Timothy figure (someone you are training). Can you identify those people in your life?

Are you being directly mentored by someone? Who? Are you being encouraged consistently from someone other than your spouse? Are you being a Barnabas for someone else? Who? Are you actively training up anyone in the faith? Who?

The Urgency of the Gospel Acts 9:19-22

2013-10-28T08:40:00.001-07:00

Oh Church where is your passion?

Oh Christian where is your burden for the lost?

Has the gospel lost its wonder?

Has the cross lost its offence?

Has your faith become vain?

Does your heart still break for the lost?

Oh Church where is your fire?

Oh Christian what shapes your life?

Has your love grown cold?

Does the Holy Spirit reside in your life?

Why do you come to this place?

Does your faith in God and love for God drive your week?

Heaven is real and hell is real. each are only a breath away!

“We see the storm clouds gathering and events taking place that herald the second coming of Jesus Christ.” “Events are moving rapidly toward some sort of climax.” ~ Billy Graham

That fact should give us a new urgency. We should have an urgency for the lost. An urgency for our lost friends and family members. Does it? Does our faith motivate us to live any different? When was the last time you honestly shared your faith with anyone? When did you stop and ask someone about their faith and ask them about Jesus? How important is the gospel to you? Does it permeate every fabric of your being? If it truly did you would share it every day. You would devout your entire life to it. It would absorb your attention, time and heart.

May I say, that the number one thing lacking in church today is that urgency. I don't see a hunger for the gospel. I don't see a overwhelming burden for the lost. I don't see hearts ablaze in response to the love of God. I don't see an urgency to live differently.

Rather I see "Christians" file into static buildings week after week, singing the same songs their grandparents sang, listening to the same old messages. Its almost as if many come in and check out and refuse to hear anything from God. How often do you see people crowd the altars? How often do you see people make decisions during a service? How many times has the decision been made prior to ever coming. Has church indeed become a vain formality?

It does not have to be that way. I I pray that for you it isn't. But the more pastors and church leaders I speak to the stronger and darker this trend is becoming. It was not always this way. Take for instance the case of Saul, ruthless persecutor turned preacher. After receiving the truth, accepting the fact of his sinfulness, repenting of his former ways, and believing on Jesus, and baptism IMMEDIATELY began sharing the faith. He was telling everyone of the hope he found. He shared the hope of Jesus, the hope of eternal life in heaven and freedom from sin, death, the law and hell to everyone. He did so without fear of rejection, abandonment, or loss of his life or reputations.

What about you? Do you have an urgency for the gospel? What stops you?
I challenge you today to declare your faith. Shout it out from the rooftops! Is God living in you? If so live that truth out! Live with an urgency!

Alternate Visions

2013-10-21T10:29:00.001-07:00

Then there was two. For centuries one religion had dominated the synagogues of Jerusalem.

Judaism was the way of the people. Other movements had risen up and fallen over the centuries. Nothing much came of these cultish groups. Christianity was different. It became evident that the Disciples of Christ, known as the people of the Way would not be silenced or die out on their own. Action would be required to suppress this new movement. Immediate action!

It became readily apparent that the Jewish leaders and the Apostles had radically alternate visions for the future. Conversely, they had great disagreements as to the interpretations of scripture. Keeping pace with their differences, Jewish leaders met and voted about what they ought to do, the Apostles met and prayed. The Jewish leadership had a meeting appointed Saul to “resolve” the issue of the Christians.

Saul latter know as Paul becomes the focal point of the remainder of the book of Acts. In chapter 9 we are shown a beautiful picture of God’s power to forgive, restore, and redeem fallen man. God works in marvelous ways and Saul is a shining example of that. This chapter is a brief character study of Saul. In this chapter Luke accounts Saul’s conversion from being an outrageous persecutor of the gospel of Christ to be an illustrious professor and preacher of it.

Several themes emerge from this passage

I. Saul’s Depravity and self-deception

Saul was breathing threats and murder against the church. He was a blasphemer. Prior to experiencing God he was a man full of hatred, rage, and bitterness. Perhaps the worst thing of it all was he justified his outlandish behavior by claiming it was done in the name of God and religion. Later in life Paul writes to Timothy

Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief. ~1 Timothy 1:13

Saul acted as the one who controlled him. All those not in a relationship with Jesus Christ and have submitted themselves to Christ’s Lordship are under the oppression of Satan. Satan our adversary has been given dominion over the earth and all those who choose to live separate from God. Satan possesses all those who are not part of the household of God. It is no surprise that the children of Satan imitate the ways of their father.

Saul was acting like viscous cobra. Like the crafty serpent, Satan. Matthew Henry compares Saul’s actions to that of a venous creature.

“ He(Saul) breathed death to the Christians, wherever he came; he puffed at them in his pride (Ps. 12:4, 5), spit his venom at them in his rage. Saul yet breathing thus intimates, (1.) That he still persisted in it; not satisfied with the blood of those he had slain, he still cries, Give, give. (2.) That he should shortly be of another mine; as yet he breathes out threatening and slaughter, but he has not long to live such a life as this, that breath will be stopped shortly.”

He was cruel, ruthless, and arrogant. He pursued the church like a wild animal. Saul was a force to be reckoned with. He destroyed families. He had no regard for the like of those he persecuted. There is no doubt in my mind that he was controlled and used as a pawn of Satan, seeking to destroy the coming kingdom. He sought to devour the church and scare them out of following Christ. The reason for the persecution of Christians is that they posed the same threat as Christ: freedom from sin and oppression.

Now Saul was a religious man; however he was religiously wrong. We must be careful that we don’t fall victim to the same trap! Let us be careful that in our pursuits we don’t become religiously wrong. He was a Hebrew of Hebrews, a Jew of Jews. He understood the Jewish religion better than anyone! He felt fully justified in killing those who opposed him in the name of GOD. Similarly we mow people down in the name of the church. We put up a knock out drag out fight in defense of our “rules” and traditions; yet like Saul we can be religiously wrong. Caution and reflection is needed so that we too do not become deceived and fall into the same trap as Saul.

II. God’s Sovereign Calling of Sinners

The joy of this passage is not Saul, nor of his radical conversion. Rather it is upon the sovereignty and grace of God calling sinful men like Saul to himself. What a beautiful picture it is that Jesus would call Saul to him and offer forgiveness and grace to the man who sought to destroy Christ’s followers.

Saul’s sudden revelation of God’s power of sovereignty is reflected in his writing to the Romans when he says

“While we were yet sinners Christ died for us.”

While he was living in sin and on his way to cause future havoc God showed up. In the midst of our wickedness God is there to call us home. Like a father who catches us red-handed. God is there, asking us that question that sends shills up your spine, “what are you doing?” Sin will be found out and God calls sinners to salvation. What an amazing commentary on God unfailing love.

Another point of interest is Saul’s humiliation. Saul was the man. He was the guy that had it all together. No one dared to cross him because he would kill you with his bare hands. He was a tough, rough, nasty man. Nothing stood in his way. He was brazen, and full of hate.

Imagine this young big shot riding into town on his high horse, thinking of himself to be something great knocked of his horse by a beam of light. One moment he is riding tall dreaming of all the people who would run in fear at seeing him roll into town to kill of the Christian pests that have infested the area. He was a gladiator, an exterminator. He certainly imagined the fame and the monuments that would be erected in his honor in Jerusalem for eradicating the people of the way.

God has a way of bringing down the proud. It is a time tested fact that God has the power to bring kings and kingdoms to their knees. He has done it from the very beginning and will continue till the end of this present age. God is the only one great and the only thing that is good in us. God exalts the humble and brings down the proud.

Saul did not know who or what had caused him to become completely defeated but he knew that this power was stronger than him. He responded to this mysterious voice saying:

“Who are You, Lord?”

Jesus meets sinners where they are at and call them to repentance. Saul was left with little choice at this point. He could have chosen to ignore Gods command, He could have cursed God; however, at this point blind humiliated and helpless he realized his only hope of regain his sight would be to follow Christ. How true is this of our conversion? God found us even when we did not seek Him

III. Saul’s Radical Change.

Saul made a complete turnaround. We are told that something like scales fell from his eyes and his eyes were opened. Later Paul would write to the Corinthians telling them that those who are carnal cannot understand or perceive spiritual truths. Until the scales fall off our eyes we cannot receive the truth. The Holy Spirit is the one who enables us to receive the truth of Jesus sacrifice and the unfailing love of the Father. Until that point in which a person encounters God and the transforming power of the Holy Spirit the will not be motivated to repentance.

At the moment a person surrenders to the power of the Holy Spirit’s conviction and commits to following Christ and submitting to his Leadership in their life there are indwelled with power and given unique spiritual authority.

Salvation and God’s redemptive work makes a holistic change in an individual’s life. Saul could not contain himself and began immediately sharing with people the truth and relating his experiences

What impact has God’s redemptive work made on your life?

Is there evidence of the indwelling of the Holy Spirit in your life?

I pray that your life is controlled by the Spirit of God and that you may go out into this dark world and see the scales fall of the eyes of the lost.

God gives us your eyes!

Swimming with Gators

2013-10-20T05:51:00.001-07:00

Houston we have a problem...

There is an unwelcomed visitor in the pond. Imagine the shock to find a live gator swimming in your pool in your back yard. He has made his way through the fence, past the dog, through your house and into your pool. All without you noticing. Now this deadly gator has taken up residence in your swimming pool.

Imagine that you decided to simply ignore the threat of being eaten alive and choose to go swim anyway. What would compel someone to go swim with the gator? I'd say that there are only a few things: 1 the person is either blind and cannot see the danger, is drunk too delusional or out of it to think straight, or is a Scientologist and has willed the gator out of existence. No matter their reasoning anyone would call them into questioning. There is a serious problem with swimming with gators.

I once heard a story of a man from Florida. Outside of his home he had a pond full of gators. For years he had swam in that pond and never been attacked. Many people had warned him not to swim in that pond he did not heed their warning. one day after drinking a little too much dove into the pond for a swim; however, that swim was his last. He played roulette with the gators and this time the gators devoured him.

As individuals we have a problem. Worse than swimming with gators that can destroy the body; our problem is sin. Unchecked sin in our Christian walk will lead to failure. Mankind is fallen and depraved. If we allow our desires and sin to go unchecked it well devour us like a gator.

"The heart of man is wicked and deceitful above all things and who can know it?" (Jer 17:9).

We as mankind fall victim to our self-righteousness, sin fullness, and deceive ourselves. We think of ourself as something great, standing proud in the presence of the almighty. Yet we are wrong. Simeon the sorcerer thought of himself as righteous. He professed the name of Jesus, walked the isle, said the prayer, got dunked, and even joined the small group. But his heart was far from God.

Simeon professed Christ; however, he did so under a false pretense. His "belief" was not rooted in sincere faith and repentance, rather in self preservation and glorification.

"Though thou professest to believe, and art baptized, yet thou art not sincere.' We are as our hearts are; if they be not right, we are wrong; and they are open in the sight of God, who knows them, judges them, and judges of us by them. Our hearts are that which they are in the sight of God, who cannot be deceived" (Matthew Henery).

Peter proceeded to tell Simeon that he was in the "Gall of bitterness." Gall is used in the bible to refer to a deadly toxin, poison, or venom. Sin is abominable to God. It is like a deadly toxin.
James speaks of this in his Epistle. He warns believers to not be deceived by the intoxicating nature of sin.

14 But each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust. 15 Then when lust has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and when sin is accomplished, it brings forth death. 16 Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren.

Simeon was in a bad place. He was afflicted by his sin. He was swimming in a pool of self deception. He had bought his own lie. Simeon was like the man who talked himself into swimming in an alligator infested pond saying to himself.

"Safety is a mindset, if I tell myself I am safe than safe I am"

What he failed to understand is that the alligators in the pond didn't have the same mindset. If your swimming with alligators it doesn't matter how safe you think you are or claim to be your not safe at all.

In our christian walk many are treating their faith like the man swimming with alligators. We pretend as if our sins are secret, like the alligators are not their. We deceive ourselves. Be careful of the predators you have allowed into your own pool. Don't let sin go unchecked in your walk. Don't be decieved by your lusts. Stand ground against the flesh and after you have done everything to stand in Christ.

Backroad Gospel

2013-10-15T10:40:00.004-07:00

If they had newspaper during the 1^st century here is what the headlines would probably be.

(Interesting how some of the headlines would parallel current events. DISCLAIMER: no correlation is intended between any biblical characters and political leaders.)

Gaza Street Post

“Hometown hero executed for subversion”
“Followers carry on his work facing similar accusations and fate”

The Walling Wall Post:

“Radical leaders stir up Chaos in Capitol City”

Pharisitico:

“Conservative group labeled terrorists amid internal conflict”

NT Times:

“Government officials attempt to control rise of upstart movement”

The Daily Jew:

“Man tried for treason and inciting rebellion in the Capitol”

Jerusalem Today

“Violence erupts between leaders over nation’s future”

The Galilean

“Tomb of executed leader empty after three days despite being guarded”

The Star:

“Recent events in Capitol cause deep divide among citizens and leaders alike.”

Jordan Gazette:

“Founding Fathers warned of current crisis in Capitol City”
Founders wrote documents which hold keys to averting further national issues and pending civil unrest.

News spreads quick and even faster in a small town. I have always joked about living in a small town where if you sneeze at one end of the town someone at the other end would say excuse me. I remember when I was called to be the preacher at a small town. Everyone in the town knew before I did. The attendant at the gas station knew more about what was going outside of my house than I did. If you wanted to find out anything one simply needs to walk through the gas station. There is the start of the town rumor mill. This is the case in many small towns. News spreads quick.

When my wife and I first found out we were expecting a child, nothing could contain my excitement. Everyone we met I shared that we were expecting. I remember walking through the grocery store, so overwhelmed with joy when asked by those passing by how I was doing I’d respond by saying great were having a baby. I told everyone the best news I had heard. It was some of the best news I had ever heard. It ranked up there with my wife saying yes to marrying me, and the day I heard the good news of Jesus Christ. It’s not hard to spread news we are passionate about.

The news about the gospel is simple. Jesus said that unless we repent of our sinfulness and follow him we will not have eternal life (Luke 13:50. Before Jesus, John the Baptist called the Jewish people to repentance. He told tax collectors to collect no more than they were required to, soldiers to be content with their wage and not forcible take what is not theirs. He was calling them to give up their former ways and follow God. Jesus message was simple, follow me in life, love, trial, even to the point of death, and knowing that we will follow him to heaven if we commit to him.

Peter and the rest of the Christ’s followers echoed the same message. Repent of your sins and follow Christ through life, death, and the grave. It was for this reason that Peter said in Acts 2:38, “Repent, (Notice the comma: important because it breaks up the two commands) and be baptized for (Greek word “eis” meaning “in view” or “because”) of the remission of your sins.” Following Christ is about giving up our former way of doing life and embracing a new life. It’s all about repentance. As a result of our repentance and in view of Christ sacrifice on Calvary and the forgiveness of our sins we follow Christ and one of those first steps is baptism. Jesus’s love and atonement is the good news.

Our world is in desperate need of some good news! With all the strife and filth going through the mainstream media it’s time for real good news. When it comes to sharing what we are passionate about, the world is our audience and our message is simple. We have no trouble sharing about our kids sporting accomplishments, battle scars, medical problems, accomplishments and achievements, and our feelings when they become violated. Why then do so many struggle to share their faith?

May I say, if you struggle to share your faith than it’s not something you are as passionate about as the other things in your life. You will share the things your most passionate about. If it comes easier to share about your health than the gospel you are simple more confident and passionate about those things. If it is easier to share about your kids accomplishments than the gospel perhaps they have become an idol. Jesus said you must love me more than these.

In Acts 8 we see

· The apostles proclaimed Jesus everywhere they went. As they were traveling they preached in many villages along their way.

· Phillip followed God wherever He led, God led him away from something that was very profitable and exciting to chase down a chariot.

· God draws people to Himself. God drew the Ethiopian Eunuch to a relationship with Him.

· How can anyone believe unless they hear how can they hear if there is no one to teach them? (Roman 10:14)

· God blesses and empowers his witnesses. Phillip was able to chase down the chariot, open his mouth with no prep (God’s word was on his heart) and then was snatched up and carried more than 100 miles away when his work was done.

This is such an amazing story of Gods sovereign power and love for mankind. Empty religion could not satisfy the longing of this man. He was not accepted by the self-righteous but God sent a man running after him to tell him he was loved.

God is running after you today and has a mission for you will you accept it?

God is asking you to share His GOOD news and promises to carry us to where we are needed

The big question:

Are we willing and open to God?