Dr. Jeff Baxter

How To Go Fishing in the World? (Part 7)

noreply@blogger.com (Sacred Outfitter) — Thu, 10 May 2018 13:00:00 +0000

Let's go on a journey having a conversation about water streams and the local church. Here is another post one of many. Feel free to explore all of them and leave comments below. Blessings along the way as you follow Jesus.

“As Jesus was walking by the Sea of Galilee, He saw two brothers,

Simon who was called Peter, and Andrew his brother,

casting a net into the sea; for they were fishermen.”

-Matthew 4:18

For two decades I had driven by this unique stream running right next to the road under a trestle bridge for trains, but never paid much attention to it. It's a great spot for trout fishing. Originating in springs of nearby farmland with outlets into small lakes, the stream flows in a westerly direction and eventually empties into a river in Western Michigan.

In 1989, there were hundreds of fish that mysteriously died in the stream. As a result, Michigan conducted a biological survey of the surrounding area. They discovered a chemical contamination which caused the fish kill. Michigan wildlife representatives desperately wanted to restore this stream to its previous condition of producing wonderful trout to catch. It took four years to bring the trout population back to health.

Some who care deeply about streams being restored have said, "You can usually assess the condition of a stream by what lives in it." The health of a stream can be determined by the number of fish present. Like streams, healthy churches produce environments where people far away from God can be caught with the Gospel. Some churches have had wonderful days of outreach inside and outside the church, but are now stagnant or in decline because they are not fishing for people with love and grace.

Fishing With Confidence

Jesus told his disciples to go fishing. "'Come, follow me,' Jesus said, 'and I will send you out to fish for people'" (Matthew 4:19). Being a follower of Jesus involves intentionally fishing for people. Often times we don't want to go fishing because we are fearful of what might happen. In a stream, undertow might take us down, we might have the wrong bait. We don't think we have the right tackle in our fishing boxes, so we are paralyzed.

The church needs to put it all in perspective by equipping it’s people.

First, as followers of Jesus making up the local church, we have God’s power. Paul said, “I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile" (Romans 1:16). The power is in the story of Jesus. Second, God has promised to go with us by his Holy Spirit when we share the Gospel. Matthew reminds us, “And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (Matthew 28:20). God is always with us. Third, God will provide everything we need in a relationship with someone far from God. Mark said, “Whenever you are arrested and brought to trial, do not worry beforehand about what to say. Just say whatever is given you at the time, for it is not you speaking, but the Holy Spirit" (Mark 13:11). Finally, I am amazed by this truth. When we go fishing for people, Paul reminds us, “To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory" (Colossians 1:27). The mystery of the Jesus story has been made known now and he lives inside of followers of Jesus.

Our tackle box is full of all we need to catch many people who are far away from God, but there are some challenges.

Overcoming the Challenges

Streams can lack fish because of chemical pollution, reduced stream flow or excess sediment in the stream. Like streams have challenges, so do churches. As we face the obstacles in front of us, we must understand God wants to take the ingrown local church and turn her back to Jesus’ mission of seeking and saving the lost (Luke 15). Jesus wants to turn what seems like difficult fishing in chaotic water to life-giving order and peace. When a person believes in Jesus, they move from death to rebirth (John 3). These are themes from the Hebrew Scriptures and also centered in the Gospels. Remember, Jesus began his ministry by stepping into the Jordan River to be baptized (Matthew 3:13–17). We see Jesus’ humanity in his self-immersion into the waters of baptism. We also see his divinity as he shows that he too can control water. Jesus quieted a chaotic storm (Mark 4:35–41), walked on water (Matthew 14:22–33), and turned water into wine (John 2:1–11). Taking the water (a reminder of God’s first covenant with the creation in Genesis) and turning it into wine (a symbol of the blood of the new covenant), Jesus said, “If you are thirsty come to me and drink! Have faith in me, and you will have life-giving water flowing from deep inside you, just as the Scriptures say” (John 7:37–39). Just as Christ transformed water into wine, through the cross he transformed his lifeblood into cleansing, redemptive and living water. Jesus wants to do the same partnering with the local church to catch people for transformation. Being a fisher of men is a natural overflow of being a follower of Jesus.

The Life Giving Gospel

It takes good lures and bait to catch fish in streams. The fly fisherman needs to research the stream and tie the correct flies to reach the target fish. For individuals and churches, we only have one bait and it is the Gospel, although it can be presented and “tied” a variety of ways to reach changing culture. It simply starts with building authentic, loving and compassionate relationships with those far from God.

The Gospel bait we are fishing with is "good news of victory." It comes from the Greek word εύαγγέλιον (pronounced eevongeleon). This is where we get the word evangelism or evangelical. This is the good news of Jesus coming to earth, living a perfect life, dying in our place on the cross for the forgiveness of our sins and rising from the tomb back to life. Mark gives us a good one verse definition of the gospel bait saying, "For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many" (Mark 10:45). Paul gives his summary of the gospel to the Corinthian church saying, “For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received; that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day, in accordance with the Scriptures, and that he appeared” (1 Corinthians 15:3-5). This bait is packed full of God’s saving grace. For the beautiful church, this is the only effective bait to use.

A Variety of Fish

In streams there are all kinds of fish. There are Common Shiner, Brook Trout, Brown Trout, Creek Chub, Fallfish, Eastern Blacknose Dace, Bluntnose Shiner and Golden Shiner to name a few. Inside and outside the local church there are all different kinds of people far from God that require different fishing techniques to catch them with the Gospel and equip them to live for Jesus.

Have you noticed that Jesus says some uncomfortable and awkward things in public? If your friend said these words, you might not be friends anymore. Being full of grace and Truth, Jesus could not hold back. He had just finished sharing about the Jews family line connected to Abraham, their father. Now he turns to those who have not accepted his message of salvation.

Jesus, in a few sentences gives the description of a broken person far from God. First, the people we are investing in catching has no heart for God. Jesus explains, "Jesus said to them, 'If God were your Father, you would love me, for I came from God and now am here. I have not come on my own; but he sent me" (John 8:42). These people's hearts were not for the Father and thus, not for loving the Son. They are missing the relationship standing in front of them. And so the fish the church is trying to catch have no heart for God with blinders on. They are being tricked into thinking God is a myth or crutch and they would rather be their own god. Second, the people we are going after have no hearing. Jesus continues, "Why is my language not clear to you? Because you are unable to hear what I say" (vs.43). These people need their ears cleaned out. They think Jesus' words are confusing so they don't understand who he really is. Finally, the people we are pursuing have no hunger for God. Jesus digs deeper saying, "You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father's desire. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies" (John 8:44). Amazing! Jesus is saying these people being far from God are connected to the Devil's lies. They have no hunger for the good news because they are in the devil's family tree. Jesus ends by saying, "Yet, because I tell the truth, why don't you believe me!" (John 8:45).

When we go fishing for people, we need to understand who we are investing in. They don't have a heart for God, can't seem to hear the truth and have no hunger for the Gospel. They might be from different social economic backgrounds and various ethnicities. The church needs to take seriously again investing in relationships those who are far from God and invite them to hear the good news and connect to the church.

Styles of Fishing

Have you ever watched an experienced fisherman? Every fisherman has a different technique. Some prefer rod and reel. Others like deep sea fishing for the big one. Some like fly fishing in a stream. God has uniquely designed every follower of Jesus to fish in their evangelism style. Here are a few fishing styles connected to their personalities and spiritual giftedness.

First, God has designed some in the local church to be more confrontational in their approach. They do not tend to like small talk, but would rather get to the point. These kinds of people like to debate with people and try to persuade them to follow after Jesus. Sometimes they point people to Jesus in the conversation asking about spiritual topics. They are bold and like to take larger risks for the sake of the Gospel. Peter is a good example in Acts 2.

The second way some fish for people is an intellectual approach to casting the line. These people like biblical issues of theology, defending the Gospel and share why they believe in a logical, step-by-step manner. They might like to read about theology and like preparing themselves for any conversation about a biblical topic. These people are probably "thinkers" more than" feelers." Paul is a good example in Acts 17.

Third, another approach is using your story of when you came to believe in Jesus in order to help others come to know Jesus. These people love to share their spiritual story. They often tell stories about their personal experiences with God in order to illustrate a point about God. The story of the blind man in John 9 is a good example.

Fourth, others are very interpersonal and relational in their approach to sharing about Jesus. They love to talk to people and build relationships overtime. It is easy for this person to develop new relationships. They might invite someone to coffee or to their home for tea at their home in order to talk about spiritual things. Matthew demonstrated an interpersonal approach in Luke 5.

Fifth, another kind of person approaches sharing the Gospel through acts of kindness and serving others. These people love using their hands to make things and serving others. These people easy see the needs of others and try to help meet those needs. They hope through their actions, a person is persuaded to follow Jesus. Dorcas loved to serve to share the Gospel in Acts 9.

Sixth, others love to invite people to places where the good news is going to be shared. They want people to hear another person share about Jesus at a church service, a Christian event, book club or a block party. They naturally invest and invite people to spiritual and thought provoking events. The Samaritan women is a good example of invitation. After hearing and believing in Jesus, she ran into her town to invite others to come meet Jesus at the well in John 4.

Our God is very creative with individuals and local churches. He uses the same timeless message of Jesus' life, death and resurrection, but by all means necessary to reach people with the good news.

As the local church moves towards beauty, going fishing for people is essential. Everyone in the church should start by praying those far away from God would come close. Paul wrote what was on the heart of God, "First of all, then, I urge that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone, for kings and all those who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. This is good and it pleases God our Savior, who wants everyone to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth" (1 Timothy 2:1-4). In addition to prayer, every congregation should be equipped to share this glorious news with the world around them.

Traveling Further Down the Stream

What is your story of coming to know Jesus as your Savior?
What comes to mind when you hear the word “Gospel”?
What fears do you have about talking with others about spiritual things?
How many friends do you have who are far away from God?
How can you start building relationship with them, just to get to know their hobbies, family, friendships, and place of work?
Have you discovered your style of fishing for people? Take some time to pray, ask others and live in that style.
Who can you start praying for today asking God to open up doors for spiritual conversations?

Excerpt from the book From Broken to Beautiful: What Repairing Streams Has Taught Me About Healing The Church. If you would like a copy, you can order HERE.

Endorsements:

As church leaders, we often know our churches need healing, but we don't always know how to get there. From unique life and professional experience, Jeff draws refreshing perspective and conversation from timeless truths in scripture on how healing in the local church is not only necessary but possible.

-Carey Nieuwhof

Founding Pastor, Connexus Church, Leadership Podcast

The church in Galatia turned to a false gospel. The church in Ephesus abandoned its first love. The church in Corinth was known for its jealousy and quarreling. The church never has been and never will be perfect. Nonetheless, the church is God’s means of grace to an all-too- often graceless world. Dr. Jeff Baxter has experienced the church in
its grace and as a disgrace. He has lived with its pains and pleasures. While he has found the institution of the church to be battered and broken, he takes solace in the church as the beautiful bride of Christ. In From Broken to Beautiful, Baxter pulls back the bride’s veil, exposing the warts and blemishes that we all know she has, not to shame her, but to help us love her for who she is, not what we imagine her to be only in our dreams.

-Dr. Kyle Greenwood
Old Testament Faculty Colorado Christian University

From Broken to Beautiful is a book that is badly needed. The church gets a bad rap today; often it is justified. But Dr. Baxter has written something that needs to be taken to heart for anyone who has seen the church at its worst, especially those who have been “burned” by the church, the Bride of Christ. There is no one better qualified to write this book, since he if anyone has every reason to give up on the church. But Dr. Baxter charts a way through the brokenness of the church to restore your confidence in what God is doing in this world through his people, the Bride of Christ. This is a must read for anyone who needs to have their faith in the church restored and renewed.

-Dr. David Mathewson
New Testament Faculty Denver Seminary

What do you think?

Prevent Erosion (Part 6)

noreply@blogger.com (Sacred Outfitter) — Mon, 07 May 2018 18:34:00 +0000

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.

He makes me lie down in green pastures.

He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul.

-Psalm 23:1

It was a good day to explore another stream. The sun was shining brilliantly in the Colorado sky as I made my way back into the valley of the first foothill of the Rocky Mountains. I parked my car and walked into the open space below. I heard the hypnotizing sound of the stream before I saw it, as blackbirds were flying in and out of the branches of the cottonwood trees next to the stream. I noticed the banks of the stream were ten feet high and had eroded due to the stream’s movement and the lack of vegetation on her shores.

Erosion is a dangerous and subtle process. Coming from the Latin word meaning, “to wear away or gnaw off”, stream erosion is the process by which a stream is gradually destroyed due to soil falling in the water. Erosion can be caused by natural elements such as wind, rain or ice melt, but also human activity. In many instances, erosion is not detected until it has already done its harm. The stream I observed was no longer flowing. It was not doing what it was created to do, but I knew it could be beautiful again if the erosion was stopped.

What is Spiritual Erosion?

Like stream erosion in nature, spiritual erosion can happen in the local church. The spiritual erosion of a local church is a gradual weakening of the church resulting from insufficient support. The Bible, the Cross and the Community form a root system of our faith, keeping everything together; but when that root system is weakened, much of our faith begins to slide away. We disintegrate through lack of forgiveness, lack of honesty, lack of compassion and overall hopelessness. When these corporate and individual elements of erosion occur, the church becomes broken in need of restoration.

Dangers of Church Erosion

The danger of erosion in the church is real. It is the difference between life that Jesus brings and spiritual death. If we are not careful and heed the warnings of eroding banks, the local church is sure to be unhealthy and ineffective for the Kingdom. Here are three danger signs of an eroding church.

First, some churches have lost their way disconnecting themselves from the stream banks of 2,000 years of church history. We can forget our original stream head location. Our Christian faith is not new, but very old. It winds back to God’s redemptive plan throughout the Old Testament into the New Testament and forward. The Church Fathers took this faith flow forward. It would be carried on by many faithful followers of Jesus throughout church history all the way to modern times. The creed associated with the Apostles known as the Apostles Creed dating back to 140 A.D. is the historical foundation of our Christian faith. It reads:

I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, And in Jesus Christ his only Son our Lord, Who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, Born of the Virgin Mary, Suffered under Pontius Pilate, Was crucified, dead, and buried. He descended into hell; The third day He rose again from the dead; He ascended into heaven, And sits on the right hand of God the Father Almighty; From thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the Holy Ghost; The Holy catholic Church, the Communion of Saints; The Forgiveness of sins; The Resurrection of the body, And the Life everlasting. Amen.

Some local churches are eroding because they have forgotten where the stream started and are not holding onto orthodox Christianity. This is very dangerous.

Second, some local churches have allowed their biblical purpose to erode overtime. I spoke about every local church’s mission in detail in the last chapter, but let me remind you briefly. It is called the Great Commission found in Matthew 28:18-20 which reads:

Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

Jesus has called individual followers of Jesus and the local church to not lose her mission to share the life, death and resurrection with others and help them grow in their faith. When the local church forgets her purpose, the stream runs aimlessly.

Third, some local churches are discouraged and busy with little to no vision for the future. Erosion has caused the stream’s future to become very muddy. The preferred future of the local church is nowhere to be seen. This is the responsibility of the leadership to prayerfully plot the direction of the local church toward a biblical future. When there is no biblical vision for each local church, people abandon restraint and go their own way (Proverbs 29:18). This causes eroding in the body of Christ. I have talked about vision in the previous chapter.

The past, present and future are impacted by eroding local churches.

Causes of Erosion and Helpful Repairs

There are many causes of erosion for streams and the local church, but with hard work we can begin to restore and repair the fall off of broken banks.

First, one of the most obvious ways erosion affects streams is the deterioration of the stream bank. Factors like wind, rain and high water volume can cause the erosion of the land at the edge of the stream banks. This impacts the health of the stream moving forward. In the local church, when historic orthodox Christianity is not held and emphasized, it causes the church to erode.

We begin to repair and prevent the erosion when the essentials of orthodox Christianity is taught in the local church and lived by individual members (2 Timothy 4:3; James 2:14-26). Like machinery is brought in to sheer up the banks of the stream, we must be sure we have our essentials of Christian doctrine in place to stop erosion and we must equip the body of Christ. Here are a few Christian hallmarks of our faith. Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God (John 3:18, 36; 6:35, 40, 47, 53-58; 8:19, 24; 11:25-26; 12:48; 14:6; 15:23; 20:30-31; Galatians 3:7-8). We believe we must be born again by the Spirit of God to be saved from our sins. It is not by works (John 3:5; Colossians 1:15-23; Hebrews 2:4). The good news of the gospel is that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures, and he appeared to many witnesses (1 Corinthians 15:1-11). Jesus Christ was bodily resurrected and our bodies will be resurrected (1 Corinthians 15:12-19). God saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began, and which now has been manifested through the appearing of our Savior Jesus Christ, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel (2 Timothy 1:8-14). Erosion begins to stop when our teaching lines up with biblical doctrine. Some local churches have lost their way.

Second, in some areas near streams, native plants have been removed from the bank, leaving the soil very vulnerable to sudden or chronic erosion. Crumbling stream banks can be very dramatic and adversely affect structures built close to the bank. When the hallmarks of historical Christianity slip away, the church erodes. When the role of the Bible as our ultimate authority for living in obedience to Jesus is not our primary resource and focal point for living in holiness, erosion happens. If being salt and light in society is lost, the local church is eroding (Matthew 5:13-15). Being an ambassador and missionary in the world individually and collectively is a hallmark of Christianity (Acts 1:8; Matthew 28:18-20; 2 Corinthians 5:20) . Social activism is expected for Kingdom guided local churches. Doing kindness and standing up for justice are normal activities of a beautiful local church. If we remove making a difference in the world, we fail to keep the stream moving forward.

Third, erosion affects streams when sediment ends up in the stream. Gravity does its job, and dirt and other particles in a body of water sink to the bottom. Increased erosion near a stream can cause an increase of sediment in the water, which can be problematic to proper current flow and build up on the bottom of the stream. When individual sediment enters the church it impacts the whole body. It can show up in unforgiveness when people in the body of Christ hold grudges and hurt feelings against one another. Sediment slows down the flow of the church when compassion is absent. Jesus modeled and taught about authentic compassion. He came to help the hurting (Mark 2:17; Matthew 9:35-36). When individuals in the church do not live with humility, authenticity and lack appropriate transparency, it slows down the church becoming spiritually mature. Finally, when all of this builds up on the bottom of the church, hopelessness slows everything down. This requires us to lift up our eyes and see things from Christ’s perspective. Paul said, ”Don't shuffle along, eyes to the ground, absorbed with the things right in front of you. Look up, and be alert to what is going on around Christ...See things from his perspective" (Colossians 3:2). Hopeless erosion is gone when perspective is gained. The same happens for a beautiful local church.

Repairing Erosion

Repairing an eroding stream takes much time and effort from a dedicated team of people. The same is true when helping an eroding church. It starts with individual repair. When personal erosion surrounds your soul and you begin to see it happening in your local church, depend on the Good Shepherd. Remember what King David said, "The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet streams, he restores my soul" (Psalm 23:1-2). Be like a tree planted by a healthy stream when difficulty comes, it's roots are strong. "They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes..." (Jeremiah 17:10). Individual erosion impacts corporate erosion in the local church. When erosion is taken care of, beautiful things begin to take shape.

Traveling Further Down the Stream

Where do you see erosion in your local church?
Are you churches you have been part of teaching and training in sound orthodox Christian doctrine? Do you know the essentials of our faith?
Do you have a lack of forgiveness toward a person or a local church? What are your next steps to gain biblical restoration and healing?
How can you grow in your compassion for all people?
Do you find yourself evaluating the worship service at your church? How does this hinder your worship experience?
How does dishonesty impact your relationship with God and people? How can you grow in your honesty?

Excerpt from the book From Broken to Beautiful: What Repairing Streams Has Taught Me About Healing The Church. If you would like a copy, you can order HERE.

Endorsements:

-Carey Nieuwhof

Founding Pastor, Connexus Church, Leadership Podcast

What do you think?

Restore The Channel (Part 5)

noreply@blogger.com (Sacred Outfitter) — Mon, 30 Apr 2018 18:36:00 +0000

Let's go on a journey having a conversation about water streams and the local church. Here is another post of many. Feel free to explore all of them and leave comments below. Blessings along the way as you follow Jesus.

For this is what the Lord says: “Behold, I will extend peace to her like a river,

and the glory of the nations like an overflowing stream…”

-Isaiah 66:12

There is a channel that winds back and forth next to the mountain road in the tiny town of Morrison, Colorado. A channel is the path where water and soil flow along the banks. The channel is constantly adjusting to changes in streamflow, sediment load, stream slope and vegetation. Narrow streams can be focused, but if the water velocity is too high it causes erosion; conversely, wider streams can bring slower moving water, but also flood damage to the surrounding land. With help, stream channels can be restored, bringing productivity and health.

Adjusting the Channel

Streams evolve in response to climatic and geologic processes, much like churches adjust to changing culture. Streams are constantly working toward a natural balance called dynamic equilibrium. Without adjustments, churches can lose their dynamic equilibrium, also. Whether it comes to working on the channel of a stream or local church, active work is necessary. God’s desire is for the local church to love like Jesus, the author and perfecter of her faith (Hebrews 12:1-2). The local church was given her original mission, but overtime her channel has become broken.

Mission: The Purpose of the Channel

The purpose of the channel is to carry water to the surrounding areas, thereby bringing health. The same is true for the local church. The local church channel needs to be guided toward her God-given mission. Her mission can be found at the end of Matthew’s gospel and the beginning of Luke’s words in the Book of Acts (Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 1:8). We are to go and make followers of Jesus of the nations starting local and going global. This is what causes the channel of the church to bring health to the world.

What comes to mind when you read about our mission to go make followers of Jesus throughout the world? Maybe you have heard these verses, but are they being put into practice in the context of your local church? Maybe it makes you think of missionaries in Africa sharing the story of Jesus or a pastor being called into full time vocational ministry. Matthew and Luke’s words are a great commission for all of us, not just the paid professional. Jesus' intent in giving these words to his followers on the mountain moments before he ascended into heaven was to give them a collective purpose for living. When you read the rest of the New Testament, the church launched and people's arms were locked in humble service and obedient action no matter the cost. Simply put, the mission of the church is to make followers of Jesus who are maturing in their faith who are making more followers of Jesus.

Like stream channels adjust to sediment load, changes in streamflow, stream slope and vegetation on the banks, churches need to focus on the mission and adjust their methods to reach a changing culture with the Gospel of Jesus.

Vision: Where the Channel is Heading

The channel has a destination. It might be flowing into a lake or ocean. Maybe it ends in a city, but it has a preferred future. This is like the vision of the local church. A significant way to restore the channel of the local church to health is to prayerfully develop a compelling vision to reach the community for Christ. Does the local church have strong trees on the banks of the stream holding the soil together? These are her mature leaders keeping the channel focused. What is the vision of the future city your local church is traveling to? Is it based on the Biblical mission of making followers of Jesus? God created the local church to fulfill this vision in a specific way for each local church and her community.

Vision for the direction of the channel starts with God speaking to individuals and moves in communication to the whole church. Abraham would receive instructions from the Lord and become a blessing to the whole world. Moses would lead the people to freedom and promise. King David would oversee the Kingdom under the submission of the King of Kings. Peter would be called to build Christ's church. Paul would be given a vision from God to expand the Kingdom to the Gentiles. A compelling, focused and God-sized vision will always be connected to reaching more people for Christ bringing health to the community.

Values: The Banks of the Channel

Stream channels can be stabilized with mountain slopes, stacked stone, added boulders, concreting blocks or proper vegetation across the banks. When the forward moving vision is clear and the mission is to make followers of Jesus, local churches should develop stacked stones or use mountain slopes to keep the water moving down the stream channel. Those downward slopes in the local church are her values. Values guide the flow of the stream channel toward the preferred future vision. Local churches without shared values are like a broken stream flooding, eroding and damaging the land around her. These values, keep us moving forward with health. It creates a stream channel that functions as it was intended to bring health to the surrounding area.

Maturity and Health: The Goal of the Channel

The goal of restoring streams is clear. "To return, as far as possble, the vegetation, structure, hydrology and water quality of the original streams.” The same is true of local churches. God wants his local churches to be as close to the original plan he gave us in the biblical scriptures as possible. Luke would share what the first church looked like fulfilling the commission to make followers of Jesus.

“They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved. (Acts 2:42-47).

They taught about Jesus, fellowshipped in community, had meals including the Lord’s Supper together and prayed seeking the Father in heaven. God was doing miracles in their midst as they lived in love with sacrificial giving. In the end, people were being saved to follow Jesus. This requires us to make adjustments to the channel of the church so she is growing in maturity and health.

Many channels have become too narrow and need widening. They need lateral migration to widen their banks to bring beauty back to the stream. Some churches are rightfully focused on accomplishing discipleship on paper, but they skip steps in the journey becoming too narrow in their methods. Being a mature follower of Jesus is not a quick and narrow process. It takes time. It is messy. Jesus invested his life into twelve unqualified and undesired men over three years and even then, they did not fully realize Jesus’ purpose until after his resurrection. In this case, widening the channel of the local church with a broader view of discipleship is needed.

Still other channels are too wide and need to become narrower. Streams which are too wide can flood the surrounding land. They need to be brought under control with secured banks, rock walls, mountain slopes or healthy vegetation. Many unhealthy local churches have allowed their banks to spread too wide with too many visions, programs, events and activities. This causes resources and volunteers to be stretched too thin. In this local church, shared values are nonexistent and eroding.

With spiritual health in mind, local church channels need to strive for maturity as the Apostle Paul describes, “So that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ…” (Ephesians 4:14-15). When the channel is focused, people are not “tossed back and forth,” but growing toward maturity in Christ. Paul’s prayer should be our prayer. “And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ, filled with the future of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ - to glory and praise of God” (Philippians 1:9-11). The local church and her leadership must focus on the goal of the channel helping people become pure and blameless looking forward to the return of Christ.

As church channels become beautiful, healthy and mature, we are reminded of her original definition. The Greek word that is translated as “church” in the Bible is ekklesia. This word means “an assembly of called-out ones.” The church is composed of those who are called by God not only outwardly but inwardly by the Holy Spirit. Jesus is always calling us to a greater vision. Every local church is a group of "called out ones" with the purpose of advancing the Kingdom of God on earth, like a stream channel moving forward.

Anglican clergyman Christopher J. H. Wright shares, "The Bible renders to us the story of God's mission through God's people in their engagement with God's world for the sake of the whole of God's creation." Beautiful churches restore broken channels with mission and head toward compelling visions by way of Biblical values.

Traveling Further Down the Stream

What are the dangers of being too narrow or wide as a local church?
What is the vision of your local church?
How can your local church develop a compelling forward looking vision?
What are the values keeping your vision moving forward?
How is your local church making followers of Jesus?

Excerpt from the book From Broken to Beautiful: What Repairing Streams Has Taught Me About Healing The Church. If you would like a copy, you can order HERE.

Endorsements:

-Carey Nieuwhof

Founding Pastor, Connexus Church, Leadership Podcast

What do you think?

Streams of Life-Giving Prayer (Part 4)

noreply@blogger.com (Sacred Outfitter) — Fri, 27 Apr 2018 13:00:00 +0000

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy.

I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.”

-John 10:10

Sometimes streams need help to flow. Many streams are running dry. Each year, thousands of streams are stressed by low flows of water, especially in the summer, even when rainfall is normal. Low streamflows kill off large percentages of natural fish such as brook trout with a corresponding degradation of overall aquatic riverine habitat. Low streamflows cause the inability of some ocean fish to get upstream to lay their eggs preventing multiplication from taking place. The increase of water pollution occurs when the water levels are low.

Low streamflow jeopardizes churches, also.

Some individuals and churches are “running dry” spiritually. This prevents vibrant ministry from taking place because of the spiritual degradation in churches. When contamination occurs through hurtful relationships, shallow teaching, nagging negative evaluation, little leadership equipping, broken systems and overall lack of thankfulness, churches run the risk of declining like struggling streams needing water in a parched land.

An increase in streamflow requires an increase in water sources. One of the most significant sources is groundwater as it enters the stream bed. This is where the channel of the stream intersects with the water table providing a steady supply of water, termed base-flow, during both dry and rainy periods.

Prayer is the groundwater of the local church. It is the means through which God refreshes his people with himself. The groundwater is in large supply and available to the stream increasing it’s flow. As we spend time seeking God the Father in individual and corporate prayer asking him to do more than we could ask or imagine, the rising of living water saturates our churches (Ephesians 3:20-21). Prayer causes the increased movement of the Holy Spirit to rise in every local church.

The Role of Prayer

Prayer will always be part of helping the life-giving water flow in a church as God refreshes his people. Like a turbine placed in a flowing stream can produce energy impacting the surrounding cities, so prayer is our relational energy source through the flowing of the power of the Holy Spirit in the life of the local church.

We are all drawn into relationship with God and when we believe, we are washed by his Spirit. Our ongoing communication with him is vitally important for beauty in our lives and the local church. God is the source of spiritual movement. In prayer we are going to our heavenly Father as a landowner digs an aquifer penetrating the surface to find freshwater. Prayer brings refreshing spring waters to the surface of our lives.

The local church should measure her life by the breadth, depth, height and length of her prayers creating a healthy and beautiful stream.

Breadth

Like groundwater stretches miles below the surface of the earth, our prayers need width impacting long distances. Does our intercession stretch to our community? Our local churches should be praying for our local officials by name, other churches in our community, their pastors and our schools. This is the role of landowners being sure their land is refreshed with life-giving groundwater. He is a watchman posted to intercede. Isaiah alluded to this praying warrior saying, "I have posted watchmen on the walls, O Jerusalem; they will never be silent day or night. You who call on the Lord, give yourselves no rest, and give him no rest till he establishes Jerusalem and makes her the praise of the earth" (Isaiah 62:6-7). We have the privilege of asking the Holy Spirit to provide the benefits of groundwater saturating our cities with the grace and truth of Jesus. Everyone benefits from groundwater, so our breadth of prayer should stretch to our state governor, senators and congressmen. The width should stretch further as the stream moves to the nations, world leaders and worldwide problems. When we pray wide rejuvenating prayers, we are becoming Christians concerned with the world.

Depth

Sometimes, deep mourning prayers are referred to as streams throughout the Bible. "Streams of tears flow from my eyes, for your law is not obeyed" (Psalm 119:136). Does it crush your heart to see people living far away from God? Even Jesus wept deeply for people while on earth (Hebrews 5:7). How are you and your church doing at praying deeper? Most people live superficially. Their conversations do not move past the weather and their prayers skim the surface like a mayfly across a stream on a warm day. How deep is your intercession for people? Groundwater can be thousands of feet below the earth’s surface needing a well dug to bring up fresh drinking water. Do you love people and the local church enough to ache for her to gain this fresh water? Our prayers should have deep emotion to them. King David felt such a large spiritual responsibility for his nation he wept in prayer. "My tears have been my food day and night...I poured out my soul" (Psalm 42:3-4). David even knew that the Lord was watching, listening and measuring his prayers. "List my tears on your scroll - are they not in your record? (Psalm 56:8). May our prayers take us to deeper groundwater.

Height

There is nothing like looking up at a stream coming off of a thousand foot drop. The hydrologic cycle is on display as groundwater fueling the stream becomes a waterfall off the edge becoming a stream again below. It is breathtaking. I imagine God loves to watch our prayers be lifted on high to him too as he pours down blessings on us. Cornelius, the gentile was faithful in his prayers even before he knew Jesus, but his prayers reached Christ's throne in heaven. God would send an angel and Peter to be a catalyst to salvation for Cornelius (Acts 10:4-31). Daniel was a prayer warrior with faithfulness despite the crashing culture of Babylon. For help along the way, Daniel was sent the angel Gabriel for encouragement (Daniel 8:15-18; 9:20-23; 10:10-19). Do your prayers touch heaven? Do you experience the glory of God as you pray?

Length

The prayers of quenching groundwater live on beyond the lips who prayed them. The church can intercede years prior and those prayers are still being answered by God almighty. When our prayers are biblical aligned with the heart of God, they have length in years like the groundwater stretching miles below the surface resourcing streams. We are still reaping the results of intercession from Isaiah, David, Paul and Jesus. Historical mentors like Luther, Calvin, Wesley and Finley’s prayers are still being felt today. If we pray according to God's will and the Holy Spirit, the length of impact can be decades. I knew a friend who prayed for fourteen years for his father to come to know Jesus as Savior and he did. Others pray for their children's children to live for Jesus. The answers of those prayers is like the stream in Ezekiel 47. They flow wider and deeper for years to come. By the time we stand before Jesus, a mighty stream of holy influence will flow over the earth by the local church.

A Breathtaking Stream

It has been said by many that you can do more to move the world in prayer, then any other way. Our prayer-filled hearts are powerful like groundwater filling up streams with life. This reminded me of the story of John Hanning Speke, officer in the British Indian Army who made three exploratory expeditions to Africa. He was on the edge of a very large stream. It has taken him the better part of 1858 to get to this location. He poured time, resources and manpower into slashing his way through the African bush wading through streams. Locals pursued them. Crocodiles wanted to eat them. And finally, after miles and months in the jungle, they found the spot. These were the spectacular falls which began the Nile River. It was more powerful and beautiful than anyone could have imagined. Speke wrote in his journal. "We were well rewarded. The roar of the waters, the thousands of passenger fish, leaping at the falls with all their might, the fishermen coming out in boats and taking post on all the rocks with rod and hook, hippopotami and crocodiles lying sleepily on the water...made in all, as interesting a picture as one would want to see."

I have experienced breathtaking streams flowing out of the mountains as John Hanning Speke describes. The power of the water flow, like the experience of the Holy Spirit can make our churches beautiful again with the glory of God as our purpose. May our broken land be healed by God again like it did in Isaiah's day. "For I will pour water on the thirsty land, and streams on the dry ground; I will pour out my Spirit on your offspring, and my blessing on your descendants” (Isaiah 44:3). May the prayers of local churches flood villages, nations and the world for God’s purposes.

Traveling Further Down the Stream

How are you doing spiritually? How is your church?
What part does prayer play in the life of a believer and the local church? What has been your experience with prayer?
How far do your prayers reach? Do they stretch into the community?
How deep are your prayers? Are your prayers believing God for big things?
Do your prayers reach new heights asking God to blow our expectations away?
How are you persevering in prayer for your life, your family and your church?

Excerpt from the book From Broken to Beautiful: What Repairing Streams Has Taught Me About Healing The Church. If you would like a copy, you can order HERE.

Endorsements:

-Carey Nieuwhof

Founding Pastor, Connexus Church, Leadership Podcast

What do you think?

Restore Water Flow With The Holy Spirit (Part 3)

noreply@blogger.com (Sacred Outfitter) — Mon, 23 Apr 2018 18:33:00 +0000

“The one who believes in me, as the Scripture has said,

will have streams of living water flowing from his heart."

-John 7:38

I gave the invitation with as much energy as I could bring. I announced to anyone in my house who was listening, "Who is ready to get off social media and get into the great outdoors to find and fix a stream?” There was not a lot of affirmative feedback from the group. Only one wanted to go, our nine year old daughter, the explorer wanted to head to the great outdoors.

I realize finding and fixing streams doesn't sound like fun to a lot of people. I actually love spending time in God’s creation and my family enjoys hiking, but getting dirty and fixing a stream in cold water was not my favorite idea. But we live in Colorado, surrounded by mountains and I was curious and deep in research about streams, so we made our way out.

This stream was off the main highway heading into the Rocky Mountains. When we stepped out of our vehicle, we could hear the flowing water, birds singing and viewed the beautiful sunshine pierce through the trees touching down on the streams surface. The water flowed at different levels and was very muddy. There was different vegetation, trees growing off the edge of the stream were helpful and bushes hanging into the stream were not helpful. The banks of the streams were eroding causing mud to fall into the stream. As we walked closer, it looked like a rock slide had fallen into the stream along with fallen tree branches blocking the flow of water. The stream was not completely dammed, but the flow of water was slow and did not look productive. In one spot near a winding right turn was a puddle of muddy water piled up with debris of cups, bottles and paper that had been picked up and carried down stream. It smelled like the town garbage dump.

It would be hard work and uncomfortable to fix this stream, but we decided to do little things to help the stream flow by taking some tree branches out and moving some smaller rocks. Maybe this was one of those Dad-moments my daughter would later recall at her wedding. Maybe I was feeling optimistic and driven to do something. Maybe I just thought it would be fun. Regardless, at that moment, it felt like our task was clear: we need to at least start to fix what has been broken. To completely fix this stream would require lots of people as a team but it would be fun being outside, together, working on a project and seeing how our efforts could make a difference.

My daughter and I headed back to the car talking about the stream. We had a wonderful day smiling, laughing and having fun observing and dreaming about this stream being made beautiful again. We had one last stop to pick up some Yogurt to celebrate our adventure. As we drove away, feeling some sense of accomplishment, I wondered what would have happened had we not started to fix the stream. Would it have impacted anyone negatively? If so, how long would they wait to fix the whole problem? It was not going away. And, who would fix it? Who "owned" the stream? Whose responsibility was it to ensure the water flowed?

Who Has The Water Rights?

Did you know the healthy flow of a stream can be prevented by people? I discovered in Colorado that landowners have rights to the water. "In Colorado, water rights are transferable property interests. This means that the water right owner can change the type or place of use of the water right and can sell, lease or donate the water right to someone else." Often times arguments can flare up over who owns the rights to the water running in the stream. Neighbors can bicker and hurt one another with their words and actions. Relationships become broken causing streams to be broken.

Having served in the local church for many years, I have seen the same kind of “water right” disagreements. Who is in control of the local church? Who controls the volume to the worship music, how long the pastor preaches or the foyer paint color? Who has the "living water" rights? Sometimes, pastors, staff, other leaders or specific congregation members think they “own the rights” to something in the local church. Maybe their name is on the back of something special. When this begins to happen, we have lost focus and the flow of the church is divided with disunity and mistrust.

So, who owns the “water rights” to the church? Jesus is the “living water” which flows to bring beauty not brokenness to the world (John 6). Jesus controls our “water rights”. Often times, it is our unused wisdom and poor actions that prevent healthy and beautiful flowing of God in our lives and in the local church. We need to acknowledge our place and reflect on the role of the Holy Spirit bringing living water.

Thinking on the Holy Spirit

When I was growing up, I don't remember a conversation about the Holy Spirit. We talked about Jesus and God the Father, but not the Holy Spirit as I recall. When I headed off to college, I started to hear murmurs about the Holy Spirit, but it was in the context of things like speaking in tongues and being "filled with the Holy Spirit" in worship services. I would learn further about these things in as I trained for ministry in seminary, but my conversations were not dominated by the third person of the Trinity.

I wondered why?

This caused me to dig in and study the function and role of the Holy Spirit in the life of the unbeliever, believer of Jesus and local church. Streams out in the wild have a rhythm and flow. This is the function of the Holy Spirit in our lives to give us unbroken opportunity to function as we were intended. It is not easy to explain the Holy Spirit. In the book of Acts, the Holy Spirit descended on the room full of disciples of Jesus. A sound came from heaven that was like a rushing wind and it filled the house where they were staying (Acts 2:1-2). Jesus promised that his "counselor" would come to guide us and help us live for Jesus (John 14:16; 15:26). He would help us get in the flow of living a holy life for the Lord and the Holy Spirit would help us grow.

Here are a few more Truths about the Holy Spirit from the Bible. First, the Holy Spirit is described as a person, not an impersonal power or thing. The Holy Spirit is not an "it", but a person desiring intimacy in relationship with us. John described the Spirit as "dwelling with you and being with you" (John 14:17). This is not some spooky ghost, but a call to relationship with the Holy Spirit. He continues to work in partnership with God the Father and Jesus throughout the Biblical Scriptures (Genesis 1-2, Matthew 28:19; 2 Corinthians 13:14).

Second, the Holy Spirit is fully God and not lesser or a different God. He is all powerful, all present and all knowing (Zechariah 4:6; Psalm 139:7-8; I Corinthians 2:10). The Trinity is three persons in one God. Throughout the Bible, Holy Spirit and God are one in the same. The disciple of Jesus, Peter refers to the Holy Spirit as God (1 Peter 5:3-4). When we forget our dependence on Holy Spirit's flow in our lives and in the local church, we are forgetting God Himself. It is the power and presence of the helping counselor who will guide local churches to become beautifully flowing streams of life.

Third, the Holy Spirit is forever and perfect. When we read the Gospels, we learn that the Spirit is eternal (John 14:16). Because the Holy Spirit lives inside followers of Jesus, we are made holy as our bodies are baptized in the Holy Spirit (Romans 1:4; 5:5; John 9:14). When we are baptized in Jesus at salvation we are associating with Him in his death, burial and resurrection through the Holy Spirit (Romans 6:1; Colossians 2:12). We now have newness of life (Romans 6:4). This joins us to the Body of Christ, the beautiful church. We should use our spiritual gift for God’s glory (1 Corinthians 12:13).

Fourth, the Holy Spirit prays for us. Did you know that? This is incredible. Paul proclaimed to the Romans that when we don't know what to pray for, the Holy Spirit prays for us (Romans 8:27). This is good news, because often times I don't know what to pray for. Like an opening out of a forest into a valley where the stream waters emerge, I need to ask the Holy Spirit to flow out of my life and through the church.

Fifth, did you know that the Holy Spirit feels? He has emotions. We can grieve the Holy Spirit with our lives and in the local church which causes brokenness (Isaiah 63:10; Ephesians 4:30). We can live our lives in such a way that grieves the heart of God and many people do. In fact, churches who are living in disunity with lack of vision are broken because they grieve the Holy Spirit’s leadership. Like a huge pile up of sticks in the middle of a stream stopping the water from traveling forward is a local church full of angry, bitter and disobedient people. This hurts the Holy Spirit’s heart. God wants a flowing relationship with us and this involves emotions. Imagine if a local church deeply understood and took seriously the Holy Spirit's grief. I believe we would take action. There would be health, joy and life, not fighting, backbiting, hurting and arguing in our churches.

As the pace and movement of the water is to a stream, the flow of the Holy Spirit is to each local church. We must rely on the Holy Spirit to speak for us when we need help? (Mark 13:11). Many times, we might not know what to say or how to respond to a situation, so we pray asking the Holy Spirit to give us the words. When a local church steps out in boldness led by the Holy Spirit as we talk to others about Jesus something powerful happens (Acts 1:8; Romans 8:26). We are in partnership with God sharing his redemption. Local churches who are beautiful are trusting the Holy Spirit to put to death our sinful lives? (Romans 8:2). Nearly everyday are full of moments, choices and temptations to trust the Holy Spirit’s leadership or my own selfish ambitions. Beautiful churches are thankful churches. We must be thanking the Holy Spirit for bringing us into the family of God as adopted sons and daughters regularly (Romans 8:15-16). When we are humble, gentle and thankful, we are becoming beautiful. Have you ever experienced a local church overflowing with genuine joy? We must trust the Spirit to give us real freedom, joy and life (Romans 8:10-11; 2 Corinthians 3:17). Finally, we must rely on the fruit of the Spirit in our lives and in the church (Galatians 5:22-23; 2 Corinthians 3:18). When we do, churches become healthy and whole.

An understanding of the person and role of the Holy Spirit is vital to a beautiful life-giving local church. Without his role in our lives, the local church is doomed. We desperately need the fresh flow today.

The Flow of Church

I want to be certain—through prayer, seeking the Holy Spirit, obedience, humility and careful study of the scripture—that I never attempt to counterfeit what only God can create in refreshment and health. If we are not careful, we can manufacture a counterfeit drink like soda pop. It promises the same benefits as water for refreshment and hydration for the body, but in reality brings poison, leaving us thirsty and dehydrated.

In fact, such a church is a broken, Spiritless church and it grieves the heart of God. He warned against this kind of church in the final book of the Bible. Maybe you have heard the story from John. To the church in Ephesus he said they had lost their first love and he commanded them to repent. If they did not turn and come back to God, he would "remove the lamp stand from it's place" (Revelation 2:5). In other words, I will take your church out. I can't afford to lead a church trying to make up and manufacture my own flow of worldly excitement. That is temporary, but God is interested in the eternal. It has to be the Holy Spirit flowing throughout the local church if there is going to be any lasting impact for the glory of God.

Traveling Further Down the Stream

Who is guiding your life? How about your church?
What did you know about the Holy Spirit before reading this chapter? What did you learn? Which verses will you read and study on the Holy Spirit?
In what areas can you allow the Holy Spirit to speak to you, teach you and help you?
Have you experienced a local church dependent on people and not the Holy Spirit? What did she look like? What did you experience?
How can you help a local church stay focused on the flow of the Holy Spirit?

Excerpt from the book From Broken to Beautiful: What Repairing Streams Has Taught Me About Healing The Church. If you would like a copy, you can order HERE.

Endorsements:

-Carey Nieuwhof

Founding Pastor, Connexus Church, Leadership Podcast

Excerpt from the book From Broken to Beautiful: What Repairing Streams Has Taught Me About Healing The Church. If you would like a copy, you can order HERE.

What do you think?

God As A Divine Stream (Part 2)

noreply@blogger.com (Sacred Outfitter) — Tue, 17 Apr 2018 13:00:00 +0000

“For I will pour out water on the thirsty land and streams on the dry ground; I will pour out My Spirit on your offspring and my blessing on your descendants.”

-Isaiah 44:3

As I have watched flowing streams from the Rocky Mountains to the Grand Canyon and contemplated how they moved through the rocky landscape and washed debris away, the Holy Spirit gently, yet profoundly spoke to my heart. God wants our churches to be healthy and grow. The efficiency of the flowing stream from high elevation to the city provides nourishment. As streams break off into tributaries, they reproduce across the land bringing more health.

However, God's desire for our growth is sometimes in direct conflict with our desires for personal gain. He doesn’t stop us from making destructive decisions; nor does it mean he will protect us from the consequences of our foolishness. No—we can pollute our churches as easily as streams, and though God wants them to flourish, our actions can impede God's divine stream from flowing as she should.

God directs the water flow, where the fish go and vegetation grows on the banks of the stream. I discovered what the Psalmist declared long ago, "It was you who opened up springs and streams; you dried up the ever-flowing rivers" (Psalm 74:15) and "he brought streams out of a rocky crag and made water flow down like rivers" (Psalm 78:13-16). I have seen many streams flow out of what seems like rocks in beautiful unity. On one excursion to see more streams on our way to the Grand Canyon, a stream was flowing at high altitude making it’s way toward massive boulders and a drop off waterfall. It looked like a dead end, but as we hiked to the other side and down the mountain looking back we saw the stream water flow from under the rocks, around and through a split rock forming into a water fall just as the Psalmist explains. If we are ever to move churches from broken to beautiful, we must hold tightly to the one true God who controls the coming and going of healthy streams.

The God Who Overflows

God is like a stream.

First, the life giving water current pervades every facet of existence for life in the flowing habitat of streams. Like a conveyer belt-like food-delivery system, streams bring life to a variety of living organisms. God does the same by bringing real life to individuals and local churches in Jesus. The question remains, are we thirsty for this life-giving divine stream? Jesus, said, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink.” There are three wonderful truths implied in the words “if anyone thirsts” (John 7:37). First the gift of the living water is free. The condition is to express our need. “If anyone thirsts.” We just need to receive the gift. There is no thought here of earning. Anyone who knows his own thirst is invited. Second, the human soul has thirst. We know he is not talking about physical thirst. That’s clear. But what he is saying is that the soul has something like physical thirst. When you go without water your body gets thirsty. And the soul, when it goes without God, gets thirsty. Your body was made to live on water. Your soul was made to live on God’s Divine stream. There might not be anything so important. You were made to live on God. You have a soul that needs life. And if we do not drink from the greatness, wisdom, power, goodness, justice, holiness and love of God, will die of thirst. Third, implied in the word “thirst” is that what Jesus offers is satisfying. The aim of God’s divine stream is to be satisfied with joy and to protect our glass of water from poison. Everything Jesus came to do and teach is aimed at providing the soul with drink that satisfies forever.

The second way God is like a stream is he brings his power and right of governing and controlling over us by watering. The flow of the Triune God is to bring about his leadership by providing dry land with spiritual moisture. The Psalmist says, “And He will have dominion from sea to sea and from the River unto the ends of the earth” (Psalm 72:8). Dominion is his sovereign control and care over our lives. The same theme is in Psalm 46:4 which reads, “There is a river whose streams gladden the city of God.” The flowing comes from God as he spreads His reign and His kingdom over the whole earth by flowing as stream of spiritual water! People in the world spread their authority by force or by law, but the way God spreads His kingdom is by watering, flowing, and dripping living water over the whole earth. On the one hand, the Lord Jesus will return to judge the earth, but on the other hand He will return to water the earth. Today we must choose as individuals and beautiful churches to be under His continual watering, flowing, and dripping – and as we enjoy this flow and rain, we are brought under His dominion!

A third way God is like a body of water moving with the right healthy ingredients. God wants to guide individuals together toward health and unity. The Apostle Paul explains, “For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another” (Romans 12:4-5). There are lots of people involved but make up one body. “We who are many are one body” (1 Corinthians 10:17). Our common connection is Jesus, our stream. Paul explains, “Just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ” (1 Corinthians 12:12). The role of church leadership is clear, “Equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ” (Ephesians 4:12). And we are just parts of Christ's church. “We are members of [Christ’s] body” (Ephesians 5:30). Paul was willing to give up his life for Christ's church. “In my flesh I am filling up what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions for the sake of his body, that is, the church” (Colossians 1:24). This is Christ's divine flowing body where he is the head of the stream. He leads, directs and guides the church by the power of his Holy Spirit to flow purposefully. As Christ’s body, the local church should strive for health across the organism.

Benefits of the Divine Stream

The stream of God is full of benefits for the believer and beauty of the local church.

First, because of the love of Jesus’ life, death and resurrection, we are completely drenched in his grace and mercy. The Psalmist declares, “They feast on the abundance of your house; you give them drink from your river of delights. For with you is the fountain of life; in your light we see light” (Psalm 36:8-9). We become comfortable wanting the benefits of wading in the stream forgetting the warning signs of taking his love for granted by ignoring the consequences of sin and destructive decisions.

Second, God is enough. Remember the children of Israel had experienced good water from God. They had crossed the Red Sea and went three days without water, but soon God would provide the nourishment they needed. They experienced the bitter waters at Marah and God would turn the waters sweet by having Moses toss a tree limb into the water (Exodus 15:22-26). God was enough. Next they would have the exciting experience of the twelve springs and seventy palm trees at Elim watering them (Exodus 15:27). It must have been paradise to them. God would be enough by quenching the thirst of the Israelites time and time again. Yet after all these events the children of Israel became thirsty, hungry and unsatisfied, so they began to complain. If we are not careful, we can find ourselves in the same place.

Once we were satisfied in Him in salvation. Do you remember the day or years of Jesus wooing you to himself and rescuing you from our own destruction? We might have taken the next obedient step in water baptism going public with our faith in Jesus. If you are like me, you heard the voice of Jesus speaking to your heart at an event, conference, in a worship service or alone in your bedroom, but now we turn unsatisfied in Him because of boredom, a tragic situation, difficult people or a hurtful local church. Our satisfaction must come from the divine stream of God not circumstances or people. Remember the past refreshment from his stream in your life? Choose to join him in the stream.

Third, gathering with other believers in groups or a worship service is special and part of God’s divine flow of His stream. We need close connection in fellowship with the Body of Christ. This fellowship regulates us, rejuvenates us and keeps us flowing for the purposes of God. This fellowship began right after Pentecost in the Book of Acts when the believers gathered together for prayer, meals, fellowship and mission (Acts 2:42-43). Beautiful churches are gathering churches. If we are not careful, we can begin to believe we do not need to stay connected to church body. It can be messy and difficult, but it is necessary to stay regularly in fellowship with other messy and needy people or we will dry up and die spiritually.

Whole Divine Stream

I love how the entire Bible is one divine stream or one divine flow of life, which flows from Genesis to Revelation. This flow is from the throne of God in the Lamb, Jesus (Revelation 22:1). Today, it continues to flow in human history in Jesus who set it free when he rose from the dead. The flow of God’s divine stream was with the apostles starting in the Book of Acts. Our goal is to stay in the water of His stream. How deeply are you in God’s stream? How connected are you to the Triune God? Beautiful churches are flowing in health and maturity because they are neck deep in the loving, satisfying, live-giving flow of God’s stream.

Traveling Further Down the Stream

How have you seen God‘s powerful divine stream in the world?
What difference does it make in your life and in the church that God is our divine stream?
Where do you experience God‘s leading the local church?
How do the benefits of God’s stream motivate you to live for him and his church?
How can you keep yourself away from the dangers of not staying connected to God’s stream?

Excerpt from the book From Broken to Beautiful: What Repairing Streams Has Taught Me About Healing The Church. If you would like a copy, you can order HERE.

Endorsements:

-Carey Nieuwhof

Founding Pastor, Connexus Church, Leadership Podcast

What do you think?

Got a Graduation Gift? Plan Ahead!

noreply@blogger.com (Sacred Outfitter) — Wed, 11 Apr 2018 13:30:00 +0000

Graduation is coming!

The Ultimate Guide to Being Christian in College: Don't Forget to Pack Your Faith is a great gift for Graduation (thinking ahead!). This is for soon to be high school graduates, college students, parents, youth pastors and senior pastors to help reach and keep younger generations. With quotes from high school and college students, practical advice, and questions at the end of each chapter, it will challenge and foster faith as students make the transition out of high school into the world. It is also helpful for college freshman and sophomores to keep growing.

Not only is it a good graduation gift, it would be perfect for youth and college ministry curriculum inside and outside the local church. Some colleges/universities are already getting it into the hands of every incoming Freshman!

I want to say thank you to so many of you who are picking up my book. I would love your feedback after you receive a chance to read it.

Here are the chapters in the book if you have not checked it out yet:

Part One: Identity—–Who Am I?

1.—Grace: The Priceless Gift
2.—Scripture: Your Authority
3.—Scripture: The Whole Story
4.—Belief: Faith in Jesus
5.—Doubt: Those Uncertain Moments
6.—God’s Will: His Design for You
7.—Prayer: Talking with God

Part Two:—Choices—Do My Decisions Matter?
8.—Worldview: Owning Your Faith
9.—Responsibility: Getting Wisdom
10.—Morality: Smart Behavior
11.—Your Major: Figuring Out the Right Direction
12.—Classroom: Maximizing Your Learning
13.—Money: Cash and Canned Goods
14.—Stress: Managing the Pressure

Part Three: –Belonging—Where Do I Fit?
15.—Parents: Adjusting Your Relationship
16.—Friends: Finding and Keeping Them
17.—Dorm Life: Bonding with Strangers
18.—Campus: Getting Connected and Involved
19.—Mentoring: Spiritual Growth with Others
20.—Dating and Sex: Searching for a Spouse
21.—Church: Finding and Investing in a Local Family

To get a copy or several, go here on the Zondervan site which can lead you to Amazon.

After reading, please post feedback here on the Amazon site.

Thank you for considering a copy as a graduation gift!

I have heard many stories of the impact of this book on students and youth pastors. If you have used my book individually or in a group, I would love to hear your story.

Blessings on the journey!

For The Love Of Streams (Part 1)

noreply@blogger.com (Sacred Outfitter) — Tue, 10 Apr 2018 18:44:00 +0000

Let's go on a journey having a conversation about water streams and the local church. Here is post one of many. Feel free to explore all of them and leave comments below. Blessings along the way as you follow Jesus.

"Let me drink from the waters where the mountain streams flood.

Let the smell of wildflowers flow free."

-Bob Dylan

I had promised we would go Saturday. My teenage son had been begging me for weeks to go to one of his favorite mountain biking spots. It was a gorgeous Colorado day with the sun shining on the majestic blue backdrop. We gathered our water and extra snacks in case of an emergency. The time had come to leave the refuge of my garage and head west toward the first foothills of the Rocky Mountains. The temperature was warmer then I anticipated. As we made our way out of the suburbs into the valley just past the first layer of hogbacks, Levi said flying ahead, "Dad, look at that stream. It is pretty cool." He kept riding. I took a five second mental picture at the flowing stream on the edge of the road as I kept peddling. The water was narrow, running swiftly and had a small cascading waterfall in the middle. It was breathtakingly beautiful. I could not take my mind off of the stream the rest of our ride. My son's passing comment had turned into an obsession of continued research. I began to ask multiple questions about this little stream.

How come I had never noticed this stream?

Where does the stream start?

Where does it end?

How is the water flowing?

Are there other streams near by?

On our bike ride, I began to wonder more about streams and their relationship to the local church. Where were they the same? Where were they different? I continue to learn about the church and God's desire for her, but something inside of me was driven to know more about the connection to streams. My pastoral ministry has taken me to a variety of churches over two decades with responsibility over all areas inside the church. The churches I have served have been tall, grande, venti and trenta in size and of different denominational flavors and styles. I love the local church, but she has gone through some rough patches like an unproductive, broken and unhealthy stream. With a desire to bring restoration to broken churches, I was drawn to know how streams worked because of their similarities.

How Streams Work

Over many months, I began to notice streams everywhere from the suburbs to the foothills of Denver and beyond to other states near roads, in forests, around dunes and into cities. I now look for the tall trees because they are growing next to active streams. When I first noticed the big trees were near the healthy flowing water, I was reminded of the prophet Jeremiah's words of those who trust in the Lord. "They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit" (Jeremiah 17:8). What a beautiful picture of the way things ought to be. Trees grow strong next to healthy streams, and fruit comes easily. The writer of the first Psalm knew the importance of staying close to the stream also. "That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither-- whatever they do prospers" (Psalm 1:3). It dawned on me. This makes since. Streams are like churches. When a person, like a tree stays close to a healthy local church where the Holy Spirit flows, fruit will come naturally.

I have learned much about streams from Kurt Fausch, professor in the Department of Fish, Wildlife and Conservation Biology at Colorado State University. He helped me understand how streams work. Larger things impact smaller things. Landforms of mountains and valleys shape how and where water moves, how soil is formed and where vegetation grows and animals thrive. In addition to this natural hierarchy, the various ecological components are closely connected. For example, trees take up water from the soil around the stream and store it in their stems and leaves and transpire the rest to the atmosphere. Healthy streams impact healthy trees which in turn helps the world around. Animals eat plants and move the water and nutrients across the landscape. Streams are connected to plants and animals. What is happening to a stream impacts the amount of fish that swim across the flowing water.

When streams are healthy, fish, plants, and trees flourish and are fruitful, but when streams are shallow, the banks are too steep, have brush barriers in the water, many rocks, and dead trees floating by, the flow of water stops fish from entering and thriving. These are broken streams not functioning as they should.

Broken Streams

Some streams are in desperate need of help. According to a landowners guide, "Many streams across the West - and the wildlife and communities that depend on them - are in trouble. Over the decades, pressures ranging from municipal growth to irrigation practices have degraded, fragmented or seasonally dried some waterways. Stream restoration is the art and science of returning those damaged streams to health." It is not a simple process to fix a broken stream. It is not just adding a few rocks here and digging a few pools there. With well coordinated efforts and hard working individuals, streams can be made beautiful again for all to enjoy. The same is true for local churches.

The Church as a Stream

The collective group of followers of Jesus gathering together to grow is a beautifully organic creation. It is like a beautiful stream cascading down rocks and winding back and forth nourishing the trees which provide shade where wonderful wild flowers grow and fish swim in joy. A healthy stream is a complex biological system that provides habitat for fish and wildlife and a host of other benefits for the landowners nearby. While most healthy streams will look and function differently depending on location and landscape, healthy streams provide pools, riffles and rocks for fish to dwell, a riparian zone that is protecting the banks of the river, and flowing water. But as I have discovered in conversations, experiences and research, many streams are struggling, just like many churches are struggling. They are broken and unhealthy. There are places where people are drawn into shallow waters, get trapped, and die spiritually; where obstacles, jams, and mud prevent the flow of God's Spirit in their lives, causing them to stagnate.

The church is like a stream needing a healthy flow of the Holy Spirit to increase the health of the organic body. The church desperately needs rehabilitation, a bringing to good health and restoration where she returns to her former condition. Many churches have left their biblical purpose for a broken and parched place. I am reminded of the vision Jesus' best friend had when he wrote to a broken church saying, "I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth. You say, ‘I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked" (Revelation 3:15-17). This church in Laodicea was not healthy because she was producing water that was not useful - neither hot, nor cold. She needed a stream restorer. The good news is we have a God who cares deeply about streams being fixed. I want to join God in his love for his church to be flourishing where living water flows again.

For the Love of Broken Churches

My passion for the local church started in college. I was very involved in a church that would have a lasting impact on my spiritual journey. Many pastors of this church invested in me. I was exposed to the beauty and brokenness and I began to have a tug on my heart for the local church. The church is this unique idea birthed in the heart of God. I was stirred to pursue her and serve her. You see it was not about me, but about this beautiful “stream” staying beautiful. There is something special about the church. What makes the church unique? For starters, the church is the only organization that Jesus promised to build and to bless (Matthew 16:18). Despite her blemishes, she is going to flow and go places. Second, the church is the gathering of true worshippers (Philippians 3:3). Third, Jesus loves the church and was willing to give his life for her. It is the most precious gathered group on earth because Jesus came to earth to purchase her for his own (Acts 20:28; 1 Corinthians 6:19; Ephesians 5:25; Colossians 1:20; 1 Peter 1:18; Revelation 1:5). Fourth, when the church is flowing spiritual fellowship is rich (Hebrews 10:22-25; 1 John 1:3, 6-7). It is beautiful to see supernatural connection with other believer's in Christ. Fifth, when the church is healthy and functioning the way it was intended, spiritual growth takes place (Acts 20:32; Ephesians 4:11-16; 2 Timothy 3:16-17). Healthy things grow. Finally, the headwaters of the local church like a stream are the start of the Gospel spreading across the world (Mark 16:15; Titus 2:11). Local churches are God's plan for connecting people to Christ and helping them mature. Ever since college, my passion for the local church has continued to grow.

When I began to watch and explore streams, the local church came to mind many times over. There are so many spiritual barriers from keeping her from flowing and impacting the world like she should. We must mend the broken churches in our care. The dangers of church brokenness are numerous. If we are not careful the local church will not do her intended purpose of glorifying God by reaching unchurched people with the Gospel of Jesus Christ and go into a healthy, beautiful and flowing stream.

Traveling Further Down the Stream

What has been your experience in the local church?
Has the local church been a beautiful or broken experience? Share your story with someone.
Where do you see the similarities between streams and churches?
What do you think the future holds for local churches? Are you hopeful or discouraged?
How can you get involved to help a local church move from being broken to beautiful?

Excerpt from the book From Broken to Beautiful: What Repairing Streams Has Taught Me About Healing The Church. If you would like a copy, you can order HERE.

Endorsements:

-Carey Nieuwhof

Founding Pastor, Connexus Church, Leadership Podcast

What do you think?

Are Worship Wars Still Happening in Church?

noreply@blogger.com (Sacred Outfitter) — Sun, 31 Dec 2017 02:50:00 +0000

Worship wars are alive and well in local churches today.

As long as I can remember, congregation members, church staff teams and pastors have been discussing the tension of worship. I have personally experienced disgruntled congregants over worship (or really the way the music is presented in weekly church services). Many of the tension points in corporate worship revolve around the following spectrum, preferences, and methods. Where do you fall on the spectrum of personal preferences?

Loud verses soft
Celebratory verses Lament
Emotional verses Thoughtful
Instruments verses A cappella
Band verses Organ/Piano
Contemporary/Modern verses Traditional/Older
New Songs verses Hymn Book
Structured verses Spirit Led/Organic
Average verses Excellence
Participatory verses Observing

**And these don't even cover temperature in the room, seating, lighting, the room configuration etc.

Here is a graph I developed to illustrate the extremes of the spectrum. Any given Sunday morning service will or can have a wide variety of personal preferences. I am sure all of us can find something we don't like about the music sung on any given Sunday in a local church. Have you walked away form a church service and not liked something about the music?

But that misses the whole point...

Let me ask some questions longing for deeper answers?

What if we approached Sunday morning worship music from a different vantage point? What if it was not about our personal preferences? What if we put down our personalities for the sake of unity in the body of Christ? What if we learned to be humble, content and still able to see the good in the words sung, the worship team's effort and the worship style expressed? What if we separated out form from substance and principles from precepts? What if there was a greater vision in mind from the church leadership? Would that change anything?

The real essence of worship is not found in whether your favorite song was song in the correct style, in the right key, with the right instrument at the correct volume with all the right instruments in tune. If you approach Sunday morning services this way...as an evaluator, you are missing the heart of God and you are disrupting unity in the Body of Christ.

Please read that last sentence again.

He longs for worshippers, not complainers. He wants pure hearts and focused minds toward him regardless of the way the music is presented.

Biblical Truths About Worship

Worship is ascribing worth back to God. Literally. It is much larger than music and personal preferences. It is about our lives being focused without distraction on Him. It is for His glory and with the whole church in unity. It is Biblical truths not our personal preferences that should form our priorities in musical worship.

Here are some things to remember:

1) Worship is about the God Almighty, not about us and not about the form used to worship.

Therefore do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration or a Sabbath day. These are a shadow of things that were to come; the reality (substance), however, is found in Christ. (Colossians 2:16-17)

Forget the personal preferences and fix your eyes on Jesus in worship. Come to your local church anticipating a corporate encounter with God Almighty and you will not be discontent. Are you looking at Jesus when you worship or the idolatry in the form of worship?

2) God cares about our HEART more than our outward appearance or style or preference.

With what shall I come before the Lord and bow down before the exalted God? Shall I come before him with burnt offerings, with calves a year old? Will the Lord be pleased with thousands of rams, with ten thousand rivers of oil? Shall I offer my firstborn for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul? He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy with and to walk humbly with your God. (Micah 6:6-8)

God wants your life in worship to him. Not your style or preference. He does not care it if is a hymn from your favorite hymnal, a 1980's style Michael W. Smith tune, modern day Christian radio song or original song by the worship leader. He wants your heart's focus on Jesus. Is your heart fixed on the Almighty?

3) God seeks those who worship in spirit AND truth (not either/or).

But an hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for such people the Father seeks to be His worshipers. (John 4:23)

There are two parts to worship. First there is an emotional or passionate part of worship. Second, there is a truthful or mindful part. Jesus said there is a need for both, not one or the other. Feelings without thinking is fleeting and emotionalism. Thinking without feelings is boring and mechanical. Passion and Purpose are needed for worship to be in spirit and truth. Good worship teams shoot for both on Sunday mornings in services and you should too.

4) Worship is more than a Sunday gathering. It is a life in love and dedicated to God.

Therefore I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God –this is your spiritual act of worship. (Rom. 12:1)

Because of Jesus sacrifice on the cross for your forgiveness of sins (God's mercy), you respond by giving your whole life back to him. We pursue him in holiness longing to please him with our thoughts, feelings, conversations, decisions, habits and bodies.

When we are focused on personal preferences and not God Almighty, we miss the whole point of worship in local church services and it grieves the heart of God.

What do you think?

Poem: A Crucified Christmas

noreply@blogger.com (Sacred Outfitter) — Sat, 23 Dec 2017 15:27:00 +0000

Why the tension around Christmas?

It is the cross.

It is because of Christ.

Emmanuel, God with us.

God entering earth as a baby boy.
Awe...mazing.

Messiah of the world come.

Jesus was born crucified.

He was born to die and live again.

Don't forget...

God moved from the cradle to the cross.

It was His mission to save the misfits.

No one is excluded.

We are all fragile and broken.

Humiliation with purpose.

As you celebrate Christmas trees, do not miss the Tree He would hang on.

Reflect.

Look down.

Look forward into the future.

This cute scene in a manger would lead to cutting on a cross.

It is brutal.

It is horrific.

It is worth it all.

Don't miss it...

Don't leave it behind...

The gifts under the tree do not compare to the gift of grace on a Tree.

Don't forget about the crucifixion this Christmas.

Keep the Cross near.

The cross compels us.

The cross commissions us.

The cross causes us to worship the King.

Without Christmas, there would be no Easter.
He was born.
Died.
And lives forever.

When we are saved by the substitute, we are sent on mission.

Go and love Jesus with passion like His Passion.

Commitment.
Sacrifice.
Endurance.

Go and share the cross of Christ this season...and every season.

Go and make disciples of all nations.
The cross calls for it.

Until the King of Christmas and the cross comes back...

Go.

What do you think?

Life: A Birthday Reflection

noreply@blogger.com (Sacred Outfitter) — Sun, 10 Dec 2017 22:43:00 +0000

Life.

It is simple, yet very complex.
It is a breath at a time, yet transcendent overtime.
It is just seeing in front of you, yet years ahead are unpredictable.
Life is precious and passionate.

Today is my birthday which causes me to stop, slow down and reflect again. In years past, I have given a list of life lessons. They are still true and you can see last year's list here.

Today, I want to go high and take a high altitude and panoramic view of life. Let's look at the big picture together.

Beginning

The Biblical Psalmist shares what was happening before we were born into the world. Before you took your first breath on earth, here is what was happening. A personal God was very involved.

The Poet shares, "For you formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother's womb. I will praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; marvelous are your works and that my would knows well. My frame was not hidden from you, when I was made in secret, and skillfully wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed and in your book they all were written, the days fashioned for me, when as yet there were none of them" (Psalm 139:13-16).

God formed me inside my mom. He did the same for you in your mom. As a result, because of life, I will praise God for knitting me together, bringing life to me inside my mom. As I was being created inside, God was there. God's hand was skillful and detailed. I was his idea. You were the same. Not only this, but God was laying out all of my days into the future. This is all true for you too. Mind blowing. Beyond us.

Even the prophet of old, Jeremiah knew who put him together in his mom's tummy and even what his calling would be. He was told by God almighty, "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations" (Jeremiah 1:5).

What an incredible display of God's power to bring about and form life, but also to lay the plan for a man's calling and life's purpose before he was born. He has done the same for me. God directs you in the same way. Don't try to figure it all out, just rejoice and be glad! You have a personal God who is before and after you.

The In-Between

There have been many twists and turns down life's highway for me. I thought being a designer of buildings as an architect would be my life's direction with drawing classes, and independent study in high school, but suddenly working with kids as a teacher would be the new focus with a college degree to follow, but God would change that alignment and call me into ministry inside and outside the local church. Yes, I heard his pressing voice in my bones toward full time vocational ministry along the way. He was winding the road from my birth forward.

All along the way, a love for God, love for people and helping others' follow after Jesus would always be the greater focus. Using my personality, gifts, abilities and passion would propel me forward as God would direct my family's path. There have been many unexpected turns we thought were detours, but actually part of God's road map for our lives. These helped us draw closer to God, grow in grace and push away the temptation of bitterness and anger. This has taken us to deep valleys of depression and high mountain tops of worship. We have battled devastation, yet God has sustained our lives. That is his character. He loves us deeply.

This life in our bodies has been directed by these verses of encouragement and focus in the in-between times. Paul said to the church in Rome, "Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God - this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is - his good, pleasing and perfect will" (Romans 12:1-2).

As we honor God with our bodies, our lives honor and worship God. This involves purity or mind and heart, our relationships, time, talent and resources. As we run from the sinful pull of the world and transform our minds to be focused on Jesus through Bible study, prayer and healthy relationships, we are going to know what God's will is for our lives. As the saying goes, "you can't steer a parked car," so God wants us to keep moving forward. Allow him to place your next step.

As my family has been in those in-between times of transition (there are too many to count), sometimes the only thing to do is "offer your bodies as a living sacrifice...renew your mind...obey Jesus" So we hang our mind's eye on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith who for the joy set before him endured the cross (Hebrews 12:1-2). This is good news in the middle of life.

Ending

And none of us know when the end will come.

So, stay faithful to Jesus. Persevere forward. Endure in difficulty. As I look back on life thanking God for his faithfulness to me and my family, I am committed to finishing life well by worshipping God with passion using my personality, gifts, abilities and calling to glorify his Name.

God honors this kind of trust and commitment. You and I don't know what tomorrow brings or how many days are left for us, but that is not our concern. We take responsibility for our own relationship and actions for Jesus. We love the Lord with all of our hearts trusting him to help us. We love people the way Jesus would love people. Just read about his life to understand how.

I am grateful to God for this birthday. And no matter the days I have left on earth, I want to passionately pursue Jesus and in turn help others do the same. How about you?

What do you think?

The Awe of Christmas

noreply@blogger.com (Sacred Outfitter) — Thu, 07 Dec 2017 14:00:00 +0000

Well, Christmas is coming. Are your house decorations up? Have you hung your lights outside? Is the Christmas tree set up? This is the most wonderful time of the year. It really is. Maybe you don’t believe me. We all have temporary circumstances that cause us to question how good it really is. It is the most wonderful time of the year, not because of us, but because of him. It is Jesus’ eternal presence that puts the Christ in Christmas.

Reflect on Jesus

Paul wrote to the church in Colossae the following, "The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross” (Colossians 1:15-20).

Jesus is supreme.
Christ is worthy.
He is the focal point of Christmas.
The Savior in the stable on a rescue mission.
This is why it is the most wonderful time of the year.

The Miracle of Presence

The miracle of Christmas is that God came near to us. God’s presence. It all happened in a most remarkable moment...a moment like no other. This is spectacular! God became a man. Divinity arrived. Heaven opened herself and placed her most precious one in a human womb. The omnipotent, in one instant, became flesh and blood. The one who was larger than the universe became a microscopic human embryo. And he who sustains the world with a word chose to be dependent upon the nourishment of a young peasant girl. Are you kidding me!

And God came near to you. He came, not as a distant flash of light or as an unapproachable conqueror or super hero or popular celebrity, but as one whose first cries were heard by a young girl and a sleepy carpenter. This is Immanuel - God, God, God...with us.

Majesty in the midst of the mundane.
Holiness in the middle of sheep manure and sweat.
This baby had overseen the universe.
These rags keeping him warm were the robes of eternity.
His golden throne room had been abandoned in favor of a dirty sheep pen.
And worshipping angels had been replaced with kind hardworking shepherds.

God could have started the redemption mission of the King anywhere, but it began in a manger. Why? To meet us where we are. To be present with us. Because of LOVE for us. It could have been your workplace, workshop, barn, car, living room or basement to come close. To meet us where we actually are today. Personal. This is beyond our comprehension, so we just worship because this is the most wonderful time of the year!

The song, “O Holy Night” captures the awe of Christmas and our response,

“Fall on your knees...night divine.”

Take some time this Christmas to bring the awe back to your Christmas. Set aside the busy mall, last minute shopping, cooking for the family, building the perfect toy, hanging the lights and putting up the tree to just STOP. Think. Think about Jesus, about a baby who wants to know you. It will be worth it.

What do you think?

On Falling Short in Life

noreply@blogger.com (Sacred Outfitter) — Wed, 06 Dec 2017 16:14:00 +0000

We all fall short...all the time.

Even as a follower of Jesus, as we strive for holiness, we mess up with words and actions in our relationships. For those who are serious about following Jesus, it is not because we want to mess up or fall short. It is just because this side of eternity, sin is still present and we battle the flesh.

It is only because of my belief in Jesus’ life, death and resurrection that I have any forgiveness from my messing up and grace to grow. Now listen to this. I need this forgiveness and grace as much today as I did when I first came to know Jesus when I was twelve years old. Maybe you do too. As we strive toward being more like Jesus in every corner of our souls, we will still fall short of his perfect glory and thus need forgiveness and grace. When we understand this condition of the human experience, we are much quicker to offer grace to others. Don’t you think?

Moses’ Words

Think with me about the Ten Commandments. Do you remember the Ten Commandments given from God to Moses in Exodus 20? They were given to help the Israelites live moral lives for the One True God. They were a helpful standard for their relationship with God and one another. They still hold true today for followers of Jesus.

Here is a quick review:

You shall have no other gods before Me.
You shall not make idols.
You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain.
Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.
Honor your father and your mother.
You shall not murder.
You shall not commit adultery.
You shall not steal.
You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.
You shall not covet.

Many good Biblical scholars and pastors have given detailed explanation about these commandments, but I think a plain reading of the Biblical text explains what they mean. They are pretty straightforward and easy to understand.

And I have broken them all!

What?!
All?
Yes!

Compared to Jesus’ words, I am guilty of them all. How about you? Take a look at Jesus’ words...

Jesus’ Words

When you compare the Ten Commandments to Jesus’ words in what is called the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5-6, it is astonishing how far short I continue to fall. It is not just that I do pretty good at fulfilling the Ten Commandments, it is that I fall short of all of them when compared to Jesus’ interpretation of God’s standards.

Throughout Jesus’ sermon he said to love him the most. Jesus talked about our character being completely pure before God. He talked about murder, adultery and divorce. Jesus emphasized not taking oaths other than with God. He talked about loving our enemies, giving to the poor, prayer, keeping our perspective on heavenly things and not worrying about tomorrow. He told us to leave the judgment to God and where to build our lives wisely. Jesus’ sermon is convicting on multiple levels.

It leaves me falling short.

When we put this in perspective, it is hard to have pride and throw stones at other’s sins. That is not our role. It does not mean we don’t strive for holy living, but we are much more focused on our own “stuff” than other’s “stuff”. It really keeps things much more simple and I believe this is the way Jesus wanted it to be. This is why he said things like, “take the house out of your own eye before helping another take the splinter out of theirs” (a little paraphrase). It keeps God as the judge and we are just the lovers of people living for Jesus as we help others catch a fire for Jesus too.

Allow your “falling short” to keep you humble and teachable as you pursue Jesus.

What do you think?

Selective Grace

noreply@blogger.com (Sacred Outfitter) — Thu, 30 Nov 2017 00:09:00 +0000

I have been talking with friends recently about current events in the news and media and the intersection of church and grace came up.

I have been thinking...

I like it when others extend grace my way. It feels good when you have made a mistake and another offers forgiveness. Grace is unconditional love...when you don't deserve it. Who doesn’t like personal love and forgiveness for wrong doing?

Giving grace is a whole different thing. Often times, we offer conditional grace and are selective in our grace giving. If we perceive there is real repentance or actual remorse, we are quicker to extend more grace, but when we think it is “not real” or “not very genuine,” we hold back our grace (and forgiveness and love and care and compassion). We say we forgive, but hold a record of wrongs. Or maybe it is just me. Are you selective with your grace giving? Are you a stingy grace extender?

Do you give the same amount of grace toward a thief, murderer, liar or hurting pastor? What if they repent and ask for help?

How Does Jesus Respond?

Was Jesus selective in giving grace? YES, but maybe not as you might think.

Lets look at some examples.

First there is Nicodemus. He comes to Jesus at night as a curious religious leader. He needs some answers and asks Jesus questions, but Jesus turns the conversation to spiritual things. Nicodemus is humble and teachable, so Jesus offers the message of salvation. Nicodemus accepts. Jesus offered himself full of truth and grace. Nicodemus understood. His eyes and ears were opened making way for his heart to know Jesus. He was born again.

Then there is the Samaritan Woman at that famous well where history has already been made. Jesus set up a divine appointment passing out of his way to have an interaction with a women full of a sinful past and present sin in her life. Jesus asked questions. The women began to understand. She would taste of living water and be saved. She was teachable and humble. Jesus would save her from herself, her past and present sin. She would run off to tell the town who she met. The Messiah has come she said.

Jesus went out of his way again to meet the short man named Zacchaeus. He called to him to come down out of the tree saying, “I am coming to your home today.” It was not just his physical home, but Jesus would make his way into Zaccheus’ heart home that day. Zacchaeus the corrupt tax collector that no one in the town liked did not see it coming. Salvation surprised him. Jesus does that.

We could talk about all twelve disciples and their grace encounters with Jesus. And some did not even fully believe until after the Resurrection.

Then there are all the interactions Jesus had with the best and brightest of the day. They were the religious leaders. They were the pastors and priests of the time. They were the Pharisees who everyone looked up to. Their prayers were better. Their Scripture memory was better. Their leadership and preaching was better. Their walks and wardrobes were better. Like celebrities, everyone wanted to be like them, but not Jesus. Jesus would scold them, tell them they were lost, their hearts were empty and they were from the Devil. Really he did.

What is the difference?

Nicodemus, the Samaritan Woman, Zacchaeus, the Twelve Disciples and many more were humble and teachable. Jesus extended them grace. The Religious Pharisees were hard hearted, prideful and not teachable. Jesus condemned them.

This is the upside down Kingdom of God which Jesus came to usher in. The first will be last and the last first. Those at the bottom are the greatest. Those at the top are in big trouble. Those in the back of the line will get a pass to the front one day. Those in the front will be surprised when they are escorted out. Jesus always extends grace to the lowly. The high, he becomes angry with.

What happens when someone falls down?

So I have been thinking...

When one of our own falls, we should extend a hand to help them up. When a follower of Jesus fails, why do we point fingers and throw them out of the church? Jesus would go get them and bring them back in. I have watched failure followed by humility and grace. I have also watched “religious leaders” kick and toss out folks who have failed, but when they came back repentant and humble, the door was still locked. Why does the church chuck it’s own out the door? Why are we so good at receiving grace, but poor at extending grace? Real raw grace? Yes, it is difficult and messy, but isn't that what Jesus would do?

In the past, I have fallen into the Pharisee camp. I have even been on staff at churches who thought they were the best church on the block (i.e. most faithful, most dedicated). You know what they were against, but forgot what they were for. They were more concerned about “holding the line of sound doctrine” then they were at extending grace no matter the cost. Be careful friends. This is a dangerous place to be. Do not misunderstand. Some of you will jump to extremes with what I am saying. Of course, there is a balance with truth and grace, but without love it is all lost. Paul warned a whole church in two letters about this. They were from the First (and only) Church of Corinth.

Jesus was all about grace.

He came to extend grace. He loved to give grace. In fact, he was only about restoration by grace.

Think about it.

Everything Jesus said and did was about restoring. That is it. When you begin to think, “but they don’t deserve it,” well neither do you. When you begin to feel like, “but I can’t believe they are allowed to do that...again," ...be careful. None of us is good enough to be in God’s Kingdom, let alone serve for God’s Kingdom not matter the position.

Here is a question I have been wrestling in my own heart about. Are you ready? Here goes...Are you always about helping restore people to Jesus or restoring people back to Jesus so they can have the biggest Kingdom impact possible? It does not matter who they are or where they have been. I sure know where I have been.

I encourage you to explore the encounters of Jesus with people throughout his story. Take a fresh look again and see the Gospels saturated with grace. That is really all that is there. Lots of abundant Grace. It will be liberating for your soul and create joy at the amount of grace you have been given and cause you to extend more grace than humanly possible.

There is nothing better than receiving and giving grace. Nothing. It is the very heart of Jesus.

What do you think?

LEGACY: What Will You Be Remembered For?

noreply@blogger.com (Sacred Outfitter) — Tue, 28 Nov 2017 17:21:00 +0000

Imagine you can see into the future.

Picture yourself at your own Memorial Service. This might seem like a morbid thought, but for those who know Jesus, this is a celebratory event. Your family and friends see pictures of you in the lobby, a video of pictures of your childhood and life events scrolls for the audience to see, and your life story is read.

What will you be remembered for?

What will people say about you?

Here are ten areas I hope people can say about me when I am long gone. I continue to fall short often. These are daily areas of growth, but I am working on them. And maybe you would like these to be true of you too.

1) I had joy in the midst of jolting experiences.

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance” (James 1:2-3).

Difficult, unpleasant and jolting experiences will come in this lifetime. How we respond shows our character. Our joy comes from our relationship with Jesus.

2) I gave grace.

“By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as a wise builder, and someone else is building on it. But each one should build with care” (1 Corinthians 3:10).

We all want grace, but sometimes grace is hard to receive. We all have this deep desire to earn things, pay for things, work for things. In Christ, we have been given more grace than we can work for, earn or deserve. When you realize this, you pass grace onto others freely.

3) I inspired others to be great.

“But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called “Today,” so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness” (Hebrews 3:13).

It is so easy to bring others down so you look better—a discouraging word, a disapproving look, a disrespectful action, a sarcastic comment, a mean social media post, or a mean text. Sometimes we have to bring the encouragement with us when we show up in the home, work, church, or our community. It is so fulfilling to see others reaching their potential.

4) I gave my time, talent and treasure to advance God’s Kingdom.

“But since you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in the love we have kindled in you—see that you also excel in this grace of giving” (2 Corinthians 8:7).

Do you know what should set Christians apart from the world? It should be our legacy of incredible generosity of our time, money, and energy. We are promised by God that He will supply all our needs and grant our desires according to His will. Our legacy is bolstered when we live unhindered from hoarding earthly treasures for ourselves. We are free when we give it away!

5) I showed off forgiveness.

“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you” (Ephesians 4:32).

We love it when others forgive us, but it is much harder to forgive others when we have been burned. God gives an incredible freedom when we forgive and choose to forget. AND we are showing off the power of Christ dying on the cross for forgiveness when we forgive others. If you keep bringing that issue up from the past, you have not truly forgiven.

6) I had unconditional love for my family and friends.

“Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins” (1 Peter 4:8).

Many of us grow up believing that people love us when we do the right thing, say the right thing or perform a certain way. God’s love for us is not conditional. Our love for others should not be based on their words or actions or performance. We love them because Jesus loves us.

7) I was faithful to lead and help others follow Jesus

“Because we loved you so much, we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well” (1 Thessalonians 2:8).

If you are a follower of Jesus, then your sins are forgiven and this is an incredible gift. We can take it for granted if we are not careful. God asks each one of us to invest in others and invite them to hear about Jesus. After someone comes to know Jesus, they should be helping others follow after Jesus too.

8) I was faithful to study and live God’s Word and to teaching it.

“Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says” (James 1:22).

“For Ezra had devoted himself to the study and observance of the Law of the Lord, and to teaching its decrees and laws in Israel” (Ezra 7:10).

We all have a choice to make. Actually many choices. We can sit and soak up preaching, teaching and reading the Bible or we can learn and do it! We don’t have to guess on what to say and how to act in this lifetime. God’s instructions are given to us if we would only read, study and obey them. Love others. Serve others. Give your life away.

9) I was productive in my work.

“Their work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each person’s work” (1 Corinthians 3:13).

It is so satisfying to give your best to the work God has given you to do. It is tempting to quit, give up or even cut corners. But that is not satisfying. It leaves an empty feeling. It feels cheap! However through perseverance and strength from the Holy Spirit, I’ve accomplished my goals and aspirations in the different seasons of my life to give a good day’s work in and outside of the home. I want that to be said at my Memorial Service.

10) I looked forward to my heavenly home.

“But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells” (2 Peter 3:13).

If there was only one thing on the list...it would be this one. I so look forward to my Savior coming back to take me home. I can’t wait to see the new earth with perfect design and new heaven with God’s glory fully revealed. Every day I must live as if this is not my home - as if it were the last day on this earth considering the question: what would I bring to heaven? The answer: nothing, except what I did in the name of Jesus.

What’s your Legacy List going to be?

What do you think?

*Taken from my Legacy Sermon at River Church in Lakewood, CO.

If interested, go here.

Book and FREE Companion Guide

noreply@blogger.com (Sacred Outfitter) — Sun, 05 Nov 2017 04:17:00 +0000

Friends, my book From Broken to Beautiful is now available to order and be shipped to your door along with a FREE Downloadable Companion Guide to help you individually or in a small group study about the local church with passion and creativity.

I would love your feedback on my book when you get a chance to read it. Please post a comment here or email me! If you like it and think it would be helpful for someone else, please give them a copy.

AND...

Would you consider using it in your local church with individuals or in small group studies? I wrote it with small groups in mind (including a FREE Companion Guide to download below to help guide the conversation). I wanted to write this book about the local church in a way that would be easy for anyone in the local church to understand or anyone struggling with the local church to catch a passion for her using streams as the metaphor. If you like God’s creation, this book will help in exploring the local church.

Order Books for your church Here:

With details about the book.

FREE downloadable Companion Guide Here.
Ten Sessions with questions and experiences connected with each chapter for easy individual or small group study.

Thank you for your partnership!

What do you think?

New Book Coming Down Stream Soon!

noreply@blogger.com (Sacred Outfitter) — Mon, 23 Oct 2017 01:24:00 +0000

Writing a book is a strange thing. It causes you to be open, honest and vulnerable. It exposes you! After sharing an idea, months of writing around a single creative idea it eventually gives birth for the world to experience. Pastor and author, Max Lucado has said writing a book "is like giving birth to barbwire" and he has given birth to many books.

Ouch!

The process is a difficult, exciting, challenging, tiring, exhilarating and joyful all at the same time. I love it! Maybe I am crazy. I have written other books. I keep doing it! The creative process of a single thought being organized into an outline and into something that could impact many is exhilarating. A Jewish proverb says you should do three things over the course of your lifetime. First, plant a tree. Second, have a baby. Third, write a book. Why? All three outlast you! With God in the middle, writing a book can have an eternal impact on people for His glory! This is my prayer.

It is also strange to read your own book. It is a real and raw experience opening yourself up to all sorts of thoughts and emotions.

Questions abound...

Was something misspelled?
Was a word left out?
Should I have written it another way?
Is it too short? Too long?
Is that a good thought?
Should I have written that differently?
Does that work?
Will anyone read this or even like it?
Will this make a lasting impact or just go away in a few weeks?
Did I represent the church well?
Was it written with integrity?
...and on it goes.

It is like presenting your baby to the world for the first time. Of course, you think he or she is the cutest and smartest in the whole world, but I am not naive. I am still growing as a writer. There are many good books about the local church and about streams. This is just another one, but I pray special in the hands of God.

Who is the Book For?

It is for individuals to read, married couples, college students, small groups, church boards and whole churches. Not only those groups, but anyone who is tired, skeptical and cynical of the Bride of Christ is invited to go on a journey paddling down streams thinking about the local church. I don't think you will find difficult words on the page, but maybe challenging ideas. This is an opportunity to take a fresh look at God's idea called the local church.

And now I get to present my book to you, the reader. It is called, From Broken to Beautiful: What Repairing Streams Has Taught Me About Healing The Church.

If you are interested you can order by clicking HERE.
*Heads up! After the initial launch, the price will increase.

Here are the Chapters:

INTRODUCTION: Starting a Conversation about Streams

1. For the Love of Streams
2. God as the Divine Stream
3. Restore Water Flow with the Holy Spirit
4. Streams of Life-Giving Prayer
5. Restore the Channel
6. Prevent Erosion
7. Go Fishing
8. Guide the Beavers
9. Melt the Streams
10. Call to Restore: Fix the Sticks and Adjust the Rocks

CONCLUSION: Continuing the Conversation about Streams

So, there it is. Now you know what is coming! If you are still interested, you can order a copy or several for your small group, leadership team or church by clicking HERE.

AND...A downloadable FREE Companion Guide will be coming too! This will be a great way to go below the surface experiencing streams and the local church even further individually or with a group.

I am told the book is going to print this week and in a few weeks, you will have your copy(s). But sure to order today!

If you missed it, here is a Video Interview about the book HERE.

Feedback

After you receive your book, I would love your feedback. Send me an email HERE or comment below on this blog. Thank you for your interest and prayers along the way. May we together help the church go from broken to beautiful again!

New Book Update: We Are Getting Close

noreply@blogger.com (Sacred Outfitter) — Sat, 16 Sep 2017 16:38:00 +0000

Hello friends - The final edits are happening as we speak. My new book, From Broken to Beautiful with any luck will be published by the beginning of October. Thank you for your patience on this journey. Max Lucado, author and pastor, has said writing a book is like "giving birth to barbwire." Ouch! I understand! Having written a few books prior to this one, it is a long 9 month+ process that is both difficult and joyful. I am so grateful to all of your support along the way. I am anticipating the end message and ministry will have lasting impact.

If you have questions or have not pre-ordered your book, please go to the links below. This is a great resource for individual, small group studies and even full church campaigns.

New Book brings perspective and help for broken churches becoming beautiful again.

From Broken to Beautiful: What Repairing Streams Has Taught Me About Healing the Local Church by Dr. Jeff Baxter (Light + Life Publishing)

Preorders:
Click Here To Order at Light + Life Bookstore

Summary:

I love Jesus. I love the local church because Jesus loves the local church. There are certainly lots of books about the local church and how the changing culture is impacting her. Why am I writing a book about the local church? The short answer is I am deeply burdened for her. The health of many local churches is sick. God is sovereign and we know that the gates of hell will not prevail against the Church (capital C). We get the high honor of partnering with God to help the local church advance the Kingdom of God on earth. This is messy work. The local church is both broken and beautiful. She is broken because she is filled with messy people in the pew and preachers in the pulpit. The local church is beautiful because she is the Bride of Christ. Christ chose her and Christ alone makes her beautiful because of his relationship with her. He chose you and I to take part in the greatest organic and spiritual movement the world has ever experienced. God wants everyone to be part of his love story.

About The Author

Dr. Jeff Baxter

Jeff is a creative and passionate Bible teacher, FMC Ordained Elder, and Lead Pastor of River Church in Lakewood, CO. Being a life-long learner, leader, and author has led him to receive his advanced theological degrees from Columbia International University and Fuller Theological Seminary. He has extensively led and trained oversees, as well as at Christian Universities, camps, churches and conferences. He has written books with Zondervan Publishing such as, The Ultimate Guide to Being Christian in College and Together: Adults and Teenagers Transforming the Church. Jeff is married to beautiful Laurie and they have three awesome kids. You may often find Jeff in coffee shops seeking community, conversation, and study.

Stay up with Jeff here:
Facebook: drjeffmbaxter
Twitter: @drjeffmbaxter
Instagram: pastorjeffbaxter
Blog: SacredOutfitter.blogspot.com
Church: riverchurchmovement.org

Early Endorsements:

From Broken to Beautiful is a personal and holistic ministry summary. Dr. Jeff Baxter accomplishes what some books on the church fail to achieve- objective self-analysis that leads the reader to some conclusions that are transferable for any ministry. Jeff’s humble and astute observations on the church and leadership are worth reading by pastors and lay alike. His vulnerable approach makes it approachable for all who love the church and desire to serve in it.

Matthew Thomas

Bishop, Free Methodist Church

From Broken to Beautiful has an important message for pastors, church Boards and anyone who cares about the church. How can we live out the spiritually vibrant, relationally beautiful church Christ envisions while facing our innate brokenness as humans? Dr. Jeff Baxter offers sound biblical counsel rooted deeply in his pastoral experience in large and small churches. I encourage everyone in your church to read and discuss this book as a step toward becoming healthier as a church. I resonate with Jeff's passion for Christ's bride, the church, to be a beautiful manifestation of God's great love for humanity. You and your church can be blessed as you engage this vital issue.

Pastor Dennis Jeffery

Superintendent, River Conference,

Free Methodist Church

From Broken to Beautiful is the perfect title for this book. Dr. Jeff Baxter’s love for Christ, His Bride the Church, and God’s people gives him a prophetic voice challenging the corporate church--those who use the church to accumulate assets, for power and control, and for selfish ambition. Then Baxter offers a life-giving path for the beautiful Bride of Christ, the true church, to fulfill God’s vision. I recommend this excellent work.

Pastor Ted Haggard

St. James Church
Free Methodist Church Planting Consultant

Dr. Kyle Greenwood

Old Testament Faculty

Colorado Christian University

From Broken to Beautiful is a book that is badly needed. The church gets a bad rap today; often it is justified. But Dr. Baxter has written something that needs to be taken to heart for anyone who has seen the church at its worst, especially those who have been “burned” by the church, the Bride of Christ. There is no one better qualified to write this book, since he if anyone has every reason to give up on the church. But Dr. Baxter charts a way through the brokenness of the church to restore your confidence in what God is doing in this world through his people, the Bride of Christ. This is a must read for anyone who needs to have their faith in the church restored and renewed.

Dr. David Mathewson

New Testament Faculty

Denver Seminary

Questions or Comments:

Contact Dr. Jeff Baxter

Preorders:

Click Here To Order at Light + Life Bookstore

BONUS! Interview and Introduction From Broken and Beautiful

noreply@blogger.com (Sacred Outfitter) — Fri, 04 Aug 2017 21:33:00 +0000

From Broken to Beautiful: What Repairing Steams Has Taught Me About Healing The Church

by Dr. Jeff Baxter

Pre-order:

Click Here to Pre-Order From Broken to Beautiful

From the Introduction:

Starting a Conversation about Streams

“Sam was the only member of the party who had not been over the stream before. He had a strange feeling as the slow gurgling stream slipped by: his old life lay behind in the mists, dark adventure lay in front." -J.R.R. Tolkien

Colorado has been in a drought the last few years. Our state, particularly the further East you venture is very dry. Firefighters tell us if a fire starts it can spread at 150 feet per minute. Flames can be as high as eight feet tall making the fight against fire nearly impossible. Because of this lack of water flowing out of the Rocky Mountains, streams in Colorado need desperate rehabilitation and restoration. Recently, Colorado officials requested $25 million dollars to create stream protection plans in every corner of the state, trying to save watersheds increasingly imperiled by industry, droughts and more people siphoning water. It is not only Colorado concerned about mending broken streams. The amount of money spent on restoring and rehabilitating streams nationally is an astounding one billion dollars each year. We have a problem with broken steams in our country.

Churches run the same risk.

I am deeply connected and concerned about the local church and the similarities to broken streams is astonishing. Churches can be the most beautiful sites on the planet, as people's love is deep and unity is strong, but they can also be very broken places. Churches can either have a multiplying and flowing impact across the world or they can struggle to survive drying up. Like streams, churches are everywhere and they are more connected than one might notice at first glance. I am afraid the drought statistics for the local church are not much different than Colorado streams. Nearly 4,000 churches close their doors each year in the United States. 70-80% of churches are plateaued or in decline across America. Only 17% of the population of our country attends a Christian church on any given weekend. Why is that? The church is beautiful in spots, but she is also deeply in need of repair. The stream of the local church is not healthy, flowing and producing healthy water today. Without proper care and maintenance, churches will inevitably deteriorate. We must learn to identify the signs of decay and act decisively to ensure our churches continue to flourish.

Streams and churches are gifts from our Creator. All gifts require care lest they become neglected and unusable. What is broken can be made beautiful again with your help. It does not matter if you are outside the local church today as a victim, inside the local church but cynical, a tired lead pastor or a passionate congregation member desperately praying to see revival, your help is desperately needed to make the church beautiful again. This requires those who care about the future of the local church to lock arms helping make her beautiful again.

The flow of this book will share stories of encounters with streams and churches and apply principles in order to take what might be broken and create beauty. I have nearly drown in unhealthy local church streams and been burned by her leaders, but I still believe she is the hope of the world. So does Jesus (Matthew 16:15-20). Local churches have the greatest God-given capacity for good in the world. After all, the local church was God's idea. Despite her brokenness she provides good news to everyone inside and outside the local church. I invite you on a journey to discover how to repair some broken streams and help some churches along the trail. Let your "old life lay behind in the mists, dark adventure lay in front."

----------

BONUS - Interview with Dr. Jeff Baxter

Enjoy! Thank you for your partnership and support!

From Broken To Beautiful Interview from Light & Life Communications on Vimeo.

NEW Book Announcement: From Broken to Beautiful

noreply@blogger.com (Sacred Outfitter) — Tue, 01 Aug 2017 21:06:00 +0000

New Book brings perspective and help for broken churches becoming beautiful again.

From Broken to Beautiful: What Repairing Streams Has Taught Me About Healing the Local Church by Dr. Jeff Baxter (Light + Life Publishing)

Preorders:
Click Here To Order at Light + Life Bookstore

Summary:

I love Jesus. I love the local church because Jesus loves the local church. There are certainly lots of books about the local church and how the changing culture is impacting her. Why am I writing a book about the local church? The short answer is I am deeply burdened for her. The health of many local churches is sick. God is sovereign and we know that the gates of hell will not prevail against the Church (capital C). We get the high honor of partnering with God to help the local church advance the Kingdom of God on earth. This is messy work. The local church is both broken and beautiful. She is broken because she is filled with messy people in the pew and preachers in the pulpit. The local church is beautiful because she is the Bride of Christ. Christ chose her and Christ alone makes her beautiful because of his relationship with her. He chose you and I to take part in the greatest organic and spiritual movement the world has ever experienced. God wants everyone to be part of his love story.

About The Author

Stay up with Jeff here:
Facebook: drjeffmbaxter
Twitter: @drjeffmbaxter
Instagram: pastorjeffbaxter
Blog: SacredOutfitter.blogspot.com
Church: riverchurchmovement.org

Early Endorsements:

Matthew Thomas

Bishop, Free Methodist Church

Pastor Dennis Jeffery

Superintendent, River Conference,

Free Methodist Church

Pastor Ted Haggard

St. James Church

Dr. Kyle Greenwood

Old Testament Faculty

Colorado Christian University

Dr. David Mathewson

New Testament Faculty

Denver Seminary

Questions or Comments:

Contact Dr. Jeff Baxter

Preorders:

Click Here To Order at Light & Life Bookstore

Christmas, Starbucks and Free Gifts

noreply@blogger.com (Sacred Outfitter) — Sun, 25 Dec 2016 21:26:00 +0000

Cashing In This Christmas

I just made a trip to Starbucks on Christmas. The place was packed, but the grocery store parking lot across the street was empty. It is no secret to my friends and family that I love Starbucks. I enjoy the specially drinks of espresso, the community environment, opportunity to write, study the Bible and have meaningful conversations with friends. I especially like the Christmas season when I receive my Starbucks Holiday Card. I get a sticker every time I order a Peppermint Mocha. It...is...awesome! I talked about this little card and put the picture on the big screen at River Church's Christmas Eve services. I shared that I have a free drink coming (see the picture from this morning). The stickers that I worked for, earned and deserve will help me cash in on a Grande Peppermint Mocha today! It is next to me as I write this blog. :-) I told the children in the audience that adults still like stickers when we do and earn good things. Well, I will never grow tired of filling in my card for a free Starbucks drink.

God's Perspective

I went on to share last night that many people think they have to earn, work for and deserve eternal salvation the same way. The world thinks that if we do certain things, act a certain way, stay out of trouble, not use certain words and are a pretty good person, we get "eternal stickers" from God to get us into heaven, thus we deserve salvation. God should let us into eternity with him because our life's card is pretty full. There are dates on the Starbucks card to, but for us the date starts with your birthday with the ending date when we die. Listen carefully friends. This kind of thinking is not what God thinks. It is not what the Bible says. God does not view it that way.

Truth this Christmas

Here is the truth of Christmas. Our sins keep us out of heaven! One sin is enough to keep us separated from God forever. No amount of good works will ever earn salvation for all of eternity. We don't deserve heaven. We don't collect good stickers! Godis not keeping score! God sent Jesus, as a baby to provide the only way of salvation. Believe and receive him as your Savior and you will be saved. Come to God with a "blank life card" - just as you are. God will fill it up with the "Jesus sticker." It is a free gift by grace through faith alone that you can have eternal life forever. You can't earn it. You don't deserve it. You certainly can't work for your salvation. Just believe in the baby in the manger who would grow into a man, live a perfect life, die on the cross for your sins against God and rise again on the third day, just as predicted.

God will take a thousand steps in pursuit of you, but will leave the last step for you to take toward him. That is Christmas. God going to extreme measures to pursue you. He is willing to send his only son out of heaven to earth in the form of a baby. He did all the work. All we need to do is believe Jesus is the Savior of the world...and for you.

Merry Christmas! Enjoy Jesus!

What do you think?

Life Lessons I am Learning at 45

noreply@blogger.com (Sacred Outfitter) — Thu, 08 Dec 2016 16:00:00 +0000

It is time to celebrate another birthday.

It is almost December 10th (again this year) so here comes a life lesson list. I spent some time praying and thinking about my life and lessons I am still learning along the journey. Being 45 allows me to see life from a backward and forward vantage point. It feels like the middle. I want to learn from the past and run fast into the future on mission for Jesus. I wrote 45 lessons below I am still learning. I encourage you to do the same. Write down the lessons you are learning and keep growing in Jesus. Maybe some of these connect with you.

45 Lessons I am Learning at 45.

There is nothing more important then loving God with every fiber of your being.
Love and serve your family first before your job or ministry (or friends).
God is in control in every way even when we (or others) blow it. Trust Him!
Live your life on purpose. You are aiming at something. Shoot at it!
Have a purpose beyond yourself that glorifies God.
The church - a gathered group of followers of Jesus - is still the hope of the world.
Love people as you love yourself, which requires loving yourself first.
There is always more to the story. You might not have it figured out. Don't jump to conclusions too quickly.
Happiness and joy are completely different. Happiness is temporal. Joy is eternal.
God's purpose has been given for every human. It is to go and make disciples.
The world keeps getting smaller the older you get.
Christians have more in common then different, so partner with one another more.
Don't build a prison of bitterness in your heart. It only hurts you.
Slow down and take it all in.
God's creation is His glory on display.
Character or Integrity in all it's forms is much more important then ministry skills.
Grace is what brings people home.
Learning about people is fun.
Saying your sorry (and meaning it) when you blow it is a sign of humility (and the opposite is pride).
Trust is built and tested overtime.
Take times to rest (days, weeks and months).
Spending time with God daily is fuel for your soul.
The tension and stress we feel is often spiritual in nature.
Build margins into your life, like the space on the edge of a book page where you take notes.
Set boundaries in your relationships, emotions and spiritual life.
Feeling small in this world is a good thing. It helps you see God as HUGE!
Never stop talking to God in unbroken communication. He never stops talking to us.
The promises from God in the Bible are food for our soul. Look them up.
Really see the world. It opens your eyes to God's creativity and stirs your imagination.
Ask yourself daily if your living by faith or fear.
Tell your loved ones you love them daily.
You are a human BEING, not a human DOING. Live like it.
Put into practice what you are learning about God.
Exercise your body consistently.
Guard date nights with your spouse like your marriage depended on it. It does.
Grab hold of a few deep friendships for life. They are rare.
Ask for prayer from others. Ask to pray for others and do it.
Do fun stuff just because it is fun.
Do not watch your kids grow up from a distance. Get close.
Money is a wonderful servant, but a terrible master.
Suffering is temporary. It does not matter what suffering.
Hugs and smiles are life-giving.
There is nothing like having a peaceful home.
Evaluate your life often and recalibrate and realign.
Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever.

What would you add to the list?
What is your list?
What do you think?

Three Buckets: Where Should the Pastor's Time Go?

noreply@blogger.com (Sacred Outfitter) — Fri, 02 Dec 2016 18:18:00 +0000

Being a pastor is a tricky balance of time. Every week is different whether an event is being planned, a wedding is coming, an unexpected death in the congregation, a "normal week" or it is the middle of the summer. There will always be surprises and adjustments to the schedule because we are loving and serving people whose lives are complex and loving our own families too.

In general, what should a pastor's work week look like? Where should time go? How do we balance personal health, family health with our calling to pastor the flock? Having been a pastor for over two decades and most recently a Lead Pastor, I believe there are three big buckets a Pastor should give his energy.

Before I give you the buckets, many surveys and much research has been done around the topics of the pastor's time, work week and energy. When Thom Rainer was a pastor in Florida he asked his leadership (deacons) to share with him their expectations of his time in the following areas and here were the totaled results from his leaders (source).

Prayer at the church: 14 hours
Sermon preparation: 18 hours
Outreach and evangelism: 10 hours
Counseling: 10 hours
Hospital and home visits: 15 hours
Administrative functions: 18 hours
Community involvement: 5 hours
Denominational involvement: 5 hours
Church meetings: 5 hours
Worship services/preaching: 4 hours
Other: 10 hours

Total: 114 hours/week

Wow! 114 hours a week! That is burnout waiting to happen. Can you imagine how long any pastor would stay at any church if these were the expectations of their leadership? The difficulty is the unrealistic expectations of the pastor's time and the lack of understanding around the pastor's calling. Where should his time go? It can't go everywhere?

Big Bucks of Time

Here are my big buckets I am striving to live each week, but I will be honest, it is a fight. It requires discipline, intentionality and Holy Spirit drive. We must be proactive with our lives, families and over communicate with all those around us where are time is going.

First, give your time to LEADERS.

Pastor Shepherds must live passionate lives for Christ and reproduce intentionally into a select few growing and humble leaders. They are the future of the church. We must die to ourselves and pour into others. All leadership development has discipleship at it's core. Select a few. Be specific with the training with high expectations and prioritize leadership development. The future of the local church depends on it. Prayer and preparation goes into developing leaders, but we do not have time not to make this life investment.

At River Church, where I serve, I am intentionally and specifically casting the net to 14 young leaders, inviting them to join me on a 10 month journey into character and leadership development. We will read some books, discuss, hold one another accountable to growing closer to Jesus with the prayer intention of multiplying our lives and leadership into others. This was Jesus' way, let's follow his example (Matthew 28:18-20; 2 Timothy 2:2).

Second, give your time to LAMBS.

Of course, part of our time and energy is loving the flock of lambs the Lord has given for our care and responsibility. This involves preaching, teaching, equipping, counseling, serving and guiding toward a compelling future. Our work week will look different each week in caring for lambs, but we have a responsibility to do so. Just before Jesus would ascend to heaven, he would ask Peter, a future leader in the church if he loved Jesus. Peter said yes, three times and Jesus called and commissioned him to "take care of my sheep" (John 21). This caring for the lambs is an all encompassing bucket with a variety of tasks.

Third, give your time to the LOST.

Often overlooked and pushed to the side is the pastors personal responsibility to meet, build relationship and share the Gospel with friends, family, neighbors and the community. Jesus came to seek and save the lost (Luke 19:10; John 3:16). We must set the example. We must equip others to do the same. This time and energy must be part of our work week.

Balance

How do we balance this time and energy? How much time should we give to each one of these areas each week (Leaders, Lambs, Lost)? In general, I believe they should each be given a third of your time.

1/3 of your week goes to investing in your coming leadership.
1/3 of your week involves caring for the lambs of the congregation.
1/3 of your week is in investing in unbelievers begging God for opportunities to share the Gospel.

45 Hours

A 45 hour work week would look like this. 45 hours leaves time for margin and causes pastors to think strategically about their use of time to balance family, friends and health.

15 hours to Leaders (in equipping, praying, prepping, meeting, coaching, challenging...)
15 hours to Lambs (in counseling, preaching prep, preaching, worship service leading, casting vision, equipping, caring, loving, listening...)
15 hours to the Lost (in talking, meeting, listening, building relationship, praying, sharing the Gospel...)

As I mentioned earlier, there are adjustments each week, but in general these are the three big buckets of time I believe every pastor should strive to fill. Everything else should be delegated to those who can do a better job at the task than you can. Pastoring is a team sport, so we need to raise up and partner with others to accomplish ministry for the Kingdom of God.

Also, each pastor has different spiritual gifts, personally and capacity for ministry. This might expand beyond the local church. These buckets will impact our time and energy, but being called to pastoral ministry requires us to take seriously all three buckets. The pastor's calling is to lead leaders, love lambs and lead the lost to Christ.

What do you think?
How do you divide your time and energy?
What adjustments would you make to your work week to fill the three buckets?

Fake Fruit: Authentic Christianity in the Local Church

noreply@blogger.com (Sacred Outfitter) — Mon, 29 Aug 2016 17:00:00 +0000

It looked so real. I walked into the store. As I was looking around, I spotted what looked like rows of beautiful blooming plants. The leaves looked so real on the outside. I approached only to find out those leaves and flowers were not real. There was no smelly fragrance. There were no smooth life-giving leaves.

It was plastic.
It was artificial and fake.
There were rows and rows of fake flowers and fake fruit.

Local churches can be the same way. They look good, real and authentic on the outside, but when you get up close to her people, policies and procedures you figure out it is artificial, thus not life-giving. Oh, they are going through the motions and saying the right things, but below the surface it is stale and dead. Fake things don't live, breath and have their power in Jesus.

Our Example, Paul

Paul, the apostle might be the greatest Christian who ever lived on earth. He wrote nearly half of the New Testament scriptures. He was the catalyst for growing Christianity and the church like no other. His passion for the Gospel of Jesus Christ was incredible. He was not ashamed of the Gospel because it was the power source for real life (Romans 1:16). When you stop and take a look at Paul's resume, it is not all that great and I am positive he would not be hired by any local church staff team today. In fact, I am sure if he were on staff, he would be fired for his maverick-like style.

Paul was not artificial, but very authentic. I don't think you can accuse Paul of being a people-pleaser, but many did accuse him of other things.

Paul Questioned

On many occasions, Paul was questioned about his character and history. In the church in Corinth, they had what was called "super-Apostle's". These leaders could apparently do some signs, wonders and revelations that outdid Paul. The congregation in Corinth was divided and many were being drawn away from Paul's teachings and drifting toward these so-called Apostle's. Paul's embracing weaknesses and imperfections were not high on the Corinthian leaders check list. This all makes since because this local church was located in a city booming with population much like New York City or Denver, where I serve.

Even within local church leadership circles, the size of the church and the charism of the leadership makes things look healthy, when it is possible it is artificial. It is like a good looking apple on the outside, but rotten on the inside. Paul was not deterred. In 2 Corinthians, his second letter back to this church, he argues for authenticity.

Are you ready?

Paul does not argue from a place of power, of greatness, the number of churches he has planted or the size of a congregation, but from his weaknesses. He writes to this church about how God had allowed him to have a "thorn in his side" to humble him. This local church needed to hear this. They needed a dose of humility. Paul shares that he begged God to take it away three times, but the Lord didn't (2 Corinthians 12:8-10). Scholars and theologian debate about the definition of the "thorn," but that is not the point.

God uses weak things to blow our expectations away. God will humble the prideful things, but he gives grace to the humble (James 4:6). This is true of local churches too. God understands what is happening. He is in control. When you see Paul's maturity and growth because of his public authenticity in weakness it gives us hope and joy to do the same. Paul's growth is linked to his weakness and even sinfulness.

Paul's Maturity

First, in A.D. 49, Paul has been a Christian for 14 years. He has been following Jesus. He says this, "As for those who seemed to be important - whatever they were makes not difference to me" (Galatians 2:6). This seems like of proud.

Second, in A.D. 55, six years later, Paul writes the Corinthians with more humility saying, "I am the least of the Apostle's" (1 Corinthians 15:9).

Third, five years later in A.D. 60 and twenty five years after beginning to follow after Jesus, Paul says, "I am less than the least of all God's people" (Ephesians 3:8). What an incredible evaluation of himself. This seems like a ton of humility and authenticity.

Fourth, just a few years before his death, he says these words, "I am the worst of all sinners" (1 Timothy 1:15). Paul has been walking with Jesus Christ for maybe thirty years, has planted numerous churches on three missionary journeys, has written many letters back to those churches and raised up faithful leaders. He says openly, publicly and with authenticity, I am the worst. Does Paul have low self esteem? No, Paul is celebrating his weaknesses because Christ is his strength. Paul realized, as many of the pastors, leaders and congregations need to know and understand too, weakness is strength. Paul said it, "For when I am weak, then I am strong" (1 Corinthians 12:10). Recognizing our weakness puts us in a place of humility.

Like the Corinthian church, maybe more local churches need to embrace and operate from weakness? Maybe authenticity and openness is the way to healthy relationships within your local church? This requires a healthy view of emotions as leaders and those involved in the local church. May we blaze an authentic trail toward life-giving ministry and living.

What do you think?

Has the Church Hurt You? Share Your Story.

noreply@blogger.com (Sacred Outfitter) — Wed, 10 Aug 2016 23:14:00 +0000

"We want to avoid suffering, death, sin, ashes. But we live in a world crushed and broken and torn,

a world God Himself visited to redeem. We receive his poured-out life, and being allowed the high privilege of suffering with Him, may then pour ourselves out for others."

- Elisabeth Elliot

I love the local church. The church is the beautiful Bride of Christ. Unfortunately, she can be hurtful to people. I understand. I have been hurt by the church many times. But, I care deeply that the local church stops hurting and becomes healthy. This is God's heart.

Broken

If you have been around a local church for any length of time, you must admit there are some rough spots and she is not functioning like she should. Many local churches are broken. In humility, we need to admit this or we will end up with abandoned church buildings where local churches have died because of the ego of a pastor, mishandling of money, an elder meeting blow up, lack of change where needed, immaturity and much more.

Did you know 80-85% of local churches have plateaued or are in decline across the United States according to Malphurs Leadership Group. This is astonishing. When church leadership consistently hurts staff, makes pour decisions and doesn't have a compelling vision, the congregation - the organism is unhealthy. It needs medication. It is no wonder the next generation is running away from the local church. We have been hypocritical. You have probably experienced this up close or from a distance in one way or another.

Silent Killer

Some have called the pain experienced by the local church a "silent killer." The pain goes deep into the soul. It impacts your mind and heart. The collateral damage that unhealthy church members and leadership cause has long lasting impact. This is not right. Remember, the hurt caused by God's people is not a reflection of God. He is a compassionate and loving God. He wants his Bride to be perfect. He is working to mature her for His glory. The Bridegroom is coming back for His Bride one day. The strength of the leadership and health of the people will determine if this is a one time hurtful event or a regular part of a church on the verge of dying.

Healing

Remember that God promised he will, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5); “I have loved you with an everlasting love” (Jeremiah 31:3) and “Surely I am with you always" (Matthew 28:20). It is true. In the middle of the pain caused by the local church, God is there. He is present and he has not given up on the local church or you.

Do not let bitterness take root. This takes humility. Remember, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble” (James 4:6). God wants you to forgive (Matthew 18:22; Mark 11:27; Ephesians 4:32). This will take the power of the Holy Spirit working in your heart (Ephesians 3:16). God wants to mature you and help you live a joyful life in Christ (John 10:10).

My Story

I have experienced this pain by unhealthy local churches and her leadership. I would love to hear your story. I have heard this story of hurt over and over from others. Sometimes it helps to share your experience to a listening ear.

Please leave a comment with your story or if you feel more comfortable, email me at drjeffmbaxter@gmail.com and share with me. I will promise to respond and pray for you too.

Blessings on the journey to loving God and loving his Bride.

What do you think?