Joshua Harris blog (Covenant Life Church)

Prayer for the Persecuted Church

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 17:43:12 EDT

This past Sunday, in recognition of the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church, we took time to pray as a church for believers around the world who are being persecuted for the sake of the gospel. Mark Mitchell and the Outreach team were kind enough to compile this list of resources to help us be better informed, to serve, and to pray:

Currently, there are 200 million Christians experiencing persecution in over 40 countries. These believers are experiencing suffering in many forms, from receiving the lowest paying jobs, to imprisonment and even death. As Paul says in 2 Corinthians 4:9, they are “persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed.” When asked what they need the most, their most frequent answer is, “Please pray for us!” You can partner with the persecuted church by praying on their behalf, learning more from the ministries that support them, and providing for their needs. Here are some specific ways that you can get involved:

Be Informed and Pray

• Receive e-mail updates that will help you pray specifically for persecuted Christians through International Christian Concern, Open Doors, or Voice of Martyrs.

• Pray each day through the Open Doors’ monthly prayer calendar.

• Read the news from International Christian Concern’s latest press releases.

• Read Day by Day, a daily e-devotional written by persecuted believers through Open Doors.

• Subscribe to Voice of the Martyrs’ monthly newsletter.

Provide

• Go Christmas shopping at Christian Freedom International. Buy handcrafts made from persecuted believers to support them in providing for their families.

• Give a Bible to a child in a closed country by texting 20222 and type “Bible.” A $5 donation will appear on your phone bill (you can text up to five times per month). You can also mail a New Testament Bible into restricted nations by visiting www.BiblesUnbound.com.

• Send a care package to a Christian family through the Action Pack project through Voice of the Martyrs.

• Write a letter of encouragement to a prisoner for the gospel at www.prisoneralert.com.

• Advocate on behalf of the persecuted church by joining the Open Doors Frontline Action Network to receive e-mails alerting you to take action on new advocacy campaigns. Also visit International Christian Concern to sign the latest petitions.

• Provide financially by giving a specific item (i.e. a vehicle, medical aid, Bible training, etc.) to any of the referenced organizations.

Organizations that Minister to the Persecuted Church

Christian Compassion International
301-989-9368

Christian Freedom International
906-253-2336

International Christian Concern
301-585-5915

Jubilee Campaign
703-503-0791

Open Doors
949-752-6600

Voice of the Martyrs
877-337-0302

Bookends of the Christian Life, Part 1: Application

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 04:00:08 EDT

Yesterday I preached the first message in a new series that will carry us through the end of the year. Read a little more about the series and see the schedule here.

I titled yesterday’s message, “The Righteousness of Christ.” My focus was the glorious truth of how God views believers in Christ—with Jesus’ perfect righteousness credited to their account.

Options:
• Listen online or download an mp3 of the message.
• Download a summary outline in PDF format.
• Use the following questions to reflect on how to apply the message to your life.

1. Have you ever said, “I just can’t do it all” or “I feel like I’m doing nothing well” or “I don’t even feel like I’m a Christian”? What do these statements reveal about what you are leaning on?

2. What does the Bible mean by “righteous”? What is God’s standard for the level of righteousness He requires of us? Is it attainable?

3. What difference will it make to live moment-by-moment in the good of having our sin transferred to Christ and Christ’s righteousness credited to us? What’s the effect when we forget these truths?

4. Josh invited us to complete the statement, “I’m OK because __________ (I read my Bible everyday; I’m a good parent; I attend this church; I’m respected; I have a good job, etc.) What does your answer reveal about the bookends of your life?

About “Self-Control in a Wired World”

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 08:51:16 EDT

I got the following e-mail from a mom (name withheld) who was affected by one of the recent sermons from Proverbs, “Self-Control in a Wired World.” I am so encouraged about how God has been speaking to us through the Proverbs series!

Hi Josh,

Through the sermon on self-control, I felt God was calling me to be a better mom by setting some boundaries with my children in regards to the PS3 [SONY Play Station], computer, etc. My husband and I decided to limit “plug-in play”, as we like to call it, to weekends, with a maximum of two hours each day. When my sons have play dates with friends, we have decided to limit their time to one hour of PS3 time with a hope that they will cultivate real relationships with their friends.

As you can imagine, they were not so happy about this, one son in particular. He has kicked and screamed, figuratively speaking, ever since we laid down the new boundaries and explained why this was important on many levels.

But I am so excited to report that we are already seeing fruit. We recently had one of this child’s friends over for a three-hour play date, a boy that shares my son’s LOVE for video games. As these several hours passed, I was engulfed in my own project, and as it turns out, the entire three hours went by with this other friend playing video games while my son played with his siblings instead.

My son asked me later that night, “Mom, can you please make sure (emphasis his) that we only get one hour of PS3 when my friends come over? I wanted to play other things, but all he wanted to do was play the PS3.”

This is a miracle coming from my child who has been resisting us the most on this change.

Thanks again for this series and for praying for us as our pastors that we would be fruitful in our call to holiness. If God can change my little guy’s heart this quickly, I have tons of faith that he can move in other areas where we are seeking change.

To God be the glory!

A Generous Life

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 07:14:22 EDT

The following is an e-mail I received from Rachel Robb after this Sunday’s message, “The Poor and Needy.” Thanks, Rachel, for honoring your dad and pointing to God’s grace in his life! (Pictured: Frank and Rachel, sharing a hat moment)

Hi Josh,

First of all, thank you SO much for the message that you preached today. It was very convicting and an excellent reminder. Personally, I was convicted of a few specific opportunities that God has given me to be supporting the poor. I also just wanted to share with you the amazing example that my father has set as someone who cares for the poor, the fatherless and the alien.

When he was first converted in South Africa, my dad would go out into the poor townships with a church group and teach the impoverished population how to grow vegetables. This was in a time when it was extremely dangerous for any white people to go into those areas.

Also, our home has always been a shelter for those who are needy. From visiting scientists from around the world, to PC families and people coming to conferences, my dad has led our family heroically and opened up our home generously and without hesitation. I literally cannot count how many people have stayed with us since I have been alive… Almost my entire life there has been at LEAST one visitor staying in our house. Many times, these people are from another country and in desperate need of friends and family. My dad has shown me what it means to love others selflessly.

Right now a missionary family from Israel is staying in our basement. They have been in Israel for the past six years, and when they were called to come back to the U.S. for a sabbatical-type-thing, my father graciously offered them our basement. He is generous to a ridiculous degree sometimes. When a charity is calling and they reach my mom, I will hear her telling them that Dad has already donated to their cause recently.

What’s even more amazing is that, when I encouraged Dad after the message and told him that he was the most generous and giving person that I knew, he was amazed and said that during the message he had been very convicted of his shortcomings in this area. That blew me away. He is the most humble man that I know.

I don’t really know why I wanted to share all that with you so badly, but I was so overwhelmed in the message at the amazing example of my dad in this area. I guess I just wanted to encourage you with the grace of God that is at work in our church!

May God bless you richly, Josh!

Rachel Robb

P.S. Also, thank you so much for honoring my mom. I love the fact that I, as her daughter, can heartily agree with everything you said about her being a faithful servant, and that I know that she is even more amazing and godly and self-sacrificing than anyone else (other than our family) will ever know.

Unique Opportunity To Serve

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 16:57:07 EDT

This coming spring over 5,000 pastors from all over the world will gather in Louisville, Ky., for “Together for the Gospel,” a bi-annual conference that encourages pastors from a multitude of denominations and backgrounds to take their stand together for the gospel.

The theme for T4G 2010 is “The (Unadjusted) Gospel”—how Jesus Christ, who is the same yesterday, today, and forever, proclaims a message that’s the same yesterday, today, and forever—and why we should do likewise.

Main session speakers for the event include R.C. Sproul, John Piper, Al Mohler, C.J. Mahaney, John MacArthur, Ligon Duncan, Mark Dever and Thabiti Anyabwile. The event will be held April 13-15 at the Kentucky International Convention Center.

Sovereign Grace Ministries has the privilege of organizing and running the conference. If you would like to volunteer to serve not only all the pastors of our churches, but the diverse body of believers that will be gathered to celebrate the gospel, contact Paul Medler for more information.

Proverbs, Part 16: Application

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 04:00:08 EDT

Yesterday I preached from Proverbs 14:31: “Whoever oppresses a poor man insults his Maker, but he who is generous to the needy honors him.” The sermon highlighted Proverbs’ teaching that the way we relate to those in need reveals how we relate to God himself.

You can listen online or download an mp3 of the message, and use the following questions prepared by pastor Don DeVries to reflect on how to apply it to your life:

1. Why does Scripture tell us that the way we relate to those in need reveals how we relate to God, himself?

2. Are there any specific ways—in your family, at work or within the church—you have disregarded the needs of the poor? What would repentance and change look like?

3. Josh taught us that oppression of the poor can also be an attitude of the heart. Do you harbor any attitudes of superiority toward the poor or needy? Have you withheld friendship or fellowship from someone because of their financial status? How can you grow and change?

4. Are you aware of any in need (in your family, within or outside the church) for whom you could show compassion by giving of your time and/or resources?

5. How should the gospel envision and motivate us to demonstrate love and care to the poor and needy?

Also, feel the freedom to download a summary (PDF, 68kb) of the message.

Reaching Out to Expectant Mothers

Tue, 20 Oct 2009 10:58:13 EDT

Recently, Covenant Life began an outreach to expectant mothers who are on bed rest at an area hospital because of complications in pregnancy. Below is a report by volunteer Mary Hungerford on her recent visits with some of the moms. If you are interested in serving in this ministry, contact Drew Garfield, or call the church office.

The hospital visits have been amazing! Last week, I asked the Lord to give me opportunities to pray with the women I encountered. The first room I entered had a young girl who was extremely nauseous. I asked if I could pray with her, and she could only nod yes. Even with the nurse clanging noisily around in the room, the Spirit helped me focus and not be disturbed.

The second patient said, “Please, could you pray with me?” She had visited Covenant Life and wanted to know more about the school. I left her my e-mail address so she could get more information after she has her twins.

The third lady was from Ghana. She recently returned to her home country for her father’s funeral and caught malaria. This put her into preterm labor. I asked to pray with her and for the first time during our visit, a big smile lit up her face. I was not expecting to speak about spiritual matters so quickly and so often during my visits with these women, but that just seems to be where the conversations go. God is good!

Earlier this week, I had the most amazing visit yet. A young lady prayed with me to receive Christ! This mother of three was desperate for comfort. Her husband recently left her, and she is planning on giving up her baby for adoption. Initially, she was considering abortion. She actually went to a clinic and paid the money, but by God’s grace, she simply walked out. Remarkably, she had also visited Covenant Life a few times and even attended some of our Starting Point classes. She told me that she does not pray because she does not know how. At the end of our time together, she asked me to come see her again!

One of the greatest blessings of this ministry that I never expected has been its impact on my family. I am able to come home and share stories like the one above with my kids, and they are learning how to minister, submit to God’s plan, and love strangers! What a gift!

Proverbs, Part 15: Application

Mon, 19 Oct 2009 04:00:40 EDT

Braden Greer preached yesterday from Proverbs 12:18: “There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.” He considered the power of both “rash, destructive words” and “wise, constructive words.”

You can listen to the message online or download an mp3, and use the following questions prepared by pastor Don DeVries to help apply the sermon to your life:

1. Consider those in your relational network; e.g., spouse, children, friends, co-workers, etc. Who can you specifically and intentionally encourage today and each day this week?

2. If someone recorded a week’s worth of your words, what would they hear—words of praise, encouagement and faith? Or rash, selfish and angry words? Or both?

3. In Luke 6:45, Jesus said, “out of the abundance of the heart [the] mouth speaks.” What desires are waging war in your heart such that you speak rash words to people?

4. How should Proverbs 12:18 inform the way you bring correction to a spouse, a child or a friend? How can you grow in bringing correction with gentleness and mercy (see 2 Tim. 2:24-26)?

5. If you have a pattern of using rash words, how can you find the joy of forgiveness in the cross of Christ and the hope for change in the power of the Holy Spirit? What brothers or sisters can you enlist to help you in this process of change?

Lastly, feel the freedom to download this PDF containing a summary outline of the message combined with the application questions above.

God Is at Work Through OneU

Tue, 13 Oct 2009 11:49:59 EDT

Here’s a great report from Kate McMahon and Chavia Groveman!

Kate: Our God is mighty to save and continues to show His mercy through loving and saving sinners!

Sometime in the spring a friend asked me to start meeting with a girl from her home church who had grown up in a Christian family but did not know the Lord. I met Esther soon thereafter, and we got together all through the spring. She even invited a friend of hers to join our Bible study in April.

We continued through the summer and this fall started going through How Good Is Good Enough?
together. Chavia was able to join us a few times, and the girls really enjoyed getting to know her. Our last two Bible studies [late September] felt particularly led by the Lord and empowered by His Spirit. Everyone came away excited about what we were learning, even though the conversations were very weighty and revealing.

The girls acknowledged that they did not yet know the Lord, but were aware of their need for a Savior. We talked through the barriers holding them back, and I encouraged them to take a sheet and put it by their bed. On the sheet I asked them to write out any evidences of God showing up in their lives. Chavia and I committed to pray for them and specifically that God would reveal Himself to them in an undeniable way. He did.

Chavia: After I met Esther, we pretty much hit it off right away. She loves sports, and so I was able to connect with her through softball.

Recently, Kate was having lunch with Esther, and so I asked her if she would want to hang out and go to The Gathering that night. [The Gathering is a Christian campus outreach affiliated with McLean Bible Church.] She agreed, and so that night we hung out just talking and talking for several hours in the STAMP [the Student Union at the University of Maryland] while we were waiting for the meeting to start. She ended up pouring out her heart, and told me that the thing that was keeping her from trusting Jesus as her Lord and Savior was her past sins. I reminded her of how when you put your trust in Jesus, He covers you with His righteousness, and forgives you of your sin. I really felt the Spirit the whole time we were talking.

When we got to The Gathering, there was a verse that they put on the screen from Ezekiel 36:25-27. It talks about how the Lord cleanses us from all our sins, and gives us a new heart of flesh taking out our heart of stone. I felt the Lord wanted me to read it to Esther after the service. The message that night was all about the Lord’s specific love for each of us, and the pastor spoke to people who were holding back from accepting Jesus because of their sins. At the end he took communion, and gave the explanation of how only people who are Christians could partake. I leaned over and asked Esther what she was thinking. She said she thought we should go up there, and asked me if I could pray with her. As I led her through the sinner’s prayer, she cried and cried!

Afterward, she was so happy, and kept talking about the new peace in her heart. I shared Ezekiel 36 with her again, and she told me that verse had really spoken to her when she saw it on the screen. All in all, it was an awesome night, and I really wish that Kate could have been there, since she’s been investing in Esther’s life since last spring. :)

But, as Kate and I were talking this morning, we were able to rejoice in the truth that it is not the sower or the reaper who gets the glory, but the Lord who is mighty to save! He is truly in the midst of this campus, and we are excited to see what else He is going to do!

Wayne Grudem: The Greatness of God

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 04:00:23 EDT

Yesterday Dr. Wayne Grudem taught us about the greatness of God in His power, wisdom, sovereignty and glory.

You can listen to the message online or download an mp3, and use the following questions prepared by pastor Don DeVries to help apply the sermon to your life:

1. In light of God’s immense and glorious power (Jer. 32:17, Rev. 1:8, Is. 40:26), is God able to answer your prayers? What tempts you to doubt that God will hear and respond to your prayers?

2. Since God is so great in His wisdom (Ps. 139:14, Is. 40:14), can you trust God’s wisdom in your life circumstances, even if they are difficult or mysterious? What tempts you to wonder if God really knows what He is doing with your life?

3. Dr. Grudem taught us that our choices matter and have influence. In light of our recent series in Proverbs, what choices are you making that cause you to be slothful in zeal? What wise choices can you make to be fervent in spirit?

4. One day we will live in the radiance of the glory of Jesus Christ. How do thoughts of heaven and of seeing Jesus face-to-face bolster your faith for the joys and trials of life here on earth?

More About Self-Control

Fri, 09 Oct 2009 17:22:20 EDT

Here are more responses I received when I e-mailed church members last week asking how they were being affected by our recent messages from Proverbs. People responded to three questions (names have been removed from the responses): 1) Where is God calling you to exercise self-control? What do you feel he’s calling you to say “no” to?
2) Express how God has been speaking to you. 3) What do you think he’s calling you to do instead with your time? Is there an attitude, activity or behavior you’d like to “put on”? (see Ephesians 4: 24)

Thanks to everyone who responded! I hope you’re encouraged (as I was) to see how God is at work.

1) My tongue and my reckless words!
2) Proverbs 12:18 was read and I was convicted of how my reckless words said in anger contributed to a conflict with my daughter.
3) Encourage my daughter with Scripture for where God is at work in her life and hold my tongue.

1) Media. E-mail, Facebook, and text messaging I need to put down…
2) I believe that God has been reminding me that I have an eternal purpose. It is eye-opening to think how much I lose when I waste my time with media. I make God so small and not important and NOT the main focus in my heart.
3) I think he is calling me to spend time with people in person and pursue their hearts.

1) Playing on the computer, sweets, doing my work, etc.
2) God has spoken to me about being a sluggard. Since my bout with Lyme’s disease, I’ve gotten used to being lazy. Now that I’m better, though, I need to start working.
3) I’d like to serve more.

1) No to martha-isms - distractions of the home.
2) Conviction that my heart and mind are not fully engaged in my quiet times.
3) Be still.

1) Show kindness in my interactions with my children and husband, and not be so quick to anger.
2) Show love, patience; enjoy time now because children grow up quickly.
3) Spend more time in prayer for my family, also, quality time in God’s Word.

1) No to the busy schedules. Slow down and spend more time for the Lord.
2) God gave me a very specific command about a week a go: he said: “Worship me!” I have been, and the Holy Spirit has renewed my heart.
3) To praise him, to be humble before him, adore him for the wonders he does in our life. Soak in the Spirit.

1) Food as an idol and web-surfing during my time at home with my kids during the day.
2) I am sensing that God wants to deepen my relationships with my children individually through my prayer time with HImself.
3) Praying for and with my children as their needs are brought to my attention.

1) No to: negative thought patterns that lead to dissatisfaction with the life God has chosen for me.
2) Especially thru Ben Wikner’s class on The Book of Ruth (“He is actively plotting for my good”) and Charles Spurgeon’s books: The Suffering Letters and The Cheque Book of the Bank of Faith (I’ve had severe, long-term health problems for almost 20 years).
3) Spend more time in His presence: the Word, worship, prayer, service to others and biblical fellowship

1) With my thoughts, I have a tendency to let my mind run with too much concern, worry, lack of faith.
2) Self-control should apply to even how we use our mind.
3) Philippians 4:8

1) Less time wasted on the computer, be it editing pictures, checking e-mail, or watching movies.
2) I became aware of how I was wasting my time a few weeks ago, and Joshua Harris’ message helped confirm that I was not spending my time wisely. I have had the desire to spend my time better, but have lacked the motivation, even though I know every moment counts.
3) Open the Bible and read, work on cross-centered friendships, and involve others in all that I do.

1) I’m a very aggressive and judgmental person. I need to show the same grace Christ has shown me to others.
2) Mainly God has been working on how I need to depend on him and “look before I leap,” so to say. Show compassion and grace for others before judgment. It may take some time, but I’m just going to keep coming before him in prayer and reading his Word.
3) Less “me” time and more time helping others who may need it more then I need my time to relax.

1) Free time; spending more time with God rather than personal pleasure.
2) He’s been telling me to spend less time on the computer.
3) Rather than going on the computer for games, bring up the Bible on the computer to study.

1) Self-control for me is connected to faith and humility.
2) It takes faith to let go of those not-obviously-sinful impulses to do things which often seem much less interesting.
3) It takes humility to let go of my own ideas and desires because of my overrated view of myself.

1) Not eating unhealthy foods or over eating, and having the self-control to exercise.
2) As I pray the Lord’s prayer every day, the Lord has been speaking to me about having “no other Gods before him” and “do not fear.” When I am afraid, I often get a snack. I do not exercise self-control nor trust in the Lord in my eating.
3) I need to be aware of my eating response and pray and/or exercise when I’m aware of my fear.

1) Self-control in how I manage to spend my time. God is calling me to say “no” to laziness.
2) God has been speaking to me to take more initiative in planning.
3) Put on more of a servant’s heart to care for everyone I interact with in my life.

Growing in Self-Control

Thu, 08 Oct 2009 15:17:27 EDT

On Sunday we asked several church members to share how God has been speaking to them about self-control. This came as a follow-up to some of our recent sermons from Proverbs, especially “Self Control in a Wired World” and “The Sluggard.”

The video includes testimonies from the second service only. Tomorrow we’ll post a clip with testimonies from the first.

Pastors on Retreat This Week

Tue, 06 Oct 2009 09:34:22 EDT

Here we are about to head out for our annual fall pastors’ retreat. Once again, a family in our church is allowing us to use a house they own for the retreat. We are very grateful!

As always, we covet your prayers for our time together and for our wives and families over the course of this week. Please pray for wisdom and the guidance of the Holy Spirit as we seek to understand how we can better serve this church that we love. Ask the Lord to bless all our discussions and to help us bear fruit for God’s kingdom.

Do Not Be Slothful in Zeal

Mon, 05 Oct 2009 04:00:58 EDT

Yesterday I preached from Romans 12:11, “Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord.”

It seems the Lord has been speaking to many of us in the area of self-control over the last couple weeks. In this sermon (originally “point #4” of last week’s sermon), I wanted to get at the heart of what the Spirit is speaking to us, and what it means for us to respond.

You can listen to the message online, or download an mp3, and use the following questions prepared by pastor Don DeVries to help apply the sermon to your life:

1. When it comes to your relationship with the Lord, are you zealous and set aflame by the Holy Spirit?

2. Where have you been slothful in your zeal and passion for the Lord?

3. What good things or good activities (eg., movies, sports, exercise, hobbies, yard work, music, schooling, housework, etc.) are drawing you away from being passionate for the Lord?

4. What things do you need to say “no” to? What things do you need to say “yes” to (e.g., prayer, Scripture intake, hospitality, serving, evangelism—see Rom. 12:9-13)?

5. Do you live with a peace-time mindset, concerned mostly with your comfort, or a wartime mindset, concerned about sacrifice and living fully for the kingdom of God?

Last but not least, here’s a PDF containing a summary outline of the message combined with the application questions above.

Let’s Pray for OneU

Tue, 29 Sep 2009 16:35:25 EDT

To inspire you to pray, here’s the OneU video shown in church a few weeks back. OneU is the campus outreach ministry of Covenant Life Church.

In the team’s own words, “OneU aims above all else to spread the fame of Jesus Christ so that students treasure Him and embrace His church. We’re a community of students, theologians, nerds, missionaries, athletes, artists, and engineers who have been radically changed by Jesus Christ and now desire to saturate the college campus with the gospel of Jesus Christ and to raise up disciples who will spread His fame to the ends of the earth.”

Proverbs, Part 13: Application

Mon, 28 Sep 2009 04:00:29 EDT

Yesterday, in a follow-up to last week’s message, I preached a sermon called “Self-Control in a Wired World.” My main text was Proverbs 25:28:

“A man without self-control is like a city broken into and left without walls.”

You can listen to the message online, or download an mp3, and use the following questions prepared by pastor Don DeVries to help apply the sermon to your life:

1. What things are you tempted to do instead of what you should be doing? What do you fill your time with that crowds out activity of eternal value?

2. Have you feasted so much at the table of the world that your hunger for the Lord (Matthew 5:6) has diminished and your first love (Revelation 2:4) has grown cold? What can you do to rekindle that love and hunger?

3. What allowable and permissible pursuits have you allowed to rob you of your service to God’s church and His kingdom? What would change look like?

4. What things have crowded your life that keep you from fruitfulness (like time in God’s word, prayer, fellowship, evangelism, etc.)? What steps of repentance do you need to take to begin the process of change?

5. Paul writes in Ephesians 5:15-16a “Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time…” How can you cultivate wisdom in your use of time? How can you put the eternal pursuits above the trivial?

A summary outline (PDF) is also available for download.

Praying for Mexico

Thu, 24 Sep 2009 13:54:55 EDT

This video clip is from Sunday when Dave Brewer led us in praying for the nation of Mexico. To inform the prayer time, Dave asked Pami Lotinsky to share about conditions in and around her hometown of Juárez, and how the Sovereign Grace church there, Iglesia Gracia Soberana de Cd. Juárez, is being affected.

Mission: Right Across the Street

Tue, 22 Sep 2009 11:46:16 EDT

Nadia Ibrahim was part of the recent outreach to the Laytonia community (enjoy the photos above) and was kind enough to write up this story about it (thank you, Nadia!):

In the early morning hours of August 29, a small team of volunteers, consisting of both Covenant Life and Gracia Soberana church members, gathered to pray in the church lobby before heading out on a missions trip. Unlike previous Covenant Life “missions” trips, this one required no luggage or passports; estimated travel time was less than five minutes. The destination: Laytonia, a community located directly across Muncaster Mill Road from our church. It’s a place some team members didn’t know existed and most had never visited.

Covenant Life began an ongoing outreach to the youth in the Laytonia neighborhood earlier this summer, but this event at the end of August was meant to build relationships with the entire community. The 139-home neighborhood needed help fixing up the community center, giving the playground a fresh coat of paint, and clearing out some trees.

But the 30-person team’s ultimate goal during this all day event was to do more than community cleanup; it was to clearly demonstrate and communicate the gospel to residents. “I’m hoping that through our helping we can exemplify who Christ is,” Covenant Life member Omar Rocha said. “I’m here because of the simple fact that there is need, and we are commanded to go and to serve.”

The needs included restoring the dilapidated community center. The 39-year-old building once served as a school, co-op and gathering place for residents. Members of the team replaced the siding and floor in addition to painting window frames and doors.

“When we were a new community people were very active,” Homeowners’ Association president and 18-year resident Bonnie Stidham explained. “We really want to make it a community like it was then. I’m hoping this will help.”

News of the team coming into the neighborhood led resident Jeff Robertshaw to go door-to-door in an effort to encourage other residents to participate in the clean-up day. More than 10 people from the community responded and assisted the team with various tasks ranging from, trash pick-up, to giving their playground equipment a new coat of paint.

The snacks, lunch, and gospel-centered music playing over large speakers sent the message that the event was more than just a workday. It was an opportunity to get to know our neighbors on the other side of Muncaster Mill Road. Both residents and church members alike welcomed the chance to meet one another and make a difference in the community.

“I enjoy the hands-on stuff,” explained Melissa Barker, who removed weeds from a small memorial garden just outside the community center. “I checked my schedule and jumped at the chance.”

“I saw a sign outside my window,” ten-year-old Laytonia resident Amy Menteiro said. “My friend told me they were painting and fixing everything, so I wanted to help.”

Covenant Life member Charlotte Deibel repainted the letters on the neighborhood signs, working alongside resident Kathy Addison, who has lived in Laytonia for 39 years. Charlotte said she initially wasn’t so eager about giving up one of her last days of summer before returning to teaching. “I was a little bit hesitant,” she admitted. “But I’ve wanted to grow reaching out to others. I just think that’s awesome that the church has decided to do this.”

For Robert Friberg, “realizing how close this neighborhood is to our church and that we haven’t been that involved” is what led him to give of his time. According to Drew Garfield, who leads community outreach and missions at Covenant Life, the church is making a concerted effort to change that. For example, neighborhood residents were invited to a barbecue following the day’s activities. Discussions are also underway to find both one-time and ongoing ways members can serve the Laytonia community.

Christy Sullivan, assistant to Drew Garfield, agrees that serving this local community is a great chance to reach others for Christ, but gently cautions against thinking local missions are easier than international trips. “I’ve been to India twice and Mexico four times. Those types of trips can be challenging, but in a different way. I think it’s potentially harder to serve in your local community,” Christy explained. “It’s almost more of a sacrifice to do local missions, because once you get started you can’t just walk away from it. It’s always there. It’s where you live.”

Nikola DiGiulio, who works 12 to 14-hour days, recognizes that busy schedules, fear or anxiety may keep some people from thinking they can serve in this way. “Sometimes we have to get out of our comfort zones and give it a try. I know everyone’s kind of busy, but it feels good, because we’re exemplifying Christ,” said Nikola, who closed his insurance office for the day, so he could participate.

“My hope is that people will see their local neighborhoods and communities as their mission fields,” Drew explained. “And, that they would go and serve, whether through their own initiative or opportunities the church provides.”

Proverbs, Part 12: Application

Mon, 21 Sep 2009 04:00:30 EDT

Yesterday I preached on the “sluggard” of Proverbs. “The sluggard,” writes Derek Kidner, “doesn’t start things, doesn’t finish things, doesn’t face things and is restless.”

Listen to the message online, or download an mp3, and use the following questions to help apply Josh’s sermon to your life:

1. Proverbs 24:33 says that the sluggard makes little decisions (“a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest…” ) that have huge consequences. What little decisions are you making for which the consequences could be significant in time?

2. Josh quoted John Ortberg that sluggards “may work furiously but only because they are trying to avoid doing something truly needful.” Are you working hard but neglecting the “truly needful” and important things in your life? If so, how can you grow and change?

3. Are you being a sluggard in any of the following areas of your life: pursuing God, building your marriage, discipling your children, pursuing fellowship or sharing the gospel?

4. How can the gospel transform your life from lazy and slothful to diligent and faithful? What would repentance look like in your life?

Each week from now on we’ll also be posting a PDF containing a summary outline of the Sunday message and the application questions. Here’s the one for this week: The Danger of Laziness (PDF, 60kb)

Introducing God Begins

Fri, 18 Sep 2009 11:40:29 EDT

Wednesday night I got to speak at the opening session of the new Introducing God course. I really enjoyed the time and interacting with a number of guests afterward. Introducing God is such a great series of meetings. I love what’s going on there, and I’m so grateful for all those who are coming out to serve and make the course possible. Please be praying for the course and all those who are attending!

Proverbs, Part 11: Application

Mon, 14 Sep 2009 04:00:50 EDT

Yesterday Jeff Purswell taught us how to read Proverbs. He expounded on the purpose, nature and interpretation of this unique book of the Bible.

Listen to the message online, or download an mp3, and use the following questions to help apply it to your life:

1. Jeff taught how Proverbs can be broken down into two main sections. What are those sections, and what is the purpose of each?
2. Certain principles should inform our interpretation and application of Proverbs. What principles did Jeff share, and how were they helpful?
3. Read Proverbs 22:4. Why would this have been an unhelpful verse to share with Job? How should we be careful about our use of the Proverbs as we counsel others?
4. Take some time today to read through Proverbs 10. What proverb would you like to begin to reflect upon? How can you think about that verse in light of the rest of Scripture? In light of Jesus?

Giving Uganda Water

Thu, 10 Sep 2009 12:52:23 EDT

This Sunday Isaac Hydoski shared about a new opportunity to serve the people of Uganda.

As you may remember, in 2008 a team of men and women from our church traveled to western Uganda to visit and be involved in the work of Kiburara Gospel Centre Church. While in Kiburara they saw the filthy drinking water and learned that waterborne diseases were the leading cause of death there. The team returned home and shared their burden to help. By the end of the year our singles ministry raised enough money to build three wells for the village. Thanks to the wells, waterborne illnesses are no longer the leading killers in Kiburara.

This year their goal is to build an additional three wells in neighboring villages. Check out www.giveugandawater.org for more info on how to join the effort.

Proverbs, Part 10: Application

Mon, 07 Sep 2009 04:00:57 EDT

Yesterday Kenneth preached an excellent message on friendship from the book of Proverbs. “If we want to have wise friends,” he said, “we must seek to be a wise friend.”

Listen to the message online, or download an mp3, and use these application questions to help apply it to your life:

1. Kenneth taught us that friends exert an influence on us, for good or bad (Prov. 13:20). Are your closest friends drawing you closer to God or away from the Lord? Are your closest companions influencing you toward godliness or worldliness?

2. In what practical ways can you seek to be a faithful friend?

3. Do you find yourself with few or no friends in this church? How can you not “grow weary in doing good” (Gal. 6:9) and persevere in pursuing friendship and cultivating relationships? Are there any heart issues (e.g., selfishness, self-righteousness, self-pity, discontent, resentment or bitterness) that are affecting your pursuit of friendships?

4. Kenneth shared that a wise friend loves through correction (Proverbs 27:6). Are there any friends you need to faithfully pursue in order to bring an observation or correction? Are there any friends whom you could ask for input about your life?

5. Who can you encourage today for all the ways they have been a faithful friend to you?

The memory verse for this week is Proverbs 30:5-6: “Every word of God proves true; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him. Do not add to his words, lest he rebuke you and you be found a liar.”

More Resources for Married Couples

Fri, 04 Sep 2009 11:42:07 EDT

Since we’re posting resources on marriage and intimacy this week, I wanted to highlight one more. A few years ago we did some messages on purity as part of our 1 Corinthians series. I preached a message on marriage from 1 Corinthians 7. It looks at a husband and wife’s obligation to each other in marital intimacy and the protection from immorality that marriage provides.

Books on Marriage and Sexual Intimacy

Wed, 02 Sep 2009 09:16:35 EDT

On Sunday I challenged married couples to study God’s teaching about marriage and sexual intimacy on at least an annual basis. Here are some recommended books:

Love That Lasts
by Gary and
Betsy Ricucci
God, Marriage,
and Family
by Andreas
Kostenberger
Sex, Romance,
and the
Glory of God
by C.J. Mahaney

Sheet Music
by Kevin Leman
Is That All He
Thinks About?
by Marla Taviano
Intimate Issues
by Linda Dillow

Intimacy Ignited
by Linda Dillow
When Sinners
Say “I Do”
by Dave Harvey
Intended for
Pleasure
by Ed and
Gaye Wheat

Proverbs, Part 9: Application

Mon, 31 Aug 2009 04:00:53 EDT

Yesterday I preached from Proverbs 5, considering God’s truth about sex, and how that must shape our thinking and conduct.

Listen to the message online, or download an mp3, and use these application questions to help apply it to your life:

1. What practical steps can you take to learn God’s truth and perspective on sex? (What Scriptures can you study? What books can you read? Parents: what plans can you put in place to have an ongoing conversation with your kids?)

2. Josh taught us that we should stay farther away from sexual temptation than we think is necessary (Prov. 5:8). Are there ways that you are flirting with and getting near to temptation? What can you do to run as far away as possible? Who should you inform? Who can help you in the battle?

3. Proverbs 5:15-19 calls us to very specific and purposeful action:

a. Married men: Are you purposefully initiating and planning times of physical intimacy? Are you rejoicing and delighting in God’s gift of your wife?
b. Married women: Are you purposeful to delight in your husband? Are other things (kids, work, projects, entertainment, etc.) robbing you of your time and attention to delight in each other?
c. Single men: Are you guarding your eyes, heart and mind today in anticipation of giving yourself exclusively to one woman in the future?
d. Single women: Do your dress and demeanor attempt to allure men sexually, or do they reveal a heart devoted to loving and glorifying God?

4. If you have sinned in this area, how can you actively remember and apply the forgiveness you have received at the cross, as well as the power to live a pure and upright life?

Proverbs 3:7-12 : Turn Away From Evil

Fri, 28 Aug 2009 12:33:26 EDT

From my message last Sunday, here’s a clip of me being eaten by a beanbag:

Scripture Memory: Proverbs 5:22-23

Wed, 26 Aug 2009 08:38:22 EDT

Last week’s Scripture memory verse was Proverbs 5:21. I forgot to mention the new one on Sunday, but for this week let’s memorize Proverbs 5:22-23:

“The iniquities of the wicked ensnare him,
and he is held fast in the cords of his sin.
He dies for lack of discipline,
and because of his great folly he is led astray.”

Proverbs, Part 8: Application

Mon, 24 Aug 2009 04:00:23 EDT

Yesterday I preached from Proverbs 3:7-12, considering what it means to practice trusting God.

Listen to the message online, or download an mp3, and use these application questions to help apply it to your life:

1. Josh taught us that trusting God means turning away from evil (Prov. 3:7). What is the posture of your heart toward evil? Is your heart turned toward evil? Stealing glances at evil? Taking steps toward evil? Justifying it? Or being innocent of evil? What does repentance and obedience look like if you are turned toward evil?
2. What is one area of your life where you are acting as though evil is something harmless and manageable? How can you trust and fear God by turning away from it?
3. Are you expressing trust in the Lord by faithfully giving to the Lord out of your income—the tithe to the local church and additional to those in need?
4. Josh taught us that to trust the Lord means to embrace God’s discipline and reproof as evidence of His love and care for you. How can you actively trust God in a circumstance that is difficult for you?

Tomorrow: Back to Proverbs 3

Sat, 22 Aug 2009 09:46:34 EDT

Two weeks ago we learned from Proverbs 3:5-6 about trusting in the Lord with all our hearts. Tomorrow we’re going to study the rest of that section in Proverbs 3, considering how we can practice trusting God.

We also have our third church picnic tomorrow. Thank you to everyone who has been coming out for these. We’re going to have hot dogs and games again. And we’re going to have lots of chairs in both lobbies so you can escape the heat while enjoying fellowship. See you there!