We live in a broken and hurting world. So much so that people take liberties that are not rightfully theirs to take, and, in so doing, harm individuals in ways we were never meant to be harmed. For example, some friends of mine suffered a home invasion this week. Yes, without respect for person or property some criminals identified an empty home that did not belong to them and accessed the home through a window that is unseen from the front of the home or the adjoining road. What cowards. They didn’t steal too terribly much and, thankfully, no one was injured in this particular crime. In fact, indications may be that the criminals were spooked during the robbery and left before they could finish the job – thank goodness.
There are things that are stolen, however, that go beyond that which we can taste, touch or see. For instance, your sense of security is robbed for a time and your sense of peace and stability is eroded just a bit when you become the victim of such actions. As one who has lived through such before, I know how very real those intangible thefts can be and how long they can last.
We tend to recover. I wonder, “Why?” Why do we not linger in the frailty of fear that such actions bring to the forefront of life? After all, who is to say it will not happen again? How does one freely and fully protect oneself in a world where people no longer enter your home as invited guests through your front door, but choose to enter through force - undetected, uninvited and, often unpunished?
Perhaps we do not linger in fear because as real as crime is in a fallen, sinful world, we experience an even greater reality. This reality says that the world is moving toward being restored. Yes, restored. While it may not look like it, I think an indication of this truth can be found in our own ability to heal, move on, get over it, trust again, forgive, get better, let go of the past, etc. Yes, all of these realities point to the deeper reality that, though stained by sin, we and the world are being and indeed have been redeemed. We have been reclaimed and we are being restored! While we do not fully taste this restoration now, nor is it fully experienced, it is evident in every nook and cranny of life.
The Bible indicates on nearly every page that the world has been horrifically disfigured and, as such, human behavior has been altered at its core. Our hearts, once righteous before God, became the seat of wickedness as a result of our sin. This wickedness is so deeply rooted in life and experience that we are told further that it has stained the entire creation. Yes, the creation itself now groans. She groans for the glory that she once knew and will one day know again.
Life, my friends, is a groan. In the groan we experience pain. In the groan we experience betrayal. In the groan we experience theft. In the groan we experience heartache. In the groan, however, we also experience hope. In the groan we experience growth. In the groan we hear the deep sigh of the human heart that exclaims, “One day we will groan no longer – one day we will be renewed.” Yes, in the groan there is glory!
There is glory because God has reunited all things in Him - in and through the person of Christ. Scripture reminds us that Christ holds things - all things - together. Even now, when so much seems fractured, hope is not lost because and only because Christ holds all things together. The culmination – the new heavens and earth – is yet to come. But, even now, in the groan, the Christ child reminds us, Be still my child, I have brought you peace; a peace that never ends and one that is felt daily, even as we groan!
See you Sunday!
Biz
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Friday, December 10, 2010
The Glory of . . .
It's like cosmic volleyball of immense verbal proportion. The words, like the ball flying over the net, are tossed back and forth to one another. And, as if for emphasis, they are tossed again and again and again. The words are not light. No, these words have some weight to them. They carry with them the thickness of respect, worship and awe. Take it even one step further and consider this - those who are uttering the words, those weighty, awe inspiring words, are not mere beings. No, in fact, those uttering the words are angels - angels unlike any depicted in modern novels or media. These are not the simple, chubby, cuddly angels we often see - no, these angels inspire awe in and of themselves - they are indeed spectacular beings volleying words of immensity and grandeur to one another in a manner intended to make those who hear pause and ask, 'of whom do you speak?' Here is the volley:
"Holy, Holy, Holy, is the Lord of Hosts; the whole earth is full of His glory!"
Simply amazing! These seraphim, seated above God Himself, speak of God and proclaim this simple, yet life changing truth: God is indeed holy and the whole earth is full of this holiness they proclaim. In his own day Isaiah was so moved by this revelation given by God that he himself responded, "woe is me, I am lost, I am undone - I am a man of unclean lips." This is really the only appropriate response one could have when faced with the glory of God. A moment like this can bring us to our knees and cause us to acknowledge our own frailty, insecurity, sin and shame in the presence of such goodness, holiness, righteousness and glory. The ancients referred to this as 'the weight of glory.' Today we refer to it as, 'do what?'
Unfortunately we do not recognize the glory of God that is so very present all around us. If Scripture is to be believed, then all of creation testifies to this glory. The irony of this is that the pinnacle of creation - humanity - fails to see this glory at every turn. I think it is because of the fact that we know little of 'glory' these days. We glory in ourselves, we glory in our possessions, we glory in our achievements, etc. It is this elevation of 'self glory' that has robbed glory of its own thickness and replaced it with a very thin, meager comparison of what it once was - or at least how it was once seen. Today, one might argue, that glory has become weightless and thin - like ‘butter spread over too much bread.’ It looks like something that had promise, but has become something that constantly leaves one 'wanting.'
How does this fit at Christmas? Simple - Christmas has lost her glory. In fact, Christmas may be responsible for replacing the glory of the Christ narrative with something of far less weight that leaves us wanting for more than before. Christmas has become that time in our life when we hone the art of 'spreading ourselves too thin.' It has become a story of a jolly old guy who spreads cheer by bringing . . . toys. Huh? Yes, toys. When a costumed man replaces the true gift giver and elves angels and reindeer replace the heavenly hosts, then we have lost our sense of glory. Perhaps we haven't lost it as much as replaced it with a 'thinner' version - glory that is 'weight free.'
I know, I know. You are thinking to yourself, come on all those 'traditions' point to the true reason for the season. I get that. In fact, we celebrate Christmas in our home and enjoy the trappings of it (to an extent). But what really points to the reason for the season is the Reason himself! What really points us to the reason of the season is the seraphim and their divine volley; Holy, Holy, Holy! Perhaps it is time to pause during this festive time of year and consider for yourself: have I replaced ‘glory’ with something far less? If so, the remedy is simple: hit your knees and proclaim the glory of God! That is what this season is all about and it is His glory that is exclaimed on the night of our savior's birth! The sky lit up and the angels chorused, 'glory to God in the highest.' Now, that is the choir I want to hear! That is what glory is and should always be - that is a word of 'weight.' "Can you hear it?" Or, perhaps a better question, "do you recognize it anymore."
Glory to God in the Highest!
Biz
"Holy, Holy, Holy, is the Lord of Hosts; the whole earth is full of His glory!"
Simply amazing! These seraphim, seated above God Himself, speak of God and proclaim this simple, yet life changing truth: God is indeed holy and the whole earth is full of this holiness they proclaim. In his own day Isaiah was so moved by this revelation given by God that he himself responded, "woe is me, I am lost, I am undone - I am a man of unclean lips." This is really the only appropriate response one could have when faced with the glory of God. A moment like this can bring us to our knees and cause us to acknowledge our own frailty, insecurity, sin and shame in the presence of such goodness, holiness, righteousness and glory. The ancients referred to this as 'the weight of glory.' Today we refer to it as, 'do what?'
Unfortunately we do not recognize the glory of God that is so very present all around us. If Scripture is to be believed, then all of creation testifies to this glory. The irony of this is that the pinnacle of creation - humanity - fails to see this glory at every turn. I think it is because of the fact that we know little of 'glory' these days. We glory in ourselves, we glory in our possessions, we glory in our achievements, etc. It is this elevation of 'self glory' that has robbed glory of its own thickness and replaced it with a very thin, meager comparison of what it once was - or at least how it was once seen. Today, one might argue, that glory has become weightless and thin - like ‘butter spread over too much bread.’ It looks like something that had promise, but has become something that constantly leaves one 'wanting.'
How does this fit at Christmas? Simple - Christmas has lost her glory. In fact, Christmas may be responsible for replacing the glory of the Christ narrative with something of far less weight that leaves us wanting for more than before. Christmas has become that time in our life when we hone the art of 'spreading ourselves too thin.' It has become a story of a jolly old guy who spreads cheer by bringing . . . toys. Huh? Yes, toys. When a costumed man replaces the true gift giver and elves angels and reindeer replace the heavenly hosts, then we have lost our sense of glory. Perhaps we haven't lost it as much as replaced it with a 'thinner' version - glory that is 'weight free.'
I know, I know. You are thinking to yourself, come on all those 'traditions' point to the true reason for the season. I get that. In fact, we celebrate Christmas in our home and enjoy the trappings of it (to an extent). But what really points to the reason for the season is the Reason himself! What really points us to the reason of the season is the seraphim and their divine volley; Holy, Holy, Holy! Perhaps it is time to pause during this festive time of year and consider for yourself: have I replaced ‘glory’ with something far less? If so, the remedy is simple: hit your knees and proclaim the glory of God! That is what this season is all about and it is His glory that is exclaimed on the night of our savior's birth! The sky lit up and the angels chorused, 'glory to God in the highest.' Now, that is the choir I want to hear! That is what glory is and should always be - that is a word of 'weight.' "Can you hear it?" Or, perhaps a better question, "do you recognize it anymore."
Glory to God in the Highest!
Biz
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Christmas Top Ten
Here we are at the beginning of the advent season. I love this time of year! I love the lights everywhere, the smell of the tree, the yard decorations, the Christmas music and all that comes with our Christmas celebration. It seems, however, that every year we fly through this great season. One day it is December 2nd and in the blink of an eye it is January 2nd of the New Year. All too often we are looking back wondering, 'what in the world happened - where did Christmas go?' Sooo, this year I have developed a 'top ten' for Christmas. I am calling it:
'Biz Gainey's Top Ten Things He Wants to Be Able to Say When Christmas 2010 is over'
(Drum roll, please)
• 10 I gained 7 and 3/4 lbs, and I do not care one bit!
• 9 I gave more than I got - a lot more!
• 8 I got in the '10 items or less' line only to find that I had gotten behind someone with 24 items - and I didn't even care!
• 7 I shared the sugar cookies with my wife and kids - finally.
• 6 I successfully used NORAD to track Santa's every move - and finally caught him in the act of trespassing!
• 5 I drank deeply from the relationships God has given me through Westside as we celebrated our best Christmas yet!
• 4 I ate monkey bread - lots and lots of monkey bread!
• 3 I worshipped deeply and celebrated greatly the birth of our Savior and King, Christ the Lord.
• 2 I will not spend 6 months paying off bills for gadgets and games that will not last longer than 3 weeks!
• 1 Thank you, Lord - for you have done it yet again.
Okay, there are my top ten - what about yours? What would you like to be able to say when this year's season has come to an end and we are once again looking into a brand new year?
Celebrate the Season, rightly!
Biz
'Biz Gainey's Top Ten Things He Wants to Be Able to Say When Christmas 2010 is over'
(Drum roll, please)
• 10 I gained 7 and 3/4 lbs, and I do not care one bit!
• 9 I gave more than I got - a lot more!
• 8 I got in the '10 items or less' line only to find that I had gotten behind someone with 24 items - and I didn't even care!
• 7 I shared the sugar cookies with my wife and kids - finally.
• 6 I successfully used NORAD to track Santa's every move - and finally caught him in the act of trespassing!
• 5 I drank deeply from the relationships God has given me through Westside as we celebrated our best Christmas yet!
• 4 I ate monkey bread - lots and lots of monkey bread!
• 3 I worshipped deeply and celebrated greatly the birth of our Savior and King, Christ the Lord.
• 2 I will not spend 6 months paying off bills for gadgets and games that will not last longer than 3 weeks!
• 1 Thank you, Lord - for you have done it yet again.
Okay, there are my top ten - what about yours? What would you like to be able to say when this year's season has come to an end and we are once again looking into a brand new year?
Celebrate the Season, rightly!
Biz
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Humans, Longing and the God who Fills!
"For He satisifies the longing soul, and the hungry soul He fills with good things.” Psalm 107:9
The human heart beats to a rhythm known as “longing.” It is this rhythm that so much of our society has learned to captitalize on and, in turn, make a profit from. The consumeristic urge at Christmas is simply another expression of “longing” and an example of our society's ability to leverage that longing into a sale.
It seems that every year our Christmas season gets longer and our Thanksgiving joy gets shorter. In fact this year it was not too deep into November when I began to notice Christmas decorations adorning the hallways of our supermarkets. Last week I even noticed a lawn already decorated with the fullest of Christmas joy - two weeks BEFORE Thanksgiving. Now I love to decorate our lawn and Melissa loves to decorate our home, but two weeks before Thanksgiving is a little much. Some might argue that its okay to get into the Christmas spirit a bit early. In fact, such a course might even help us extend that good old Christmas cheer a few more weeks this time around.
However, I have a hunch (though I could be wrong) that such a pursuit of Christmas cheer might actually be another expression of the longing we sense in our hearts that we all too often seek to fill with resources that leave us wanting yet again. After all, it was not all that long ago that we celebrated last Christmas. The longing was satiated, if ever so briefly, and then we got back to the real world and had the thrill of paying those credit card bills that purchased our satisfaction. Of course, this just lead us to another longing … one to be able to pay the bills and perhaps even a sense of regret over resources misspent on a longing unfulfilled.
There are, however, times when we do leave the table satsified. I suspect that for many of us this will be the case come next Thursday. We will not only leave the table satisfied, but we may even have enough left over to satisfy ourselves again later that night and even on into the next day. I, for one, look forward to that opportunity! I love the gathering of family I haven't seen in years and the opportunity to laugh, pray, converse and just be with them for a short period of time. Yes, in that moment - in those moments - there is a sense of satisfication. There is a sense of contentment. That is a what I call a right way to fill up. That type of filling comes from the depth of our human relationships. It comes from the love we share, the hope we have, and the joy we take in being with one another.
Yet there remains a problem even with this type of filling up. The problem is that we will hunger yet again. You see, you and I were made to hunger. You and I were made to desire and to long for things in this life. What we were not made to do or what we were not made for is the rat race of satisfication that our temporary world over-sells and under-delivers day in and day out. We were not made to jump on the hamster wheel and run longer in our pursuit of satisfaction. No, our longing was made so that we might find ultimate relief and hope from the hand of God and Him alone!
As we move into another holiday season, as we embark upon another Thanksgiving and celebrate another Christmas, let's not forget that the attempts to fill ourselves with temporary resources will prove to be just that - temporary. Let's not forget that there is a resource Whose well never runs dry and Whose ears never grows deaf! There an endless resource and, as the Psalmist reminds us, He truly and finally fills the longing of the human soul and satisfies the hunger within!
Celebrate Thanksgiving this week by longing for God and His resource in the midst of a land full of false hopes and temporary remedies!
See you Saturday night for our Community Thanksgiving Dinner at Wekiva High School. Bring a friend, neighbor, and/or family member, and let's kick off this season by longing for God together!
Grace and Peace!
Biz
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Resignation, Resentment and the Radical Love of . . . Man's best friend
Okay, it's probably not the best of titles. In fact, since I am your pastor you probably expected the words following “Radical Love of” to be something like “the Lord,” “Jesus,” or “Christ.” This is something that we all know and believe - His love is radical and life-changing. But this week I have been impressed by the love my little (somewhat dumb) dog has shown me - without fail. Yes, dogs are faithful to a fault. He doesn't care what type of decisions I am making nor whom they affect. He doesn't care that he will be crated for a little trip and have to figure out a new yard, neighborhood, home etc. Nope, when I come home (everytime!) he does the same thing - he wags his tail in excitement and jumps all over me trying to lick me (my wife calls them kisses – yuck!) with mad affection. And, boy, have I needed that this week. That silly little dog has no idea how amazing it is when he jumps up on my lap and says, without sound, “Big person who feeds me and gives me drink, I love you.”
This past Sunday, most of you know by now, I publically communicated to this great church that we love deeply, that I have resigned as the Senior Pastor in order to pursue a calling in the Vero/Sebastian area of Indian River County that I believe, with passion, that the Lord has placed upon my life. This calling necessitates radical commitment and transition not only for me and my family, but the congregation at large. I know this is so and because of that truth, the decision came only after months of laborious prayers and calling out to Christ. It was evident, and still is, that to fail to pursue this would constitute disobedience on my part - a reality I would not wish upon my own life or that of the congregation of WCC.
You know, leadership is tough and lonely at times. It is so because the decisions a leader makes impact so many others and have far-reaching ramifications. The only way a leader - or better, a servant of the Lord - can make such decisions is to know that at the end of the day his or her decisions are held accountable at the highest level with the greatest ramifications. There have been a host of reactions to my resignation (I had a host myself when Christ began to reveal His will), all of which are to be expected and are okay! As a pastor, as your pastor, one of my responsiblities in this transition is to shepherd you (along with your elders) through these reactions to the Cross of Christ and His purpose for Westside Community Church (which by the way does not change one bit with my departure).
The reactions, as I noted earlier, have been manifold. Yes, there are resentments concerning my resignation. There is also deep loss, sadness, and a sense of “what is next?”, which always bring with it an air of anxiety. But there is also excitement and encouragement. There also vision and hope. There is also trust and obedience and belief in a Sovereign Lord who picks and chooses His ambassadors and moves them at His will, and, then, amazingly, provides even better than before for that area and those people who remain committed and dedicated to the call of Christ in the life of the local ministry and congregation.
To be honest with you, I am thankful for the anger and thankful for the pain, as much as I am thankful for the excitement and the encouragment. I am thankful because (in my mind) it indicates the depth of love that you and I have for one another and the recognition of the amazing and wonderful season of minsitry our Lord has allowed us to conduct together over these past 6 1/2 years! It illustrates the truth that we have walked very difficult roads and that you have seen my life and my family in ways no other people have seen us - especially as you walked so closely with us through the battle of cancer my dear wife faced just three short years ago. It is also illustrative of the fact that you, this great church, have grown to love and appreciate the ministry God has given to me in your midst and that I, your pastor, have grown to love you and take joy in the growth God has provided in and through the lives and ministry of Westside Community Church.
My prayer is, in the midst of emotion and wondering, that we will, as we have always done, bring everything (emotion, wondering, questioning, excitement, all of it) to the Cross of Christ and to trust Him once again to do for us that which we are unable to do for ourselves. God has something for all of us in this time of trial, confusion, transition, trust, and obedience. You see, as you well know, this is really not about me. Nor is it about you. It is about disciples bringing glory and honor to our Lord in and through all things, times, situations, and circumstances - especially the tough ones.
Over the next few weeks you will hear more from my heart in regard to this new calling and vision. The Lord has given me several sermons and thoughts that I believe, in His time, will begin to reveal and unwrap not only the next step I am taking, but also the next steps Christ is calling Westside to take. As we gather together, I want to ask that you continue to seek the Lord and find strength in His Word. There is much more to be done and much more ministry to be accomplished in and through this great church. Also, I am still going to challenge and enourage you to get behind this plant effort and see it as part of the Lord's fulfillment of His vision for this congregation!
You know, I am thankful for my dog. He is really awesome. I am more thankful for you and the love and patience you have shown me and this ministry over these past years. I am even more thankful for my dear bride and children, who have always been a constant source of support, love, and encouragment in minsitry. Yet I am most thankful for our Lord and Savior and the gracious calling He invites His people to step into and then provides as we do!
Grace and Peace for today and Beyond!
Biz
P.S. The elders will keep you apprised regularly of the transition plans, timetable, search team direction, etc. as we move forward together! Call out to the Lord and ask that we hear Him and see Him during all this and ask for His guidance as He leads us to His next Pastor for this great church!
This past Sunday, most of you know by now, I publically communicated to this great church that we love deeply, that I have resigned as the Senior Pastor in order to pursue a calling in the Vero/Sebastian area of Indian River County that I believe, with passion, that the Lord has placed upon my life. This calling necessitates radical commitment and transition not only for me and my family, but the congregation at large. I know this is so and because of that truth, the decision came only after months of laborious prayers and calling out to Christ. It was evident, and still is, that to fail to pursue this would constitute disobedience on my part - a reality I would not wish upon my own life or that of the congregation of WCC.
You know, leadership is tough and lonely at times. It is so because the decisions a leader makes impact so many others and have far-reaching ramifications. The only way a leader - or better, a servant of the Lord - can make such decisions is to know that at the end of the day his or her decisions are held accountable at the highest level with the greatest ramifications. There have been a host of reactions to my resignation (I had a host myself when Christ began to reveal His will), all of which are to be expected and are okay! As a pastor, as your pastor, one of my responsiblities in this transition is to shepherd you (along with your elders) through these reactions to the Cross of Christ and His purpose for Westside Community Church (which by the way does not change one bit with my departure).
The reactions, as I noted earlier, have been manifold. Yes, there are resentments concerning my resignation. There is also deep loss, sadness, and a sense of “what is next?”, which always bring with it an air of anxiety. But there is also excitement and encouragement. There also vision and hope. There is also trust and obedience and belief in a Sovereign Lord who picks and chooses His ambassadors and moves them at His will, and, then, amazingly, provides even better than before for that area and those people who remain committed and dedicated to the call of Christ in the life of the local ministry and congregation.
To be honest with you, I am thankful for the anger and thankful for the pain, as much as I am thankful for the excitement and the encouragment. I am thankful because (in my mind) it indicates the depth of love that you and I have for one another and the recognition of the amazing and wonderful season of minsitry our Lord has allowed us to conduct together over these past 6 1/2 years! It illustrates the truth that we have walked very difficult roads and that you have seen my life and my family in ways no other people have seen us - especially as you walked so closely with us through the battle of cancer my dear wife faced just three short years ago. It is also illustrative of the fact that you, this great church, have grown to love and appreciate the ministry God has given to me in your midst and that I, your pastor, have grown to love you and take joy in the growth God has provided in and through the lives and ministry of Westside Community Church.
My prayer is, in the midst of emotion and wondering, that we will, as we have always done, bring everything (emotion, wondering, questioning, excitement, all of it) to the Cross of Christ and to trust Him once again to do for us that which we are unable to do for ourselves. God has something for all of us in this time of trial, confusion, transition, trust, and obedience. You see, as you well know, this is really not about me. Nor is it about you. It is about disciples bringing glory and honor to our Lord in and through all things, times, situations, and circumstances - especially the tough ones.
Over the next few weeks you will hear more from my heart in regard to this new calling and vision. The Lord has given me several sermons and thoughts that I believe, in His time, will begin to reveal and unwrap not only the next step I am taking, but also the next steps Christ is calling Westside to take. As we gather together, I want to ask that you continue to seek the Lord and find strength in His Word. There is much more to be done and much more ministry to be accomplished in and through this great church. Also, I am still going to challenge and enourage you to get behind this plant effort and see it as part of the Lord's fulfillment of His vision for this congregation!
You know, I am thankful for my dog. He is really awesome. I am more thankful for you and the love and patience you have shown me and this ministry over these past years. I am even more thankful for my dear bride and children, who have always been a constant source of support, love, and encouragment in minsitry. Yet I am most thankful for our Lord and Savior and the gracious calling He invites His people to step into and then provides as we do!
Grace and Peace for today and Beyond!
Biz
P.S. The elders will keep you apprised regularly of the transition plans, timetable, search team direction, etc. as we move forward together! Call out to the Lord and ask that we hear Him and see Him during all this and ask for His guidance as He leads us to His next Pastor for this great church!
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Be and Become A People of Prayer!
In the latter chapters of the Gospel of Luke Jesus begins to teach His followers concerning that day that would come in the future - that day when He would wrap up all things and call all people unto Himself. Interstingly enough, in telling them of that day’s coming He doesn't tell them all the tools and methods they need in order to be ready for it. Nor does He give them a checklist of items they need to purchase in preparation. Rather, He tells them (and us) to become and be a people of prayer!
I love the way He words His call to prayer, "But stay awake at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that are going to take place, and to stand before the Son of Man” (Luke 21:36). Can you imagine what might have been going through their minds at the time? He had just told them of a future that was certain to come, but did not give the specifics of that future. He had just told them of many amazing, trying, and difficult days to come. Yet in order to prepare for those times He says be and become a people of prayer!
In today's world, we are inclined to give each other “seven steps to handle” or “five ways to happiness”, etc. etc. Jesus didn’t do that. No, He reminds me and you that the key to our lives as His disciples is to keep watch in prayer! This begs the question, How do we handle uncertain times and to whom do we turn in those moments? Do we lose our focus and try to manage everything through control and manipulation? Do we avoid what is coming and pretend that it does not exist? Do we talk about it with all our friends and try to find a world's way answer to the dilemma?
While we may always and often do some or all of those things, as disciples of Christ our method, our hope, is to take the burden, the unknown, tomorrow to Him in prayer! We are called to “keep watch” and “stay alert” to the fact that, come what may, nothing changes the truth that Christ is King and He is still working in and through our lives and that He is one day going to return. At that time, in that moment, we will stand before Him and the question will be, have we been faithful? You want to know the answer to that? Then evaluate your prayer life and your dependence upon Him!
It is time, Westside, to Be and Become a People of Prayer!
Grace and Peace!
Biz
I love the way He words His call to prayer, "But stay awake at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that are going to take place, and to stand before the Son of Man” (Luke 21:36). Can you imagine what might have been going through their minds at the time? He had just told them of a future that was certain to come, but did not give the specifics of that future. He had just told them of many amazing, trying, and difficult days to come. Yet in order to prepare for those times He says be and become a people of prayer!
In today's world, we are inclined to give each other “seven steps to handle” or “five ways to happiness”, etc. etc. Jesus didn’t do that. No, He reminds me and you that the key to our lives as His disciples is to keep watch in prayer! This begs the question, How do we handle uncertain times and to whom do we turn in those moments? Do we lose our focus and try to manage everything through control and manipulation? Do we avoid what is coming and pretend that it does not exist? Do we talk about it with all our friends and try to find a world's way answer to the dilemma?
While we may always and often do some or all of those things, as disciples of Christ our method, our hope, is to take the burden, the unknown, tomorrow to Him in prayer! We are called to “keep watch” and “stay alert” to the fact that, come what may, nothing changes the truth that Christ is King and He is still working in and through our lives and that He is one day going to return. At that time, in that moment, we will stand before Him and the question will be, have we been faithful? You want to know the answer to that? Then evaluate your prayer life and your dependence upon Him!
It is time, Westside, to Be and Become a People of Prayer!
Grace and Peace!
Biz
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Discipleship Defined
Voltaire, an immensely popular writer during the Enlightenment period, spent the bulk of his adult life and career as an atheistic philosopher castigating and attacking Christianity. It is, in fact, reported that he vowed that by his pen Christianity would find its death. Around 50 years after that proclamation, Voltaire was already dead and the home in which he used his might weapon, the pen, was a new home to a new group - The Geneva Bible Society. So, much for Volatire's assault upon the church.
This story reminds me of the great truth that it is God and God alone who will sustain His church and conquer His foes. He promises us that though the gates of Hell will assault His church, they will not prevail against her! While it is true that God's church has, does, and will always remain, it is also true that the testimony of His church has gone forth and expanded through the ages because God has always called out disicples who were willing to give their all for His church, even to the point of death. I don't think you could find a century since the advent of His Church when the assault upon her did not require of God's people complete and total sacrifice, even to the point of martydom. In our own times we hear constantly of Christians being attacked worldwide and willingly giving their life up for the cause of Christ. Yes, Christ is in charge. Yes, Christ is the Head of His Church. Yes, Christ will restore His Church one day as His Bride at the greatest wedding feast of all time.
Until that time, until that amazing day of restoration, God's people, His Church, will always be challenged and called to give all we have and follow Him. There is a word for this that is woven throughout the Gospels, discipleship. To be His disciple means to (variously) leave our nets (livelihood) behind and follow Him, pick up our cross (sacrifice) and follow Him, leave our family (prioritize Him above all others) and follow Him, to name only a few. In our text this week Christ defines discipleship once again through the illustration of a poverty-stricken and destitute woman. This woman, in Luke 21, gives a free will offering to the temple that, by our standards and measurements, would literally amount to nothing. Her gift was the smallest possible gift of the day. Standing around her, in fact, were those who had given considerably more and provided great wealth to the temple. Yet Christ praises this woman's gift above their own. In his own words, "For they all contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on.”
And there you have it - discipleship defined. It is in this moment when Christ tells us that He is not interested in our money nearly as much as He is interested in our lives! Christ wants an undivided, whole-hearted disciple who is willing to give up everything, all we have, for Him and His Kingdom work. It is this type of follower that recognizes that all we have is really a gift from Him anyhow. Yes, it all belongs to Him. This is, I believe, why giving is at the heart of the Gospel, because a giving heart is a heart that is owned by Christ already!
Christ will always sustain His Church. The way Christ sustains the witness of the church in any time or place, is through His people. It is through His people who are willing to give all, go anywhere and follow Him, no matter the cost. You and I have grown too complacent, haven't we?!? We have sought out, identified, and formed a safe place we like to call church. Funny, out of all the descriptions God provides for His church, that is not ever among them. Christ is protecting His church and, as He does He is looking for radical disciples willing to follow Him into a great unknown and trust Him with our very lives! Will we be that disciple, Westside? I, for one, can say (with no small amount of caution) sign me up.
Follow Him!
Biz
This story reminds me of the great truth that it is God and God alone who will sustain His church and conquer His foes. He promises us that though the gates of Hell will assault His church, they will not prevail against her! While it is true that God's church has, does, and will always remain, it is also true that the testimony of His church has gone forth and expanded through the ages because God has always called out disicples who were willing to give their all for His church, even to the point of death. I don't think you could find a century since the advent of His Church when the assault upon her did not require of God's people complete and total sacrifice, even to the point of martydom. In our own times we hear constantly of Christians being attacked worldwide and willingly giving their life up for the cause of Christ. Yes, Christ is in charge. Yes, Christ is the Head of His Church. Yes, Christ will restore His Church one day as His Bride at the greatest wedding feast of all time.
Until that time, until that amazing day of restoration, God's people, His Church, will always be challenged and called to give all we have and follow Him. There is a word for this that is woven throughout the Gospels, discipleship. To be His disciple means to (variously) leave our nets (livelihood) behind and follow Him, pick up our cross (sacrifice) and follow Him, leave our family (prioritize Him above all others) and follow Him, to name only a few. In our text this week Christ defines discipleship once again through the illustration of a poverty-stricken and destitute woman. This woman, in Luke 21, gives a free will offering to the temple that, by our standards and measurements, would literally amount to nothing. Her gift was the smallest possible gift of the day. Standing around her, in fact, were those who had given considerably more and provided great wealth to the temple. Yet Christ praises this woman's gift above their own. In his own words, "For they all contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on.”
And there you have it - discipleship defined. It is in this moment when Christ tells us that He is not interested in our money nearly as much as He is interested in our lives! Christ wants an undivided, whole-hearted disciple who is willing to give up everything, all we have, for Him and His Kingdom work. It is this type of follower that recognizes that all we have is really a gift from Him anyhow. Yes, it all belongs to Him. This is, I believe, why giving is at the heart of the Gospel, because a giving heart is a heart that is owned by Christ already!
Christ will always sustain His Church. The way Christ sustains the witness of the church in any time or place, is through His people. It is through His people who are willing to give all, go anywhere and follow Him, no matter the cost. You and I have grown too complacent, haven't we?!? We have sought out, identified, and formed a safe place we like to call church. Funny, out of all the descriptions God provides for His church, that is not ever among them. Christ is protecting His church and, as He does He is looking for radical disciples willing to follow Him into a great unknown and trust Him with our very lives! Will we be that disciple, Westside? I, for one, can say (with no small amount of caution) sign me up.
Follow Him!
Biz
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Resurrection Realities
I am thinking about writing a book. My fear is this: no one will read it. Not withstanding the fact that it may, indeed, not be worth reading. I do not believe the worth of the book's content would be that which would keep my book from being read. No, I think the title I would choose would be the reason no one would read it. In fact, the title I would choose would quite possibly (even probably) keep the book out of print. Are you ready for it? Okay, what do you think - the title of my book would be: "If your best life is now, then eternity is going to be Hell." Yeah, somehow I don't see a room full of people waiting in line for me to sign that one for them.
Now, the title begs the question, what type of person would make such a statment? Is it the person whose life is miserable and totally out of whack? Is it the person who is so frustrated with life that he/she cannot wait for some sort of better experience in the “great beyond?” Well, since the person is me, let me tell you what kind of life I have. I am humbled by the immense and abundant grace of God on a daily basis for the amazing and wonderful life He has given me! If I were to go be with Him today, I could say with exclamation, “Thank you, Lord, for the grace you showed me while on earth.” I have an absolutely wonderful and amazing marriage. It is by no means perfect, but boy is it great! I have three children who astound me daily with joy and love. Of course, they also frustrate me to no end from time to time! I live in a great community, surrounded by great friends and neighbors and have the humbling privilege of pastoring and co-laboring with the wonderful folks of Westside Community Church. And, even as great as all this is, it pales in comparison to the greatest life God has for me, which is yet in store and rests in the realm of eternity! Yes, the best is yet to come!
I think in fact that the idea that our best life can be now is a heresy (a dangerous false truth) that has so seeped into the modern church that we, as Christ's children, have a difficult time understanding the great hope we have in the Resurrection. In fact, it is not only the great hope, friends, it is the only hope we have! In Luke chapter 20 Christ is once again challenged and this time the challenge surrounds an obscure question regarding the resurrection. Rather than getting into the nuance of the argument, Christ brings the hammer down and basically tells the Sadducees that there perspective is limited. They indeed see things in a gravely mistaken way! They are bound by what their eyes can see, their ears can ear and their hands can touch. Into this challenge, Jesus simply reminds them and us of three great Resurrection Realities!
So, let me ask you, when you think of the Resurrection what is the first thing that comes to mind? This week I hope to give you some handles on this important and central concept of the Christian faith. It is my goal that we, His children, would fully undertand, gravitate toward, sink into, devour the great truth of the Gospel that says, “For the Believer, the Best is Yet to Come!”
Join us Sunday at 9:30 a.m. or 11:00 a.m.
Biz
Now, the title begs the question, what type of person would make such a statment? Is it the person whose life is miserable and totally out of whack? Is it the person who is so frustrated with life that he/she cannot wait for some sort of better experience in the “great beyond?” Well, since the person is me, let me tell you what kind of life I have. I am humbled by the immense and abundant grace of God on a daily basis for the amazing and wonderful life He has given me! If I were to go be with Him today, I could say with exclamation, “Thank you, Lord, for the grace you showed me while on earth.” I have an absolutely wonderful and amazing marriage. It is by no means perfect, but boy is it great! I have three children who astound me daily with joy and love. Of course, they also frustrate me to no end from time to time! I live in a great community, surrounded by great friends and neighbors and have the humbling privilege of pastoring and co-laboring with the wonderful folks of Westside Community Church. And, even as great as all this is, it pales in comparison to the greatest life God has for me, which is yet in store and rests in the realm of eternity! Yes, the best is yet to come!
I think in fact that the idea that our best life can be now is a heresy (a dangerous false truth) that has so seeped into the modern church that we, as Christ's children, have a difficult time understanding the great hope we have in the Resurrection. In fact, it is not only the great hope, friends, it is the only hope we have! In Luke chapter 20 Christ is once again challenged and this time the challenge surrounds an obscure question regarding the resurrection. Rather than getting into the nuance of the argument, Christ brings the hammer down and basically tells the Sadducees that there perspective is limited. They indeed see things in a gravely mistaken way! They are bound by what their eyes can see, their ears can ear and their hands can touch. Into this challenge, Jesus simply reminds them and us of three great Resurrection Realities!
So, let me ask you, when you think of the Resurrection what is the first thing that comes to mind? This week I hope to give you some handles on this important and central concept of the Christian faith. It is my goal that we, His children, would fully undertand, gravitate toward, sink into, devour the great truth of the Gospel that says, “For the Believer, the Best is Yet to Come!”
Join us Sunday at 9:30 a.m. or 11:00 a.m.
Biz
Thursday, October 14, 2010
The Importance, Impact and Implications of Christian Hospitality!
I believe that one of the greatest strengths of Westside Community Church is the way we open our doors to the community and provide family-friendly and fun environments for all ages through our various “easy steps” and outreach opportunities. In fact, one of the reasons many of you have come to this church and stayed in this church is becasue of the relationships we have built with one another through such events and opportunities! On October 24, we are going to have another great chance and opportunity to reach into our community and show them how Christian hospitality works and its ramifications in our world! You already know what I am referring to … our Fall Family Festival from 4:00p.m. – 6:00 p.m. on the 24th!
In Hebrews 13:2 we find the following words, "Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares." Normally when you and I think about hospitality we think about opening up our home, resources, time, etc. to people we already know and already enjoy being around. Christian hospitality, however, is far more expansive than this and actually extends first to those whom we do not know - to the stranger. Or as Richard Kregcir has said, "Hospitality is a willingness to share, with discernment, what God has given us, including our family, home, finances, and food. It is an attitude of stewardship, where we do not own anything because we are merely the caretaker for the real owner, God. In the church, it is to be welcoming, regardless of how we may feel."
Perhaps you have wondered why Westside goes to such measures to reach this community and why we teach and seek to practice hospitality as a church. Let me take a moment and give you at least three reasons why I believe the Bible teaches and calls for the practice of hospitality from God's people and His Church - the importance, impact and implications of Christian Hospitality.
Let's first consider what I call the importance of Christian hospitality. While all hospitality is welcome by those who receive it, the Christian finds importance in our hospitality because it puts legs to the Great Commandment to love our God with all of our hearts and our neighbors as ourselves. Remember, neighbor in the Gospels and the New Testament has a wide berth of meaning. At times it refers to a family member, an acquaintance you know, someone you do not know and even an enemy of yours. So, when we show Christian hospitality to the stranger it illustrates, like little else in life, God's call for us to love our neighbor and defines for us what “brotherly love” looks like. When we host families next weekend on our campus, we will have an opportunity to make the stranger feel welcomed and accepted. In so doing, we will be practicing the horizontal aspect of the Great Commandment.
Secondly, Christian hospitality brings with it unexpected and exceptional impact! The Hebrews passage actually alludes to the fact that when we practice such hospitality we may, at times, be entertaining angels without even knowing it! While at first glance words like this may strike a notion of confusion in us, if we remember the words of Christ in Matthew 25, then this makes complete sense. In that passage Christ reminds us that when we feed the hungry, satisfy the longing of those who thirst, clothe the naked, visit the sick, bring solace to the prisoner, then we have actually ministered to Him! While our Fall Festival will not afford us, per se, the opportunity to visit the sick or imprisoned, what of the hungry, the searching, the thirsty, the needy? Certainly we can anticipate that God will bring them into our midst. Will we welcome them? If we do (and I know we will) and if we recieve them in the charity of Christian love our words and actions will have an impact into eternity. How awesome is that? Makes you think a little bit differently now about cooking the hotdogs, running the games, providing assitance and direction doesn't it?
Thirdly, there are vast implications that follow Christian hospitality. Allow me a moment to give you but a few of them. The implications hit us on a personal level as God allows us to minister in this profound way! If we look at the Fall Festival as a prime moment to extend hospitality, rather than an event or program just for ourselves, then we will be blessed above all people as Christ uses us to reach others for Him. Even now, we should be thinking of people to invite and bring with us so that they too can taste of this love and care! There are also great impications for us corporately. For one thing, we are given an opportunity as a church to show this community that we care about them at a core level enough to provide a safe and fun environment where their family can simply be a family together! So few do this and, unfortunately, those who do it often do not do it well. Doing it well is another opportunity this event affords! We, as God's people, should do all we can to provide this event with excellence. This provides a testimony to those who come that we take our mission seriously and that we care greatly about how we facilitate and participate in this mission!
The Fall Festival is not simply an event for us to attend. The Fall Festival is an opportunity for us to participate in the mission of Christ for our church and His community - to love them with the love of Christ and to reach them with the heart of his care, concern and hospitality!
Extending His Reach through Christian Love!
Biz
In Hebrews 13:2 we find the following words, "Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares." Normally when you and I think about hospitality we think about opening up our home, resources, time, etc. to people we already know and already enjoy being around. Christian hospitality, however, is far more expansive than this and actually extends first to those whom we do not know - to the stranger. Or as Richard Kregcir has said, "Hospitality is a willingness to share, with discernment, what God has given us, including our family, home, finances, and food. It is an attitude of stewardship, where we do not own anything because we are merely the caretaker for the real owner, God. In the church, it is to be welcoming, regardless of how we may feel."
Perhaps you have wondered why Westside goes to such measures to reach this community and why we teach and seek to practice hospitality as a church. Let me take a moment and give you at least three reasons why I believe the Bible teaches and calls for the practice of hospitality from God's people and His Church - the importance, impact and implications of Christian Hospitality.
Let's first consider what I call the importance of Christian hospitality. While all hospitality is welcome by those who receive it, the Christian finds importance in our hospitality because it puts legs to the Great Commandment to love our God with all of our hearts and our neighbors as ourselves. Remember, neighbor in the Gospels and the New Testament has a wide berth of meaning. At times it refers to a family member, an acquaintance you know, someone you do not know and even an enemy of yours. So, when we show Christian hospitality to the stranger it illustrates, like little else in life, God's call for us to love our neighbor and defines for us what “brotherly love” looks like. When we host families next weekend on our campus, we will have an opportunity to make the stranger feel welcomed and accepted. In so doing, we will be practicing the horizontal aspect of the Great Commandment.
Secondly, Christian hospitality brings with it unexpected and exceptional impact! The Hebrews passage actually alludes to the fact that when we practice such hospitality we may, at times, be entertaining angels without even knowing it! While at first glance words like this may strike a notion of confusion in us, if we remember the words of Christ in Matthew 25, then this makes complete sense. In that passage Christ reminds us that when we feed the hungry, satisfy the longing of those who thirst, clothe the naked, visit the sick, bring solace to the prisoner, then we have actually ministered to Him! While our Fall Festival will not afford us, per se, the opportunity to visit the sick or imprisoned, what of the hungry, the searching, the thirsty, the needy? Certainly we can anticipate that God will bring them into our midst. Will we welcome them? If we do (and I know we will) and if we recieve them in the charity of Christian love our words and actions will have an impact into eternity. How awesome is that? Makes you think a little bit differently now about cooking the hotdogs, running the games, providing assitance and direction doesn't it?
Thirdly, there are vast implications that follow Christian hospitality. Allow me a moment to give you but a few of them. The implications hit us on a personal level as God allows us to minister in this profound way! If we look at the Fall Festival as a prime moment to extend hospitality, rather than an event or program just for ourselves, then we will be blessed above all people as Christ uses us to reach others for Him. Even now, we should be thinking of people to invite and bring with us so that they too can taste of this love and care! There are also great impications for us corporately. For one thing, we are given an opportunity as a church to show this community that we care about them at a core level enough to provide a safe and fun environment where their family can simply be a family together! So few do this and, unfortunately, those who do it often do not do it well. Doing it well is another opportunity this event affords! We, as God's people, should do all we can to provide this event with excellence. This provides a testimony to those who come that we take our mission seriously and that we care greatly about how we facilitate and participate in this mission!
The Fall Festival is not simply an event for us to attend. The Fall Festival is an opportunity for us to participate in the mission of Christ for our church and His community - to love them with the love of Christ and to reach them with the heart of his care, concern and hospitality!
Extending His Reach through Christian Love!
Biz
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Christ as Cornerstone: The Foundation of and the Formation for Life
Ravi Zacharais tells the story of a time he visited the Ohio State University for a series of lectures. While being transported by cab he was informed by the driver that Ohio State boasted of the first post-modern building in America. When asked to explain what that meant, the driver further informed that the design of the building had no purpose behind it. There were pillars that stood in support of nothing and stairways that went nowhere. The design was intended to illustrate the post-modernist stream of thought that removes meaning from life and assumes all of life is, in essence without purpose, sense or direction.
Dr. Zacharais asked one simple question of his driver: “Was the foundation included in this purposeless, capricious design?” He notes that there was a long silence and no answer. In his own words, Dr. Zacharias responds, “You see, you and I can fool with the infrastructure as much as we would like, but we dare not fool with the foundation because it will call our bluff in a hurry.”
You and I know well the truth behind what Dr. Zacharias is saying! Without a firm foundation in life we are left to be tossed upon the debris of wreckage that comes as the storms blow and the winds assail! Many of us are facing this truth now, or we have recently faced this truth in life. We have faced loss of income, jobs, relationships, etc. This “loss narrative” that has developed over the past few years seems to be a daily occurrence for ourselves or someone we know. We see the debris and wreckage all around us and we wonder, “How am I ever going to get through this. How have I even endured to this point.”
It is at that point, it is in those moments, when we begin to recognize that we are stable because and only because of the sure foundation Christ has provided! In fact, this foundation is so central to the Christian story that the metaphor which describes it becomes one of, if not the most, dominant metaphors to describe Christ in the entire New Testament. It is, of course, the metaphor which describes Christ as the “cornerstone.”
What a powerful word and even more powerful word picture. In modern times we don’t really understand how essential a cornerstone was to the hearers in Christ’s day.
Most of the cornerstones we see today are ceremonial in nature. They are decorative and they stand out on buildings as a symbol rather than as a foundation. But, in ancient times (when concrete slabs were not the norm) the corner stone was the most important part of the foundation of the building! It was not only the first stone laid in the foundation, but it was also the stone upon which all the other stones were set and the rest of the foundation was dependent upon this primary, initial stone. The cornerstone, therefore, had to be perfect. If it was off at all, then the entire rest of the structure would be flawed!
Now one may ask, so what? What does this have to do with me and my walk with Christ? It is a fair question … particularly in a modern context where we have little knowledge of God’s Word and even less of ancient construction practices. The implications, however, are immense. They are literally life-changing. For, you see, Christ calls Himself the cornerstone. He is the stone upon which all of life is built. For those who believe He becomes the cornerstone upon whom our lives are built and to whom we are connected. He becomes our foundation! Yes, you heard that right. Christ is our foundation. No matter what may come, our foundation is sure to hold and certain to stand because it is not built by our own hands or through our own will. Our foundation is built by God himself – thus, it is unshakable!
If Christ, as our cornerstone, is our foundation, then He must also be our Formation. For you see, the house is built in, and only in, relationship to the cornerstone. So, Christ not only holds us, but He also grows us. Is there really a better place to be in this world than upon the foundation of Christ as our cornerstone? Is there any more reliable trust for our growth than the trust that is Christ Himself? In a world that seeks to form us at every turn, is it not the most tremendous of blessings and benefits to know that we can and are formed in Christ Himself? This means that there is always, always hope! There is always a tomorrow.
We are founded upon and formed in Christ as cornerstone! Bring it on, world! Do your worst … for our God has already done His best and as such, our foundation holds and our formation is certain! Join us this Sunday as we look at Luke 20 and the parable in which Christ divides all of life around the truth that He is the Chief Cornerstone!
See you Sunday!
Biz
Dr. Zacharais asked one simple question of his driver: “Was the foundation included in this purposeless, capricious design?” He notes that there was a long silence and no answer. In his own words, Dr. Zacharias responds, “You see, you and I can fool with the infrastructure as much as we would like, but we dare not fool with the foundation because it will call our bluff in a hurry.”
You and I know well the truth behind what Dr. Zacharias is saying! Without a firm foundation in life we are left to be tossed upon the debris of wreckage that comes as the storms blow and the winds assail! Many of us are facing this truth now, or we have recently faced this truth in life. We have faced loss of income, jobs, relationships, etc. This “loss narrative” that has developed over the past few years seems to be a daily occurrence for ourselves or someone we know. We see the debris and wreckage all around us and we wonder, “How am I ever going to get through this. How have I even endured to this point.”
It is at that point, it is in those moments, when we begin to recognize that we are stable because and only because of the sure foundation Christ has provided! In fact, this foundation is so central to the Christian story that the metaphor which describes it becomes one of, if not the most, dominant metaphors to describe Christ in the entire New Testament. It is, of course, the metaphor which describes Christ as the “cornerstone.”
What a powerful word and even more powerful word picture. In modern times we don’t really understand how essential a cornerstone was to the hearers in Christ’s day.
Most of the cornerstones we see today are ceremonial in nature. They are decorative and they stand out on buildings as a symbol rather than as a foundation. But, in ancient times (when concrete slabs were not the norm) the corner stone was the most important part of the foundation of the building! It was not only the first stone laid in the foundation, but it was also the stone upon which all the other stones were set and the rest of the foundation was dependent upon this primary, initial stone. The cornerstone, therefore, had to be perfect. If it was off at all, then the entire rest of the structure would be flawed!
Now one may ask, so what? What does this have to do with me and my walk with Christ? It is a fair question … particularly in a modern context where we have little knowledge of God’s Word and even less of ancient construction practices. The implications, however, are immense. They are literally life-changing. For, you see, Christ calls Himself the cornerstone. He is the stone upon which all of life is built. For those who believe He becomes the cornerstone upon whom our lives are built and to whom we are connected. He becomes our foundation! Yes, you heard that right. Christ is our foundation. No matter what may come, our foundation is sure to hold and certain to stand because it is not built by our own hands or through our own will. Our foundation is built by God himself – thus, it is unshakable!
If Christ, as our cornerstone, is our foundation, then He must also be our Formation. For you see, the house is built in, and only in, relationship to the cornerstone. So, Christ not only holds us, but He also grows us. Is there really a better place to be in this world than upon the foundation of Christ as our cornerstone? Is there any more reliable trust for our growth than the trust that is Christ Himself? In a world that seeks to form us at every turn, is it not the most tremendous of blessings and benefits to know that we can and are formed in Christ Himself? This means that there is always, always hope! There is always a tomorrow.
We are founded upon and formed in Christ as cornerstone! Bring it on, world! Do your worst … for our God has already done His best and as such, our foundation holds and our formation is certain! Join us this Sunday as we look at Luke 20 and the parable in which Christ divides all of life around the truth that He is the Chief Cornerstone!
See you Sunday!
Biz
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Disciple Making: The Orignial Mission
Among the final words of Christ our Lord are these, "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age." Matthew 28:19 - 20.
To make disciples is the objective Christ has left us, His church. Funny how we make a mess of this and confuse this primary mission with many other misguided (though well intended) objectives these days. I have seen missions of churches that want to “make Jesus famous,” while others just want to “provide a safe place for your families.” Yet others (some of the larger more notable churches) seem bent on making us happier in this life by assuring us that we can have our best now.
I think I know why this is. The change in focus, I mean, from Jesus' primary command to the periphery issues. You see, it seems to me, that the periphery (happiness, safety, and fame) are all relatively easy when compared to the prospect of disciple-making. We seem to be very good at the former. We pretty much have the pursuit of those things down to a science. The latter, disciple-making, however, is not only difficult work, but we find that it is messy, untidy, and imminently difficult to gauge with modern measurements. Afterall, I can gauge my happiness by how I feel, but what is the gauge that checks my disciple-making pulse? Do I have a long list of converts following me around? Or is it that I have, when given opportunity, loved my neigbhor as myself? Perhaps it is because I tithe 10% of my income to the local church and then give other resources away to charities and agencies of compassion in my community?
While those are, no doubt, indications of a strong belief system, if we spend too much time there, disciple-making deteriorates into a ritualistic exercise of checking the boxes everyday day, week, or month. At that point, we have created a kind of hybrid disciple-making enterprise. While it is certainly not anti-Christian neither is it fully Christian.
No, disciple-making comes down to this: Seeing Christ for who He is and responding to that reality with all of our life! Notice the disciples in Luke 19 as Jesus makes His triumphal entry into Jerusalem. They are the ones among the crowds and throngs of people who see Christ for who is really is. They recognize Him as Lord and because they recognize Him as Lord they respond by shouting, “Hosanna in the Highest!” Funny thing. You see, the disciples were the leaders of the crowd that day. Because they saw Christ for who He was and responded with their whole life (as expressed in their praise and ultimately in their own deaths for His cause) the others around them responded, too. Yes, they made an impact on those around them by simply being a disciple.
I think that you and I need to get back to this single truth upon which disciple-making is built: We see Him as Lord and follow Him with our life! Once this happens those other focuses and false missions become decidedly less important and ultimately we will see them as interference. Join me this weekend at WCC as we take a look at who He really His and how we should respond.
Grace and Peace!
Biz
To make disciples is the objective Christ has left us, His church. Funny how we make a mess of this and confuse this primary mission with many other misguided (though well intended) objectives these days. I have seen missions of churches that want to “make Jesus famous,” while others just want to “provide a safe place for your families.” Yet others (some of the larger more notable churches) seem bent on making us happier in this life by assuring us that we can have our best now.
I think I know why this is. The change in focus, I mean, from Jesus' primary command to the periphery issues. You see, it seems to me, that the periphery (happiness, safety, and fame) are all relatively easy when compared to the prospect of disciple-making. We seem to be very good at the former. We pretty much have the pursuit of those things down to a science. The latter, disciple-making, however, is not only difficult work, but we find that it is messy, untidy, and imminently difficult to gauge with modern measurements. Afterall, I can gauge my happiness by how I feel, but what is the gauge that checks my disciple-making pulse? Do I have a long list of converts following me around? Or is it that I have, when given opportunity, loved my neigbhor as myself? Perhaps it is because I tithe 10% of my income to the local church and then give other resources away to charities and agencies of compassion in my community?
While those are, no doubt, indications of a strong belief system, if we spend too much time there, disciple-making deteriorates into a ritualistic exercise of checking the boxes everyday day, week, or month. At that point, we have created a kind of hybrid disciple-making enterprise. While it is certainly not anti-Christian neither is it fully Christian.
No, disciple-making comes down to this: Seeing Christ for who He is and responding to that reality with all of our life! Notice the disciples in Luke 19 as Jesus makes His triumphal entry into Jerusalem. They are the ones among the crowds and throngs of people who see Christ for who is really is. They recognize Him as Lord and because they recognize Him as Lord they respond by shouting, “Hosanna in the Highest!” Funny thing. You see, the disciples were the leaders of the crowd that day. Because they saw Christ for who He was and responded with their whole life (as expressed in their praise and ultimately in their own deaths for His cause) the others around them responded, too. Yes, they made an impact on those around them by simply being a disciple.
I think that you and I need to get back to this single truth upon which disciple-making is built: We see Him as Lord and follow Him with our life! Once this happens those other focuses and false missions become decidedly less important and ultimately we will see them as interference. Join me this weekend at WCC as we take a look at who He really His and how we should respond.
Grace and Peace!
Biz
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Unique Design for a Unique Purpose
We have all, I believe, from the earliest of ages wondered what our life would be like. When we were younger it probably came out in the form of a statement declaring that we would be policemen or lawyers or teachers, etc. Coupled with that pursuit we also seem to lunge for an answer as to who we are going to spend our live with. Will we be married? If so, what will our spouse be like? If we don't get married, then what? I find that throughout every passage of life we tend to ask these two questions again and again. Yes, what we are going to do with our life and who we are going to do it with are very important. In fact, they tend to shape our next steps and the moments for which God has given us a Unique Design.
Scripture affirms this type of pursuit when it reminds us that we are to be a people of vocation and calling in this life! As we have seen over these past few weeks in our look at the Gospel of Luke, Jesus gives us a calling to be stewards in His work and to line our own wants, wishes, and will with His priorites and purposes! When this amazing connection takes place, lives change and cultures begin to regain the original vision of God when this whole thing began! Consider this: Wherever you go and whatever you do, you are a representative of the Most High - the King of Glory! You have a name tag on your shirt which reads “Child of God”. This truth alone begins to answer the key questions of what and whom!
We wrestle and wrangle with this so much in the course of daily life! The what is to bring glory and honor to God! The whom is His people - His church! This Sunday is really going to be the culmination of the past 8 weeks for us as a church! We are privileged to have as our guest Mels Carbonell who has led countless numbers of God's people to grasp brand new this idea of what and whom with which we all seem to struggle. Not only that, but he will guide us in the how as well! He will help us explore our giftedness, skills, passions and our Unique Design for Christ and His Kingdom!
Now here is the great part! This weekend will empower and equip you for every area of your life and vocation! All four areas of vocation we have referenced (child of God, family, work/culture, church) will come together this weekend and equip you as never before! Join us for church on Sunday morning and then come back with a friend to explore this great idea of vocation and calling as we answer the what and whom of life together!
Uniquely You Seminar
This Sunday, September 26
2:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Cost: $20 per person
Register: Rick Keaton (877)708-7747
See you Sunday!
Scripture affirms this type of pursuit when it reminds us that we are to be a people of vocation and calling in this life! As we have seen over these past few weeks in our look at the Gospel of Luke, Jesus gives us a calling to be stewards in His work and to line our own wants, wishes, and will with His priorites and purposes! When this amazing connection takes place, lives change and cultures begin to regain the original vision of God when this whole thing began! Consider this: Wherever you go and whatever you do, you are a representative of the Most High - the King of Glory! You have a name tag on your shirt which reads “Child of God”. This truth alone begins to answer the key questions of what and whom!
We wrestle and wrangle with this so much in the course of daily life! The what is to bring glory and honor to God! The whom is His people - His church! This Sunday is really going to be the culmination of the past 8 weeks for us as a church! We are privileged to have as our guest Mels Carbonell who has led countless numbers of God's people to grasp brand new this idea of what and whom with which we all seem to struggle. Not only that, but he will guide us in the how as well! He will help us explore our giftedness, skills, passions and our Unique Design for Christ and His Kingdom!
Now here is the great part! This weekend will empower and equip you for every area of your life and vocation! All four areas of vocation we have referenced (child of God, family, work/culture, church) will come together this weekend and equip you as never before! Join us for church on Sunday morning and then come back with a friend to explore this great idea of vocation and calling as we answer the what and whom of life together!
Uniquely You Seminar
This Sunday, September 26
2:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Cost: $20 per person
Register: Rick Keaton (877)708-7747
See you Sunday!
Thursday, September 16, 2010
The Life of Vocation; its Measurements and Meaning
Let's break it down this week. You and I have multiple levels of vocation to live into on a daily basis. The first areas is our vocation or calling as a child of God. The second area is our vocation or calling in relationship to our families (i.e. husband, wife, father, mother, child etc.) The third area of vocation or calling is within the work place and culture at large. The fourth would be in the local church/ministry in which you are involved. The beauty of all of these areas is that Scripture affords us no small amount of guidance as we consider them and seek to live into them on a daily basis.
Our vocation as a child of God begins the moment Christ calls us unto Himself and we respond with repentance and confession. God has justified you and I, and through the justification achieved by the person and work of Christ on the cross, we are declared righteous! This is the first calling and it impacts all the others. To be a child of God brings with it certain consequences. The Bible says it in various ways, but a main theme is that we are called to be a blessing to others (Gen.12) and that we are called to 'walk in step' with God's Spirit! In other words, once we become a child of God then our thoughts, desires and activities should line up with the 'will, call and desire' of God in our world!
In order for God to practice His vocation in our life, He puts us in a system of relationships whereby He might sanctify us and grow us closer to His image! The first, and probably most significant, is the family system. Here you and I get way off track immediately. Our modern philosophers and pundits would tell us that family is the place where our desires are met and where our dreams are fulfilled. Truth be told, when this philosopy runs it course in our lives we find ourselves empty and heartbroken with a string of broken relationships and unfulfilled expectations (all of which we blame on God). In order to be a person of Vocation or a child of God on Vocation we must learn that we are called to serve and love in and through our family relationships. Our first order of business in the home is those who are not ourselves! It might be wise to cosider how we are doing in this area? Husbands are called to love our wives as Christ has loved the church. Wives are called to submit to and respect our husbands. Children are called to obey our parents and care for them in their older age with respect and honor. Find your part in this story of God and assess how you are doing!
Of course, our vocation extends beyond the home into our work place and culture at large. Keep in mind that the principles that form both are, in most cases, antithetical to Kingdom principles and Godly desires. For instance, first thing on Monday morning, your boss may ask you to fudge a bit on the numbers to make the quarter look better. Or, perhaps your neighbor confides in you in relationship to some activity that is shady at best. Or maybe its more subtle. Perhaps you just decide to withold information that will not hurt someone else but would decidely benefit you and your career. At nearly every turn we are challenged to sell out to modern practices and forsake our vocation for the convenience of compormise and the ease of self will. Maybe this week we should think closely about Abraham again and the call of God on his life (and lineage) to be a blessing to others. Of course, we can find this truth in the New Testatment from the very mouth of Christ as He tells us that the commandment upon which all others hinge is, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart . . . and love your neighbor as yourself.” There is our calling card and our route to a life of vocation in our work and culture. Self Check: how are we doing with the whole thing about 'loving our neighbors?' Does my presence benefit and bless them or distract and curse them?
And, last but not least, we all have vocation or calling to be fulfilled within the local body of believers. The Bible is full of exhortations that remind us of our calling as a 'body' and the fact that it trumps our calling as an 'individual.' We are not called to be islands unto ourselves, but communities of faith sharing life and experiencing God's purposes together. The Bible goes as far as to teach that if you are in a local body of believers then you have a unique calling and purpose that God intends and desires you to fulfill in that ministry! So, are you involved in the local ministry? Are you generously giving your time, talents and treasure to the fulfillment of the plan of God through your local church?
Next weeknd, on Sept. 26th, we are offering a great seminar to help you explore all of these areas of vocation. Sign up now by calling the church and invite a friend who might be struggling with their vocation as well!
Living Vocation!
Biz
Our vocation as a child of God begins the moment Christ calls us unto Himself and we respond with repentance and confession. God has justified you and I, and through the justification achieved by the person and work of Christ on the cross, we are declared righteous! This is the first calling and it impacts all the others. To be a child of God brings with it certain consequences. The Bible says it in various ways, but a main theme is that we are called to be a blessing to others (Gen.12) and that we are called to 'walk in step' with God's Spirit! In other words, once we become a child of God then our thoughts, desires and activities should line up with the 'will, call and desire' of God in our world!
In order for God to practice His vocation in our life, He puts us in a system of relationships whereby He might sanctify us and grow us closer to His image! The first, and probably most significant, is the family system. Here you and I get way off track immediately. Our modern philosophers and pundits would tell us that family is the place where our desires are met and where our dreams are fulfilled. Truth be told, when this philosopy runs it course in our lives we find ourselves empty and heartbroken with a string of broken relationships and unfulfilled expectations (all of which we blame on God). In order to be a person of Vocation or a child of God on Vocation we must learn that we are called to serve and love in and through our family relationships. Our first order of business in the home is those who are not ourselves! It might be wise to cosider how we are doing in this area? Husbands are called to love our wives as Christ has loved the church. Wives are called to submit to and respect our husbands. Children are called to obey our parents and care for them in their older age with respect and honor. Find your part in this story of God and assess how you are doing!
Of course, our vocation extends beyond the home into our work place and culture at large. Keep in mind that the principles that form both are, in most cases, antithetical to Kingdom principles and Godly desires. For instance, first thing on Monday morning, your boss may ask you to fudge a bit on the numbers to make the quarter look better. Or, perhaps your neighbor confides in you in relationship to some activity that is shady at best. Or maybe its more subtle. Perhaps you just decide to withold information that will not hurt someone else but would decidely benefit you and your career. At nearly every turn we are challenged to sell out to modern practices and forsake our vocation for the convenience of compormise and the ease of self will. Maybe this week we should think closely about Abraham again and the call of God on his life (and lineage) to be a blessing to others. Of course, we can find this truth in the New Testatment from the very mouth of Christ as He tells us that the commandment upon which all others hinge is, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart . . . and love your neighbor as yourself.” There is our calling card and our route to a life of vocation in our work and culture. Self Check: how are we doing with the whole thing about 'loving our neighbors?' Does my presence benefit and bless them or distract and curse them?
And, last but not least, we all have vocation or calling to be fulfilled within the local body of believers. The Bible is full of exhortations that remind us of our calling as a 'body' and the fact that it trumps our calling as an 'individual.' We are not called to be islands unto ourselves, but communities of faith sharing life and experiencing God's purposes together. The Bible goes as far as to teach that if you are in a local body of believers then you have a unique calling and purpose that God intends and desires you to fulfill in that ministry! So, are you involved in the local ministry? Are you generously giving your time, talents and treasure to the fulfillment of the plan of God through your local church?
Next weeknd, on Sept. 26th, we are offering a great seminar to help you explore all of these areas of vocation. Sign up now by calling the church and invite a friend who might be struggling with their vocation as well!
Living Vocation!
Biz
Thursday, September 9, 2010
The Experiential and Theological Truth of Movement
Life requires movement. Some of us don't get this and many of us wish it weren't so. But, nonetheless, life is designed to be lived and moved into on a daily basis. Life that is vital, vibrant and healthy often moves seemingly at the speed of light. For instance, today is our oldest son's 13th birthday. It is hard for me to believe because I remember the day of his birth as if it were yesterday. The road(s) that has taken us from there to here has been one of perpetual movement and vitality! In fact, from the very earliest moments of life, we humans begin to move! It starts of course with our mouths, responding to the stimuli our brains give us telling us that we are hungry - we obey and scream to high heaven until someone feeds us. And, you know as well as I do, life just speeds up from there. One day you’re changing diapers, the next day your buying size 10 shoes wondering: 'how did all of this happen?' And then you realize it. Movement has been occurring all along, taking you and your family along with it at literally a 'break neck' pace!
Movement is more than just a common human experience, it is a theological truth. We, as believers, are pictured in the Bible as 'sojourners,' i.e. people on the move. This world, we read, is not our home. We are on a journey to the world God has created for us in Christ and as such we are always moving toward that reality. On this grand journey home to Him, however, He has left us 'on mission!' His mission for us is to actively move or engage in His interests in this world on a continual basis! Yes, you and I are not only moving toward our ultimate home, we are also called to movement as we follow Him into our world on a day to day basis.
This is a tougher reality for you and me to face, because we often get frustrated by, in and through our daily world. We wonder when the economy will bounce back, or when our boss will get some sense, or when the weather will cool down, or when . . . You get the picture. We get frustrated, we feel slighted and this leads us to think, to begin to believe, that it is okay if we just stop moving. We start to view life as if we were sitting on the couch in our home watching it on television. It is almost as if we are participating in it, but not quite. As inviting as this may be, it is not an option for believers! You and I are called to live a life with God's interests in mind and to lean into every opportunity that He gives us when it comes along - no matter what it may require of us or how difficult it may be! If we are going to 'go with God' then we cannot stay where you are!
A central component of all this movement that life (and God) requires is the component of 'calling and vocation' that we are focusing on this month! As we explore 'vocation' we will be challenged and encouraged to 'move' into our vocation in all its various forms and to recognize that as we do we take the presence of Christ with us wherever we go. We become His image bearer in an idol worshiping world! Over the next week, maybe two, we will un-package several areas of vocation. Let me remind you of one definition for vocation that I have come to lean on - vocation is a 'calling,' it is the way that God works through human beings on this earth. If God is going to work through us, then He will move us into those places with those peoples at those times that He requires our service! Where is that for you today?
See you Sunday!
Biz
Movement is more than just a common human experience, it is a theological truth. We, as believers, are pictured in the Bible as 'sojourners,' i.e. people on the move. This world, we read, is not our home. We are on a journey to the world God has created for us in Christ and as such we are always moving toward that reality. On this grand journey home to Him, however, He has left us 'on mission!' His mission for us is to actively move or engage in His interests in this world on a continual basis! Yes, you and I are not only moving toward our ultimate home, we are also called to movement as we follow Him into our world on a day to day basis.
This is a tougher reality for you and me to face, because we often get frustrated by, in and through our daily world. We wonder when the economy will bounce back, or when our boss will get some sense, or when the weather will cool down, or when . . . You get the picture. We get frustrated, we feel slighted and this leads us to think, to begin to believe, that it is okay if we just stop moving. We start to view life as if we were sitting on the couch in our home watching it on television. It is almost as if we are participating in it, but not quite. As inviting as this may be, it is not an option for believers! You and I are called to live a life with God's interests in mind and to lean into every opportunity that He gives us when it comes along - no matter what it may require of us or how difficult it may be! If we are going to 'go with God' then we cannot stay where you are!
A central component of all this movement that life (and God) requires is the component of 'calling and vocation' that we are focusing on this month! As we explore 'vocation' we will be challenged and encouraged to 'move' into our vocation in all its various forms and to recognize that as we do we take the presence of Christ with us wherever we go. We become His image bearer in an idol worshiping world! Over the next week, maybe two, we will un-package several areas of vocation. Let me remind you of one definition for vocation that I have come to lean on - vocation is a 'calling,' it is the way that God works through human beings on this earth. If God is going to work through us, then He will move us into those places with those peoples at those times that He requires our service! Where is that for you today?
See you Sunday!
Biz
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Heigh Ho, Heigh Ho . . . it's off to work we go
The year was, I think, 1937. Count em up. You got it; 73 years ago we were introduced to Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. Below you will find a link to the video, that has, by in large, defined the movie for many of us. The video depicts dwarfs who actually sing while they dig - while the work. I wonder, when was the last time we viewed our work place with such high regard? When was the last time we came to work singing, sang while at work and then left work singing a happy tune? For many of us, unfortunately, that has never happened. What a shame. I wonder where this type of distaste for work actually began. When did work become something we just 'get through' until we get to the end of our day or until we get to Friday, or, even, until we get old enough to not work anymore - to retire?
It wasn't always this way, you know. In ancient cultures work and trade were highly valued as integral to the proper functioning of societal and communal life. So much so, in fact, that families engaged in work together and in so doing they grew closer to each other; they grew to learn their passions; strengths and giftedness and they also contributed to the culture around them. In short, their work made others better, more productive, healthier.
Hmmm, where did you and I get off track, I wonder. Some would say the industrial revolution. Others perhaps assembly lines; yet I have heard others argue that our trend toward 'professionalism' has devalued much of the work that is not 'professional' in nature, but no less important to the proper ordering of family and community life. I believe that the problem could be traced to all three as well as other influences that have formed modern living. But for the believer who has been called according to the riches of God's grace in Christ, the problem lies in us not understanding the wide range implications of His calling on our lives! Take a minute and think about it. What does it mean to be called by God? How does God view our work? Did Christ or does Scripture ever speak to us as workers or employees or employers or colleagues?
Of course you know the answer to those questions is a resounding 'yes.' But, do you know what the actual answer is? Do you know what Christ has to say about work and its importance to life? In Luke 19 Jesus tells a parable of a ruler who has to leave for awhile to receive the authority righty his as ruler. During the time of his absence he leaves his stewards in charge of portions of his kingdom (through minas). Upon return he inquires as to how they have used his resources and how they have cared for that over which he gave them charge. This king is quite generous with those who have done well and used his gifts. In fact, his generosity is unheard of; it is abundant beyond belief. However, there is one (there is always one, right?!?) who does nothing with his gift. In fact he hides it and pretends as though it doesn't exist. You know what the King does? He strips this steward of that which he did have - leaving him with nothing - and gave it to the ones who were faithful.
This parable has much to say to you and me today in regard to work. The King in this parable is Jesus and we are the stewards. He has left us in charge of his work during His absence and he has literally told us 'engage in business, conduct trade, and be involved in vocation.' This is precisely what he asked of the stewards in the story I just described. You see, for the Christian it matters not where we are employed or even if we are employed. It matters not if we are under-employed or over-employed. What matters is that wherever we are placed, we are to conduct the work of His Kingdom in the midst of those around us. This is the idea behind calling and vocation - that our lives count for more than ourselves and our work makes a difference in the lives of others! The other lesson illustrated here, one we miss at our own peril, is that we will be judged by the King based on how we have 'stewarded' during His absence. To the faithful there will be ABUNDANT reward in heaven, to the unfaithful - well you get the picture.
So, where is this idea of calling to be pursued and fulfilled in our lives? There are at least three areas in which you and I practice and steward our 'vocation' or calling every day. First we are called to steward within our home. Yes, I have a vocation (calling) as husband, father, son, brother, etc. Do you view your home as 'vocation?' Secondly we are called to steward within our church. Yes, there is work do be done within the context of local ministry in a congregation - if you are just sitting watching others do the work of the Lord, then you risk great judgment and little reward! Thirdly, we have a calling to steward within our culture. We are to actively bring the presence of Christ into our culture on a day to day basis. This would include our neighborhood, our work, our places of influence in politics, industry, schools and institutions - all of these need the presence of Christ lived out as 'vocation' on a day by day basis.
By the way: Happy Labor Day! Hopefully this year it will mean more than just one last chance to fire up the grill or spend the day on the beach. Maybe - just maybe - you and I will get serious about 'vocation/calling,' 'work/stewardship' and truly be the people Christ is calling us to be
See you Sunday!
Biz
by the way, don't foget to check out the video - it will at least put a smile on your face!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-_fF6P_PQqQ
It wasn't always this way, you know. In ancient cultures work and trade were highly valued as integral to the proper functioning of societal and communal life. So much so, in fact, that families engaged in work together and in so doing they grew closer to each other; they grew to learn their passions; strengths and giftedness and they also contributed to the culture around them. In short, their work made others better, more productive, healthier.
Hmmm, where did you and I get off track, I wonder. Some would say the industrial revolution. Others perhaps assembly lines; yet I have heard others argue that our trend toward 'professionalism' has devalued much of the work that is not 'professional' in nature, but no less important to the proper ordering of family and community life. I believe that the problem could be traced to all three as well as other influences that have formed modern living. But for the believer who has been called according to the riches of God's grace in Christ, the problem lies in us not understanding the wide range implications of His calling on our lives! Take a minute and think about it. What does it mean to be called by God? How does God view our work? Did Christ or does Scripture ever speak to us as workers or employees or employers or colleagues?
Of course you know the answer to those questions is a resounding 'yes.' But, do you know what the actual answer is? Do you know what Christ has to say about work and its importance to life? In Luke 19 Jesus tells a parable of a ruler who has to leave for awhile to receive the authority righty his as ruler. During the time of his absence he leaves his stewards in charge of portions of his kingdom (through minas). Upon return he inquires as to how they have used his resources and how they have cared for that over which he gave them charge. This king is quite generous with those who have done well and used his gifts. In fact, his generosity is unheard of; it is abundant beyond belief. However, there is one (there is always one, right?!?) who does nothing with his gift. In fact he hides it and pretends as though it doesn't exist. You know what the King does? He strips this steward of that which he did have - leaving him with nothing - and gave it to the ones who were faithful.
This parable has much to say to you and me today in regard to work. The King in this parable is Jesus and we are the stewards. He has left us in charge of his work during His absence and he has literally told us 'engage in business, conduct trade, and be involved in vocation.' This is precisely what he asked of the stewards in the story I just described. You see, for the Christian it matters not where we are employed or even if we are employed. It matters not if we are under-employed or over-employed. What matters is that wherever we are placed, we are to conduct the work of His Kingdom in the midst of those around us. This is the idea behind calling and vocation - that our lives count for more than ourselves and our work makes a difference in the lives of others! The other lesson illustrated here, one we miss at our own peril, is that we will be judged by the King based on how we have 'stewarded' during His absence. To the faithful there will be ABUNDANT reward in heaven, to the unfaithful - well you get the picture.
So, where is this idea of calling to be pursued and fulfilled in our lives? There are at least three areas in which you and I practice and steward our 'vocation' or calling every day. First we are called to steward within our home. Yes, I have a vocation (calling) as husband, father, son, brother, etc. Do you view your home as 'vocation?' Secondly we are called to steward within our church. Yes, there is work do be done within the context of local ministry in a congregation - if you are just sitting watching others do the work of the Lord, then you risk great judgment and little reward! Thirdly, we have a calling to steward within our culture. We are to actively bring the presence of Christ into our culture on a day to day basis. This would include our neighborhood, our work, our places of influence in politics, industry, schools and institutions - all of these need the presence of Christ lived out as 'vocation' on a day by day basis.
By the way: Happy Labor Day! Hopefully this year it will mean more than just one last chance to fire up the grill or spend the day on the beach. Maybe - just maybe - you and I will get serious about 'vocation/calling,' 'work/stewardship' and truly be the people Christ is calling us to be
See you Sunday!
Biz
by the way, don't foget to check out the video - it will at least put a smile on your face!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-_fF6P_PQqQ
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Body Life And Kingdom Investments - Youth Sunday This Weekend!
For the past two months our church has been focusing on the topic of making Kingdom Investments while being a part of, participating in and supporting the local congregation. The ways we provide this support are through our time, our talents and our treasures. Each area of investment is very important to a local congregation and the mission that we pursue together as His church in this area.
Often times, I wonder - do our folks who give so much really 'get' how big a difference it is making in human lives? I and the staff and ministry leaders get to see it week in and week out, but some of us don't get to peek behind the curtain to see what all is going on. Well this weekend, we will get a 'peek behind the curtain' of our awesome Youth Ministries here at Westside as our teenagers lead us in worship and share in song, testimonies and other ways of service. I am so excited about this weekend! I truly think you will be amazed by the caliber and heart of the young people in our church!
Just last night I got my own little peek when I showed up and witnessed them preparing for Sunday and I have to tell you, that God is going to move mightily through them. So, if you have ever wondered, 'where do our talent, time and treasure go,' then this is the Sunday for you to find out!
Don’t' forget: This Saturday we will gather at Rock Springs (Kelly Park) in Apopka for our Family Fun Day! Bring 5$ to get in the gate. You will also need to pack a lunch and stop by the rental places and rent a tube for the day on the way in! I can't wait to see you there!
Biz
Often times, I wonder - do our folks who give so much really 'get' how big a difference it is making in human lives? I and the staff and ministry leaders get to see it week in and week out, but some of us don't get to peek behind the curtain to see what all is going on. Well this weekend, we will get a 'peek behind the curtain' of our awesome Youth Ministries here at Westside as our teenagers lead us in worship and share in song, testimonies and other ways of service. I am so excited about this weekend! I truly think you will be amazed by the caliber and heart of the young people in our church!
Just last night I got my own little peek when I showed up and witnessed them preparing for Sunday and I have to tell you, that God is going to move mightily through them. So, if you have ever wondered, 'where do our talent, time and treasure go,' then this is the Sunday for you to find out!
Don’t' forget: This Saturday we will gather at Rock Springs (Kelly Park) in Apopka for our Family Fun Day! Bring 5$ to get in the gate. You will also need to pack a lunch and stop by the rental places and rent a tube for the day on the way in! I can't wait to see you there!
Biz
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Nation Building: One home at at time!
In January of this year the tiny country of Haiti was struck by an earthquake. The death toll from this mighty quake has numbered up to 300,000 lives lost. Let that sink in for a moment. That number is higher than the population of most small to midsized cities in America. While the population of the metropolitan area of Orlando is around 2 million people, the population of Orlando proper (the city itself) is around 240,000 people. Yes, that is 60,000 people less than the number of folks killed in one day or the days following that massive earthquake.
Let's think about this for a moment. We live in a very well developed country, county and city. We have a strong infrastructure and stable response systems in place. Yet, if within a few days time our city were devastated to the degree that Haiti was devastated in January, how long do you think it would take us to recover? How much help would we need? Who would answer that call?
Let's not forget that beyond the death toll you have thousands of amputees still living, you have thousands without parents, children, churches, shops, homes, the list could go on and on! I know that we cannot respond to every need and help everyone in this world. Indeed if we were to try we would collapse of exhaustion before we even got up a good head of steam. But we are called to respond and to be about 'good works' in this world as we live out the Gospel. Galatians 6:9 says, "So let's not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don't give up." What a great reminder of the command we are given. It is a command stated negatively for the full force of its impact - we are to NEVER get tired of doing what is good!
In two days, I am going to drive down to Ft. Lauderdale and board a plane with the leader of Helping H.I.M. Ministries (http://www.hhimtoday.com/). We will join a team of 10 other men who are going to work to provide much needed housing and stability to folks in the region of Calebasse. We will be staying in a local orphanage called House of Blessings (http://www.haitihouseofblessings.org/) as we work in the area to build homes. To ALL Westsiders, let me prepare you: I anticipate coming back with a mandate for this congregation to go and reach this tiny nation with the love of the Gospel in tangible 'good work' ways. I am praying that God will connect me with the heart and soul of the need and show me if He has some work for us to do with the Haitian peoples in the future. If that is the case, then get ready for some awesome God sized adventures in our church and in your life!
Once I get into Calebasse proper it will difficult, if not impossible, for me to maintain communication with the outside world. So, please take a minute now and write down the following prayer requests. I need each of you to pray every day for these - multiple times a day --- seriously write them down and pray; pray hard and pray often!
1. Pray that God's grace would guide every step I myself take and that we as a team take.
2. Pray that God will enable us to accomplish significant and enduring 'good works' while there. We are there to build homes - pray that God would make us great at this task for this time (for those of you who know me, you know He will have to help me out with that one :-))
3. Pray that God will put in my path the folks that He wants us to partner with well into the future.
4. Pray for our safety there and back and for the safety of our families and ministries while away.
5. Pray that through our meager offering of time and talent and treasure that somehow God might be glorified and His Name proclaimed to those in need of the Gospel!
If you think of some more, then add them to the list! I am excited about this great opportunity the Lord has provided and looking forward to where it may take us as we go together on mission with Him!
Haiti Bound!
Biz
Let's think about this for a moment. We live in a very well developed country, county and city. We have a strong infrastructure and stable response systems in place. Yet, if within a few days time our city were devastated to the degree that Haiti was devastated in January, how long do you think it would take us to recover? How much help would we need? Who would answer that call?
Let's not forget that beyond the death toll you have thousands of amputees still living, you have thousands without parents, children, churches, shops, homes, the list could go on and on! I know that we cannot respond to every need and help everyone in this world. Indeed if we were to try we would collapse of exhaustion before we even got up a good head of steam. But we are called to respond and to be about 'good works' in this world as we live out the Gospel. Galatians 6:9 says, "So let's not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don't give up." What a great reminder of the command we are given. It is a command stated negatively for the full force of its impact - we are to NEVER get tired of doing what is good!
In two days, I am going to drive down to Ft. Lauderdale and board a plane with the leader of Helping H.I.M. Ministries (http://www.hhimtoday.com/). We will join a team of 10 other men who are going to work to provide much needed housing and stability to folks in the region of Calebasse. We will be staying in a local orphanage called House of Blessings (http://www.haitihouseofblessings.org/) as we work in the area to build homes. To ALL Westsiders, let me prepare you: I anticipate coming back with a mandate for this congregation to go and reach this tiny nation with the love of the Gospel in tangible 'good work' ways. I am praying that God will connect me with the heart and soul of the need and show me if He has some work for us to do with the Haitian peoples in the future. If that is the case, then get ready for some awesome God sized adventures in our church and in your life!
Once I get into Calebasse proper it will difficult, if not impossible, for me to maintain communication with the outside world. So, please take a minute now and write down the following prayer requests. I need each of you to pray every day for these - multiple times a day --- seriously write them down and pray; pray hard and pray often!
1. Pray that God's grace would guide every step I myself take and that we as a team take.
2. Pray that God will enable us to accomplish significant and enduring 'good works' while there. We are there to build homes - pray that God would make us great at this task for this time (for those of you who know me, you know He will have to help me out with that one :-))
3. Pray that God will put in my path the folks that He wants us to partner with well into the future.
4. Pray for our safety there and back and for the safety of our families and ministries while away.
5. Pray that through our meager offering of time and talent and treasure that somehow God might be glorified and His Name proclaimed to those in need of the Gospel!
If you think of some more, then add them to the list! I am excited about this great opportunity the Lord has provided and looking forward to where it may take us as we go together on mission with Him!
Haiti Bound!
Biz
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Body Life and Kingdom Investments: Dependence, Decision, Deliverence
I spent most of my morning at the Dentist office. I have one thing to say. Ouch! Yep, they worked hard on my mouth for nearly four hours (you read that right - 4). Now, it's not the dentist fault. It was not as if she was inept or deficient in her dental knowledge or practice. Nope, the problem is that I haven't been to a dentist in nearly 5 years. So, in some respects if you calculate the average per year then I really only spent about 40 minutes in the chair today! Okay, so I'm an optimist. Either that or just really stupid (you choose; be nice).
Everything went pretty well until she pulled out one drill that sounded like (I am not kidding) a Jumbo Jet hitting the brakes as it first touches the tarmac for the landing. You know that sound (and feeling). When you hear that sound there is the slightest moment of wonder - will this thing land upright or will the brakes cause it to skid and squirm all over the runway eventually landing us in a ditch next to some poor guy’s house who just wanted to get away from everything when he built there years ago. That was how I felt, when I first heard the drill. Will this drill, I wondered, hit the target safely and excavate the correct part of my decaying tooth? Or will it go wild and squirm all over my mouth causing me to 'bite' down in pain and screaming like a 'stuck pig?' Well, since I am writing this blog (in no small amount of pain) you can probably guess that the 'Jumbo Jet hitting the brakes' drill hit the right spot and got the job done, in spite of all my unfounded fears and concerns to the contrary.
This experience with the dentist, however, has caused me to reflect on my life as a pastor. I have wondered, 'do people view me in a similar way that I view the dentist?' Or, perhaps better put, 'do people view the church the way I view a dentist office?' You see, like me and the dentist, some people never darken the doors of the church until something in their life says ouch (e.g. toothache). When they finally cross over to the other side and enter in, they do so wondering what they will find, how they will be received and will the visit pay off in the end? Will we reject them out of hand, because their lives are full of cavities? Will we admonish them for not coming in sooner (you know, before it got so bad)? Will we ask them if they have been praying twice a day and reading there Bible regularly? While they may not express their concerns and emotions in those precise words, believe me they are there - and they are real!
So, the question becomes (for me at least), 'what does the church offer a life that is full of decay?' Okay, before I answer - back to my dental adventure. My dentist sat me down in the chair and basically said the following: 'Mr. Gainey, apart from not visiting a dentist enough, it is obvious that you have tried to keep your teeth in order (yes, I do floss and brush daily).' She went on to explain to me that, though I gave it my best shot - my teeth have still ended up decaying and slowly, over time, they have literally been dying in my mouth (now, not all of them, but enough). She then told me something amazing. She told me that she was going to do for me what I have been unable to do for myself! Yes, she was going to fully clean my teeth and, get this, restore the ones that were too far gone - you heard that right - she was going to make them right again, just as God originally intended. She didn't berate me for having decay; she simply pointed me to the answer for my dying teeth and decaying enamel. Man that was pretty cool.
Then came the tough part - I had to say 'okay' I will let you do this work on me. I had to make a decision to trust the dentist with my teeth. And believe me, this was no easy decision. In fact, she told me that the choice was mine to make - I could keep doing what I was doing and hope for the best, or I could trust in her and her staff to 'set my teeth right again.' Now, I knew what that meant - it meant pain and agony. It meant that I would have to face my own decay and submit myself to someone who could perform a surgery - one that I was incapable of performing. And, guess what, four hours later I was up and out of there - with new teeth (well not totally - I have a couple more sessions yet) and a relieved mind that my tooth was no longer going to ache and that my mouth was back on track to carrying me through another forty years of living!
Let me make my point (I have rambled on enough): people who need God, need him because of 'life decay.' Perhaps they have tried everything in the book and still continue to decay - some slowly, some quickly, but we all decay nonetheless. So, they show up at our church, or they stop by your cubicle at work or interrupt your yard work in your neighborhood. When they show up they wonder, what will happen next, how they will be received? Will we point them to the One who can do for them what they cannot do for themselves? Or will we ridicule them because they are 'decaying?' To me the answer is so clear - funny enough, I learned it in a whole new way while visiting, of all places, the dentist!
More than Before!
Biz
Everything went pretty well until she pulled out one drill that sounded like (I am not kidding) a Jumbo Jet hitting the brakes as it first touches the tarmac for the landing. You know that sound (and feeling). When you hear that sound there is the slightest moment of wonder - will this thing land upright or will the brakes cause it to skid and squirm all over the runway eventually landing us in a ditch next to some poor guy’s house who just wanted to get away from everything when he built there years ago. That was how I felt, when I first heard the drill. Will this drill, I wondered, hit the target safely and excavate the correct part of my decaying tooth? Or will it go wild and squirm all over my mouth causing me to 'bite' down in pain and screaming like a 'stuck pig?' Well, since I am writing this blog (in no small amount of pain) you can probably guess that the 'Jumbo Jet hitting the brakes' drill hit the right spot and got the job done, in spite of all my unfounded fears and concerns to the contrary.
This experience with the dentist, however, has caused me to reflect on my life as a pastor. I have wondered, 'do people view me in a similar way that I view the dentist?' Or, perhaps better put, 'do people view the church the way I view a dentist office?' You see, like me and the dentist, some people never darken the doors of the church until something in their life says ouch (e.g. toothache). When they finally cross over to the other side and enter in, they do so wondering what they will find, how they will be received and will the visit pay off in the end? Will we reject them out of hand, because their lives are full of cavities? Will we admonish them for not coming in sooner (you know, before it got so bad)? Will we ask them if they have been praying twice a day and reading there Bible regularly? While they may not express their concerns and emotions in those precise words, believe me they are there - and they are real!
So, the question becomes (for me at least), 'what does the church offer a life that is full of decay?' Okay, before I answer - back to my dental adventure. My dentist sat me down in the chair and basically said the following: 'Mr. Gainey, apart from not visiting a dentist enough, it is obvious that you have tried to keep your teeth in order (yes, I do floss and brush daily).' She went on to explain to me that, though I gave it my best shot - my teeth have still ended up decaying and slowly, over time, they have literally been dying in my mouth (now, not all of them, but enough). She then told me something amazing. She told me that she was going to do for me what I have been unable to do for myself! Yes, she was going to fully clean my teeth and, get this, restore the ones that were too far gone - you heard that right - she was going to make them right again, just as God originally intended. She didn't berate me for having decay; she simply pointed me to the answer for my dying teeth and decaying enamel. Man that was pretty cool.
Then came the tough part - I had to say 'okay' I will let you do this work on me. I had to make a decision to trust the dentist with my teeth. And believe me, this was no easy decision. In fact, she told me that the choice was mine to make - I could keep doing what I was doing and hope for the best, or I could trust in her and her staff to 'set my teeth right again.' Now, I knew what that meant - it meant pain and agony. It meant that I would have to face my own decay and submit myself to someone who could perform a surgery - one that I was incapable of performing. And, guess what, four hours later I was up and out of there - with new teeth (well not totally - I have a couple more sessions yet) and a relieved mind that my tooth was no longer going to ache and that my mouth was back on track to carrying me through another forty years of living!
Let me make my point (I have rambled on enough): people who need God, need him because of 'life decay.' Perhaps they have tried everything in the book and still continue to decay - some slowly, some quickly, but we all decay nonetheless. So, they show up at our church, or they stop by your cubicle at work or interrupt your yard work in your neighborhood. When they show up they wonder, what will happen next, how they will be received? Will we point them to the One who can do for them what they cannot do for themselves? Or will we ridicule them because they are 'decaying?' To me the answer is so clear - funny enough, I learned it in a whole new way while visiting, of all places, the dentist!
More than Before!
Biz
Thursday, August 5, 2010
Kingdom Investments: Willing, Worthy, Worthwhile!
In Luke 17 Jesus speaks to the evil of temptation, the power of cleansing and the hope of His Kingdom! Now all of us probably get the 'evil' that lies behind temptation. In fact, most of us will be tempted in some form or another today and recognize that behind it lies the enemy - just waiting on us to take the bait. I think most of us could also attest to the power of cleansing that comes from the Lord. We could certainly attest to the cleansing He grants from sin. There are also many of us have experience first hand physical cleansing and restoration.
I am concerned, however, that we may not be able to readily express and give witness to the hope of His Kingdom. No, this one seems perennially more difficult for us. In Luke 17 Jesus' audience is also having trouble 'getting it,' or 'getting Him,' rather. But that is understandable, after all they are Pharisees - they truly don't ever get Jesus - I mean they don't seem to get Him on any level at all. In fact, they fail to get him so badly, that they miss what I believe is one of Jesus' most aggressive and antagonistic statements toward them.
You see, in Luke 17 Jesus is being question in regard to end times, 'How will we know,' they ask, 'when the kingdom of God will come?' Rather than pointing to signs, Jesus says - the time is now, open your eyes because the Kingdom of God is in your midst. Now some of your Bibles may say within you - but this is a bad translation at this point. He is, after all, speaking of Pharisees and there is simply no way He would tell them that the kingdom in within them. No, he is trying to say that the Kingdom of God is now present because He (Jesus) represents that kingdom. This is the great hope that we all have - that God is not withholding His presence from you and me. No, in fact He has granted us His day to day, minute by minute presence of Jesus Himself through the ministry of His Spirit (okay, I will say it for you 'whoohoo!'). In fact, here is how Paul says it (yes, Paul) in Ephesians 1:7 - 8, "In him (JESUS) we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace that he lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding." Yes, friend, we have been 'lavished' by God's grace! You want to really 'wig' someone out today? Next time you are asked how you are doing respond by saying: 'I have been LAVISHED by God's grace today!'
Okay, what are the implications of this great lavishing from God. Put simply, the lavished heart - those who truly get that they have been lavished - will respond as willing vessels of a worthy God on a (His) worthwhile Mission. Now, this speaks to you and me today. Are we willing vessels? Do we get the idea that God is Worthy and we are Unworthy? Do we know that any service rendered to God is or should be seen as not meritorious, but as a humble response to His Worth?!? And do we get, I mean really 'get' that there is no more worthwhile investment in this life than the Kingdom of Christ and His mission on this earth? If we were to generously give of our time, talents and treasures to something, then surely it would be to this!
What about you today? Have you been lavished? If so, will you respond as a willing vessel of a worthy God on a worthwhile mission? You know, my family and I were out of town for a week and a half - we had a great trip, though it was not without its low spots. While gone our church suffered a great loss as Andy Higgins was ushered into our Lord's presence. I miss Andy. I will miss Him for sometime to come. The impact of his life on mine is deep indeed. In times like this we need to rest and reflect, grieve and mourn. However, we never, ever need to stop. I think Andy himself would be telling us today, 'okay, Westside - take the next step - follow Jesus and share His love with everyone you see.' Yep, he would tell us to become 'willing vessels of a worthy God on a worthwhile mission.'
See you Sunday, 930 or 11 (or both, worship in one, serve in the other)!
Biz
I am concerned, however, that we may not be able to readily express and give witness to the hope of His Kingdom. No, this one seems perennially more difficult for us. In Luke 17 Jesus' audience is also having trouble 'getting it,' or 'getting Him,' rather. But that is understandable, after all they are Pharisees - they truly don't ever get Jesus - I mean they don't seem to get Him on any level at all. In fact, they fail to get him so badly, that they miss what I believe is one of Jesus' most aggressive and antagonistic statements toward them.
You see, in Luke 17 Jesus is being question in regard to end times, 'How will we know,' they ask, 'when the kingdom of God will come?' Rather than pointing to signs, Jesus says - the time is now, open your eyes because the Kingdom of God is in your midst. Now some of your Bibles may say within you - but this is a bad translation at this point. He is, after all, speaking of Pharisees and there is simply no way He would tell them that the kingdom in within them. No, he is trying to say that the Kingdom of God is now present because He (Jesus) represents that kingdom. This is the great hope that we all have - that God is not withholding His presence from you and me. No, in fact He has granted us His day to day, minute by minute presence of Jesus Himself through the ministry of His Spirit (okay, I will say it for you 'whoohoo!'). In fact, here is how Paul says it (yes, Paul) in Ephesians 1:7 - 8, "In him (JESUS) we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace that he lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding." Yes, friend, we have been 'lavished' by God's grace! You want to really 'wig' someone out today? Next time you are asked how you are doing respond by saying: 'I have been LAVISHED by God's grace today!'
Okay, what are the implications of this great lavishing from God. Put simply, the lavished heart - those who truly get that they have been lavished - will respond as willing vessels of a worthy God on a (His) worthwhile Mission. Now, this speaks to you and me today. Are we willing vessels? Do we get the idea that God is Worthy and we are Unworthy? Do we know that any service rendered to God is or should be seen as not meritorious, but as a humble response to His Worth?!? And do we get, I mean really 'get' that there is no more worthwhile investment in this life than the Kingdom of Christ and His mission on this earth? If we were to generously give of our time, talents and treasures to something, then surely it would be to this!
What about you today? Have you been lavished? If so, will you respond as a willing vessel of a worthy God on a worthwhile mission? You know, my family and I were out of town for a week and a half - we had a great trip, though it was not without its low spots. While gone our church suffered a great loss as Andy Higgins was ushered into our Lord's presence. I miss Andy. I will miss Him for sometime to come. The impact of his life on mine is deep indeed. In times like this we need to rest and reflect, grieve and mourn. However, we never, ever need to stop. I think Andy himself would be telling us today, 'okay, Westside - take the next step - follow Jesus and share His love with everyone you see.' Yep, he would tell us to become 'willing vessels of a worthy God on a worthwhile mission.'
See you Sunday, 930 or 11 (or both, worship in one, serve in the other)!
Biz
Series: Kingdom Investments
This week: Becoming Willing vessels of a Worthy God on a Worthwhile Mission!
Series Goal: To Enlist (encourage, inspire, empower and recruit) our congregation to live a life of Kingdom Investment!
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Body Life and Kingdom Investments: The Road goes Ever on
The Road goes ever on and on
Down from the door where it began,
Now far ahead the Road has gone,
And I must follow if I can,
Taken from, The Fellowship of the Rings; The Old Walking Song sung by Bilbo Baggins.
"And I must follow if I can." That phrase pretty much sums up my impression of the disciple's hope and struggle! Every one of us can relate to the feeling that Bilbo conveys in this song. We know we must go on, we know that to stop is to fail, but we fear that we simply will not have the strength. Where does that fear come from? I mean, after all, once we are Children of the King do we not have at our disposal the greatest of all Strengths and the most reliable of all Hopes? Yet, still we fear. Perhaps it is because the road has been long already and we anticipate it to be longer still. Maybe it is because there are so many very attractive 'side roads' that we could take. In fact, we may have often taken them before. After all, they are so attractive at the point of entry. And, having traveled on them we have learned that those roads end badly - so, we fear our own weakness in the face of such temptation. Or, maybe we are simply tired. Maybe we don't like the road God chooses. The 'maybe' scenarios go could go on and on and on!
Jesus gets this dilemma we have as we try to follow Him. Remember, it was He who said that this world would be full of hardship and trouble. In Luke 16 he gives us some reasons why we struggle so much and hope so little. As we keep walking this journey of taking our 'next step' in terms of Kingdom Investment see if one of the following warnings Jesus gives might be a reason we struggle along this path.
First, Jesus tells us that we will struggle when we become too tethered to what this world offers! That was, of course, the problem he pointed out with the Pharisees. In one exchange, after he had taught his disciples, we see that the Pharisees simply didn't get it. Jesus remarks that there great problem was this: they loved money and they cared far too much about what other people thought rather than what God thinks. That, my friend, is being 'tethered' to this world and what it offers. This happens often times very slowly. We work hard, get rewarded and accomplish great things. Then even before we know it we develop an unhealthy attachment not only to what we have earned but also to how that makes people look at us! Yes, part of our discipleship struggle is simply that we care too much about what other people think and how our 'possessions' make us feel and we care too little about what God thinks or the Values of His Kingdom.
Secondly, Jesus tells us that we will struggle when we become too attached to what this world teaches, believes and values. Jesus calls it the 'world system.' Paul alludes to this idea when he tells us in Romans 12 that we should no longer be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of our minds. Jesus really wants us to understand that any time we 'lean in' to the world's way of behavior or belief our discipleship walk ceases to exist.
Yep, you heard me - you and I become someone we were never meant to be! Jesus so emphasizes this reality that he says he 'hates' the world system. In fact, he uses the word 'detestable.' Another way you might say it is that Jesus thinks and teaches that anything done for the glory of man rather than God is an 'abomination.' Whew, that is tough stuff. I mean, there are many things I don't like (mushrooms, yellow squash, 15 degree weather, the Dallas Cowboys, etc.) but I rarely, if ever use a word like 'detestable' or 'abomination' to describe them (okay, possibly for the Cowboys). But, you get the point, right?!? If you and I have bought into the world's way of doing things, then we have gone 'off road.'
So, where have you gone 'off road' this week? What systems have you bought into? Here is a list you might consider. The World Says - 'I don't have to forgive,' or 'I can cheat to get ahead,' or 'I don't have to love my spouse,' or 'I need more toys and possessions to validate myself,' or 'I am better than others,' or 'God is not enough, I need more ____________ to get through.' All of these ‘ideas’ and the many others like them are a lie. If we are to move forward, then we need to move through the lie to the hope Christ offers! And, there are at least two key ‘hopes’ that you and I have today!
The first hope is for us to understand that we have been 'justified' by God in Christ. The Lord reminds the Pharisees that they are trying to Justify themselves, but God sees their hearts. You and I are justified by the great mercy of God. He has pardoned our sins and atoned for our unrighteousness and, in so doing, He has become our righteousness. Yes, you read that right - God has done for you and me what we cannot do for ourselves, so isn't it about time we stop trying and learn to 'lean in' to Him and His love for us?
Secondly, He has given us His Word so that we might be formed into His image. Jesus says His Word will remain after all else fails (even creation). His Word is trustworthy, dependable and true! You can lean on His Word today! In fact, growing in the knowledge of His Word is the only sure way to fend off the systems and beliefs of this world (by the way, there is still time to sign up for our next Bible Institute Class or join an ongoing small group)!
I started with a poem from one of my favorite books. The key line said, 'I must follow if I can.' If I were to write that poem in order to illustrate a Christian reality, I would change that line to this: 'I must follow, because I can.' Yes, friend, you and I can follow Him and, in fact, he expects nothing less than complete commitment and total trust. It is then and only then that we are able to take that 'next step. So, what is your step to be today? Will you follow Him . . .
Crying Out for Kingdom Investments!
Biz
New Series: Body Life and Kingdom Investments
Bible Basis: Gospel of Luke (picking back up in chapter 16)
Bible Basis: Gospel of Luke (picking back up in chapter 16)
Series Goal: To Enlist (encourage, inspire, empower and recruit) our congregation to live a life of Kingdom Investment and take that crucial next step in regard to our time, talent and treasure!
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Kingdom Investment in Sunday School - A Personal Testimony from a Westsider
We just launched our Kingdom Investments Series here at Westside Community Church. One of the goals of this series is to get us to 'take the next step' in terms of our time, talents and treasures. It is so cool to see that happening already around here. I am expecting and anticipating so much more when we 'fully give over' and follow hard after Christ! Take a minute and read this awesome testimony from one of our own in regard to making a 'Kingdom Investment' in the life of a child!
A Westside Community Church k-3rd Grade Sunday school teacher
This is GREAT Stuff - how will you be involved? Where will you invest today!
Have a great week!
PB
Why teach Sunday School?
I have been a teacher for over 30 years. My friend is a music teacher and she told me that her church asked her to work with the children’s choir and she said there was no way she could do that on Sunday. I thought to myself, why not. God gave you the talent so you could earn a living and why not use that gift on Sunday, as well. Sunday school is one of the first places that many children learn about God. It is also a time when children interact with other children and adults to worship on their level. You don’t have to be a certified teacher to teach in Sunday school. The easy to follow lessons are provided and give children an opportunity to learn about God. Our children need someone who is sincere and will be there as a part of their connection to our congregation. If you want to make a difference in a child’s life, volunteer to teach Sunday school. We need a teacher for the k-3rd grade class. We alternate months. This is a very nice class of kids and they are full of love. Please consider volunteering for Sunday school.
I have been a teacher for over 30 years. My friend is a music teacher and she told me that her church asked her to work with the children’s choir and she said there was no way she could do that on Sunday. I thought to myself, why not. God gave you the talent so you could earn a living and why not use that gift on Sunday, as well. Sunday school is one of the first places that many children learn about God. It is also a time when children interact with other children and adults to worship on their level. You don’t have to be a certified teacher to teach in Sunday school. The easy to follow lessons are provided and give children an opportunity to learn about God. Our children need someone who is sincere and will be there as a part of their connection to our congregation. If you want to make a difference in a child’s life, volunteer to teach Sunday school. We need a teacher for the k-3rd grade class. We alternate months. This is a very nice class of kids and they are full of love. Please consider volunteering for Sunday school.
A Westside Community Church k-3rd Grade Sunday school teacher
This is GREAT Stuff - how will you be involved? Where will you invest today!
Have a great week!
PB
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Kingdom Investments and the Cause of Christ
Serving others with the resources God has given us is at the heart of a 'true' response to the grace of God in Jesus Christ. In fact, Jesus pretty much tells us that he can read the story of our heart by seeing the actions of our hands. The more I read the Gospels, the more I see clearly how close to Jesus' mission this single reality stands. You and I, as Christians, are in the most unique position of all of humankind. We are in a position to share the generosity with others that God has so amazingly dumped (in bucketfuls) out on us!
Now as far as I can tell, the resources God has given us fall into three major categories; our time, talents and treasure. Our time, of course, represents that allotment of life we are given here on this earth as measured through the seconds, minutes, hours, days, months and years we get from God. We all have 24 hours in a day and we are all faced with the choice, sometimes minute by minute, of what we will do with those hours.
Our talents represent a combination of our passions, skills, loves, desires and spiritual gifts. Maybe a better way to say it is that a talent is the resource of our 'skillfulness' that we can use for Christ or for ourselves. We also are faced with daily choices of how we will use these talents that Christ has given us. Will they be used in the service of His Kingdom by caring for others and seeking the advancement of His values and principles in our world, or will we use them to further ourselves, our careers, our goals, etc?
And, thirdly, our treasures represent those financial resources God has allowed us to have while here on this earth. While this can be a number of things from investments to family inheritance, a primary focus is place on that which we earn as we use both our time and talents in this world. Our resources might be the income God has allowed us to derive from the work that He has gifted us to do.
Funny thing about all three of these is that they are all interconnected. For instance, if you use your talent and time in a way that is productive, then in all likelihood (not always) you will receive treasures as a result. In the economy of God, Christ wants us to understand that all three ultimately belong to Him (not us) and the constant test of our commitment is seen in what we choose to do with them on a day by day basis!
As we move into our new series called 'Body Life and Kingdom Investments' we will be picking back up in our walk through the Gospel of Luke. In the texts we will be considering over the next 8 weeks or so, we will find Christ, again and again, calling His followers to a deeper commitment to Him. This commitment is one that is illustrated in how we use that which He has given us. My goal in this series is that we will each be challenged to 'take the next' step.
In order to take the next step, however, we must first truthfully assess where we currently are. So, my question is this: What are we doing with our time, talents and treasures today? On a scale of 1 - 10 (1 being least and 10 being most) how generous are we tin these three areas? Do we give freely unto the Lord in each of these three areas? Perhaps we are better in one or two of the areas, but not in all three. Find out where you are and commit to bring your heart, soul, mind and strength before the Word of the Lord each weekend with me and ask Him to help you take the 'next step' in each of these three key areas.
After all, if Christ looks to these to gauge our spiritual growth and discipleship, then perhaps it is wise for us to spend some time looking at them (and then to Him) ourselves!
Investing in Eternity!
Biz
Now as far as I can tell, the resources God has given us fall into three major categories; our time, talents and treasure. Our time, of course, represents that allotment of life we are given here on this earth as measured through the seconds, minutes, hours, days, months and years we get from God. We all have 24 hours in a day and we are all faced with the choice, sometimes minute by minute, of what we will do with those hours.
Our talents represent a combination of our passions, skills, loves, desires and spiritual gifts. Maybe a better way to say it is that a talent is the resource of our 'skillfulness' that we can use for Christ or for ourselves. We also are faced with daily choices of how we will use these talents that Christ has given us. Will they be used in the service of His Kingdom by caring for others and seeking the advancement of His values and principles in our world, or will we use them to further ourselves, our careers, our goals, etc?
And, thirdly, our treasures represent those financial resources God has allowed us to have while here on this earth. While this can be a number of things from investments to family inheritance, a primary focus is place on that which we earn as we use both our time and talents in this world. Our resources might be the income God has allowed us to derive from the work that He has gifted us to do.
Funny thing about all three of these is that they are all interconnected. For instance, if you use your talent and time in a way that is productive, then in all likelihood (not always) you will receive treasures as a result. In the economy of God, Christ wants us to understand that all three ultimately belong to Him (not us) and the constant test of our commitment is seen in what we choose to do with them on a day by day basis!
As we move into our new series called 'Body Life and Kingdom Investments' we will be picking back up in our walk through the Gospel of Luke. In the texts we will be considering over the next 8 weeks or so, we will find Christ, again and again, calling His followers to a deeper commitment to Him. This commitment is one that is illustrated in how we use that which He has given us. My goal in this series is that we will each be challenged to 'take the next' step.
In order to take the next step, however, we must first truthfully assess where we currently are. So, my question is this: What are we doing with our time, talents and treasures today? On a scale of 1 - 10 (1 being least and 10 being most) how generous are we tin these three areas? Do we give freely unto the Lord in each of these three areas? Perhaps we are better in one or two of the areas, but not in all three. Find out where you are and commit to bring your heart, soul, mind and strength before the Word of the Lord each weekend with me and ask Him to help you take the 'next step' in each of these three key areas.
After all, if Christ looks to these to gauge our spiritual growth and discipleship, then perhaps it is wise for us to spend some time looking at them (and then to Him) ourselves!
Investing in Eternity!
Biz
New Series: Body Life and Kingdom Investments
Bible Basis: Gospel of Luke (picking back up in chapter 16)
Series Goal: To Enlist (encourage, inspire, empower and recruit) our congregation to live a life of Kingdom Investment and take that crucial next step in regard to our time, talent and treasure!
Thursday, July 1, 2010
A 'Revolutnion'ary Doctrine
Pop Quiz: On what historical document does the following phrase occur? "We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this . . . "
Yep, you guessed it - the United States Constitution. The document itself is the center of every discussion we seem to be having these days as a People. It is the foundation of our modern society and is, no doubt, largely responsible for much of what goes on today in terms of our laws, legislation, policies, etc. This weekend we celebrate the anniversary of America's Independence - known popularly as the 4th of July! I love celebrating and holiday's of all sorts, but I truly, truly love the celebration of the 4th of July! This day is always a great reminder for me to re read, scan and give attention to the documents (read, 'ideas') that have helped form this truly great Nation among nations! I usually spend a few hours considering the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution, the Magna Carta (much older), as well as documents relating to our modern history. You can find all of these documents on the web and I would highly recommend you spend some time just checking them out! Here is just one page you may want to check: www.usconstitution.net
As I read these documents I am almost always overcome with what I have personally called the 'Doctrine that Drove the Revolution.' After all, all of these documents in some way formed the Revolutionary position of the early colonies or the 'formed' the nation after the revolution was over and the new country began to stand on her own. But there is one single Christian truth, often overlooked and avoided in modern times. This Truth gave much impetus to the formation of our nation and could still serve as a 'magnetic north' for us as a country today.
Now, before I go much further, I already here my skeptics screaming, 'hey wait a minute; many of the founding fathers were not Christians. They were deists, agnostics, humanists, etc. so don't try to claim this is a 'Christian' Country. To them, let me say, yes you are right. There were no doubt several streams of thought that merged to form this great idea we call America. There were the secular humanist (and plenty of them) and there were the agnostics (not quite as many - or else they were really quiet) and there were the deist (these did hold position of influence). But there was also the Christian. I would, in fact, argue that while you can divide our earliest 'leaders' between these competing ideas, the populace itself - that is the normal every day Colonist, was overwhelmingly Christian. Even further, they were primarily a Christian of a certain 'stripe' - these folks had been formed by the great Puritan tradition and were steeped in what is commonly called the 'Great Awakening.'
This gets me to my point. As our earliest leaders, teachers, preachers and laymen and women began buckling under the presurre of 'taxation without representation' a theme underlying their discontent began to emerge. This theme is known today as the 'separation of powers.' Our founder were in concert in this one key area - they all believed in the separation of powers and a system that would ensure 'checks and balances.' In fact, they believed that powers left 'unchecked' without proper checks and balances would lead to the very demise of liberty.
Now, let me ask you, can you think of a single Christian doctrine (teaching) that would drive this concern for checks and balances? You may have to think really hard because it is almost rejected out of hand in modern times. Okay . . . give up? Well, then join me Sunday and I will tell you what it is. Of course, feel free to leave a post if you think you know!
Have a great Fourth of July - come worship with us as we celebrate our God of Freedom, Christ our Lord and thank Him for this great country in which we live!
Pastor Biz
Yep, you guessed it - the United States Constitution. The document itself is the center of every discussion we seem to be having these days as a People. It is the foundation of our modern society and is, no doubt, largely responsible for much of what goes on today in terms of our laws, legislation, policies, etc. This weekend we celebrate the anniversary of America's Independence - known popularly as the 4th of July! I love celebrating and holiday's of all sorts, but I truly, truly love the celebration of the 4th of July! This day is always a great reminder for me to re read, scan and give attention to the documents (read, 'ideas') that have helped form this truly great Nation among nations! I usually spend a few hours considering the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution, the Magna Carta (much older), as well as documents relating to our modern history. You can find all of these documents on the web and I would highly recommend you spend some time just checking them out! Here is just one page you may want to check: www.usconstitution.net
As I read these documents I am almost always overcome with what I have personally called the 'Doctrine that Drove the Revolution.' After all, all of these documents in some way formed the Revolutionary position of the early colonies or the 'formed' the nation after the revolution was over and the new country began to stand on her own. But there is one single Christian truth, often overlooked and avoided in modern times. This Truth gave much impetus to the formation of our nation and could still serve as a 'magnetic north' for us as a country today.
Now, before I go much further, I already here my skeptics screaming, 'hey wait a minute; many of the founding fathers were not Christians. They were deists, agnostics, humanists, etc. so don't try to claim this is a 'Christian' Country. To them, let me say, yes you are right. There were no doubt several streams of thought that merged to form this great idea we call America. There were the secular humanist (and plenty of them) and there were the agnostics (not quite as many - or else they were really quiet) and there were the deist (these did hold position of influence). But there was also the Christian. I would, in fact, argue that while you can divide our earliest 'leaders' between these competing ideas, the populace itself - that is the normal every day Colonist, was overwhelmingly Christian. Even further, they were primarily a Christian of a certain 'stripe' - these folks had been formed by the great Puritan tradition and were steeped in what is commonly called the 'Great Awakening.'
This gets me to my point. As our earliest leaders, teachers, preachers and laymen and women began buckling under the presurre of 'taxation without representation' a theme underlying their discontent began to emerge. This theme is known today as the 'separation of powers.' Our founder were in concert in this one key area - they all believed in the separation of powers and a system that would ensure 'checks and balances.' In fact, they believed that powers left 'unchecked' without proper checks and balances would lead to the very demise of liberty.
Now, let me ask you, can you think of a single Christian doctrine (teaching) that would drive this concern for checks and balances? You may have to think really hard because it is almost rejected out of hand in modern times. Okay . . . give up? Well, then join me Sunday and I will tell you what it is. Of course, feel free to leave a post if you think you know!
Have a great Fourth of July - come worship with us as we celebrate our God of Freedom, Christ our Lord and thank Him for this great country in which we live!
Pastor Biz
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