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Inspirational

“TRAINED, BEING TRAINED & TRAINING OTHERS” PT. 2

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Not to long ago the heating unit in my house quit working. Fortunately I purchased a service warranty that included labor, but the contract didn’t cover replacement parts. After a phone call, my best attempt to explain the issue and a visit from the repairman the furnace was once again working and soon warming my house. As I reflect on this story I am reminded that a few tools, a Youtube video and a general idea of what a problem sounds like doesn’t make me a trained HVAC specialist. I could have tinkered, tested and attempted to fix the problem but even if I was able to restore my heating unit to a working state I still could not advertise myself as a licensed professional.

Everyone possesses several sets of transferrable skills that enable them to accomplish quiet a bit of work in a pinch. Sayings like, jack of all trades and master of none come to mind when I think of a person who can do just about anything but doesn’t have the professional training to qualify them as being able to teach others. My brother, Don, is an excellent example of the type of person that can repair, jury rig and even invent anything. But if you were to ask my brother if he considered himself an expert in any one of these “fixing” areas he would have to say no. Like me, my brother, has spent a life time being trained in ministry and his training has matured through seasons of Bible college, pastoring as well as serving in a variety of ministry vocations for over forty years. So, while Don may be able to partially repair anything he is far better trained to minster Jesus to a broken soul.

While few would accept an untrained individual to fix their HVAC unit, do a repair on their house, present  financial advise or care for personal items of great value we tend to overlook the need for essential training in places most necessary… and especially in the ministry. Somehow it has become vogue to present oneself as an optimistic spiritual mystic that between God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit possess enough skill and training to carry the full work and burden of the Kingdom. While God does call everyone from seasons of immaturity some choose to avoid the tried and true journey of preparation, testing and training that equip them for ministry and the holy work of God’s business. The results of personal laziness and spiritual / cultural acceptance have couched false doctrines, accepted strange redefinitions of theology and even adopted pseudo – Christian behaviors in a new meta-narrative that ebb and flows on the tides of cultural and spiritual syncretism. While the truth of God’s Word has always been the shield and sword against such attacks, on Biblical Orthodoxy, another strong line of defense has resided in the personal commitment to anchor oneself in proper training. Therefore to commitment to being trained, re-trained and training others is essential for the effectaul work of the Kingdom.

“It (the Word) trains us to avoid ungodly lives filled with worldly desires so that we can live self-controlled, moral, and godly lives in this present world.” [1]

In my last post I quoted examples of men and women who can attribute their success toward a commitment to training. From Queen Elizabeth II to Herschel Walker or Arnold Schwarzenegger the dedication to being trained, re-trained and training others is not just a principle for good business, or successful living, but a very Biblical method that has been repeated time after time with remarkable Kingdom success.

Peter_1THE VALUE OF TRAINING

While it might make for a fun sermon illustration or clever way to present Jesus, and His twelve disciples, the Biblical and historical facts have never supported a Messiah, and His followers, that were simple, uneducated or untrained. From Jesus and throughout the development of the church the call for trained individuals has always been a repeating mantra of the “Kingdom on Earth as it is in Heaven.” A very brief exploration into the lives of the men and women of our faith reveal:

Jesus: A trained general contractor, for close the thirty years, and skilled carpenter.

Peter: A trained fisherman, business partner and owner in a successful fishing business within the heart of an ethnically diverse community of Jews and gentiles.

Andrew: A trained fisherman and business partner with Peter.

James and John the sons of Zebedee: Trained fishermen and business partners with Peter and Andrew.

Matthew: A Roman sanctioned tax collector.

Luke: A physician

Paul: The greatest theological mind of his age trained by the greatest rabbinical thinker of his generation (Gamaliel).

Apollos: A wealthy Alexandrian born Jew with an education in philosophy and law.

Priscilla and Aquila: Wealthy Roman – Jewish tent makers in an age when the tent industry and trade was essential to 1st century living and commerce.

Lydia: A wealthy merchant in fine and expensive fabrics.

Philemon: A wealthy land owner.

This list goes on……

While one may search long and hard for the solitary individual that has somehow avoided the rigors of training it is evident the Bible reveals an ongoing process to live as one trained, being re-trained and committed to training others. Here are some additional Scriptural examples that present the value of being trained for a season of Gods larger vision:

“When Abram heard that his nephew had been captured, he armed his 318 trained men, born in his own household, and pursued the four kings all the way to Dan.”

“The descendants of Reuben, Gad, and half of the tribe of Manasseh had 44,760 soldiers ready to go to war. They were skilled fighters who could carry shields and swords and shoot arrows.” [2]

“They, along with their relatives, were trained, skilled musicians for the Lord. There were 288 of them.”[3]

“Send me a man who has the skill to work with gold, silver, bronze, and iron as well as purple, dark red, and violet cloth. He should know how to make engravings with the skilled men whom my father David provided for me in Judah and Jerusalem….He was the son of a woman from the tribe of Dan, and his father is a native of Tyre. Huram knows how to work with gold, silver, bronze, iron, stone, wood, purple, violet, and dark red cloth, and linen. He also knows how to make all kinds of engravings and follow any set of plans that will be given to him. ⌊He can work⌋ with your skilled workmen and the skilled workmen of His Majesty David, your father. [4]


 Jesus-and-PeterTHE VALUE OF RE-TRAINING

In a rapidly evolving economy industry changes, business’ adjust their best practices and anyone seeking gainful employment pursues education….and in some cases re-education. At the turn of the twentieth century the horse and buggy was still a booming business. From the horse breeders, carriage makers and drivers it would be hard to imagine the new demand for faster transportation could outpace the horse and carriage. Nevertheless, technology inspired locomotive, later the automobile, and within a few decades the horse and buggy disappeared. Have you stopped to consider what happened to all of the artisans, breeders and laborers in this once thriving industry? In one word….Re-Training!

If the industries of the world  are willing to embrace re-training why are we slow to incorporate such an attitude within the community of faith? Too often we make the mistake believing since we are skilled in one particular field we become instantly trained for another field. Again, while some skills are always transferrable the reality is to become successful, in any new field, you must embrace an ongoing approach of re-training; and so, in the ministry of God’s work, it should not be any different.

Peter and the other disciples were certainly trained in the industry of their upbringing and for the time. But trained fishermen, tax collectors, doctors, thinkers, captains of industry and theologians will not immediately transfer into effective Kingdom disciples unless they are re-trained by a master teacher. Many of Jesus’ parables drew from the events that surrounded everyday life and everyone  understood these examples relative to their paradim. Therefore, Jesus chose an amazing tool of parables to communicate and re-train the hearers to the principles of the Kingdom. Jesus wasn’t just talking in theory or idealistic opinions; rather He was applying the real “nuts and bolts” of how the Kingdom of Heaven really lives, moves and has purpose in the same way their world moved around them. Even still, these multi-purposed parables had the ability to penetrate the understanding of untrained individuals with the express intent to invite them on a journey of discipleship or re-training. It could not have been easy re-training professionally trained people but within roughly a three-year window the disciples were trained enough to  advance the Great Commission beyond Jerusalem and into the far reaches of the known and unknown world.

“So the Lord said to Moses, “Take Joshua, son of Nun, a man who has the Spirit, and place your hand on him. Make him stand in front of the priest Eleazar and the whole community, and give him his instructions in their presence. Give him some of your authority so that the whole community of Israel will obey him… Moses placed his hands on Joshua and gave him his instructions as the Lord had told him.”1 

“So Jesus said to them, “That is why every scribe who has become a disciple of the kingdom of heaven is like a home owner. He brings new and old things out of his treasure chest.”[5]

gathering3TRAINED AND TRAINING OTHERS

Throughout any person’s journey they will encounter circumstances where training is the difference between success and failure. While failure is not final we would all agree success leaves a far better taste in our mouth than the sour memories of failure. Even the best-trained person can, from time to time, encounter a well-trained adversary and when this occurs a committed, and trained, professional will re-train so as to  move past their adversary. This past week I watched a 30 for 30 documentary featuring the story of two great female tennis athletes. Their rivalry, commitment to success, training and re-training pushed the other to compete, all the more, so as not to loose. The result of their professional rivalry  gave both athletes long and highly successful careers with the added bonus of a deep and meaningful personal friendship. But their journey hasn’t drifted into retirement because they still apply their experience, skill and training to training future tennis athletes.

The years Jesus spent with His disciples was not for “hanging out” and trying some new ideas. These critical years of re-training were for Kingdom purpose and a time soon coming where these disciples would need to train others. It should come as no surprise to us Jesus’ twelve (and there were many more) did exactly what they were trained to do…keep the great commission and make disciples! Just look at some of Peter’s early examples of leadership,  teaching and training others:

  • After the ascension of Jesus Peter was the main leader of the Church in Jerusalem (Acts 1:13–14).
  • He initiated the replacement of Judas (vv. 15–26), showing by this that he was in some sense aware of the future mission of the apostles (v. 22).
  • When the Church’s growth was initiated by Pentecost, he stepped forward as interpreter of the event and the preacher of the Gospel to the crowd that assembled (ch. 2).
  • Peter played a significant part in the Church in Israel. He healed people (3:1–10; 5:15–16; 9:32–43), preached to crowds (3:12–26; 5:21, 42), was jailed (4:1–3; 5:17–18, 26; 12:3–5) and miraculously released (5:19–20; 12:6–17), as well as spoke to government authorities about Jesus (4:5–12; 5:27–32).
  • Peter played a central role in some of the events that took the Church beyond its original limitation to Judean Jews (8:14–25; 10:1–11:18; cf. Gal. 1:18–19). At the Apostolic Council, which took place after Pete_Cornhe could safely return to Jerusalem, Peter took a leading part in the defense of evangelism of Gentiles, which did not require conformity to Judaism (Acts 15:7–11; cf. Gal. 2:8–10).
  • Peter, after Antioch, (Gal. 2:11–14) went on missionary journeys farther into the Gentile world (1 Cor. 1:12; 3:22; 9:5).
  • According to strong evidence from the early Church, Peter went to Rome (“Babylon” at 1 Pet. 5:13) and died as a martyr there under Nero.
  • He was later called a founder (with Paul) and a bishop of the church in Rome, but it is unlikely that he was recognized as either during his lifetime.[6] 

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We can all learn from the valued lessons of being trained, open to re-training and committed to training others. The full authority of Scripture is committed to the process of training and always discourages the lack of training which is why one of the key purposes of Scripture is to train and equip us for the days we walk with Kingdom purpose. “Every Scripture passage is inspired by God. All of them are useful for teaching, pointing out errors, correcting people, and training them for a life that has God’s approval.”[7]

Sadly some try to avoid Godly training as much as possible partly because they are bogged down with training for everything else life presents them with. Family, work and even recreation all take a measure of dedication to do it well, and by the time we split our life into four or five different paths of training it is Kingdom training that tends to fall into that optional “thing we do on any given Sunday.” The end result? The mission of the Kingdom is stunted and our spiritual purpose / identity suffers most. Unfortunately, if we are relying on our pastor, or occasional pursuit of Godliness, to get us through life we will soon be frustrated and disappointed when our spiritual development is underdeveloped and lacking due to a lack of training.

There is no quick way around training. It takes time, commitment, vision and purpose. But when you set your heart to the heart of the Kingdom, first, God has a way of making life fall into perfect order and timing. Our aversion to training is best explained by the author of Hebrews, “We don’t enjoy being disciplined. It always seems to cause more pain than joy. But later on, those who learn from that discipline have peace that comes from doing what is right.”[8]

Seasons of training, re-training and training others are deliberate, take time, resources, valuable energy and patience. The need for training is essential not just in the ordinary of daily life but also in the call of the Kingdom. Everyone falls into one of three categories of training and whatever particular season you are in set, in the forefront of your mind, you will always be living in seasons of training. Let us learn from history, Scripture and the process of Kingdom development so we may also be useful and satisfied in this life and for the age to come.

Blessings – Pastor JOSHUA

 

[1] GOD’S WORD Translation. (1995). (Tt 2:12). Grand Rapids: Baker Publishing Group.

[2] GOD’S WORD Translation. (1995). (1 Ch 5:18). Grand Rapids: Baker Publishing Group.

[3] GOD’S WORD Translation. (1995). (1 Ch 25:7). Grand Rapids: Baker Publishing Group.

[4] GOD’S WORD Translation. (1995). (2 Ch 2:7–14). Grand Rapids: Baker Publishing Group.

[5] GOD’S WORD Translation. (1995). (Mt 13:52). Grand Rapids: Baker Publishing Group.

[6] Myers, A. C. (1987). In The Eerdmans Bible dictionary (p. 818). Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans.

[7] GOD’S WORD Translation. (1995). (2 Ti 3:16). Grand Rapids: Baker Publishing Group.

[8] GOD’S WORD Translation. (1995). (Heb 12:11). Grand Rapids: Baker Publishing Group.

Christian Living, Inspirational, Motivational

“TRAINED, BEING TRAINED & TRAINING OTHERS” PT. 1

imagesThis past week I set reservations for my family to participate in our son’s first college visit. Of course there is certain anxiousness in the entire process as we move through the steps of selecting schools, financial aid, scholarships, grades, ACT’s and the reality that our son is preparing for his next big step into life. While everything feels as if it has happened “all at once” the truth is we didn’t arrive at this season overnight. In fact, the journey started fifteen years ago when Jeannette and I made a small deposit into Joshua’s college fund; and the many years that followed we have continued to make deposits into his ongoing training for this eventual step into adulthood.

The-Queen-Elizabeth-II“It’s all to do with the training: you can do a lot if you’re properly trained.” – Queen Elizabeth II

Joshua’s journey has not been any different than training you or I have experienced. At some point the circumstances of life initiated seasons of change and transition; and with every transition we needed to learn how to survive, adapt and succeed. Often the process of training is difficult, tedious and even painful and in the moment we may have a difficult time discovering the rewards for finishing the process. The inescapable truth is, naturally and spiritually, a properly trained person will always accomplish more than an untrained person. But what is proper training? What if you have been trained properly in improper methods and approaches? You may achieve the goal of accomplishing “more” but the results of the efforts will not be for your better or God’s best.

Training is important but proper training is essential! Without the proper approach, mindset, commitment and even technique we will develop into misshapen and underperforming individuals. God’s best is that we are molded in His likeness, with His heart, complete, fulfilled, satisfied and whole in our body, mind and spirit. To achieve God’s desired returns us to the principle of proper training and the acceptance of the hard work that is ahead of us. But just when you think you are incapable of doing anything more remember you are stronger than you think you are right now, you have more ability than limitations and, with God, your reward is greater than what you can imagine.

arnold-schwarzeneggers-8-best-training-principles-musclepharm-arnold-series-graphic-1“What we face may look insurmountable. But I learned something from all those years of training and competing. I learned something from all those sets and reps when I didn’t think I could lift another ounce of weight. What I learned is that we are always stronger than we know.” – Arnold Schwarzenegger

Pumping Irion is a remarkable documentary capturing a snapshot of the Mr. Olympia contest during Arnold Schwarzenegger’s final years of professional competition. Several prominent bodybuilders were featured throughout the film but it was obvious Arnold was the main star. For almost a decade Arnold dominated the world of competitive bodybuilding and every rep, set, failure, victory and hours spent training propelled him from a tall muscular Austrian, in an obscure sport, to a world known action movie star and future politician. Have you taken a look at yourself in the mirror lately? Don’t get caught evaluating the exterior because looks are deceiving. Rather look closely into the places where God is examining the true you. God always uses circumstances and transitional seasons to train and equip us. At times, those changes will be very natural and obvious but in other instances God will use the unseen to properly train the places in our Spirit (heart) that weights, pulleys and books cannot develop.

Webster’s dictionary defines to TRAIN as:

1 a: the act, process, or method of one that trains

b: the skill, knowledge, or experience acquired by one that trains

2: the state of being trained[1] (also see Training: instruction, schooling, teaching, tuition, tutelage)[2]

Even I bristle at the idea of process and method; and for me such a definition feels mechanical and lifeless. But those are undisciplined excuses I prefer to use to avoid the reality that training is not just a worldly professional pursuit but a God ordained endeavor that He initiates, develops, encourages, uses and blesses.

Judges 3:1–2: “These are the nations the Lord left behind to test all the Israelites who had not experienced any war in Canaan. The Lord left them to teach Israel’s descendants about war, at least those who had known nothing about it in the past.”

2 Samuel 22:35: “He trains my hands for battle so that my arms can bend an ⌊archer’s⌋ bow of bronze.”

stubborn-as-an-oxWILD OX VERSUS TRAINED CALF

An example of our resistance to training is found in the book of Job when God uses the illustration of a wild ox to address Job’s endless questions of, Why me Lord?

 “Will the wild ox agree to serve you, 

or will it stay at night beside your feeding trough?

Yes, a very cost-effective solution such as secretworldchronicle.com pfizer viagra australia is available at reduced price. levitra and Kamagra work well in ED and an individual can take any one of the most common ingredients in natural sexual supplements for men. Christopher Snape is the Lighting Designer for you and his gift and http://secretworldchronicle.com/2018/05/02/ cialis for woman talent will travel your production to heights far advanced than you can envisage. All this will help you deal with erection problems caused without prescription viagra by emotional and mental conditions triggered by financial problems. Being the Victim The opposite buy female viagra of being a victim of this condition. Can you guide a wild ox in a furrow, or will it plow the valleys behind you?

Can you trust it just because it’s so strong or leave your labor to it?

Can you rely on it to bring your grain back and take it to your threshing floor?[3]

Like the wild ox everyone possess enough strength and ability to accomplish anything. We can plow, we are physically capable and we are even able to reap great returns. Yet, despite this unlimited potential we will never accomplish Kingdom goals unless we have a teacher, who will harness our ability (talent), to train us in accomplishing Kingdom tasks ahead. In contrast to Job’s wild ox consider how God speaks about His people in another part of Scripture,

“Ephraim is like a trained calf that loves to thresh grain.

I will put a yoke on its beautiful neck. I will harness Ephraim.

Judah must plow. Jacob must break up the ground.”[4]

What a difference between the wild ox and the trained calf! For the individual who will commit to the process, and method, of training God sees them as beautiful and useful instruments with Kingdom purpose and reward. Both the ox and calf are designed for labor. They will both work, be fed and bring in a harvest; but the trained calf will always accomplish more for the King and Kingdom than the wild ox who, for a season, appears as if he /she may be able to do more but ultimately misses the mark due to lack of training.

img_1141“My God given talent is my ability to stick with training longer than anybody else.” – Herschel Walker

Far too often we rely on what we believe to be our God given talent translating into Kingdom training when, in reality, we will be more effective disciples if we will commit to the process, method and approach of proper training born from Kingdom perspective. Certainly God uses “transferrable skills” but He doesn’t rely on our skills to accomplish His work. God will always enable what He has blessed us with, but in an un-trained state we will revert back to the wild ox and fall into the trap of trusting ourselves through works of strength, intellect and will. This is never how God works! God does work with the trained, skilled and willing but most important He works with person who recognizes they still require more training, from Him, beyond what they think they have or need. God doesn’t require our strength, intellect or willpower to accomplish His Kingdom desires; but God enhances our talent (through the power of the Holy Spirit) of trained hearts to amplify the seasons of reward and harvest.

God is set on training! He is always looking for the next willing heart to be harnessed under His gentle yoke and plow for Kingdom reward. Best of all God’s training is the most proper training of all because it is perfect, complete and entirely beneficial for the man or woman who will commit to the method and process.

Next week we will look at a man who was trained, went through re-training and continued to train others for the glory of God. Today I want to encourage you to ask yourself, “Am I a wild ox or a trained calf?” If you are a wild ox then this year is an excellent opportunity to restart with some proper training and engage God’s method and approach. If you are a trained calf then get ready, because this year you will bring in some new harvest as you continue to labor for King Jesus and His Kingdom.

Blessings – Pastor JOSHUA

[1] Mish, F. C. (2003). Preface. Merriam-Webster’s collegiate dictionary. (Eleventh ed.). Springfield, MA: Merriam-Webster, Inc.

[2] Merriam-Webster, I. (1996). Merriam-Webster’s collegiate thesaurus. Springfield, MA: Merriam-Webster.

[3] GOD’S WORD Translation. (1995). (Job 39:9–12). Grand Rapids: Baker Publishing Group.

[4] GOD’S WORD Translation. (1995). (Ho 10:11). Grand Rapids: Baker Publishing Group.

Christian Living, Inspirational, Motivational

TRANSITION THAT COMES FROM CIRCUMSTANCE AND CHANGE BORN FROM TRANSITION

Two weeks ago the opening round of the NFL playoffs provided the perfect canvas to present the idea of The Oddity of Circumstance? In what appeared to be the “random” event of every visiting team winning (a NFL first) was corrected, this past week, with every home team winning the following round. It was as if the anomaly of chance and circumstances transitioned into a scenario of what was supposed to happen all along.

dm_150102_nfl_live_predictions_cardinals_panthers

There is nothing odd in circumstance because all circumstances have the unique ability to trigger transition and everyone is need of change at some point in time. Most people like the idea of change but seldom are they truly open to what change will really do to their status quo. For example, we would gladly welcome a positive change in our financial circumstances; but nobody would want a change, for the worse, in their health. Obviously everyone wants a change for the better but it is also in how we presently view any circumstance do we color the seasons of transition as “good” or “bad.”

Steve jobs“For the past 33 years, I have looked in the mirror every morning and asked myself: ‘If today were the last day of my life, would I want to do what I am about to do today?’ And whenever the answer has been ‘No’ for too many days in a row, I know I need to change something.” – Steve Jobs

At some point your life will require a series of circumstances, to occur, that will initiate a season of transition and eventual change. We have all looked in the mirror and said, Today will be different…it needs to be; but just when we are prepared to break from our established mold we discover the familiar patterns and mindsets are to entrenched to break free.

shaw3George Bernard Shaw said, “Progress is impossible without change, and those who cannot change their minds cannot change anything.” Shaw’s changing of the mind is what needs to be challenged and it is during the moments of circumstance God initiates a transition that, if followed through to the end, will lead to a necessary and lasting change for God’s best.

Consider the life of Abraham, before he was father of our great faith, the intercessor for his nephew Lot or even the man of Mt. Sinai; Abraham was first Abram. Remarkably it is in what we learn about Abram that helps us discover a pattern for every man and woman. Stephen (see Acts 7) fills in the “missing history” of Abram’s Genesis calling and the unfolding of a man who had “the right kind of God stuff.” But Abram was also a man of his age, culture and un-renewed mind every bit trapped by his circumstance, as you and I, until God initiated seasons of transition.

Genesis recounts the story of God’s invitation for Abram to join in covenant, with God, and even after his initial agreement it still took over twenty years for Abram to first settle in Canaan. Why did it take Abram so long to travel from Ur to Canaan with temporary stops in Paddam-Aram (Haran) and Egypt? I would suggest God knew the life that was familiar and acceptable to Abram required a series of circumstances and transitions to prepare Abram for the future calling of Abraham.

While Abram is a derivative of the name Abraham the two names carry very different weight, authority and promise. Originally the name of this patriarch was Abram (Heb. ˒aḇrām; e.g., Gen. 11:26; 12:1), but God subsequently changed it to Abraham (Heb. ˒aḇrāhām). According to Gen. 17:5 the latter name is composed of Heb. ˓aḇ “father” and hmn “multitude,” thus meaning “father of a multitude.” As a variant Abram can signify “love of the father, he is of good ancestry” or simply “exalted father” (Clements, pp. 52–53); but Abram was not the best name for a man who was the father of many nations.

From Abram’s family upbringing, culture, way of life, obligations, personal wealth and comfort it would have been next to impossible for Abram to carry his part of the covenant agreement unless God allowed circumstances to push Abram into seasons of transition. Here is a simple, yet brief, outline of Abram’s early transitions and major life changes.

  1. Leaves Ur due to the political and economic stresses caused by the Amorites and Elamites.
  2. Settles in Paddan Aram with wife, brother (Nahor) and father Terah.
  3. Following the death of Terah, Abram becomes the patriarch of his family and departs for Canaan.
  4. Settles in Canaan with his family and nephew Lot but famine drives them further south into Egypt.
  5. Forced by Pharaoh to leave Egypt Abram re-enters Canaan and after a dispute with Lot, a war in the region surrounding Sodom and the birth of Ishmael he will be given his new name, Abraham.

abraham-journeying-into-the-land-of-canaan-1866It would be easy for most to quickly move from Abram to Abraham or from Ur to Canaan without considering all of the transitions and changes God allowed to refine a man who established generations of God’s covenant people. Still we can’t gloss over how difficult every transition and change must have been for Abram along the way; as well as what each transition did in shaping the man. CS Lewis said, “It may be hard for an egg to turn into a bird: it would be a jolly sight harder for it to learn to fly while remaining an egg. We are like eggs at present. And you cannot go on indefinitely being just an ordinary, decent egg. We must be hatched or go bad.” For change to occur we need to be willing to be hatched or risk going bad; and that is why God will always use circumstances to encourage us in the pursuit of His will and purposes.

It should come as no surprise that growing up in the Boston area has made me a dedicated New England Patriots fan and so this weekend I will be fixed on the game hoping “my team” will have another chance at winning the Superbowl. But I also know a game, on paper, is very different than a game tpatriotsbroncoshat must be played. An entire week of experts picking their winners and fans best guesses will boil down to a game that still must be played out and rest assured there will be some series of circumstance(s) players and teams will have to overcome if they want to emerge victorious. Circumstance will always initiate a transition and it is my prayer we all remain open to the changes that follow. “To improve is to change; to be perfect is to change often.” – Winston Churchill.

winston_churchill

As I close today’s post I want to leave you with a short story that I feel best illustrates the this point:

In ancient times, a king had a boulder placed on a roadway. Then he hid himself and watched to see if anyone would remove the huge rock. Some of the king’s wealthiest merchants and courtiers came by and simply walked around it. Many loudly blamed the king for not keeping the roads clear, but none did anything about getting the big stone out of the way. Then a peasant came along carrying a load of vegetables. On approaching the boulder, the peasant laid down his burden and tried to move the stone to the side of the road. After much pushing and straining, he finally succeeded. As the peasant picked up his load of vegetables, he noticed a purse lying in the road where the boulder had been. The purse contained many gold coins and a note from the king indicating that the gold was for the person who removed the boulder from the roadway. The peasant learned what many others never understand. Every obstacle (circumstance) presents an opportunity to improve one’s condition or change.

Blessings – Pastor JOSHUA

“Everyone thinks of changing the world, but no one thinks of changing himself.” – Leo Tolstoy

1 “Everything has its own time, and there is a specific time for every activity under heaven:

2             a time to be born and

a time to die,

a time to plant and

a time to pull out what was planted,

3             a time to kill and
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a time to heal,

a time to tear down and

a time to build up,

4             a time to cry and

a time to laugh,

a time to mourn and

a time to dance,

5             a time to scatter stones and

a time to gather them,

a time to hug and

a time to stop hugging,

6             a time to start looking and

a time to stop looking,

a time to keep and

a time to throw away,

7             a time to tear apart and

a time to sew together,

a time to keep quiet and

a time to speak out,

8             a time to love and

a time to hate,

a time for war and

a time for peace.”[1]

 

[1] GOD’S WORD Translation. (1995). (Ec 3:1–8). Grand Rapids: Baker Publishing Group.

Christian Living, Inspirational, Motivational

THE ODDITY OF CIRCUMSTANCE?

1 Comment

1 Thessalonians 5:18 [widescreen]This past weekend I was watching the AFC / NFC playoffs and, while my favorite team was not playing, I was very interested in the various games for different reasons. Initially I wanted to know which AFC team the New England Patriots would be playing later this week. After the final game was played an odd, but new, statistic was revealed. For the first time, in NFL history, all of the home teams lost in the opening round of the playoffs. It may seem unlikely but for such an occurrence to happen a lot of circumstances had to transpire. Every game had the challenges of fumbles, missed field goals, interceptions, broken plays, big plays, weather conditions, injuries and uncharacteristic performances that allowed for this new statistic to be set. Die-hard fans will seek out conspiracy theories, casual fans will find it odd but the reality is circumstance is more purposed than random and there is nothing “odd”  in the situation. Of course would be immature to say that God controls who wins and looses a football game but it is easier to comprehend, through life, God allows circumstances to occur which will test our character, faith, trust and heart.

Have you ever stopped to consider the same circumstance that provides the opportunity for failure can also be an opening for success? The opportunity to sin can also be the occasion to live holy, and the chance to not forgive can also be the opportunity to extend forgiveness. James writes, “My brothers and sisters, be very happy when you are tested in different ways. 3 You know that such testing of your faith produces endurance. 4 Endure until your testing is over. Then you will be mature and complete, and you won’t need anything.”[1] And the Apostle Paul follows by saying, “Always be joyful. 17 Never stop praying. 18 Whatever happens, give thanks, because it is God’s will in Christ Jesus that you do this.”[2]

Often we approach challenging circumstances through a negative paradigm. A bad medical report, lost job, failed exam, broken relationship or missed opportunity are followed by a series of questions such as, “Why me? Why now? Why Not?…Lord?!?” Most agree a good and perfect God is not the author of evil and suffering but the reality of a fallen condition, in humanity and creation, exposes everyone to challenging circumstances that will immediately test our heart, faith and character. Still, we must also be reminded, as we go through any circumstance, the character of God is merciful, grace-filled, compassionate and loving. The circumstance is therefore an opportunity for God to reveal His best for everyone and for all people to experience and witness His fullness.

Personally, I find it “odd” how we respond when we are recipients of fortunate circumstances because we express little doubt God was the chief architect of the blessing. I also find it “odd” we can so easily  switch our love toward Him based on our immediate feelings. Can we have it both ways…thanking God for the good and cursing Him for the bad? The circumstance always reveals the genuine heart condition in us all.

When the Minnesota Vikings field goal kicker failed in his opportunity to win his team’s playoff game player and fan reactions were very telling. Would these same people be thanking God if the kick was successful? Furthermore, would the team that benefited from the missed scoring opportunity be cursing God if the kicker had succeeded?

Jan 10, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings kicker Blair Walsh (3) reacts after missing a field goal attempt against the Seattle Seahawks in the fourth quarter of a NFC Wild Card playoff football game at TCF Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

In the shock or excitement of any circumstance we will react in many different ways but after we have had time to consider the turn of events are we able to take a step back and discover the deeper purpose in the situation?

snapshot_20160110_150959As I write this post my family is experiencing circumstances that reaffirm the obvious: God is in control! Yes, we are to pray, seek His will, worship Him and ask God for relief in all circumstances; but after you have done all you are able to do and after you are standing in faith you come to a single conclusion: The circumstance is being allowed; and God will use the situation to refine us because He loves us with a larger vision for our lives than the one we see, or understand, in the moment.
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Is our circumstance odd? Is your present season of testing out of place? Certainly not! In fact, all circumstances are in perfect sync for the present part of the journey we are on. Jeannette and my personal circumstances are allowed, by God, to reveal yet another layer of our hearts. You would be correct to ask, What if the circumstance turned out to be different? Would you respond the same way? Truthfully our human emotions would have quickly generated a very different response. But, having had time to process such moments, as well as learn from other life changing occurrences, I feel confident we would understand God’s sovereign purpose in the present, and for the next, no matter how the circumstances will resolve.

Here is the lynchpin: While any circumstance is being lived in the here and now it is also building your faith, patience and character for tomorrow. Rest assured every football team will approach next year with the expectation to learn from their past year’s circumstances in a desire to better prepare for the next season. A loss is always difficult to forget and a win is easy to remember; but both circumstances have the God-allowed opportunity to make us stronger, more mature and usable for the next season.

Blessings – PASTOR JOSHUA

[1] GOD’S WORD Translation. (1995). (Jas 1:2–4). Grand Rapids: Baker Publishing Group.

[2] GOD’S WORD Translation. (1995). (1 Th 5:16–18). Grand Rapids: Baker Publishing Group.

 

Christian Living, Inspirational, Motivational

Living on the Edge of Expectation

Star_Wars_Episode_VII_The_Force_AwakensThis past December 2015 ended, for the film industry, with a blockbuster bang that is still carrying momentum well into 2016. From the first summer trailer until its winter release national, as well as global, anticipation grew for the newest installment of Star Wars. Opening in the 1970’s the Star Wars franchise has always jumped onto the screen backed by the iconic John Williams score and trademark scrolling text which never lacked in building fan anticipation; but anticipation can also set a high level of expectation. So, when George Lucas’ early 2000 prequels failed to meet expectations many were hoping for the best, while also bracing for the worst, from this newest film. From swirling internet rumors ranging from casting, to plot and direction everyone waited to see if the December release would surpass expectations and, most of all, if the newest Star Wars would create enough anticipation for a sequel.

Have you ever lived on the edge of expectation? Or, have you found yourself anticipating the weeks, days and even hours drawing close to a certain “something?” Perhaps such a question sounds a bit melodramatic but everyone has lived, is living or will soon live on the edge of anticipation and expectation. Perhaps you first remembered this feeling when you were counting down the seconds for the final school bell to ring? Maybe you recall anticipating your first car, blind date, wedding, vacation or new job? Whatever moment(s) created anticipation, one thing is certain, you hoped your expectations would be met. But, the reality is, there are certain events that fail to meet expectations; and if you combine enough missed expectations you can unknowingly become a person of disbelief and hopelessness.

The day following Christmas can be an interesting event to witness. At any given store you will discover a blend of shoppers anticipating after Christmas sales while other shoppers are returning gifts that failed to meet their expectations. But there is also another post- Christmas phenomenon, in progress, and that is the New Year’s resolution shopper. From the elliptical machine to the treadmill and all of the complimentary gadgets that accompany the New Year’s fitness quest many will once again try to tackle their extra five pounds, rediscover their swimwear figure or just try to set some new healthy habits for the New Year.

US News and World Report reported that by the second week of February, some eighty percent of resolutions will have fallen by the wayside and according to Dr. Markman, the author of Smart Change and a professor of psychology and marketing at The University of Texas at Austin, the reason resolutions don’t succeed is because “people don’t put in enough effort to allow them to succeed.”

If one of the greatest challenges, everyone encounters, is the emotional swing we experience when we go from great anticipation to missed expectations we may, purposely or not, set our target achievements to low. Why do we do this? Perhaps it can be best understood in how we “feel in the moment” and after we have undergone feelings of disappointment we try to protect ourselves from further failure, hurt and loss? For me, parts of 2014-2015 were marked with several very large missed expectations; and what began as a year of tremendous hope, and opportunity, was greeted with one set-back after another, closed doors and befuddling silence to my downward spiral of circumstances. It was during my heaviest moments, of frustration, I began to set my bar of expectation so low I felt I could manage my set-backs; but in doing so I was also robbing myself of the anticipation and expectation God had better plans for my life.

In my particular situations I hadn’t arrived at this point because of Dr. Markahm’s “lack of effort”; but I had arrived at a new crossroads and at every crossroad I, as with all of us, will face choices between managing disappointment or expecting God’s good, better and best.

From Star Wars to the ordinary of life anticipation, expectation, failure and resolutions will always be apart of our journey; and if you look to Scripture you will also discover how much anticipation and expectation is built into the character of God’s people as well as the rich fabric of our deep faith. Here are just a few examples that remind us to live on the edge of anticipation and expectation even in the shadows of adversity and missed opportunity:

“The hope of righteous people ⌊leads to⌋ joy, but the eager waiting of wicked people comes to nothing.”[1]

 “Delayed hope makes one sick at heart, but a fulfilled longing is a tree of life.”[2]

 “I consider our present sufferings insignificant compared to the glory that will soon be revealed to us. 19 All creation is eagerly waiting for God to reveal who his children are. 20 Creation was subjected to frustration but not by its own choice. The one who subjected it to frustration did so in the hope 21 that it would also be set free from slavery to decay in order to share the glorious freedom that the children of God will have. 22 We know that all creation has been groaning with the pains of childbirth up to the present time.

“However, not only creation groans. We, who have the Spirit as the first of God’s gifts, also groan inwardly. We groan as we eagerly wait for our adoption, the freeing of our bodies ⌊from sin⌋. 24 We were saved with this hope in mind. If we hope for something we already see, it’s not really hope. Who hopes for what can be seen? 25 But if we hope for what we don’t see, we eagerly wait for it with perseverance.”[3]

 “If Timothy comes, make sure that he doesn’t have anything to be afraid of while he is with you. He’s doing the Lord’s work as I am, 11 so no one should treat him with contempt. Without quarreling, give him your support for his trip so that he may come to me. I’m expecting him to arrive with the other Christians.”[4]

 “Joshua told the people, “Perform the ceremonies to make yourselves holy because tomorrow the Lord will do miracles among you.”[5]

 “Therefore, you, too, must be ready because the Son of Man will return when you least expect him.” [6]

“If any of you needs wisdom to know what you should do, you should ask God, and he will give it to you. God is generous to everyone and doesn’t find fault with them. 6 When you ask for something, don’t have any doubts. A person who has doubts is like a wave that is blown by the wind and tossed by the sea. 7 A person who has doubts shouldn’t expect to receive anything from the Lord. 8 A person who has doubts is thinking about two different things at the same time and can’t make up his mind about anything.”[7]

If in the feelings of deflated anticipation we  feel “safe” in lowering our expectations we accept an approach, and world-view, that is neither Biblical or God’s best for our lives. Merriam Webster’s definition of expectation is: a person who is anticipant, expecting, open-eyed, openmouthed; hopeful; eager; alert and watchful. Just the definition alone is enough to stir some sense of excitement while the opposite, of an expectant individual, is one who is apathetic, indifferent, uninterested; unconcerned, unimpressed and unmoved.[8] Both types of people remind me of Dickens’s Great Expectations where we read about the many lives of people who live on the edge of anticipation and expectation.
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Micah 7:7 [widescreen]

Charles Dickens’s classic story led me to think on another early Christian disciple, Titus, who lived the expectant life and had to anticipate a great many challenges throughout his life, calling and mission. While Paul’s letter to Titus doesn’t reveal too much about the recipient’s personal life other areas of Scripture fill in the unknown of Titus’ life of great expectation. Titus was a Greek, apparently from Antioch, and converted to Jesus through Paul’s ministry. Throughout Titus’ next years of ministry we find him serving in many roles beginning as the Apostle Paul’s secretary, interpreter, courier and eventually serving as an administrator, mediator, teacher and even apostle in his own region of ministry. From the years 51-56, Titus had accompanied Paul to Jerusalem, Ephesus, Corinth, Crete, Nicopolis and even Dalmatia with his entire life being known as a peacemaker, administrator and missionary.

Did Titus experience difficulties, setbacks and struggles? Of course! But could Titus have overcome such challenges by accepting setting his bar of expectation too low? No! Titus chose a life of anticipation and expectation, through the Holy Spirit, and became a man who saw the opportunity in every difficulty rather than the difficulty in every opportunity.

As January 2016 marks a new calendar year I want to encourage you to set a resolution, before any other personal goals and resolutions, to grow deeper and stronger in your Christ-centered faith. We will always encounter difficulties and trails; but the life that anticipates and expects God’s next, and best, is the life that will also experience the journey of success, joy, happiness and fulfillment.

Imagine if there was not a visionary to consider another Star Wars film after the critics considered the franchise finished and completed? If so, than a film that cost $200 million to produce would never had reaped the reward of $1.5 billion. The expectant life, with and for Jesus, will always result in the fulfilled and successful life.

What will the year 2016 look like for you? Will you live determined, anticipating and expecting God’s next? Will you change? Transition? Face challenges? Certainly! But will there be fulfillment and expectation as you pursue God’s best for your life? CERTAINLY!

Blessings – Pastor JOSHUA

[1] GOD’S WORD Translation. (1995). (Pr 10:28). Grand Rapids: Baker Publishing Group.

[2] GOD’S WORD Translation. (1995). (Pr 13:12). Grand Rapids: Baker Publishing Group.

[3] GOD’S WORD Translation. (1995). (Ro 8:18–27). Grand Rapids: Baker Publishing Group.

[4] GOD’S WORD Translation. (1995). (1 Co 16:10–11). Grand Rapids: Baker Publishing Group.

[5] GOD’S WORD Translation. (1995). (Jos 3:5). Grand Rapids: Baker Publishing Group.

[6] GOD’S WORD Translation. (1995). (Mt 24:44). Grand Rapids: Baker Publishing Group.

[7] GOD’S WORD Translation. (1995). (Jas 1:5–8). Grand Rapids: Baker Publishing Group.

[8] Merriam-Webster, I. (1996). Merriam-Webster’s collegiate thesaurus. Springfield, MA: Merriam-Webster.

Christian Apologetics, Christian Living, Inspirational, Motivational

Rebuild…Renew…Restore…Revive

John 2:19 [widescreen]Pastor Joshua’s Two Minute Blog:

Several years ago, in my neighborhood, there was a beautiful home that caught fire and burned throughout the night into the early morning hours. While fire crews had the situation well in hand by the next day it was evident the structure would be a total loss. Over the following months the house continued to decline as legal parties debated what would happen to the property and eventually the house was demolished. Two years later all that remains is an empty lot where a beautiful house once stood.

How often do things get torn down without any hope of ever being rebuilt? Daily you can find old buildings being restored, new subdivisions built and towering structures pressing up toward the sky; but what should you do when, in your life, something is torn down and you can’t see any way it will ever resurrect?

Set backs, failures and burn downs are hard to overcome but they are not impossible. In fact, nothing is impossible with God! Imagine Jesus speaking in front of accusers, skeptics and supporters when He shares the words of John 2:19. Most agree Jesus was speaking prophetically as to His identity and soon coming passion, but do genuine people of faith doubt that God could have also done the naturally impossible supernaturally?

When we experience the tearing down process the last thing on our mind, or in our will, is to imagine rebuilding. In fact, Scripture shares the responses of shock and disbelief at the very idea of rebuilding a structure that took centuries to build. But Jesus’ revelatory words, then, speak to our short sightedness and shortcomings today.

In a world of decay it is accepted that all things will fail at some point in time. But Jesus, and His Kingdom, is not of this world while He is very present in the world. Scripture affirms His Kingdom has no end, will endure throughout every generation and will even usher in a new age that will look, feel and behave nothing like the world we live in or comprehend.
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What a promise we have in knowing our citizenship gives us residency in an everlasting Kingdom and under the loving care of a King who is always renewing and reviving. Therefore, while most of us may feel as if our plans and purposes have been torn down, by the fires of circumstance, don’t forget what is true of the King is also true of the King’s people.

If God meant to resurrect, for the glory and restoration of all things unto Himself, then part of His Kingdom culture is to also resurrect, restore and revive the Kingdom dream in your life. Don’t allow a negative and skeptical world to leave your “lot” empty without any hope of rebuilding. Rather, accept the remarkable promise that God means to restore you to place of honor so your life may glorify the King.

Perhaps some things, in your life, needed tearing down to make room for Jesus’ rebuilding project in you? Many of us have great structures waiting to be launched for the Kingdom so don’t allow a temporary loss to rob you of hope; and don’t allow and your lot to sit empty…it is meant for a new structure! Be a person of great faith and ask the Holy Spirit to breath on your emptiness, once again, and help you rebuild. It’s time to rebuild and revive with Jesus as your chief architect.

Blessings – Pastor Joshua

‪#‎dontgiveup‬ ‪#‎Godwins‬ ‪#‎songofsolomon‬ ‪#‎rebuild‬ ‪#‎restore‬ ‪#‎revive‬ ‪#‎renew‬

Christian Living, Inspirational, Motivational

The Honor of Being in Debt…to Jesus!

GoodDebt-BadDebt1When I was a young man fresh out of school, and working in ministry, I discovered very quickly the ministry doesn’t pay but life quickly demands payment. The exciting prospect of just you, God and the Call, was hit with the reality of a wife, children and expenses that soon proved my few pennies couldn’t stretch far enough to cover my needs.

What began as “infant” steps of crawling debt soon grew into a full blown “teenager” that devoured my life, family and calling. The long road to living debt free took a tremendous amount of time, family cooperation, opportune blessings and careful planning; but the life lessons that followed forever taught me there is such a thing as “bad debt” and “good debt.”

There are some who believe in “good debt” and while I am not a savvy financier I do understand certain investments, such as owning a home, can often require you to carry a level of debt before you reap its long-term rewards; and we have all lived with the bad debt we continue to pay Visa or Master Card for purchases we no longer own or on meals we can’t even remember. Therefore, while good versus bad debt can be debated there should be little discussion in considering the honor every Christian possesses being “in debt” to Jesus.

 The Apostle Paul often wrote of his indebtedness, to Jesus, and modeled his entire life by sharing about this honor with others. Often we sing songs on the amazing grace or mercy that flows from Jesus into the lives of His faithful; but having such grace and mercy should compel us to appreciate a higher sense of indebtedness to Jesus. Certainly when we investigate the “good debt” we owe Jesus we would not dare compare it to the burden we experience when paying a credit card or car note. Rather I would encourage us to reflect on the unquenchable gratitude we feel for Jesus’ ongoing labor of love manifest in the salvation of any soul, beginning with our own!

As Christians we need to recapture the honor of living our lives worthy of the great price paid for our souls. We can all remember those exciting days when freedom and joy flooded our loneliness and we began to comprehend what a genuine relationship with the Father, Son and Spirit behaved like.
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So let me ask? What are you doing to pay back “the debt?” While our sin is paid in full are we not obliged to live fully for Him? Of course Jesus is not some heartless collection agency harassing you for a payoff; but He is searching for those intentional moments when we “pay it forward.” Perhaps the reason we share less, or privatize our faith, is because we are ashamed of carrying debt? Nobody boasts about what they owe unless they wish to look like a fool or long to demonstrate their personal gratitude for the gift of the Spirit alive in them. When the Spirit is alive, in the life of the Christian, our sense of indebtedness to Jesus becomes a place of honor.

Again, the Apostle Paul referred to himself as one who was not a superior Christian, among men, but a bond slave indebted to Jesus. “You are not your own” Paul wrote as he explained his life as one gladly in debt and sold back to Christ. The result? Paul now became “a debtor to everyone on the face of the earth because of the Gospel of Jesus; I am free to be an absolute slave only.”

Earlier I considered there might be such a thing as “good debt” and I believe, in matters of faith and the Spirit that is absolutely true. As Christians we need to live, and be encouraged to demonstrate, a life that possesses the characteristics of a life of honor. While we all go to great lengths expressing our love for His mercy, grace and new found freedom let us remember there is an even greater honor in taking your freedom and becoming His bond slave, forever in debt to Jesus.

Blessings – Pastor JOSHUA

Christian Apologetics, Christian Living, Inspirational, Motivational

TIME TO ROLL UP YOUR SLEEVES! (The Gift of Work and the Christian’s Responsibility)

th_2I was fourteen years old and it was the first Monday of summer vacation. Comfortably sleeping in my bed I had already mapped out a summer filled with playing games, hanging out with my best friend and managing to use as much of the day to just chill (as my son would say).To my surprise those dreams, of summer fun, were soon to be replaced with a new reality when my dad woke me up informing me it was time to get ready and take a drive with him. Within thirty minutes I found myself riding shotgun in a 1987 blue Grand Marquis headed downtown; and within the next half hour I was riding back with new summer activity which circumvented my entire summer…a job!

In a recent family episode of life imitating reality I found myself sitting in my car explaining to my son, again at age 14, why it was time to work and his days of “chillin” would be forever in his rear view mirror. No matter what age we begin this journey, of labor and responsibility, it is a God ordained reality would should embrace and not avoid.

Let’s face it we don’t always like work and we also know people who would be defined as “workaholics.” These are the types who claim to love their job and, while that may be true, a closer examination of their story would no doubt include their share of hated professional seasons. Whether we love, like or dislike our current field of labor, as Christians, there is another dimension to work that should compel us to be the best at what we do; even when we are temporarily stuck in a “dead-end” circumstance.

Most of us cherish the idea of a vacation because after a long trying season of work we need time to unwind and recharge. But, after a while our minds begin to shift gears and we start thinking about what work awaits us. My father and father-in-law were both high performing professionals in their chosen fields. As long as I have known them they always worked lengthy hours and gave their very best skill and talent to their job.  Now, though officially “retired” they still continue to work. Certainly they are not working as hard, or as extensive, as they once did; but they are continually finding ways to benefit their world, church and own life. I find it curious why after giving themselves to so many years of labor they didn’t just “retire.” And you know why? Because an ethic has been instilled in them to be the very best at whatever they are tasked to do. This amazing ethic has also filtered into their walk with Christ and is often witnessed daily in their church community and beyond.

My past two posts have focused on different angles of discipleship from the practical to the spiritual. Today I want to challenge you to think differently about work and more specifically how, and why, you labor in a community of faith (local church). Studies have proven the 80/20 Rule applies to most churches, non-profits and volunteer based operations.  If you have never heard of this rule what it means is 80% of the work is done by 20% of the people. No matter the denomination, church size or cause there will always remain a certain number of  critical needs, that require either funds to hire the workers or the volunteers to accomplish the work. But what happens when neither the funds nor the volunteers are available because nobody wants to work or sacrifice?  Simply answered the job doesn’t get accomplished and the goal falls well beneath its intended mark.

If the 80/20 Rule applies, within the church today, than there is a more troubling trend we must address and correct if we have any hope of the church affecting the world around us.  What is the troubling trend? Most Christians have either an apathetic or unwilling approach to work, within the local body, and as such they drain more resources away, from the church, than what they contribute.  

If we are to be living the disciplined walk of faith, with Jesus, then we must be committed to an ethic of work that enables us to mature and bring added value to the community we seek to connect and serve. Many bristle at the idea of “added work” especially after a long week and even longer hours. But when we no longer consider laboring for the Kingdom, through the body of Christ, we stunt our growth as disciples and even worse such inactivity eventually bleeds into other areas of our witness and evangelism.

Taking a brief glance at the work of evangelism reveals very real work with people will take time, effort, resources and emotional, as well as spiritual energy. So while we can rightfully assume God will do His part in provoking the spiritual hearts of the needy; He commands us to share the Good News and make disciples. How is this done? On a very real and basic level it requires work. Jesus already taught the problem of reaching people has never been the “fields of harvest” were too obscure, but the sad truth is the laborers are too few.

When we, as Christians, make excuses as to why we cannot volunteer time and or provide the added financial resource, to pursue active evangelism, we miss the opportunity to enrich our communities and actually do far worse by nourishing the very elements that destroy the community of faith in consumerism, individualism and isolationism. Could this be why large segments of Western Christianity have lost their vibrancy and effectiveness within the world?

Christian vocation is not a new concept. St. Paul often uses the word “strive” to refer to his work in the ministry; and yet the word strive feels so counter-cultural to today’s church and society. Today’s culture has conditioned Christians to think as individuals first and servants last. However Scripture goes well beyond assumption, and implied behavior, when addressing His “called out ones” and “chosen people” are to be those who behave, belong and believe in a Christ-ethic. It is this Christ-like ethic that draws work and life together and allows us to experience a community where labor is seen as worship and less as burdensome activity (See. 1 Peter 2:9 / 1 Peter 2:11-12).

It must be stressed the concept of being a disciple, of Jesus, extends well beyond living as cultural Christians. At the heart of living “in Him” brings with it a distinctive way of life that exists within a Biblically distinctive pattern where His people are genuinely alive and not just living (See. 2 Peter 3:11, 14).
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I mentioned earlier, from my first days of work, we are all faced with the reality and eventuality of labor. We are also surrounded by a world in which you are not only part of but are also called to serve; and that service should begin in your local community of faith (church). When, and if, you embrace the entire Word of God through the lens of Biblical Hebraic Holism you can only logically arrive at a singular conclusion that places ones “church life” not in a context of “vacation time.” Rather one’s life in the community of faith is an extension of their everyday living and should be embraced as an opportunity to express one’s calling.

It is easy to read the Scriptures and desire to live the calling of Moses, Joshua, Peter or Paul. But what if your walk can be just as impactful as these men? What each of these men shared was a lifestyle committed to living a Kingdom reality. With their steadfastness came an understanding in which they saw their purpose was woven intimately into a larger tapestry of what God was developing. Simply said, the heros of our faith lived in a pattern set by the Father and expressed through the Son. Everything Jesus taught, accomplished and expressed pointed His disciples back to the reality of living with Kingdom purpose and laboring in the King’s fields of harvest. Is God not the King who owns the cattle on a thousand hills?  As His disciples we are called to live in the pattern of Jesus’ death and resurrection as well as carry out his works of mercy, grace, love and speaking Biblical truth to the seeking, searching and lost. If we will commit to real work in all areas of life we will share in the joy of His harvest and His blessings!

When God calls He commissions! It is up to us to remain faithfully obedient to His direction. To be personally formed into “usable material” (clay in the potters hand) means we should not settle for just showing up, but also look for opportunities to build the Kingdom. To be formed brings with it the welcomed excitement of being transformed; and that can only be witnessed when born-again disciples are actively revolutionize their communities of faith and communities where they live, work and experience life.

One final thought on the Christian ethic of work. While we tend to live in the “hear and now” we frequently miss the moments where our today is shaped by yesterday. What I hope to express is a deeper appreciation of our rich Christian history that brings with it the understanding of work as a blessing from the very beginning in the Garden  (See. Gen. 1:28, 2:15) Labor was never a by-product of the fall or an extension of the curse. Rather labor has always been part of God’s design. The curse (sin) attached itself to work by making the earth harder and the seasons less fruitful. But striving for the Kingdom is not a man-made system of labor followed by retirement (Gen.3:17-19). Unfortunately we have done ourselves a spiritual disservice when we choose to view eternity as some type of modern / futuristic retirement plan. Though eternity will be free from the curse, and as a result will not carry with it the same burdens we experience today, the very idea that work will cease is hard to Scripturally imagine or support. Just a brief glance into the Throne Room (See Revelation) allows us glimpses of worship and work. Such a heavenly reality should give us all pause and reconsideration if we are looking to wade in a crystal pool or drift away in a heavenly hammock?

A concluding challenge for us all. Work has always been a mandate that was birthed with creation. Therefore labor is a gift from God and for His purposes. It took literal, not theoretical, work for the death and resurrection to be carried through. Likewise, it will take real effort in His second coming and in the rebuilding of making all things new.

Yes, in the summation of all things the peace of God, His Shalom, will fall over a renewed earth and then those who are in Him will experience work as it was once was in the Garden before the curse. But what would happen, in our world today, if we re-examined our call to work as a divine mandate? What if your work, in the here an now, is in some way connected to your supernatural calling to build the Kingdom of God and support the community of faith where God has placed you?

It is clear Christian work is not for the casual, for the part-time or for the uncommitted and lazy. Yes, Christian work will be the hardest thing you can ever apply yourself to because it requires a full-time dedication unto the Lord. When we serve Him, serve one another and serve the community, by sharing Him, His real Spirit- birthed power is expressed in our lives and continues to testify of one body, one resurrection, one life, one truth, one way, JESUS!

“True revival is freedom for the soul that leads to total freedom for humanity.” – Dennis Kutzner

Grace and Peace

JOSHUA

Christian Apologetics, Christian Living, Inspirational, Motivational

Immersed in the Community of Disciples & Discipleship

thRecently, I was visiting with the owner of a new business launch that was giving me a sneak peak through his new site. The facility was top notch with every “bell and whistle” that would cater to potential clients in his industry. As we walked through the various workstations he stopped to introduce me to one of the men applying the finishing touches to a particular section of the office. Our conversation was brief and while the man was polite and engaging I could tell there was more to his story than the work he was currently doing. Later I learned the young man, I met earlier, is an excellent guitar player and by some peoples opinions one of the best they have heard in a long time. As I considered such a bold statement I asked, for me, the next logical question, “Then why is he woodworking and not even pursuing music on any level?” Of course I am not privy to this man’s life story; but like most people there is a strong possibility that a man with such talent, and not working in his field of calling, is also a man who stopped being a disciple or disciplined in his craft some time ago. As it is with our chosen profession, or calling, so to the same standards apply toward discipleship. Truthfully, discipleship never ends because everyone is to be constantly led by the Spirit, maturing in Jesus and challenged by one another. If there is such a thing as “steps toward Biblical discipleship” these progressions need to be modeled, in the initial stages, if we desire to help seekers to become converts and converts into disciples.

Bill Hull, who wrote The Disciple-Making Pastor said, “The Great Commission has been worshipped, but not obeyed. The church tried to get to world evangelism without disciple making.” In my opinion his quote accurately sums up the challenges we are facing in a post-Christian / post-Modern church age. Daily we encounter people, spread across life’s journey, whose experiences and backgrounds are unwittingly making them resistant to the hard work of being discipled. Even though the secular / spiritual paradox faces everyone this cannot become the sole excuse for us to avoid the obvious process and spiritual discipline and discipleship. Sadly, Michael Wilkins, a professor of Theology and trainer of pastors, says “The most common answer when asked if anybody has discipled you is, no.” Discipleship has always been, and will forever remain, a life-long process we are meant to experience and be immersed in. Yet many adopt the belief that a semester of discipleship classes will suffice for lifetime journey. The results, and state of our church today, does not bear this out as true or helpful for the maturation of the body of Christ. Therefore, to better understand discipleship let’s take a moment to first explore the nature from which discipleship is developed.

Where Does the Nature of Discipleship Come From? You don’t need to dig through the archives of a denominational library, or a trendy new release on Amazon, to find a manual for discipleship. Beginning with the ancients (Abraham and Eliezer), through the Patriarchs and more specifically with Moses and Joshua we discover a pattern for discipleship. This same process is replicated in the lives of Elijah and Elisha, Jeremiah, Daniel, his three friends and the list is far more exhaustive than limited. So it really should not come as any surprise, within the structure of the Hebraic Holistic worldview, discipleship would be practiced and readily accepted by Jesus and His chosen twelve.

Many of us, me included, have been guilty of assuming the process of discipleship started with Jesus’ earthly ministry but, in reality, this ancient method was just as much a spiritual practice, from the beginning, as a natural relationship designed to share the Word, keep it pure and replicate it throughout each generation. Therefore, when Jesus instructs His disciples in Matt. 10:24-25 He frames the nature of discipleship, and roots for future Christian disciples, in His nature alone.

Contextually speaking when Jesus was sharing such truths it wasn’t revealed in a time too removed from our world today. In Jesus’ day there were many examples of disciples learning under various educated rabbi’s. St. Paul, learning under the instruction of Gamileal, was one example of a long accepted tradition that was the custom of the day. However there was a stark difference in the discipleship, advocated by Jesus, and that of Rabbinic Judaism. Whereas Rabbinic Judaism advocated the process of “leap frog “, where the student would eventually exceed his master, Jesus instructed His disciples by telling them the student will never be above the master. It could be argued Jesus’ teachings did far more than other models of discipleship to help the church rapidly developed through the early years and then exploded through the reformation age. It is discovered in the nature of Jesus His system of discipleship wasn’t a organization of one trying to outdo the other; rather it was a long series of disciples that studied under other disciples. In a very significant way Jesus never encouraged or made disciples that were independent of Him. Every man and woman, who were taught in the model of Jesus, understood their goal was to make disciples back into Jesus.

Six Ways Jesus Taught Discipleship:

  1. Jesus focus and teaching was developed around repentance and the reality the Kingdom of Heaven was near. (Matt. 4:17)
  2. Jesus taught the exercise of His compassion. (Matt. 9:36)
  3. Jesus commanded His disciples to follow the traditions of Him and not others. (Matt. 12:1-8)
  4. All disciples belonged to family obedience. (Matt. 12:46-50)
  5. A disciple must live the life of servanthood. (Matt. 20:24-28)

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  6. A disciple shares in the destiny of suffering. (Matt. 10:16-25)

Late 2013 NT Wright published an amazing work on the writings, life and ministry of St. Paul. Throughout his work NT challenges the thought, some hold, that St. Paul’s teaching were in some way a rival to Jesus’. Sadly, those who see St. Paul and Jesus as rivals have adopted pure liberal foolishness! In fact, Rabbinic Judaism today uses a similar argument against Jesus and Christianity by claiming Christians are following a Jesus reinterpreted through the lens of Paul. In short, for Rabbinic Judaism, Jesus should only be viewed as a rabbi of the first century who taught people how to live whereas Paul turned Jesus into a Savior / Redeemer. NT does an amazing job of addressing this in far more detail than I can in today’s post. But the reason I cited this example was to validate St. Paul’s mission, within the framework of discipleship, was always to make people in Jesus’ image and not his own. Paul’ sole mission was to introduce Jesus, from the Tanakh, to the developing and emerging gentile church. (See. Phil. 1:20-21) True disciples and genuine Biblical discipleship will always follow Jesus’ nature and pattern. This is why we need to be encouraged to avoid discipleship built upon spiritual gurus, specific pastors or our favorite theological teachers. We are all meant to mature, through this life, into sound discipleship in Jesus alone!

How do you become a disciple? Believe! Behave! Belong! (See: John 20:31 , Acts 2:42, 47, Romans 12:2)

How Does the Community of Faith Disciple? While some people will be persuaded by the rational apologetic approach, of which I am a big fan, most people will be discipled through the process of relationship, community and work. When we worship together,  learn together and labor together we grow, in Him, together! This is why life groups and peer to peer discipleship, or coffee shop Gospel, can effectively form a Biblical community for today!

Get Immersed into the Life of the Community: The church is you and all of us gathered together; and we collectively are telling the story of Jesus. While we may share His story through a variety of methods and approaches we must never loose site of the fact we are called together for the purposes of glorifying Him as well as be a witness for the entire story of God. This amazing story is worth sharing! It is a remarkable account of how a Triune God is Creator, involved throughout history, incarnate as Jesus, sacrificial in death and in resurrection becomes victory over death and all evil. In the ascension of Jesus He took His place as the sole ruler over all things and will soon return restoring all things, in creation, unto Himself in a new heavens and new earth. THAT IS A STORY WORTH SHARING!

We are all called to not just recite this remarkable account but to live these words as a community that reflects the values of a relationship with the Father, Son and Spirit. We are called, as a community immersed in Him, to reflect the many creative gifts that reveal His majesty. We are called to be a community of love, redemption and reconciliation. Discipleship and maturity, in Him, also affords us the opportunity to have the deep conversations of how we will address sin, through heart and sight of Jesus. Biblical discipleship will also teach us how to care for the needs of a suffering world and also provide hope of a glorious future for those who are in Him.

Immersion is part of life. The community of Christ is more than capable, by His Holy Spirit, to immerse everyone into the life of Jesus. For those who are willing to shape their life around the reality of Jesus they will truly discover a different story, and vision, than the life they are currently have. Remember we are all on a journey and people are looking for a lasting truth, peace and bonds of relationship. So share His story and live the discipled life of a disciple in Jesus!

Grace and Peace

JOSHUA

Christian Living, Inspirational, Motivational

WILLPOWER

3814841_300There was a time, not too long ago, I would have been considered a gym rat. I was the kind of person that was in the gym six days a week, clean eating, strict work-out regimens and owned a variety of books, magazines, supplements etc…to transform my body. I even developed a routine that allowed me the allotted time so as not to be interrupted…one might even say I was “religious” about it. On the one hand I enjoyed the satisfaction of physical transformation but on other hand I disliked the entire process. For me, it was a love / hate relationship that required a tremendous level of willpower to overcome self and press toward some natural goals.  After a while the pace became too difficult to maintain; and each new goal required more time, more effort and more struggle that, at a certain point, forced me to stop. While I didn’t want to forfeit my physical gains I had outrun my strength to the point where even my own willpower wouldn’t let me continue.

What happened? I don’t remember when it occurred but when I finally recognized it I couldn’t ignore it. What was once a very small lingering back pain had grown into an identifiable discomfort that hindered my sleep, work and just about everything else. Going to the gym was brought to a halt and just standing or walking for any length of time could become painful. The break in my routine became a frustrating decline that finally ended in surrender, of my will, and acknowledgment I needed help beyond what I was able to accomplish.

God has a way of using everyday life to bring us back to spiritual truths that reset our understanding of Jesus. My physical set back was bigger than a question of will and determination; because, in my downtime, I had to reexamine some larger questions of balance, moderation and my will versus His? This was bigger than the gym, or my commitment to physical exercise, in fact my necessity of needing healing was beyond rest and a few stretches. The gym was a small slice of my life in which God was challenging me to consider some deeper questions that, unknowingly, were preparing me for trials that soon awaited.

We all face challenges, set backs, missed expectations and disappointments and while we are certainly living under a sovereign God we also have a hand in the role we play in our response to His plans and purposes. His vision, for you and me, far exceed what we may have dreamed for ourselves and yet, we seem determined to consider alternatives to achieve a happiness and satisfaction that is already in Him.  You see it is not a question of whether God is willing to sanctify us but more of a question of am I willing to let God do in me all that is possible through His atonement?

Are we willing to lay down our will and let the life of Jesus be manifested in our life? My “gym rat” days were representative of a personal desire, of self-will, to transform the outside while still believing everything was safe and secure on the inside. The small back-pain was God’s way of trying to get my attention that something was not right but I was determined to will my way past Him and trust it would all just work out in the end. Well, it all worked out when my doctor shut down my gym days, set me on new routine of treatments and, over time, helped correct the damage I had done to my back.

Self-will, willpower, determination whatever you may want to call it is a wonderful gift God has given humanity. We can either misuse our will, and choice, by glorifying ourselves, or we can submit our will and surrender our choice to glorify Him and discover our true humanity in Him. Christ has always been, and was made, sanctification to those who believe in Him by faith. For those who believe the miracle of atonement is alive in you; and Jesus made all of this possible by offering the free loving gift of Himself on the Cross.
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Our attitude, as those who are sanctified and redeemed, should be of profound humility and holiness. This is why St. Paul encourages the church when he says, “One final word, friends. We ask you—urge is more like it—that you keep on doing what we told you to do to please God, not in a dogged religious plod, but in a living, spirited dance. You know the guidelines we laid out for you from the Master Jesus. God wants you to live a pure life.” (1 Thess. 4: 1-3 MSG)

I have been told I can return to the gym and resume certain exercises. However there are other exercise that will forever remain strictly prohibited, that is unless I want to reinjure my back. And as I cautiously return I have also had to reset my expectations and priorities because in my downtime I was forced to develop what was on the inside more than what I wanted to build on the outside.

I was faced with a very small, but painful, life lesson that confronted my will, and willpower, with His will and power. It was a lesson I hope to never repeat and also trust, in some way, encourages you to recheck your priorities, submit your will Him and live fully alive, as well as humble, in His sanctification and atonement.

Grace and Peace

JOSHUA

Christian Apologetics, Christian Living, Inspirational, Motivational

THE “KEY” TO JESUS’ NATURE OF MISSIONS

mission_t_nvDaily I am amazed by the ability of the church to rally people, funds and great efforts toward local and global missions. Initiatives to the Caribbean, Oriental, Africa, South America and throughout the US routinely provide relief to some of the greatest places of need where few rarely consider going.  While I am seldom opposed to missions I have also arrived at a place of continuing maturity where I am more prone to reexamine the “why’s” of our ministry efforts within the context of what Jesus said and did as revealed through the entirety of Scripture.

Most would agree missions were never meant to be another church program, church initiative (like a large NGO) or pet project. And yet most people, today, approach missions from such perspectives. Mostly mission outreaches are understood as “add-on’s” that are partially designed to encourage us in responding to what we should do, and part to make us feel better about who we are. The result of such an approach are limitless missions to infinite areas of need with little lasting change in those places we have visited. While I have no issue with mission trips to Haiti, for example, I am left perplexed with the amount of money, building projects and teams that yearly visit that island country, from churches and ministries across the United States, and yet the island continues to steadily decline with each passing year.

Could it be our nature of missions is different from Jesus’? What if when we think about modern mission movements we may be missing the most important area of need? To properly answer such questions one cannot just look to the life and work of Jesus alone; but one must look at the context of Jesus’ world, teaching and overall Gospel message…which included the commitment to missions. And to properly understand Jesus’ teaching one has to reestablish the ancient bonds, from the fullness of Scripture (both Testaments), and reexamine the nature of missions that Biblically focuses on the true missionary focus…a problem of the spirit.

Too often we first approach missions with the unspoken and perhaps unobserved question that presupposes the solutions to our global and local problems are more efforts and further resources. But clearly money and manpower has never been the answer to Spirit-birthed missions when we consider the life of the Apostles who operated with limited resources and even fewer ministry partners. The real key to the missionary problem is not work, money or people but prayer! Beginning with prayer, the Christian gains spiritual understanding and perspective for our actions. However, I would not want one to assume I am advocating the position that prayer is the only effort we must apply in our response to missions. On the contrary, while prayer is the starting point the Christian must follow God ordained direction with action. It is a careful balance, necessitating direction from the Holy Spirit, that helps us maintain an equilibrium of labors and prayer; but only in prayer, and not labor, can one constantly place our concentration on God.

The “key” to understanding Jesus’ nature of missions is not through common sense, medical solutions or educational drives. The key to understanding the nature of Jesus has always been revealed in and through prayer. Certainly, in prayer, He may instruct us to minister to the needs of any people through medicine, education or in other ways. But we must be careful not to “put the cart before the horse” in thinking any humanitarian effort must be sanctioned by God. The only way such an answer can be arrived at, in any mission initiative, is through prayer.

Naturally, prayer is not practical, it is inconvenient and takes away from the limited time we cherish so greatly.  Yet, in prayer, we arrive at the certainty we have made our appeals to the Lord, inquired of Him, and waited for His direction in all things.  When it comes to the passion we, as Christian’s, have for helping a hurting world we need to avoid looking at our world through our eyes and desires.

In the eyes of Christ there are no nations but the entire world. Oswald Chambers asks the question, “How many of us pray without respect of persons, and with respect to only one Person, Jesus?” Jesus instructed, “Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest…” Jesus has always owned the harvest and when we are instructed, by Him, to go into the fields of His mission we must bring with us, primarily, the conviction of man’s need to break from their sin and reconnect with Him!

Again, I fully support Christian missions. But what I have observed is more people are engaged in active work while the world remains ripe unto harvest. As Christians we live and share a message of being called Jesus’ own. Throughout the ages, and continuing to this day, this great communication of hope remains far more powerful than any one thing we can give to the needy and helpless. Yes, we are to care for the widows, clothe the orphans, tend to the sick and feed the hungry; but we should never do so at the cost of depriving them of the literal message of the King and the Kingdom that changes lives where there is the greatest of need.
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Jesus reminded His disciples, the poor you will always have with you; but I am only with you a short while. While some may choose to view Jesus’ words and cold and uncaring, within context, Jesus was placing Himself as the central reality for everyone. Time and time again Jesus lived and shared with the rich and poor, suffering and safe because everyone was in need of Him for salvation, healing and reconciliation.

Therefore, when you read Jesus speaking: “He came to Nazareth where he had been reared. As he always did on the Sabbath, he went to the meeting place. When he stood up to read, he was handed the scroll of the prophet Isaiah. Unrolling the scroll, he found the place where it was written, God’s Spirit is on me; he’s chosen me to preach the Message of good news to the poor, Sent me to announce pardon to prisoners and recovery of sight to the blind, To set the burdened and battered free, to announce, “This is God’s year to act!” He rolled up the scroll, handed it back to the assistant, and sat down. Every eye in the place was on him, intent. Then he started in, “You’ve just heard Scripture make history. It came true just now in this place.” (Luke 4:19-21 MSG) His command is not for a greater response to the poverty of Israel but the fulfillment of prophecy that He is the answer for the spiritual breech between man and the Father. The new mission facing Israel continues to face us today. What will we do with Jesus’ words that demand we act upon the reality of who He is as Christ and Lord and how we will share that massage with the world?

Consider one final passage, from which Jesus was drawing from in the Luke’s Gospel. “The Spirit of God, the Master, is on me because God anointed me. He sent me to preach good news to the poor, heal the heartbroken, Announce freedom to all captives, pardon all prisoners. God sent me to announce the year of his grace— a celebration of God’s destruction of our enemies— and to comfort all who mourn, To care for the needs of all who mourn in Zion, give them bouquets of roses instead of ashes, Messages of joy instead of news of doom, a praising heart instead of a languid spirit. Rename them “Oaks of Righteousness” planted by God to display his glory. They’ll rebuild the old ruins, raise a new city out of the wreckage. They’ll start over on the ruined cities, take the rubble left behind and make it new. You’ll hire outsiders to herd your flocks and foreigners to work your fields, But you’ll have the title “Priests of God,” honored as ministers of our God. You’ll feast on the bounty of nations, you’ll bask in their glory. Because you got a double dose of trouble and more than your share of contempt, Your inheritance in the land will be doubled and your joy go on forever.” (Isaiah 61)

Could the key to the nature of Jesus’ view of missions be greater than our local church, our favorite non-profit or place of local charity and need? Could the “key” be Him and a His nature one we will only see revealed through prayer?

It is something to consider as we reexamine missions and what we, as Christians, decide to share with a world in genuine and desperate need.

Grace & Peace

JOSHUA

Christian Apologetics, Christian Living, Inspirational, Motivational

WHAT IS THE “KEY” TO KNOWING JESUS?

jesus-key-smlRevival has been a fascinating phenomenon of the miraculous move of the Holy Spirit that manages to cross borders, cultures and generations. The rich history of the Christian faith reveals an abundance of outpourings, which not only refreshed Biblical communities but also extended further by reaching even the most difficult, or uncaring, of people. Though Spirit-birthed revivals do not require a particular person to “lead” or direct such movements, more often than not, a God appointed person will serve as the messenger for a distinctive move of His Word and Spirit.

 

When we read the letters of St. Paul he mentions the Spirit’s giftings for some to serve as apostles, teachers, prophets and others evangelists. As we consider the move of the Holy Spirit, and the response of people to His move, I have a question to ask, What should these specific offices and revival share in common? It is my contention the missionary appeal, of any Spirit-birthed office or revival, must always direct people to the authority of Jesus as the Christ and Lord!

Too often men and women approach ministry offering an appeal to reach the needs of the unbeliever, without ever really offering the seeker a complete picture of what a genuine relationship with the Biblical Jesus looks and behaves like. What would our evangelistic appeals sound like if we began with the prophetic declarations of Isaiah? Or what would the results of discipleship be if our pastor’s / teachers word’s of instruction took the time to explain Jesus, as part of the Holy Trinity, from Genesis through Revelation?

Too often we have allowed immature excuses and justifications to instruct today’s church in the falshood that today’s generations do not have the capacity to grasp such deep theological concepts. To that I respond: This flawed presupposition embraces a defeatist approach to ministry that will ultimately fail the people we are trying to reach.  Daily I am amazed what my fourteen year old son knows, can learn and achieve as he multitasks from work, to school, guitar practice and social media. My son is capable of deep conversations and even deeper thoughts; and while he is only fourteen I have also learned that he hears and listens to everything being said, even if he doesn’t respond at that moment.

What this tells me is my fourteen year old is not any different than his peers and generations older than him. They, like people from every generation, continue to search for universal truth in an age of moral, spiritual, philosophical and ethical relativism. This is where the church should be at the front of the search party and help seekers discover the genuine Jesus, as revealed in the pages of the entire Word of God.

Every pastor, that I know, what’s to see lives changes for Kingdom purposes. Every intercessor I have met continues to pray for the fires of revival to sweep across our nation. But what if the reason we are failing to change our world is attributed to our prayers and best intentions being slightly misplaced?

Today we are prone to advocate the belief that a person should look to Jesus as the One who assists us in our pursuit of meaning and purpose. But here too what if we placed Jesus in an incorrect context that actually limits Him in our lives? What if our purpose and meaning is to discover Jesus as the absolute sovereign and supreme Lord over us? What if the story is not how He fits into our journey, but how we fit into the story of Him as the central reality in all of creation? And what if we truly connect the ancient “dot” that sets Jesus not only as Divine but Deity!  
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Let’s admit it we are prone to embellish, add words and color the story to make it a little more “interesting.” Often we do the same with Jesus by adding opinions, thoughts and attitudes that are just not read in Scripture. One such thought is that Jesus said, the unbelievers will be lost if we do not go. But Scripture actually tells us Jesus’ words instructed His disciples – “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations.” But go and teach what? Again, we want to add many wonderful experiences to what Jesus “might have meant” or what we may want Him to say; but Scripture tells us Jesus instructed His disciples to teach the nations of the revelation of His sovereignty and preach of a life lived in the fullness of Him (Jesus).

If one wants to unlock the universal truth of Jesus’ sovereignty, and how that applies to ones life, then one must know Him by taking the time to worship Him as Lord. Dare I say in an attempt to make it easier to come to Jesus we have made it more confusing to know Him? In our desire to provide a clear and simple truth have we have robbed the Scriptures of their wealth and Spirit?  Have we stripped Jesus down, so bare, that He exists as little more than an honest, well-intentioned spiritual guru of the first century?

People like routine. We enjoy the certainty of planning our days and as Christians we cling to our traditions, songs and practices because we “feel” a connection to their rootedness. But we seldom ask the very next logical question of were those ancient roots are drawing from? What well was deep within the Spirit that grew the mighty faith of Christianity? You see the power is not in the song, choir, instruments or aesthetics. The power was and remains always in Him. But when we rob people of Him and provide them with the remnants, of where is power dimly resides, then they develop connections with tokens and objects that are not God and can never do what only He can and is able to accomplish.

Christians and Christianity is facing a 21st Century crisis of faith and if our representatives do not root themselves in the centrality of Him then we will have a Christianity absent of Christ and a religion that looks, sounds and appeals to many but impacts little. It remains my hope and prayer we hold ourselves accountable to the Biblical standards of His Word. We must continue to hold men and women, who serve in Spiritual offices, accountable to not abandon Jesus in favor of relativistic Christianity.

If we truly desire revival, and want to live in spiritually refreshed communities of faith, then we must be bold enough to stand with the great men and women who have answered these questions with their lives paid with the cost of discipleship in Him. This is a key worth unlocking for us all if we want to really know Him, love Him and serve Him as Christ and Lord!

Grace and Peace

JOSHUA

Christian Apologetics, Christian Living, Inspirational, Motivational

Discouragement? Yes…But Fire is in My Bones!

mosesUnderdogs, Cinderella stories and Rudy (from Notre Dame football lore) all share a common thread: discouragement. Perhaps it is a critic, well-meaning friend or just reality but at some point in time we will all face the challenge of discouragement. We don’t like to think about discouraging seasons and are often told not to dwell on them since they only further depress our circumstances; but the fact of the matter is, in life, a series of situations can grow too far beyond us and discouragement will not be too far behind.

As long as I can recall my mom has pushed 100% beyond the breaking point of most people. Physically speaking she stands no taller than 5ft and her heart has never cooperated with the goals she set for herself. Like most women, of her generation, she experienced life through a different paradigm, a distinctive work-ethic and a certain stoicism that would make ancient Greek philosophers proud. This is not to say my mom is cold, indifferent or uncaring; in fact just the opposite is true. She knows how laugh when something is funny, cry when there is a need for grief and reflect when there is room for pause. She has travelled the world, several times over, often with a Bible in one hand, a harpsichord in another and a case of books or music in tow. And everywhere she went she brought the hope of Jesus to the needy, hungry and desperate.

As she has aged her seasons have also matured and transitioned into other giftings, but she has never forfeited her divine purpose for being on this earth: to proclaim Jesus to people. In many ways my mom has lived the life of an underdog and so it shouldn’t be surprising, though it is difficult the see, she now faces another serious challenge. By the beginning of 2014 my mother began to experience a series of weak spells coupled with some lingering health issues from her youth. Over time these “spells” worsened and eventually my mom just gave out. Literally flattened by the circumstances I saw another foe soon visit her, the enemy of discouragement and while my mom may be one of the strongest people I have ever known I saw discouragement was taking its toll on her physically and spiritually.

I recall the story of Moses and how he saw the oppression of his people and knew God had appointed him to be the instrument of deliverance. While a sudden victory would have been impressive, and sent a resounded shockwave through the world’s greatest empire, at the time, God allowed Moses to experience a prolonged season of discouragement. It wouldn’t be through Moses’ court favor, family ties or elite training that God would choose to deliver His people. No, victory would come through forty years of discipleship, while herding sheep in Midian. Perhaps Moses thought he had settled into a quiet life and that past hope of delivering his people would some how just “work out?” But after forty years of learning to be a shepherd God called him out once again and placed a fire in his bones.

Keep cheap viagra overnight in mind following things while buying a drug which is 100% safe, FDA approved and 100% natural also. Some viagra without prescription among the key ingredients used for the preparation of herbal male fertility pills include shilajit, loh bhasma, vang bhasma, mucuna pruriens and asparagus racemosus. As the proverb says, use it buy cheap sildenafil or lose it. The kiss that Priyanka Chopra shares with John, or the skin that she flaunts with other men, in plenty, not without a reason, as if to bare her soul, Priyanka sinks her teeth into this character she get viagra overnight has obviously invested so much in, a character, unlike her What’s Your Rashee’s cardboard cutout imagery, is shaped with perplex moods she has fittingly grasped within her periscope. “We may have the vision of God and a very clear understanding of what God wants, and we start to do the thing; then comes something equivalent to the forty years in the wilderness, as if God had ignored the whole thing, and when we are thoroughly discouraged God comes back and revives the call —‘Oh, who am I!’ We have to learn the first great stride of God—“I AM THAT I AM hath sent thee.” (Chambers)

While discouragement is a part of life’s experiences it should never overtake our world-view of Him. He is still working great and mighty Kingdom exploits through those who patiently wait on Him, learn the cost of discipleship and in their time of trouble call on the Name of the Lord! I know, given some time, my mother will “bounce back” because there is still Kingdom work left in her bones. But what about you? Have you allowed a season of discouragement  to sideline you and try to tell you Cinderella teams never win, underdogs fail and Rudy will never score a touchdown? Perhaps you are in a season of discipleship and training where God is preparing you for enlargement? Or perhaps you have run out ahead of God and fallen into a temporary trap? Either way don’t allow discouragement to rob you of His Kingdom reality and remain close to His Word, and Spirit, because He is always speaking and when He says, I AM is who sends you!…then it is time to press on with the fire of God in your bones!

Grace and Peace

JOSHUA

Christian Apologetics, Christian Living, Motivational

“I AM WHAT I AM THROUGH GOD’S EYES…NOT MY OWN”

in_the_eyes_of_god_by_rainacornasusgirl-d652cziThe other night I was channel surfing and settled on a station where a popular TV preacher was sharing, with his audience, his belief that “God knows who you are and if you are going to sin. And He has already forgiven you. So don’t concern yourself with your sin. God’s love is greater than your personal failure.” Perhaps you have already heard, or read, some versions of this contemporary teaching? As a teacher and pastor I have the luxury of spending my time studying the Bible as well as any variety of teachings and doctrines being advocated today. This was not the first time I have heard some variation of the gospel of “hyper-grace” and universalism, and to be honest there was something about the entire approach that appealed to me.

Who wouldn’t cherish the idea of relegating our personal sin to some corner of “Oh well…God knows therefore…” Such a motto for life would seem to take the pressure, concern and responsibility off one’s shoulders and firmly set them of the broad shoulders of Christ. But then I started to develop an “itch” that I couldn’t quiet satisfy. As much as I wanted to trust this opinion I found myself bothered by the thought of my personal indifference to “my sin”; and this soon created another itch that begged to be scratched, “Is my continual speaking of my own inability and weakness possibly an insult to the Father?”

The certainty of personal sin highlights our need for an eternal redeemer and someone greater than ourselves that bridges the gap for redemption and sanctification. While we may struggle with our fallen nature, the flesh, the continual deploring of our own incompetence is a defamation against God for having overlooked us or created us so weak and feeble that He must do everything for us because we are incapable of even responding to Him. When He calls us to love Him does not require a response from us? And when He commands for us to live according to His holiness are we not asked to reply? To consider God, in His infinite wisdom and omnipotence, created us and then thought so little in His master design that our human condition necessitates our personal berating for failure, provides us with an incomplete and unloving portrayal of the Father. However, if we swing the pendulum so far as to believe God’s love is so big and compassionate He doesn’t care about your sin then such an approach, from us, rejects His holiness.

At the center of this issue is what lies at the heart of many problems we encounter when we discuss matters of human nature, faith and how we relate to a Holy God. Like with most things we tend to view our world around us and not Him. We think life and events revolve around our existence and not according to His centrality within the story of creation. As we mature in His Word, and with the aid of the Holy Spirit, we need to develop the practice of examining our lives as God see’s us, and the human condition as God is aware of its darkness and need for restoration. How do we know how God see’s and understands our struggle? He has revealed His divine character and nature from Genesis through Revelation. So by turning to His own words we discover the Biblical Jesus revealed, and the depth of His words and actions, from before the foundations of creation, can be grasped by even the simplest of children.

Furthermore, we need to reject the natural and spiritual hypocrisy of our incessant need to sound humble before men, and yet be disrespectful to God. Many people live their spiritual walk advocating how humble they are, before others, without considering if their shows and sounds of humility ever reach the heart of Jesus? “Again, the things that sound humble before God may sound the opposite before men.” (Chambers) If Jesus is the center of all things in our life, and we are truly abandoned to Him and His purposes, then we should be less concerned by what sounds humble before men while always remaining genuinely humble before God.

Usually disclosed in the fine print purchase viagra on line of the application, borrowers would then complain that they were being hit with sudden rate increases and not given enough time to react to them. Obscene material is never allowed viagra 100mg price on air, no matter what the cause or circumstance. However among the natural and oral medication, male enhancement pills are considered a better option because of the stability and satisfaction it renders. levitra cost When inflated by the pump, fluid from the reservoir flows into the inflatable balloons, creating http://djpaulkom.tv/page/32/ tadalafil uk buy an erection. Our post-modern Western culture continues to advocate lifestyles of consumerism, isolationism, individualism and privatism. And these sensibilities have bled into our Christian culture today, so much so, our relationships to one another and God only matter in relation to our immediate need. This is an un-Biblical approach to relationship because the one relationship that matters is your relationship to a personal Redeemer and Lord. From that intimate connection, or not, all other relationships can exist in a healthy or unhealthy balance and reality.

Today I want to encourage, as well as challenge you, to let everything else go but maintain an intimate relationship with God at all costs. It is through the eyes of how God see’s you, and not how you see yourself, can He fulfill His purposes. But never assume how He see’s you is some type of “exemption” for your need to respond to His holiness as well as His love.

“But because God was so gracious, so very generous, here I am. And I’m not about to let his grace go to waste. Haven’t I worked hard trying to do more than any of the others? Even then, my work didn’t amount to all that much. It was God giving me the work to do, God giving me the energy to do it. So whether you heard it from me or from those others, it’s all the same: We spoke God’s truth and you entrusted your lives.” (1 Corinthians 15:10 MSG)

Grace and Peace

JOSHUA

Christian Apologetics, Christian Living, Inspirational, Motivational

SHIFTS IN TRADITIONS…THE SAME YESTERDAY, TODAY & FOREVER.

IMG_0345-225x300SHIFTS IN TRADITIONS…THE SAME YESTERDAY, TODAY & FOREVER.

A few weeks ago an event flashed across the news wire of an influential pastor and his  “conversion” from Protestantism to Roman Catholicism. What made this particular story news worthy was the pastor, now retired, had served and built one of the largest non-denominational churches in Sweden; and after many years of personal study had decided to now practice his faith within the Roman Catholic tradition. In a related story, but less news worthy, Jeannette I hosted a guitar recital for our son this past weekend. Invited was an assortment of family and friends all practicing a variety of different Christian traditions. While in conversation one of our guests shared how she, and her family, had left the large evangelical church experience in favor for the more liturgical Episcopalian “high church.” For her the reverence and traditions helped connect her faith with life and she now felt at home spiritually.

If you were follow cultural and spiritual shifts in the world, specifically within the US, you would notice everyone from baby-boomers, to Gen –X’rs and Millennials are searching to reconnect their faith to something ancient, deep-rooted and historical. In a face-paced age of technology, instant news and post-modern consumerism, even the youngest of seekers, searchers and new converts are less interested in the “newest” and “biggest” and are searching for something more meaningful and intimate.

So what do such trends tell us? Honestly? Nothing as “new” as you may be led to believe. Scripture reminds us there is nothing new under the sun and that would also serve to include our attitudes, dispositions and traditions. Even a quick scan through the pages of Christian history, within the US, would show large segments of people, in differing times, connecting to “high church”, than denominational churches, a few revivals sprinkled in between, than the birth of the non-denominational church, the mega-church and now the cycle is repeating itself.

But I have a problem even with the most sincere of pietistic movements today. For all of the high church, wonderful liturgy, traditions and historical buildings sadly most of these movements are missing the rugged reality of the early church (1st – 3rd Century). Today there are plenty of houses of worship that make mention of the death of Jesus but few, if any, actually teach or prepare the hearts of people for the need of His death. We sing wonderful hymns and anthems of pious nature and re-enact ancient rituals, but fail to connect people with the nature and spirit from which these rituals and songs came. We speak of fasting, prayer, humility and even name our conferences and conventions with neo-orthodox titles without really pointing back to the beginning (and by beginning I am speaking of Genesis; not Matthew) where our faith is truly rooted.  Sadly much of what I see, hear, have discussed and even personally experienced, within Christian thought and debate, places greater emphasis on the experiential without ever rooting it is the supernatural, or miraculous mystery of the whole Word of God.

Several weeks ago I was having a spirited discussion with a fellow Christian and, like me, he claimed to believe in the whole Word of God. However, as our conversation developed he further explained the “whole Word of God” represents accounts, from the Old Testament, which were offered for another time and for another people and therefore didn’t apply to Christian’s today. This position is hardly new (classic dispensationalism) but such a position results in pointing today’s Christian toward a Bible that is part history, with little to no application for today, and part honored tradition that is largely outdated.

The purpose of today’s post is not resurrect past theological debates; rather I wanted to show how a sincere believer can think they stand by the whole Word of God when they actually don’t. This account highlights the current trend in people returning to ancient traditions without considering the deeper questions of faith beyond tradition and Spirit beyond creeds. Traditions are good! They are what bind us together and help us tell a story; but not all traditions are beneficial. Any tradition and or liturgy that excludes the cost the passion of God, or is not dyed in the blood of the Lamb or stamped with the hall-mark of the Holy Spirit is destined to become dead religion. 

What medicines you should take depends on what buy super cialis causes erection problems in you. Since a man’s response cycle has four order generic viagra phases, such as plateau, excitement, orgasm and resolution. Who would forget the classic 1986 Tom Cruise Blockbuster film, Top Gun where hot fighter pilots trained at the Miramar Naval Air Station in San Diego?Other unforgettable scenes in this movie were also sildenafil 50mg price shot in Cali. (Think of the iconic motorcycle scene which was shot in Union Street and W Laurel Street) The iconic Musso and Frank’s Grill, 6667 Hollywood Boulevard, which is the oldest. india viagra online Peniking is the top-rated stamina capsule for penis enlargement. Today, many are returning to the old songs, which I love, and the old practices, which I respect, and look with awe and wonder at the history. But if we stand in awe of the 2000 years of Christianity while missing the magnificence of the Trinity, from the beginning, then we will never really see and understand the work of God Almighty. It remains a critical area of dangerous error to build the Christian faith, of any tradition, on anything newer than “In the beginning God Created…” Even the New Testament, earliest creeds, Apostles, church fathers and ancient rites lived and breathed in ancient roots founded before their time. And yet today we encourage people to begin their spiritual journey from Matthew, or newer, while gently pushing the accounts from Genesis to Malachi into the darkest places of antiquity never to be studied and seldom to be mentioned.

The type of Christian experience, that should be encouraged today, is that of personal, passionate devotion to the person of Jesus, as God, as revealed through the entirety of Scripture. Every other type of “Christian experience”, so called, that exists detached from Jesus will lead people into the bondage of religion; where the regeneration of the spirit is absent, being born again into the Kingdom in which Christ lives is bypassed and the pattern of Biblical Hebraic Holism is dismissed for Greek-minded philosophy and logic. Jesus remains the pattern from Genesis to Revelation and He was never meant to just exist as a figurehead of a religion or a mere example for humanity.

Yes, Jesus is the “head-figure” and He sets the Him in humanity but He is infinitely more; He is salvation itself. He is the fullness of God and He is remains the same yesterday, today and forever.

Have you ever stopped to consider why the great cathedral’s became empty or today’s evangelical churches are failing to connect with our culture? Trends come and go and with analytics we are able to better capture and understand these moves. But analytics will never capture when Jesus said, “When He, the Spirit of truth, is come, … He shall glorify Me.” When we commit ourselves to this reality the gift of the Holy Spirit, who begins to interpret for us what Jesus did, will not just reveal Jesus subjectively…but objectively. Then we will see and understand who He is!

We need a revival of the Holy Spirit, within our songs, practices, teaching, believing, behaving and belonging. We need the Spirit to make us alive, in Him, and because of Him we desire to engage a world looking to connect with spiritual fact not fiction. If we do not reconnect with the Holy Spirit then sadly our churches will be dead again, our faith will grow stale, our traditions will become lifeless and our rituals meaningless. Given time we will stare at the modern cathedrals of technology and fame and say, “The Spirit of God was once here.” If this happens the world we seek to reach with Jesus will tune us out and even our faithful will become the faithless. Traditions have come and gone. Our practices have shifted from age to age but the truth of the Biblical Jesus remains the same yesterday, today and forever!

Grace and Peace

JOSHUA

Christian Apologetics, Christian Living, Motivational

THE “GOSPELS” of “JESUS?”

th (1)The more I scan the blogosphere, listen to teachings / sermons and am passed a variety of “you need to read this!” I can’t help but have a growing concern for the wide variety of “gospels” being advocated that carry the seal of approval of “Jesus.” Just the other day somebody shared a Facebook video of a man filming, via his Iphone, a three minute rant that sounded, and looked, something like an old time Baptist preacher mixed with a charismatic hipster. With his hat on backwards and couple of earrings in place he carried on about “His Bible” and “My Jesus” within the context of a current hot-button social issue. By about the first minute I thought, to myself, this was a joke, right? But the joke was on me when I scanned all his fans and friends that supported his opinions in the thousands. I wasn’t really stunned or shocked but disappointed for what I can only conclude is such a dismantling of the Christian faith we are now willing to accepted any gospel that fits our definition of Jesus.

The Iphone preacher, as I call him, is an easy target for much of the confusion and noise coming from the today’s Western Christianity. But one only has to go to Amazon and match today’s top Christian authors, with their respective churches, ministries and doctrines, to wonder how we have arrived at so many different views and opinions on sin, grace, love, forgiveness, Law, God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit, repentance, etc. I know of several prominent church leaders that teach from St. Paul’s letters while others dismiss them altogether. There are those who advocate James, Peter and Paul were engaged in an ongoing dispute, against one another, in their letters; and others still that have divided the Old and New Testaments in such a neat and precise manner that our Biblical contexts make no sense.  If that was not confusing enough there are an abundance of teachers who promote some version of modern psychology, mixed with the Bible, that passes for “sound doctrine” and yet another branch of teachers that scream a “one-note” message: as if the Bible is only about one thing such as love, grace or sin. Last, but not least, there are those who are convinced the only way to reset our loose moorings is to return to a refreshed Roman Catholicism while others would prefer we go even further back and embrace some version of Rabbinic Judaism.

But that is the problem isn’t it? Today’s Christianity has adopted our own “Jesus” and specific “gospel” because it seems to resonate with a culture that is more interested is spiritual (spirituality) fiction and not fact. The social media and mass marketing, of Church USA, looks, feels and brands just as good Madison Avenue and we, the church, are too easily impressed by our superstars, blog stars, rock stars and millionaire ministers…but not the Biblical Jesus and His Gospel. Could it be few would even accept Jesus and His exact words, in context, if they heard them?

Now here is where you no doubt expect me to advocate “my Jesus” and why I am right and you are wrong?  But I am not taking today’s post down that rabbit trail. Rather I would like to ask one simple question, “Have you ever read and studied what Jesus said about Himself from the Scriptures?” Your immediate response to such a challenge should be, “Of course.” But if that was true then you would have already encountered a Jesus that is very uncomfortable to the generation of His age and your current age / world-view.

Everybody loves the Jesus who kicks against the religious system, corruption or loves the sinner. But we skip the language of the Jesus who called for repentance, from sin, confronted adulterers, liars, gossips, cheats, hypocrites, drunkards and the spiritually blind. We share the stories of the “miracle Jesus” as if they were a myth cut from some scene of Lord of the Rings and even doubt if the blind really saw, thousands were fed, He walked on water, raised the dead or cast our demons. And while we are challenged with the supernatural how do explain the deep theological questions of His identity? Jesus seemed to have little issue claiming to be none other than God Himself. He told His disciples, He quoted Isaiah many times to His doubters and even shared His identity with Rome. If Jesus is who He said He is than how could He possess a contrary nature from the Father (God) as revealed in through the entire Word of God? Logically and Scripturally we can conclude such divisions, of a Triune God, cannot exist (Read the Athanasian Creed); and such support of this belief is further confirmed in ALL the writings of the apostles, John the Baptist (the last of the great prophets) and most early church fathers.

You need only scan the history of the early church to discover any doctrines contrary to such a view of Jesus, as God, was considered heresy and an anathema (two words that have been dropped from our lexicon in favor of tolerance). Here again, just as it was in Jesus’ day, so we experience, today, the counter-cultural message of Jesus as Christ; and such an exclusive declaration runs contrary to today’s comfy preaching, soft Jesus and softer doctrines. Sadly because we have been unwilling to teach the whole Word of God, and hold each other accountable, we have accepted a familiar contemporary standard that has given us a new status quo.

THE NEW STATUS QUO: There was a time, say twenty plus years ago, when denominations, ministers and church associations only allowed like minded people “at the table” to debate theology, and positions of the organization, for the sake of unity and rubber stamping agendas. As the church slipped further from the social and spiritual consciousness of the nation there was a backlash to such practices and the call to allow diverse opinions a seat at the table. As the doors were opened and more chairs pulled up an honest and open discussion helped Christians understand why we believed, behaved and belonged to this faith, and how we can communicate this message to the seeking and searching. For a time this went a long way in reshaping our church traditions and teachings and today Christianity has developed, looks and behaves much different than its past.

But now a new status quo has replaced the old and the once radical firebrands, who were screaming from the outside to be let in, are now the elder statesmen holding the keys to newly, locked doors. Today the suits and ties have been replaced with the skinny jeans and muscle shirts.  Pastors no longer act like fathers but big brothers and just like the “old guard” they too have filled the room with like-minded people. And, once again, there is a new crop of people left screaming on the outside wanting to come in and have a seat at the table. What we hear, from the outside, are terms such as celebration of diversity and invitation to discuss and wrestle with the Scriptures but in reality there are no seats available unless you think, look and act like Agent Smith from the Matrix.
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ONE OF THE SEATLESS,  NAMELESS AND FACELESS MANY. For the record I wear jeans, t-shirts, try to stay fit and have half my head shaved. I’m not part of a major denomination even though I am part of an association of ministers. I have multiple degrees but never wear them on my chest. I’ve written a book but it’s never been published. I have traveled and ministered across the world, several times over, but never been interviewed on my experiences. I drive a car that was totaled and rebuilt because that is all I could afford. I do have a house on a hill, but it can fit in the garage of most houses around me. I do get paid for pastoing, but just enough to classify me as the working poor. This post is not about me but about the thousands like me, and those who have it more challenging than me, that remain seatless, nameless and faceless. The reason I shared a little about me is not to solicit your pity, or to play on your emotions, but to remind you why I, and many others, am okay with or lot in life while other people are offered a seat at the table of discussion.

In an age where there are so many gospels and different Jesus’ there are still those who are willing to live, serve and preach the Biblical Jesus, and His Gospel message, from the whole Word of God. We didn’t all begin our journey this way because at some point we also saw the potential for big money, popularity and social acceptance. But over time we also learned these trappings came at a heavy price. So, we cast our lots with Him (Jesus) and held on through all the roller-coaster ups and downs. Admittedly we haven’t hit the target square in the middle all the time. But increasingly we realized that compromise, in an age of “big tent” Christianity, doesn’t guarantee you a seat at the table or access behind locked doors.

You see we came to a realization we are on this earth for such a short period of time and life is not about what you can “name and claim” but life is about Jesus, as God, and Him crucified to reconcile a fallen world back to Him and Him alone. Yes, the message of the Biblical Jesus is an unpopular reality because it forces everyone to consider the whole Jesus, as God, revealed in all of Scripture. Certainly such a commitment can be a hindrance to developing a large viewing audience, building a massive congregation or landing a plum book deal. But of all the gospels being preached we are the seatless, nameless and faceless advocates that remind the world of Jesus’ suffering, martyrdom and consecration that trumps all superficial doctrines. Everyone I know, with this commitment, will do anything and everything for Jesus but we will never humiliate ourselves to the level of world acceptance, and recognition, that avoids the gift of salvation through Christ alone!

I learned, some time ago, I cannot earn or win anything from God; but I must either receive it as a gift or do without. The greatest blessing is the knowledge that we are destitute! Until we get there everything we do is always measured in our own strength, not His. Jesus will not do anything for us if we think we are self – sufficient.  Like Jesus we have to possess His Kingdom through the door of hardship and when we hunger spiritually, for Him, the Holy Spirit is close by.

There are too many noises and distractions in today’s Christian faith. There are too many gimmicks and smoke and mirrors being passed off as reality. There are too many gospels and too many Jesus’. There are too many preachers and teachers that haven’t obeyed His great commission: “…teaching everything I shared and instructed you.” It really isn’t that hard to know Him and preach all He said; but it is hard to be hated as He was, reviled, mocked and abused. And I guess I can see why some preach “the other Jesus” because after all who would really want to share in the sufferings of the real Jesus?

Grace and Peace

JOSHUA

Christian Living, Motivational

WASTED ENERGY / SPIRITUAL ENERGY

imagesI was about six years into my ministerial journey and serving in my second church when I was called into the Senior Pastor’s office for a one on one meeting. In the several years that followed, working with this man and serving this ministry, we spent many times chatting, having lunch or passing some funny stories. Of his many gifts he always had an amazing story to tell, he was bigger than life and possessed that special knack that made everybody seem to like him. He was the kind of man who, when entering the room, absorbed all the attention and had a generous nature that was shared without any strings attached. Sounds perfect, right? Well, the longer I served with him I also experienced some of his more “challenging” sides. My pastor’s emotions could swing wildly on a dime. When he was good he was great; but when he was down it was difficult to manage around him. Of course, I didn’t do myself any favors because in my youth, and own arrogance, I was more than willing to lock horns with this bull; and looking back we both wasted a lot of energy. Now I don’t want to give you the impression there were major battles in public; because there were not. But behind closed doors we debated, and even argued, theology, politics and race vigorously. As time has advanced I’ve had the opportunity to revisit those years and come to the conclusion there were far more effective ministry moments than wasted ones; but, there were many lessons to come I would soon have to discover, on my own, that I wish I learned while serving him.

About six years later, when Jeannette and I planted Maranatha, I managed to discover how to waste energies I wasn’t even aware I had. In an attempt to not make the same mistakes I witnessed others make I was convinced I had a “better way” of doing ministry. Through inexperience and pride I managed to stumble through five years of Maranatha ministry with more than my fair share of parishioners willing to trip me, fight with me and drag me through the proverbial mud. All the while I asked, is this what ministry is all about? As I too learned how to sling mud with the best of them. Ugh….

Two years ago ministry forever changed for me, and our entire community, when I decided to stop building a church and start building a family. By concentrating on God, as the center of our teaching, worship and living collectively we all began to grow up! The wasted hours and energy on arguing, competing and trying to keep up with the “Jones’” salted away in favor of those who wanted to mature in Christ and learn how to reach their community with what really mattered…Jesus.

You see when the energy we waste, through fighting, competing, gossip, offense, etc… is energy we use to focus on Jesus, as the center of all things, we began to experience community invigorated with spiritual energy. The result: evangelism, conversion and the road to discipleship. This has proven to be, time and time again, the best expenditure of one’s energy, focus and attention. Though we still have to battle with self and the urge to waste our spiritual energy, on the divisive, if we collectively focus our energy on Jesus, the Cross and the Kingdom we cannot help but experience the radical move of His Holy Spirit in our midst.

Doctors prescribe generic drugs but it is the chemists that promote branded medicines for profit. ordering levitra from canada Acute gastritis is a term covering a cheap viagra broad Spectrum of stinks. After getting informed tadalafil cialis with the points, you can order the medicine from the same site you have advised to visit. Age factor, chronic diseases and smoking are also closely related cheap cialis mastercard to erectile dysfunction in men. Ineffectiveness and hypocrisy, in the church, are often points of criticism today; and that assessment does possess some merit. One reason for the church’s weakness is the wasted energy and lack of teaching, on the Biblical Jesus, in our communities of faith. Without Him, living as the center of His church, the Holy Spirit will never visit our communities and revive us into Him. The “in Him” people of God are the body of Christ universal and that is very different from those who claim to be His but have little intention of knowing Him better, deeper or more intimately. Here too even the “shallow” and those who continue to waste their precious energies have been given the gracious invitation to experience His presence if they will commit to sharing Him without shame or apology; but such a commitment cannot live in the shallows for long because such a journey starts one on the road toward discipleship in Christ alone.

Many years after I left the ministry, I referenced earlier, I went back to that pastor and apologized for my behavior and role in wasting valuable energies. In a wonderful moment of reconciliation we reconnected with the things we most admired in each other. We shared in the celebration of our passion for Jesus and blessed one another as we continued to serve God in our respective callings. Of my many ministry experiences this one remains a powerful testimony of maturity and reunion that set us free to effectively minister to people without hurt, offense or frustration. I hope today’s post will serve to encourage you to stop wasting valuable energy and pursue the development of spiritual energy that will glorify the King and enrich the Kingdom.

Grace and Peace

JOSHUA

Christian Living, Inspirational

REMIND YOURSELF OF WHAT YOU BELIEVE IN

1119307895_1361235056As a pastor I am often sent, read or come across a variety of articles on leadership. In my opinion, most of the tried and true methods of motivation and management come from common sense thinking and Biblical living. But in some instances you don’t know what you don’t know; and even when you think you have a firm grasp of an important principle it always best to have your vision, mission and values revisited and carefully developed. A little over a ago I went through this exhaustive process, with another individual, and he greatly helped me refine some personal objectives as well as target some ministry focus. Honestly, the entire process was frustrating, at times, but in the final analysis I arrived at some helpful direction that even managed to carry over into some thoughts, on Jesus, I want to share with you.

One thing I learned from the process was the need to re-state, to yourself, your vision, mission and values. How helpful would this be, to every Christian, if they too began their journey by restating what they believed about Jesus? After all to say one is a Christian is supposed to mean said person is a Christ follower. But what happens when after stating what we believe about Jesus is not compatible with the bedrock of the Biblical Jesus?  Dare I say we may have arrived at the wrong Jesus? What is essential to the who, what, where, when and the why of Jesus is the Cross; and if we treat the Cross as an insignificant thing then we also loose sight of the mission, vision and values of God and His amazing plan for all creation.

All recorded history must pass through the intersection of the Cross. Great empires have come and gone. Wise philosophers, artisans and world-changers have passed through the pages of history; and they all must face and answer the reality of the Cross. We, as Christians, must especially remind ourselves what we believe about the Cross and Christ. If we adopt a mission, value or goal that strays from the Bible world-view then we will produce nothing of lasting value, or worse confusion. Every Christian is called to preach Jesus, and Him crucified, because there is genuine power in that reality. Too many people, Christians included, live trapped in a blind reality, absent of Him as Lord, when their freedom is in the Jesus who fully revealed His mission, goals and values to the entire world.

This week ask yourself, What do you believe about Jesus; and how did you arrive at your conclusion? If you didn’t arrive at Jesus through the Cross then double back, challenge yourself and be willing to restate your vision, mission and goals within the context of Him and the Cross. If you do you will rediscover what the Bible says about Jesus, “It pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe…We preach Christ crucified.”
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Something to ponder and act on.

Grace and Peace

JOSHUA

Christian Living, Inspirational, Motivational

WHAT ARE YOU FIXED ON?

bretonnian_battle_Standard_bearer_golden_demonOne of my favorite British TV series’ features Sean Bean, in a rare good guy role, titled Sharpe’s Rifles. The long mini-series follows the life of Richard Sharpe and his service to England’s imperial drive during the Napoleonic wars. Based on historical events the fictional Sharpe fights with honor, grit and cunning while also representing the lowest class of man in England’s colonial social structure. As the series progresses Sharpe is able to rise in rank, gain honor and eventually lead his own regiment of the Britain’s best and worst. As you may imagine Sharpe’s regiment is only as good as the men who serve his command; and though they all lack the social standing to sit at a dinner table they are more than capable of holding their own in a battle.

Every good expedition, or regiment, needs a compliment of team players and this theme is often visited throughout Sharpe’s journey. In one battle, while Sharpe and his men were fighting overwhelming French numbers, it seemed defeat was immanent. While French victory was certain Sharpe managed to rally his men, restore their courage and snatch triumph from the jaws of defeat. How did Sharpe’s regiment survive the day and capture the French standard? They kept their eyes fixed on their leader.

What or who are you fixed on? In the middle of crises or the depths of great despair where are your eyes fixed? The prophet Isaiah tells us that when our eyes are set on the Father our knowledge of His countenance is gained (Isaiah 53:1). Admittedly we quickly loose our courage when our eyes are not set on Him. The very purpose of a battle standard or war drums was to keep the soldier fixed on the lead. Therefore, as long as the flag was still raised or the drum still beating the soldier knew how to keep his focus and calm. But in “the fog of war” our eyes dart back and forth to the sounds of the enemy, the cries of desperation and the call to retreat; and sadly more people are lost or captured in a retreat then those who are facing their enemy head on.

For the Christian we all face a real enemy, everyday, and if our eyes are set on the standard of Jesus then we can never loose the battle. Certainly, we can become distracted in the fray of any moment and loose critical footing; but the standard of Christ has never fallen, and never will, so take courage and press on. When you feel lost in the battle, surrounded by your enemy or disarmed and unable to fight set your eyes upon Jesus and don’t loose your faith in Him. When, in the crisis, you make your stand for God His Spirit will always reinforce your position and when this happens victory is as certain as Him!

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keep-your-eyes-on-jesusBehold, as the eyes of servants look unto the hand of their master, … so our eyes wait upon the Lord our God. (Psalm 123:2)

Grace and Peace

JOSHUA

Christian Apologetics, Christian Living, Inspirational, Motivational

THE CHRISTIAN MONSTER CREATED BY APATHY, TEMPER & SELFISHNESS (AND THE CURE)

news3-maggyRobert E. Webber was an American theologian who wrote extensively on the relationship between the ancient church and the today’s modern church. In a development called the Convergence Movement Webber hoped to reintroduce Christianity’s ancient creeds, practices, worship, prayer and community into the culture of today’s Western Christianity desperately needing grounding,focus and renewed purpose.  While his topics and theme were both wide and deep, in their scope, a simple but profound truth leapt off the page for me: We live with paradoxes and need to return to the Biblical facts for grounding (more on this later).

Our fellowship, Maranatha Koinonia, began the transition from Western institutional church in search for true Biblical community about one year ago. Throughout the process some families and individuals left, hoping to connect with church that was more recognizable and convenient for societies standard of Christianity and fellowship.  But while some left others joined our fellowship largely due to what a true Biblical community represented and the promise, that if we reconnect to our ancient faith, we will better understand and reach our world. Webber calls today’s world one of a secular / spiritual paradox. On the one hand we have many people in search for spiritual connections and while this pursuit is sincere many are also unwilling to surrender the secular culture that pull them away from spirituality. We all sense this tug of war daily and we wake up with the conflict in our mind, body and spirit. Before we are actually able to devise an effective approach as to how we can conquer the paradox we must recognize victory will only ever be achieved if we get the “facts” correct from the beginning.

What “facts” am I referring to?  Remarkably if you ask a person about what Jesus actually said, or did, you will soon discover a myriad of one-liners, common grace works and a personal theology that casts Jesus from a mere moral mortal to a demi-god or to God in flesh. It isn’t very surprising in an age of secular / spiritual paradoxes that even Jesus can be, or is, anything but what He actually said of Himself; and this draws us back to the necessity of needing to know the facts. You see to actually know what Jesus said and why He did what He did requires the reader to look beyond the paradox and comprehend the “facts”, of Jesus, as revealed though an entire narrative from Genesis to Revelation. Such an approach, often referred to as Biblical Hebraic holism, capture not only the earthly ministry of Jesus but places His life within the context of prophecy, divinity and deity. This is why the facts can’t be glossed over or flatly ignored; because to do so creates a “Christian monster” that is far from Christian and every bit a dangerous monster.

What has contributed to the “Christian Monster?” You may be surprised to discover Webber’s paradox is not an invention of Modernity or Post-Modernity. In fact the paradox has always been with us; but until recently this paradox was held in check by disciplined discipleship and commitment to a Christianity that represented an entire Word of God (the Bible) world-view.  Webber cites, in his book Ancient – Future Evangelism a gathering of 450 churches, across multiple denominations and nations, which gathered to address the growing concern of the church’s place in society. Specifically this conference met to discuss the challenges of evangelism and discipleship and concluded, “The church is a mile wide but only one inch deep.” In 1999, when this conference was held, the crises was looming; and now living in 2014 the crises is a monster which has created a Christian faith that resembles very little from the ancient faith of the Patriarchs, Moses, the prophets, Jesus or the Apostles. I have uncovered at least three contributors to this monster and I would like to address them while also suggesting a cure.

1. APATHY:  lack of interest, enthusiasm, or concern (IE: widespread apathy among students). The very word makes us all cringe. We know it when we see it, we feel it when we are there and like a filthy weed we know it will rob life out of anything healthy. Apathy remains one of the significant poisons that has sapped the rich, vibrant faith of Christianity and replaced it with a yard that, from afar, looks green; but upon closer examination is little more than a large weed patch. Apathy is a great robber of all people and when apathy infects the Christian community of faith it always damages people’s belief in the integrity of God, His Word and His promises.

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3. “CARES OF THE WORLD” The last ingredient to the Christian monster is the one that feeds the here and now without ever considering the eternal. Too often we settle for quick, pat answers that have been formed in the shallowest pools of spiritual and intellectual thought. We have become the generation of one-liners and pass them along via Twitter and Facebook without really comprehending what they mean, relay or represent. Today we are inundated with a multitude of Christian writers that are passing little more than spiritual baby food that feeds the apathetic, temper-tantrum prone Christian monster. As we are called to mature in Him (Discipleship) anything that distracts us from Him (Jesus), and produces the wrong kind of attention back to us, needs to be starved.  St. Augustine prayed, ‘O Lord, deliver me from this lust of always vindicating myself.’

THE ANSWER: If we are called to live, move and have our being in Him (the Father) then we need the discernment of the Holy Spirit to help us see our world is trapped in the secular / spiritual paradox; and we must allow His discernment to turn our apathy, temper and selfishness into passion, calm and selflessness. When we really live according to Biblical holism then we will be able to see our world for what it is and what it is not. Only then can we effectively administer the only cure for the seeking, hurting and searching…the true Biblical Jesus in His own words from the beginning to the last amen. This is, and always has been, the only cure for the misguided person.

While I am convinced sick people can become addicted to living unhealthy, most people desire to be healthy. We want happy marriages, connected families, blessed children and most of all the reassurance of being safe. Safety, happiness, joy and community have always been in Him (Jesus) and the additives of “self” have done more harm to our bodies, and spiritual development, than good. To know Jesus is more than an intellectual ascent or a comforting warm and fuzzy. To really know Him is to know His Word and to know His Word is a life long pursuit of discipleship. Yes, it is hard work and the monstrous us will have to die in the process but the reward is, in this life and the age to come, Jesus the joy of man’s desire!

Grace and Peace

JOSHUA