Culture of Sacrifice

Church Planting requires Persistent Prayer

2012-01-26T19:40:00.002-06:00

Every week I spend at least one day doing sermon study in Beaumont. Until we sell our home in Groves I'm keeping an office near the house for study but I still make an intention effort to be around the people we hope to reach through our church plant, Cross Point. You might find me at Sertino's or Rao's part of that day but I also like meeting business owners and workers at various places in the Old Town neighborhood or in Downtown. The first thing I do when I get to Beaumont for the day is pray. I drive up and down the streets of "The Oaks" and pray for the residents-- mainly that God would awaken them to the glory of His gospel.

Presently our church is meeting on Wednesday nights for prayer as well. We begin by praying as a group for our church and for the community (using our five "core values" to guide us). Then we divide up between guys and ladies. This is time to share more personal needs and offer accountability for each other. I cannot emphasize how important it is to bathe everything we do in this planting process with prayer. In 2 Corinthians 1:11 Paul says, "You also must help us by prayer, so that many will give thanks on our behalf for the blessing granted us through the prayers of many." We do not call on others to join us in prayer (sharing "prayer requests") so that God might be convinced or browbeaten into doing what we think is right. Whatever God does-- whether we agree or understand-- IS RIGHT. We call others to join us in prayer so that when Christ is exalted through meeting our needs and responding to our requests more people will be aware of His glory and praise Him. The goal of prayer is to bring our will into alignment with the will of God so that Christ would be exalted.

We want Christ exalted through our lives and our infant church. We want Him exalted in our community. We want Him exalted in our marriages. We want Him exalted across the earth. So join us in prayer and pray with anticipation like David who said in Psalm 5:3, "O LORD, in the morning you hear my voice; in the morning I prepare a sacrifice for you and watch."

Tuesday Hodge-Podge (1-17-12)

2012-01-17T07:00:00.000-06:00

Interesting prediction about Best Buy, whatever happened to customer service?
Great interview with Jim Hamilton about his new book on Revelation. A must buy!
Mike Breen talks about why the corporate church won't work anymore.
Here is an interesting post about the identity of the serpent in Genesis 3.
Below is a video of John Piper interviewing Darrin Patrick about complimentarianism. This is an important issue in the church!

Why Biblical Manhood and Womanhood Matters from Desiring God on Vimeo.

First Impressions

2012-01-15T23:04:00.000-06:00

Cross Point has met for worship now for two Sundays. It is a lot of work but also a lot of fun. By fun I don't mean we're playing dodge ball (Murchison would dominate though). It has been such a joy serving alongside my friends and making new friends as we worship together, eat together, and seek to spread the gospel together. So here are my first impressions of the first two gatherings:

1. Simplicity is refreshing. We've intentionall kept things simple. We're not trying to bite off more than we can chew and even the worship service is bare bones. Yet it has been encouraging to see that Christ can still be exalted, the saints can still be equipped, and the gospel still be made clear without all the bells and whistles.

2. Eating together after worship is already becoming our relational glue. It is work to prepare and bring food and we'll definitely need to take some breaks from our fellowship supper at times but it is really precious time. We want everyone- married or single- feeling part of one family and not disjointed by their place in life. This meal time encourages unity, sharing, and hospitality. I love it!

3. The set-up and take-down creates buy-in. I'm certain this will grow more tedious especially after an already tiring weekend but at this point it is serving to wire something very important into our church's DNA: No one is a spectator. We are on mission together and we all contribute. I'm thankful for how everyone has pitched in already in one way or another (even guests).

4. Everything is a work in progress and that's okay. We have a lot of tweaking, refining, and polishing to do in a lot of areas but we're learning together. There's no one on pins and needles if something doesn't go just right because there's no one waiting to pounce. We're helping each other, encouraging each other, and loving each other. It is such a joy.

Are you defined by what you are against?

2012-01-11T07:00:00.000-06:00

One valuable lesson I've learned over the last year or so that is proving to be extremely helpful in church planting is: Don't define yourself by what you are against (or who might be against you). I've talked to too many church planters and pastors who now bemoan that they once tried to build their church and shape their own pastoral ministry by what they disagreed with. They made a mental list of what they didn't like, who they didn't like, and what they thought was done poorly and used that as sort of a reverse aim. These churches often come undone and are unsustainable. Why? Because we ought to be shaped by Christ. If your bar is set at being different (i.e. "better") than someone else or some other church then your standard is still fixed on fallen man.

Paul wrote in Colossians 3:1-2, "If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth."

When questioned about why you do a certain thing that might be different than many others be ready to explain Biblically why you do it. Your argument for why shouldn't begin with "Because what they are doing is wrong". Let the Bible do the talking. You will still rub some the wrong way and offend even if you speak "truth in love" but let the offense be clearly based on your convictions about God's Word and do not give the impression that it is just a matter of preference or personal opinion. Define yourself, your ministry, and your church by Christ. Our aim must always be to exalt Christ over man.

Tuesday Hodge-Podge (1-10-12)

2012-01-10T08:00:00.000-06:00

One of my favorite verses in the Bible that describes God's character, Jeremiah 29:11, is sadly often butchered and ripped from context to push an almost "prosperity gospel" message. Here is a good analysis of this great verse.
Michael Horton provides a helpful and convicting argument for a high view of the Lord's Day. (I am not a strict Sabbatarian and believe Christ is our Sabbath but recognize that we honor Christ as our Sabbath by setting apart a day to be unique for worship and rest.)
John Piper reminds us that strategy is good but prayer is better. This is a lesson I've learn in church planting these last few months.
This is a really interesting article about how Martin Luther was way ahead of his time when it comes to social media.
Michael Patton gives us a helpful chart and post about studying the Bible efficiently and effectively.

First Sunday with Cross Point

2012-01-09T15:11:00.002-06:00

Cross Point has begun in earnest! Yesterday we had our first "formal" gathering on the Lord's Day. We will be meeting for worship (followed by a fellowship supper), Lord willing every Sunday from now on out. For the next couple of months we'll be meeting at 4PM and eventually begin a morning worship service. The afternoon hour allows some of our partnering churches to come assist us in various ways. For example, yesterday I was greeted by members from Westgate Memorial Baptist in Beaumont and Jade Avenue Baptist in Port Arthur who helped us unload and set-up. JABC's pastor and family hung around to help us with childcare during worship. A group from First Baptist Groves joined us for worship which was a big encouragement! I'm thankful also for the many prayer partners we have out there and for the texts or emails I received yesterday reminding me that they were praying for us in their church services. What a blessing!

Our first service went great. Aside from the pastor's first Sunday jitters everything went so smooth but mostly I trust the Lord was honored which is our mission each Sunday. If Christ is exalted we have hit our target! I preached from Mark 1:1-15 as I began a series through the Gospel of Mark. My hope is to spend the next 20 weeks or so in the rich book of the Bible to get to know our King better and to better understand what He demands of those who follow Him. I firmly believe Cross Point will thrive if our lives are collectively shaped around our Lord and Savior! By God's grace and through the Spirit's sanctifying work that's our aim.

It was good to have friends come in support and to make new friends as well. We hope the Lord continues to draw people into our church family and we hope to engage people in the community with Christ's gospel as well. Continue to pray for us-- especially this Saturday as we'll be going into a nearby neighborhood to meet residents and distribute gospel tracts and church fliers. I'm praying our labor will yield fruit and praying the Lord will send us laborers for this harvest. Perhaps the Lord is leading you to be one of those laborers. Come help us this Sunday or come unite with us (even if for a short-term mission assignment) at Cross Point and help us plant a Christ-magnifying, Biblically-driven, gospel-living, community-engaging church!

Ready for Launch!

2012-01-05T22:30:00.002-06:00

This Sunday Cross Point begins its third critical stage of development: Mobilization. The first stage is actually continuous (must be) and is the Prayer/ Dreaming stage. For us this began back in the Spring of 2011. The second stage began last Summer and was the Planning/ Fundraising stage. I've been blessed to have two families come alongside ours to dig down in the trenches of this phase with us. We're also blessed with partnering churches and their pastors to help. Now it is time to moblize.

From January 8 through April 8 (which is Easter Sunday) we will be meeting every Sunday for worship and fellowship. These will be simple gatherings to exalt Jesus, hear from His Word, and break bread together so that we might build toward authentic and committed friendships. My expectations for these three months are:

1. To cull together a committed group of Christ-followers who will make up the core group of the church. These will be called upon to share of their time, talents, and treasures to the Kingdom work of the church in Beaumont (and beyond).

2. To dig through Mark's Gospel together and so be formed as a church family around the person of Jesus Christ.

3. To organize and implement Missional Community Groups (MCG's for lack of a catchier name). These groups will meet in homes and be smaller applications of the Biblical picture of the church as a missional faith community. Each group will include believers who are church members (in covenant by common confession) and will intentionally seek to pull in unbelievers or those believers not connected with a church family. Each group will be intentional about sharing and living out the gospel through community engagement. Each group will be intentional about investing in one another and building each other up.

4. To introduce ourselves to the Old Town/ Downtown community through canvassing efforts and through hospitality.

5. To identify and begin training leadership-- particularly men to lead in their homes and in the church.

That will bring us to the next stage: Deployment. This will also be continuous. We will be putting our MCG's into full application. We will be expanding our gospel footprint in the city. We will formalize covenant church membership (yep, that is Biblical and critical). There's lots of other stuff I could say to this but first up is this Sunday. Pray for us. Join us. Spread the word.

My Unusual Year in Review

2011-12-31T21:23:00.003-06:00

The year 2011 began with me beginning a new expositional preaching series through Galatians at Memorial Baptist Church. Though we'd just come through a year (2010) that saw visitors to the church nearly every Sunday and a few new members added the overall participation of members was down and giving was down. The mood at the church was mixed-- some optimism and some growing concern about the future vitality of the church. I was excited about beginning a new year-- especially about some specific outreach efforts being organized and about preaching through Galatians. However a series of circumstances had me seeking discerning counsel from a few fellow pastors. I was wrestling with how to lead the church and whether the Lord might be redirecting my life and ministry. My resolve was to continue to lead the flock the Lord had called me to and specifically lead them with expositional preaching and toward a more gospel-driven ministry. Until the Lord made clear a different direction I would stay the course.

Then February rolled around and late that month while home for a brief lunch break and almost out the door to go back to my office for sermon prep my wife caught me and uttered these few words, "Um... there's a chance I might be pregnant." It was surreal but I was careful to be excited until we were sure. Soon after we were sure and it was like 2009 all over again as we prepared for our second child. So on the homefront, things were great and the blessings were overflowing. On the church front, things were much more challenging for a variety of reasons but in hindsight the difficulties were also blessings-- the Lord was using highs and lows for my sanctification and to carry out His purposes.

March marked the third anniversary of my pastorate (I was actually voted on and "called" in late February but my first day on the job was Easter Sunday, March 23). It also brought a couple inquiries from other churches about my potential candidacy for their pastorate openings. Though nothing every developed with those churches the inquiries forced me to examine my present ministry with more discernment and pray more about my hopes and convictions about where the church should be in the future. I remember casually chatting with my wife and fellow pastors about "if I was starting from scratch" (i.e. if there were no obstacles to substantive change) here's how we would apply the Biblical convictions I have about the church at Memorial. These chats grew more frequent. Don't get me wrong, I was still (and am still) deeply burdened for my Memorial church family. It just became more obvious that the kinds of applications I wanted to make from the New Testament for the church were in stark contrast to how much change an older congregation with many established norms could handle. So the question became obvious-- am I the man to lead Memorial in these changes over many years or is the Lord prompting me to make these applications more quickly in a different context?

The week before Easter, in mid-April my wife and I (along with our friends John and Tara Jones- John pastors Jade Avenue Baptist Church nearby) trekked off to an Expository Preaching Conference in Arkansas. This conference and the church that hosted it would be a major catalyst in discerning the direction God was leading my life and ministry. To make a long story a little less long, the Lord used His godly servants David Miller, Hershael York, Derek Westmoreland, and my friend John Jones that week to challenge me in the areas of preaching, faithfulness, courage, and kingdom-focus. Blair and I soaked up a lot. We reflected on it and talked about it for days and days afterward. I knew at this point that I didn't need to go to another existing church when I was already serving one-- the Lord certainly leads pastors to different congregations but it wasn't what He had for me.

In early May I was spending time with my boy outside. He was playing and I was scribbling notes-- ideas, dreams, thoughts, convictions, etc etc. What I ended up with after that journaling session (interrupted often with calls from my son to wrestle or throw a ball around) were six "vision points". These were the refined and specific targets I wanted to lead the church but when I put the pen down I knew I had written the mapping points for a new church. I brewed over that for a few days and was afraid to tell my wife what had become obvious to me... the Lord had been preparing us and was now directing us to plant a church.

When I finally spilled my guts to my wife she was remarkably supportive and affirming. Now it should be said she has always been a remarkably supportive and affirming wife but this was a big deal to drop on her and shock or reluctance would have been understandable. We talked and prayed about it a lot. I studied the Book of Acts a lot in those critical days of discernment. I sat down with John and with Joe Worley (the pastor of FBC Groves who I'd served under and who is now our lead sponsor church) and talked to other pastors I trusted as well. These discerning men offered challenging questions but ultimately affirmed the Holy Spirit's leadership in this. Then came what Blair and I refer to as "the couch moment". We'd been talking about church planting so much it was becoming distracting to my ministry at Memorial so we had to get serious. If we were going to work toward a transition from Memorial to church planting I had to begin focusing my ministry at Memorial on preparing them for that transition and for their future without my leadership. This wasn't something to casually talk about anymore. It was decision time. So one afternoon while Asher napped we sat on the couch, prayed about it again, and I asked, "Are we going to do this or not?" Blair's response, "I'm with you all the way."

The big question was where to plant. Intitially we landed on Houston-- specifically in the Heights/ Timbergrove/ Garden Oaks area around the 610 Loop. My roots were in Houston and that area of the city, due to gentrification, had seen a boom in population. There was and still is a big need for more healthy, Biblical, and missional churches there. I met with pastors in Houston and with a local Baptist association worker-- I even took a job interview with a secualar business in the event we did a parachute-drop church plant. Everyone was helpful and encouraging but basically doors closed. I can't explain it and for about half-a-day I was discouraged. The discouragement quickly gave way to anticipation. I knew the Lord was calling us to plant a church but I saw the closed doors as Him protecting me from my ambitions to make way for His plans. The Lord used those days to teach Blair and I so much about faith.

There was a key week in June when we laid aside any talk of "how about here or there". We just prayed and waited. In quick order the Lord used godly counsel from several godly men to challenge us to consider Beaumont. Initially we'd ruled out any place close to Memorial because we didn't want the perception to be that I was mad about something and took my toys to the sandbox across the playground. However that worry was silly. The Lord planted us in Southeast Texas and given me a burden for the area-- Beaumont is the hub of this area so it made sense. There are a lot of other reasons for Beaumont but that's another blog post.

By late July it was time to tell the leadership at Memorial. I had no idea how they'd react. We were not going to begin planting the new church in earnest until January 2012 because it would take time to raise funds, gather a core group, and put together a coalition of churches to help us plant. So the risk was, what if the deacons felt this was too long a time for a "lame-duck" pastor to stay on the field. My hope was to use the remaining five months of 2011 to help Memorial prepare for the transition and give them stability in leadership through the end of the year while I simultaneously worked to get the support structure in place to plant in 2012. What if they didn't go for it? There was no plan B. There was only faith. Of course transparency was just the right thing to do. So I told the deacons and while they were saddened (and some were understandably a little angry at first) they committed to be supportive. The chairman of the deacons, Norman Russell was and is a gem-- so supportive, encouraging, and affirming-- he stood on the platform with me when I announced the news to the congregation in August.

The last five months have had their difficulties. Not everyone was supportive of the transition plan but that's okay. I didn't expect unanimity. Tears were shed at times but no blood. In the end the Lord used these last five months at Memorial to better me and I trust, to better Memorial. I actually believe they were some of the most productive months of my ministry at Memorial. I pray the Lord used my preaching and leadership to equip the saints for the work of the ministry there. He also used these months to gather a core group, connect eight partnering churches, and raise funds necessary to plant Cross Point Church in January 2012. We'll launch on January 8 (more on that in the next post). Of course the sweetest day of the year came on November 1 when my baby girl was born. I'm so thankful to the Lord for His sustaining graces and especially for His saving grace, without which nothing this year or any year would have any lasting value or meaning. I'm eager to see what God will do in 2012-- through both highs and lows-- for the advancing of His kingdom, for the stretching of my faith, and for His glory through my new church and through my home.

Five things I'll miss from Memorial

2011-12-19T21:33:00.001-06:00

This Sunday will mark my final Sunday as pastor of Memorial Baptist Church in Port Arthur. My ministry began on Easter in March of 2008 and will conclude on Christmas. Prior to my time at Memorial I served three different congregations over a ten year period as a youth pastor but the saints at Memorial were the first for me to shepherd as Pastor. I've learned a lot over these last few years, had my share of grief and joy as a pastor, and made friendships that I pray will endure for many years to come. Here are a few thoughts about what I'll especially miss when I move on in 2012:

1. Senior Adults who are excited about learning the Bible. When you are over 70 it is probably easy to assume you've heard it all or learned all you need... and they have heard and learned a lot. I was blessed with senior saints who still had youthful enthusiasm to learn about Christ.

2. Senior Adults who are committed friends. Again, I don't plan to shake loose of these friendships but I won't see them every Sunday and unfortunately church planting rarely draws in the elderly. I'm concerned that my kids won't get to see "old people" worship and learn from them as part of a church family. My wife and I are very sensitive to not wanting our kids thinking youthful strength is more valuable to the Kingdom that long-term, enduring, aged faith.

3. All the behind-the-scenes servants. There are men and women at Memorial who serve and do ministry all the time but never get noticed. They like it that way. They aren't likely to be the ones with titles or those speaking the loudest in business meetings. They just faithfully live out the gospel. I'm thinking of names and faces but if I starting naming them I'd miss one and they don't want to be named anyway.

4. The Sanctuary. Or auditorium. Or worship center. Or whatever is the trendy thing to call the place where the church gathers for worship. I know the church isn't a building but Memorial has a beautiful building that helps set the tone for a reverent time of worship. Go by and check it out sometime. It is in my top ten coolest places of worship.

5. The generous spirit of the congregation. These folks are givers. I'm not just talking about my salary though they did generously meet my family's needs. They are generous, sacrificial and cheerful givers to mission work, local ministry, benevolence ministry, etc etc. I pray Cross Point becomes such a giving church.

Tuesday Hodge-Podge (12-13-11)

2011-12-13T06:00:00.000-06:00

Here is a great resource to study church history.
9 Marks has a lot of great resources but I am finding their insight on congregational worship extremely helpful right now.
Here are twelve things to celebrate this Christmas.
Below is a video of Soma Communities (church) and their work in the community that adorns (doesn't substitute for) the gospel:

Soma Communities Sacred Space - Thea Foss Waterway, Tacoma, WA from Soma Communities on Vimeo.

Houston Texans: 2011 AFC South Division Champs!

2011-12-12T07:06:00.001-06:00

(My blog post title still feels a little unreal to type)

I resist posting about sports nearly every week. It would be very easy for me to turn this into a blog on my opinions of various sports' stories. The thing is, there is very little I could talk about that would be much benefit to the church or fellow pastors-- which is my aim. So I muzzle my sports thoughts and focus my energies toward other matters.

Not today...

"My team" finally clinched a play-off birth yesterday and I was euphoric. My wife was laughing at me because of how silly the Texans' victory made me last night. I don't have a college team to root for (though my alma mater is soon to add a football program) and my childhood team moved away (the Houston Oilers). As a Houston native I was bred to have nothing but disdain for the Cowboys so for the last decade I've had to root for a team that only knew losing. I don't count 8-8 seasons or the one 9-7 non-play-off season as "winning". Nothing was really accomplished. The Oilers had some really good teams and some really epic chokes (Bills in '92 and Chiefs in '93 in my memory... I'm too young to remember the Steelers' battles of the late 70's, though I've heard the tales). The Texans however have never really choked... they just didn't breathe in the first place. They've invented new and painful ways to torture their fans-- I really can't believe the Texans have such a faithful fan base in Houston.

Now, they are winners. It is especially satisfying how they've won their division. Their best receiver (arguably one of the best in the NFL) has been injured for most of the season. Their star running back wasn't healthy for the first quarter of the season. Their best defensive player, out for the year. Their starting QB and back-up QB, out for the year. Their star middle linebacker has been hurting all year too. Their 3rd string QB is a rookie no one ever heard of from North Carolina (they play a sport other than basketball??). Yet this team is tough and determine. That's inspiring and that's my team!

This Sunday's "Special Music" during the Offertory?

2011-12-10T06:47:00.001-06:00

O, Holy Night is a Christmas classic and while we should not take the Lord Jesus lightly it is another thing to take ourselves lightly as this music professional did in recording the worst rendition of the song ever. Enjoy a good laugh and listen below. Also, here is the story behind this version of the song.

Responding to Disagreeable Disagreers

2011-12-07T08:42:00.001-06:00

Not everyone thinks that the way you think is as brilliant as you think it is. That's a humbling slap in the face that is coming if it hasn't already (many times over). How should you respond to people who disagree with you or even criticize your view, beliefs, or practices? Well let's dispense with the obvious... if you are violating Scripture and you are confronted by it (even if those doing the confronting aren't nice or are "judgmental") you who are indwelt with the Spirit will repent and you who are not (because you have not put faith in Christ) must repent and believe on Christ as Lord for the redemption of your sins (1 John 1:8-9).

What about if you have certain Biblical convictions about doctrine or about how to live out said doctrine? What if--gasp--someone doesn't agree with you pastor on who you are "doing church"? I've got folks that have shared their differences with me recently so this is no foreign subject. The first reaction (but hopefully not last) is to get irritated, angry, or defensive. That can easily grow into division with Christian brothers or sisters and bitterness in your heart. Don't go there! Don't let the enemy bring further disgrace to the Body of Christ!

Consider what Proverbs 9:8-9 says, "Do not reprove a scoffer, or he will hate you; reprove a wise man, and he will love you. Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be still wiser; teach a righteous man, and he will increase in learning." What do you prove yourself to be when given reproof, instruction, or teaching? Even if the one communicating the instruction doesn't have all the facts, makes assumptions, seems mean-spirited, or just isn't nice about it do you prove yourself wise and righteous by your response? Here's my two cents in responding to disagreeable disagreers:

1. Hear them out and don't say anything until they are finished and you've had at least a few moments to think through the context and meat of their concerns.

2. As much as is possible, avoid responding over email or texting so that your tone is not confused (and so that you don't say things you'd never have the guts to say in person).

3. Hold their counsel up to Scripture. Even if they had in-Christlike intentions or tone is there anything in their content that the Spirit is using to correct?

4. If nothing else (even if their concerns are baseless and unkind) count it as an opportunity for the Lord to teach you humility and kindness. Christ endured far far far worse!

5. Remember it is not the end of the world if someone disagrees. It doesn't make them your enemy. It doesn't make them a reprobate. It doesn't mean you are a martyr-- so don't feel so sorry for yourself.

6. If their perception isn't reality analyze how you might be creating an inaccurate perception and correct that.

7. Be willing to invest time and friendship to foster clarity. Answer their questions with transparency and be ready to defend what you believe and what you do with Scripture.

8. Keep in mind it is possible you might be wrong.

9. Aim to please Christ. Those who likewise want to please Christ will be pleased but more importantly, He is our Lord and deserves that devotion.

Tuesday Hodge-Podge (12-6-11)

2011-12-06T06:00:00.000-06:00

This is an excellent article from an unlikely media source. It is titled "How to Shrink Your Church".
I remember reading a book that argued churches should operate like Starbucks- the supposed model for the "third place". Maybe not such good counsel after all...
Michael Patton talks about the trouble with C.S. Lewis and explains what it has to do with Rob Bell.
We need to guard against idol worship with celebrity preachers (even the good ones) but it is good to listen to those who have proven to be faithful expositors- like these.
I came across this a while back but forgot to link to it... some well-thought-out tips on memorizing (like Scripture, hint hint) from an expert.

It is Star Wars Saturday!

2011-12-03T06:00:00.000-06:00

Just for fun... no redeeming value... except some good laughs!

How are you applying the "3-hour-a-day" rule?

2011-12-02T10:06:00.001-06:00

Jim Hamilton has an excellent post to challenge mastering the Biblical languages. In the challenge there is also the sobering reality of what it takes to master anything. He cites Malcolm Gladwell and the "3-hour-a-day" rule to master anything. In essence if you want to be really excellent at something it will require you to devote 3 hours a day to it. We are willing to work at a lot for a "pay off" (jobs, hobbies, etc) but assume things like our growth in Christ, our marriage (or relationships with children), our evangelistic faithfulness, and our church fellowship should just happen with little effort. Wrong!

What of those things I just mentioned do you dedicate at least 3 hours a day to? This is convicting to me! On the flip side the average person watches 4 hours of television a day. What in those programs is being mastered in your life? If you are devoting that kind of time to it then you will master it, like it or not. We need to think about what we are devoting ourselves to, what we need to abandon or limit, and what we need to be devoting our minds and time toward to excel to the glory of God!

Not as bad as you thought it was

2011-11-30T07:40:00.001-06:00

My wife and I have had several conversations lately about how much easier it was with just one child but how we didn't realize it until our second came. In fact I can't imagine why I was ever tired or stressed before children! It is sort of human nature to lack perspective. Whatever challenges you're facing in the moment seem like the most insurmountable... until other challenges come. Of course hindsight allows us to see the Lord's hand in every circumstance and challenge. It allows us to see how He used those circumstances to shape us and prepare us for the next set of circumstances. This is one of the many rewards of faith as Romans 5:1-5 explains. So whatever seems overwhelming in the moment realize that by faith the Lord is using it to refine and there will be a day when you'll look back and see that. You'll realize it was not as bad as you thought it was.

Tuesday Hodge-Podge (11-29-11)

2011-11-29T09:07:00.001-06:00

Here's a cool story about one of my former profs and the dean of Southwestern Seminary's Houston Campus going to Africa because of a letter sent to his deceased grandfather.
Paul Copan debunks some myths about the first Christmas.
I just finished a series (34 sermons) over Galatians and found this post by Thabiti Anyabwile helpful.
I love a meaty prayer meeting and these thoughts from Kevin DeYoung were helpful to think through how to have a more focused prayer meeting.
Jim Hamilton gives an example from Princeton Seminary that shows the danger of not watching your life and doctrine closely.

Finishing Galatians and Boasting in the Cross!

2011-11-26T19:06:00.001-06:00

Lord willing, tomorrow I'll be preaching the last sermon in a series through Paul's Letter to the Galatians. This series (34 sermons in all) has been a real challenge for me personally. The Lord has used Paul's words to the churches of Galatia to speak to my heart as it concerns walking by faith and putting no confidence in the flesh. He closes the letter with a charge to "boast only in the cross". This charge will be the concern of my final sermon in the series. I love John Piper's quote on this verse regarding what it means to boast only in the cross:

For redeemed sinners, every good thing- indeedevery bad thing that God turns for good- was obtained for us by the cross ofChrist. Apart from the death of Christ, sinners get nothing but judgment. Apartfrom the cross of Christ, there is only condemnation… all your rejoicing in allthings should therefore be a rejoicing in the cross where all your blessingswere purchased for you at the cost of the death of the Son of God, JesusChrist.

Everygood thing God gives you is to be enjoyed and used to declare the glory of Godthrough the cross of Christ. Every bad thingthat God turns for good is to be appreciated and used to glorify the cross ofChrist. Wehave nothing to celebrate if not for the cross of Christ. The death of Jesus to atone for our sins and Hisresurrection to justify us to God makes everything worth rejoicing. This boast is by the incredible grace of God which comes by the flesh? No... but by faith alone! Soli Deo Gloria!

Tuesday Hodge-Podge (11-22-11)

2011-11-22T07:00:00.000-06:00

Church discipline is a very misunderstood doctrine (yes it is a Biblical doctrine) so here is a helpful article on the subject.
Consider the wonder of God's sovereignty...
This is an excellent post warning those of the Reformed ilk against joyless Calvinism.
I thought this was a joke at first. Sadly it is not. Don't cheapen what Christ commanded and handed down to His disciples to publicly declare their radical faith in Him.

Practice Hospitality!

2011-11-16T07:00:00.000-06:00

Jeff Vanderstelt on the importance of hospitality. Sadly, I think this is a lost practice in the church but must be recovered as it adorns the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Jeff Vanderstelt // Hospitality & the Church in America from Newfrontiers USA on Vimeo.

Tuesday Hodge-Podge (11-15-11)

2011-11-15T10:02:00.001-06:00

The scandal at Penn State over alleged child sexual abuse caused me to do some research on abuse statistics. I was shocked that 1-in-4 girls in our country are abused in our country and 1-in-6 boys (before the age of 18). Christians must be alert to protect these weak ones against those who would bring such violence against them. Mark 9:42.
Tired of hearing the word "missional". The bottom shelf meaning is simply every Christian intentionally carrying out Christ's redemptive mission in daily life. Here are eight ways to be missional.
If you are in or around the Golden Triangle you ought to consider attending this conference (on Biblical Worldview) with Dr. Jobe Martin this weekend (Nov 18-19).
I've recently encountered both Calvinist and Arminian (and those in between or not at all) with one common characteristic in their view of the church-- they are consumeristic. David Platt challenges us here on this issue plaguing local churches.
"We're not as big or important as we think we are." That's just one statement by Trevin Wax in this helpful post about the SBC's consideration of a name change.

Reality of Sin in Happy Valley

2011-11-10T09:47:00.001-06:00

The Penn State tragedy (the tragedy is that young boys were assaulted, not that a football program or school has a black-eye) has reminded me of a few realities in this world we live in…

1. No place… not even “Happy Valley” is insulated from sin and the depravity of man.

2. This abhorrent crime against children occurred at a prestigious academic institution in the locker room of a powerhouse athletic program so we see money, education, and athletic glory do not provide the answers to curing man’s deepest problem.

3. Sin is infectious. Consider how one man’s sexual deviance elicited so many others to be deceitful and morally reckless.

4. The consequences of a few men’s sins literally have affected thousands… first and foremost the boys and their families. Then consider as these boys become men (some already are) and how this abuse will affect their marriages and their children. The consequences will also (to a different and lesser degree than the victims) be felt by those football players and coaches (who may have trouble finding work just because of their association with those involved) who had no direct connection to the actions of a few. Finally consider those countless men who do have integrity and give of their time to teaching and coaching young boys—they will face undeserved scrutiny and suspicion because of one monstrous pervert.

5. None are righteous. Sin radically affects every part of us and no part of us came through the Fall unscathed. We may not act as badly as we could (or as badly as those involved in this scandal) but we all act on our sinful condition rendering us unrighteous and unfit to glorify and enjoy a holy God. Thanks be to Him that He is also a loving and merciful God. He provided a Redeemer and rescues undeserving men and women like me from the condemnation we deserve to an everlasting and all-satisfying relationship with Him.

Pray for those involved in this scandal that God would—as He wills—show justice and mercy. Pray especially for these afflicted boys that they will find comfort, healing, and ultimate restoration in the Redeemer, Jesus Christ.

My Padawan

2011-11-03T10:20:00.001-05:00

One of the highlights of my week were these moments caught on camera. For a brief few minutes big brother took some interest in his new little sister.

Happy Birthday Piper Clair!

2011-11-01T19:56:00.000-05:00

It is not often you wake up and know that today is going to be one of the best days of your life. We woke today with a scheduled c-section planned and as the Lord willed we welcomed our new daughter into the world late this afternoon. Mother and baby are doing great! Asher is a happy big brother but mostly because all his grandparents are here to spoil him! We are so thankful and so blessed. Our Lord is overflowingly gracious. Here are a couple pics of my new girl (and my best girl, her mother and my wife)...

Don't Waste Your Halloween

2011-10-31T10:14:00.000-05:00

To be completely honest I don't really care for Halloween. What was once a day for kids to dress up and get candy has become one more excuse for "grown-ups" to act childish. Furthermore I don't care for the day's emphasis on fear, gore, and sexuality (Have you seen some of the costumes for women hanging in stores??!!). I'd rather celebrate today as Reformation Day-- which is far more historically and spiritually meaningful. However, for better or worse we're stuck with Halloween as a growing phenomenon on October 31 so don't waste the opportunities it presents.

Tonight will be one of the few times in our impersonal culture when you can knock on a neighbor's door or strangers can knock on yours and the expected reception is friendliness. It will be like the 50's and 60's again when neighbors actually interacted with each other and opened their front porches to each other. So as a Christian, don't waste this. Keep your porch light on. Be hospitable. Give out candy (and gospel tracts or invitations to your church's worship). Remember that unbelievers will actually be coming to your door-- or you can go to their's! You don't have to endorse everything about this day to demonstrate Christ-likeness. Redeem the night by practicing gospel living on your front porch.

Piper is just around the corner!

2011-10-28T23:42:00.002-05:00

In less than four days we will be inviting a new life into our family (via scheduled c-section). It is all very exciting and overwhelming at the same time. There's no doubt the Lord will use our new daughter to be a blessing but also to build our faith. New responsibilities, new challenges, and new uncertainties will be included in each day. I trust the Lord will use all these things to teach us more about how to parent by grace and grow in our marriage by grace. Of course this faith-building will also happen by all the moments of joy that accompany having a child. So in these remaining days Blair and I are praying up and resting up (while Asher enjoys some grandparent time)... eagerly anticipating the debut of the new life God created nine months ago, our daughter Piper!

Tuesday Hodge-Podge (10-25-11)

2011-10-25T07:44:00.000-05:00

Tim Challies proposes a theory on why Halloween has morphed into such a popular adult holiday. I concur.
Steve Lawsom has posted some great biographical snapshots over at Ligonier leading up to Reformation Day (here's his intro) on Martin Luther, Ulrich Zwingli, and William Tyndale (so far).
Kevin DeYoung offers some insight into things churches ought to think through concerning mercy ministry.
Jim Hamilton shares his take on why Harry Potter may not be the harbinger of Satanism (sarcasm) that many Christians seem to fear.
Thom Rainer suggests "five warning signs of a sick church". I especially want to amen #4.

Church in the City

2011-10-20T06:00:00.000-05:00

Tim Keller offers a helpful challenge for churches to engage the city with gospel proclamation and gospel living. He says for example, "Cities are strategic and have lots of people yet they are poorly served by the church." This is not to discount the need for rural-based churches or suburban-based churches but we must continue to engage the city. It is just under 20 minutes and well worth it.

Tim Keller Argues For Churches In Cities [Lausanne] from Kenny Jahng on Vimeo.

Grow what?

2011-10-19T06:00:00.000-05:00

On Sunday nights I've been leading a study through the "Seven Churches of Revelation" and this has been helpful to both warn and challenge. We talked last week about the desire for church growth. Depending on the motive and aim of that desire it could be a healthy and God-pleasing desire or it could be a desire reflecting selfishness and spiritual deadness. It is good to want the kingdom of God to grow and when the kingdom expands new disciples are added to established churches and new churches are started. So numerical growth is a byproduct of kingdom growth. Of course kingdom growth comes by faithful gospel proclamation and the gracious work of God using that proclamation to awaken a spiritual zombie (walking dead- Ephesians 2:1-2) to a new life in Christ. If you really desire true church growth you will faithfully proclaim and live out the gospel. You will invest time in unbelievers to lead them to understanding the gospel of the Lord Jesus. You will invest your life into new believers to help them grow as disciples of the Lord Jesus. So do you really want your church to grow?

I'm vexed by those who say they want church growth but seem apathetic about faithfulness to the Great Commission. Unfortunately what some people mean by "church growth" is actually club growth. They have a club that they don't want to go away. They have identity in that club and influence in that club that requires more people to surround that club to validate it. So the desire for more people to come to the church is not due to a love for Jesus and a desire to see Him magnified and enjoyed in another person's life. The desire for more people to come is so that the club would be magnified and enjoyed. I was encouraged as those who were present last Sunday night resoundingly responded that they did not want to be satisfied with "club growth" but wanted God to grow His church. I pray that is the desire of all our churches and that we'd guard ourselves from the spiritual deadness that permeated churches like the one in Sardis 2000 years ago.

Tuesday Hodge-Podge (10-18)

2011-10-18T09:00:00.001-05:00

Questions about Mormonism and its divergence from orthodox Christianity have become a hot topic again (due to Mitt Romney's presidential candidacy and LDS membership). Kevin DeYoung offers Mormonism 101.
So were Old Covenant believers permanently indwelt with the Holy Spirit? This is a good study topic and a question presented to me recently. Murray says yes. Hamilton says no.
Here is an interesting take on the spectrums of theological truth from Justin Taylor.
I'm planting a church but I pray established churches will maintain a pioneer mindset toward evangelism that most new churches start with. Here are 5 Ways Established Churches should think like Plants.
Here are ways you can think and act more missionally/ evangelistically among your neighbors.

Marriage Ceremonies & Cohabitation

2011-10-07T19:07:00.001-05:00

Christianity Today asks the question of various ministers whether they would marry a couple who was co-habitating. I'm happy to help a couple that is repentant and thus willing to share separate habitations until they enter their marriage covenant. In that case it would be my joy to officiate the ceremony. Naturally these can be gospel-sharing opportunities as well. If they (professing to be Christians) are not willing to repent I would not do the ceremony because I'd want them to understand the seriousness and sanctity of the covenant. Al Mohler is better worded and spot on in his response.

"Pastors are stewards of a biblical understanding of sexuality. Marrying cohabiters miscommunicates the teaching function of marriage. I would only marry couples that were repentant, had forsaken the sin of cohabitating, and sought the remedy of marriage. Marriage does not simply validate the long-term commitment of a couple whose relationship has been based upon cohabitation. There's another problem, which has to do with the fact that pastors are not the only stewards of marriage. In other words, marriage is accessible to persons outside the church. So when the church allows a marriage to take place within its life, it should be validating this in a way that goes beyond marriage as a creation institution and gets to what marriage is teaching in the ceremony of the church and the church's stewardship of marriage."

HT: TC

Tuesday Hodge-Podge (10-4-11)

2011-10-04T06:00:00.000-05:00

Considering what lies ahead I found these "5 tests church planters face" helpful.
R.W. Glenn hits a homerun on "Unpragmatic Pragmatism".
Regardless of your political slant this is an interesting article on presidential candidate Herman Cain from the Wall Street Journal.
Michael Horton responds to a response that concerns using Leviticus in a misguided way. Good stuff.
Tom Ascol says "Every pastor needs some Gandalf in him". He's referring to more than the cool beard.

Do you want to help plant a church?

2011-10-03T11:16:00.003-05:00

In Spring 2012 a new church will be planted in Beaumont Texas. The core group of Cross Point Church is already meeting regularly but more "planters" are needed. In January 2012 we'll begin meeting for worship and fellowship every Sunday night and on March 18, 2012 we'll launch the public Sunday morning worship service and our home-based "Life Groups". There's a lot to do between now and then. Many fellow churches are coming on board to support the planting effort but more core group members are needed.

If you are interested or know of someone you'd like to commend to be part of this core group read THIS first. Now pray about what you've read or who you'd like to commend. Next, attend our Core Group Informational Meeting on October 11. Please email me for the time and location if you're serious about attending (email: jbradshaw77 [at] gmail [dot] com). We want to make sure there is plenty of space for everyone.

What Happened to Authentic Community?

2011-09-30T13:42:00.002-05:00

This is a "trailer" for a new book by Brad House called Community: Taking your Small Group Off Life Support.
HT: JT

Humility through a Mini-Van

2011-09-28T09:10:00.001-05:00

This week started off pretty rough. By Monday afternoon I was exhausted- not physically but in all the other ways that aren't so easily remedied. Perhaps the breaking point came when after running an errand with my wife and son that evening I hit the button for the sliding door to open in our van so I could unbuckle my son. It didn't open. I tried the button on my key chain. It didn't work either. In the last three months we've spent almost $600 in vehicle repair and I immediately began to envision what it would cost to fix the power doors. On top of all the other issues I'd had to deal with in the previous 24 hours this I did not need.

Suddenly I was convicted that I had made two critical mistakes. First, and most grievously I was dipping into the well of anger, frustration, bitterness, and doubt. The last of which was essentially questioning the Lord's provision. Who was I to get upset?? The Lord is ever-gracious and if He can deliver me from sin's clutches He will provide the funds to fix my van. On top of that, it is just a thing. He's blessed me and my family with great health and we have another child on the way. My cup runneth over so I realized immediately I needed to cool my jets.

My second critical mistake had a more practical consequence. I didn't hit the unlock button and oh yeah genius, power doors don't work when locked. Boy, did I feel stupid. Subtract impatience and add common sense. It's amazing how much better the day goes. Of course that's a lesson that in hindsight would avoid much heartache. The Lord is gracious to humble me through a mini-van!

Tuesday Hodge-Podge (9-27-11)

2011-09-27T06:00:00.000-05:00

Slam dunk on the NBA by Malcolm Gladwell
Check out the actual Dead Sea Scrolls online
No Hollywood ending for Moneyball and Billy Beane
Six simple reasons to be a faithful church member
Courageous looks to be a good and spiritually edifying movie-- here are good thoughts about it.

Need to laugh off the Monday funk?

2011-09-26T15:52:00.002-05:00

Let's Be Clear

2011-09-24T06:00:00.000-05:00

I've said a lot here recently about being missional and I don't want to be misleading. You can love being on mission with Jesus and not love Jesus. A more classic way to say that is you can be very religious about Jesus stuff and not have a relationship with Jesus. So I want to be clear that the gospel is not working for Jesus or rebuilding your community or feeling more fulfilled because you are doing Jesus stuff. The gospel is the good news that God sent His Son as Redeemer for those who are utterly hopeless and dead in sin... by His work on the cross atonement is accomplished to bring us into relationship with God... a relationship of knowing, enjoying, and glorifying God forever. By faith alone the work of Christ is applied and this is an act of God's sovereign grace. That transformation (the regenerating work of the Holy Spirit) implants in us a growing passion and dedication to spread God's glory through gospel proclamation and demonstration.

Here is a good video on the gospel (and what the gospel is not) that is helpful on my point:

Baptized Four Times from The Gospel Coalition on Vimeo.

How will you use these final 100 Days?

2011-09-23T09:36:00.000-05:00

All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us.
Today marks the first official day of Fall (the Autumnal Equinox) but it is also the first day of the last 100 days of the year. I remember well writing out goals and resolutions for my first 100 days as pastor at Memorial Baptist in Port Arthur. Many of those goals and all of the resolutions got carried over beyond those first days. Now I'm at my final 100 days as pastor of Memorial before diving full-in with planting Cross Point Church in Beaumont. So I'm thinking and praying a lot about finishing well and how my leadership and ministry with the saints at Memorial would be most edifying and most glorifying to God. I'm a list guy so naturally I've made another list of goals (my resolutions remain) for these last weeks and days of 2011.

Have you thought about your final 100 days of 2011? We put a lot of stock in "New Year's Resolutions" which usually fizzle by March. How about putting more thought into finishing well. Consider Ephesians 5:15-16, "Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil." Give thought and prayer today to what you'll do with the remaining time the Lord allows this year.

Growing Disciple=Living Missionally

2011-09-23T06:00:00.000-05:00

I believe articles like this one by Mike Breen are, though well-intentioned and helpful on certain points, misleading. Reading his article you can easily feel the need to pick between a mission-focused church and a discipleship-focused church. This is not a choice that should be made. Discipleship done right includes being missional. Biblical discipleship is not just filling your head with unapplied knowledge. Churches must equip their members in the Word... for missional living. Being a Biblical church requires every member being missional because every member ought to be a growing disciple of the Lord Jesus. Of course too often churches don't disciple well. We are good at getting people into our programs and systems but activity is not necessarily spiritual growth.

Likewise many churches are not really good at doing missions either. That is relegated only to a committee, those who volunteer a bit of time at a local shelter, or those who can afford to go on 10-day trips to some foreign country. Those folks are doing missions but we must teach in our churches that every Christian must "do missions" every day and in every area of their life. The gospel is a way of life and discipling people is to- like the Apostle Paul- invest in others, sow God's Word into them, and challenge them to live missionally. Missional living and discipleship are two-sides of the same coin... both with the aim to make much of Christ and His gospel.

What do I mean by Confessional?

2011-09-22T06:00:00.000-05:00

I'm working on developing a statement of faith for Cross Point Church that will eventually supplant the Abstract of Principles as the confessional document of the church. Nothing wrong with the AOP but there's additional positions not considered in 1858 (when the AOP was written) that I believe are important for inclusion. There are other things that I think can be more clearly stated in our present context. This project is probably a few months off from completion but I came across a good quote from Carl Trueman that is applicable to why this project is important:

For a church to be `confessional' means for it to adhere toa particular confession or set of confessional documents. There are two partsto that statement, of course: there is the material statement, in that thereare confessional documents involved, documents which teach certain doctrines;and there is the point that the church `adheres' to said documents, i.e., the churchhas a Form of Government which connects to the confessional documents; as aresult, office bearers take vows to uphold certain doctrines as taught in theconfessional documents and there are procedures in place to remove them fromoffice should they fail to do so.

Quote taken from this source.

Documentary on Star Wars

2011-09-21T06:00:00.000-05:00

The Star Wars junkie in me had to post this so its pure guilty pleasure. In other words don't expect some amazing analogy about its application to the Christian life. Just enjoy...

Tuesday Hodge-Podge (9-20-11)

2011-09-20T06:00:00.000-05:00

Here's a good explanation of the difference between tradition (often good) and traditionalism (seldom good).
Encouraging epiphany of Veggie Tales creator.
Do you radiate confidence? Here's how.
Helpful thoughts about worship from Kevin DeYoung
This looks to offer perspective and help for those who choose the public school option

What do I mean by "Missional"?

2011-09-19T15:19:00.001-05:00

The term "missional" has become a popular buzz word among evangelicals. Unfortunately it has become misused and abused. However, I like the term. I believe it succinctly articulates the kind of mindset every disciple of the Lord Jesus ought to have. Every Christian is on mission.

What is the mission of every Christian or of every church? Well generally speaking you could boil that down to Jesus' words in the great commission. You could also quote Jesus from Matthew 5:16 (ESV) and say our mission is to "Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven." Different people and different churches have said essentially the same thing in their own words and in their own carefully phrased "mission statements" but the mission of every member of the Lord's Church is essentially the same. We are to be a display of God's glory through Christ Jesus.

There aren't two classes of Christian- those who carry out the mission and those that do not. This attitude plays out in churches when you have the hired hands and the consumers. So I'm using the term "missional" to emphasize that every church member is on mission- not just the pastor, not just the missions committee, and not just the really zealous and gregarious people. Those folks may set the pace but every Christian is to be a disciple-maker and a display of God's glory.

Why the Abstract of Principles??

2011-09-13T15:25:00.003-05:00

Cross Point Church, though seeking to exalt King Jesus over any denomination is unashamedly being founded in the Southern Baptist tradition as doctrine, church polity, and cooperation for kingdom expansion is concerned. The Southern Baptist Convention is not a governing agency but a “convention of churches” which we will partner with to send missionaries across the globe, resource seminaries and other training institutions, and plant more Biblical local churches. Our polity will be pastor-led congregationalism (explaining that in detail will require another future blog post). Our doctrine will be consistent with the earliest statement of faith articulated and adopted by Southern Baptists. In 1858 the President of the soon-to-be-opened Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Dr. James P. Boyce commissioned the drafting of an “abstract of doctrinal principles”. This confessional statement became a regulative document for the seminary and its professors (and has since been recovered under Dr. Mohler’s leadership). Of course years later in 1925 the SBC drafted the first edition of the Baptist Faith and Message but The Abstract of Principles was the first document that articulated the orthodoxy of Southern Baptist churches and it was the first confessional statement adopted by any SBC institution.

So Cross Point Church will use The Abstract of Principles as its main statement of faith. It is time-tested, clear, and concise. As such it will be the statement for confessional agreement among our membership. Over the course of the next year we will examine each article and make revisions in the language (for clarity) and teach the Scriptural proofs each doctrine is rooted in. It is also my goal to develop a “catechism” based on these doctrinal statements to use in discipleship—particularly among the children of our church members. The Baptist Faith and Message as well as other historic Baptist confessions (2nd London- 1689, Philadelphia- 1742, New Hampshire- 1833, etc) will also serve us to teach Bible doctrine and determine levels of cooperation with other congregations. Creeds and confessions while not authoritative—Scripture alone occupies this role for the believer—are guides and tools to express a church’s mutual agreement on Biblical doctrine and interpretation.

Tuesday Hodge-Podge (8-30-11)

2011-08-30T14:27:00.002-05:00

Free R.C. Sproul!!
You need to read this (especially parents and pastors) tragic story of a girl who loved Jesus music but not Jesus.
Be missional at the workplace- read here.
Happy (belated) Birthday William Carey! Learn from him.
Michael Horton offers some interesting insight on those who hold to both Reformed and Charismatic views.
Justin Taylor relays 10 reasons to stop defining yourself by what you are against. This is a helpful read.

Coming March 18, 2012...

2011-08-26T13:54:00.001-05:00

For more information about Cross Point Church go HERE.

Institutional or Incarnational?

2011-08-22T21:47:00.003-05:00

What is your church's approach to church life and ministry? While programs and events can be useful tools the proverbial tail could wag the dog. Churches don't exist to spin an endless cycle of attract people to bring in money to sustain programs to attract more people to bring in more money to... well you get the idea. Bid buildings, big staffs, and big programs are not wrong- in fact there are many Biblical churches that have those things but those churches also have an incarnational approach to ministry... pursuing Christ and His glory in all things.

Here's a brief comparison of two approaches to ministry...

Institutional Approach to Ministry:

1. Based on consumerism (hooking people with what they want)
2. Buildings are essential
3. Purposes/ responsibilities of the church are carried out through programs
4. Sunday worship is one more program that is people-focused
5. The home is a separate place from church life & ministry
6. Stronger faith= More program participation
7. Ministry= Only possible by taking leadership in a program or committee
8. Fellowship is found with those of similar lifestyle and age
9. Church is the building and events
10. Attract people to programs with programs

Incarnational Approach to Ministry:
1. Based on Christ's example
2. Relationships are essential
3. Purposes/ responsibilities are carried out through relationships
4. Sunday worship is gathering/ equipping point that is God-focused
5. The home is central to church life & ministry
6. Stronger faith= God's Word lived out in home and community
7. Ministry= Using your spiritual gifts in home and through relationships with others
8. Fellowship is found with those of common faith
9. Church is the people who are united by covenant and common confession
10. Attract people to the gospel by the gospel (in proclamation and demonstration)

Church Name

2011-08-16T09:24:00.007-05:00

I know I mentioned about my next post being on the relational-aspect of the church plant and explaining more the home group component of church life but I'm going to put that off by one post. Instead I wanted to share the name of the church plant and why. Our church will be called:

Cross Point Church

Naming a church is more difficult than naming a child (there's more people in the decision process)! This name is chosen because it meets the criteria: simple, unique to our area, and avoids reasonable and negative presuppositions (no one is likely to jump to conclusions based on the name about the church holding to un-Biblical beliefs or practices). More importantly the name points to Christ our King and His redemptive work on the cross. We want everything we do to point to this and so the name fits.

The DNA of the Beaumont Church Plant

2011-08-13T20:40:00.003-05:00

I've been getting a lot of questions regarding the DNA or nature of the church our core group will be planting in the Spring of 2012 in Beaumont. What kind of church will it be? How will it be different? These are questions I've heard over and over. They are good questions. Let me make a few things clear about the church. First we will be confessional. Our church planting partners will be those that affirm the Baptist Faith and Message and our church members must affirm the Abstract of Principles (1858). The doctrines articulated in these statements of faith will represent the doctrinal positions of our church. Our members must agree principally to these doctrines and agree to encourage unity regarding them.

Second, we will be organic in structure. That may sound like a contradiction but it is not. The Bible provides clear structure for the local church-- recognized membership, two offices of leadership (pastor and deacon), discipline, and congregational worship on the Lord's Day. However we will seek to be organic in those areas where Scripture gives us liberty. Rather than prescribe programs for evangelism, discipleship, fellowship, ministry, etc we will grow in these areas through organic methods such as home-based groups. We will utilize these groups and the relationships they foster to advance the gospel and grow in the areas previously mentioned (more on this point in my next post).

Third, we will be missional. I know this is an overused and at times abused term but I am using it for its simpliest meaning. To be missional is to live out the mission to spread the gospel every day and in every way. We will teach and expect our members to be missional. The context of the home groups will provide a platform for this missional living. Finally, and most important, we will be Biblical. I pray this is not unique. In fact I know of many Biblical churches and we aim to add to their number for the glory of our King. The Bible will be at the center of all that we do-- in worship, in our fellowship, and in our corporate witness as a congregation.

Invisible made Visible

2011-08-10T15:24:00.002-05:00

Here is an excellent quote by Mark Dever in an interview with Ed Stetzer about the church:

"The church... is a display of God's own character. We have an invisible God in the Bible. How does He make Himself visible? Is it through icons? We don't have any record of Jesus teaching His disciples to draw or paint or sculpt. He started the church... Our non-Christian friends should see what Jesus is like through the church."

Go HERE to watch the entire interview.

Tuesday Hodge-Podge (8-9-11)

2011-08-09T07:00:00.000-05:00

I found Brian Croft's post on sermon length to be corrective and instructive.
Just saw that Pilgrim's Progress is available in Kindle edition for free!
A while back I posted a link to Kevin DeYoung's blog post about church singing. Here is part two (he has a link to part one).
Mike McKinley has a really helpful website titled Am I Really a Christian?
Below is a video with D.A. Carson, John Piper, and Tim Keller on internet accountability and sexual purity... must watch:

Next Steps

2011-08-03T14:21:00.004-05:00

In case you didn't read my last post (just scroll down) I'll be concluding my ministry at Memorial at the end of the year to plant a new church in Beaumont. Over these next five months I'll be helping them through the transition/ pastor-search process as well as continuing my regular responsibilities of preaching and shepherding my flock.

There's no denying that we've faced some significant challenges over the last 3 1/2 years but I love my fellow church members and continue to desire to see the Word of God shape this church to His glory. Please pray for these next few months that my ministry would be a help toward this. Second, pray the Lord would prepare them to receive and follow the next pastor. Finally, pray for the next pastor- whoever he may be.

Now while I continue as pastor at MBC I'll also be diving head-long into the church planting process. Here are the next few steps and things you all (whoever you all may be) can be praying for:

1. My hope and goal is to "launch" with ten core group families. We are 3 families toward that goal and will begin meeting together during the week for prayer, planning, fellowship, and Bible study in late August. Pray the Lord would gather more to help with this endeavor (particularly those strong in their faith and like-minded in building the church on Biblical truth). Pray for our core group gatherings that the Lord would strengthen our bond and resolve.

2. In addition to the core group families, a second hope and goal is to assemble a coalition of at least ten partnering churches. We need churches who will contribute financially toward this new work on a monthly basis to bridge the gap while we "make disciples" and bring in more contributing families/ individuals to the church. We also need churches who, though cannot financially contribute monthly would help with one-time offerings or by "man-power" help for special projects (mission teams). Presently I've had five pastors express a firm desire to lead their churches to partner at some level and others who have shared a willingness to pray about it. I envision a great opportunity for many churches to work together and be strengthened in their efforts. So pray the Lord would put this need on the heart of congregations.

3. I'll keep everyone updated through my blog and be watching for the church name and launch date to be made official in the next two weeks. Thank you for your prayers and the many of you who have offered your encouragement and words affirmation!

Soli Deo Gloria!

Big Step toward New Work

2011-07-31T20:50:00.002-05:00

Today was a difficult but important day. Over the last few months the Lord has been stirring Blair's and my heart to plant a new church in Beaumont, Texas. The heart can be deceptive but we have been exhaustive at seeking counsel from others (particularly trusted pastors), praying, and seeking guidance through the Word. Ideas have become journaling which has become a plan. This plan has found favor by other pastors who plan to lead their churches to partner with us to start this new work. We've talked to friends and the deacons at Memorial. After their counsel and support I announced our plans to the church this morning (we had a Q&A tonight). I will continue as their pastor for the next five months and conclude my ministry at the end of the year. Concurrently we will work on gathering together a core group and begin to lay the ground work for the new church. I hope to use this time not only to do the necessary "advance work" of planting but also to help guide Memorial through the transition and prepare them for future leadership. Blair and I covet your prayers that the Lord will use two churches-- one new and the other nearly a century old-- to glorify His great name and bring the gospel to men and women in the Golden Triangle.

Lifestyle Evangelism

2011-07-21T16:16:00.001-05:00

Though this is aimed at pastors, it is practically helpful for any Christian in thinking about personal evangelism:

Don't be a "Wine-Tasting" Christian

2011-07-20T07:00:00.001-05:00

The shepherd's (pastor/ elder/ overseer) charge... "Be on guard for yourselves and for all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood." -Acts 20:28

The flock's response... "Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they keep watch over your souls as those who will give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with grief, for this would be unprofitable for you." -Hebrews 13:17

I'm struck by the symmetry of these statements. Being part of a church is to be earnestly invested in one another. There is no hint in the New Testament of the "wine tasting" Christianity that is so prevalent today. I am no oenophile and have actually never had any interest in wine (Dr. Pepper and sweet tea are my drinks of choice) but there are many wine lovers out there who attend wine tastings. They go for the social scene get a bit of the ambiance, the flavor, the aroma, and move on to another activity. Too many Christians treat the church the same way. Some come to taste the music program or the youth program. Others (who think themselves more spiritual) come to taste the preaching or the excellent Sunday School teacher. Still, they are just tasters. It is one "experience", one activity, one event on their week's schedule.

The church is an investment of your life and all that entails- time, talents, treasures, and trust. The pastor or pastors are there to commit themselves to you. My responsibility is to bring God's Word to bear on my fellow church members and to watch over their application of its truth. Before I was a pastor it was men like Jay Gross, Cliff Mayton, Greg Wallace, and Joe Worley that stood watch over my soul as I sat under their pastoral leadership. Even now there are church members who I trust to watch over me and fellow pastors in the community who hold me accountable. Who is holding you accountable? Are you invested in your church and submitting to pastoral oversight? Are you giving loving accountability to other members of your church family? Or is the Sunday worship assembly just a "wine-tasting" event for you?

If you are not invested then you are not examined. You and I need others to help examine us to make sure we are in the faith (2 Cor 13:5; Gal 6:1-2) and make sure we are producing spiritual fruit. It is possible to have a lot of Biblical knowledge and not be growing spiritually. This happens when we are not invested in a local church and submitted to Biblical oversight from others. Don't taste the wine... drink heartily from the riches of Christ by investing totally in the lives of other believers in covenant together.

Tuesday Hodge-Podge (7-19-11)

2011-07-19T07:00:00.000-05:00

What does the Bible mean when it talks about rewards in Heaven? Justin Taylor responds.

Is "family worship time" Biblical? Jerry Owen says it is helpful but not mandatory.

The Trinity is clearly taught in Scripture but is 1 John 5:7-8 teaching it? Daniel Wallace with the textual issue of this passage.

Tullian Tchividjian argues that while the gospel is news, it is news lived out before our neighbor.

Some of you know that John Piper's preaching and writing ministry has had a tremendous impact on my life (we're even naming our daughter Piper!) and it is because of these kinds of instruction that I'm appreciative for his labor in the Word.

Burn-out or Faith?

2011-07-18T15:59:00.002-05:00

John MacArthur is a freak. I mean that as the highest compliment. He is exceptional as a pastor and preacher having served his congregation for over 40 years-- with no inclination to stop! He has been a faithful expositional preacher from the get-go and has recently completed preaching through the entire New Testament verse-by-verse. That is amazing for its dedication and longevity. The Lord has clearly had his hand on John MacArthur's life and ministry. While I do not agree with every secondary or tirtiary doctrine that MacArthur does I admire him and seek to emulate him in his faithful and enduring expositional preaching ministry.

The other day as I was listening to one of his Q&A sessions he does on Sunday nights I was struck by a piece of his pastoral wisdom. Over the course of 40 years you might expect him to have gone through burn-out a time or two. We would understand if there were ever seasons he simply lacked the passion to climb behind that pulpit and preach. He's faced a good amount of difficulty and opposition during his lifetime after all. So what about burn-out? Not a bit. He challenged me (though I think he is exceptional in this area) that burn-out is most often the result of pride. We build up these expectations for our ministries and develop a sense of entitlement that when not met leads to depression or burn-out. This is contrary to faith. We do not put our hope in men but in God. We should expect no praise but be thankful for the encouragement. No I can attest to being discouraged or hurt when the enemy attacks but I'm challenged to make sure that hurt gives way to faith rather than burn-out. No man can by his own flesh be so enduringly faithful to a ministry centered on Scripture alone as John MacArthur has been-- it is by faith alone in the power and grace of Christ alone... and this is to the glory of God alone.

Gossip Kills

2011-07-13T09:47:00.002-05:00

“…Put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness. Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another. Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and give no opportunity to the devil. Let the thief no longer steal, but rather let him labor, doing honest work with his own hands, so that he may have something to share with anyone in need. Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice.”

That is Ephesians 4:24-31. Pretty straightforward stuff right? Yet we (with me at the top of the 'we list') have an awfully difficult time obeying these crystal clear instructions. Gossip is not simply spreading lies about another person. It comes in the form of venting disagreements and displeasure with another in a manner that is not motivated by building up the Body of Christ or glorifying God. I've recently had to confront this issue on two fronts-- being the target of "corrupting talk" and being the proliferator of "corrupting talk". When the former is concerned it is appropriate to do three things: 1) Consider where my own sin is instigating such talk-- even though there's no justification for "corrupting talk" rather than only be offended and hurt (which is natural we should seize the opportunity for personal examination; 2) Respond with kind confrontation-- sin needs to be addressed and not ignored but I have to guard from fueling the fire by couching justifiable confrontation with unjustifiable "corrupting talk"; and 3) Prayer for the person or persons who are participating in such behavior-- the Enemy would love to divide the Body and cause me to have anger or even hatred for a brother or sister but we cannot give him that. A battery has already been fired but do not yield the battlefield! Now to the latter-- when I am the corrupting talker-- there is two things to do: 1) Repent-- slandering the people who are slandering you does not defeat slander-- stop it and set an example of Christ-like behavior; and 2) Believe on Christ-- have faith that He will deal with those on His own and does need me taking matter in my own hand (or mouth).

Is it every appropriate to discuss "beefs" you have with another person to a third party? It is helpful to seek prayer support and seek wisdom from those who are trusted to give it. Be careful you don't go to a fool for wisdom-- they will only accompany you in your foolish tendancies and you'll just have a 'gossip and gripe' buddy. Also test your heart and make sure your motive in sharing with others is accompanied by a true desire to heal the rifts or strengthen the Body of Christ. Are you just looking for pity and are you only feeding your sense of entitlement (how you feel you deserve to be treated)? Be careful. Gossip kills. It kills joy. It kills mission. It kills fellowship. The Lord has been teaching me greatly on this and I pray we will always keep the clear instructions in Ephesians 4 as non-negotiable so that we build up the Body and glorify the LORD who endured far worse than "corrupting talk" from us to redeem us to God.

Tuesday Hodge-Podge (6-28)

2011-06-28T08:50:00.002-05:00

Douglas Wilson provides a recap to the friendly debate between Tullian Tchividjian and Kevin DeYoung on sanctification.
This is a very insightful article on the NY Times by a gay journalist who is baffled by his old friend and former "gay rights" crusader who has repented from homosexuality and found new life in Christ.
Here is a thorough piece on the textual debate concerning 1 John 5:7-8.
Kevin DeYoung gives us some thoughts on church music and singing.
John MacArthur recently finished preaching verse-by-verse through the entire New Testament (it took him over 40 years). This is an amazing feat and a commendable model for pulpit ministry. Below is the video of the final sermon of this endeavor on the the longer ending of Mark's Gospel (16:9-20).

The 100th Day of Prayer

2011-06-27T07:00:00.001-05:00

Today marks the final day of our church's "100 Days of Prayer" emphasis. I've asked all our church members to commit time when they rise and before they lie down to pray for three specific things.

We have been praying the Lord would be gracious to bring true revival to our hearts.

We have been praying the Lord would increase true fellowship in our church relationships.

We have been praying the Lord would use our faithful sharing of the gospel to make true conversions in our community.

This seasons of prayer has been accompanied with focused passages of Scripture to read and while I cannot speak for everyone participating I can attest to this being a truly sanctifying season. The Lord has made my heart extra sensitive and He has taught be afresh my need to depend on Him and pray with earnestness. I'm eager to hear from all who have participated as we gather this Wednesday, June 29 for a church-wide prayer and testimony service at 6:30pm. If you are not a member of our church please pray for us as we seek the Lord together.

Tuesday Hodge-Podge (6-21)

2011-06-21T07:00:00.000-05:00

Here's a good evaluation of essentials and non-essentials for the Christian faith.

You think you are using that word correctly but are you sure? Check Here.

Al Mohler writes about a theologically-wayward Baptist who must be exposed as a false teacher.

Your pain is a big deal. Ed Welch helps us think through the issue of pain and being wounded.

For my fellow pastors... here is a link to John Piper's preaching course (4 sessions and syllabus)

Lebron the Villain?

2011-06-20T07:00:00.001-05:00

I was never a big Lebron guy. I didn't dislike him but I didn't particularly root for him or watch him play. When his free agency began part of me wished he would have stayed in Cleveland just because as a Houston sports fan I know what it is like to lose a favorite player (especially when the rest of the team stinks) but it didn't move the meter much for me either way. If I were a 25 year old basketball player I'd probably rather live in Miami than Cleveland- especially if I'd never left home (he's from Akron, OH).

The whole ESPN "Decision" spectacle was not my thing. It turned me off... even though I certainly tuned in (wasn't that the point?). Still, it is his life. He wanted to play in a cool city with a couple of his buddies. He was willing to score less, distribute more, and bust his tail on defense to be part of a glamourous star-laden team that had a blue-collar approach. The team is in a work-in-progress mode as they fill in around the big stars and they still came within two wins of a championship. I'm not a fan of the players or the team but this crew will win 3-5 rings.

So what's the big deal? Why do so many people hate Lebron James? Because he took a better job? Because he wanted to live in a nicer place? Because he wanted to work and play with his buddies? Because he wanted to win more and was less concerned with his legacy? Sports talk radio and the rant and file sports fan villifies this guy. Why? He is controversial? Why? Has he broken laws? Abused his spouse? Done drugs or toted guns? Nope. His biggest crime has been sticking his foot in his mouth and his second "felony" is having a big ego. Those things will change with age but even now, do they deserve the hate?

I guess the bigger issue is why we feel the need to create villains and have someone to aim hate toward. This is the bigger issue. If you catch yourself watching a sports game and feeling hate toward a player, team, or ref you need to turn off the TV, walk outside, look up and realize the mercy of God is keeping you alive. Go back inside, enjoy the game, root for your team, and remember it is not personal. Don't be distracted from the real spiritual enemy that would stir that hate inside you.

Finding Strength in Weakness

2011-06-17T07:00:00.000-05:00

Our family vacation has officially begun so I'll be keeping this short. We're looking forward to the rest- both physically and spiritually. This time will also mark a two-Sunday absence from the pulpit. I'm thankful for those preaching in my stead and it will be good for my congregation to hear new voices. However, I'm right in the middle of preaching through 1 Samuel on Sunday nights so I cannot help reflecting on what I've learned.

I'm continually impressed with how the LORD "flips the script" in that narrative. Instead of the physically mighty, outwardly impressive, boastful, and proud God chose to use the meek, unimpressive, small, physically outmatched, and humble. This does not mean we should not seek education, preparation, or be diligent to grow but we do not put our confidence in the flesh. God used the socially-disregarded (for her barrenness) Hannah rather than Penninah- the loudest hen in the henhouse. He brought the powerful yet corrupt house of Eli down by the prophecy of a little boy named Samuel. He rejected the tall and mighty King Saul for his pride and self-seeking nature and chose instead David, the runt of the litter from a shepherding family in Bethlehem.

So this vacation is not about getting rest so that I can be more self-confident but I'm thankful to the Lord who gives me times for rest and who carries me with His strength during times of battle and times of work. Paul captured it perfectly when he quoted Jesus who said, "My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness." Paul responded, "Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me."

Who told you what?

2011-06-16T09:36:00.004-05:00

I'm often confronted with well-intentioned people seeking to justify their decisions on one phrase, "God told me..." or the more bold, "I heard God say..." This is problematic for a number of reasons. First of all there are some things God would absolutely not tell you. I've heard people say that God told them it was not their burden to bear to share the gospel with so-and-so. That is contradictory to the commands He's given to every believer such as Matthew 28:19-20. There is no way God told you not to share His good news or not to seek reconciliation with a brother or sister where separation has occurred or not to participate in the life of a local church. Justifying sinful behavior by falsely claiming God told you to do it is simply more sinful behavior. If a voice in the sky told you to sin, don't credit God, get an MRI (and repent).

The second reason this is problematic is that you don't need to claim some divine audible special revelation to do what the Bible clearly says to do. Serve others. Share the gospel. Be compassionate. Stay faithful to your spouse. Disciple your children. Claiming some trumpet in the sky order to do what the Bible already has made clear is just grandstanding and comes off vain. God told you to use your spiritual gifts and talents to serve in some area in your church family? Wow that's amazing! No, that's Bible. Just do it and stop drawing attention to yourself.

The third reason the "God told me" line is problematic is that His Word says, "All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work." In other words, Scripture is entirely sufficient to instruct us according to what God wants us to do. Of course the Holy Spirit indwells every believer and as John 16:13 says, "He will guide you into all truth" but this means He will help us to understand and apply God's revelation as given in His written Word.

God has given us brains and calls us to be discerning as to how the principles of Scripture are applied in our particular context. For example, I know God has commanded me to share the gospel. I've got to discern and seize those opportunities when made available. To claim some audible and special revelation infers that Scripture is not sufficient. Does God still speak to His people? Yes. He speaks to us through His Word which is given in the written Scriptures. He has given us His Holy Spirit to understand, discern, apply, and carry out His Word.

It's a Girl!

2011-06-15T08:52:00.002-05:00

Marriage and parenthood are probably God's two greatest tools for sanctification-- for me at least (single people without children are no less sanctified by the Lord). Raising Asher these last 18 months has been so full of joy but often I am confronted with my own sin. Every fit, every temper-tantrum, and every act of defiance (he learned an immediate dislike to the word "no") reminds me of my sinfulness and need for a Redeemer. Thankfully Christ has redeemed me and I pray daily that He would overtake my son and one day call him to repent and believe. Last night Asher went reaching and huffing for something on our book shelf. A toy? No. Daddy's Kindle? No. The car keys? No. One of his books? No. I picked him up so he could show me the object of his desires and it was our old Baptist Hymnal which we often open to sing with him and have family devotions. Once in reach he grabbed the hymnal. I set him down and he walked over, plopped down next to mom, opened the book, and looked at me as if to say "let's get to singing". We did. Those are joyful moments and I long for the day when he sings along in intelligible words with a heart for Jesus to match.

Now our joy will be doubled but in a new way. We are expecting our second child- a girl! When the tech reading the ultrasound told us I about hit the floor. I'm not prepared to enter the world of hair bows and pretty things. Dirt and toy swords is all I'm familiar with-- I was raised with two brothers after all. This is a whole new ballgame and I'm thrilled... scared to death, but thrilled. My wife and I are now preparing for Piper Clair to join our family in early November and preparing for the Lord to do yet more sanctifying work in our lives!

An Example of Gospel in Community

2011-06-10T20:34:00.003-05:00

Below is a video of a sister church in Atlanta, GA that is really intentional about the mission of advancing the gospel of the Kingdom, radically reorienting their lives around the gospel, and living that gospel out in community. It is encouraging to see what the Lord is doing through these brothers and sisters.

Renovation Church - Atlanta, GA from Verge Network on Vimeo.

Tuesday Hodge-Podge (6-7)

2011-06-07T08:17:00.002-05:00

Here are some great questions for a husband to ask his wife.

Jesus provides a great outline for loving and corrective discipline in Matthew 18 but that text has often been misapplied- D.A. Carson explains how.

Bill Mounce warns against the dangers of gossip and grumbling.

Tim Challies posted some incredible e-book deals over the weekend.

Houston's mayor has made an interesting (and fun) challenge to its residents to help balance the budget.

Below is a promo video for the prayer rally that Governor Perry is putting together on August 6 at Reliant Stadium... very interesting.

The Response Promo from The Response USA on Vimeo.

Answering Awkward Questions

2011-05-30T07:17:00.002-05:00

What do you say when someone greets you with "How are you doing?" or "How have things been?" You probably go with the automatic "doing well" or "good" or perhaps even "great". Even as the words roll off your tongue you know them to be false. Of course, I hope they are honest answers but what about when the circumstances presently in your life are discouraging or painful. Those questions could be awkward because you want to erase the fake smile and say "terrible" but you know that would produce an even more awkward look on the greeting person's face. So what is an alterntive to fake optimism and raw pessimism?

Try answering as a gospel-person. We are not defined by circumstances anyway. There are always things at work for our good beyond the circumstances. For that matter circumstance may be good and you not be growing spiritually-- which is not good. Try responding honestly but in a way that adorns the gospel that has transformed you and given you a hope beyond the present circumstances.

"It has been a difficult season but God has been so faithful to encourage and sustain me."

"Circumstances have been challenging but the Lord never fails."

"It has been up and down but the Lord has been so gracious to grow me through it all."

"It has been rough but my hope is in the Lord."

Now even these responses could come across as phony if you don't really mean them. So first ask yourself some awkward questions- Are you looking to the Lord (in His Word and by prayer) during this difficult season? Are you continually repenting from trusting in the things of this world and instead believing in the Lord Jesus who never fails? Do you daily reflect on the Lord's grace in your life and how He is shaping you through the difficulties? Are you genuinely hoping in the Lord or is your focus only on the circumstances? We must be gospel people through and through and how we respond to difficult seasons of life will either reveal can display the gospel transforming power.

Tuesday Hodge-Podge (5-24)

2011-05-24T12:37:00.003-05:00

Good interview with Tim Chester on the missional nature of mealtime.

Our church has transitioned from taking the Lord's Supper once-a-quarter (at its most frequent) to every month on the first Sunday morning service of the month. Jim Hamilton offers some Biblical perspective on the frequency of observing this ordinance.

I'm taking a brief 3-week break from Galatians to preach a doctrinal series on heaven and hell. Here is a good response from Randy Alcorn to the recent books about supposed "caught up to heaven" experiences.

Jennifer Smidt at The Resuregence Blog has posted 10 Things Submission is Not.

Justin Taylor presents the back and forth between Trevin Wax and John Starke regarding the gospel as a "three legged stool". Interesting.

Video Monday- John Piper on "Receiving Jesus"

2011-05-23T10:42:00.002-05:00

I've been a bit AWOL as blogging is concerned but will be back in the swing this week. Here is a powerful excerpt from a sermon John Piper preached a couple years back on John 3.

Theological Hoosiers!

2011-05-04T07:00:00.000-05:00

Need a good laugh? Watch this video of some theological and pastoral "heavy weights" tossing it around on the basketball court (with Al Mohler on the sideline). Oh and it's a promo for T4G 2012.

T4G 2012 Teaser: The Game from Together for the Gospel (T4G) on Vimeo.

Tuesday Hodge-Podge (5-3)

2011-05-03T07:53:00.002-05:00

I've been intrigued by George Guthrie's book and Lifeway's accompanying video study series entitled Read the Bible for Life. Here is a summary of his outline for the Bible.

This looks like a great summer read... Philip Ryken on King Solomon

Are you a World War 2 buff as I am? Check this site out.

Trevin Wax debunks some urban legends that preachers are guilty of (yes, I've been guilty of a couple of these too)... with well-intended ignorance of course.

Michael Patton gives us an interesting chart of church history.

Christian Reflections on the Death of Bin Ladin

2011-05-02T14:35:00.003-05:00

Those of us who go to bed at a decent hour woke up this morning to the news of Osama Bin Ladin's death at the hands of heroic Navy SEALS (some of you night-owls heard about it last night). Naturally, as an American citizen I was a celebratory as the next patriot that our military accomplished a very important victory in bringing to justice (the ultimate kind) the most-wanted terrorist on the planet. I'm thankful for those brave men and women who serve in our military to keep our country safe and who pursue justice to those who would inflict unspeakable harm to others. Today is a day in which I am especially proud to be an American.

However as a Christian- whose first citizenship is to the kingdom of God- other thoughts come to mind upon reflection. First, I'm grieved by a wasted life. Osama Bin Ladin was created to glorify God and enjoy Him forever but instead chose- like all men- to reject God's authority and commit himself to a life of sin. Most people do not act on their sinful nature to the degree as someone like Bin Ladin but anyone who rejects God's rule and enslaves himself to the mastery of sin represents a wasted life. Second, I'm reminded of Romans 13:3-4 and God's ordaining of the state to administer justice to the law breaker. God is sovereign over all things but uses governments and military force to bring wrong-doers to account for their crimes. We should be reminded that God does not ignore sin but upholds His righteous standard.

Third, I think about the justice that Christ bore on my account and on the account of many (Mark 10:45; 2 Corinthians 5:21). Yes, Osama Bin Ladin got what he deserved- in death by bullet and in eternal death but after celebrating the upholding of justice remember to reflect on the fact that "There is none righteous, not even one" (Romans 3:10) and "It is a terrifying thing to fall into the hands of the living God" (Hebrews 10:31). We all deserve justice. The thing which we rightfully celebrate today is the thing we should all face for sin but for the mercy of God and the atoning work of Christ.

Small Country Church with Big Kingdom Vision

2011-04-27T08:35:00.003-05:00

It was a true blessing to attend the Expository Preaching Conference in Heber Springs, Arkansas last week. My wife and I were encouraged by the instruction, the preaching, and the fellowship. What really blew us away was the church that hosts and helps fund the conference. Tumbling Shoals Baptist Church- just outside Heber Springs- is not your typical "small country church". Over the last few years their church size has fluctuated between 60-85 people. Our church is almost identical in size. They are mostly older folks but have seen more younger folks and children added recently. This reflects our church's demographics as well. There is nothing wrong with any of this but many denominational leaders and pastors would not think it too impressive. Unfortunately we are more impressed by the cover of the book than its contents. The contents of Tumbling Shoals Baptist Church ought to be the aim for every church-- large or small, urban or rural, young or old.

They are a kingdom-driven church. The church partners with an organization called International Church Planters (its offices are next door to the church) that sends out short-term mission teams into foreign countries for gospel work and church planting. I was told that 30% of the congregation went on a mission team last year (some to Kenya, some to Ecuador). One in three! The auditorium where the church gathers to worship is draped with numerous flags (I think 12) that represent the countries where they have been to help plant churches. Last year when the church was told of an urgent need to raise $100K to dig water wells in a community in Ecuador so that missionaries would have an open door to do gospel work, the church responded and raised the money in 6 months.

These aren't rich people. They are regular folk in a small rural community in Arkansas... but they are kingdom driven. The church often brings in pastors who are burned out or beat up to help restore them and send them back out. They train men up in their own congregation who sense a call to preach-- they have three men right now ready to serve as a pastor somewhere. They don't order prepackaged curriculum to teach from... their teachers are trained to teach expositionally through Scripture and are doing just that. Their textbook is the Bible. I was told their church's budget was somewhere south of 200K (less than the budget of our church) but they make every penny count toward the kingdom.

My hope and prayer has always been to lead Memorial to be a launching pad for the gospel into our community and into the nations of the world. It was refreshing to see an example of a church that is carrying that vision out. You don't have to be a mega-church or "impressive" in a worldly sense to make a kingdom impact. You simply must be faithful- lean on the sufficiency of Scripture and apply it to every area of your life.

Video Monday- Dr. Hershael York

2011-04-25T10:04:00.005-05:00

My wife and I spent last Thursday through Saturday at an Expository Preaching Conference led by David Miller (evangelist and pastor to pastors) and Dr. Hershael York (pastor of Buck Run Baptist Church in Frankfurt, KY and professor of preaching at Southern Seminary in Louisville). These men really encouraged us and helped me (along with 53 other preachers) sharpen skills to rightly communicate God's Word. Here is a sermon from Dr. York that he also preached for us on Friday night-- an excellent message to hear on Good Friday.

The embedding code I posted earlier didn't work so go to this link to watch the sermon:

http://www.sbts.edu/resources/chapel/apologia-pro-morta-sua/

Tuesday Hodge-Podge (4-19)

2011-04-19T07:00:00.000-05:00

I've really enjoyed the series that B&H Academic has done on presenting differing perspectives of various theological and church issues. Justin Taylor previews and summarizes this new book on differing perspectives of the Sabbath.

My friend Clifton Rankin (author of one of the coolest named blogs) offers some insight on the myth that Martin Luther turned bar songs into hymns.

Here is a satirical letter written in response to that mean ole Apostle Paul.

Wendy Alsup offers her "Confessions of a Conflicted Complementarian"

This interview with Mark Dever is a must-listen-to by anyone (pastor or lay person) serious about disciple-making.

Jim Hamilton offers a great explanation on why he believes the Bible

Coveting or Content?

2011-04-18T13:08:00.002-05:00

Here is a trailer for a new book by Stephen Altrogge. I found the video very convicting and haven't yet read the book. The issue of coveting and the need for contentment is critical for every believer.

"Greener Grass Conspiracy" Trailer - Stephen Altrogge from Crossway on Vimeo.

HT: Justin Taylor

Fellowship and Hospitality

2011-04-07T15:25:00.005-05:00

Acts 2:42- "And they were continually devoting themselves... to the fellowship..."

Hebrews 13:2- "Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by this some have entertained angels without knowing it."

Some may use the words fellowship and hospitality interchangeably but these are really different things. Fellowship is what Christian brothers and sisters enjoy with each other. It means sharing or having things in common. You may be of different ethnic make-up or different economic level or different personalities or different interests and hobbies but what you have in common is more significant and more binding. You are common recipients of the grace of God which has transformed you to new men and women. The church may be multi-ethnic or diverse in its personalities but it is not multi-cultural. The church represents one new gospel culture. The more diverse a congregation the more magnifying of how the gospel brings such diversity together in one new culture. Fellowship is more than socializing or having pot-luck suppers. Fellowship is demonstrated by the continual effort of every church member to invest relationally in other church members- to encourage others, carry each others' burdens, labor together in ministry, and celebrate together in worship.

Hospitality is a different animal though. It refers to your demonstrating kindness and assisting with needs of strangers. For Christians this means demonstrating godly character and kindness to those outside the church-- visitors to your local church, yes, but especially those who are strangers to Christ. The gospel is a message lived out. Outreach and evangelism are not programs on a Tuesday night that happen with only a small group of extroverts in the church. These are the mandates of every Christian and the gospel message is adorned with Christian hospitality. People who visit the local church ought to be extended kindness-- not just a bulletin. Go sit with them (don't ask them to get up and sit with you-- leave your spot and go to them). Take them to lunch. Make an appointment to have them to your home. Shock them with how generous you are with your time.

Hospitality cannot just wait for people to come to us though. Work on getting to know your neighbors. Bake a big batch of cookies (slice and bake are ok), bag them up, and deliver them with a kind note. Who turns down cookies? Follow that up with an invitation to your home or to dinner out. If you know of a need, offer to help. Find out birthdays and send cards. These things are not sharing the gospel in and of themselves but they may pave the way for an opportunity to share and when you share the gospel, the message will have been commended by your unique and Christ-like character. Don't wait for a flashy "new way we're going to reach people" program to get started at church (those usually have high costs and low returns anyway). Do outreach like the Bible shows us to do it and trust the Lord with the results!

Evaluating our Four Targets (April)

2011-04-06T07:00:00.001-05:00

Almost two months ago I presented four targets our church needs to be aiming for in 2011. These are things quite frankly that have needed work and if we are going to be the church that God's Word calls us to be we have to give concentrated attention to these things. The four aims are:

1. Be a more diligently praying church

2. Train men to be leaders in their home, community, and church family

3. Put more "boots on the ground" for community gospel outreach

4. Build bridges between age and social groups in the church

So after two months what progress has been made? We must evaluate. Of course it should be said we can "do more" but if the heart isn't burdened for these things and you don't have an humble faith our "doing" won't last. Still we have committed to a special emphasis of 100 Days of Prayer. I am hoping this will get us contrite before the Lord and sensitive to His leadership. We've gotten out into the community to make connections and put the gospel in homes and we have plans to do more of this (we trust the Lord with the results). We're continuing to try and link people together by sharing fellowship meals the first Sunday night of the month and by encouraging everyone to open their homes for fellowship with one another.

The weakest of these four as "doing" is concerned is #2. I'm still trying to think through how we can more tangibly work on training men though I've been encouraged by some one-on-one time I've shared with some of our guys over the last few weeks. Let's keep praying, keeping striving for Biblical faithfulness, and keep investing in one another for the building up of the body!

Tuesday Hodge-Podge (4-5)

2011-04-05T07:00:00.000-05:00

Here is some wise counsel on giving and receiving criticism

Here is some practical advice to loving your neighbor and showing gospel-driven hospitality

Here is a good interview with Dale Ralph Davis (a faithful expositor) on preaching Christ in the Old Testament

I'm really excited about this-- Wayne Grudem's Christian Beliefs has become a video teaching series

Below is a video of John Piper and R.C. Sproul sharing reflections on their lives and ministries

Ministry Reflections with John Piper & R.C. Sproul from Ligonier on Vimeo.

The Gospel Lived Out

2011-04-04T07:37:00.003-05:00

I hope my congregation is as blessed through the preaching of Galatians as I have been through the study of Galatians. It is so encouraging to stare deeply at the nature of the gospel and its application to every area of our lives. The gospel is a message but it is a message lived out. Yesterday I hovered over Galatians 2:10 to address a critical misunderstanding of the gospel called "social gospel". As I said yesterday the gospel is not that men do good and compassionate things in society but the gospel does enable men to do good and compassionate things in society. If you have been transformed by God's grace you are going to demonstrate God's character to the people around you-- first to your brothers and sisters in Christ and then to everyone else the Lord has put in your path. Such action adorns the gospel and commends it to others. The world should hear the truth of the gospel from your lips and see its transforming power through your life.

What would Jack say?

2011-03-30T07:00:00.002-05:00

C.S. Lewis has some helpful advice when considering what to read next. There is always some new book coming out that "everyone must read" and packages itself as some new take. Lewis cautions the reader with some very timely words:

"A new book is still on trial and the amateur is not in a position to judge it. It has to be tested against the great body of Christian thought down the ages, and all its hidden implications (often unsuspected by the author himself) have to be brought to light. Often it cannot be fully understood without the knowledge of a good many other modern books. If you join at eleven o'clock a conversation which began at eight you will often not see the real bearing of what is said... The only safety is to have a standard of plain, central Christianity ("mere Christianity" as Baxter called it) which puts the controversies of the moment in their proper perspective. Such a standard can be acquired only from the old books. It is a good rule, after reading a new book, never to allow yourself another new one till you have read an old one in between."

The above quotation is an excerpt from C.S. Lewis' introduction to Athanasius' classic work, On the Incarnation.

David Platt on Practical Universalism

2011-03-29T07:00:00.001-05:00

There has been a lot said recently about Hell, annihilationism, and universalism. David Platt gives one of the most helpful responses. It is one thing to debate theology from the bleachers but quite another to get on the "playing field" and put that theology into practice.

David Platt on Universalism, Rob Bell, Love Wins, Heaven and Hell from waterbrook multnomah on Vimeo.

When to baptize a new convert (particularly children)?

2011-03-28T09:13:00.005-05:00

3/28, 1:36pm- Links have been corrected- my apologies

Have you wrestled with the baptism debate? No, I'm not speaking about the debate between paedobaptists and credobaptists. I'm addressing mainly those who already hold a view of "the baptism of disciples alone" (as Fred Malone has coined it). The debate is on how to apply this principle. Should a professing Christian, of any age, be baptized as soon as possible? Should there be a period of evaluation and further teaching? If so, how long? If evidence or fruit of repentance and faith must be evident then how much fruit?

I've wrestled with this quite a bit. On one hand I do not want to give false assurance to a false convert. I do not want someone confusing the public profession of faith with actual faith. On the other hand I do not want to require more than Jesus requires or that Scripture requires. This is a tough one. I'd love to get your input. You can post comments (be patient though, they aren't immediately posted to filter spam). Below I've posted links to arguments on each side of the issue. Thoughts?

Argument for withholding baptism from children

Argument against withholding baptism from children

Three Years of Sanctification

2011-03-23T08:44:00.002-05:00

Three years ago today I preached my first sermon as the new pastor of Memorial Baptist Church. Blair and I began our relationship and our ministry with the saints here. It hit me in the shower this morning and I've been a bit reflective. The Lord has been so gracious over these last three years to sanctify me. He has deepened my love and dependance on His Word. He has taught me humility (with much more learning to do). He has sat me at the hospital or nursing home bedside of many precious saints. He has allowed me to glean from the wisdom of others. He has surrounded me with dear friends. He has strengthened my marriage. He has taught me how to laugh and when to weep. He has challenged me and enabled me to endure through difficulty. He has reminded me to rejoice at the work of His hands. He has privileged me to see the power of His gospel and taught me to trust in it. The Lord's lessons are painful at times but always produce joy. I'm not certain what the years ahead will present but I'm certain the Lord has purpose in all things. He will instruct. He will lead. He will be glorified.

Tuesday Hodge-Podge (3-22)

2011-03-22T08:40:00.003-05:00

Just saw this link to an actual baseball player's contract this morning over on Challies' blog. Love this website and this is a cool link for baseball junkies.
If you've not kept up with the firestorm on the blogosphere over Rob Bell's new book Love Wins here is a summary by the Resurgence Blog and the official statements by Bell's church here. The blind devotion to Rob Bell by so many Christians and churches (particularly Southern Baptist-- you too Lifeway) has been and continues to be very concerning. I'm in the early stages of planning a mini-series on the doctrines of heaven and hell since there is so much un-Biblical information being lapped up out there.
How can I intentionally disciple my kids? That is a question every Christian parent ought to take seriously. It doesn't "just happen" anymore than learning mathematics just happens. Check out Brian Croft's suggestions for disciple-making at home.
Grant Hill's slam dunk on Jalen Rose.

Things we take for granted

2011-03-16T05:00:00.000-05:00

I was watching Anthony Bordain's No Reservations the other day and was facinated as he toured Cambodia. Peering into another world that has undergone such great calamity (Japan comes to mind in this moment as well) I thought about the many luxuries I have that I often forget are luxuries. So here is a list of things we (people on average in a country like America) take for granted...

1. Bottled Water: There are countless people groups whose regular drinking and bathing water are dirty and contaminated. I can go to Wal-Mart and by a pack of purified drinking water for a couple bucks and I can buy it whenever I want-- it is rarely out of stock.

2. A Ream of Paper: When the books of the Bible were written it was a major undertaking to acquire and preserve something to write it on. When the printing press came along hundreds of years later it was extremely expensive to print on paper. You can go buy a whole ream of paper for a few dollars and fill them with all your ideas and creativity. You can throw all that away and buy another ream.

3. Mental Photographs: God gave us two incredibly intricate eyes to take in the beauty and wonder of His creation and to absorb the experiences of life. Most people don't look at beautiful things or take in special occasions with their eyes anymore. They view life through a cell phone camera. They reduce the experience to a small digital screen so they can "keep it" (we like making things ours) and not view it later. Seriously, how many of you go back and study those pics and vids from your cell phone? At best you post it on Facebook for others to ooh and ahh but nothing replaces just being in the moment and absorbing the experience.

4. Loose Change: It is easy to toss or disregard- especially pennies. We don't like keeping up with it. Bills are getting inconvenient too so we such use plastic. Those coins add up though. In the first year of our marriage my wife and I had a loose change jar and a year or so later used what added up to around $300 for vacation money.

5. 43 peaceful transitions of Presidential power: In the USA we've had presidents assasinated and shamefully leave office but the Republicans and Democrats have never rolled tanks into DC to take power. There's never been the kind of rioting we've recently seen in Egypt and never has our government completely changed from the Democratic Republic the Founding Fathers established. That is pretty amazing and historically unheard of.

6. Meat: I went to a local steak house the other day and ordered a 10 oz ribeye with fries, salad, and unlimited rolls for less than $15. My mind cannot fathom how many cows our nation goes through in a day considering all the meat sold and consumed in our country. I'm not complaining- I'm a meat-lover! Still, that is a luxury of luxuries compared with other countries.

7. Writing Things Down: This is more of something we don't do anymore but should. We send emails, we tweat, we blog, and we text. We don't write much anymore but there is something about writing down an idea or journaling an experience and keeping it bound or in a notebook for future reflection that cannot be captured in the type and post age. Have you ever gone back and read what was posted on your Facebook a year ago. Sometimes I need more than 140 characters to flesh out my thoughts.

8. The Here and Now: We can spend a lot time planning for and pining after the future and the things we want to do. Stop and enjoy where God has put you now. Those people around you are just passers-by. There will be a time when even your dearest friends and family are not around (whether by change in geography or by death). Yet we whisk through life chasing after the next big thing. Don't be in such a hurry. Relish the here and now.

Tuesday Hodge-Podge (3-15)

2011-03-15T05:00:00.002-05:00

Do you believe in the doctrine of definite atonement? I do. Here is an example of this doctrine being fleshed out in an evangelistic encounter.
Hands-down this is a boy's dream bedroom... my wife already told me no. (HT: Challies)
When should a church exclude visitors? Here is one view.
If you like Iain Murray and like church history you will like these sermons and lectures.
What have I got on my iPod right now? As I have opportunity I'm listening to the excellent series through Mark's Gospel that Jim Hamilton is preaching now at Kenwood Baptist Church. Here are the church's sermon files.
Below is an old video of Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones giving a biographical portrait of George Whitefield.

Video Monday- A little Star Wars humor

2011-03-14T09:51:00.000-05:00

Back on Facebook

2011-03-08T15:28:00.002-06:00

Recently I got back on Facebook. This is my third go around. The first time was back when Facebook was really cool- there was no such thing as Farmville and you had to have a .edu email address to get an account. Obviously because it was cool it was not a fit for me as I couldn't figure it out, didn't want to waste time trying to, didn't see a purpose, and figured it was a passing fad. Clearly I missed that one.

The second time around- not that long ago- I got up to about 500 friends when I realized it was too much of a distraction (my poor discipline, not Zuckerberg's fault). Plus many of these people I barely knew, would never really know, and frankly wasn't too interested in knowing. I don't mean to sound haughty but how many people can we really know?-- and I'm just not building friendship with females not my wife (couple friends are different). On top of that all these non-friend Friends were filling up the News Feed so I couldn't network or really maintain contact with those I wanted to keep up with (not to mention all the Farmville-esque junk). Oh and one more thing... I accepted all these friend requests from those who used to be in my youth groups only to see their licentious lifestyles flaunted on a regular basis. That was really grieving. So I deleted my account (which FB makes complicated to do).

Now I'm back but with rules. I can easily be distracted so I'm working on limiting my time on FB. Most of my posts are easily updated via Twitter without having to get all caught up in the FB happenings. I log in two or three times a day to check my friends. I've limited my friend list too. You must either be my wife, my mom, my grandma, or a dude to get on the list. I don't condemn having opposite sex friends on FB but for now at least I'm just not going to do it. Mainly I want to stay connected to fellow brothers in ministry (pastors and laymen) so I can hear what the Lord is doing in their lives, pray for them, and just stay in touch.

I realize this post borders on narcissism, I mean why should you care why I am back on FB?? I posted this for two reasons. One, perhaps there is a brother or sister out there who, like me, struggling with disciplining time and these tips will help or encourage you. Two, I need accountability and posting it to the world wide web holds my feet to the fire.

Canon of Theologians- February Report

2011-03-07T14:27:00.003-06:00

In case you missed it and care I'm working through various writings of theologians throughout history- my canon of theologians (to borrow Mark Dever's phrase). It is sad to me when Christians today think church history is only the last 40 years (or worse, the last 40 days). Most of what is written today has been written before in one form or another-- that goes for good theology and bad theology. So it is helpful to see how Biblical doctrine has been taught throughout the centuries by faithful teachers. Now I'm a few days late in posting on February's theologian but I read through Tertullian's On Idolatry. He was a Latin Church Father who lived in the 2nd-3rd centuries.

I found Tertullian's essay On Idolatry very convicting, challenging, and encouraging. Much of what he said could easily have been written today and sound very contemporary. He opens the essay by emphasizing the problem of idolatry, "The principle charge against the human race, the world's deepest guilt, the all-inclusive cause of judgment, is idolatry." He essentially argues that the nature of all sin is idolatry which "defrauds God, denying him his proper honors and conferring them to others." Tertullian then begins exposing various forms of idolatry. A lot of the things he hits have to be thought through to consider a more contemporary parallel (ex. he rebukes the guys who train gladiators but are still embraced in the church). There is however great instruction here and he draws from Scripture throughout (be aware though there are apocryphal books he considered canonical). It is especially helpful how Tertullian brings Scripture to bear on his culture and considered how Christians ought to be set apart from the world. There are so many ways that we blend in and are lured to the feet of idols. We need to take this as seriously as this ancient theologian did.

Tuesday Hodge-Podge (3-1)

2011-03-01T08:33:00.002-06:00

Last of the Doughboys... read here.
R.C. Sproul Jr. lists five things he's surprised he can't find in the Bible.
Have you heard "the myth of Abraham's bosom"? You might not think it is a myth but this is a good critique regardless.
Here is a good review of Tim Keller's new book, King's Cross (with video)
Read through the transcript of W.A. Criswell's sermon on the doctrine of predestination- good stuff from a faithful expositor.
MLJ Recordings Trust dug up this 1970 interview with "The Doctor" (HT: JT)- very encouraging!

"Bible interpretation isn't really the point"

2011-02-23T05:00:00.000-06:00

The title of this post is a quote (p. 101) from Christopher Ash's excellent little book The Priority of Preaching. I cannot recommend this book enough! Here is a little excerpt on the goal of the Bible (found in chapter 3, on page 101):

The point of the Bible is to shape a people under grace who will be people of grace. That is to say, the goal of the Bible is Bible performance, not Bible interpretation... Our challenge is not simply to understand the word we hear preached but to do it. Our business is not Bible interpretation but Bible performance. We need to be a community who interpret the word; but the kind of interpretation we are to aim at is much more than agreeing what it means. We are to interpret the word in the sense of becoming a living visible interpretation of the word, a community in which the word of Christ is lived out and made concrete. We will only do this if we understand that out gatherings as whole local churches under the preached word are the defining context for the church.

Tuesday Hodge-Podge (2-22)

2011-02-22T05:00:00.000-06:00

What are the five best toys of all time? G.I. Joe and Barbie don't even come close. Check it out. (HT: Justin Taylor)
This is outrageous. If you haven't seen this clip it is an undercover sting of a Planned Parenthood and exposes the gross immorality of their practices.
We've (myself and other leaders) come across more and more examples at our church of "inactive" members who we're concerned are not even converted. This is a helpful article concerning this issue.
Arminianism or Semi-Pelegianism. I'm not in either camp but Roger Olson (Arminian) helps distinguish the two positions and warns against the growing Semi-Pelagian view.
Large sails and little ballasts? John Piper warns against lacking depth in your spiritual life.

Pray Now for Sayed Musa

2011-02-21T08:29:00.005-06:00

You don't know this man but we all need to pray urgently for him. Read more HERE.

Grin and Bear it?

2011-02-20T15:00:00.005-06:00

Grin and bear it. I heard that more than a few times as a boy. It is right up there with "rub some dirt on it". These are well-intentioned but inadequate pieces of counsel when someone is hurting. Over the last few weeks I've been dealing with nagging soreness in my shoulder. It is the product of poor conditioning and rough-housing with my son. We wrestle and he likes me to pick him up and play "superman" among other things. Of course he is 27 pounds and that can take it's toll on a sore shoulder. Unfortunately there's not much I can do except rub some "Icy-Hot" on it, take a vicodin, and try to limit our wrestling matches. It will eventually get better.

There are some things you just have to "grin and bear". There are some things you just have to endure. The folk adage is "what doesn't kill you makes you stronger" but Scripture has a more profound word for this kind of endurance. Paul was struggling with a "thorn in the flesh". He is vague about this thorn probably to widen the application. Was it an internal struggle like pride? Was it an external struggle like pain from all those beatings he endured? His response holds application for all such struggles (2 Corinthians 12:8-9 ESV), "Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. But HE said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.'"

Are you struggling with hurt, with pain, or with despair? There are some struggles the Lord removes (James 5:13-15) but there are others that must simply be endured until they are complete so that the Lord's power might be perfected in us. Grin and bear it isn't adequate counsel but James 1:2-4 is, "Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing."

Now my son is up from his nap so its time to get off the computer and test that shoulder...wrestling time!

The Blame Game

2011-02-15T08:16:00.003-06:00

Every morning after I get to the office one of the first things I do is peruse the headlines so that I'm at least mildly informed of the happenings of our world and culture. Two stories struck a nerve with me today. First, I saw (but didn't read) a story about actor Charlie Sheen whose headline-grabbing alcohol/ drug abuse and philandering have at least temporarily scuttled his career and the hit CBS show he stars on. His show (which glorifies hedonism) has been put on hiatus due to his most recent addiction and legal issues. Naturally when Sheen finally gives a public response he blames the producers of the television show for the show not going on- which has put many people out of work. Of course as far as Sheen sees things, it is not his fault.

Next I read the story about poor ole Billy Ray Cyrus. He of early 90's one-hit-wonder fame who got a second "15 minutes of fame" by riding his daughter Miley's meteoric rise to kiddie-pop sensation. Billy Ray went from a "whatever happened to that guy" story to overnight millionaire all over again thanks to his daughter's hit Disney Channel show "Hanna Montana". She has parlayed that gig into mega-stardom and a multi-million dollar brand. All this fame has led to increased scrutiny on Miley Cyrus and her family. Fame and fortune ain't free! There have been continual stories (with photos) about Miley's partying and promiscuous ways. Not only that but it seems the pressure of celebrity has caused tension in the Cyrus home and Billy Ray is now divorcing from his wife and Miley's mother. Billy's take- It is Disney's fault!! He blames the television show for all his troubles.

Note that he doesn't blame his choices regarding that show... as in, I should have guarded my daughter's heart better and kept her from doing that show. He blames Disney. Now I get no joy from the break-up of a marriage or the destruction of a life like Sheen's. These people were created in the image of God and are meant to glorify and enjoy Him forever. It is tragic and it is the result of sin. Unfortunately they are not willing to admit that. This "blame game" problem is as old as human history. When the first man sinned and God confronted him, the man's response was, "The woman whom YOU gave to be with me, she gave me from the tree, and I ate." The first woman followed her husband's lead in playing the blame game, "The serpent deceived me, and I ate." The woman blamed the snake. The man blamed the woman... and ultimately God, since God gave her to the man.

When was the last time you joyfully received rebuke or confrontation regarding sin? Let's be honest. We like to think of ourselves as victims so we don't have to face the reality that we participate in the ugliness of sin every day. You may have actually been a victim of an offense but don't make that wound the object of your obsession-- you'll begin ignoring other areas of your life where you have been equally offensive by sin. Guard against the blame game. Rather heed the words of the Apostle John in 1 John 1:8-9, "If we say that we have no sin, we are deceiving ourselves and the truth is not in us. Is we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." To the lover of sin this spiritual confrontation will only produce anger, bitterness, and retaliation. We naturally like thinking highly of ourselves. To the true believer who loves the Lord this spiritual confrontation will ultimately be to our joy as we experience the freedom of exposing and putting to death our sin. The blame game is just another of the enemy's tricks to keep those chains heavy and tight around your heart and mind.

12 Books Every Church Leader Should Read

2011-02-12T05:00:00.000-06:00

1. Humility: True Greatness by C.J. Mahaney

2. When People are Big and God is Small by Ed Welch

3. The Holiness of God by R.C. Sproul

4. Evangelism and the Sovereignty of God by J.I. Packer

5. The Unquenchable Flame by Michael Reeves

6. Nine Marks of a Healthy Church by Mark Dever

7. Total Church by Tim Chester and Steve Timmis

8. The Trellis and the Vine by Colin Marshall and Tony Payne

9. The Supremacy of God in Preaching by John Piper

10. Tell the Truth by Will Metzger

11. Christian Beliefs by Wayne Grudem and Elliot Grudem

12. Let the Nations by Glad: The Supremacy of God in Missions by John Piper