CHRIST GLORY ALONE

Sacredness and Planned Parenthood

2012-02-11T18:28:00.000-06:00

Melaney Linton on March1, 2012 will become the new CEO of Planned Parenthood for the Gulf Coast area.In a statement that she released on the Planned Parenthood Gulf Coast (PPGC)website she states, “Iam honored and humbled to be entrusted with such a sacred duty.”

Planned Parenthood is a leading abortion provider in the UnitedStates. Founded in the 1920s by Margaret Sanger, Planned Parenthood is a leaderin the issue of women’s reproductive rights. This federally funded organizationprovides birth control, annual well-woman exams, testing and treatment forsexually transmitted diseases, breast and cervical exams, sex education andadvocacy for reproductive rights.

Planned Parenthood includesin its services abortions which by law cannot be funded with federal taxdollars. In 2010, Planned Parenthood executed 329,445 abortions[1]. On thePPGC website and in the conclusion of the Linton announcement, they arestrangely silent of this service they provide to women.

How are we tounderstand Ms. Linton’s claim that her work is “sacred?”

The word sacred isdefined as an adjective and means, holy,connected with religion, dedicated to some person or purpose or regarded withreverence. This term sacred is commonly associated with persons, places anditems that have a high importance in a religious faith community. For example,the Holy Bible is considered sacred among Christians. Muslims consider Mecca,the birth place of Mohammed a sacred location. Judaism considers the TempleMount as sacred to them. Regardless of the faith tradition, we can understandthat from each of these traditions the term sacred is not used lightly butattached to a very significant person, place or thing that is defining to theirreligious tradition.

Ms. Linton will beleading what would be considered a regional area of Planned Parenthood covering11 health centers to include Houston, southeast Texas counties and two inLouisiana states,

“My passion for the missionand values of Planned Parenthood are what drive me to make responsibledecisions for our organization, to ensure that young women will always have aplace to turn. I owe a debt to past generations and it is through my workat Planned Parenthood that I strive to pay it forward to future generations.”[2]

While we can applaudPlanned Parenthood’s effort to educate men and women in regards tocontraception and sexually transmitted diseases, what we cannot applaud is theorganizations affirmation of the execution of human lives on an annual basis.The planned execution of human lives by a federally funded organization underthe guise of women’s rights has shades of the activities of Nazi Germany andthe Khmer Rouge. In both cases, the undesirable, the weak and the ethnicallydifferent were exterminated under the pretense of nationalism and creating abetter life. To place this in perspective, our country has allowed since 1973, 54,559,615human lives to be aborted. This number far exceeds those killed in theHolocaust and at the hands of the Khmer Rouge.

What purpose does Ms.Linton have in affixing the word “sacred” to her duty of leading PlannedParenthood in the Gulf Coast? Surely she is not asserting that in herleadership capacity she is purporting that her organization is conducting aholy endeavor? We can understand that in her leadership capacity and by usingthe word “sacred,” she is affirming her commitment to not only be a leadingadvocate for reproductive rights but also the termination of more lives underher leadership. Finally, by using the word “sacred,” is she attempting to placeher vocation on par with other vocations associated with religion and byimplication, convey that reproductive rights and abortion are holy acts?

Many would argue todaythat a religious worldview has no place in our society. Ms. Linton by her use of the term sacred is explicitlystating otherwise. She is pastoring notonly the education of women and men in regards to reproduction, STD’s and othersexual education. But she is with a clearly defined world view, affirming herreligious worldview that abortion is a clean and right act.

What is our response tosuch statements like Ms. Linton’s?

First we must pray forMs. Linton and those like her, with the understanding that our sacredness istruly apart from us, proceeding from the One who is by nature holy. God by his own nature is the measuring rodfor what is sacred and therefore, any declaration of what is sacred must beheld in the light of his holiness.

Second we mustcontinually ask ourselves, “Are allhuman beings deserving of life or is humanity nothing more than disposableproduct?” The day our nation finds itself restating the motto of the Khmer Rouge,is the day our nation has fallen to tyranny. It was the Khmer Rouge who stated,"To keep you is no benefit. To destroy you is no loss."

The estimated 3,000children per day are sacred. Those who have been aborted have all had benefitand because of they are not present we have all lost are measure of sacredness.It is the presence of the life of another that brings another comfort, joy andthe possibility of new beginnings. Why the gifts of comfort, joy and newbeginnings? It is in the face of another, we are benefited because we see onewho is like us, made in the image and likeness of God who is utterly sacred.

[1] http://www.plannedparenthood.org/files/PPFA/PP_Services.pdf

[2] PPGCAnnouncement

The Church, The State and Confession

2012-02-02T20:10:00.000-06:00

There are moments in our country’s history whenopportunities are given to the Church of God to demonstrate her unity as avisible body. These opportunities thathave been afforded to us, aid us to confirm or deny the confession that distinguishesus as God’s unique people in America.

Opportunities to seize religious freedom, herald support forabolition and decry the inequities of segregation have been pivotal moments forthe Church in America. These pastopportunities have prompted us to look beyond our small divisive hills of worshipstyles, hermeneutical approaches, eschatological speculations, and sacramentalunderstandings, to the horizon of being the people of God united around theGospel.

Our confession, regardless of Protestant denomination orCatholic heritage, is attributed to the historical reality of God’s incarnation. And as the Christ, Jesus confirms hisconfession as the prophesied God-Man, testifying by Roman death and hissubsequent resurrection. This is theconfession and foundation of the Church of God. It is the confession, which separates this community of faith from allother religious traditions. It is the confession par excellence.

The Church of God has been presented with one of thoseopportunities in the recent weeks. It is an opportunity once again for the Churchand the government to understand its relationship with one another in the contextof our democratic republic, guided by the United States Constitution.

The Obama Administration has enacted legislation inconnection with The Patient Protectionand Affordable Care Act to require “religiously affiliated hospitals,universities and charities to provide coverage for prescription birth controlto their covered employees.” The administration in response to an appeal byCatholic leaders further states that “all FDA-approved forms of contraception,”are to be covered. One can see the FDA’s list of approved methods includes the “morningafter pill.”

While many will make the case that this is advancement forreproductive rights and this does not impact places of worship; the largerdiscussion that must be had is, “Does the state have the right to shape the conscienceof a religious tradition and specifically in this context, the conscience ofthe Church?”

The Church and the State in our country can exist side byside, seeking to serve for the betterment of all citizens. The Church is byclear definition the body of Christ. She is God’s clear representative of therisen Lord and Savior. The Church has the voice to proclaim a message throughwhich God shapes the hearts of men and women in order to display to the worldhis wisdom. The Church has as her responsibility secondly to be a voice inwhich to encourage the state to protect all citizens through legislation andsimultaneously protect the freedom of its citizens to pursue the good of theirneighbor without fear of suppression or oppression. Finally, to borrow thewords of Bonhoeffer, the Church “has an unconditional obligation to the victimsof any ordering of society, even if they do not belong to the Christiancommunity.”

The State is clearly defined as God’s instrument which hehas instituted to be not a “terror to good conduct but to bad” (Romans 13:3).The State; our local, state and federal governments fall into a similar yet dissimilarposition of the Church. The State has been instituted by God and it is to bereminded that God is its supreme authority. The State can best serve the Churchand the citizens of the state by ensuring the Church is free not only to act inaccordance to its confession but also do well to all citizens. It is here that the Church can serve the Stateby reminding the State that their authority and very existence is hinged uponthe good pleasure of God. It can be a relationship between an eternal institution(Church) and a temporal institution (State) that honors God and loves itscitizens.

Once again the Church stands on a beach of opportunity. Onceagain I do not speak only of the Catholic Church or the Protestant Church. Ispeak of the one holy, catholic and apostolic Church who stands on that rock ofconfession. Present before the Church is the opportunity to speak truth to the Stateby not simply confessing but acting. The activity of the Church must be that ofprotest. The Church must build the dam of distinction between Church and Statebefore the tidal wave of secularism completely drowns the voice of God’s peopleand the conscience people is reshaped.

Will there be other opportunities? Yes. We have before usmany other issues that must be addressed if we desire to be a Church that isfree to worship in all areas of life in accordance with Scripture. Will the Church always be unified on everyissue? No. Yet we should seek to pray for one another and pursue themanifestation of our Savior’s prayer,

"I do not ask for these only, but also for those whowill believe in me through their word, that they may all be one, just as you,Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that youhave sent me. The glory that you have given me I have given to them, that theymay be one even as we are one, I in them and you in me, that they may becomeperfectly one, so that the world mayknow that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me” John 17:20-23

Gospel Religion in 127 Words (Part 2)

2012-01-27T09:00:00.000-06:00

Thank you to my friend Gary for his help on the offering.

Abortion and Grace Revisited

2012-01-21T09:00:00.000-06:00

An objection to the Christian faith is the perception that the God of the Old Testament is essentially angry and violent as opposed to the gracious and loving God of the New Testament. While this objection has many errors with it, the Old Testament provides us clear insight as to how God values the lives of individuals despite their position in life.

God has delivered the Israelite slaves from the bondage of the Egyptians and through Moses, God has bought this freed people and he is now taking them to a new “world” where they may live and worship him freely. In the Exodus 21, which immediately proceeds out of the giving of the Ten Commandments, God gives clear instruction on the life of an unborn child who is weighed just as heavily as the slave (v.2) the man who has been assaulted (v.12) the kidnapped man (v.16) and the ox (v.36). Consider that in this passage God is setting up a system of equity that touches both man and beast, unborn and born. In our context, the unborn are to receive just as much equity as the workers in our modern day sweat shops, the women experiencing domestic violence or the dogs subjected to underground pit battles.

In this text the innocent who are born premature are vindicated by repayment. There is a payment that must be made to secure justice. This is the thread that is running behind verses 23-25, that justice is secured for the innocent. Some may object and state that Jesus contradicts this commandment during his Sermon on the Mount (Mt 5:38), yet if one understands the context of the Sermon on the Mount, it is the declaration of the fullness of what the Israelites received here in the Exodus. Jesus Christ is laying out a way of life that would exceed the scribes and Pharisees and a way of life that is perfect like God in heaven. It is a way of life that only one has lived.

An additional point in regards to verses 23-25 is that there be the respect for life; rather born (slave, kidnapped, assaulted) or in the womb. That among the people, regardless of their condition, their life was to be valued. Secondly, those who cause the life of the unborn to terminate are required a repayment. While a life has no dollar value that can be placed on him or her, the principle stands that the guilty must absorb the cost of the innocent.

What does this mean for the church today?

The Gospel communicates that justice is carried out where the innocent assumes the fine of the guilty. As we addressed the objection of some who may claim Jesus is contradicting Exodus 21, he is actually declaring to men and women there is one righteousness which exceeds religious rules and traditions and there is one perfection that is like the Father’s in heaven. Jesus Christ the innocent declares to the guilty that he is that righteousness and he is that perfection. Jesus Christ who alone upholds all the demands in the Sermon on the Mount absorbs the debt of the guilty by dying and the guilty by faith walk away in his righteousness and perfection.

There is the grace that lightens the hearts of forgiven men and women to serve those considering abortion.

The Church is made up of men and women who communicate a life that reflects grace which dawned upon the guilty. We should then understand that pregnancy is a means to foster life regardless of how the pregnancy occurred producing a life that is not sin. We understand that those women regardless of the means of pregnancy are not to be prejudiced but all are to be equally received.

The Church must then serve in a long term manner that communicates grace, equality and justice among all pregnant women, the fathers and their children.

The question then is what are the long term solutions?

• Teaching specifically addressing that children regardless of the context in which they were conceived are equal and blessed to live
• Families that are willing to absorb the "cost" of receiving a child not wanted by a mother or father
• Older men willing to serve single dads expecting a child
• Older women willing to serve single pregnant women

Each of the above requires long term relationships and real time teaching

The local church must provide the counter cultural worldview that life is affirmed at every stage of life. The church alone is singularly equipped to provide this worldview because it rests on a death that resulted in life. We move in a sphere in which we communicate to women and men that we are a community of people willing to absorb the cost of a life in order that that life may blossom. It is a profound communication of a distinct worldview because it comes from men and women who have grasped that their guilt has been removed by Jesus Christ himself who while, innocent has absorbed the cost of their sin.

For more information visit:

Abort73.com: Abortion Unfiltered

Gospel Religion in 127 Words

2012-01-20T16:25:00.000-06:00

Slavery to another human is an awful condition. Your life is bound to the pleasure of anotherindividual.

Your sleep...determined.

Your rest ...limited.

Your nourishment is light and your work heavy.

The glimmering hope of freedom is all but dimmed.

The imagination of a life that is free, prosperous andabundant with offspring is shattered by the present reality of ongoingsuffering.

Your will is not able to resist to mandates of your master.Your ability to galvanize a group to rebel in hopes of making that glimmer ofhope a bright shining day of freedom is not within you.

Your master must be triumphed by one greater than him.

It was God whoinstituted a religious act when death passed through Egypt to bring aboutfreedom.

The Beauty and Power of Change

2012-01-01T14:30:00.000-06:00

For everything thereis a season, and a time for every matter under heaven:

A time to be born, and a time todie;

A time to plant; and a time topluck up what is planted;

A time to embrace and a time torefrain from embracing. (Ecclesiastes 3:1-2, 5)

Those are comforting and encouraging words when weunderstand that our lives are governed by the most sovereign and gracious God.I could not imagine all the complexities of life occurring without a sovereignGod who oversees and uses every aspect of creation and her events for specificpurpose.

That is what makes change both beautiful and powerful.Beautiful because we can stand back and observe the development and progressionof something. It is powerful because we understand that there are events thatare used to shape our direction and so we are humbled under the reality we arenot in complete control.

On January 8, 2011 I step aside as the lead elder for theChurch at Oakwood. God sent me out into Oakwood in September 2007 and had meplant the banner of his Gospel and as he rightly declared, God has built hischurch. God has built his church in a community that is said to be withouthope, but I say it is full of hope, beauty and power. God has birthed not onelocal church but two local churches. God has placed elders who shepherd hisflock. God has produced marriages founded on his Son. God has communities ofmen and women who fight to love him and love one another.

This has been my greatest joy to see what God would do withhis Gospel and he has not failed himself. I have been blessed to see men andwomen fight for each other, discipline each other, grow together, eat and laughtogether. The sun continues to rise in Oakwood regarding the local church andit will only become brighter.

I understand as well that my role in so far as being thelead elder has now come to a beautiful sunset. Leadership not only seeks tohelp others identify and employ their gifts but leaders must be cognizant oftheir gift limitations as well. I recognize that I get things started that aredifferent. I recognize that I pour into persons with the hopes that they wouldpick up the baton and run with it. I have come to the end of this journey andnow will enjoy seeing others continue to mature and rejoice in what God willaccomplish.

Moving Forward

Are I and the tribe of five leaving? No. The Church atOakwood is our home. I will simply serve as an elder in the church and supportthe leadership of Michael Kidd who will assume the lead elder role and supportPhilip Grant our other elder.

Additionally, I will be serving our body by teaching morespecifically on matters of compassion and justice with the Gospel beingfoundational. This will not only equip our body as a whole but will provide me theopportunity to give full effort to CoHO and the work we are doing.

This moment is beautiful to me. I knew it was coming at somepoint. It was always in the back of my mind, yet now with precise clarity, Iunderstand that God has called me to “refrain from embracing,” this role in thechurch and enjoy the beauty of others embracing. It will be beautiful tocontinue to see my family cling more closely to the Holy Spirit and watch whatGod will do in his people.

And so there is the power of change. I long to see God workpowerfully in his people and do greater things than the past four years.

This is the beauty and power of change.

I am thankful for a sovereign and gracious God who overseesit all for the purposes of his glory.

Book Review: Real Marriage: The Truth About Sex, Friendship and Life Together

2011-12-29T16:12:00.000-06:00

Mark and Grace Driscoll of Mars Hill Church in Seattle haveprovided the Christian community a solid offering on marriage entitled: Real Marriage: The Truth about Sex, Friendship and Life Together. The book is organized into three parts;Marriage, Sex and The Last Day. Each major part is then broken down into aseries of chapters unpacking certain aspects of the marriage relationship. The bookthen concludes with several helpful appendixes that are designed to provoke andcreate helpful solutions in the marriage relationship.

Real Marriageis book for husbands. As I read through the text, I felt as if I and my wifewere in a room with the Driscolls and the lion’s share of the information waslaunched at me. The information communicated was theological, strong, andtransparent and sought to bring each issue back to the Gospel. I appreciatedthat this book unlike other marriage type books, sought to weave the truth ofGod’s redemption and that God heals our past and present hurts relating tomarriage.

I appreciated a high level of transparency from theDriscolls in regards to their own marriage. As you read this book, you walkaway with a better understanding of why Mark Driscoll was how he was early onin his ministry. This is not an apologetic for Mark Driscoll and Mars Hill butafter reading some of the struggles that were being fought through early on intheir marriage and with the ministry are involved in, I was very sympathetic totheir situation.

This leads me to say that this book will be very helpful formarriages that are in church planting or desiring to establish some type ofministry that will impact a marriage. I don’t think we fully consider the strainthat is placed on marriages when a new endeavor is started. The Driscolls arevery candid in their struggles and how they together fought for their marriage.I noted as I read this book, “Would Mark Driscoll of today told the youngerMark Driscoll to stop his outside ministry work and focus on his marriage?”That would be an interesting discussion.

There are helpful chapters that examine the importance ofdeveloping a friendship with your spouse, allowing your spouse to pastor youand of course how to navigate the marriage bed in regards to sex. Each of thesechapters will leave you and your spouse an opportunity to discuss and seekappropriate application to your marriage. So I appreciate that Real Marriageprovides conversation space in which you ask your spouse, “How will this workin our marriage?”

A huge chapter in this book is the last chapter, "The Last Day." I would sum up this chapter with the question of, "What legacy do you want to leave about your marriage?" This is where the Driscolls provide some great questions to help shape a discussion between you and your spouse about where you desire to see your marriage be down the road and what it will take now to get there. This chapter is huge because most marriages fight to get through one day, but if we have the end in mind, your spouse will not be seen as the enemy or your marriage a burden but something that is being shaped for others to marvel at. If you don't read any other chapter, read the last chapter.

As with any book, there are deficiencies. This book lacked a chapter on children. Real Marriage provides some speckles of information but I amcurious to see how the Driscolls tackle ministry, discipline, education and other mattersof the heart when it comes to children. Lastly,while Real Marriage provides stronginformation to support points, it can at times be an overwhelming amount ofinformation which can become a distraction at times.

Overall, get the book. I would urge you to set aside anypreconceived ideas you may have about the authors and gain some helpful wisdomfrom a couple who have struggled in marriage and continue to fight for theirmarriage. Real Marriage is a solid offering by Mark and Grace Driscoll thatrepresents no marriage is easy. Marriage is a humble and sanctifying labor oflove where the husband and wife have to fight for each other displaying theredemptive grace of God.

I give Real Marriage, 4 out 5 Wedding Rings

Disclaimer: I received this book free from Book Sneeze. Providing me a free copy in noway guarantees a favorable review. The opinions expresses in this review are myown. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal TradeCommission’s 16 CFR,Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials inAdvertising.”

Leadership: Love verses Power

2011-12-01T23:35:00.001-06:00

There are many gifts that are given to the Body of Christ.Paul in his letters to the believers at Rome, Corinth and Ephesus lays out severalgifts that are given by Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit (Rom 12; 1 Cor 12-13and Eph 4). All of these gifts are givento honor fellow believers more than ourselves, to rejoice and comfortmembers of the body and equip the body towards maturity. Each of these gifts playsa very significant role in accomplishing God’s purpose of presenting a pure andmature Bride (Eph 5).

I want to take a short look at the gift of leadership thatPaul describes in Romans 12. Yes that is right; leadership is a gift that isgiven to the Body of Christ. In a time when some brothers and sisters want todown play the gift of leadership at the expense of other gifts, we see that Paulconnects the gift of leadership with a Christian’s spiritual act ofworship. Therefore, leadership that isgiven by God to a believer to love his fellow brother or sister is a living,holy and acceptable act of worship back to God.

POWER

The reaction against leadership is understandable though. Inthe last two decades, leadership in the church looks more like the temporary culture (Mark 10:42) than the service and slavery Jesus teaches his disciples would exist in the eternal culture of God. Leadership in the church has assumed the forms and functions of business for themost part. There is an exercising of authority that properly belongs tocorporations such as Apple, Dell and Wal-Mart which is not to be found in theChurch. The “exercising of power” or “lording” puts greatness as the aim of menat the expense of others.

Power used to achieve a personal means or ambition neverbenefits those who are being lorded over. The few on top at the end of the dayachieve the greatest benefit and create an atmosphere in which the many aredependent on a few.

It was power that drove Pharaoh to create greater and greaterburdens for the Israelites.

It was power that led Israel to mimic its previous masterEgypt, as those who were charged with the care of the nation, trampled the covenantof God and trampled the poor.

Can power be used rightly? Yes, only when it is used tobenefit the many at the expense of the one or a few.

LOVE

Here is the scandal of the Gospel. Jesus, who is God, gaveup power.

In Philippians 2, Paul outlines that Jesus took on the formof a servant and in humility and obedience, died.

Servants do not possess power. Servants freely choose tosubmit to the will of another in order to accomplish the purposes of the onethey are in service to. The servant in the world of Gentiles is not seen asgreat or first. In the world of Gentiles, the servant is not considered aleader but one who is only told to “do.”

Jesus turns this on its head as he displays as a servant,slave and child that leadership saturated with love and not power culminates inhis resurrection and in his exaltation. Jesus Christ provides for the Church whatleadership is to look like in the kingdom of God. Men and women gifted by theSpirit to lead in life of servitude characterized by love for the benefit ofothers.

LOVING LEADERSHIP ISWORSHIP

Our gifts, whatever they maybe, are given to us ultimatelyas a means to worship God. It is pretty clear that everything that God hascreated is designed to make much of his name. Loving leadership that is counterto all other cultures is leadership that imitates the life of Christ. If welead by power, we rob ourselves of worship and we will be a false image of thegood news.

As we who have received the gift to lead, imitate Christ asa servant to others and sweet worship will be offered up to God.

Redemptive Use of Facilities

2011-12-01T09:00:00.000-06:00

I am consistently asking our staff at CoHO if we are beinggood stewards of the resources that God is providing to us through generousdonors. These resources includefinances, people, items to be used to carry out our operations andproperty.

It was that last one that was nagging me.

Are we using ourfacilities to the degree that people are being served? This is a hard thing.There is something about having a building or buildings that causes one to bevery protective and it can be borderline idolatrous.

I get the idea that maintenance, cleaning and all the othernecessities need to be handled but then I began to look at the actual usage ofour community center and thought through how can we use this building to betterserve people.

It is awesome how God answers our unspoken prayers.

Over the last two weeks, the backroom of our communitycenter has served as an “emergency shelter” for men who have needed a place toget off the streets, take a shower, wash clothes and feel safe. After somediscussion with a couple of my staff members, we pulled the trigger and we aremoving to convert the room into a bedroom to provide shelter for those who needit. This is an opportunity to get the most value out of a facility by providinga place a refuge for persons when needed.

Facilities need to beleveraged to assist the poor and homeless

Our city context has approximately 55,000 persons and sitson the 40 Interstate with Little Rock being the next largest city. In our citywe have no emergency shelter. Thereexist a great transitional shelter and a solid shelter for women who haveexperienced domestic violence. This current situation is therefore notconducive to the homeless seeking immediate relief. Their options typically areto engage in squatting, hustle money for a hotel or make it to Little Rockwhere there are emergency shelters.

Churches have an opportunity to leverage their facilities toassist the poor and homeless. The typical facility that hosts a gathering ofChristians is open only certain hours and days of the week. These facilities thatare commonly called, “tabernacles, houses of God, a holy place or a worshipcenter,” could live it out the full meaning of those terms if they becameplaces of refuge on a regular basis.

I say “regular basis” because some will object by stating, “Weuse our facilities in times of crisis.” Times of crisis are good whenunderstood in the context of a natural disaster but we must ask ourselves, “Isn’ta homeless person in crisis?

We must be careful not to become those whom Jesus rebuked inMark 3:1-6 where the Sabbath was valued more than the wellbeing of a man with awithered hand. Our facilities if we are not careful can be so revered that weforget these facilities where provided to us “to do good” and not harm.

A Redemptive Reminder

Our redemption leads us to understand that in kingdom ofGod, Christ painfully and victoriously opened the doors of his house in orderthat we that were homeless through sin would be clothed in righteousness, fedwith the bread of life and enjoy the warmth of the glory of God.

When we as Christians take a huge step to appropriate andapply this aspect of our life in the kingdom of God, we will have a bold witnessin our cities. Imagine Christians counting the soul of a man or woman greaterthan a facility itself. Imagine the homeless saying, “This is a tabernacle.This is a Bethel.”

Questions leadersshould ask

1. How many homeless are we seeing on a monthly basis?

2. How are we actively addressing the need of a homelessindividual or family?

3. Are we honestly valuing our property to a greater degreethan an individual?

4. What policy or policies do we have in place that ispreventing us from caring for a homeless person or family?

5. What will it mean for our gathering to useour facility as a place for the homeless to find refuge?

6. Is what we are currently doing, effectively communicatingthe Gospel to the homeless in our city?

The Holidays, Poverty and Ditches

2011-11-16T10:00:00.000-06:00

The nation is in full swing of the holiday season and with that comes well meaning churches and organizations seeking to do some good. These activities will probably be more pronounced as our nation currently has approximately 46 million persons in poverty. This number not only includes those in under resourced communities but now we are finding families in poverty who live in what would be termed as middle class.

I pay more attention to this as we begin our own Hand Up for the Holidays Initiatives. It is at moments like these, I see men and women who live in well to do neighborhoods, drive nice cars and wear good clothes have the same concerns and use the same words as those who have been in poverty for years. It reminds me that all of us regardless of economic position possess common concerns and this is most prevalent during the holiday season.

As we walk this road assisting those in need, we must discern that it is a narrow one. This road that is designed to lead us to joy has two deep ditches that run on either side as we seek to serve alongside those in need.

On one side of the narrow road is the ditch of pride in relation to those who are doing the serving. If our motivation is to check the box of accomplishing a good deed during the holidays or simply meeting our tax donation quota before December 31 then we have fallen in the ditch of pride.

Organizations and churches, if we are not careful, our motivation for helping will not be to uplift a home but create that next cool newsletter story, television advertisement or sad face on the front of a post card. We all face these temptations and what is most alarming is that those in need are able to discern our intentions.

Ultimately it will be about us.

On the other side of the narrow road is the ditch of idolatry in relation to those we are serving. Organizations, Christian and non-Christian can fall into this ditch more often than not. By simply doing or periodically giving to a person, community or nation without their buy-in, recommendations and leadership, can create an environment of dependence on the organization.

Does the situation require resolution? Yes.

Is the external organized group the only group that has the plans, resources and leadership necessary to address the problem? No.

Between the ditches of pride and idolatry the narrow road of the Gospel reminds us of the following:

We are all image bearers of God.

Scripture reminds us that humanity has its genesis in the loins of Adam who was created in the image of God to reflect his glory, wisdom and purpose. That image though was marred because of Adam’s disobedience and as a result the poverty, suffering and injustice reside before us.

We are all in need of life.

At first glance this seems like an odd statement, yet Christ states clearly that the reason he came was to bring abundant life for his people (John 10:10). Yes we are born. We live, work, have families, interact with others yet apart from Christ this is not real life. We are creatures who live in a two dimensional world who are told by Christ that he has come in order that we would live in a 3 dimensional world where he is central. Therefore regardless of economic, gender or ethnic status we are all in need of life and so this is pride destroying. It reminds us that at the foot of the cross the full belly and the empty belly are both in need of abundant life.

There is only one God.

The cross and the resurrection scream that there is one unique and holy being who is infinitely good. Looking up at the cross and then staring in an empty tomb reminds us that there is a God who is so apart from us that he powerfully took on flesh to share life with us. This is why John can say, “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth” (John 1:14) This is why idolatry is ultimately suicidal because none of us have served another in such a manner that it echoes throughout history and into eternity.

So as you serve others in the power of Christ in these next two months, come alongside individuals and seek to empower them by pointing them to the one who has made them, is the fullness of life and who is God. Remind yourself that you’re service is not for personal glory or self-gratification but to reflect the glory of God who saved you.

The Doctrines of Grace are Wonderful

2011-11-13T09:00:00.000-06:00

The Doctrines of Grace are wonderful.

I have held a conviction the last couple of years that these five points used to explain the scope of God's redemptive work should be passionately taught but passionately lived out as well.

Now don't get me wrong. The Doctrines of Grace are not Scripture, but these points, I believe, honor the holiness and glory of God the best.

It is the best of all possible systems.

So I am thankful for men like my elder team who faithfully teach the Scripture from this vantage point and then live it out.

Closer to home, these doctrines have been a solid anchor for ministry in three ways.

My Own Personal Walk

Being a husband is hard. Being a dad is hard. All of the other things that I am involved in are hard as well. So I pray. But someone would say, "If you hold to these doctrines so strongly, why pray?" My response is why not pray! I fail but I have the understanding that God will not fail and will bring me to his desired end. I understand that whether I succeed or fail, my adoption was secure before I did anything good or evil. Man that is grace!

Teaching

I will tell you honestly, if I taught with the understanding that redemption rested in the decision of man, I would have either thrown in the towel or come up with all types of tricks to persuade. Understanding that God is sovereign in absolutely every Gospel proclamation opportunity, gives me the assurance that what happens or does not happen in the soul of an individual is all in the hands of the wise God and Savior.

Counseling

The most comforting thought that you can give to someone in the middle of their suffering is the truth that God in control and suffering has purpose. These doctrines have helped to shape my counseling especially when someone wrestles with the condition of a loved ones soul.

So there are three reasons I am very thankful for the Doctrines of Grace.

Have a great week.

The Homeless: The Cries and Groans of Sedarius

2011-11-05T21:17:00.003-05:00

His name is Sedarius. He is 22 and he is homeless.

I met Sedarius last week during our Sunday gathering in Oakwood.

He is a father. He loves music and he is tired of the streets.

During our first conversation as it is with most young black men I meet on the streets he gave his street name, "Big Homey." He did not want to admit he was homeless at the time because as he said, "I was ashamed."

So this last week Sedarius survived by couch surfing, sleeping in the hospital and finally sleeping in an abandoned mobile home trailer, burning phone books to stay warm.

Dangerous, yes.

Illegal, yes.

But what would you do to survive?

Sedarius called me from the hospital and in tears was tired.

Tired from not having a shower.
Tired from wearing the same clothes.
Tired of being cold.

Right now, Sedarius has a warm place to stay at our community center. On Monday he looks forward to getting a fresh start.

It had me thinking once again, "How best do we use our facilities? Isn't it more important that the soul of a person be valued and served by the facility rather than deeming the facility as more precious?"

The Gospel has us to see that the people of God are God's holy place. We are being fit together on the foundation of apostles and prophets, with Jesus as the valuable cornerstone to be the dwelling place of God's Spirit.

This is the ultimate reality that is counter to common reality which views a building as the holy place of God.

No. Sedarius and others like him need to know that he enters the holy place of God and therefore is graciously provided for by the Spirit of God when the people of God invite him in.

So please keep Sedarius in your prayers this week. Pray that he is overwhelmed by the Spirit of God as he moves among the holy place of God.

(This story has been written with Sedarius' permission)

The Gospel and Social Justice: Wallis and Mohler

2011-11-01T09:47:00.001-05:00

Matthew Anderson reports on the recent debate between Albert Mohler, president of The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and Jim Wallis, founder and editor of Sojourners.

You can read the article here.

Leadership: Keeping it Real

2011-10-26T21:30:00.000-05:00

Disclaimer: The words that follow in this post are a clear expression of my heart at the given moment. It is not filtered and therefore, proceed at your own discretion. I hope that some man or woman is helped by it.

If you have followed me for any period of time, I have not used my post to vent my own frustrations, hurts or angst concerning the life that I have. I have an awesome life. A devastating wife. Awesome kids. I have the privilege of pastoring a great group of people and lead a very distinct non-profit.

There is another side to this though.

There are times when I get absolutely pissed off. There are times I make the wrong decisions. I say things that go a little to far. I am a fallible human.

When things go wrong and this week has been one of those times when absolutely it has been a WTF moment; I feel as if there is no place, no moment to simply let it out.

Have you been there? I mean have you been in a place emotionally where you have heard so much; held your tongue for so long, that if you do not say something or do something your very soul will explode?

So how do people deal with it?

Some people cry.
Some people huddle in a corner.
Some people hug a bottle.
Some people smoke that weed.

I thunder.

But this opportunity to express myself in a way that will aid me to move on to a journey of healing is restrained because of the expectation as a leader.

You have to have it all together
You can't have a faltering moment.
You can't be angry.
You can't show the least amount of weakness.
You can never make a wrong decision.

Now I am not looking for sympathy. This comes with the territory. My wife reminded me today, "Phillip leading is hard." I know that and I was thankful for the reminder.

But leaders can not be robbed of their humanity.
Leaders must be given the opportunity to bare their own souls as well.

I wish that people would cut some slack to those who lead. I sympathize with men and women like President Obama, Rob Bell, Driscoll or a Judi Lively. I sympathize with these people because while we may not agree on everything, they are in their position by God's design and yes, they jack it up.

Don't we all? Don't we all jack it up.
We forget grace.
I forgot grace and so I came with barrels blasting. No excuses.

Let there be no misunderstanding. If you are leading something or desire to lead something, you are and will be held to a different standard.

Is it right? I have no idea.
But I think just as I have to remind myself that the people I lead are flesh and blood who have highs and lows, those that are led must remember their leaders are flesh and blood as well. We have highs and lows. We weep. We get frustrated. We doubt. We wonder if we make a difference.

So like a leader, I must answer the question I ask to others, "What is the solution?"

Well, learn from your mistakes. Take ownership of your sin and leave the rest on the floor.

Embrace the fact that your humanity is not to be avoided but celebrated because God has shared in that same humanity.

That second thought seized me today. God shared in my humanity. I know Jesus went off to pray and get alone with his Father. I find comfort though in the fact Jesus also got irritated, angry, grieved. The difference is he was tempted in every area I am, yet he never sinned.

So I am going to fail as a leader.
You will fail as a leader.
Your leaders will fail you.

But he has and never will fail.

Teaching Others to Pass it On

2011-10-26T11:12:00.000-05:00

I’m going to die one day. That is a pretty grim opening to apost, but don’t weep as though I have no hope. It is a reality all of us needto come to grips with and think about at some point. But until that day, I havework to do.

Paul is anticipating his impending death and the grasp of arighteous crown given to him by the Lord. It was in this heighten anticipationof beholding his joy, Paul encourages Timothy to continue the work that hasbeen entrusted to him. In this exhortation, Paul tells Timothy to “entrust tofaithful men who will be able to teach others also” (2 Timothy 2:2).

Entrust what? Timothy is to entrust into men who will turn,entrust to other men; the Gospel. Thisis what Timothy heard and saw in Paul. Entrust the Gospel to other men who willrepeat this process.

The entrusting of the Gospel that we read in Paul’s life andthat Timothy is to duplicate is fleshed out in gathering disciples,shepherding, teaching others to repeat the process and care for the poor. Theseoutgrowths of the Gospel are replete in Paul’s writings and provide for us aframework in our Christian journey.

Gathering Disciples(Acts 16)

Paul meets Timothy and recruits this man to join him andSilas as they strengthen the churches in Derbe, Lystra and Iconium. We then seethey proceed by the guidance of the Holy Spirit to Macedonia and from there wesee God use these men to establish a new local church at Philippi. Timothy was on the front lines of hearingPaul teach, strengthen existing churches and gather new disciples leading to anew local church.

This work has been passed on to us. We are to be proactivein the gathering of disciples with the hopes of seeing a community of believersemerge who love the glory of God, love one another and will duplicate this process.

Shepherding (1Timothy 3)

Paul writes to Timothy who he left at Ephesus, to identifynew overseers. Paul is encouraging Timothy in his evangelistic work to find menwho aspire for the work of caring for God’s flock. These aspirations are surrounded by qualitiesthat are found in men who love their home, who care for the church and who arerespected by those outside the community of the faith.

This work has been passed on to us. As we gather disciplesand a community of faith emerges, we must be intentional in identifyingindigenous men who are stewards of their home, the church and yes, evenunbelievers.

Duplication (2Timothy 2)

We have to not only be intentional in gathering disciplesand identifying men to care for the local church, but we must communicateclearly to the whole family that discipleship does not terminate on our livesbut we should seek to give birth to new family members.

A healthy family enjoys the news of a pregnancy. There isgreat joy when parents can communicate they are about to grow as a familythrough adoption. Growth in a family is not only to be joyous, but expected.Disciples’ finding new disciples is not only joyous but to be expected.

This work has been passed on to us.

Care for the Poor (Gal2:10)

While Timothy was not present for the Apostles’encouragement to Paul to remember the poor, I can safely assume, this wascommunicated to Timothy and Timothy saw it with his own eyes. Caring for thepoor and communities of the poor is just as necessary as our communicatedmessage. It is unavoidable that Christ clearly and emphatically states thatthose who enter the kingdom of God are those who cared for the weak,imprisoned, homeless and naked (Matthew 25:31).

This work has been passed on to us. A gathering of disciples,shepherded by men who love well and urge the entire community of faith to growthrough discipleship, must care for the poor. This means that the hard work ofchurch planting must not only occur in the outskirts of suburbia, and theconcrete jungle of downtown. It means that there must be men of courage who arewilling to go further into the city among the “least of these,” and establishChrist exalting, disciple producing, local churches as well.

So What?

So this is a rally call for men in Conway and thesurrounding area to make disciples, plant new gatherings, and shepherd in loveand love the outcast of society.

Join us at 7pm on Sunday October 30, 2011 at Starbucks onOak as we discuss four years of Oakwood and the road ahead.

Tears, Trees and the Axe Swinging Father

2011-09-19T10:00:00.000-05:00

The other day, I had to engage in the hard work of disciplining one of my children concerning their behavior towards another sibling. Parenting is all joyful, yet within that joy as a dad, there are moments when I celebrate the growth of my children and then with sorrow, tread in the deep forest of sin that is to be uprooted in each of their lives.

This uprooting of sin in the lives of our children must be accomplished with the strong axe of the Gospel. In times past, I thundered at my children. I thought by the volume of my voice, the tone of frustration with their sin and the so called ace in the hole, "Go to your room!", I would have my children on the straight and narrow.

Cutting down trees with a dull blade never works.

It was only when I and my wife began to apply the Gospel to our own lives and then to the lives of our children, that the trees of whatever sin, began to fall. In that moment of discipline with my child, I cried in their presence because as a father, I knew that specific sin could be ruin for a child later in life.

After our reconciliation and moving forward, I wondered if we as believing parents cry over the sin of our children? I don't mean being upset with them because they didn't pick up their room or take out the trash.

Do we as parents think about the indwelling sin in our own children and cry over it, as we cry over people in far flung places who have not heard the Gospel?

I know we cry when we lose a job,

house,
car,
or football game.

I have cried over my own sin.
I have cried over the sin present in Oakwood.
I have cried over the sin in my city.

But what about my children who are my own flesh and blood?

We have a good Father who loves his children and his discipline of us is rooted in that redemptive love. Does he weep over us when we sin? I don't know. But I am thankful for the discipline because it declares I am not some eternal bastard but an eternal redeemed son.

Our Father lovingly swings the axe of his good news and unearths the sin in our own lives.

It is because of that real and experiential love, we should not only cry over the sin of our children but also cry with joy as we lay the axe of the Gospel to the sinful trees rooted in the lives of our children.

Thank you Daddy!

Speaking Truth to Power: President Obama

2011-09-14T21:47:00.000-05:00

It has been reported today (ThePhilanthropy, TheHeritage Foundation, Forbes)that President Obama has submitted a plan that would raise taxes on charitabledonations by the wealthy. This is pretty disconcerting considering news thatwas released today by the USAToday stating that the poverty rate is at its highest since 1993 with theArkansas Dem Gazette reporting that the southern region of the United Stateshas 41% of the nation’s poor.

President Obama, charities arevital to assisting the needs of men, women and children who have fallen on hardtimes and have very few options in regards to resources. Charities, local churches and non-profitsthat have as their mission to strengthen the knees of the weak in our societyare the clearest example of the imagination, power and good will that exist in Americansseeking to answer that ongoing question of “Who is my neighbor?”

These charities, local churchesand non-profits in order to accomplish their work depend on the financialsupport and labor of wealthy Americans, middle class Americans and I canpersonally say those in lower economic situations.

These organizations depend onprivate donations.

Plain and simple.

Sir what you propose is an act oflegislation that will continue to press us toward a downward slope in whichgiving is stifled, charitable organizations are hampered and the poor are leftholding the bag. As we slide down this hill of obstructed generosity, it wouldappear that by your proposal the only safety net will be that of the federalgovernment.

Mr. President, are you implicitlyproposing that only the federal government has the ability to come alongsidethe poor? What of the hundreds of organizations that have originated in ourgreat country because of the compassion of men and women to create foundations,hospitals, schools, food pantries, shelters and etc.? These acts are only thegreat expression of the eternal image in which we are all created.

Sir, I fear that if yourlegislation were to pass, you would hasten our country towards a day in whichcompassion is crushed and entitlement would rule the day.

Psalm 82 states that God sitsamong the rulers of the nation and calls them to account because of theirignorance of the poor. Their ignorance of the poor would not go unchecked Mr.President, and you, like me, must stand before this great God. Let me be clearyour legislation brings harm to the poor in the long run. You are in youroffice not because of charisma, ethnicity or party affiliation, but because Godchose to have you there. With that knowledge, you have a great opportunity to actually defend the rights of the poorand oppressed by removing this legislation.

President Obama I would encourageyou to create an environment where charity is encouraged and thus more peopleare unhindered to give to charitable organizations. Second, I would encourageyou to create an environment for persons where they can find long term workthat is beyond simple road projects and school improvements. Finally sir, you havethe opportunity to restrict government from becoming the sole provider of everyhuman need in America.

President Obama, as the Chief Executive,lead with courage. Stand back and see the people of America take the initiativeto care for people.

As we have so many times before,we will answer the question of “Who is my neighbor?”

The Week of Gospel Advance

2011-09-05T17:58:00.003-05:00

This Sunday, September 11, 2011, eleven of our family members of the Church at Oakwood will be advancing the Gospel to the southern portion of Oakwood. On a day when our country will reflect on a world changing event that happened ten years ago where 19 men sought to advance death, we can celebrate in good old Conway that life is advancing through the Gospel.

That is the Gospel right?

Is it not the the clear declaration that Christ, his righteous and perfect life, triumphs over all manner of death?

Is it not the clear declaration that the kingdom of God and his glory shall saturate his universe?

It is the advance of the Gospel.

It is the advance of the good news that the Light of God is triumphant and that those who sit in darkness and despair because of sin, may behold beauty, power and life.

This is, in my opinion, the majesty of the good news and the confidence that we have as local churches to send out men and women into the unknown. To pray and call for men and women to step out in faith and carry the banner of Jesus victorious news forward.

The Gospel advances because the founder of the Church himself said, "the gates of hell would not prevail against it."

Darkness will not stay the hand of the Christ's good news.

Despair will not cause the Spirit of God to be confounded.

Death will not triumph over Jesus advancing and Spirit empowered Bride.

What is the encouragement for those advancing?

In general, the people that you will send out have the promise of Christ himself that his work will not fail.

Specifically in my context, I praise God for Cory, Jay, Tammy, Jared, Jennica, Gage, Katie, Brent, Mackenzie, Jarod and Kristin. I praise God that we have family who will be taking the good news forward, realizing that they will not fail because it is Christ, not them, who will grow this gathering for his glory.

Let us equip one another to advance the Gospel in our own lives through prayer and his Word.

Let us advance the Gospel brothers and sisters, in our rural areas, cities, states and nations.

Let us have the courage and seize the words of the founder of our faith advancing in love, in grace and in his power for the glory of his name.

Let us advance life!

Expanding the Reach of the Gospel in New Local Churches

2011-08-18T11:05:00.004-05:00

Acts 13-14 has always been one of my favorite passages of Scripture chronicling the work of the Holy Spirit through the Body of Christ. In those two chapters, Dr. Luke records the sending of Barnabas and Paul to expand the Gospel outside of Antioch resulting in new expressions of the Church.

In four weeks Lord willing, we will be sending a group of ten from our gathering in Oakwood to the southside of the community to expand the gospel. It is a group of young and old, men and women who are stepping out on faith to see glory of God move further in the community.

I am excited about this on a personal level because after four years of laboring, God is seeing fit to do a new work in the community using more of his redeemed people. This work while rewarding will also be difficult but these difficulties will yield lasting fruit for the glory of God.

What can we learn from Acts 13-14 that can apply today as we establish new expressions of the Church in our city?

1. The local church has multiple gifts to be sent out (Acts 13:1-3)

Luke points out that in the church at Antioch there were "prophets and teachers." Here in this family of believers were diverse gifts that were being used and it was discerned through worship, prayer and fasting that some where to be sent out.

We have in our local churches gifted men and women who are not only a benefit in their current gathering but also they can be used as catalyst to expand the work of the Gospel. Therefore as the church body discerns a leading from God to send men and women, prayerfully and with joy send them forward because God has called them to it and by implication it will lead to the awareness of others gifted by the Holy Spirit.

2. There will be a opposition to the Gospel (Acts 13:4-11,45,50; 14:5,19)

Being used by God to start something new is not easy. There will be opposition because the Church is advancing upon the gates of darkness. Let us not be mistaken, as churches seek to establish new local gatherings with the Gospel as the offensive tool, there will be those who will seek to come behind you and proclaim a false message, there will be those who will seek to drive you out. But you should not be surprised when these happen because it is the message of a crucified and resurrected Christ which they ultimately oppose. There is a joy that is to come though on the other side of opposition. It is the knowledge that as the Church advances, the gates of hell will not prevail and Jesus Christ has all authority to build his church. Which leads to the encouragement.

3. God's work will prevail (Acts 14:21-28)

Paul and Barnabas circle back to each city they had visited to strengthen, encourage and appoint elders in every church. There was suffering, they were pushed out and yet God established local churches. God's work will prevail.

Why do I say God's work? In verse 27, Luke clearly states, "And when they arrived and gathered the church together, they declared all that God had done with them and how he opened a door of faith to the Gentiles."

So, whether you are a house church of 10, a local church of 100 or a local church of 1000, send out men and women. Send them out with the knowledge the work will be hard but above all remind them that God's work will prevail in expanding his Gospel.

To the Widow, Orphaned, Immigrant and Poor of the World

2011-08-17T08:34:00.001-05:00

To the widow, orphaned, immigrant, incarcerated, poor and marginalized of America,

Jesus Christ is the Republican or Democrat who gave up his authority and was lynched by a government for what he believed.

Jesus Christ is the Head of DHS who understands what it is to be separated from his Father.

Jesus Christ is the Immigration Officer who was arrested because he spoke in a different way than those in power.

Jesus Christ is the owner of Microsoft or Starbucks and he gave up his riches to live on the streets of America.

To the widow, orphaned, immigrant, poor and marginalized of Africa,

Jesus Christ is the head of the Janjaweed who chose reconciliation and peace by being living among the displaced of Darfur.

Jesus Christ is the president of the National Party who gave up his office to live amongst blacks and bring down the wall of apartheid.

Jesus Christ is the Leader of the Lord’s Resistance Army who laid down his arms to liberate children from acts of violent rebellion.

To the widow, orphaned, immigrant, poor and marginalized of India,

Jesus Christ is the head of State who left his banquet hall to touch, teach and eat with the Dalits.

To the widow, orphaned, immigrant, poor and marginalized of the Middle East,

Jesus Christ is the Saudi King who commanded a woman to testify about what she had seen in the presence of men.

To the widow, orphaned, immigrant, poor, marginalized, wealthy and powerful of the world,

On the cross Christ took the sins of the wealthy, powerful, widow, orphaned, immigrant, and poor and marginalized in order that many would become the righteousness of God. Jesus is the infinitely powerful and infinitely wealthy Son of God who took on human flesh and identified with a person such as you to bring you into his kingdom that is founded on righteousness and justice.

Starting a Non-Profit: Timing

2011-08-11T17:06:00.005-05:00

Let me start by saying that establishing anything from scratch is hard work. There are no shortcuts. You will have moments of frustration, anxiety and fear. Far too often I think that we can deceive ourselves into thinking, “I can create an organization that looks just like....” We have a tendency to see the fruits of organizations that have been in the trenches for 5, 10 or 30 years and believe we can do the same thing over night.

Things in life that are dear to us and have lasting impact come through a lot of time.

Timing: Yourself

When you have this great idea that God has placed in your heart, you will fall into one of two categories. You may be the person that is all fired up and ready to go. You see the need that is before you. You are feverishly writing down ideas, envisioning people shouting in the streets with joy and the associated joys that will come from what is burning in your heart.

Read the words of Jesus in Luke 14:29-32. In context, Jesus is specifically addressing discipleship yet his illustrations are applicable to our discussion. A man building a house and a king going to war do not run headlong into their endeavor without considering the cost. We cannot get so caught up in the majesty of the finished house or the victory that comes from war without first considering the toil it will take to arrive there.

For others, there is the potential to be gripped with fear not knowing what to do next. How does this show up? Well you may doubt your ability to communicate to people what God has laid on your heart. It can be the overwhelming sense that what you have been called to is bigger than yourself. This fear to move forward can be rooted in a ground of previous failures or the opinions of others.

Here is where I fall. I struggle speaking with people one on one. Large groups of people is where I am comfortable because smaller groups and more specifically a one on one conversation is just to intimate for my personality. It has been through this process of planting a local church and founding a non-profit that God has worked on me to meet with persons in a smaller setting and create in myself a willingness to be vulnerable.

Read Exodus 4 as God calls Moses to accomplish a great task in the deliverance of the Hebrews out of Egypt. In this call, Moses puts forward his fears yet it is God who reminds Moses that he is greater than every inadequacy Moses has put forward (Ex 4:11).

What does all of this have to do with timing? Well, if you do not take the time to weigh the cost, a pride crushing event is waiting for you. On the other hand if you allow your fears to grip you and define what God has called you to, you will never move forward and you will be left with years of regret.

Timing: Preparation

Just for some background, I worked a full time job in Little Rock and then came back to Conway and plowed the ground in Oakwood. This was from September 2007 till December 2009. That was essentially two years of work to simultaneously provide for my family and continue to gain clarity of what God was calling me to do in Oakwood. It was two years of freeway driving, leading a group of people in Little Rock, studying to preach, getting to know people in the community, being a husband and a dad.

It was during this time I had to learn to steward my time and everything God had given me. These two years were used to build in me clarity and a greater sense of endurance that has been such a great help to my soul. It was during that time I began to consider the cost. What will I need to provide for my family? Who do I desire to come alongside me in this work? What will rest look like?

I would encourage you to take time to not only continue in the work you have but also work in what God has called you to. Understand that this preparation time is for your benefit and the benefit those you will be serving in whatever capacity.

Will it be hard? Yes.

But consider the time that you presently have as a gift to prepare yourself, your family and what you will say to others as you inevitably will need people to rally around you for support. Timing is vital because you will need to develop a framework of how will you provide for your family (which is primary). You will need the time to develop a framework of what you will want your organization to look like and if this involves a local church, read the Scriptures. Finally you will need to be able to communicate your heart to people and if you do not have a clear picture, how will you expect others to see clearly?

Having the vision doesn’t necessarily mean you drop everything and get to it. Everything has a season and this involves preparation and stewardship which go hand in hand. Properly caring for what you are doing and simultaneously laying a framework for the future is a proper display of faith concerning what God has called you to accomplish.

Lessons from Starting a Non-Profit

2011-08-08T09:00:00.002-05:00

Next month we hit four years of work in Oakwood. A lot of work has been accomplished in our community and there is much more on the horizon. My wife says lately that I have been very contemplative and the reason for that is that I am of the opinion it is important for a leader from time to time to sit and take an inventory of “what has been, what is now and where is this going.”

I have thought through the great blessings the Lord has brought our way. Shook my head concerning the many times I have made just ridiculous decisions and yet God still is faithful. And at the end of the day I find myself saying, “I am not sufficient for these things but God is more than able.”

So I hope the following four lessons while not exhaustive can give you, the reader, some encouragement and steel for your spine as God may be challenging you to do something you never would have imagined.

Lesson 1: Communicate what God has laid on your heart regardless of how impossible it may sound.
I still remember as if it was yesterday, January 17, 2009 at the Faulkner County Library when I rallied a group of husbands and wives to speak about what God laid on my heart concerning CoHO. I had cool handouts and a dry erase board and I used none of them. I simply communicated this idea based on two passages of Scripture to build an organization that would be a continual presence in the community and seek to bring lasting change. I didn’t have the funds, didn’t have the volunteers but I had a clear picture of what I was supposed to do.

Lesson 2: Everyone should start something from the ground up.
This last four years has been a process of God beating the arrogance out of me. Why? I have utterly found myself dependent on God and whoever God sent my direction. This process has involved me leaving my full time job and still not having full funding for a salary. It has involved sitting at the table and walking away from opportunities that in the long run would have been damaging. It has involved arguments with the wife, disputes with landlords, loss of life and continuing to fight the temptation to throw it in. That is right, you will contemplate giving in and giving up. So that is why I think everyone should start something from the ground up because you discover more about yourself and ultimately how deep your faith is in Christ.

Lesson 3: Surround yourself with a diverse group.
My two close confidants are a Presbyterian Pastor and a Reformed Charismatic. These two men have been an encouragement and obviously provide solid council and great perspective. Second, I intentionally solicited a diverse group of men and women to serve on our first board. This board is made up of Presbyterians, Lutherans, Charismatics, Reformed Charismatics, Reformed and Baptist. There is a former lawyer, a former vice president for a corporation, small business owners, pastor, jail chaplain, physical therapist and college student. Surround yourself with a diverse group, who will not be “yes men” and “yes women.” Surround yourself with persons who share your vision, will shoot it to you straight and above all love Jesus.

Lesson 4: Give your staff a break
God has blessed me with a great staff and that staff works hard. In our planning, I schedule in two mandatory “blackout” months where there is no planned activities. Why? Everyone needs a Sabbath rest. A time to rejuvenate and get their mind together for the next big push. So as you rally a staff of 2 or 22, remember they are not machines but human being made in the image of God. Celebrate them by giving them the opportunity to just “be.”

So those are four lessons that I want to encourage you with as you contemplate launching an organization or you are looking to shake things up a bit.

The Long Term Hurt of the Poor

2011-07-21T17:06:00.004-05:00

This post will be a little rougher than my usual posts so please bear with me.

I walked through the community I love and cherish here in Conway and saw with my own eyes the decimation of a peoples dignity and worth by the "helpful" intentions of the United States Government.

Let me first state that I understand there is some need for the provision of food through the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program(SNAP), housing by Housing and Urban Development(HUD) and medical assistance through MEDICAID and MEDICARE. What I saw today though was the carrying out of a long term plan to hurt the poor and create a deeper level of dependency on the United States Government.

In our city of Conway, Assist Wireless in connection with the FCC and the NARUC is signing up persons who meet the Federal Poverty Guidelines to receive cell phones. I watched well meaning, able bodied individuals give away more of their independence for two old refurbished cell phones and many did not work.

What broke my heart even more was that children were attempting to get cell phones by asking adults to sign them up.

What is the long term hurt of the poor?

1. We teach our children that the government will give you what you need.

2. We undermine the incentive to get an education, to get a job and provide for a family.

3. We undermine the incentive for men and women to get off of government assistance by insisting the requirement to get more assistance is to be on government assistance.

Unlike food, shelter and medical assistance, cell phones are not basic needs of life. Now objections will be raised that with a cell phone, persons can make medical appointments, make 911 calls, talk to family and neighbors, call for transportation. Why would you deny them of this?

This objection comes from not understanding the life of those in poverty.

With the rise of such phones from Cricket, Go-Phones, etc., many persons who are in poverty have been able to afford phones at little cost. Secondly, those in poverty have a better sense of community than those in middle to upper class. There is this beauty of seeing these men and women open their home to a stranger, share food and yes use a phone to call 911.

The long term hurt of the poor is coming from the very people that believe they are helping and those of us who stand on the side line and believe that all those in poverty are lazy, baby making, illegal immigrants. If we continue on this road of seeing the government as the sole source of everything in our city and nation, we will be a society of people that have moved from freedom to slavery.

Solutions:

1. The church needs to communicate the message of grace to her people and their response is to be gracious givers to the communities around them.

2. People with great wealth need to provide the poor opportunities to work at an adequate wage.

3. Personally learn the stories of those in poverty and see the solutions that they are willing to offer.

Leadership: What I have learned

2011-07-08T18:00:00.004-05:00

I would not be in the position that I am in today, if I did not learn what it meant to follow and learn from others and my experiences. In an age where being out front looks glamourous, cool and the thing to do, we need to remember that there is a journey that is taken.

Before I planted the Gospel in a trailer park and started a non-profit this was my journey...

- I tried to work in an organization in college and did such a horrible job, one person told me they would "piss in my eye."

- My apartment was robbed the year I graduated college and I learned what it meant to be violated.

- God saved me on an Easter morning and I heard the words "joy," and never looked back.

- I lost my job with a non-profit on December 5, got married on December 20 and became homeless in January. I began the long road of learning humility and God's provision.

- I learned as a youth pastor that legalism fails 100% of the time.

- I was homeless with a wife, learned she was pregnant and then bounced from one house to the next. I learned that I have to open my mouth and ask.

- My wife and I began to run a group home for girls who had been abused and I began to learn that even those who have been in the greatest abuse fight for survival.

- In 2000, I enlisted in the military and learned for the first time what it meant to fail and the consequence of failure were peoples lives.

- I learned from 1st Sgt Terry Costlow that to lead means you have to be where the Soldiers are at.

- I learned in 2002 when I was commissioned as a 2LT that there is a great joy to say "Follow me," and look behind you to see men ready to give their lives for something greater than themselves.

- I learned after three years of no opportunities to preach and on the border of the DMZ, those three years were meant to shape my theology.

- I learned from Colonel Blackburn that we have to communicate to reduce confusion.

- I learned in Iraq that men are willing to go to great lengths to die for what they believe in.

- I learned in 2007, God has a greater plans than my plans.

- I learned on a street corner in Conway that even a city full of churches needs the Gospel.

- I learned to discern the voice of God and make a right on East Robins and see what God had ordained for me to walk in.

After all of that and a host of other refining fires, it was then I realized my time had come.

Embrace your journey with God. Embrace the difficult times. Embrace the moments of silence in the Word. Pay careful attention to what you are being taught and know that one day God will have you at the appointed place and in his appointed time.

Habakkuk 2:3 The Promise of God

2011-06-27T12:48:00.003-05:00

There can be many scoffers in the world in relation to the Gospel. Men and women will boast in their own efforts. They will glorify the works of their hands and seek the affirmation of others to justify their own existence. This scoffing at the Gospel reaches the throne room of Heaven when men hear about a coming day of a glorious God.

"If it seems slow, wait for it."

Generations may pass.

Seasons will cycle.

It will appear as if those who scoff and revile the God who created them, will go through life at ease. Yet God says to his people, "wait for it."

God is not slack or lazy about what he has promised. Just as Babylon received her just punishment by a greater army. The arm of God will come against those who scoff and doubt the revelation of his grace in Christ Jesus.

Make it known to the people. Make the Gospel known and read it to many, so they can run with it by faith.

That day will surely come and will not delay. At God's appointed time, scoffers will cower in fear and the righteous will shine as the noon day sun!

If it seems slow, wait for it. It will surely come; it will not delay. For God is not willing that any of his elect should falter but see the glory of his grace and justice.

Reflections on Shepherding

2011-06-14T09:50:00.000-05:00

This coming Sunday we will be commissioning our first pair of elders in Oakwood. These gentlemen have gone through a personal and active year long process that has looked at their family life, employment and service among those in the community.

I have been reflecting over the last month on words to say to these men and our family as a whole when we gather on Sunday to commission these men and ultimately celebrate the grace of God. The elder who shepherds the flock of God must consider deeply and honestly about the fact he oversees the Bride of Jesus Christ. The words he speaks and the actions he will take have not only temporal ramifications but eternal ones as well. Therefore, these past few weeks have reminded me of the following:

My life as a husband and dad has shaped my shepherding, second only to the Scripture.

There is a reason that Paul tells Timothy that those who care for God’s household must be able to care for their own specific household first. Our homes are our first congregations. It is there with our wives and children we have the first opportunity to love our neighbor, read Scripture, prayer, display loving correction and stir one another to love and good works. While what I just named is typically assigned to a local gathering, these must begin in our homes. Men who have a desire to shepherd those outside their family must critically consider, “Am I leading my own home in a manner that is reflective of Scripture?”

Being a husband and dad has humbled me, causing me to think more critically and listen more. Do I get it right all the time? No. I have had numerous failures but in the midst of those failures I am reminded of God’s grace and that overflows into my family on Bruce Street and my larger family in Oakwood.

I cannot lose sight of the fact that abstract and amazing doctrine has to fall on people’s lives.

There is, in the last decade, been a recovery for the beauty and power of doctrine or theology among many men and especially those who desire to shepherd. We pursue Scripture, write solid books about the faith and seek to have our theology flow to and out of the Gospel. At the same time though, we must be careful to avoid being so engrossed in the study of doctrine that we forget that theology must be applied to people’s lives.

We shepherd the whole person not just the mind. I have been unashamedly pushing our men to ask the “So what,” of their theological positions. How will your theology assist you in answering the cry of an alcoholic or the marriage that is on the precipice of divorce? How will your view of eschatology or the local church shape the lives of single mothers or those who have just lost everything because of natural disasters? I have learned we cannot divorce the two. Those who shepherd have to be vigilant in knowing the flock of God and understanding how to speak the Gospel into their lives.

God raise up a generation of men who are equally passionate about their lives and the Gospel

This last one is close to the second but it is more personal. Paul tells Timothy to pay close attention to both his life and doctrine. There are many moral failings among leaders because they can become so zealous for understanding the Gospel and how it applies to others, they forget it applies to them as well. It takes great humility and courage for a man to confess to other men that he is completely blowing it an area of his life. When men can get to that point and declare to themselves that “I need as much grace as the people I am shepherding,” pride and arrogance are crushed under the weight of God’s mercy.

Their journey has been my journey and as God brings other men into my life and theirs, the journey will continue. Their lives provoke me to look more at myself and realize as God’s free son, he has not and will not abandon me to myself but will use every means to conform me into Christ.

Those who aspire to work of overseer desire a noble task. Remember that who you oversee is the Bride of Jesus Christ and one day he will, in his majesty, examine how you cared for his woman. Care for her with much love, grace and humility. Care for her in such manner she has not a spot, wrinkle or blemish. For when the Chief Shepherd appears, he will grant you an unfading crown of glory.

A Word of Encouragement

2011-06-12T09:00:00.001-05:00

When God calls you to accomplish something that is bigger than yourself, I would like to encourage you this week with one Scripture and a voice from the past.

Jesus said, "Behold I am with you always"(Mt 28:29)

Charles Spurgeon said, "If you believe God has called you to a work, do it. If men will help you thank them. If they will not, tell them to stand out of your road or be run over. Let nothing daunt you." Spurgeon's sermon, "A New Year's Benediction."

Jesus said, "And behold, I am with you always" (Mt 28:29)

The Church at Oakwood-South

2011-06-05T09:00:00.001-05:00

Our church family is in preparation to give birth in the next three months as a portion of our family will be planting the Gospel on the south side of Oakwood. Any new step into the unknown is a huge step of faith. But just as Joshua was told to have courage and just as the disciples were told to go into the world to proclaim the Gospel, their going and success was resting on the fact that the Lord would be with them.

Why another gathering?

Oakwood is a very extensive and diverse community. I have described it to people as being a city within the larger city of Conway. South Oakwood has a higher population of persons who own their own mobile home trailer; as well as rent. There are more children and at the end of the day we have to continue to be on a footing as a group of believers who are physically advancing the Gospel.

What will this gathering look like?

Overall, this gathering will be an extension of our current gathering. We will be one church that is spread over the community. The gathering of believers in Oakwood South will reflect the existing community with leadership coming from inside and outside the community. The last Sunday of each month there will be a unified worship gathering that will cultivate our oneness, encourage love between each other and stir one another to good works.

How can you be involved?

You can pray. Pray for those who will continue spreading the Gospel in the original gathering and pray for the men and women who will be going forward.
Consider taking a step of faith. If you have been considering going forward in this new gathering, I would encourage you to look to the Scriptures and see God at work in the lives of men and women who trusted the Lord and the great things he called them to.

Above all, consider Jesus who for the joy that was set before him endured great trial and suffering and he is now seated at the right hand of his Father. This is our Savior that we pursue and seek to proclaim. Let the knowledge of him and his great work be the joy that propels all of us forward for the glory of his name.

GIVEAWAY: TIM KELLER: COUNTERFEIT GODS

2011-06-01T12:04:00.005-05:00

This month I am teaching our gathering on their Christian Identity and part of that is recognizing that created things do not define us but are given to us to celebrate God who lovingly calls us his.

So, here is your opportunity to win one of two copies of Tim Keller's excellent book, Counterfeit Gods.

Here's how it will go:

STEP 1: Copy & share the following on Twitter (if you aren't on Twitter, use Facebook): Want a FREE copy of Counterfeit Gods by Tim Keller? RT this & comment at Christ Glory Alone to enter! http://tinyurl.com/3oaxjxm

STEP 2: Leave a comment below (so I can verify you did step 1). Include your full name and real email address (kept private) so I can contact the winners. For fun, guess the number of books in my library. The number range is 1-500.

Two winners will be chosen on Friday June 10, 2011 and postage will be covered.

Christian Identity: Who Am I

2011-05-29T09:00:00.000-05:00

The most often asked question is probably not, “What is my purpose in life?” In order for one to understand their purpose in life, they must first answer the question, “Who am I?”

It is the man standing in the mirror, looking at his unshaven face, preparing for another long day at the office.

It is the woman, who rolls over in the middle of the night, stares at her ceiling and wonders why she continues to sleep with this guy.

Before purpose there comes identity.

Before stepping on the road of destination, there comes an awakening to reality.

The question of “Who am I?” echoes in offices, bathrooms, bedrooms and among those who say they believe in Jesus Christ.

Paul says that we are adopted by God because of the plan of his glorious grace. This adoption that occurred by grace through faith is a gift to men and women who were at one time, sons and daughters of slavery.

Our adoption holds many treasures.

There are the treasures of a new family, a new name and a new residence.

“Who I am” is no longer determined by the family I was born in. Consider that good news to men and women who come from such utterly destroyed homes that they felt as if they were destined to reproduce what they had seen in their parent or parents. Who I am is radically and eternally connected to this immeasurable grace that has brought me into a family that is forever changed and loved.

“Who I am,” my state of being, has along with it a new name. Jacob was a trickster. He sought to achieve things in life by deceit and thus his name bore witness in the actions of his life. Yet when he met God and grappled with him, God changed his name to Israel. So longer would he be one who lived life through trickery but the remainder of his life would be wrestling with the God of the universe.

The Christian has a new name. Before his or her adoption, they were known as sinner and slave. Yet because of immeasurable grace they are known as saint, priest and king.

Stay there for a moment.

This is your name.

Saint.

Priest.

King.

These names do not conjure up images of men and women who are beat down by sins slavery and the dominating veil of death. These names produce in our minds images of men and women in a standing of glory, prestige and honor.

Finally, “Who I am” is connected to where my residence is. I have heard it said before, “you can take the boy out of the hood, but you will never take the hood out of the boy.” This is not so in the kingdom of God. When God removes a person out of the kingdom of darkness and into his marvelous light, both the residence and person is changed, forever.

I am a resident of light.

I am seated in heavenly places.

Let us first settle in our minds who we are first.

Let us begin to view ourselves as God sees us.

His immeasurable grace in Christ Jesus adopts men and women and they begin to discover the reality of who they are.

Christian Non-Profits: Their Foundation and Experience

2011-05-17T15:57:00.003-05:00

I wear two hats in my “work” life. One hat is that of a pastor and the second hat is that of a non-profit director. In my four years of wearing these hats, each role has helped me be better at the other. In the pastoral role, I am constantly reminding myself and others about the primacy of the Gospel and the reality that without the Church the Gospel does not advance. In my role as an executive director of a non-profit, I have come to realize that those who are being served have just as much dignity, worth and beauty as those who come alongside to assist them.

I want to take a few minutes to convey some encouraging words to those who feel led to establish a Christian non-profit, work at a Christian non-profit or just want to volunteer at one.

Foundation

The Gospel is not just to be found in the church. The Gospel and its message about the incarnate God who reveals himself in Christ Jesus to bring about our redemption is not only the foundation for the life of the church but life as a whole. The majesty of the Gospel is that it possesses the infinite power to not only conform our church life, but radically shape how we conduct other aspects of our lives, and the non-profit is no exception.

Christian non-profits begin very well. We move in with hearts ablaze seeking to alleviate different aspects of suffering and bring peace to individual’s lives. We have seen a need, heard the voice that cries out because of injustice and realize that we have something to bring to the table and answer the cries and groans of the afflicted. Starting a non-profit involves much love, sweat and patience. Yet I would admonish any Christian who desires to begin one to earnestly remember that the foundation for your motivation would be the Gospel.

As non-profits experience growth and begin to make head way in beating back the suffering that is around them, what tends to be forgotten is the foundation for their existence. The suffering addressed is not the foundation of the Christian non-profit nor are the goals of the non-profit her foundation. The Christian non-profits foundation is the Gospel.

I will move to say that any Christian non-profit that has forgotten the Gospel is no longer a Christian non-profit. What sets Christian non-profits apart from other non-profits is the eternal message that it rests on. While most non-profits address needs that are temporal, the Christian non-profit brings with it the beauty and power of the Gospel that extends into tomorrow and eternity. Therefore, you will do well to remember the cause for your own lasting joy which when remembered will be the fuel for your organization when things get hard and suffering is great.

On Staff or Volunteering at a Christian Non-profit

My second encouragement is for those who are on Christian non-profit staffs or volunteer at an organization. Non-profits are highly dependent on the great work of staff and volunteers. These men, women and children give hours and talents to organizations that speak to their souls and their desire to make a difference.

I want to encourage all of you who fit into either category to remember that you need those you serve as much as they need you. I understand that volunteers and staff come with a mindset of wanting to change the world, a community and most of all a life. There is another side that is rarely considered. There is an equality that is usually forgotten. We tend to think that those who are in suffering are the recipients and those that serve are the givers. Yet there exist a synergy where both are helped.

The young girl who is rescued from selling her body for diapers and formula can teach a volunteer about resilience. The older gentleman who has repeatedly fought to get his Social Security Payments so he can pay his bills on time can teach a staff member about endurance and God’s provision. Many times it’s those who suffer that bring healing to the volunteer and staff.

We all have something that we can learn and we can walk away from the experience of assisting persons in need with the realization that we are all made in the image and likeness of God. This individual, family or community possesses just as much strength, if not more, in the midst of their suffering and I can learn from that.

Therefore, as you start your non-profit or if you are headed into your forty-year, remember the beauty and grace of God’s Gospel that reconciles men and women giving them the garment of praise and the oil of gladness. That reality will keep you organization grounded and will have greater success because your efforts will echo into eternity. Finally, as you work alongside those in suffering, ask the LORD, “What will you teach me today about you Lord and me?”

Those who suffer bring healing to those who think they are helping.

Immersion Video Log

2011-04-28T17:40:00.001-05:00

30 Day Immersion

2011-04-05T20:12:00.001-05:00

As you read this blog post, I with three other young men will have started our 30 days of living among the people of Oakwood. This is another exciting opportunity for us to dig deep into what it means to identify with Christ and be the repairers and restorers of lives and communities. (If you don’t know what I’m talking about read Philippians 2 and Isaiah 58)

Specific Prayer:
1.Pray that the Lord would do radical changes in our hearts(Phillip, Brent, Cory and Jared)
2.Pray that the Lord would do radical changes in the hearts of people we will develop deeper relationships with and new relationships.
3.Pray that the Lord would give us even more clarity and discernment as to his will and purposes in Oakwood and throughout our great city of Conway.

You know that thing you are always waiting for? It’s that thing that will blow your mind, change how you view the world and cause you to see the greatness of God?

That thing that most Christians look for has been called many names;

Revival,
Renewal,
Restoration,
Revolutionary.

Whatever you call it, it means taking a step of faith and doing the very thing that before everyone else’s eyes looks foolish, dangerous or impossible.

Faith has never been defined as static but it is engaging and kinetic. Faith leads you to do that very thing, which propels you to that very thing you have been waiting for, which leads you to see the greatness of God who rewards those who diligently seek him.

That is the 30 Day Immersion.

Hope For Another

2011-04-01T09:00:00.001-05:00

Here is an excerpt from my forthcoming book, Gospel Stories::

I’m so tired. The last years have been such a great burden on our lives. Sitting here along the river, just remembering where it leads, has always been a moment of sadness and hope for us.

None of us have the courage to follow the river west because of at the end of it is such awesome power, none of us would be able to survive. So here we live, along the river, daily looking west, remembering what we enjoyed and what we lost.

See, the trees do not dance as they once did. I remember walking through the garden and it looked as if the trees were constantly moving and clapping their branches. They swayed and stretched each day the sun rose and gave off some of the greatest smells that were a joy every morning.

Now they look like a garden with no water. The trees seem dull and a times lifeless. On a few occasions, it seems as if the trees bow and weep when we pass by. I think, “They saw what we did. They heard my conversation with that serpent.” Now they appear silent.

I wonder if they will ever dance again.

You must understand that there was a time my husband and I enjoyed flowers with such brilliant colors and fragrances that to explain them to our children now seems impossible. Too them, it’s a story of long ago, yet for us, it was life that now has a veil of darkness thrown over it. Our bodies ache. The ground is difficult to work and our lives are in constant battle.

The Gospel and Ten Commandments

2011-03-28T09:00:00.001-05:00

The Ten Commandments were given as Moses led the newly delivered men and women out of Egyptian bondage to the Mountain of Sinai. It was a pit stop on the way to land of promise that God had spoken of to their patriarch Abraham.

The Ten Commandments were the Israelites guide, their instruction in life as they headed to their promised land of rest and worship with the God who delivered them.

Four commands that framed their way of life with God. Four commands that were to instruct them that glory was to their redeeming God alone.

Six commands that framed their way of life with each other. Six commands that instructed men, women and children that they were not to devalue one another for their own personal gain.

We’ve heard them summed up this way.

Love the Lord your God.

Love your neighbor as yourself.

We’ve heard them used though as a beating stick upon the heads of believers.
Believers view their God in fear. They speak as if they live a life at the bottom of a mountain that cannot be touched and a God they live in fear of.

We wrestle with understanding grace. Yet how do we understand these “thou shall nots,” in light of grace?

Moses was not able to bring the Israelites into the Promise Land. His own disobedience prevented him from joining with his family and beholding the glory of God’s promise.

Where Moses failed, Christ was victorious.

One prophet and savior gave the Law,
And sealed a covenant in blood.
Another prophet and savior fulfilled that Law,
And sealed a covenant in his blood.

Christ Jesus himself stands on the Mountain called Zion and speaks to his family, the redeemed concerning their way of life.

How can we understand the Ten Commandments in the light of the Gospel?

Jesus Christ is the LORD your God, who brought you out of the kingdom of darkness, out of the slavery of sin.

He is the bright shining God that is before you. Use every created thing that is in heaven and earth and water for the glory of his name. Use these created things that are blessings from your loving God as a reminder to your future generations about the unending and jealous love of Christ.

Proclaim the name of your Savior in righteousness and justice.

Remember Christ, for he is your rest from all your labors. Christ in the power of the Holy Spirit accomplished all of the work required of us, the righteous requirements of God's Law and has blessed you and made you holy.

Honor your parents.
Affirm the lives of all.
Love your spouse.
Rejoice over what you own.
Speak the truth in love.
Share what you possess with those in need.

You have come to Mount Zion, the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem. You are at a great party with angels and righteous men made perfect.

You have come to Mount Zion and most of all to Jesus.

A Reminder from the Mountain of God

2011-03-10T09:00:00.000-06:00

I was on the mountain today and He reminded me…

“Fear not, I am you’re your shield; your reward shall be very great…Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go…You are my servant, I have chosen you and not cast you off”; fear not for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand…I am the one who helps you, declares the LORD; your Redeemer is the Holy One of Israel… You are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for (my) own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of (me) who has called you out of darkness into (my) marvelous light…It is not for your sake that I will act…let that be known to you…I am the LORD; I have spoken, and I will do it…Now therefore go, and I will be with your mouth and teach you what you shall speak…”

We are not to dwell on the mountain all the time. God throughout Scripture tells us to go, but where? Well off the mountain and into life. It was with Abraham, Moses, Joshua, Isaiah, Ezekiel and the Apostles and yes Christ Jesus himself. We have these moments with the living God, our hearts are changed and then we are told to go.

We go off the mountain.

We go into life that surrounds this everlasting mountain of Zion.

It is here in life, filled with all of its ups and downs that we are sent to speak what God has placed into our mouths.

The mouths of redeemed men and women are forever his.

Out of the mouths of men and women like ourselves who have seen the glory of God in Christ, we go into the uncertainty of life, with the certainty that God is with us.

We have courage to face difficulties.We are not dismayed when many will not listen.We are strengthened by the fact that when all others cast us off…He will not.

Therefore for all of you who have been sent into life, stand firm!

For the believer who has been burned by the local church…He has not cast you off.

For the husband who has no idea how to lead his family… He will strengthen you.

For the wife who is worn out with little or no thanks… He is your reward.

For the single adult who still wrestles with abandonment… He is your possession.

For the pastor or church planter who is about to throw in the towel… He will uphold you.

Why? Why will your end be greater than what you are currently experiencing?

Go back to the top of the mountain and hear it again….

Fear not, for I am with you…It is not for your sake that I will act…let that be known to you…I am the LORD; I have spoken, and I will do it.

So go and know that He will do it.

Abortion: Solutions from the Church (Part 2)

2011-03-03T18:00:00.001-06:00

Is there any substantial difference between the women who are pregnant in a marriage versus women who are pregnant outside of a marriage? On a biological level, both groups are carrying a child within their wombs who at the completion of gestation, will be born into society. These women, both the married and unmarried, on an emotional and mental level, understand that during the period of their pregnancy, they are sustainers of a living being within their womb.
Yet there is a substantial difference in regards to the reaction of family members concerning each pregnancy.

Prejudice and Pregnancy

The married woman’s pregnancy is celebrated by spouse, parents and in-laws. Her pregnancy is a celebration of impending life and all the possibilities that child will bring with it. This celebration is carried over into a woman’s religious setting as well. In our context we are speaking of the local church and the community of Christians that comprise that gathering of persons throughout the week.

Extending from the celebration of the immediate family, the news of pregnancy for this mother is further celebrated among her community. We have seen it from time to time. The woman will testify in her gathering on Sunday or share the news at her small group. She knows that there is freedom to communicate her news and she will not be shamed by this news of life that is maturing in her womb.

The unmarried woman’s pregnancy is not one of celebration but for lack of a better word, mourning. Let us be honest, there is a sense of disappointment that arises in us, especially if we are parents to learn that our son or daughter is to be a father or mother. This disappointment can morph into anger, sorrow and decisions that can have grave consequences. Where there is now a present burden in a family or isolation for an older woman, it is here that the local church must graciously act.

Bearing Burdens

Remember the context of our discussion is how we as the church can create gospel driven solutions that undo the possibility of a woman considering abortion.
Single women who are pregnant need to know and experience the grace that churches so often, speak about. Women need to have knowledge that when they speak about their current life change, it will not be met by shame, condemnation and isolation. It can be a very devastating experience to be welcomed with open arms by persons of your local church and then with the pronouncement of pregnancy be considered a leper within that same community. Therefore grace must be known and communicated in a very thoughtful and loving fashion.

What about experiencing that grace? I would argue that the single woman or teenager who is pregnant needs to be celebrated in the same manner the married woman is. Understand that the sexual act which brought about the pregnancy is not being condoned here. Yet what we have done in the local church is taken the sin and attached it to the child. We are actually agreeing with those who propose that abortion is a viable option in regards to rape and incest. We are rightly condemning the sin but wrongly condemning the child as well. This expectant single mother and her child must be celebrated in a fashion equal to that of the married woman.

Providing a knowledge of God’s grace and having women experiencing that grace requires, men and women in that local church to remember the grace that they confess in their own lives. This is how we effectively bear one another’s burdens. We remind ourselves of the gracious love that covered a multitude of our past, present and future sins. The single mother who is underage, with her parent(s) will require the gracious and loving support of their church body. The young woman, who is in college, will need the support of older women as she now must navigate the decisions of education and motherhood. These can not be done in isolation but in a community that is saturated with grace and not condemnation.

Discussion
This discussion clearly begins with our local churches and how we can produce solutions that serve those among us, before those outside the household of faith. How can we communicate to our local body that there is no sin that is outside of God’s grace? Why do we forget the grace of God that is active in our own lives? How do you go about reminding yourself of that grace?

Abortion: Solutions from the Church (Part 1)

2011-03-02T09:00:00.003-06:00

Abortion is one of the great issues of our lifetime. Similar to the Civil Rights movement of the 20th century, the issue of abortion divides the country and sadly the church. The church has been pretty active in addressing the issue of abortion yet in her attempts to defend the rights of the unborn, she is perceived as either being overly political or overly self-righteous. The issue of abortion touches the body of a woman, the life of an unborn child and extends to life outside of the womb. While Christians should rightly and lovingly participate in the public discussion about women and unwanted pregnancy, Christians must also think how we can appropriately serve those who give birth to unwanted children.

Consider this snapshot

Consider that among African Americans since 1973 which is when Roe v. Wade was enacted, 13 million children have been aborted. “That’s more than twice all the African-American deaths since 1973 from heart disease (2.26 million), cancer (1.64 million), accidents (307,723), violent crimes (306,313) and AIDS (203,649) combined.”1

Now the question is what can and will the Christian community put forward as an adequate and gracious response to such a reality that exist in our communities? Christians must begin to think beyond boycotts, political rhetoric and prayer around abortion centers. In no way am I denigrating any of these methods but once the desired outcome is achieved, namely the act of abortion, what will the Christian community put forward to address the number of children who would go unwanted? How would the church address 13 million unwanted children? What about a larger scale of unwanted children? Each of these abortions has the face of a mother and a child.

Humanity's Uniqueness

Our culture is a disposable culture. We upgrade our electronics every few months, move houses, change relationships and even local churches. We have conditioned ourselves to throw things away. At the same time we have elevated animals and nature to a position where there are numerous legislative acts that provide animals, trees and beaches greater protections than humanity itself.

Christians should pursue in a gracious way, the communication of humanity’s unique character that is made in the image of God. Our uniqueness rest on this truth and therefore humans of every ethnic and economic group possess a unique stamp that is not possessed in any other living creature on planet Earth.

Burn the Scarlett Letter “A”

In high school we read the story of Hester Prynne who was publicly shamed by wearing a letter “A” on her dress because she became pregnant by someone other than her husband. Christians continue this practice today, not by having girls wear some foreboding letter, but through gossip and ostracizing. If Hester would have lived in our time, would she have submitted to an abortion to avoid the sharp words of her believing community?

Was Hester in error because of her adultery and subsequent pregnancy? Yes, but the Scriptures provide us no direction to shame individuals because of their sin but lovingly call them to repentance and restoration. In that same vein, Christians are to lavish much grace on a population of women from a variety of ages, who are already fearful and anxious due to pregnancy, rather than shame them and beat them over the head with traditions and self-righteousness.

It is a call for parents to bear the burden of their daughters. It is a call for men to shoulder the responsibility of their offspring who will carry on their legacy. It is a call for the church to communicate that there is no sin that is greater than the redemptive grace of God.

Discussion

How can the local church in your city and nationwide, begin to impact the discourse on abortion? What are some gospel driven solutions we can produce that will 1) demonstrate abortion is an untenable position and 2) there are substantial systems in place produced by the church to serve women, children and families.

1. Dr. Tony Beam, “Why Aren’t Black Leaders Outraged Over Abortion, 2011

Poetheology: Never Believe

2011-02-28T10:55:00.000-06:00

The worst pain is the one done by the one we love.
Wounds of an enemy are short lived,
Yet the scratches of a loved one are a lifetime.

You expect the one who holds you,
Bathes you,
Feeds you,
Sings to you, will continue that expression of words of action,
Because those actions define their unspoken heart felt confession.

You would never believe the man who said, "I do,"
Would beat you like a dude, call you a trick, skank or whore,
Yet still ask for more.
The same man who said, "forsaking all others,"
Has dipped his manhood into a score of poisonous stranger only to increase
Your pain due to his selfish gain.

The worst pain is the one done by the one we love.
Wounds of an enemy are short lived,
Yet the scratches of a loved one are a lifetime.

You would never believe the woman of your dreams,
Has become the one who makes men into loaves of bread and feast on their souls.
That she would secretly rob you of your arrows, preventing your quiver from being full.
Stealing the joy of imparting wisdom, nurturing understanding and leading them to...
The beginning of all knowledge.

The worst pain is the one done by the one we love.
Wounds of an enemy are short lived,
Yet the scratches of a loved one are a lifetime.

But what you can't believe is the absent birthdays, year after year.
The denial of your existence, the ignoring of your life,
And the only acknowledgement of your secret steps, is the reception of a monthly $50 check!

See, none of us ever want to believe,
The man of our dreams or the woman hailed as queen,
Would damage the diamonds in their lives.
Yet they do and we will.
But what we can believe is that...
God your Father, Christ your husband and brother indeed,
Has established the fact He is faithful, loving, compassionate and lacking greed.

For the reality is...
The worst pain is the one done by the one we love.
Wounds of an enemy are short lived,
Yet the scratches of a loved one are a lifetime.

Evangelicals and Federal Aid Reduction for the Poor

2011-02-23T10:00:00.002-06:00

The Pew Research Center for People and the Press recently released some stats that showed evangelicals support budget cuts in areas that directly impact individuals who are in need both nationally and worldwide.

In the survey, “The top choices among evangelicals for the chopping block are economic assistance to needy people around the world (56 percent), government assistance for the unemployed (40 percent) and environmental protection (38 percent). In each of these categories, evangelicals were more supportive of decreasing spending than are other Americans. In fact, evangelicals were more supportive of funding cuts in every area except military defense, terrorism defense, aid to veterans, and energy”(Polling Evangelicals: Cut Aid to World's Poor, Unemployed by Tobin Grant, 2/18/2011).

As our federal government wrangles over how to improve the budget and reduce the deficit, these percentages that are attached to those that espouse to be evangelicals are encouraging and also a cause for concern.

Why are these percentages encouraging?

These percentages are encouraging because individuals realize that government programs addressing poverty which is dependent on taxation of individuals is not the best method in addressing the needs of persons. The role of government is to protect the rights of its citizen, create an environment in which persons can freely flourish and punish evil doers. When the government, as it did during the New Deal, began to take the wealth of individuals through taxation and spread that wealth around for the assistance of others, the government began to establish itself as entity which created a culture of government dependence in our country.

In the last century, our government has taken some positive steps such as the Welfare Reform under the Clinton administration yet at the same time has extended unemployment benefits allowing persons to collect unemployment checks for atleast two years.

Therefore, it is an encouraging sign that evangelicals desire to see their wealth remain in their own hands and not taken by the government to continue a system of indefinite dependence.

Cause for Concern

There is a cause for concern though that needs to be addressed. If, for instance, 40%of evangelicals desire to see cuts in assistance for the unemployed what will be the response of evangelical churches? If 56% of evangelicals desire to see cuts in economic assistance to the worlds poor, what will be the response of evangelical churches? The great concern is that while evangelicals are calling for a return of their financial resources, they themselves may not put forward the necessary solutions and carry out the necessary sacrifices to fill the voids that will be created by these cuts.

While it is not the primary responsibility of the government to provide for persons basic needs, it is the responsibility of the church. In the New Testament there are numerous exhortations that command the church or display that the church was to care for the needs of others. If one considers the whole body of work of the Scriptures, it is quite evident that the religious community was not to neglect the poor but lead in addressing their needs.

Solutions

The evangelical church in America foremost must consider what her priorities are as an organized and visible local group of people. Clearly her greatest priority is the Gospel and the advancement of Christ name throughout the earth. The evangelical church has in the last few decades bogged herself down in the world of politics and divisive issues and is only now beginning to pull herself out of this swamp.

Secondly, the church must seek to understand how the Gospel addresses the visible needs in her community, city, state and world. This will require churches to reexamine their spending patterns. If these percentages are true and evangelicals are calling on their elected representatives to curb spending, then local churches must examine their own books and determine if their finances are being budgeted appropriately and addressing the needs of the poor. We can not ask the federal government to spend money primarily on what government is suppose to accomplish and not ask of ourselves to do the same.

The evangelical church next, must not establish itself like the federal government, creating a culture of dependence but create a culture where evangelical Christians come alongside the poor and work together for each others good. There is an atmosphere of synergy that should exist as both groups bring together their resources (leadership, knowledge, finances, etc.) and mature together.

Lastly, Jim Wallis states, “The moral test of any society is how it treats its poorest and most vulnerable citizens. And that is exactly what the Bible says, over and over again.” I would take Mr. Wallis’ statement one step further and replace the word “society” with the “church.” Here are some questions for thought.

How are we as the church honestly treating the poor and vulnerable of our nation?
Have we abdicated this to the government?
What active steps can we take to lead in this once again?

A little while: An Encouragement for those who are Suffering

2011-02-22T12:00:00.001-06:00

Jesus had told the disciples throughout his ministry that he would go to Jerusalem, be betrayed by the scribes and Pharisees, die and three days later rise again. It would be no surprise to his band of brothers what would happen to him. He was preparing them for the worse and at the same time preparing them for joy.

The night of his betrayal, Jesus tells his disciples that “a little while and you will see me no longer and again a little while, and you will see me (John 16:16).

For a period of time, his disciples would be absent their teacher.

For a period of time, his disciples would not hear great words of wisdom or behold miracles that shut the mouths of leaders.

For a period of time, they would be without their teacher, friend and Christ.
Suffering should not be a surprise to us. The fruits of it are around us daily.

Flowers die.

Trees shed their leaves.

Our bodies ache.

People disappoint and people die.

I imagine that the disciples were so enamored with the life that they had with their Lord, the very thought of him dying never sunk in. This one truth did not take root in their hearts and thus like any of us, they continued on in life imagining this reality would go on without end.

If we would be honest, we are no different.

I thought my dad to be immortal until he had a heart attack two years ago and this shook me to the realization that he would some day pass away.

It is the same for the couple who thought their marriage would last fifty years and then adultery sweeps it all away. Or imagine the young girl who has gone to proms and dated nice young men only to come home and tell her parents that she prefers girls and not boys.

We become so enamored with life that we forget that suffering looms over the horizon.

Yet Jesus tells them, “a little while and you will see me no longer...”
This suffering though only last a little while. Stay with those words. Jesus tells his disciples as an encouragement. He tells them in order to strengthen what remains that their sorrow and anguish will have an appointed end.

“And again a little while, and you will see me.”

Here is our encouragement as we face suffering. It is for a little while. In the context of this passage, three days after the crucifixion of Christ, their suffering and anguish were swallowed up in joy. They beheld their risen Christ and a new reality dawned on them.

Your suffering will be a little while. It may be three days, six months or twenty years but what we know is that suffering has an appointed end.

Your present sufferings are not to be compared to the glory that shall be revealed. Do you hear that? Sufferings have an appointed end and that end is the beginning of a new reality as you walk with Christ.

It will be flowers that bloom.

Trees that bear leaves.

It will be bodies and souls renewed for the glory of God.

Remember that in Christ you will suffer but remember as well, these same suffering will be overwhelmed by the grace of Christ because....

He has overcome the world.

African American History Month: Lessons from the Life of Richard B. Allen

2011-02-21T09:00:00.001-06:00

It is on or about 1794 and the Methodist Conference sends and elder Mr. J-M- to demand the African American believers to stop raising money to build their own place to worship. Two separate times this meeting occurs, and on the last meeting, God’s sovereignty is manifested. The African American believers declared to the elder,

We told him we had no place of worship; and we did not mean to go to St. George's church any more, as we were so scandalously treated in the presence of all the congregation present; "and if you deny us your name, you cannot seal up the scriptures from us, and deny us a name in heaven. We believe heaven is free for all who worship in spirit and truth." And he said, "so you are determined to go on." We told him--"yes, God being our helper." He then replied, "we will disown you all from the Methodist connexion." We believed if we put our trust in the Lord, he would stand by us.

What did they elevate as primary? Who did they see as the only one who would gain them entrance into heaven? Who did they see as their only sufficiency? They saw Christ as their only sufficiency. “Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God… And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work”(2 Cor 3:5, 9:8). They declared only Christ as the one who provided entrance to Heaven. “I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die… I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me”
(Jn 11:25-26, 14:6).

Finally, they elevated Scripture as the final authority! “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works”(2 Tim 3:16-17).

In 1794, after raising a enough money to purchase a plot of land in Philadelphia, Bethel AME was officially opened with Richard Allen as the first pastor. Allen once again looks to God, giving Him the glory. “My dear Lord was with us, so that there was many hearty Amen's echoed through the house. This house of worship has been favored with the awakening of many souls, and I trust they are in the kingdom both white and colored.” The first African American church was birthed and more importantly, Christ was glorified.

What We Can Learn

This biography of Richard Allen began with two questions and how the answers to those questions can become a practical application in our Christian lives. How was Christ glorified in this 18th century pastor during the time of slavery? For reformation to take place in our time, what responsibilities are before us, in order that Christ will be glorified?

Christ was glorified in this 18th century pastor through Richard Allen’s personal walk with Christ and the gathering of the community of African American believers. Allen’s Christian life can be characterized as one who was constrained and compelled with the desire to make Christ known to the people. Through the realization of his own state of sin which was worse than the man made slavery into which he was born and then the proclamation of sin and atoning work of Christ, this was the message that Allen proclaimed everywhere he went. Our pattern of conduct must be the same. We as believers must have the eagerness in prayer and proclamation of the Gospel, to those who are unconverted. Men are slaves to sin, bound in the wickedness of their thoughts, words and deeds. The words of our Saviour ring true, “Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin” (John 8:34) and the same also rings true to all slaves of sin, “If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed” (John 8:36).

Next the community of believers must unite, under the common purposes of equipping the saints and building up the body of Christ. The African American believers led by Allen, provided each other with the Scriptural support, prayer support and fellowship flowing from Christ grace to endure the trials they were facing. Secondly the believers were being built up. Suffering was building their faith. Persecution was refining their Godly character resulting in their confession that God alone would be their source. Believers, there will be times when you will suffer when you stand to exalt the glory of our God and His Son Jesus Christ. It must not be an experience in which we retreat and hide, “but rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy”(1 Peter 4:13).

Now to our second question of what responsibilities are before us? I speak to those who call themselves pastors, teachers, elders, etc. The highest lesson, the greatest example we find in the life of Richard Allen and the glory that God received out of his life is the following: The importance of the sufficiency of Jesus Christ alone and the sufficiency of Scripture alone. At their greatest trial, at the moment when they face exclusion, Allen and the African American believers proclaimed Christ alone and Scripture alone. Those who hold yourselves to be leaders in your local body, declare, Christ alone. The pastor who will not labor in the Word of God, dig into each book, chapter and verse, teaches others not to be diligent to labor in the Word of God. If you are teaching anything than what is clearly outlined by Christ and the apostles, turn from your man made doctrines and back to doctrines of Jesus Christ.

Though dead, the actions of an 18th century man still speak.

All quotes are from:
Allen, Richard, The Life, Experience and Gospel Labours of the Rt. Rev. Richard Allen. Martin and Boden, Philadelphia, 1833.

African American History Month: Lessons from the Life of Richard B. Allen

2011-02-14T09:00:00.001-06:00

Ministry Years

Richard Allen is a man who is constantly on the move. Allen is constantly moving from Baltimore, Radnor, Lancaster and Philadelphia from 1785-1786. Where ever Allen went, it was a priority that He was preaching the Gospel. Allen joined a Rev Richard Watcoat to preach on the Baltimore circuit and when he moved into Pennsylvania, Allen joined with a Rev Peter Morratte and Irie Ellis along the Lancaster circuit.

In 1786, Allen is in Philadelphia and begins preaching from time to time at St. George’s Church to which he became a member. Allen had only intended to remain in Philadelphia for about two weeks, but God had a different plan. Allen saw a great need to preach to a great many of Africans in the city, therefore he began conducting open air preaching twice a day. Morning and evening and sometimes four to five times a day, Allen was out, in the public declaring the Word of God, unashamedly. As many began to gather, Allen began discipleship of African believers, established prayer meetings, ministering with at least 42 individuals. It was at this point that Allen realized these believers needed a place to gather and worship.

Richard Allen planned this to be a two week trip and it became a labor for the glory of Christ. He saw a great need for ministry. He labored daily to see Christ formed in people. Here was a free slave, going abroad executing the Great Commission of Jesus Christ. Here we see the move of the Holy Spirit upon a believer to do a work for the glory of God and the joy of believers. Overall we continue to see the compelling, unfettered desire to preach Christ. Let us all pray to the Lord to stir our hearts, to leave our pews, our home fellowships, to declare the glory of the Gospel of Christ to men in the public square.

Brother Allen forms a bond with three other African American men at St Georges; Rev Absalom Jones, William White and Dorus Ginnings. The four sought support within their local church, St Georges to establish a place of worship for the African believers but were vehemently denied. Yet the group remained faithful.
Allen records that,

We felt ourselves much cramped; but my dear Lord was with us, and we believed, if it was his will, the work would go on, and that we would be able to succeed in building the house of the Lord. We established prayer meetings and meetings of exhortation, and the Lord blessed our endeavours, and many souls were awakened; but the elder soon forbid us holding any such meetings; but we viewed the forlorn state of our coloured brethren, and that they were destitute of a place of worship.

What example do we see in this body of believers? They kept their eyes fixed on Christ. They continued to do the works of the ministry, equipping the saints and building up the body of Christ. The believers followed the example of the early Church of Jerusalem, continuing “ steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers… Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved”(Acts 2:42,47).

The African American believers experienced an unfortunate event during corporate worship at St George that would encourage their faith in Christ through suffering. In the midst of prayer time, Absalom Jones was told to move in the middle of prayer because he was in the seating reserved for Whites. Absalom Jones requested to move upon the completion of prayer. Two members of the church rejected his request and proceeded to drag him on his knees out of the church. Reverend Allen remembers this as the critical event in the birth of the African Methodist Episcopal Church:

we all went out of the church in a body, and they were no more plagued
with us in the church. This raised a great excitement and inquiry among
the citizens, in so much that I believe they were ashamed of their conduct.
But my dear Lord was with us, and we were filled with fresh vigor to get
a house erected to worship God in.

Out of this unnecessary and unconceivable incident, Allen saw this as an opportunity for his people to move forward to worship God unhindered.

The African American believers gathered some money and purchased a storage room to meet in. The believers were threatened and told they would be publicly disciplined if they would not cease their gatherings. Allen and the believers would eventually receive some support from one Dr. Benjamin Rush and Mr. Robert Ralston of whom Allen states, “I hope…will never be forgotten among us.”

So Allen has been in Philadelphia since 1786 and been ordained by God to establish a local fellowship for African American believers. Receiving opposition from within their own local church, St. George and without, they continued steadfastly trusting in Jesus Christ.

All quotes are from:
Allen, Richard, The Life, Experience and Gospel Labours of the Rt. Rev. Richard Allen. Martin and Boden, Philadelphia, 1833.

African American History Month: Lessons from the Life of Richard B. Allen

2011-02-07T09:00:00.001-06:00

Richard Allen joined the Methodist denomination and fell under the instruction of John Gray. Allen’s master, who was unconverted, encouraged Allen and his brother to attend services at least twice a week. Allen records, “at length, our master said he was convinced that religion made slaves better and not worse, and often boasted of his slaves for their honesty and industry.” In the greater context of the time period, this was rare, in that many slave owners, especially in the south, feared the conversion of slaves. Conversion of slaves, led to the education of slaves. Slave masters were therefore apprehensive in allowing their slaves to be converted in some parts of the country. Thus the masters willingness to encourage Christian growth in Richard Allen was a picture of God’s sovereignty, bringing the Word of God to the ears of Allen.

It would be through God’s sovereignty that Richard Allen and his brother’s life would change forever. During one night of preaching that occurred at the Stokeley residence Allen records the miracle that would happen in the home and change his life forever. “Freeborn Garrison preached from these words, "Thou art weighed in the balance, and art found wanting." In pointing out and weighing the different characters, and among the rest weighed the slave-holders, my master believed himself to be one of that number, and after that he could not be satisfied to hold slaves.” God through the preaching of His Word, brought freedom to the lives of the Allen boys. What is our lesson here? The Word of God is thoroughly sufficient for all manners of life. This is a sad commentary in which many of our local churches have refused to clearly teach and preach the Word of God, opting instead to become financial advisors and pop-psychologist. The Word of God brought conviction to the heart of Mr. Stokeley, resulting in Richard Allen receiving freedom. Freedom to move, freedom to learn and most importantly freedom to preach the Word of God.

Richard Allen is now a free man to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ. After spending some time serving in the Continental Army, Allen was on the move throughout the northeast, preaching the Gospel. Beginning in 1783, Allen began itinerant preaching from Wilmington, Delaware on to New Jersey. Sometime in 1784, Allen settled in Radnor, just outside Philadelphia were the Water’s family gave him housing. It would be here that Allen had the rare experience to preach over several weeks at the Water’s congregation that was majority white. Imagine the scene of having a black man, stand in the pulpit and preach to a majority white congregation, at a time when African Americans were not encouraged to read or learn the truths of the Christian faith. The people commented concerning Allen’s preaching, “this man must be a man of God; I never heard such preaching before.”

The significance of these moments can not be overlooked. Allen could have been rejected, thrown out and worse. Yet the Lord Christ saw to it that Allen would declare His Word to souls. Our encouragement is that we may be called one day to preach to those who want to harm us, ridicule us and despitefully use us, yet Christ is standing right their with us. As Stephen in power declared Christ to those who “were cut to the heart, and they gnashed on him with their teeth”(Acts 7:54), for the words they heard. Be encouraged that Christ is faithful, in life and death, to those who seek to bring Him glory.

After his time in Radnor, Allen moved to Lancaster, Pennsylvania, where he was given more opportunities to preach. Allen was constrained to preach his Redeemer, where ever he went. In congregations, neighborhoods and circuit preaching, Allen desired to exalt Christ. We can learn from Richard Allen, that a pastor must have an eagerness, a zeal to exalt Christ and His Word to the people at every opportunity. Secondly, Christians must redeem the time that God has given to them. What we can learn from Allen is that it he appears never to have squandered an occasion to speak on Christ.

African American History Month: Lessons from the Life of Richard B. Allen

2011-02-01T12:00:00.002-06:00

The Early Years

Richard B. Allen was born February 14, 1760 in the state of Pennsylvania as a slave. It is sixteen years before the infant America declares its independence from England under the document of the Declaration of Independence. There are close to 300,000 African slaves present in the American country, extending from the southern colonies and up into the north of the country. One of six children, Richard as a young child and his entire family were sold to the Stokeley family in the state of Delaware.

Allen comments that the Stokeley family and particularly the master was a “good master,” yet none of the family was converted to the Christian faith. Several years later, an unfortunate yet common event shook the Allen family. The Stokeley master based on financial strain, sold Richard Allen’s mother and three of his siblings. Allen remained at the Stokeley home with one brother and one sister. This was a common occurrence for slave families in which they were split up and sold through out the country.

Allen’s life was a general snapshot of the experiences of over a quarter million African American slaves during the birth of the United States. Allen, his family, a whole population of people were bound to a life of servitude, which was at the pleasure of the master. Is that any different than the previous condition of regenerated believers? Is that not the description of millions of unbelievers currently in the world today? Sin is the master of all those that are dead and unregenerate. Paul describes this state, “ye were the servants of sin…servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity”(Rom 6:17,19). Men are bound in sin, slaves to their passions and the only payment for a life of servitude, of slavery, is death. Please remember the slave condition from which Christ has purchased you by His precious and eternal blood. Take this gift of grace; proclaim it to captives, to slaves who are working for the payment of death.

At the age of twenty, Allen is converted to faith in Jesus Christ, acknowledging the gift of God’s grace. Journaling his conversion, Allen states,

I was awakened and brought to see myself poor, wretched and undone, and without the mercy of God must be lost. Shortly after I obtained mercy through the blood of Christ, and was constrained to exhort my old companions to seek the Lord. I went rejoicing for several days, and was happy in the Lord, in conversing with many old experienced Christians. I was brought under doubts, and was tempted to believe I was deceived, and was constrained to seek the Lord afresh. I went with my head bowed down for many days. My sins were a heavy burden. I was tempted to believe there was no mercy for me. I cried to the Lord both night and day. One night I thought hell would be my portion. I cried unto Him who delighteth to hear the prayers of a poor sinner; and all of a sudden my dungeon shook, my chains flew off, and glory to God, I cried. My soul was filled. I cried, enough for me--the Saviour died. Now my confidence was strengthened that the Lord, for Christ's sake, had heard my prayers, and pardoned all my sins.

I would like to highlight some important points in Allen’s conversion experience. First we see, he was certain of His conversion by his acknowledgement of sin and standing without mercy before the Living God. He states, “I obtained mercy.” Second, we see that his faith was challenged. How many times have any of us been challenged as to the genuine nature of our conversion? We are told we are just going through a phase or just trying to fit in? Well, Richard Allen provides us with practical fruit, in that he examined himself, not in light of others but in the presence of the Jesus Christ Himself. Lastly, I would like to point out that twice, Richard details how he was “constrained,” he was forced, to seek the Lord and preach the Gospel.

Our conversion is not based upon feelings or our subjective feelings. Allen’s testimony shows us that the certainty of our faith rest alone in Jesus Christ. We “must look to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith”(Heb 12:2); “in whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him”(Eph 3:12); “for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day”(2 Ti 1:12).

Secondly, we find from Allen’s conversion that he was compelled, constrained, forced to declare Christ to those around him. Is this not reminiscent of the woman at the well who proclaimed, “Come see a man who told me all that I ever did.” Can this be the Christ”(Jn 4:29)? Or the man born blind who proclaimed to the Pharisees, “I was blind, now I see…If this man were not of God, he could do nothing”(Jn 9:1-7). We are compelled to declare the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Our testimonies are useless if they do not exalt the character and glory of Jesus Christ. Allen’s zeal, empowered by the Holy Spirit must be ours as well. Preach the Gospel!!

All quotes are from:
Allen, Richard, The Life, Experience and Gospel Labours of the Rt. Rev. Richard Allen. Martin and Boden, Philadelphia, 1833.

Work and Financial Assistance from the Local Church

2011-01-31T09:00:00.000-06:00

The local church should wrestle with how best to serve those who are in low-income or homeless situations. Each situation is fluid and radically different as one seeks to come alongside those who have limited resources yet have a desire at some level to be satisfied.

God gave us work to be satisfied not only in the work of our hands but to be completely satisfied in him who has made us capable to accomplish such acts. At the very beginning, God called humanity to not only multiply throughout the world but also subdue it. This by implication requires work and effort. Even after the fall of Adam and his separation from the glory of God, Adam still maintained the capacity to work yet with greater difficulty as a result of his disobedience.

In the Gospel work is all the more gloriously as we see Christ Jesus who works for his people and as a result his people benefit from the work of Christ by receiving rest. Work is an integral part of God’s activity with his creation ultimately resulting in his glory being made known in the Church and among people everywhere.

How does this connect with serving those in low-income and homeless situations?
In the past, our Sunday offerings went to providing financial resources to those who had a specific need ie. Grocery, utility bills, etc., regardless of their ability to work. Upon further reflection and thinking on Paul’s admonition to the believers at Thessalonica that “a man who does not work does not eat,” prompted a response to reexamine how best we can serve those in need and at the same time promote work that displays an aspect of God’s glory, first in Creation and culminating in Christ Jesus.

So I hope this will be a help to you and your local body of believers as you wrestle with how to best assist people in need.

So what does this look like?
80% of the offering that is collected in Oakwood is designated towards helping those in need. The other 20% goes to discipleship and future Gospel spreading.

When a person comes requesting a need, one of the elders in training meets with that individual to get a bigger picture of what is going on and how the individual can best be supported.

If an individual is unable to work because of disability or other limitation, that person’s need is met. If an individual is able to work, then they accomplish a given amount of work and receive a payment to help with their requested need.

Question
Have you ever seen the face of someone who has done work and is compensated for it? Think about when you are paid for service done at your job. What thought or feeling is elicited in you?

If you are honest, you have a sense of dignity and worth because your work has been recognized and you have a received a compensation to accomplish and care for your needs.

This is a helpful way in which the church can be a barometer in the city and communities in which it exist. So I would encourage you and your gathering. Examine how your offering is being used and how it can best be used to serve those in need.

Ultimately, let us as the church encourage work among the people in order that God’s glory would be made known.

Suffering will serve the root of your joy

2011-01-19T09:00:00.000-06:00

We walk a road that is narrow, with dangers on every side yet with a shining city ahead of us. Along this road there are times when suffering jumps out of the ditches along the narrow road and travel with us. What would happen though, instead of them seizing us and preventing our movement forward, we seized them and made this traveler called suffering our servant?

At first this would be both hard and strange. Hard because when suffering confronts us, we naturally cower to a position of defeat and submit to suffering. It would be strange, because we are taught that only grief can accompany this traveler called suffering.

Paul saw that what happened to him, namely prison, was a servant to move forward the root of his joy, the Gospel. Paul wanted his brothers to rejoice with him in the grace that his imprisonment was serving the root of Christian joy.

Paul was on his way to Rome and eventually on the way to the city whose builder and maker is God, seized this traveler and made it his servant. He declared to the Philippians saints in Christ Jesus that what was happening to him was serving to advance the Gospel. Paul saw his suffering as a servant for the root of his joy and what would bring about his greatest gain.

Imagine if we seized suffering. Imagine right now, what if you sat for a moment and reflected on whatever hardship had jumped on your Christian journey and you declared, “I will be using you to serve the cause of my joy. No longer will grief simply accompany you suffering, but now my companion, joy, will now walk with us.”

Suffering has no option but to walk with you. Take this occasion and use suffering to serve the root of your joy; the Gospel.

The Church: Thermometer or Thermostat

2011-01-17T08:52:00.004-06:00

Today our nation celebrates Dr. Martin L. King's birthday as a national holiday. This Christian brother was used mightly by God to bring about a series of changes that continue to have ramifications today.

Recently, I have had our elders in training work on a project looking at ethnic diversity in the church and challenged them to see how the church should constantly pursue this. It is a reality that rest on the death and resurrection of Christ, that in him, he broke down ethnic divisions in order to create one new man, which is the Church.

In Dr. King's 1963 Letter from a Birmingham Jail, Dr. King responded to a group of clergy who wrote him a letter questioning his challenge of segregation. In that letter, Dr. King wrote a few statements about the church that are clearly relevant today and I wanted to share them with you.

Take time read over them and ask yourself honestly, "Have my local church become a thermometer or thermostat in the community in which I live?"

Below follows an excerpt from Dr. Martin L. King's Letter from a Birmingham Jail

In deep disappointment I have wept over the laxity of the church. But be assured that my tears have been tears of love. There can be no deep disappointment where there is not deep love. Yes, I love the church. How could I do otherwise? l am in the rather unique position of being the son, the grandson and the great-grandson of preachers. Yes, I see the church as the body of Christ. But, oh! How we have blemished and scarred that body through social neglect and through fear of being nonconformists.

There was a time when the church was very powerful–in the time when the early Christians rejoiced at being deemed worthy to suffer for what they believed. In those days the church was not merely a thermometer that recorded the ideas and principles of popular opinion; it was a thermostat that transformed the mores of society. Whenever the early Christians entered a town, the people in power became disturbed and immediately sought to convict the Christians for being "disturbers of the peace" and "outside agitators." But the Christians pressed on, in the conviction that they were "a colony of heaven," called to obey God rather than man. Small in number, they were big in commitment. They were too God intoxicated to be "astronomically intimidated." By their effort and example they brought an end to such ancient evils as infanticide and gladiatorial contests.

Things are different now. So often the contemporary church is a weak, ineffectual voice with an uncertain sound. So often it is an archdefender of the status quo. Far from being disturbed by the presence of the church, the power structure of the average community is consoled by the church's silent–and often even vocal–sanction of things as they are.

But the judgment of God is upon the church as never before. If today's church does not recapture the sacrificial spirit of the early church, it will lose its authenticity, forfeit the loyalty of millions, and be dismissed as an irrelevant social club with no meaning for the twentieth century. Every day I meet young people whose disappointment with the church has turned into outright disgust.

Perhaps I have once again been too optimistic. Is organized religion too inextricably bound to the status quo to save our nation and the world? Perhaps I must turn my faith to the inner spiritual church, the church within the church, as the true ekklesia and the hope of the world. But again I am thankful to God that some noble souls from the ranks of organized religion have broken loose from the paralyzing chains of conformity and joined us as active partners in the struggle for freedom, They have left their secure congregations and walked the streets of Albany, Georgia, with us. They have gone down the highways of the South on tortuous rides for freedom. Yes, they have gone to jail with us. Some have been dismissed from their churches, have lost the support of their bishops and fellow ministers. But they have acted in the faith that right defeated is stronger than evil triumphant. Their witness has been the spiritual salt that has preserved the true meaning of the gospel in these troubled times. They have carved a tunnel of hope through the dark mountain of disappointment.

An Encouragement today: The Lord Wills

2011-01-03T16:41:00.004-06:00

If we are truly the masters of our fate and the captains of our souls, then there is no hope for humanity. Men and women though strive to live as if they do. We live as if we determine the length and height of our days.

Yet we are soon shaken from this dream world and back to reality, when plans are upended. Loved ones are lost. Creation rears its mighty power. These events are reminders that we are not self-determining. That the conclusion of the poem "Invictus," is simply the machinations of men and women who still trust in themselves.

The events that are defined as tragic and joyous are daily reminders that He, the LORD God wills everything for the purpose of his maximum glory.

He wills the light and darkness.
He wills the creation of all things.

Beside him there is no other.
None to counsel him.
His wisdom is infinitely sufficient to accomplish his purposes.

He wills the purchase of our salvation through purposely, lovingly and powerfully crushing his son Christ Jesus. He willed as well to prosper his son because he has made many righteous and born our sins. He wills the pouring our of his Spirit on us.

The will of God and the pursuit of his glory is found in us, the church, for in love he predestined us for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will.

Every aspect of life is according to his will. It is glorious. It is the assurance that as you rise today, nothing is by accident but leads you to a desired end.

His desired end, which will be for his glory and a beautiful praise that erupts from those who he has adopted as sons and daughters.

He is the master of your fate and the captain of your soul! Let this be the boast of redeemed men and women whose lives are secure in Christ!

Book Review: Slave by John MacArthur

2010-12-22T15:41:00.003-06:00

Dr. John MacArthur, pastor-teacher for Grace Community Church in Sun Valley, California has written a very solid book on the Christians identity in Jesus Christ. The title “Slave,” alone is very provocative as is carries with it many negative connotations, especially in Western civilization.

The book comes in a very in your face cover but I did have a reservation with using the words “The hidden truth” as a subtitle for the book. Knowing Dr. MacArthur’s ministry and passion for biblical truth, that subtitle echoes titles found in my former word of faith days. Like they say though, don’t judge a book by its cover.

Dr. MacArthur in a very concise and scripturally rich approach seeks to have the reader look into the text of Scripture and recapture the significance of the word slave in relation to the Christian and Jesus Christ. Dr. MacArthur’s waste no time in stating that,
“..the Bible uses one metaphor more frequently than any…It is a word picture you might
not expect, but it is absolutely critical for understanding what it means to follow
Jesus. It is the image of a slave (p.12).

That statement is a very hard statement to swallow as the term itself carries with it images of a time when men and women of particular ethnic groups were not considered human in the west. Yet MacArthur seeks to express this Biblical truth and have Christians walk in step with those of old who considered, “having been bought with a price, they had all become slaves of Christ. That is what it meant to be Christian” (p.14)

Slave is solidly organized into four well written categories that build from context to the Christians identity. In chapters 1-3, MacArthur provides the reader with a biblical and historical context in which one can understand the term slave in ancient history as well as redemptive history. In chapters 4-6, MacArthur provides solid doctrine on God as he relates to his people, Jesus Christ as being Lord and Savior over creation, the church and believers and provides a very moving section on John Huss and his influence on Luther. In chapters 7-9, MacArthur then provides us three solid chapters to connect how the metaphorical use of the word “slave,” was a device to convey the spiritual reality of men and women who are born in sin. Finally we arrive at chapters 10-12 where Christians understand that they move from slaves of sin to slaves of God who become sons.

Slave can be summed up in a quote by James Montgomery Boice in which he stated, “There is one being in the universe who is totally free, of course. That is God. But all others are limited or enslaved by someone or something… the only meaningful question in this area is: Who or what are you serving” (p.201)? This quote also speaks to overwhelming task that this book takes on especially in our culture. No one considers themself a slave because when they hear the word they immediately attach ideas of physical shackles, plantations and slave trades. The reality though is that this book seeks to pull the veil off our ignorance and aid us in realizing that whether redeemed or not, we are all slaves to someone or something.

Some questions that I jotted down as I read this book were:

1.Isn’t there a comfort knowing that the God of the universe owns you?
2.How does this impact someone who is wrestling to feed themselves or family?
3.How does this impact our understanding of sin and the Gospel?
4.How does this translate across ethnic lines, considering our understanding of the
word slave in the West.

Overall, Slave is a necessary read for all Christians, especially for those who are wrestling with their identity in Christ and the fruits of this identity. It will challenge the reader to no longer gloss over words in Scripture and will actually provide assurance in their Christian walk.
I give this book 4.5 out of 5 books.

Stay tuned on how you can win one of two copies of "Slave."

Discipleship: Be Courageous

2010-12-13T09:00:00.003-06:00

Joab and Abishai were surrounded on every side. These men were leaders of armies for the king of Israel, David. They led surely with audacity, conviction and poise. They understood their objective and the consequences of failure.

At a critical point, Joab and his armies were surrounded by the enemies of Israel. Too their front and too their rear, Syrians and Ammonites were arrayed for battle and Joab was stirred to action.

Providing task and purpose to his men, he closed with these words in 2 Samuel 10:12

Be of good courage, and let us be courageous for our people, and for the cities of our God, and may the LORD do what seems good to him.

I have recently been encouraging the men that God has brought in my life that we have to raise our level of expectation for ourselves. In the past, men between the ages of 20-30 accomplished great and glorious things for the sake of Christ and their families, cities, communities and nations were better for it. Their pursuit of Christ still resounds throughout our days.

We are men of Jesus Christ. Consider first the great courage that was in our Savior as he set his face like steel towards Jerusalem with the full knowledge that he would be betrayed by one of his own, left alone by his disciples and given over to crucifixion by the Romans. Consider that his courage rested on the joy that was set before him of being at the right hand of his Father and so he endured the torture of the cross and the reviling of his own people.

This courage that was in Christ Jesus was not only for the punishment on the cross but for his people as well. You men if you are his,you are his people. He was courageous for your sake. His courage brought about your redemption and justification in the presence of God. The courage of Christ clothed you in righteousness and sealed your adoption that was ordained before the creation of all things.

Finally the courage of Christ overflows into the city that we are waiting for. His offering was not for a city that was made by the hands of men and would one day topple because of war or weather. No, it was a courage that was to bring a people to a city whose builder and maker is God.

So with that knowledge of the courage of Christ who brought about redemption, I want to encourage you men to be courageous for yourself. Walk in the knowledge of this saving and gracious work that has brought about your justification. Be courageous to lead yourself in the word of God and prayer. Be courageous to preach in such a way that Christ is shown great. Be courageous that in your music, poetry, books and speech, Christ is known as excellent.

Be courageous for your people. Our wives, our daughters, our sisters and brothers need men who are willing to stand upright and in the face of embarrassment and scorn, speak with Gospel courage. Be courageous because there shall come a day when too your front you are assaulted for Christ and too your rear you are assaulted for Christ. But know that among those listed in Hebrews 11 there are men and women who considered the riches, reputation and revilements as nothing in comparison to the reward and city they would receive.

Be courageous for the city of God. Be courageous for Zion young men. Stand strong in the Spirit of God and speak the words of God for the glory of God. The presence of the Holy Spirit in a man’s life is evidenced as he glorifies Christ. At many times, Zion shall have attempted assaults but our God is a man of War and from his mouth proceeds a sword which is the Word of God. You cannot fail.

Therefore, be courageous men. Courage is evidenced in the presence of trials and suffering. Courage that is grounded on the Gospel shouts, that whether I live or die, I shall go forward for the people of God and the city of God. Courage that is grounded on the Gospel has men who are willing to charge the hill of sin and if need be die outside the camp where the Captain of their Salvation shall meet them.

May the LORD do what seems right to him. This is a call for audacity, conviction and poise that rest on the LORD. Whether in death or life, God will be glorified in men who are courageous for his people and his city.

God will not always answer prayers in suffering

2010-12-10T13:07:00.003-06:00

Does that statement challenge your preconceived notions about prayer? I hope it does because I think we live with an understanding that prayer is our avenue for God to do as we please.

Notice that, as we please.

When the disciples asked for instruction in prayer, Christ clearly lines out in our supplications to God that his will be done on earth as it is in heaven. The accomplishing of all things whether in heaven or earth is for the glory of God’s perfect and holy name.

It is a hard truth but nonetheless truth.

Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name; worship the Lord in the splendor of holiness (Ps 29:2)

I am the LORD; that is my name; my glory I give to no other, nor my praise to carved idols (Is 42:8)

For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen (Rom 11:36)

Every answered and unanswered prayer is for the glory of God.

Which then leads us to the question what is the motivation for our prayers?

Yes Jesus does say ask anything in his name and it will be done. Are we asking though for our own pleasures? Are we asking to satisfy our own desires and rest in what is humanly comfortable? Let’s ask ourselves those hard questions before we accuse God.

Therefore in suffering and to those specifically who are suffering and have not had their cries answered, take heart.

Know that first and foremost, the living God sees and hears your afflictions. He is not absent or lifeless, incomparable to the many useless gods we create in attempts to comfort our distresses.

He saw and heard the travail of slaves in Egypt.

He saw and heard the travail of slaves in sin.

Secondly, God in Christ is completely able to identify with the height of your suffering and the reality of unanswered prayer. Christ Jesus knows what it means to have his prayers not answered.

In the greatest display of suffering ever beheld in the universe, the Son of God hung beaten on a cross and cried in anguish and prayer, “My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?”

That was prayer.

That was communication to God in anguish and there was silence from the throne room of God.

There was silence as God was accomplishing his will on earth. A holy will that was wisely and loving declared by himself before the creation of anything or anyone.
Jesus Christ on the cross for the sins of humanity died under the silence of his loving Father who glorious paid the debt for our sin.

Unanswered prayer, gloriously purchased redemption and brought about resurrection.

Let that be a comfort to you in your suffering. Let the knowledge of the glorious God who purchased men and women through shed blood be the balm that brings healing to your anguished souls.

Meditation on Isaiah 45:25

2010-12-09T09:00:00.001-06:00

In the LORD all the offspring of Israel shall be justified and shall glory.

There is no other being in all the universe like the LORD. He has created all things, "In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth." He separated the light and the darkness. The LORD in infinite wisdom and clear planning has made well being and calamity. He is not hestitant to take responsibility for all these things and reminds us continually that he is God and there is no other.

There is no other. Yes men and women have created gods to their own liking and image. We have bowed our hearts to trees, dogs and power. We have made gods that are dependent on our imaginations and designs.

He is God and there is no other. He is not dependent on any aspect of creation. Creation is sustained by him. All of life which includes both well-being and calamity, is upheld by the word of his own power.

That same word calls humanity to bow and swear allegiance to him that is above and apart from all.

He has sworn on himself that this will happen. God has declared an oath, swearing on the most glorious and majestic being of all that complete allegiance will be given to him. It is a word that is sure, right and will bear complete fruit.

In the LORD, there will be a nation of people, a nation called Israel who will be declared just. God himself shall clothe them in a righteousness that is not their own but his. It is a righteousness that is pure and eternal. It is a righteousness that silences the proud mouth and causes the mouths of many to declare, "He is God and there is no other."

This nation will behold the sight of infinite glory. This justification prepares us for our greatest day. We shall behold him who gave us his righteousness in blood and sing with joyous hearts:

Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing!"

Beholding Holiness

2010-12-07T09:44:00.003-06:00

The LORD is greatly concerned about the holiness of who he is. In fact he is supremely concerned about the holiness of his name and that the nations would see that holiness as well.

Both the righteous and the unbelieving will at some point behold the majesty of God's holiness.

In two distinct ways will all behold God's holiness. For the faithful who have repented and turned to Christ, they behold the glory of God in Christ and thus see his full holiness in Christ. Seeing Christ as the expressed image of God is not only seeing the glory of God but also the holiness of God.

In God we find infinite holiness because he is completely unique, outside and above his creation and without sin. Therefore in answering the call of God to be holy as he is, we must look to Christ who is holy as he is. This will only be accomplished when the sinner turns from sin and trust in Christ who will clothe the believing in eternal holiness.

What about the unbeliever?

They too will behold the infinite holiness of God, at a time appointed by God. When they stand before Christ who is appointed to judge all men according to his own spoken word, it will be then they will see their complete sinfulness and Christ's infinite holiness.

Since in life they rejected God's gracious gift of life to enjoy sinful pleasures.
Since they would rather enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season instead of enjoying the pleasures that are eternal in Christ.

Their rejection of holiness will be confirmed in Christ rejection of them.

Truly the Scripture is right, "without holiness no man shall see the Lord." "What a fearful thing to fall in the hands of the living God."

So all will see the holiness of God; in splendid joy or fearful judgment.

Holy, Holy, Holy, is the Lord of Host, the whole earth is full of his glory!

Testimony of Hope: Her name is Ouletta

2010-12-01T08:00:00.000-06:00

Her name is Ouletta. She is a single mother of four, grandmother of three and loves to tell it like it is. She and three of her girls moved into Oakwood earlier this year and each of them has a story to tell.

Ouletta at the beginning would communicate that her girls needed Jesus and she was fine. There have been many intense moments in her home and many moments of peace. Ouletta though, consistently has demonstrated a resolve to see that her family would be whole.

I’m sure this is the thought of every mother. When they see their children in not the best of situations or make the best decisions, mothers are determined to see that the fruits of their wombs have the best possible life. I’ve heard it in the heated discussions between her and her daughters. I’ve heard that underlying resolve in our one on one conversations and see them in the tears she has heard for her girls.

Back in September as we were starting work on the community center, Ouletta came out and said that we need to paint Jesus all over the center. Her words were, “You young people do so much good for this community. People need to see why you are doing what you are doing. Here me pastor? You need to put his name big all over it.”

What do you say to that?

Before the community center opened, Ouletta opened her home when we needed electricity, allowed children to use her restroom and now she takes out the trash on Fridays. Now Ouletta is planning to create a garden for the community and has only asked for students to work with her. Secondly because of her insights, we will be starting an initiative to provide individuals employment around the community and at the center.

Frequently she reminds me, “Pastor you put Jesus up.” I believe God is using her in ways she does not even know.

God does this little by little. You want to see explosive, radical things happen in people’s lives immediately. But it is a greater wonder to see how God works upon an individual’s heart for his desired end.

This is Ouletta and she is a testimony of hope.

Psalm 16:11 Driven to Christ

2010-11-29T08:00:00.000-06:00

You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.

Sin shows its self to be desirable, pleasurable and satisfying. In them we "think" there is life and substance that will carry us through all types of life's experiences. Yet sin will cloak itself to entice a believer to desire what is in reality temporarily enjoyable, yet hiding devastating consequences.

Sin will constantly place in front of us a path that is wide and appears easy. As our hearts, thoughts and words turn towards a sinful passion, worship is springing forth.

It is the worship and desire of foods as the ultimate necessity which becomes sinful. What is cloaked? The one day food will rot and stale. Once again you are left hungry.

It is the worship of a beautiful woman or handsome man as the pinnacle of love. What is cloaked? That one day love shall fail or lust will consume them both.

It is the worship given towards unforgiveness because of past hurts. What is cloaked? That you will continue in emotional bondage while others continue with their lives.

Your hope this week is that God has given you his Spirit if you belong to him. The Holy Spirit who has sealed you in fellowship with the loving Father and Son, intercedes for you.

So we are driven to Jesus Christ because the Holy Spirit seeks the glory of the Son.

Our condition is made known to us.
Grace comforts us.

Men and women who are adopted by God are driven to Him that surpasses all these passions that are sinful.

Our true passion is seen.
True worship begins.

In the face of these, fly to Christ.

In the face of sin that endeavors to wreck havoc on your joy, fly to Christ who is the source of eternal joy.

Hope Through the City

2010-11-14T20:08:00.005-06:00

So today we finished up the epistle of James and I must say I learned much and much fruit I believe will come from our time in the text.

At the conclusion of the text, I spoke to our gathering about Hope Through the City. I must admit, I have always been hesitant to "cast vision, set goals, etc, etc." I realized though after some study in Nehemiah and Acts and reflecting on James, two things become glaringly clear; the people where of one mind and the Gospel produces action that touches peoples lives in radical ways.

Hope Through the City involves first seeing more gospel communities throughout our city. Christ builds the church we are called to go. It is a prayer to continue to pursue Christ as he build his church. Currently, I am blessed to disciple four men who will take up this call and I'm praying that God would save more. So if you have a burden to spread Christ throughout the city with other men, join us.

Secondly, Hope Through the City involves establishing Immersion Homes in low income areas. Currently CoHO hosts a 40 hour Immersion where persons can live and learn the life of an individual in poverty based on Arkansas guidelines. This experience will be expanded in two different ways in the next five years. One will include living in our current community of Oakwood for 30 days to experience life and develop indepth relationships with people. the second expansion will involve establishing other homes throughout our city where individuals will serve as missionaries from 6 months to a year living and loving persons in the name of Christ. This second expansion is simply duplicating a foreign mission trip, just with a longer and more impactful period of time.

If I had to sum this all up, I would use the words of a woman that spoke to me earlier today when I spoke on CoHO. She said, "I am so thankful for you guys. You guys fill in the cracks." I couldn't have said it better myself. I have this desire to give believers the opportunity to really get in the trenches and realize they do not have to wait to obtain a certain degree or travel time zones away to validate their Christian faith.

It is available right now, in their city and state.

You just have to ask yourself, "Will I risk it for the cause of Christ."

You can read about Hope Through The City by clicking on this link.

Leadership: Dads and Daughters

2010-11-08T09:00:00.000-06:00

It was bed time in the Fletcher house and my oldest girl had one question for me, "Daddy will you read to me tonight?"

It is always at those moments we as dads have an opportunity to lavish great love on our daughters or send a subtle message that they are not that important. Where the former is a great harvest to be reaped at a future time, the latter will come back to be a famine of joy. I say a famine of joy because I have met so many daughter who have dads that are absent.

Catch those words.

Present dads who are absent.

This is possibly worse than the dad who is never present.

What will she remember most about her dad?

More importantly when I speak about God as Father or daddy, I wonder what image will come to her mind.

I desire the image of a dad who comes when she calls.
A dad who is more than willing to spend quiet times with her and simply talk about life.

Dads have a huge roll to play in the spiritual formation of their children. That night we didn't read Scripture but a very girly book. But in those few moments of reading a chapter from one of her favorite books, I believe I spoke quietly eternal volumes about a Father who is greater than me.

So dads I encourage you. When the night comes to a close, set down the phone, hibernate the laptop and speak quietly the resounding words of presence and involvement from a Father.

Discipleship: Burdens

2010-11-05T13:44:00.002-05:00

So pastoring is so much more than teaching. Each day I'm serving in Oakwood, I am reminded of that.

It is an emotional burden. In fact I'm understanding more and more the passage of Galatians in which Paul says that we are to bear one another burdens and thus fulfill the law of Christ.

As I am sitting in a detox center at 12:30 in the morning with one of the people that attend Oakwood and I realize their burden has become my burden. What is significant about this is that I already have my own burden to bear. That is the power contained in this verse. To bear someone else's burden implicitly means I am carrying my own burden as well.

It is difficult, it is hard and it is Gospel.

Gospel you say?

Well yes because of what Paul says, we fulfill the law of Christ.

Jesus Christ coming to earth was full of burdens.

He was in flesh. Away from the perfect presence of fellowship between the Father, Holy Spirit and himself.
He was being tempted on every side yet without sin.

Then on a ninth hour day, he bore the burden of humanity's sin.

The Gospel rooted in a man and woman's life has them fulfill the law of Christ. This is pure religion that echoes to an individual or community that while I am burdened and suffering, I will carry yours as well in the power of the Holy Spirit.

It is the heart beat of Christ death and the pulse of the resurrection.

Gospel Religion: This weekend and beyond

2010-10-29T08:33:00.003-05:00

Well I am continuing to learn how the Gospel of Jesus Christ recreates in us a new way of life that gives us a better vision of God and propel us to love others as if we were loving ourselves. This is simply a pure religion. A way of life that is pure because Christ who is pure has made us alive to walk and see by the Holy Spirit a most excellent and loving existence.

This weekend and in the next three months I want to invite you to first reflect on how the Gospel made you see life the way God views it and secondly act in the life or lives of others.

CoHO has its World Banquet occurring this coming weekend. The purpose of the banquet is creating awareness about peoples lives throughout the world through experience. Knowledge is good but experience drives that knowledge to the heart.

November 21, 2010 we will be holding our third Thanksgiving outreach which has transitioned to a banquet for persons of low income. Jesus tells us of a feast where we invite those who are unable to repay. This is the Gospel. God has prepared a banquet for us. He has footed the bill and invited us who are blind, lame and crippled because of sin. We come and we are never able to repay the infinite price of this banquet where Christ is the true bread we feast from.

This banquet is motivated by an eternal and historical act. So if you are in Conway and desire to serve and be reminded of the great love given to you. Let us know here Imagine at a table are the poor and rich gathering to feast and declaring a picture of God's great marriage supper!

So have a good weekend. Reflect on the Gospel and have that same good news propel you and be the ground for your good works.

Discipleship: Committment

2010-10-22T09:00:00.000-05:00

In Genesis 12, God calls Abram to leave his father’s country and go to a whole different place. Now Abram was a man like you and me, a Gentile, called by God to leave Ur of the Chaldees and join God in something that unbeknownst to Abram would have eternal ramifications.

Abram was being called to leave.

Abram was being called to give up relationships.

Abram was called to leave security.

Abram was called to set in motion the coming of abundant life.

Now like I said, Abram was like you and me. He sinned; he doubted the promises of God, pimped out his wife and went to war.

He also demonstrated great commitment to what God had called him to. (Imagine that, we can believe God, act on what he has called us to and still doubt.) Abraham’s commitment to God was so great he was willing to offer up his miracle boy to God. He believed so mightly in God at this point in life, he trusted that the Lord would have to raise Isaac from death to bring about his promise in Genesis 12.

Well like I said, Abraham is just like you and me. Simply to put forward Abraham as a model for commitment would ultimately not be helpful but what is helpful is to look at Abraham’s seed who committed all things to his father.

Abraham set in motion by leaving Ur, the coming of Jesus Christ who is abundant life. Jesus Christ the Son of God left security, angelic praise and honor to accomplish redemption. Jesus had an unswerving commitment to accomplish his father’s will. He said, “Lo, I come in the volume of the book to do thy will.”

In temptation there was commitment.

In betrayal there was commitment.

On a cross, Jesus demonstrated commitment to his father and for his church. The resurrection vindicated this commitment, displaying to the world and the universe that Christ commitment was pure and acceptable to his father.

What is our response to this commitment that brought about our redemption?
Maybe you have sensed the call of God to give up something dear to you. Perhaps, the Lord has wrestled you down like Jacob and has called you to commit to what is not comfortable for a period of time. Maybe it’s time to finally commit to a people who will love you.

Whatever it maybe, Jesus unswerving commitment to you will propel you forward to step out as Abraham did. Jesus commitment to his own glory and your joy to see him in that glory is all you need to commit to something that will have eternal significance in your life and the lives of others.

Reflect on Christ commitment to his glory.

Reflect on Christ commitment to you for your joy.

Take that step of faith.

Epistle of James: Gospel and Religion

2010-10-18T09:00:00.000-05:00

The Gospel produces the most pure and satisfying religion.

Is that statement provocative?

I used to think that the Gospel and Religion where opposed to one another. I learned the Gospel is God reaching down to man and religion is about man trying to reach God.

As I am going through the Epistle of James, I think we have made a distinction that needs to be reexamined.

James clearly says that there is a pure religion that is undefiled and accepted by God. Really! He goes on to say it involves visiting those widows and orphans in their affliction and keeping ones self unstained. It includes discarding prejudices and the way we use our words.

Above that verse in 1:27, James speaks about us being brought forth by the purpose of God and his word. He goes on to say that as we look into to word, this mirror we should not walk away and forget what we see.

What we should see is that if we have been born again, we have recieved a righteousness that is not our own, we are owned fully by God and that now we live a life that is wholly different than before.

Religion simply is a way of life. It includes how we view ourselves, those around us and ultimately our view of life.

Everyone has a religion.

Whereas every man made religion has a motivation of works, a religion born of the Gospel is motivated by erupting love in response to God who gave himself to me.

I look in the mirror.
The Holy Spirit teaches me who I am in Christ.
The Holy Spirit teaches me about God who saved me.
I live my life in response to this love poured out on me.

So a Gospel Religion seeks not to produce the righteousness that God requires but live out the righteousness God graciously gave to me in Christ.
It erupts with men and women lovingly, graciously and lovingly visiting men and women who are without provision and protection.

Is erupts into demonstrating mercy and not prejudice.

Words of grace and not bitter waters.

Nothing more pure and satisfying that desiring to live out the very righteousness of God who dwells in those that are his.

Gospel Religion

Epistle of James: Trials bring maturity

2010-10-15T08:00:00.000-05:00

Currently I am teaching through the Epistle of James in Oakwood and it has been helpful to see how our identification with Jesus who is the Lord of Glory is the anchor that will keep us tethered in storms.

The trials that will come before each of us will always expose a deficiency within us. Pride is laid bare, A faulty tongue is exposed. An unwillingness to forgive is made known to us.

It is the exposure of some sin that shows we lack the good, pure and heavenly wisdom of our God who has promised to crown us with life.

Therefore he asks us to speak to him.

He calls us to open our mouths under the trials of an internal lust and the external trials of life. Not with an attitude of uncertainty and doubt, but believing he will graciously and generously give us pure and good wisdom.

Has he not given us all things?
Hasn't he not give us what is most precious to him?
Do we forget his loving generosity in the midst of a trial?

In this is love, that God gave generously his son to be the bearer of our sin. This is how I know how generous and gracious God is. It is because of his overwhelming generosity of Christ his perfect and wise son.

So count this trial as joy!

Look at this trial and seize moments to count joy.

Steadfastness is being produced. Joy!

Reminders of God's generosity in the past. Joy!

Each moment is to be a culmination, a multiplication of joy in God who gives good perfect gifts and who made me alive by his purpose and truthful word.

At the end of your trial.
At the end of each moment of joy accounted for, you shall be found not lacking but mature. You will be found ready to meet the next trial with increased joy in God.

It is a call to see if your life confirms Gospel faith. That from the inception of my trial to its completion, you would be found mature and rejoicing in God who has brought you forth by his will and his word.

Marriage Talks: New Podcast

2010-10-10T09:00:00.001-05:00

Join me and my Queen, Nicolle Fletcher as we sit and discuss the issues of marriage and how the Gospel addresses them. It is a frank and unscripted discussion.

Get your spouse, a drink and dig in with us.

Click here for the first podcast.

Discipleship: Theology and Character

2010-10-09T08:30:00.000-05:00

Paul in his letter to Timothy instructs him to keep a close watch on himself and his doctrine (1 Timothy 4:16). How important is that and even more so today?

I am blessed to disciple four men who desire to be shepherds of God’s flock one day and this is a matter that I am consistently bringing to the table. There is a vital importance in pursuing right doctrine including a correct view of Scripture, God and the Gospel. In the context of Paul writing to Timothy he warns him that men would chase after teachings of demons. How destructive is that?

Yet in the pursuit of having a solid doctrine that honors God and is healthy to the people that are his and purchased by his blood, Paul shows that we need to pay attention to ourselves as much as doctrine.

Look at it this way.

You may have solid doctrine, but if your life is not matching the message you are proclaiming, that teaching is diminished significantly. Your life will either suppress the words spoken from your mouth or have those words resound with power.

Our lives are more transparent today than at any point in history.

Our lives are on Twitter.

Our thoughts, emotions and words are on Face Book, blogs and comment sections.

Yet do we give consideration to the fact that before we push “send, post, or update,” people are observing our lives and our own doctrine?
Paul tells Timothy to persist or persevere in watching both his life and doctrine because it is not only helpful to him but those who hear him as well.

There is a sanctifying and healing grace that is experienced in our souls and those who hear us teach as we pursue with diligence to watch the conduct of our own lives as well as what we teach.

I love how Jesus Christ refers to good trees bearing good fruit. The fruit is helpful to both the tree as well as the one who will enjoy the fruit itself. The fruit is helpful to the tree because it demonstrates to the passersby, that tree is vibrant, full of life and satisfying. The fruit is therefore taken, consumed and enjoyed.

Let us be bearers of satisfying and healing fruit.

Gospel Meditation: Sweet Wine

2010-10-06T08:00:00.000-05:00

The path of the Christian life leads us through valleys and on crests of great mountain ranges. It should be no suprise to us as we follow on our big brother on the very road of his humiliation and exaltation.

In valleys there are the shadows of darkness, despair and the looming shadow of death. In the lowest of places, is where we will find sweet times with God. Our faith in tears in strengthened. Our prayers in few words are made sound.

The goodness of God does not have us remain in a famine of peaceful and bright days.

The road eventually moves upward.

Our faces begin to experience the light of day as wed behold with our eyes great joys at the hand of our God.

Soon the road has us on great mountains.

Here we exchange our mourning for laughter.
Here our voice of lamentation erupts into songs of praise.

On this mountain it shall drip sweet wine and will overflow to the hills beneath.
While time with God in the valley is sweet, how much sweeter is communion with God as you dine together on mountains of sweet wine?

This is a call for the endurance of his saints.

Servant Leadership: Perspective

2010-10-04T08:00:00.000-05:00

Today I just read that a prominent pastor in Little Rock resigned from shepherding his congregation of twenty one years over what he termed “indiscretion.” It has been two weeks since Bishop Eddie Long was accused by four gentlemen for purported misconduct of the sexual nature and misuse of authority at New Birth Missionary
Baptist Church in Georgia.

This post is not to bring about condemnation or to speculate on statements that have yet to be corroborated. What we can do though is look at each of these gentleman’s situations and gather some much needed help for ourselves who name the precious name of Christ, for leaders and our families.

Proper perspective on Christian leadership

Jesus clearly called all of us to not regard ourselves as masters over one another but as servants willing to die for each other. He grounds this in the fact that he the Son of God, can not to be served but to serve and give his life as a ransom. Regardless of how God uses you in a local church, maintain the perspective that we are all sheep, purchased by precious blood. At the foot of the cross, around the empty tomb and in eternity, it is all level ground with us all looking up at the one who purchased us for his glory and our joy.

This perspective should then instill within us a leadership that is clothed in humility.

Humility in Christian Leadership

We set ourselves up for failure, when we buy into the hype that people say about how we teach, preach, sing, etc. Is it proper to thank someone who celebrates the gift God has given us? Yes. Do we walk a very narrow road with a ditch of pride on one side and a ditch of false humility on the other? Yes. While it is certainly good to acknowledge someone’s gratitude for how we serve, it is even more proper to remember that it is a gift and not of our own design. Humility is the realization that apart from a gracious and generous God, I would be unable to thank the individual who has been built up by that gift.

Leadership is a dangerous arena because too often a man or woman is so praised they begin to believe they are 100% in control of what has occurred. We can get lost in the hype and begin to make decisions that no longer have as its goal the glory of God but the continuing praise of men.

A practical guard in this is to surround yourself with men and women who have the authority to speak clearly and unabashedly into your life. Surround yourself, especially with older men and women whom you trust and that have your soul at heart. Have them ask about God’s grace in your life, the sin you are wrestling with and answer honestly.

Families of Christian leaders

These men have families. Families are usually lost in the mix when situations like this occur. Whatever has happened in these gentleman’s lives, they have families that need prayer, encouragement and a listening ear.

Every decision a leader makes impacts his or her family.

Every statement about a leader impacts his or her family.

Its unavoidable.

Your name

I tell my son and the young men I disciple, that at the end of the day, your name is what you have. Your name is worth far more than anything you will ever own. It is the first gift given to you when you come into this world. How you conduct yourself in relationships, at work, in school, in ministry and yes even on FaceBook, it is all attached to your name.

How do you want your name remembered?

Jesus Christ has a name that is so remembered it is mind boggling. Will any of our names reach that stature? No.

Yet when we pursue him, just imagine what will be said of you now and forever.

The Joy of Prayer in Suffering

2010-09-30T15:59:00.004-05:00

The Lord sees all that is going on in life. He is omniscient and therefore there is not one single event that will happen on your life that does not occur outside his vision. So this is a confidence we can have concerning that mysterious communication of prayer.

Just as he sees, he also hears.

He heard the screams of Able's blood.
He heard the groanings of the Israelites.
He heard the silent cry of Uriah on the battlefield.

How much more will he hear the prayers that are laced with cries and screams of those purchased by the blood precious blood of his Son?

So we go to him in prayer, knowing he always sees and hears.

Finally, God understands because in our asking, we are acknowledging our dependence on him. He understands because in his incarnation, Jesus suffered, Jesus cried and screamed, trusting in the unconquerable might of his Father.

You have a great and living Savior in the heavens, on a throne, who interceded for you eternally.

God sees, so pray.

God hears, so pray.

God understands, so pray.

Joy in Suffering

2010-09-27T09:00:00.001-05:00

James describes God as being good, generous and unchanging. These same God that James speaks about is also good, generous and unchanging. In a world where people possess ulterior motives, closed fist and changing allegiances, God is faithful and remains that constant and unyielding anchor to the children that he has brought forth by his great purpose and life giving word.

Here those words. God is never changing.

He is constant and his children, the first fruits of his creation, have their first joy.
God is good and he tempts no one with evil. There is no evil that is laid before you that is unaware to God. At the same time, understand children and do not be led astray by the fact that your temptations are result of whatever lust, passion or desire that resides in your heart.

This is an internal trial. A suffering that arises due to the lust present with us and so we must be aware that submitting to such a lust that entices us away from the life giving passion of pursuing God, brings only the dark despair of death and the feeling of separation from our loving God.

Here is the second joy.

God exalts some and humbles others.

The poor, who are with little, can boast in their exaltation.

The rich, who are overwhelmingly called to steward God’s resources, can boast in their humiliation.

Where is the boasting in exalting? The poor that are God’s children find a boasting in their God who gave up his riches to become poor in incarnation and death. Yet in his resurrection, God exalts his Son and so also the poor who find their hope in him.

It is a joy to boast.

Where is the boasting in humiliation? The rich that are God’s children find a boasting in their God who is to be gloried and possessor of all things, humble himself for their sake.

So, the rich and poor find in Christ, a curious and life changing joyful boast in the midst of suffering, where the rich are made low and the poor are made high by the work of him who brought them forth by his word.

There is a joy found in knowing we are God’s children.

There is a joyful boast to know God identifies with his children by exaltation and humiliation.

There is a joy as well to know that God gives generously to those who ask in the midst of suffering.

Are there not times, when you do not have the thoughts, words or sentences to communicate to your Father you deepest concern in suffering? The trial that you face is so mounting and so out of your control, that in your prayers are jumbled up and incoherent statements?

Here is your next joy. God calls us simply to ask in faith.

It is not about perfect grammar, phrases or poetic language.

Simply ask in faith.

Mustard seed,

Tiny,

Faith.

I know in whom I have believed and so I ask, resting on what he has done in the past and what I know of him.

Therefore, here is wisdom.

It is wisdom to assemble these moments of joy in the midst of my trial that I come face to face with.

I count the joyful thought of knowing I belong to God and was spiritually born by him for his purpose.

It is counting the joy that He is good, generous and unchanging.

It is counting the joy that at this very moment I experience humility yet one day with my eyes I shall see exaltation and a crown of life. So I boast!

It is counting the joy that in the midst of my trial whether internal or external, my end shall be maturity and the spiritual fruit of endurance which shall only lead to more joy in God who brought me forth by his word for his purpose.

A Great Concern

2010-09-18T09:00:00.000-05:00

"I am concerned for the poor but more for you. I know not what Christ will say to you in the great day...I fear there are many hearing me who may know well that they are not Christians because they do not love to give. To give largely and liberally, not grudgingly at all, requires a new heart; an old heart would rather part with its life-blood than its money. Oh my friends! Enjoy your money; make the most of it; give none away; enjoy it quickly for I can tell you, you will be beggars throughout eternity." Robert Murray M'Cheyne

This quote is from the 1800's but is an applicable concern for us Americans who name the name of Christ today.

My Neighbor? A Narrative

2010-09-16T09:00:00.001-05:00

The room is crowded. There are people scattered everywhere as I move to my seat.

“How are you doing?” I turn around and my eyes meet with a young lady with very interesting piercings in her lips, eyelids and very noticeable large black disks in each of her ears. I say to myself, “She knows better than that. Freak!”

I move on to pickup a couple of papers and a gentleman across the room motions to me. I begin to move his way as another gentleman grabs me by the arm and tells me, “This place was a lot better until they started showing up.” I look at him and was startled he would say something like that.

The gentleman across the room is well dressed, has a great smile and a beautiful brown complexion. I go to shake his hand and thought, “If he knew that was the CEO of the new corporation in town, he wouldn't have said say that.”

The gentleman shakes my hand and says, “Joe, this is my wife Sheila. We are so glad to be here.”

I thank him and his wife and move to use the restroom before the meeting starts.

“Jim, I just don’t know about this place. Did you see the stares? I’m tired of being looked like we are not even human.”

“John, I know. I know. Let’s just give this a chance.”

I come out of the stall and see these two older men and realize they are a couple.
“Are you serious?” I thought to myself. “Go back to San Francisco or just sit in the back of the room.”

I wash my hands and head to the main room.

I move to my seat and wait for everything to start.

“This is what it is about.” I say to myself. “Time to show the people that this life is real.”

The lights dim, I get up on stage, place my papers where they need to be and read…

“If you really fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture, "You shall love your neighbor as yourself," you are doing well. But if you show partiality, you are committing sin and are convicted by the law as transgressors. For whoever keeps the whole law but fails in one point has become accountable for all of it. For he who said, "Do not commit adultery," also said, "Do not murder." If you do not commit adultery but do murder, you have become a transgressor of the law. So speak and so act as those who are to be judged under the law of liberty. For judgment is without mercy to one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment" (James 2:8-13)

"I am Pastor Joe and I will speak to you today about loving your neighbor."

Who are you like in this story?

Book Review: W.P. Campbell’s Turning Controversy into Church Ministry: A Christ-Like Response to Homosexuality

2010-09-13T07:13:00.000-05:00

There is no other issue that is a powder keg in Christianity than homosexuality. Where ever you may fall on the subject,opinions immediately surface when the word is mentioned or a person comes into contact with an individual who states an orientation towards homosexuality.

I will say that reading this text has been eye opening and has challenged many of my preconceived notions about homosexuality to include the people, the culture and ultimately how the local church addresses this culture that is among us.

I personally have a few friends from high school who are homosexual and recently another close friend has stated that he has same sex attractions. How to deal with such events in our lives is very difficult because of the attention that homosexuality has recieved in the last few decades. Mr. Campbell seeks to provide a Scriptural and above all Christlike model in ministering to not only this community but all of us who wrestle with some type of open or hidden sin.

Mr. Campbell tackles a very tough subject and provides a very well rounded text to equip individual Christians and local churches concerning homosexuality. His purpose is to “provide a Christlike response to homosexuality and to people who struggle with unwanted same-sex attractions.” Mr. Campbell appropriately states specific goals that he desires to accomplish in book, which if read thoughtfully, can bring lasting and effective change to many congregations. His goals include holding to convictions, embracing truth, deeper resolve and strengthened church.

A very helpful portion of the book included personal stories from persons who have lived or are walking in healing due to same sex attraction. This put real flesh and bones to a very difficult subject and actually revealed some hypocrisy of my own. The writing of the book is easy to follow and gave the impression of Campbell sitting next to you having a discussion about the issues. From the outset, Campbell lays out a strong commitment to Scripture and the desire to bring all approaches back in line with Scripture.

The book is organized into three parts looking at analysis, approach and action. Part 1, Campbell establishes the thread of the book clearing arguing for the point that local churches must hold firm to both grace and truth in approaching not just homosexuality but all the sins men and women face. Campbell proposes that local congregations and denominations that are affirming of homosexuality have essentially jettisoned truth to hold on to grace. On the other extreme, there are local congregations and denominations that have held firm to truth and lack grace. The result has been a view of the church that is ultra pious, self-righteous and borderline angry. Campbell argues that both groups have taken an approach that does not imitate the ministry of Christ who spoke both truth and grace in every situation.

Part 2, Campbell clearly and without much technical jargon, examines the approaches to homosexuality from science to psychology to the local church. Each arena has attempted to get to the heart of same sex attraction and the common theme that was recognized is an over-simplification of homosexuality. In regards to the local church, Campbell encourages local churches to “emphasize that it is not people who are abhorrent to God, but their destructive behavior.” One of the more challenging sections will be the genetics chapter. Here the underlying question was, "Does God create people to be homosexual or is it a choice?" I encourage you to read the book to gain a perspective on his conclusions. As I read the chapter, I personally wrestled with the idea of external factors that possibly contribute to one wrestling with same sex attractions. Part 2, has the potential to take many of our common presuppositions and reexamine them more clearly.

The final portion of Campbell’s book, looks at the action local churches should take with grace and truth as they minister to this population of people. Campbell provides six spheres of ministry development that can aide in serving those wrestling with same sex attractions. Each sphere has two inner categories; inner reality coupled with an outer focus. Campbell emphasizes that this spheres must be organic, interdependent and broad. Ask yourself this question “Is where I gather for fellowship a place where I can find both truth and grace for healing?” If not, can we become people of Christ who create an atmosphere where those who struggle with whatever sin, find healing and not shame and ridicule.

Turning Controversy into Church Ministry: A Christ-Like Response to Homosexuality is helping the church to answer a huge clarion call in America today. The local church has the opportunity to once again be the front-runner in bringing lasting and eternal change to the lives of individuals. Campbell desires that Christians on other side of the aisle reexamine their approach toward the Scripture, each other and those who are living in brokenness and determine if they are truly imitating the fullness of the Christ they speak about.

Recommended: 4 out of 5

At Amazon: W.P. Campbell

Who would have thought? Surely not me.

2010-09-10T16:00:00.002-05:00

While we were in the trailer starting the first phase of renovation, I thought to myself, "I never imagined to be here at this moment establishing a community center for people."

Three years ago, my mind was set on returning to Active Duty and continuing my pursuit of a long military career, serving Soldiers. I was anxious to return, get back to what life was like, training, shooting ranges, deployments and all that other fun stuff. Now I see that life, is so fluid and in one singular moment, the stream shifts and you are headed in a different direction.

I would never have thought, to have so many young people and older people be alongside me and the family and this seemingly impossible endeavor to see Gospel change in a community.

You know that moment you have right before saying, "I do"?
Or that moment when the baby is about to come into the world?

You know that moment right before that first kiss after a spectacular date?
Or that moment right before you close on your first house?

Its that moment just before the Israelites where to step foot into the Promise Land.

That is the moment I am in right now.

It is a moment of awe.

It is a moment of fear.

It is a moment of that great expectation of the not yet.

Who would have thought? Surely not me.

A Heart That Beats

2010-09-06T09:00:00.000-05:00

The human body is powered by a vital organ the size of your fist. This vital organ is responsible for providing continous blood flow to the entire body. It is the heart.

Place your hand on your chest.

Feel the beat.

Feel the pounding of this small organ as it pushes blood saturated oxygen to your body parts and recieves blood to be replenished.

If the heart stops, the body ceases to function.

A local church is to be the heart of the community in which it resides. The streets are the veins and arteries. We the believers are the blood that carries the oxygen of the Gospel.

Imagine believers simultaneously gathering to worship and send believers throughout their community. It would be a strange thing, a deadly thing to the body not to have a properly functioning heart.

Why must we settle for our local churches to be non-functioning?

Why must we continue to settle for our local churches to hold on to the life giving oxygen of the Gospel in the midst of the communities in which we gather?

The church where ever it gathers must seek to pump life giving blood that brings necessary life to its community.

If the Scriptures are true, which they are.

If what we are in pursuit of, is a vibrant and life changing faith, that propels us forward toward a glorious destination.

Then surely, we as a gathering of men and women must pursue our Christ who gathered and then sent. The local church must match the rhythm and beat of her teacher, Jesus Christ.

Two weeks of reflection, had me realize even in Oakwood, there is the temptation to become comfortable and relish in the gathering. There was this nagging, thorn in my own heart that we were headed down the road of regarding ourselves and not continuing to propel believers forward into maturity. In the end, it meant resting my own head and once again discerning the heart of our God who sent Christ and sends the church today.

The fruit of this reflection is the sending out of teams of four each Sunday to minister in the community. These men and women will be prayed for, sent out and when they return share with the gathering what the Lord accomplished through them.

Place your hand on your chest.

Feel the beat.

Rejoice, knowing that life giving blood flows throughout your body.

A Similar Nature

2010-09-02T12:00:00.000-05:00

We are one thought away from plotting how to end the dreams of one who is different than us.

We are one emotion away from discrediting a tear soaked offering.

We are one meeting away from betraying our friendships.

In our zeal, we are a passionate moment away from declaring something outstanding and when trouble arises, forget our zealous declaration.

We are one breath away from denying him in the presence of little children and little strangers.

The religious leaders, Peter, the disciples had a similar nature like ours.

But there is another nature,

A perfect divine nature where these do not have to be our final thoughts, emotions or empty declarations.

We are one thought away from having our affections set on things above and not this earth.

We are one confession away from declaring the hope of all life and so confessed before the LORD of all.

We are one meeting away from stirring one another to love and good works.

We are one breath away from being caught up into his everlasting glory.

The redeemed have a similar nature like his,

A perfect and divine nature.

A Biblical Church in Oakwood?

2010-08-31T16:03:00.003-05:00

I was told recently from different persons about conversations they have had about Oakwood. The conversations revolved around whether or not Oakwood was a biblical church. I can understand the question because at first glance or even your first time to gather, Oakwood does not function as a typical American church.

Some qualifications

We first need to begin with how Scripture defines the church. In the New Testament church or ecclesia is a “called out assembly” of persons who gather. So we find in such texts like Acts 5:11, 9:31, 12:1 where the church is in reference to people. It is not a location or structure but redeemed men and women whom Christ has purchased with his own blood (Acts 20:28).

Secondly you will find many metaphors in the Scripture to explain the church. You will see words such as “household, body, family, flock, brothers and sisters, temple,” that further convey this image of either a living breathing organism or a place in which God dwells by his Spirit. You can find these words in text such as (Ephesians 2, 1 Corinthians 12 and 1 Cor 6:19).

Third, we must seek to understand the church and who she is based on Scripture, not our preferences or form that she has visibly taken in the United States. So I would appeal for all of us to bend to Scripture to define what a biblical church is.

Fourth, I really don’t care for arguments that appeal to tradition and not Scripture. If we are going to affirm Scripture as our authority, then lets stand underneath the Word of God and not the other way around.

Lastly, I want to provide comfort to many of those who faithfully come and gather under the trees of Oakwood on a weekly basis and serve that community. I hope that you would find comfort in the Scripture that what you participate in corporately is not a cult but I sincerely believe is a work of God in the lives of people in little old Conway.

So is there a Biblical Church in Oakwood?

1.Christ and His Gospel. Christ is clearly proclaimed in the teaching, preaching, prayer and songs. It is him we proclaim and not ourselves based on the clear teachings of Scripture. (2 Cor 4:5) I have clearly exhorted those who gather; hold me accountable if you do not hear the Gospel clearly explained. It is the primary message that is needed for both believers and non-believers.

2.Discipling is pursued (Mt 28). We are not called to build churches, that is in the mighty hand of Jesus Christ. Our responsibility is to make disciples and we live out our Christian life. Men and women gather one on one and in small groups to dig deep into one another’s lives. Evidences of God’s grace are celebrated and the sins that are wrestled with are thrown to the cross of Christ with the encouragement to walk in the resurrected life. The overflow of that is baptism (Mt 28), celebrating the Lord’s Supper (1 Cor 11), development of elders, deacons (1 Tim 3 and Titus 1) and discipline as we see it in Mt 18, 1 Cor 5. Men and women have relationships with each other and speak directly into each other’s lives with the Gospel and prayer to stir each other to good works. My hope is that God would push out a group of men and women and he would start the whole thing again.

3.The poor are served (Isaiah 58, 61, Luke 4, Gal 2:10 and James 1:27) Here is by far one of the greatest demonstrations of the Gospel. Seeing those who have much give of themselves for those who have little or none. This is the mind that we are to have and use this as a means to communicate the riches of Christ for all of us who are born spiritually poor because of sin. Homes are restored, food is distributed, persons are clothed and justice is sought. As it stands 100% of all offering serves those in need. What has become a great joy is to see those who have been served, now serving. That is cause for great rejoicing.

4.Every member ministry (1 Cor 12). Every professing believer is expected to use their gifts because they profess to belong to the Body of Christ. No classes to take. No hoops to jump through. In order for the assembly to function properly, each part of the body has to be lovingly encouraged to use their gifts for God’s glory and the joy of others.

That is the skinny of it all. The bare essentials that are found present in Scripture about a local church that expresses the glory of its Savior to the city, state and world to see.

God Provides in Extraordinary Ways

2010-08-29T15:00:00.002-05:00

As I write this post, I consider the last two weeks to be some of the most humbling in my Christian journey.

God has done some great things and I want to share them with you.

One:

We will have a new facility moved into Oakwood by the end of the week. I am so very thankful because we have moved forward for three years without any type of structure. I have learned that God does not use a building or structure to directly impact people. He uses redeemed people to impact people. In His grace, He has provided and we are so thankful to be stewards over this blessing. My hope is that this Hope Center for Oakwood would be a safe place for all people and we would not forget God uses us not the walls to change lives.

Two:

On Sunday August 15, after an awesome day of fellowship, I recieved a call from a friend. We are currently in the planning stages of developing a shelter for homeless here in the city of Conway. The sticking point was finding a location. I had seen several places but none sat with me. Well in this phone call, CoHO was offered a donation for the shelter. We met with the landowners this past Thursday and they stated for five years they have been in prayer for this type of gospel ministry. This donation is coming in the form of a 20,000 sq ft facility and 1.33 acres of land.

Not a purchase.

Not a rent.

A full donation towards the Hope Shelter.

Four times I have been awed in life. Marriage. The birth of my son. Entering the military. Going to war. This makes number five. While I had thoughts of amazement, fear and insufficiency. God has demonstrated unyielding mercy, grace and the joy of knowing He is over all of what occurs in His creation.

So God provides in extraordinary ways. I pray that you will join me in this journey in some small way.

A Pursuing Body

2010-08-25T17:00:00.000-05:00

The church is a very distinct and powerful body within our world. God has consistently demonstrated throughout Scripture the revelation of his grace through a living and breathing body.

So in the deliverance of seven, God uses Noah.

The children of Israel are rescued by the hand of God through his servant Moses.

A Moabite woman used to bring about a great king named David.

The redemption is accomplished in his Son Jesus Christ.

God uses a living breathing body to demonstrate his grace and in these above examples, culminating in Jesus Christ, we see a body of men and women used by God who pursue both goodness and love for the sake of others.

Today, the church serves as God’s body that is to pursue both goodness and love revealing the grace of God in Christ. This pursuit is to be an active and intentional motion where men and women who have experienced the goodness and love of Christ, turn about and push forward to do the same.

Amos states, that the pursuit of good is both health to our souls and the realization of God present with his people. What a great motivation. While we consistently ask for a new move of God or seek to know the presence of God in our lives, God says, “Seek good and not evil,” and we will know life and his presence.

We pursue things that we love. Men will move heaven and earth to rescue their damsel in distress. Heroes, run through burning buildings to rescue loved ones. We chase after objects that capture our hearts.

Amos says we are not only to seek good but love it as well. Our seeking of good rest on a love of good, which finds its complete definition in the LORD, the God of host who is gracious. We cannot grasp completely what good is.

A good and loving parent disappoints.

A good and loving husband lies.

A good and loving friend will die.

Jesus says, there is none good but the Father. For us to understand complete goodness, we look to Jesus in whom the Father was pleased to reveal himself.

So a body that pursues and loves good is actually pursuing him who is all good; Jesus Christ. The fruit that this body will enjoy is the presence and grace of LORD. This pursuing body not only is caught up in the pursuit of Christ but also demonstrates this pursuit in the establishing of justice in its city.

In the gates and streets of our cities, a body that is pursuing and loving good will be active in seeing the fruit of justice go forth in the name of Christ. This means that the body has not withdrawn but has determined to reveal its pursuit of goodness and love to those in their midst.

As this redeemed and pursuing body of men and women go forth with cups of goodness to offer others in their midst, godly justice prevails. We are able to grasp with great joy Amos statement, of justice rolling down like waters and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream.

A body of men and women involved in oceans of goodness and love.

Trying to Keep Up

2010-08-19T13:20:00.003-05:00

The past two weeks have been a whirlwind. You have had those moments where God is just moving and you just sit back and be amazed? It is at those moments I rejoice in the sovereignty of God.

Well what has been going on?

Jesus says he builds his church and I take great comfort in that. I am thankful God has raised up a grip of young men who desired to be discipled and aspire to be elders in Christ church. Humbling? Most definitely. I look back and see years ago, I would not have been prepared for this but it was during those years, God prepared me to accomplish this for his glory.

In CoHO, we have a great staff in place who are very anxious and excited about serving the city and those in need. Our first meeting was a bit overwhelming for them, but in each of their faces, I see young men and women who are up to task that God has ordained for them to walk in.

Next week, we should have the new trailer in place in Oakwood and look forward to the next steps. I can't believe it has been three years and God has defied my own logic by showing me what he does with very little. This trailer will serve as a safe haven for the community of Oakwood and the surrounding area. Kids can recieve tutoring, there will be counseling, people can wash clothes or just come in and just hang out.

God is doing so much in our city of Conway and in his people.

Discipleship: Many Members Involved

2010-08-16T13:36:00.002-05:00

Sunday, I spoke to the Church at Oakwood about Disicipleship as we go through "What the Church is About" series. In 1 Corinthians 12,Paul points out that God orders the body as he wills and the Holy Spirit gives gifts to the Body of Christ to serve the body. At one point in the text Paul states,

"For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ.
1Co 12:13 For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body--Jews or Greeks, slaves or free--and all were made to drink of one Spirit."

In my reflections over this text I was reminded of all the believers who have come into my life that have poured something helpful into my Christian walk. Here is that reflection:

I LEARNED FROM MY AA TRADITION THE IMPORTANCE OF FAMILY AND CELEBRATION AND OVERCOMING IN THIS LIFE.

I LEARNED FROM MY CHARISMATIC-PENTECOSTAL CHRISTIANS TO COMMUNICATE WITH PASSION AND DEPEND ON THE HOLY SPIRIT.

I LEARNED FROM ANGLICAN, LUTHERAN AND PRESBYTERIAN CHRISTIANS THE RICHES OF LITURGY AND SUCH THINGS AS THE NICEAN AND APOSTLES CREED.

I LEARNED FROM A BAPTIST NAMED JOHN PIPER THAT ALL OF MY LIFE IS WORSHIP AND THAT MY ULTIMATE PURPOSE IS TO GLORIFY GOD AND ENJOY HIM FOREVER.

I LEARNED FROM A REFORMED CHARISMATIC AND A PCA CHURCH PLANTER THE SUFFICIENCY AND GLORY OF THIS GOSPEL. KEVIN HALE AND CARY COX ARE MY HEROES.
I LEARNED FROM A PRESBYTERIAN, A BAPTIST AND SOME ACTS 29 DUDES ABOUT THE CONTINUING BEAUTY OF REFORMED DOCTRINE.

I LEARNED FROM MEN LIKE STEVE OWEN, LIONEL WOODS, SCOTT HINTON AND NEIL COLE; HOUSE CHURCH GUYS, THAT THE CHURCH IS A LIVING BREATHING BODY OF MEN AND WOMEN AND NOT A BUILDING.

FINALLY, I LEARNED FROM MEN SUCH AS RAY BAKKE, TIM KELLER, ROB BELL AND SHANE CLAIBORNE THAT THE FRUIT OF THE GOSPEL INCLUDES LOVING THIS CITY AND THOSE WHO ARE DEFENSELESS.

WE ARE ALL BAPTIZED INTO ONE BODY, WHETHER JEW OR GREEK, SLAVE OR FREE, BAPTIST, PENTECOSTAL, LUTHERAN...FILL IN THE BLANK.

Discipleship: A Pursuit of Christ

2010-08-12T23:22:00.003-05:00

Sunday, Lord willing I will be addressing the Oakwood folks on discipleship. Up until recently I have thought discipleship to be program oriented and simply knowledge based. Yet as I began to study the historical context of discipleship within the first century, I was extremely bothered by the fact that we have cheated ourselves.

As I looked at the Jewish pattern of discipleship and how our Lord operated within that context, it opened a new understanding concerning many of the statements Christ spoke to his disciples, the people who followed and the religious leaders.

Jesus said to Peter, James, John and Andrew…”Follow me.” It was common for young boys to seek out a Rabbi, not the other way around.

Jesus said that His yoke is easy and burden is light. This referenced his teaching and the fact that the burdens and yokes of the current day made many weary and their souls had no rest.

Jesus said, you must hate father and mother. It was a common understanding that the rabbi had a higher prestige than a man’s father.

Disciples were to memorize every word of their teacher. Understand in detail how their teacher understood the Sabbath, their prayer life and even their teachings.

It was said the successful disciple, became just like his teacher.

Do you hear that? The successful disciple became just like his teacher.

So we find these disciples preaching good news and accomplishing wonders by the Spirit of God.

When we hear Christ say, “Follow me,” we are on the journey to be just like our teacher. Scripture would say, we are being conformed into the image of Christ.

Discipleship is not facts and knowledge, but it is the pursuit with much fear and trembling to work out our salvation and attain the resurrection of Christ.

Discipleship is counting everything as loss.

Discipleship is following the Risen Christ and not a man.

Discipleship is preferring our Risen Teacher above family, men and our own lives.

Finally, discipleship moves us beyond asking, “What does this Scripture mean?” to “How do I live my faith in light of this Scriptural truth?”

So now in light of these truths, I am pursuing discipleship that is not just knowledge but the pervading of every area of my life.

Let’s go after Him together!

Poverty: Personal sins and Systemic sins

2010-08-02T13:17:00.002-05:00

I read once that those in poverty are in double jeopardy because of their own sins and the fact they are sinned against.

Understanding poverty within our national context means first understanding that God is completely aware of the conditions that his creation exist in on a daily basis. Scripture points to the fact that God is aware and distributes to each person the level of their economic and social wealth. In 1 Chronicles 29:10, David acknowledges that in God’s hand he distributes as he wills across the earth.

At the same time we find each man and woman has the responsibility to steward for what he or she has in their possession. The man with a small business has just as much responsibility for his employees, profits and resources as the man who owns a multi-national corporation. It is the same with those who have little food and those who have much.

What does this have to do with poverty?

First, there is a population of those in poverty who are there because of their misuse of resources. Where food is needed, money is used to buy large televisions, cigarettes or alcohol. When the rent is required to be paid, that same money is used for meth, gambling or other types of pleasures. This misuse of resources; not stewarding those resources properly results and keeps such persons in their impoverished conditions.

These are sins of the heart or idols that can only be appropriately addressed through the Gospel. We find that Christ calls us to turn from this way of living and appropriately view our resources as gifts from God to use for his glory. Christ death and resurrection says to those in poverty, the use of your resources are not meant to enslave you but are precious gifts that are to be used in our freedom to display to others God’s graciousness in our lives.

Secondly, those in poverty have to also deal with systemic sins. Job 24, speaks of the cries and groans that go up out of cities because of the oppression, theft and abuse that the weak and poor experience by those who are given wealth to liberate, provide and protect. There are systems in place in our cities, states, federal government and yes local churches that stand in the way of demonstrating the poor religion of God in Christ.

Those in power must look at how their systems are either addressing the alleviation of poverty or contributing to having persons remaining dependent on systems. The goal of the strong should be to come alongside those who are weak, walk with them and see them stand as men and women in the image of God contributing to their lives and the lives others.

What is the way ahead?

Local churches in their interactions with those in poverty must address heart issues with the Gospel. Contributing resources is only a band-aid to a larger problem. Secondly, let’s examine how we go about addressing poverty and determine whether we are sinning against others by keeping them in their conditions or not doing anything at all.

GOSPEL CAMP: GOSPEL FAITHFULNESS

2010-07-28T12:00:00.000-05:00

SPEAKERS INCLUDE:

CARY COX, CONWAY CELEBRATION CHURCH
GOSPEL FAITHFULNESS IN THE LOCAL CHURCH

KEVIN HALE, CHRIST CHURCH CONWAY
GOSPEL FAITHFULNESS IN PREACHING

BRIAN KINGSTON, CENTRAL BAPTIST CHURCH
GOSPEL FAITHFULNESS IN DISCIPLESHIP

Breakout sessions will be conducted at the end of each session.
Lunch will be provided.
Registration: $10.00 and is open to those 16 years of age and older.
For more information contact us at coho@cityhopeoutreach.com

GOSPEL CAMPS are one day intensives held quarterly and sponsored by Hope Institute whose mission is to provide solid, Gospel centered education to men and women in order to address poverty and support leadership development in the local church.

HOPE INSTITUTE IS A MINISTRY OF THE CITY OF HOPE OUTREACH LOCATED IN CONWAY ARKANSAS.
www.cityhopeoutreach.com

Thankful for Writers Block

2010-07-26T09:00:00.000-05:00

So I experienced writer's block for the first time in a while and it was a good thing. It allowed me to just listen and look for what the Lord was doing. And He has been at work!

It began Monday with an argument with my wife and the Lord showing me that I can still be a difficult jerk at times. Yes Christian spouses argue.
More and more I learn that I have to lead with love and not power.

Saturday night I put forward some pretty big thoughts on the direction of CoHO as we thanked many of our supporters and those who have just been the hands and feet of Jesus in the city of Conway. At the conclusion of the night, I was told we would be recieving a donation that would cover the full cost of moving the new trailer to Oakwood. God says Stand still and know that He is God.

Sunday was glorious because I spoke specifically about the Gospel. In the midst of speaking to the people under a blue sky and green trees, I realized within myself, how can you ever tire of hearing this message of grace and life? God reminded me that this is the only drum that I am to beat.

So I am so thankful for the writers block. I am thankful God puts us into places where we have to pay attention and see that He is at work.

Servant Leadership: Ask Questions

2010-07-14T09:00:00.000-05:00

Developing young men is a great blessing for me at this time in my life. I look back on my last ten years and see that God prepared me for these moments. It is one of the top five things I am passionate about in life.

One of the ways I have sought to develop young men is by asking questions rather than giving a straight forward answer.

It is too easy to just give an answer. It has its place but I have found for the most part, as I ask questions, I can see the wheels turning and there are glimpses of wrestling and maturing.

In those moments of answers, followed by more questions, there is growth occurring in both of us. I begin to grasp where someone is in their walk with Christ and what ultimately I believe is occurring in the life of the believer is that the Holy Spirit is teaching.

Those are moments of grace.

Jesus loved to pose questions to his disciples and it provoked them towards discovery. He could have easily told them the answer, which on many occasions he does, yet Jesus in the role of a rabbi gives his students questions in order that they would have a greater understanding.

The greatest instance was Jesus asking, “Who do people say that I am?”
Followed by…”Who do you say that I am?”

There is wrestling.

There is maturing as Peter states, “You are the Christ.”

Leaders can best serve those they are discipling by asking questions that will spark both wrestling and maturity.

Implications of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ

2010-07-11T16:59:00.003-05:00

Today we finished up our study of the Gospel of Mark in Oakwood with a look at the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Here are just some great thoughts to ponder, realizing that the resurrection is not just a future reality but it is a reality in our present.

1. The resurrection shows that Christ is alive and God is King

2. The resurrection of Christ means light has overwhelmed the world of darkness and so it is a celebration of victory.

3. The resurrection of Christ means that new relationships are forged between men and women, different ethnic groups, classes and cultures. They are all represented at the table of our Lord.

4. The resurrection of Christ means our lives are moving towards a destination. Our lives are not caught in destructive cycles, ruled by chance or conspiracy. His resurrection shouts we are headed towards infinite joy.

5. The resurrection of Christ means there are joyous cries of former enemies of God who are now children of the Most High God. So these children live lives as dispensers of refreshing grace. We in his mercy and the power of his resurrection, bring healing to souls, speak with the language of hope and grace and bring healing to bodies.

6. The resurrection of Christ means that we will have new bodies in order that we would behold God face to face.

So don't just rejoice in the death of Christ but also walk in the reality of the risen Christ.

Discipleship: Nurturing Confidence in Scripture

2010-07-05T19:15:00.002-05:00

Jesus models a discipleship that is both verbal and lived out. The Gospels show Jesus sitting with his crew, teaching them about the kingdom of God, loving one another and living out their kingdom residence in the midst of a counter culture.

One of the ways that Jesus cultivated learning among his disciples was to pose questions towards them and see them wrestle for the answers. One such instance was when Christ asked them, “Who do people say that I am?” We see them put forward different answers and finally Peter steps forward with the divine revelation that Jesus was indeed the Messiah.

When I meet with a crew of young men that the Lord has blessed me with we have time to speak about evidences of grace in our lives, sins we struggle with and prayer. Then from there it is time for what I call, “The Heresy Free Zone.”

What’s the purpose?
We have ingrained within our church culture, an aversion to asking questions.
Implicitly there is this sense that there can only be one perspective and all others are frowned upon.

Our faith is like a shimmering diamond. As you turn and examine a diamond you behold its clarity, brilliance and colors.

The Heresy Free Zone is the opportunity for these men to put forward Scriptures they wrestle with. Some of life’s hard questions that push against Scripture.

A time full of grace.

No passing of judgment.

If we would be completely honest, all of us have questions. There are texts of Scripture, statements that men have made that sometimes just do not sit right with us. So we come as a community of people with a common and powerful Savior to teach us through His word.

A confidence is built in the Scripture and men mature learning more about grace in the lives of others who are on different distances in their journey of the one who said, “Follow Me.”

It is one side of the coin in discipleship.

Helpful Thought

2010-07-02T18:16:00.001-05:00

Jared Wilson over at "Gospel Driven Church" has an excellent post on marriages driven by the grace of the Gospel. Check it out.

Grace Driven Marriage

Christian Identity: Growth

2010-06-28T10:00:00.000-05:00

I am headed into the third year of this journey the Lord has me on in Oakwood. My intention from the very beginning was to simply go out preach the Gospel and then leave. I thought my walk was to be that of an evangelist. Little did I know that God had a very different plan?

It is never what we think.
It never becomes what we envisioned,
God is in control.

In three years, God grows a local church in the midst of a community that has a very bad rep in the city. It is the community that most call a ghetto, but now that God has brought us along to participate in what he doing, the ghetto is becoming something brighter and hopeful.

It is never what we think.
It never becomes what we envisioned,
God is in control.

Many times I get the question, “So how many showed up on Sunday?” I understand the question and undoubtedly it is a well meaning question. Over time though, I have begun to wonder, “Why are numbers so important? Why is that the first question usually asked?”

Yes I know in the Scriptures there is a book of Numbers.

Yes, Luke chronicles the number of those added to the church on Pentecost,

Yet as we traverse the remainder of Scripture, numbers fade into the background. What becomes apparent is the importance of men and women growing in the Gospel.

Men and women who are captured by this God who give his Son for the sins of his enemies.
Men and women from different classes, ethnic groups and religions,
Begin to share a common love and faith for each other because of this grace that has been thrust upon them.

There is a danger among men like me who are asked these questions or proactively volunteer running numbers. The danger is that we will find our identity in changing stats and not the one who never changes.

And when those numbers plateau or decline, then what?

I have arrived at the conclusion; we need to change the beginning of the conversation. Our conversation must begin to match what is most important to God.

“How is the Gospel growing among people?” That is radically different question and begins to put our focus on people and community, not noses and faceless numbers.

Our identity is not defined by the numbers that gather but by the one who is producing everlasting growth in us.

The discipling of men and women who turn around and disciple men and women for the glory of God and finding a lasting joy in that God is our concern. A few growing in the Gospel has a greater significance than fifty who do not.

What about the numbers?

Like I said, God is in control,

He gives the increase.

Dishes, Chores and Preaching

2010-06-24T09:10:00.001-05:00

My wife and I have a big family. There are five of us. Having five people in a home means there is tons of laundry, tons of dishes and shoes. The life of a family that is constantly moving. This is a family that not only loves chores but also loves the Lord.

At the same time, I study to teach people on a weekly basis. I enjoy explaining the word and walking with people on their journey with the Lord.

While in seminary I learned that the highest ministry was the preaching of God’s word.

The exposition of Scripture,
Expounding the text,
Proclaiming the Gospel.

Either implicitly or explicitly, I think that we walk under this understanding that God is most present, his grace is most overwhelming in this one act out of one man or woman’s mouth.

In Christ, God tabernacles with men.
Jesus Christ walks with disciples,
Touches lepers,
Meets with prostitutes and drunks,
Feast with tax collectors.

After his death and resurrection which vindicated his claim as the Messiah, Jesus tells his disciples that he is with them always.

Is that only in preaching, singing and prayer?

Is the fellowship that we are invited into with the Godhead, only prevalent and
sacred when we gather as believers?

Paul exhorted that in whatever we do, it be done to the glory of God.

That means on this walk with God in Christ, the importance is the glory of God and him being with us, not what is done.

Am I then saying that chores with God are just as important and sacred as preaching?

My wife’s labor at home with God is just as sacred as my study for Sunday.

The man who is aware of God’s presence and grace as he cuts the yard is walking on holy ground, even as the prophet declares a word that brings about conviction.

The single mom who is singing with joy and speaks the Psalms about God’s present grace while cooking is just as solemn as the prayers of congregation.

God is with us.

He is with those who cherish his Son and enjoy his presence as the blanket around whatever they do.

Poetheology: Fatherless

2010-06-14T12:09:00.001-05:00

Fatherless from UYWI on Vimeo.

Betrayal

2010-06-10T09:00:00.000-05:00

Betrayal

Surely that night was darker than any other. The stars did not shine as bright. The lesser light was not shimmering as was her custom.

He had just returned for a third time after, hearing no answer from his father. Three times, “Take this cup from me.”

Silence.

That silence though was broken by the movement of footsteps. The clamor of voices and the movement of torches began to excite the darkness.

They moved closer and he knew he was one step closer to the cup.
In a moment in time, the agony of impending torture would be hastened by one simple act.

“Rabbi!”

Shaky hands met the shoulders of Jesus.

He saw those deep eyes.
He felt the breath of his rabbi.
He greeted him with a kiss.

In one simple act, in a moment in time, Jesus moved one step closer to the very thing he pleaded for his father to remove.

Respect.

Affection.

Betrayal.

He valued something greater than Jesus. Maybe it was the money. Maybe it was power. We will never know. What we do know is that, Judas found in earth something more satisfying than Jesus.

That is what betrayal is.

It is thinking you have found something more significant than the most significant person in your life.

It is at the heart of infidelity.

It is at the heart of molestation, rape and theft.

We then sadly, seek to cover the betrayal by some token of affection.
So be thankful that Judas sin hastened Jesus to that cup. (Is that odd to say?) In that cup was the wrath of God reserved for those who commit betrayal.

He consumed the drink and rose victoriously. So there is hope for those who live lives of betrayal and turn from that and believe in him who lives.

Opportunity to Impact lives

2010-06-08T10:00:00.000-05:00

We have been blessed to purchase a mobile home trailer that will serve as the main center for the Oakwood Community. This trailer will be the primary location for 3R’s Tutoring, counseling, King’s Club and other activities to serve the Oakwood Community.

We were blessed to receive a donation of $3,500 for the purchase of the trailer and we will need to match these funds. How can you help?

We are looking for 100 people to donate $35 towards this facility. I am personally asking that you would be a part of this endeavor as we continue to bring hope to our city of Conway and specifically here in Oakwood. You can donate securely online through our website at www.cityhopeoutreach.com You can also mail in your donation to:

The City of Hope Outreach, P.O. Box 11474 Conway, Ar. 72034

In the memo section please specify, “Trailer”

All donations are 100% tax deductible. The City of Hope Outreach is a 501(C)3 faith-based nonprofit ministry incorporated in Arkansas.

Thank you sincerely for your donation and time.

The Gospel and Memorial Day

2010-05-24T10:17:00.000-05:00

Memorial Day celebrates the sacrifices and service of the men and women of the Armed Forces. This poem is dedicated to them. It is dedicated to families who are left behind for long periods of time to carry on life while their loved ones see an aspect of life that should not be seen by anyone.

The point of the poem is that we can see the Gospel in the sacrificial service of Soldiers. What we find in the military is what we should find saturating the Church.

You are not forgotten:

Staff Sergeant Jorge Pena Romero
Specialist Adrian Orosco
Specialist Brian Derks
Specialist Hannah L. Gunterman

I have realized there are professions,
Careers in which men, serve as the king.
Employed, better yet volunteers,
In life’s great, divine scheme.

Lives that put themselves in harm’s way
Underpaid, spit upon.
Fighting battles since the dawn,
People walking, running to save the day.

These people quietly march through history
Displaying to the masses God’s glorious mystery.
Love for hatred,
Peace for anger.
Yes dying for a stranger.

I have realized there are professions,
Careers in which men, serve as the king.
Employed, better yet volunteers,
In God’s great, divine scheme.

The atheist along side Christ,
Pro-choice choosing to save Pro-life.
Colored hands dying,
Defending a racist voice.
And fathers who have left their seed,
The harlot and Pharisee,
Throwing stones to keep your liberty.

I have realized there are professions,
Careers, in which men serve as the king.
Hated by some, jeered by others
Divided, strangers at home,
But united by freedom as brothers.

The Atheist,
The Christian.
The Pro-Choice,
The Pro-Life.
Coloreds and a Racist voice,
The Harlot
The Pharisee.
Display to the masses, God’s divine mystery.

The Anthem of our souls: All I Have is Christ

2010-05-24T09:01:00.000-05:00

The Big Picture of Eschatology

2010-05-21T10:28:00.000-05:00

Step back for a second and place yourself in the circle of Peter, James, John and Andrew as they heard Jesus tell them that the Temple of Jerusalem would be overthrown.

Surely their faces would be pale. Their eyes would be wide open. There would be looks of bewilderment and the rubbing of hands through hair and along their brow.

Their shock is understandable because Jesus is telling them that the crown jewel of Israel would be leveled to the ground. The city that bears the name of God would be trampled in their generation.

Have we missed the point about eschatology(last things, end of days)? If you follow the history of Israel, the last time Jerusalem experienced such upheaval was when God sent Babylon to punish the Jews because of their idolatry and lack of love towards one another.

Now, we see the Lord of the Universe who sustains all things tell his inner circle that this time it will be much worse.

Was it about the time of the millenium?

Was it about rather there was a rapture before, in the middle or after the tribulation?

Was there this preoccupation with creating definitive timelines?

No, if you step back and look at the Gospels in their entirety and see the treatment of Jesus in light of this, one begins to understand why Jesus said, the temple and Jerusalem would be overrun.

The people of the vineyard where about to kill the Son and throw him out of his own vineyard.

The people of the vineyard were consistently burdening the poor, widow and sick.

Jesus is telling his disciples that his Father was bringing justice.

Justice for his beloved Son who was rejected and treated as an unholy thing.

Justice for his elect that by faith had trusted in Him and yet recieved injustices.

Eschatology is seeing not only the consummation of the kingdom of God but also the execution of justice on behalf of the Son of God and his elect.

Christ is Wiser than us

2010-05-19T09:00:00.000-05:00

Christ is wiser than us. Unfortunately we fail to see our own inadequacies. Peter recognized his sinful state and was compelled to fall at the feet of Jesus. Peter and his brothers, fruitless in their fishing efforts, listened to the holy fisherman.

See we must take Jesus at his word.

Christ is wiser than us. It should confound us that we would question the very words of the Creator and Savior of mankind.

If Peter would trust Him for fish and fruit abounded; why not trust Christ daily for all our own needs? If He is able to save even the most uttermost and dead sinner; why not trust Christ to refresh us on a daily basis?

Christ is wiser than us.

Wise enough to help us.

Wise enough to comfort us. Wise enough to touch each one of our lives, ministering to us when we sin, when we hurt, when we are sick and most of all when we are lost.

Women in pain and loss

2010-05-12T08:00:00.000-05:00

The Scriptures have some great encouragement for women who have experienced loss and pain.

Women have the awesome task and privilege to carry within them life for nine months. Within their very womb, legs grow, brain activity increases, a heart becomes stronger and the hopes of a woman increase looking forward to seeing the life that she carries within her.

Then at birth they have joy brought upon them.
The sounds of crying and cooing.
The connection through breast feeding and sleep.

A woman sees her awesome blessing ordained by God.

There is an emotional pain and an unyielding weight when that child at whatever age is lost to death.

Eve, the mother of all humanity and Mary, the mother of Jesus Christ, share the pain of seeing the child they carried and raised, lost to death.

Able, left for dead by the hands of his own brother.

Jesus left to die on the cross by the desires of his own brothers.

Both, women surely in utter agony and despair in knowing that their flesh and blood has been spilled on the earth.

Here is the encouragement that is given to these women and to women today as well. God gives grace in the midst of loss and the close of it.
Adam knew his wife Eve and she received a man from the Lord who is Seth. By Seth, men began to call on the Lord. God gave to Eve grace and blessing. From her womb, God brought forth a man who led others to call on Him.

Three days after his death in the presence of his mother, the Lord raised Jesus Christ from the dead. God gave to Mary grace and blessing. From her womb, God brought forth his son who now call on him and see him as their life in all things.

God brings grace in the midst of loss.

God brings blessing on the other end of loss.

Whether you are in the midst of loss or coming out of it, know that God has both grace and blessing for you women. Many of you share the story of Eve and Mary. God used their loss for his redemptive purpose and most surely will accomplish the same in your redeemed life.

The Gospel and Social Justice

2010-05-10T18:11:00.002-05:00

My very good friend Cary Cox, has written a very good explanation on the tension between the Gospel word and deed. Since I am very heavily involved in both, it was very helpful to me and I hope that it will be to you as well. Enjoy

The Gospel Word and Deed

Christian Identity: Relationships

2010-05-06T09:00:00.000-05:00

We are people in pursuit of relationships and more specifically relationships with other people. Families reestablish or strengthen relationships through holidays, birthdays and reunions. As boys and girls begin to take the steps down the road to maturity through puberty, their view of the opposite sex begin to change. The girl who was once “gross” to touch has now a sweet fragrance about her.

We are always pursuing relationships.

We pursue them in families. They are pursued in our workplaces, at the park and all types of gatherings.

These connections are important to us on so many levels as we become integral pieces in a person’s life.

What happens though when these relationships lose their proper place?

The loss of a relationship can be a very devastating time for an individual. Those opportunities to share intimate moments that included conversations or touches are no longer available. As with most relationships there were hopes and dreams. There were thoughts of accomplishments that each person would rejoice in seeing their friend, spouse or family member accomplish. Yet when the relationship becomes the source of contentment and the relationship terminates, there is the potential for anger, bitterness or despair.

Not only is this experienced in the loss of relationships but also when we seek them out.

I am looking for this type of woman.

She will be this shape.

She will have this job.

We will take long walks on the beach. That will be the relationship I’m looking for.

This is played out all over our world. In heterosexual relationships and homosexual relationships, there is this underlying current that happiness and joy will be found complete in other person.

There is this thin line that we tow when it comes to relationships. In loss, there is sadness as it should be. There are the thoughts of “what if’s” or “If I only would have said this.” In the pursuit and ultimately attainment of a relationship, we are shocked when the object of our love is not perfect. In the end though, we devastate ourselves when we believe that the individual or group in front of us will bring lasting contentment.

When we seek to root our identity in soil that will not last, eventually that tree will fall.

Relationships are pictures of God’s greater masterpiece. Relationships are a mosaic of colors that when we step back, we actually view the perfect relationship between God, Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit. In this mosaic though are imperfections because of our sin and brokenness that ultimately manifest in the loss of relationship through death. These imperfections also produce divorce and a skewed understanding of God’s intent of marriage between a man and a woman.

God with the perfect brush stroke in his hand adds hues of red to remind us that a complete relationship is not found in the colors and pictures themselves but in him who is the creator originator of the perfect and whole relationship.

Our identity as Christians is informed by the reality that we are his. When we lose a relationship and/or realize that “he or she does not complete me,” weep. Take time to cry. Then take joy in knowing that the God of all is still eternally with you and defining who you are.