When you wonder if you are following Him...

"By this all men will know that you are My disciples - in that you love one another."

~Jesus

Church

There is something to be said for loving churches.  I have been fortunate enough to travel around the country and even some overseas and to see great cathedrals standing tall.  I have seen small buildings of brick and siding and large ones of glass and stone.  I have seen them with spires and bells, steeples and stained-glass.  Some church buildings are in and of themselves impressive, but to me the best churches are the ones who let what happens in them impress you more than the architecture.

These are buildings that house the simple sacredness of worship.  Powerful events like baptisms and communion take place within these walls.  People meet and gather and share and cry and pray and dream here.  Soon we realize that it is not the building that makes a church at all: it is rather the people that come together with one purpose and one vision.  This gathering can take place in an open field, under a summer tent, in a living room, in a jail cell or in a coffee shop.  If Scripture says that God is no respecter of persons, certainly He is no respecter of buildings either.

The next time that you say, "I am going to church," I hope you will be thinking of the people rather than the place.  Where God's people dwell there is a church.  Always remember a Body, not a building, is what Christ died for.

When you feel like bashing the church, remember...

"The Bible knows nothing of solitary religion."

~John Wesley

We May Not Have...

We may not have a towering building in a booming part of town.
We may not have ushers with name tags at our doors.
We may not have fancy brochures in our foyer.
We may not have small groups for every age.
We may not have people who can sing all the parts.
We may not have a wonderful sound system and PowerPoint.
We may not have a well-organized youth program.
We may not have a wide variety of ministries.
We may not have a huge missions budget.
We may not have a talented music minister.
We may not have a preacher with a Ph. D.

But what we do have...

We have a faith that people can change for the better.
We have a belief that everyone needs a place to belong.
We have a hope that not even death can steal our joy.
We have a trust that Jesus paid it all and that's enough.
We have an honesty when we speak to one another.
We have a sincerity when we say we've been forgiven.
We have a outlook that our future will be better than our past.
We have a peace that only God can give.
We have an assurance that today is not the end of our story.
We have a desire to see God glorified and people changed.
We have a love that binds us together in good times and bad.

Never think that just because where you are is small that it is unimportant.

The gifts we bring to the family of God matter and are of eternal significance.  

Have a great week.

“Anyone who thinks sitting in church can make you a Christian must also think that sitting in a garage can make you a car.”

~ Garrison Keillor 
(Attributed to G.K. Chesterton as well)

"...the weakness of the Church lies not in lack of Christian arguments, but in a lack of Christian lives."

-William Barclay

How to fill a church...

"I believe that the best, surest, and most permanent way to fill
a place of worship is to preach the gospel, and to preach it in
a natural, simple, interesting, earnest way. The gospel itself
has a singularly fascinating power about it, and unless impeded
by an unworthy delivery, or by some other great evil, it will win
its own way. It certainly did so at the first, and what is to hinder
it now? Like the angels, it flew upon its own wings; like the dew,
it tarried not for man, neither waited for the sons of men."

"The gospel has a secret charm about it which secures a hearing:
it casts its good spell over human ears, and they must hearken.
It is God's own word to men; it is precisely what human
necessities require; it commends itself to man's conscience, and,
sent home by the Holy Spirit, it wakes an echo in every heart."

"In every age, the faithful preaching of the good news has brought
forth hosts of men to hear it, made willing in the day of God's power.
Decked in the glories of free and sovereign grace, wearing the
crown-royal of the covenant, and the purple of atonement-
the gospel, like a queen, is still glorious for beauty,
and supreme over hearts and minds."

"Published in all its fulness, with a clear statement of its efficacy
and immutability, it is still the most acceptable news that ever
reached the ears of mortals."

- Charles H. Spurgeon

Junk Mail and True Communication

It seems as if more and more of the mail I receive could be classified as "junk mail."  Not only does my physical mailbox receive several pieces of this type mail a week, I get literally hundreds of junk/spam mail messages in my e-mail account.  Despite filtering the account, occasionally a few pieces of junk mail make it into my Inbox.

There are a lot of messages floating around in our world today.  We receive them in our mailboxes, in our e-mail, on our Facebook walls, and through our television sets.  We have access to more information at the touch of a finger than previous generations ever could have dreamed.  We can video chat with friends around the world and know the latest political, sports, and celebrity news within seconds of it happening.

Yet, for all this information, we have less real communication.  Fewer and fewer families spend time together eating and sharing news from their day.  Friends communicate more by forwarded e-mail than in meetings over dinner and one-on-one conversations.  Even churches have fallen victim to this avalanche of information.  People feel less connected to their congregations and so when the slightest trouble or discomfort comes they disconnect completely.

We need to get back to communicating with each other.  Families need conversation instead of just cohabitation.  Friends need quality time spent in meaningful activities instead of mere status updates.  Churches need to engage our current congregates in meaningful and useful service as well as uplifting, unifying worship.

With so many messages, it is easy to get confused about what is important.  We must remember that it is people and the relationships that we build with them that will last beyond this life.  Once we filter out the excess noise and flashy technology, what remains will hopefully be solid relationships built on love and mutual respect.

And that's not junk.

Speak up for Christ

"The Gospel is only good news if it gets there in time." 

— Carl F. H. Henry

Last night at worship, we sang as an invitation hymn "There's a Great Day Coming."  If you are not familiar with the song it progresses along the verses by placing adjectives in front of the word "day" to describe the day of Christ's return.  The day is described as "great" and "bright" and finally as a "sad" day.

Judgment will be a sad day for many who will hear the Lord say, "Depart, I never knew you."  How terrible it would be to hear those words on the Day of Judgment.  The knowledge of what was or what might have been will haunt many people throughout eternity.

Perhaps sadder still will be when those condemned perhaps turn to the Christians they knew in this life and say, "You never mentioned Him to me.  In all the times we went to dinner, at all the ballgames we attended, on all our coffee breaks at work you knew this truth and did not share it."  How will Christians respond?  How would you respond?  We won't be 5 minutes into eternity before every Christian that ever lived will wish they had prayed more for the lost, spoken more about Jesus, given more of their time, money and resources to the cause of Christ.

One day everyone will hear the Gospel, but for the majority of people it will be too late.  Let us make the most of our opportunities to speak up for Christ so that others may enjoy the great day that is soon approaching.  If we fail to speak, it maybe that Christ will have a hard time remembering knowing us as well.

Relationship dynamics are everywhere

I was reading an article recently about one of my favorite bands who have been playing together for over 35 years.  The article outlined how the band members, five in all, had each had various troubles with infidelity, substance abuse, ego trips and health challenges.  The members of the band, now in their sixties, now lead much calmer lifestyles, but the effects of all those years in the wilderness are still informing the way they make music.

Being a preacher I guess I just think this way, but I couldn't help but draw some similarities to how the church functions.  We all have our own personal demons and when we are brought together in Christ we are not automatically cured of our selfish personalities, health problems or relationship baggage.  Sometimes people argue over who will be lead singer as it were.  Members of the congregation may feel that the role they play is not respected or seen as important.  Christians become involved in the lives of other Christians and not always with positive results.

Fortunately, maturity and spiritual growth can overcome the problems that we as people bring into the church.  Our experiences in the wilderness inform the people we become as mature Christians.  Those who have not suffered and searched have a hard time identifying with the broken people that the church is supposed to reach. Communication, acceptance and tolerance can enable us to not only coexist but to thrive.  When we all work together, we can make a beautiful sound to the LORD.  Our harmony will attract others to the church and we will be able to help them overcome the challenges they face as well.

Let's make music together.

What we study and who we are

One fact about me that perhaps many people don't know is that I studied primarily literature in college and not Bible.  The things that we choose to learn about whether formally or informally have a tendency to shape our views on life.  I believe that my background in literature and writing greatly impacts the way in which I think, teach, and preach.

Many men who are preparing to be preachers spend only a small amount of time in learning how to present ideas.  Most ministry students take two or three classes on the actual practice of preaching and spend much of the rest of their education in classes about the Bible text, Biblical languages, church history and church organization.  While it is certainly a benefit to learn Biblical criticism and ancient languages, these studies do not always inform a preacher's ability in the pulpit.  In my experience, it is just as needful to know how to express ideas in a meaningful way as it is to possess the ideas themselves.  One simply cannot be effective without both the knowledge of material and the method of presentation.

Fortunately, a background in literature informs both areas.  Knowledge of the Biblical text is enhanced when one understands the literary devices used by the writers of Scripture.  Also being able to compare the Bible with other literary works is valuable in seeing how human experience is universal and timeless.  In addition to aiding with knowledge, a background in literature also helps in the delivery of information.  Much of preaching is writing whether it be sermon outlines, bulletin articles, or study materials.  Having a more than basic skill level in the use of words is a great benefit to a minister.

I have often wished I had taken more text and language classes while in college, however, my extra time spent in the study of words and how to use them effectively is something I would not change.  Obviously some preachers will be heavy on the knowledge and lighter on the application and vice versa.  Hopefully we can all be used of God to draw more people to the point of a decision regarding relationship with Him.

A Personal Favorite

I have been read Ann Voskamp's blog for quite a while now.  This entry from several years ago is my favorite.  We often think we can read the minds and intentions of others.  Many times we may be right, but rarely, we are caught by surprise in the best kind of way.  

This is a bit lengthy, but I think some of you can identify with the characters presented.

Enjoy.

http://www.aholyexperience.com/2008/09/seekers-repenters-and-love/

"Christ still needs His witnesses; He needs those who are prepared, not so much to die for Him, as to live for Him.  The Christian struggle and the Christian glory still exist."

-William Barclay on Matthew 5:10-12

Thanks

I wanted to take a moment to stop and thank everyone for your many kind encouragements over the last year.

  2010 was an extremely difficult year for me and your support has made 2011 a great deal better than last year.  The church at Lebanon provided me with a great opportunity to rest and recover during the later part of 2010 and I am so thankful for their continued confidence in my abilities and ministry.  My family has been a wonderful source of encouragement and support through the last several years in dealing with my health challenges.  My doctors and counselors have been a wonderful help in providing me with the best possible care.  My friends who I stay in contact with via the Internet have provided needed counsel and support.

Thanks again for all your acts of kindness.

I went through Amarillo about 1:00 AM on my way to a missionary conference in Lubbock. We drove all day straight from Tennessee in a crowded church bus. One of the greatest trips I ever took with college friends. Here is a little George Strait for all those pulling long nights tonight.

New sister in Christ

This evening I was privileged to be able to baptize my friend, Rachel.  Over the past seven years of knowing Rachel and her family, I have seen her make great strides to become the person God would have her to be.  Like with many of us, Rachel's spiritual path has not always been clear and smooth, but seeds planted many years ago and watered by the love of friends and family have brought her to this point.  I am proud to have played some small part in her growth and I hope to continue to be a help to her on her Christian journey.

God, bless Rachel as she begins a new phase of spiritual life.  Keep her always focused on You and Your will for her life.  Bless her husband, parents, brothers and sisters as they aid her in this journey.  May You be glorified in her life always.

“I belong to the church of Christ; not a branch or wing of it, or a party in it; but to the church itself.  I propose never to stand associated with one special wing, branch, or party of the church.  My aim is to preach the gospel, to do the work of an evangelist, teach God’s children how to live, and, as long as I do live, to live as nearly an absolutely perfect life as possible.”

– T.B. Larimore.

The Athanasian Creed on the Trinity

I was in a Bible class last evening in which the topic of the Trinity was briefly discussed.  I have recently been doing some personal study on the characteristics of God.  During the course of this study I came across the Athanasian Creed.  While not as famous or widely used as the Apostles' or Nicene creeds, it explains the perplexing doctrine of the Trinity as thus:

"...That we worship one God in Trinity, and Trinity in Unity; Neither confounding the Persons; nor dividing the Essence. For there is one Person of the Father; another of the Son; and another of the Holy Ghost. But the Godhead of the Father, of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, is all one; the Glory equal, the Majesty coeternal. Such as the Father is; such is the Son; and such is the Holy Ghost. The Father uncreated; the Son uncreated; and the Holy Ghost uncreated. The Father unlimited; the Son unlimited; and the Holy Ghost unlimited. The Father eternal; the Son eternal; and the Holy Ghost eternal. And yet they are not three eternals; but one eternal. As also there are not three uncreated; nor three infinites, but one uncreated; and one infinite. So likewise the Father is Almighty; the Son Almighty; and the Holy Ghost Almighty. And yet they are not three Almighties; but one Almighty. So the Father is God; the Son is God; and the Holy Ghost is God. And yet they are not three Gods; but one God. So likewise the Father is Lord; the Son Lord; and the Holy Ghost Lord. And yet not three Lords; but one Lord. For like as we are compelled by the Christian verity; to acknowledge every Person by himself to be God and Lord; So are we forbidden by the Catholic Religion; to say, There are three Gods, or three Lords. The Father is made of none; neither created, nor begotten. The Son is of the Father alone; not made, nor created; but begotten. The Holy Ghost is of the Father and of the Son; neither made, nor created, nor begotten; but proceeding. So there is one Father, not three Fathers; one Son, not three Sons; one Holy Ghost, not three Holy Ghosts. And in this Trinity none is before, or after another; none is greater, or less than another. But the whole three Persons are coeternal, and coequal. So that in all things, as aforesaid; the Unity in Trinity, and the Trinity in Unity, is to be worshipped. He therefore that will be saved, let him thus think of the Trinity."

Now that is well-written and a great explanation of something that is not easily explained.

Reflections on Sunday

We had an excellent service this morning in Dresden with several guests in attendance.  It was sad to have some of our members away, but the overall feel of the service today was very positive.  Due to the recent storms and trials that many in our number are going through, I chose to speak on prayer in the worship hour.  Using Matthew's account of the Sermon on the Mount, I taught about the need for sincere, simple, personal prayer.  While standing before the congregation, my words struck a chord in my own soul.  How often I seem to try to work through problems before praying through them.  Many times I feel too sinful to pray and, while I realize intellectually that prayer is a means of the forgiveness of sin, I often let my guilt hinder my prayer life.  Perhaps you have felt the same, dear reader.

As I sit here in the quiet of my own house, I think of all the prayers I have prayed.  For a long time, I prayed to have friends (not realizing that I already had many people that considered me a friend).  Once upon a time, I prayed for a partner to share my life with.  I am slowly realizing that God has given me a different kind of life.  Not weird or bad, just different.  As a lady told me recently at Bible Study, "It's ok to be you."  I have often prayed to be something or someone else, but I am beginning to see that as messed up and confused as I often am, God can use me even in that.  I am terribly flawed, but I am learning to see that sometimes it is our flaws that make us individuals.  I hope that someday I will be able to use my adversity to help others and I know in some ways I already have.

God bless you and have a great week.

"The early church was married to poverty, prisons and persecutions. Today, the church is married to prosperity, personality, and popularity."
-Leonard Ravenhill