Jesus - The True Passover

Since yesterday was Passover, let's take a look at the Lord's Supper.

"And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to the disciples and said, 'Take eat; this is My body.' Then He took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, 'Drink from it, all of you. For this is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.'" Matthew 46:26-28

The verses posted above serve as the reason why many churches celebrate the "Lord's Supper" (Communion). God's Word goes on to tell us that as often as we eat the bread and drink the cup that we are remembering the Lord's death until He returns.

It's no coincidence that Jesus instituted this form of worship during the Passover celebration. While many Jews were remembering their deliverance from Egypt and how the death angel passed over them when the blood was applied to the doorposts - God was busy preparing another Passover Lamb.

The bread represents the broken body of Jesus. The cup represents His shed blood. It's only through the broken body and shed blood of Jesus that we are forgiven of our sin. The "original Passover" was temporary. The Jews may have cheated death for a season, however, one day death will come knocking on the door. But the follower of Jesus has found a way to overcome death! Jesus Christ died on a cross. His body was broken - His blood was shed - He was placed in a borrowed tomb - He rose again. "What can wash away my sins? Nothing but the blood of Jesus! What can make me whole again? Nothing but the blood of Jesus!" When we place our faith in Jesus' death, burial and resurrection - we are SAVED. Saved from the power of sin, the penalty of sin, and the payment of sin. Jesus Paid It All!

The Good News is that this payment for sin is for everyone who believes. This atonement wasn't just for the Jews but for the Gentiles as well. "For whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved." Romans 10:13

I have been encouraging you this week to go out and share your faith in Jesus. There are people in your family, at your work, in your school and communities that do not know Jesus. If we don't tell them about God's precious gift of salvation who will? We cannot expect them to go to church and hear about it. We cannot hope that someone will come along and share. Folks, statistics prove that only 2% of professing believers actually share their faith. If we want to see them saved then we need to become an active part in God's plan.

I'm not going to guilt you. Just ask the Lord to give you a true compassion for the lost around you. Let Him give you the courage to share. Then go with Him and share that Jesus became the payment for their sin. Help them to understand that God is not willing that any should perish but that all come to repentance. Tell them that Jesus became the True Passover Lamb for all of those who will believe.

Sharing Your Faith During Easter

I found this article in today's Baptist Press. Bill Fay, author of "Share Jesus Without Fear" shares his thoughts on sharing your faith during Easter.

With Easter just days away, wouldn't it be wonderful to see the Lord enter the hearts of family and friends and people that we love?

There is not a conversation that you cannot turn into a spiritual test-point to see if God is at work. Let me give you a simple example.

You could be talking with someone about sports and simply say, "What is your favorite sport?" They may reply, "football." Just say, "I am just curious: Did you ever notice that so many pro athletes destroy their lives no matter how much money they're making? I'm just curious, do you think there's a heaven and hell?" You can go from football to heaven in one simple question.

I was in a restaurant the other day and a server came to my table. I simply said, "I love the cross you're wearing. Have you figured out when you die, where you're going?" She broke down crying. She had lost her 21 year old son to cancer and her mother had died. She was in church with me the next day.

One of my favorite questions is, "Do you have any kind of spiritual belief?" I don't ask someone if they believe in God. The second question I like asking is, "To you, who is Jesus?" If they have a relationship with Christ, they'll say, "My Lord, My Savior."

I really like asking someone, "When you die where will you go?" Most people will say, "I hope heaven." I then ask, "Why would God let you in?" If they give a works answer -- for instance, "I'm a really wonderful person" -- I ask, "If what you're believing is not true, do you want to know?"

I want to give you a challenge before your family and friends arrive at your home for Easter. Start to pray and think about one person you could go to and just ask these questions. You will experience how open people are. A lost person doesn't have any answers in this world of chaos, but the Christian does. If you're a born-again Christian, you have the only answer that's possible, and that is the risen Christ.

Monday - Gospel Kickoff

Palm Sunday was the kickoff to a great week in the lives of most believers. This is the time of year when we celebrate the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ. With that in mind, I'm issuing a challenge to all my PBC Voice readers.

Make this your week of EVANGELISM!

The hearts of many people are open to the events of history. This week provides an exceptional opportunity to share Jesus with those around you. A great majority of Americans believe in the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus. Although some of them haven't personally accepted Him, they are willing to talk about it.

Here's some tips:
#1 - Ask them if they are going to church this Sunday.
Many people (lost and saved) will be attending service somewhere on Sunday. It's a great ice-breaker.

#2 - Ask them if they have seen the "Passion of the Christ" movie by Mel Gibson.
This movie was a blockbuster in the eyes of Hollywood. Chances are that your friends have watched the movie. If so, you may ask them what they thought. If not, ask them if they would be willing to watch it in honor of this week.

#3 - Ask them how they celebrate Easter in their home.
Most people celebrate Easter. It may be nothing more than marshmallow peeps and chocolate bunnies but you can begin a spiritual discussion with anyone based on how they choose or do not choose to celebrate.

I feel a sense of urgency this week which is why I am blogging on Monday. Let's kick it off the right way. Talk to someone that you know is not a believer. Use the opportunity to give them the Gospel. You may not be able to issue a personal invitation but you can at least plant the seed. Who knows...you might even see a harvest!

Great Verses to Use: Romans 3:23, 5:8, 6:23, 10:9-10, 13

Another great tool is the "Way of the Master." Use the 10 Commandments as a springboard into a Gospel presentation.
- Ever told a lie?
- Ever stolen anything?
- Ever use God's name in vain?
- Ever looked at someone with lust?
These are all common sins among us. Show the individual through the commandments that each of us have "fallen short of the glory of God." Ask them if God judged them by the 10 commandments if they would be innocent or guilty. Then ask them if they are guilty (which we all are) whether they would go to Heaven or Hell. Then proceed to tell them that what we celebrate this week {Death, Burial & Resurrection of Jesus} is the means by which each of us are saved.

God gave His one and only Son to die on a cross for the sins of humanity. It's only through His shed blood that adequate payment for our sins have been made. And only when we seek His forgiveness, turn from our sin ruled life, and make Him Lord and Savior can we be set free from the penalty of sin.

I pray that God will use you to lead someone to Jesus Christ this week. May God give us a compassion to reach the lost around us. The kickoff has begun - now get in the game!

Holy Spirit - Breathe On Me

The story of Nicodemus going to Jesus is one of the most popular in the New Testament. In the Gospel of John - Chapter 3 - we read about the discussion that this religious leaders had with the Messiah. This past Sunday, I shared with our congregation an interesting find in their conversation. After studying the words of Jesus for myself, I felt confident in sharing the interpretation. I want to expand the teaching to you.

John 3:8 (most translations reads similar to this), "The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear the sound of it, but cannot tell where it comes from and where it goes. So is everyone who is born of the Spirit."

You might notice that I put certain words in bold letters above. These are the words that I want to focus on.

#1 "Wind" - the word used for wind in most of the NT is ἄνεμος "anemos". You will find a couple of different words especially when the Bible speaks of the "south wind" and in James when he speaks of being driven by the wind. Outside of those few verses the word for wind is always the same. However, in verse 8 of John 3, the word that was translated "wind" should be translated "Spirit". The word here is πνεῦμα "pneuma" and it is always translated "Spirit". If you look up verse 6 of John 3 in the original language you find that Jesus said, "...that which is born of Spirit (pneuma) is spirit (pneuma). The idea of the Spirit always carries the thought of the wind but it is clear to me that Jesus was speaking of the work of the Holy Spirit. {It's all about context}

#2 "Blows" - This comes from the Greek word πνέω "pneō" and it means to breathe hard. You may notice that it comes from the same root as Spirit. One could say that the Spirit spirits but I believe that this text is teaching that the Spirit breathes where He chooses.

#3 "Hear" - ἀκούω "akouō" - This is where we get our word acoustics. It's all about hearing.

#4 "Sound" - φωνή "phōnē" - Ever hear of phonetics? This word denotes more than just a sound. Most of us don't just pick up a phone to hear sounds but rather to hear a voice! In Revelation 1:10, John said that he was in the Spirit on the Lord's day and he heard a loud "phōnē" - a loud voice.

Why is this important? This is important because it give us greater understanding about being born again and the work of the Spirit of God in our lives. In the Hebrew you will find that the word for "wind" and "spirit" are the same רוּח"rûach" but it's not so in the Greek. If I am being true to the original text rather than religious tradition, I must interpret the words of Jesus much like what we see in the Literal Bible Translation: "The Spirit breathes where He desires, and you hear His voice; but you do not know from where He comes, and where He goes; so is everyone having been generated from the Spirit."

For every person that is "born again" (accepts Jesus as Lord and Savior of their life) the Spirit of God has breathed upon them and they are able to hear His voice!

This ought to change your life. This should change your approach to how you read and hear the Word of God. This truth can change your "Christian" experience into a living reality.

I pray that you hear the Voice of the Spirit of God today. The good news: You Can!

Will You Not Revive Your People?

Revival - strange and sovereign work of God in which He visits His own people - restoring, reassuring, and releasing them into the fullness of His blessing.

On Tuesday I shared with you what I believe we need to see in the Southern Baptist Convention. Although I understand the thought process behind the "Great Commission Resurgence" - I'm afraid that we are getting the cart before the horse.

Psalm 127:1 says, "Unless the LORD builds the house, They labor in vain who build it; Unless the LORD guards the city, The watchman stays awake in vain."

Zechariah 1:3 the Lord tells Israel that if they will return to Him then He will return to them. Later on in 4:6 He says that it's "Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit..."

My point in all of this is that true and genuine change doesn't come because we do something different. True and genuine change comes when we submit every aspect of our lives to God. We can focus on the Great Commission and still miss a Great Awakening!

Unfortunately, revival is a foreign thing to the people of God. We have heard about it, thought about it, prayed about it, and maybe even sought it. However, many of us have never EXPERIENCED it! We can list many reasons for this but I'm just going to share a few of them with you.

Reasons Why We Don't Experience Revival:
1) We Don't Think We Need It
- Someone has said that if the Holy Spirit was taken out of the average church that 95% of the programs would keep right on going.
2) We Really Don't Want It
- What will happen to our churches if God shows up? I'm afraid that we are much like the Pharisees and would simply be disturbed by the presence of God.
3) We Don't Believe It Can Happen Today
- It's very evident that most of our churches budget, plan, and operate as if God isn't going to do anything supernatural.
4) We Aren't Willing To Pay The Price To Get It
- Revival is not instantaneous, costless, or painless.
- Most churches want gain without pain, the joy of new life without the travail of labor pains, healing without surgery, joy without mourning, and the power of the resurrection without the agony of the cross. We want our schedules and programs to stay intact. We want minimum disruption of our plans or interferences with our traditions.

I'm sure that some people will think that I'm too hard on the church. Please understand my motive. I love the church. God's calling on my life is to shepherd the people of God. I still believe that at her worst the church is the Bride of Christ. However, we cannot expect great things from God unless we are willing to walk in the greater works of Christ.

I don't share these things with you because I believe they won't happen. The truth is that I am sharing them with you because I sense that the sleeping giant (the church) is starting to wake up! It's my prayer that the words that I type will simply serve to shake us out of our sleep and awaken us to the reality of what is going on.

May we see the strange and sovereign work of God in our generation. May He visit His people once again - restoring, reassuring, and releasing us into the fullness of His blessing.

Life is Short

1 John 2:16-17, "For all that is in the world - the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life - is not of the Father but is of the world. And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever."

Just heard some disturbing news today. There was a gentleman in our community who passed away. His was the common struggle of people in the world. Although he had several folks around him who were sharing the Gospel, I don't yet know if he ever accepted. He was close - even said so himself - but I'm still waiting to hear.

This news has truly broken my heart. I wonder how many people have died this past year who were close? I know that the world has a lot of temptations and distractions but what does it matter if we gain the whole world and lose our soul? That is why Paul wrote "...Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation." 2 Corinthians 6:2

I realize that many people who read this blog know Jesus already. However, there are some of you who don't. What are you waiting for? What else needs to be said that hasn't been said? How can I help you understand that the most important decision you will ever make in life is to accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior?

This news is even more frustrating when I consider that there are churches arguing over "doctrinal" issues while people are going to hell. Somewhere in America there is a kid "shooting up" just steps away from a local church. Will we get out of our comfort zones and tell him about Jesus? There are families that are splitting apart, girls that are giving themselves away, and men and women who are blindly going through life thinking being "good enough" is enough! It's time for the church to put away the divisions, arguments, and childish things so that they may step into the greater work of leading people to Jesus.

If you have never accepted Jesus let me speak plainly to you.
Jesus Christ - God's only begotten Son - came into this world through a miraculous birth. He lived a sinless and perfect life. Although He was sinless, He was crucified on a cross to pay the penalty of our sins against God. His blood was payment enough for you and I to be forgiven. After His death, He was laid in a borrowed tomb and three days later rose again from the dead.
All you need to do is accept His sacrifice into your life. Pray and ask God to forgive you of your sins. Tell Him that you are willing to turn away from your sin and walk with Him. Make Jesus Lord of your life. That's all it takes!

Please don't wait. Life is short but Heaven is forever!

What World Are We Living In?

During the 2009 annual meeting of the SBC, over 95% of the messengers approved a motion authorizing the President of the Southern Baptist Convention to appoint a Great Commission task force charged to deliver a report and recommendations to the SBC in June 2010. Right now, many state conventions are weighing on on the initial reports (you can typically read a new press release every day in the Baptist Press).

The task force was created in response to a declaration for a "Great Commission Resurgence" among the churches of the SBC. Why the GCR? If you visit www.pray4gcr.com here's what you will find:

* The churches of the Southern Baptist Convention are yearning for a new day of Great Commission awakening and commitment. They sense both a need and a rare opportunity to come together to reclaim the missional vision that brought us together from the first.
* A new generation of Southern Baptists is ready for deployment in the service of the Great Commission – and waiting to see if Southern Baptists are ready to send, support, and propel this generation out to the nations. Will we do what it takes to send those God is calling?
* Many of our churches –- perhaps 70% — are plateaued or declining. They need a Great Commission Resurgence starting right where they are. A Great Commission Resurgence has to start right at home.
* Southern Baptists have much work to do reaching America in a multicultural, multiethnic, multilingual era. We need a Great Commission Resurgence that will make us do whatever it takes to reach America with the Gospel.
* Southern Baptists need a Great Commission Resurgence that will reorder our priorities, refocus our vision, reclaim our mission, and set our hearts on seeing the nations exult in the name of Jesus.

O.K. PBC Voice readers, here's what I have to say:
We can restructure, re-surge, reinvent, and realign but it seems to me that we need a REVIVAL!

If only 30% of my body was functioning properly I would probably be in a coma. When someone is in a coma there may be signs of life, but there is no real quality of life. While I'm not saying that the SBC is dead, what I am saying is that we need to be revived!

My prescription: Invite the life giving Spirit of God back into the SBC.

I'm sure that statement will upset many of my Southern Baptist friends. They will say, "We believe in the Holy Spirit" or "We know that we can't do anything outside the work of the Holy Spirit." However, our North American Mission Board and International Mission Board have decided that they will not appoint missionaries who claim to operate in the Gifts of the Spirit (in particular - speaking/praying in tongues). This is where I strongly disagree with my brothers in the SBC. Although the SBC does not have any written rules about Spiritual Gifts, these two entities have chosen to operate in this manner. Notice what the Baptist Faith and Message says about the Holy Spirit:

"The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of God, fully divine. He inspired holy men of old to write the Scriptures. Through illumination He enables men to understand truth. He exalts Christ. He convicts men of sin, of righteousness, and of judgment. He calls men to the Savior, and effects regeneration. At the moment of regeneration He baptizes every believer into the Body of Christ. He cultivates Christian character, comforts believers, and bestows the spiritual gifts by which they serve God through His church. He seals the believer unto the day of final redemption. His presence in the Christian is the guarantee that God will bring the believer into the fullness of the stature of Christ. He enlightens and empowers the believer and the church in worship, evangelism, and service."

Did anyone else notice what this said? The Holy Spirit bestows the spiritual gifts (to the believer) by which they serve God through His church. What right does the SBC have to say that people can only operate in certain gifts that are listed in the Word of God. There is no Biblical proof whatsoever that any of the gifts should have ceased. But NAMB and IMB refuse appointment to gifted and called individuals because they operate in something they don't understand.

I'm all for a resurgence of the Great Commission. Our churches need it. But more importantly is a resurgence of the Spirit of God in our churches! Maybe the reason we aren't reaching North America the way we could/should is because we have limited the Holy One of Israel.

Please pray for the SBC.

A Life of Madness

March Madness is upon us! This is the time of year when college basketball takes on a whole new intensity. It's what I like to call "do or die" as teams from every conference (big & small) fight their way to the National Championship. Although yesterday was just the beginning, we have already seen some Davids take down Goliaths. The upsets have already begun and if this year's tournament is like previous ones, we will see more.

You know what it takes to win?
Hard Work
Determination
Confidence in Your Own Abilities
Teamwork
Faith

Be sure that you don't overlook that last point (I put it in bold letters just so you wouldn't miss it). Faith - belief; trust; confidence; conviction... In regards to basketball, faith is believing that you can win against all odds. As it pertains to life, faith is a belief that God is able in spite of our circumstances. When true and genuine faith is played out in life, we live a life of madness!

I feel sorry for folks who have never had to trust God for anything. Seriously! Sure, it might make life seem easier, but it's also a life that has never been strengthened by faith. Jesus said (in regards to His resurrection) "Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe." We are truly blessed when we are able to put full confidence and trust in God. He is faithful!

Romans 4:3, "For what does Scripture say? 'Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.'" Oswald Chambers says, "Living a life of faith means never knowing where you are being led. But it does mean loving and knowing the One who is leading. It is literally a life of faith, not of understanding and reason - a life of knowing Him who calls us to go. Faith is rooted in the knowledge of a Person..." Abraham's faith became his righteousness. Why? His faith led him to walk with a God who promised him something better. His faith prompted him to leave a life of comfort and venture into the unknown. And it was his faith that allowed him to receive all the things that God promised.

This area of faith is where the believer needs to be careful. We can become presumptuous. We can actually get to a place where we believe that since God did it this way over here that He will do the same over there (read about Moses and getting water from the rock). A life of faith not only trusts in the "where" but also in the "how". A lower seed in the NCAA Tournament may beat one team with a buzzer beater but the next time they might "blow out" an opponent. Then again, they might win a game on the free-throw line. Regardless of how it happens, it's all about the journey.

What is the madness that God is asking you to walk in? Is He asking you to believe for resources that you can't see? Maybe He is prompting you to believe that there is a healing that the doctors can't seem to prescribe. Or is He asking you to walk in "blind faith" for something else? Regardless...it's about the journey. God is fashioning you in the same way that He has fashioned many of the great witnesses of the past. In the end, you will see God perform what He has promised.

"A life of faith is not a life of one glorious mountaintop experience after another, like soaring on eagles' wings, but is a life of day-in and day-out consistency; a life of walking without fainting (Isaiah 40:31)." - Oswald Chambers

My Prescription for Your Madness:
- Be Willing to Work Hard (give it all you've got)
- Have a Determination about You that WILL NOT GIVE UP!
- Trust in Your God-given Abilities
- Live in Unity with Your Spouse, Church Family, Etc. (Team Effort)
- HAVE FAITH! In fact, never leave home without it.

*Oswald Chambers quotes from "My Utmost for His Highest" for March 19.

Will I Bring Myself Up to This Level? (Oswald Chambers)

The following devotional is from "My Utmost for His Highest" by Oswald Chambers for March 18.

"...perfecting holiness in the fear of God." (2 Corinthians 7:11)

"'Therefore, having these promises. . . .' I claim God’s promises for my life and look to their fulfillment, and rightly so, but that shows only the human perspective on them. God’s perspective is that through His promises I will come to recognize His claim of ownership on me. For example, do I realize that my 'body is the temple of the Holy Spirit,' or am I condoning some habit in my body which clearly could not withstand the light of God on it? (1 Corinthians 6:19). God formed His Son in me through sanctification, setting me apart from sin and making me holy in His sight (see Galatians 4:19). But I must begin to transform my natural life into spiritual life by obedience to Him. God instructs us even in the smallest details of life. And when He brings you conviction of sin, do not 'confer with flesh and blood,' but cleanse yourself from it at once (Galatians 1:16). Keep yourself cleansed in your daily walk.

I must cleanse myself from all filthiness in my flesh and my spirit until both are in harmony with the nature of God. Is the mind of my spirit in perfect agreement with the life of the Son of God in me, or am I mentally rebellious and defiant? Am I allowing the mind of Christ to be formed in me? (see Philippians 2:5). Christ never spoke of His right to Himself, but always maintained an inner vigilance to submit His spirit continually to His Father. I also have the responsibility to keep my spirit in agreement with His Spirit. And when I do, Jesus gradually lifts me up to the level where He lived-a level of perfect submission to His Father’s will— where I pay no attention to anything else. Am I perfecting this kind of holiness in the fear of God? Is God having His way with me, and are people beginning to see God in my life more and more?

Be serious in your commitment to God and gladly leave everything else alone. Literally put God first in your life."

"My Utmost for His Highest" - Chambers - Updated Edition - 1992 by Oswald Chambers Publications Association, Ltd. Scripture quotations are from New King James Version.

Sad Witness

"So Lot went out and spoke to his sons-in-law, who had married his daughters, and said, 'Get up, get out of this place; for the Lord will destroy this city!' But to his sons-in-law he seemed to be joking." Genesis 19:14

This has to be one of the saddest statements in Scripture. Think about it. You know that God has brought judgment against the city and you are doing your best to keep your family safe from destruction and all they can do is laugh at you. The Bible says that Lot's sons-in-law thought he was joking. They stayed behind and were destroyed.

What do you think went through Lot's mind as he was leaving the city and could hear the destruction going on behind him? I can't imagine the remorse. "What could I have done different?" "How could I have gotten them to listen to me?" I'm not sure if they thought he was joking because that was the type of person Lot was or because they simply couldn't believe that God would speak to Lot. Regardless of our personal feelings, God thought Lot was righteous enough to deliver but he wasn't righteous enough to get the attention of his family.

The Bible doesn't record much about Lot's life in Sodom. All we know is that he longed to be there. Abraham gave him the choice of land and Lot chose what he thought was the best. What we do know is that Sodom was depraved. The city was full of perversion and wickedness. And there was Lot living in the midst of it.

If there is one thing I can be sure of it is this: You cannot live in wickedness without it affecting your family. Remember that Abraham asked the Lord if he would spare the city if there were just 10 righteous living among them. The 10 that he was speaking of was Lot's family. God sent His angels into the city, they gave the warning to Lot to get everyone out, yet the only ones that left were Lot, his wife, and the two daughters that were still living at home. By the time Lot reached the mountain of safety, all that was left was him and his two daughters (remember that his wife looked back).

There is nothing sadder that watching someone try to witness to truth when they are living a lie! I'm sure that we have all seen it. Truth is truth but when it comes from an individual whose life doesn't match up it loses its effectiveness. I have said that people like this know just enough truth to be dangerous. Not dangerous to the lost but to the witness of the church!

Romans 6:12-13 says, "Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body, that you should obey it in its lusts. And do not present your members as instruments of unrighteousness to sin, but present yourselves to God as being alive from the dead and your members as instruments of righteousness to God." How can we ever being an instrument of righteousness when we continue to live in unrighteousness? When the walk doesn't match the talk then people simply walk away.

Truth of the matter is that what Lot was saying was no joking matter. In the end, his sons-in-law and daughters weren't laughing. Unfortunately for them, they couldn't see the truth because they didn't trust the vessel.

Maybe you have been there. You have longed to be a witness for God but you don't think your life matches up. The good news is that you don't have to stay there. 1 John 1:9 teaches us that if we will confess our sin that God will cleanse us! You may have to overcome the obstacles of a bad testimony but given enough time people will see that you are willing to live in the truth that you proclaim. If you will choose to live under the dominion of grace (Romans 6:14) you will never be trapped under the rule of sin. Get before God today and ask Him to cleanse you and make you whole. When David sinned against the Lord, he asked to have a clean heart created within him, the joy the Lord's salvation to be restored, and that the Holy Spirit not leave him. After those words he said, "Then I shall teach transgressors Your way..."

Through the Lord's help you can turn a sad witness into a strong witness. You may have to move (In fact, you can't stay where you are and go with God) but in the end people will stop laughing and start listening!

Own It!

Responsible - liable to be called on to answer: liable to be called to account as the primary cause: being the cause or explanation: able to answer for one's conduct and obligations: TRUSTWORTHY.

One of the greatest challenges for parents is teaching kids responsibility. There are several ways to do this: Assigning chores, Making sure the kids take care of their stuff, When something that is borrowed is broken then they pay for it, Etc. This is one of the greatest lessons that can be learned in life. Let's face it, they won't always have Mommy and Daddy around to take care of the bill.

Responsibility is extremely important when you consider the society we live in. America is full of people who don't want to take ownership of anything. Our President continues to blame Bush for all the problems in our economy without placing a critical eye upon his own policies. Governors blame the federal government for shortfalls in their budgets. Husbands and Wives blame the other for problems in their marriage. Children blame the parents for their own bad choices. The list goes on and on. At some point we have to stop the blame game and say "I DID IT!"

This isn't a new problem. In fact, you can read in Genesis 3 where Adam and Eve pulled out the blame card. After eating from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, Adam said, "Yes, but it was the woman you gave me who brought me the fruit, and I ate it." Eve replied, "The serpent tricked me..." (Quotes from New Living Translation) Take a good look folks. Adam blamed God & Eve for his sin while Eve blamed the serpent. Is there any doubt that we are a part of Adam's race?

Unfortunately, we have seen this mindset creep into the church. We lay all the responsibility for our spiritual growth upon our pastors, the salvation of the lost upon someone else, and the well-being of the church upon everyone else. Here's an idea: OWN IT! When you and I choose to take ownership of our own salvation we will see positive results. Reading God's Word for ourselves can lead to growth and understanding. I'm sure we will come across things that will force us to ask questions but the Bible teaches us that the Holy Spirit is our teacher. We can never expect to grow in the knowledge of a book that we never pick up.

Does anyone remember "Cliff Notes"? These were little booklets you could buy that would provide a summary of a particular book. Most students have seen these somewhere and foolishly thought they could get all the information they needed by reading the notes. However, a good teacher will ask particular questions about the book that can only be answered if you read it. If the only information we get about the Bible comes from a sermon on Sunday, then all we are receiving are the pastor's notes. To preach through one book of the Bible can take months or even a year. Although I'm a fan of preaching through books of the Bible, I can learn much more if I will read it for myself.

The point is that we must take ownership of our salvation, our growth in the Lord, and in our involvement in the body. Pastors and Teachers have a responsibility to equip and care for you but that is only part of the equation. A leader that equips plus a member that participates equals a fantastic partnership for growth.

We also need to destroy this mindset that Sunday morning is all I need. If you read through the book of Acts you will find that the believers lived in constant fellowship with one another. It was a daily thing! I know the American mindset is a little different: We enjoy the freedoms they did not, We are often self-sufficient, and We often think we don't NEED the church. But rare is the believer that grows without a fellowship of individuals who care about their spiritual, emotional, physical, and relational well-being. When speaking of the Body of Christ in Ephesians 4:16 Paul said, "from the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love." I love the phrase "every joint supplies" because it teaches us the responsibility that has been placed upon every member. The only way a church can build itself up in love is when everyone does their share.

I have enjoyed some interesting conversation about this very thing. There are things that leadership can do to help people "plug in". There is no doubt that if we want to see community fellowship then we must lead in it. However, this community doesn't rise and fall on leadership. It rises and falls upon every joint supplying their part and Jesus being the head of it all. Imagine this with me: Jesus is doing what Jesus does, Pastors and Leaders are doing what they should do, and the various members doing what they should do. When I envision this, I see a Body that moves freely and properly. This is the picture of the church as it functions in relationship to the head.

I'm personally challenging our church take up this responsibility. This is our task, our goal, and even our purpose: Love God, Love Others, and Serve Both. It can happen if we will OWN IT!

More Friday Thoughts

It's Friday folks! I'm sure that many of you are looking forward to the work week drawing to a close. Allow me to share some random thoughts with you to finish out the week.

I have spent the majority of this week participating in the Fresh Oil New Wine Conference hosted at Abba's House (Central Baptist Church). Over the last 3 years I have done my best to be a part of this wonderful event. We were blessed by the Worship, Preaching, Teaching, Fellowship, and Ministry of the Holy Spirit. God is doing some exciting and wonderful things in these days. I just long to be a part of it.

Some of the blogging that I did throughout the week dealt with the church. As a pastor, I'm constantly seeking God's direction for the Body of Christ and how we can better reflect Him in the world today. I think the greatest question we can ask is: Father, how can we walk in what You have commanded and promised? The lack of power, zeal, etc. that I listed in my concerns for the church cannot be impacted by careful planning and strategies, but by lives that are completely submitted to the Lordship of Jesus Christ. It's when we choose to move in His agenda that we see God restore the things that have been lost.

Another closing thought for the week is how do we keep people from making the same mistake that Philip made when speaking with Jesus? Remember...Jesus asked Him: "Have I been with you so long, and yet you do have not known Me...?" The more I dwell on what was taking place in this conversation, the more I am determined to keep people from falling into religious ruts. Our quality of life as a believer isn't in how long we have walked with Jesus but how much we have grown in our understanding of Jesus. This comes through experiential relationship. Another way of looking at this is to consider some of your other relationships. Let's say that you are friends with Chuck. All that you really know of Chuck is that he is a great guy. He's friendly, moral, and lives by a code of life that is full of integrity. However, if you never spend time with Chuck there are certain aspects of his life that you will never know. You will never experience his passion. You will never know his heart. There may be things about Chuck that could help you in life. But since you have never had a meaningful conversation with Him - you miss out on the opportunity to see him at work. The same is true as it concerns our relationship with Jesus Christ. If we never spend time with Him in His Word, or living out His commands/promises - there are certain aspects of His life within us that we will never experience. If we do not spend time talking with Him (prayer), how can we expect to see Him at work for us and in us?

Last of all, let's talk about the role of the church as a family. I was listening to Perry Stone preach last night and he was talking about this very thing. As I was wrapped up in the message this thought occurred to me: "Why haven't we heard this message in the church?" What Perry was addressing was the lack of Spiritual Fathers and Mothers in the church. In essence we have created a generation gap within the Body of Christ. Since so many believers aren't willing to change in order to help the younger believers grow, they look for other avenues to gain love, acceptance, and guidance. So many of these young converts don't have a father or mother in the home. The Bible teaches that the older men should teach the younger ones and that the older women should do the same with the young girls. Where is this happening today? Unfortunately, what we see is a rejection of this younger generation. We don't like the way they dress, look, or the music they enjoy. Rather than coming alongside them, we push them away. God has called us to sow our lives into others. If you are an older believer I would encourage you to quit making church so much about what you get and more about what you give. The Christian life is best experienced when you are giving of yourself.

It truly is my prayer to see the church of the living God be all that she can be in the world. Remember that God is looking for a Bride without spot or wrinkle. If we continue to reject the children within the kingdom we will continue to reject the kingdom of God. I have no doubt that there are some churches that have a group of young people that there aren't sure what to do with (in fact I know it's true). I have heard the testimonies of how parents have literally asked pastors/leaders to keep certain kids away from their teens. Folks, if we push kids back out on the street through our neglect then we have ensured that they will never enter the Kingdom of God. May God give us compassion! May we seek to become fathers to the fatherless and mothers to the motherless. Let's bridge the gap!!!

Hope everyone has a weekend that is filled with the wonder of God.

What Have We Become?

God has blessed me to serve in ministry since I was 19 years of age. During this time frame I have seen a lot of things change in the church. I have witnessed first-hand the move of God in the areas of worship, acceptance of different Bible translations, a move from suits to a more casual environment, etc. There has been a lot of changes (as there should be) however, there has been a lot of loss as well.

When I read about the early church in the book of Acts it's easy to see what we have lost.
Sense of Community
The Power of God
A Zeal for the Lost
An Urgency to Share the Gospel
A Need for Genuine Prayer
Boldness during persecution
Need I go on?

Unfortunately, for many churches we don't look anything like the early church at all. I'm sure that some would blame changes in worship style, dress codes, Bible translations, etc. In fact, some would characterize many of these changes as a worldly approach. I beg to differ. I actually see it as customary that churches would take on new practices. The church in Acts changed their approach to ministry all the time. Whenever a need arose among the Body of Christ, they would address it. What we must be careful about in the area of change is losing a passion for the things of God in the process.

The area of my greatest frustration is when we see the church become nothing more than a social club. It may seem foreign to some of us but there are those who view the church as business opportunity, social networking, or a place to simply cover up the pain in their lives. As long as the church can continue to "meet their needs" or entertain them - all will be well. But when the church begins to move in the direction of TRUTH - problems will follow.

Jesus told Peter that when He build the church upon the strong foundation of who He was that the gates of hell would not prevail against it! Is that what we are seeing today?

Our focus as the Body of Christ us to be upon the one who died for us. Serving Almighty God should take priority above everything else. We cannot continue to lose this focus and expect God to continue to bless us.

I'm calling all churches to be in prayer. I'm asking them to seek afresh the will of God for their congregation. If they need to repent - then call a sacred assembly. May we turn our hearts to the heart of the Father. Then (and only then) can we expect to see the church (once again) conquering the gates of hell.

RISE UP CHURCH! Be everything that God has called you to be.

Do We KNOW Him?

"Phillip said to Him, 'Lord show us the Father and it is sufficient for us.' Jesus said to him, 'Have I been with you so long and you have not known Me, Phillip?'" John 14:8-9

Just for a moment, I want you to put yourself in Phillip's shoes (sandals). He has been walking with Jesus for 3 1/2 years. Yet in this Scripture, as we are drawing to the close of Jesus' ministry, we hear some pretty amazing words.

I'm sure that Phillip thought he was making a sincere request of our Lord. Jesus' has said that if we had known Him we would know the Father. Phillip simply wants to see the Father. However, Jesus is trying to get Phillip to understand that in seeing Him that he has seen the Father. Don't miss this!

There are a lot of people who have been "walking" with Jesus for many years. But in their faith, lifestyle, etc.; they have missed out on all that Jesus has for them. I don't know how long you have been walking with Him but do you know Him? Have you experienced Him as God of all things? Have you enjoyed the abundant life that He promised? Do you know Him as more than just the Savior of your soul?

I'm not sure if Phillip was still thinking of Jesus as the Great Teacher or a Powerful Prophet. Or maybe he was just caught up in the fact the Jesus' was the Messiah. Whatever his mindset was, it did not lead him to the understanding that Jesus was God in the flesh!

What has the Lord been trying to teach you about His nature, His will, or His work in your life? Have you come to understand that He is everything that He said He was? He is the Bread of Life! He is the Living Water! He is the Way the Truth and the Life! He is the only name in heaven that has been given by which all of us must be saved! He is "I AM" - the self existent one - the Creator of all things - the Provider of all my needs. If you want to grow in your relationship with the Lord you must also grow in your understanding of who He is.

I encourage you today to begin taking Jesus at His words. Read through the "red letters" of the Gospels. Read through the epistles and grow in your understanding of the one who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think. Think on the fact that Jesus said that whatever we ask in His name that He will do it! Is this the Jesus that you are experiencing?

I pray that when all is said and done...when my faith has become sight...that Jesus' won't be able to say "How long was I with you and yet you still didn't experience all that I am." May God enlighten the understanding of us all. May we not miss out on who He is for each of us!

The Unity of the Spirit

"Endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace." Eph. 4:3

I was fortunate enough to hear Tommy Bates preach a message last night entitled "The Unity of the Spirit" from Ephesians 4:1-6. It was one of the most Christ centered messages I have heard in a long time. This is a message I wish all believers and church leaders could hear.

Tommy Bates is a Pentecostal preacher from Kentucky. I'm sure you don't hear many Baptist preachers quoting our PH brethren but I'm not your ordinary Baptist. One of the greatest discoveries found in Ephesian 4 was that a lot of what is written here is what we fight about today!

Paul said that there was:
One Body
One Spirit
One Hope
One Faith
One Baptism
One God
If you have never travelled outside of your denomination circle then you may have never heard some of the arguments. Then again...you may have heard plenty in your home church. I am truly amazed at how many denominational leaders believe that their way is the only way or that their church is the only church.

Having spoken to different pastors from other denominations, I know too well the criticism of the Baptist, Church of God, Pentecostals, Church of Christ, etc. We all have our way of doing things - worship, baptism, preaching, singing, and praying just to name a few. Personally, I have some pretty strong convictions in all of these areas. However, I will not sit back in judgement on those who do it differently. Do I believe that baptism by immersion is the biblical practice? Yes. Do I have a conviction that the best type of preaching is Expository? Yes. What about worship, singing, praying? Sure...I have convictions in all of these areas. But who am I but a man who is seeking to follow God with all of my heart. The point that I'm trying to make is that in the eyes of God there is but one Body.

Regardless of your denominational tag - if you go to Heaven it will fall off and if you go to Hell it will burn off!

If it is our desire to see a great outpouring of the Spirit of God in our communities and in our country we are going to have to lay down our denominational pride and begin to live in unity with the brethren. It's not only a great truth that should drive us in our own churches but in the world in which we live. I promise you that the world is sick of our division. The lost are waiting for the denominations to come together for evangelism.

I have literally watched people go their separate ways, families be divided, and communities endure criticism because they choose to fellowship/worship with a different denomination. I have personally felt the hatred and endured the criticism. However, I am determined to live in unity with fellow believers. The Bible teaches me that as much as lies within me - I should live peaceably with all men.

I will celebrate what God is doing among the Southern Baptists. I will participate in events, go through trainings, and enjoy the fellowship. But I am also willing to join hands with those who will join hands with me. The goal of global evangelism cannot be carried out by one denomination. True worship of our Heavenly Father cannot simply come under one label. It's when we join together that great things happen. When Jew, Gentile, Slave, Free, Male and Female are made one under the new covenant of Jesus' blood - great things begin to happen.

Paul told our Ephesian brethren that there was one God and Father of all. He then went on to say that He is above all, through all, and in you all. I'm so glad that God doesn't operate in the same spirit as we do! The Father, Son, Holy Spirit operate as one and we should do the same.

I pray that the church of the living God will learn to dwell together in unity. I pray that we can all learn to jump in the river of the Holy Spirit together and enjoy the joy of the Lord without division. Can it happen in today's world? Absolutely! But we must be willing to drop the tags and labels in order to live in relationship. To God be the glory when the brethren CHOOSE to dwell together in UNITY!

Buckets of Hope

Buckets of Hope for Haiti is in full swing!

PBC has partnered with the SBCV & the SBC to be a collection points for this ministry. Today & tomorrow from 9am - 5pm, we will be receiving buckets from the churches of SW VA. For those who may not know, these food grade buckets are filled with certain food items for use in the Haiti recovery effort. It's an opportunity to feed the hungry, minister to the hurting, and shine the light of the gospel in a dark world.

When disaster strikes around the world, most people ask: "What can I do?" Some folks look to give money or other resources. But this ministry is a way that everyone can be involved in placing something in the hands of those in need.

Please continue to pray for the recovery efforts in Haiti and other places that have been devastated by natural disasters. Pray that God will use the efforts of God's people to impact eternity as well.

Have a great weekend.

Stop Reacting & Start Responding

Proverbs 2:11, "Discretion will preserve you; understanding will keep you."

During my Fruitland days (that's where I went to Bible college), one of our class assignments was to match up with a pastor in the area in order to seek counsel, learn about different styles of ministry, and to be mentored. The pastor I worked with encouraged me to take time in God's Word everyday. He directed me to read a chapter in the Psalms, Proverbs, and Acts everyday. The Psalms would direct me in praise, the Proverbs would bring wisdom, and Acts would give me insight into early church history. It was great advice.

Proverbs is full of valuable truths that can help us in everyday life. It deals with relationships, morality, justice, etc. There is great advice for parenting, marriage, work, and the like. Proverbs 2:11 is something each of us can use.

Have you ever found yourself reacting to a certain situation only to pull back and say, "I wish that I would have handled that differently."? It's amazing the insight we gain when we are willing to evaluate a situation instead of reacting to it. Sure...there are times when you must react. If your child is running into a busy intersection you better react. Some things in life require immediate action. However, there are some situations where we can pray, reflect, and seek God's wisdom.

Pay attention to these words: "Discretion (good judgment) will preserve you." The word preserve in the Hebrew means to guard, keep, protect, and watch over. When you and I choose to use good judgment, we will be guarding, protecting, and watching over ourselves and others. The opposite of discretion is indifference, and indecision. When we become indifferent to a situation we will act out of our emotions rather than our will. That is why too many marriages fail. One or both partners become indifferent to one another. When we become indifferent, we do not use good judgment.

"Understanding will keep you." Once again we find that using the mind over the heart, getting to a place of understanding, will keep us from doing evil. When we choose to react to everything, too often our reaction is based in our feelings. Though feelings may be valid they cannot always be trusted. Understanding can be translated perception. However, if our perception is based in our feelings rather than fact we will lose out every time.

I have been fortunate to learn some valuable lessons in ministry. When I was younger, I reacted to everything. Someone said something that I disagreed with - I made sure they knew where I stood. When I live in reaction mode I am quick to defend myself, quick to deal with things, and even quick to anger. No wonder James teaches us to be "quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to wrath." God placed a couple of men in my life who would serve as models for me in this area. They are non-confrontational...me...not so much. I was able to gain wisdom about taking the time to look over a situation rather than jump to my first conclusion. It doesn't mean that I don't deal with things but that I'm willing to be wise in certain situations.

Stop reacting! Not everything in life is a house fire.
Start Responding! Take time to let the Holy Spirit and the wisdom of God's Word to guide you.

In the end you will find that God works some of these things out without your help. It will take discretion. But if you use good judgment, you will preserve yourself and others. You will have to use understanding but at least you won't wreck everything. Remember James words in all of this:
QUICK TO LISTEN
SLOW TO SPEAK
SLOW TO WRATH
Walk in the Spirit and you will not fulfill the desires of the flesh.

Hearing God

"Man without the voice of God is an aimless wanderer in the dark fields of his own imagination." Dr. William D. Hinn

We serve a God who speaks. I don't think anyone who reads the Bible can come away thinking any different. We know that God spoke creation into existence. He spoke to Adam and Eve in the Garden. God spoke to Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and countless others. Then when the fullness of time came, God spoke through Jesus Christ. Now God speaks to us through His Holy Spirit that dwells within us.

What is amazing to me is how many believers struggle with the idea of God speaking. I hear testimonies where people will say, "God spoke to me...not in an audible voice..." Why do we feel the need to preface the next statement? We aren't told in the Bible that God always spoke with an audible voice. Usually the Word is very clear about the times when God spoke for everyone to hear. Could it be that we don't want to be classified as "nutty" or "crazy"?

For a follower of Jesus to hear is voice should be as natural as breathing. Jesus told the disciples that His sheep hear his voice and know it. So why is there this reservation in the church so many times to say that God spoke?

One other thing that I hear is: "I'm not sure if it's the Lord speaking or just me." Henry Blackaby says, "If a Christian does not know when God is speaking, He is in trouble at the heart of his Christian life." I agree! If we are having trouble discerning His voice then maybe we have too many voices. Rather than spend your time wandering aimlessly in the dark fields of your imagination, you should take some time to hear from God.

This is one of those topics that I can't seem to get away from. If we aren't hearing God in our walk with Him then who are we hearing? Is it religion? Tradition? The preacher? What voice drives you to do what you do as a believer? Some will say that it's in God's Word. Everything that God wanted to say is right there in the book. My only question is: Can God not speak to us through anything else? Can God use a song, a testimony, or some event? God's Word is our guide but His voice should be our lead.

Happy Listening!

Don't Believe the Lies

Pinocchio is one of Disney's most popular stories. Most of us can remember the story of the puppet that came to life but wanted to be a real boy. What I remember is a story about a puppet that couldn't tell the truth!

Lies are destructive. They aren't cute, funny, or "white". Lies are dangerous and deceptive - especially when we believe them over the TRUTH. Jesus told us that satan (spell check wants me to give him a capital "S" but I don't even like to give him that respect!) is the father of lies. He was lying from the beginning, and he lies even now. So when you can I began to build our lives upon the lies of the enemy we will never experience the greatness of God.

I have often wondered why it's easier to believe a lie than the truth. Why is it harder to accept what God's Word says about us than what the enemy says? We believe that we will "never amount to anything" when God's Word tells us that we are "more than conquerors." We run around thinking we have to "do" something to be approved by God when His Word teaches that we are "accepted" in the beloved. One of the greatest schemes of the enemy is to think that you have to hide the real you, when God tells us to "humble ourselves and confess our faults to one another."

Have you ever been a part of a church when a family that seems to have it all together suddenly falls apart? Ever said of someone "They just seemed to be such a nice person...I can't believe that they were having this kind of problem."? The reason we have seen this happen and said those things is because we have watched a generation come through the church that believes they can't be open about who they really are and what they really struggle with. Unfortunately, too many churches are as Casting Crowns puts it: "Happy plastic people under shiny plastic steeples." No wonder we hear so many people cry out about the hypocrisy in the church!

Here's a truth that you and I need to grab a hold of: You may fool the church but you will not fool the world - and you definitely cannot fool God.

Sure...it would be easier on all of us if when we lied our noses grew like Pinocchio's. I'm just curious how we would seat everybody that comes to church.?! But the greatest tool that you and I have to combat the lies is the Word of God. When you begin to sow scripture into your life it will change your perception of who you are. When you bring in the TRUTH, the lie has to leave.

Start today:
When God says you are forgiven - BELIEVE HIM!
When God says you are loved - THANK HIM!
When God says you are whole - PRAISE HIM!
And when God says you are complete - EMBRACE HIM!

These things are true as we live in relationship with Jesus Christ. Apart from His salvation we couldn't name any of these things among us. However, due to the cleaning power of the blood, and the redeeming power of the cross, and the resurrection power of the Spirit of God - we are who God says we are! CLAIM IT!