Shane Arnold

Do We Believe What We Preach?

2010-08-12T09:02:00.002-04:00

That is the question Wesley Duewel asks Christian leaders. He is afraid that we don't. He challenges us by quoting George Whitefield who said, "I am persuaded that the generality of preachers talk of an unknown and unfelt Christ. Many congregations are dead because dead men are preaching to them (Ablaze for God, 121)." I guess Whitefield did not soft peddle the truth.

This quote challenges me. And so does the story that Duewel goes on to share.

A notorious British murderer was sentenced to die. On the morning of his execution the prison chaplain walked beside him to the gallows and routinely read some Bible verses. The prisoner was shocked that the chaplain was so perfunctory, unmoved, and uncompassionate in the shadow of the scaffold. he said to the preacher, 'Sir, if I believed what you say you believe, even if England was covered with broken glass form coast to coast, form shore to shore, I would walk over it--if need be on my hands and knees--and think it worthwhile, just to save one soul from an eternal hell (Ibid.).

Lord, help me to remember that I am preaching in the shadow of the scaffold this weekend. Guard my heart and touch me so that I will not be guilty of preaching an unfelt Christ as a dead man. Lord, I love the people that you have called me to lead. So keep me from that kind spiritual deadness that so often kills congregations. And let us become the kind of people who will crawl over broken glass to save one soul from hell.

Fears, Tears, and Hard Grace

2010-08-10T08:44:00.003-04:00

Today was the big day. My youngest son started school. We had taken all the necessary steps to prepare him. We bought supplies. We took him to school. His brother even gave him the "inside scoop."

And so the day came. We loaded up in the car and laughed all the way to school. We talked about the fun they would have and congratulated the new man to our "going to school" crew. When we arrived at the school, all was well. Their teachers welcomed them in, and other students laughed and greeted each other. Finally it was time to leave--the time I had secretly dreaded all morning. I walked out the door and saw it, I saw the tear start to drop out of his eye. Everything in me wanted to pull him out of school and take him home. But I fought back the urge. I walked over hugged and promised that I would not be far away. Then I walked out, leaving him with fears and tears.

Why did I do such a thing? Am I a hard-hearted, cold-blooded dad? I left him in the uncomfortable place, because I love him. I know that while he is there new worlds will open up to him as he learns to read, write, add, subtract, and think. He will discover hidden glory behind pictures through words. I left him because he will meet new friends and know the joy of playing together. And I left him because one day he will be the big brother, helping his sister on her first day. I left him because I love him. One day he will see that staying was a gift of hard grace.

As I rode to work, I thought about the scene. I realized that the way I had just expressed love to my son is like the way my Heavenly Father expresses love to me. Sometimes I find myself in an uncomfortable place. I am not sure what is going on or what will happen next. I sometimes find myself in an uncomfortable place of fear. And sometimes I push back a tear and wonder if anyone cares. Then in a wonderful time of grace God puts his arm around me and reassures me that he is near. And then he leaves me there. Sometimes I am tempted to question his love. But it is at that moment that God shows his love. He knows that through enduring this new worlds of faith will open up before me. He knows that new vistas of joy come alive in new places. And he knows that on the other side of this I will be able to comfort others with new insight and power. He does not leave me there because he has forgotten me; He leaves me there because he loves me. It is a hard grace, but it is still grace.

Thank you Father, for your unending love that seeks my good in all situations. Teach me to follow your ways, because your ways are filled with love and I will find rest for my soul.

Artifical Rest and the Peace of Christ

2010-08-02T08:22:00.002-04:00

I am tired. I mean I am really tired, and I am sleepy too. Ironically I am tired after I tried to get some help for sleep. You see last night I had a sleep study. It was quite an experience. After an introductory video, I was take to a room that looked a lot like a normal bedroom. I waited until the technician hooked me up to what seemed like a thousand electronic leads. Plastered across my head and face were little to help monitor my sleep. When all this was finished, I was supposed to go to sleep.

I tried. I really did. But it took forever to go to sleep. Besides the unnatural feel of the wires I was out of my element. The place was strange compared to my home. It was comfortable, but it was not the comfort of home. In addition, I saw a little light facing me. It was a camera. Now I was not only hooked up to a bunch of wires in a strange place, but I also had the extra pressure that comes when sleep becomes a performance. In the end I slept, but I did not feel like a slept. So today I am tired.

Something similar often happens in our souls. We found ourselves in a world of evaluation. People judge; people watch; people talk. All of this conspires to rob us of rest. In response we often live the life of a performer. We forget authenticity and play for the camera. All the while peace is gone while we put on the show.

The good news is that Jesus offers us a different path--a path soul-rest. He calls us to come to Him when we labor and become heavy laden and promises rest. He removes the yoke of critical eyes and replaces it with a yoke of joyful submission. He relieves us of the rest of playing for the crowed by shrinking the audience to one. And that audience of one is please with us because we are covered in the performance of His perfect Son. Now we do not have to play the part. We simply trust in the part he played for us. And in the end we find rest for our souls (see Matt. 11:28ff.).

Today I am tired, but today I feel at peace. My body wants sleep, but my soul has found rest. I am sleepy but happy. Praise God that artificial rest can be replaced by the peace of Christ.

A Follow-Up

2010-06-08T13:03:00.004-04:00

Have you ever read something and thought, "That's just what I was thinking?" I had one of those moments today.

One frustration that many leaders have is the foreboding sense that you spend most of your time oiling squeaky wheels. From time to time you think, "Just let the wheel squeak. I have work to do." While reading the book Sticky Teams by Larry Osborne, I came across this quote:

The fact is, oiling squeaky wheels can be hazardous to your church's health. Leaders who place too much emphasis on keeping squeaky wheels happy risk abdicating leadership. Instead of initiating, the leaders end up reacting. Instead of asking, 'What does God want us to do?' they ask, 'How will the squeaky will react?'

It also sends an unspoken message to the rest of the congregation. It tells everyone that the best way to have influence around here is to complain, and the louder and more often you complain, the more power you'll have. It's no wonder, then, that leadership teams that try to oil squeaky wheels end up having the most wheels to oil (page 81).

When I saw this I had one of those moments. I thought it but had not said it. Now I have, and now I want to live by it.

Someone Must Lead: Part 2

2010-05-20T09:38:00.003-04:00

Leadership is God's tool to motivate people for good. Nehemiah is a good example of this. The book opens with Nehemiah receiving bad report from homeland. The people are disgraced; the city is in ruins; and the walls are torn down. Grief stricken he went first to God and then before the king. Before one he was on his way to rebuild the walls. Upon arrival he inspects the walls and then assembles the people. He points to the walls and says, "You see this trouble we are in, how Jerusalem lies in ruins with its gates burned (2:17)." Had they missed this feature of their home town? Of course not. The rubble was there for decades. The problem was that they got so used to seeing the mess that they no longer yearned for a better day. They adjusted to the statues-quo and needed a leader to call them to a better future.

Nehemiah issues such a call. He says, "Come, let us build the wall of Jerusalem, that we may no longer suffer derision." Now with clear leadership and a big vision in front of them the people respond with the words, "Let us arise and build." And they strengthened their hand for the good work (2:18).

Groups rarely see the need and respond to the call without such leadership. Groups without leadership often adopt a comfort mentality that sees the normal as good, whether it is or not. That is one reason God provides leadership.

That is why there is a real need in the church for proactive leadership. All too often leaders are reactive and are moved only by complaints. Thus leaders spend most of their time putting out fires instead of leading the charge. The net result is a loss of mission and vision as people lead the leaders.

This is deadly for a church, because it gives authority to those who complain the loudest. In such cases, it is impossible to move forward. Obvious problems are rarely addressed, and if they are, they are addressed with the speed of a turtle running uphill. In such environments everything--and I mean everything--becomes a negotiation (Southern Baptists read this as business meetings). And when everything is a negotiation nothing--no matter how bad it is--nothing becomes a matter of urgency.

To combat this God calls out leaders to lead with urgency. Veteran missionary J. Oswald Sanders is right to say,

Churches grow in every way when they are guided by strong, spiritual leaders with the touch of the supernatural radiating in their service. The church sinks into confusion and malaise without such leadership. Today those who preach with majesty and spiritual power are few, and the booming voice of the church has become a pathetic whisper (Sanders, Spiritual Leadership, 19).

We need such leaders if our voice it to rise above a whisper. God gives leadership to promote his mission. Let us not be among the number who sink into confusion and ineffectiveness. Let us lead, because someone must lead. God said so.

Someone Must Lead: Part 1

2010-05-20T09:20:00.003-04:00

In our day words like "leadership" and "authority" are dirty words. We are individuals. No one tells us what to do. We have no authority, and we do not like to be lead. From the cradle we made demands and attempt to chart our own course, and we expect others to see it the same way.

To make matters worse, we witness abuses of authority that makes us resist all leadership. The banker who abuses connections, the politician who abuses power, and countless other examples leave us less than enthusiastic about the idea of leadership.

This is certainly true in the church, especially congregationally governed churches. Each individual has both an opinion and a vote, which often makes the will of the masses the guiding light of the church.

But God has ordained that churches have leadership--that leaders lead as others follow. He appoints leaders to push God's people toward God's mission. Thus he gives leaders as a gift to equip the saints for the work of ministry (Eph. 4). In short, leadership is God's idea for the advancement of his glory and the good of his saints.

So what is a spiritual leader? A spiritual leader is one who sees God's direction and uses God's means to influence others to accomplish God's mission in reliance on God's power. They are a tool in God's hand, a tool that is both necessary and good for the church.

They are necessary, in part, because nature abhors a vacuum. In the absence of godly leadership, leadership by consensus often leads to disaster. Consider, for example, the children of Israel in Ex. 32. Moses was, at this point, their leader. He was God's agent to lead the Exodus through the Red Sea. Now God calls him up to receive the law, which took some time. Hence, Exodus 32 opens by saying, "When the people saw that Moses delayed to come down the mountain." Here is the beginning of trouble. With Moses gone, the people want to fill the void themselves. They persuade Aaron to build a golden calf for worship, making this event one of the lowest in the nation's history.

The point I strike under is this: a short time without leadership proves disastrous for the people. Without leadership to point the way, the people naturally find the path of sin. Once off mission, they find disaster. The same can be true in our day. Leaders must constantly keep the mission of God before the people of God. Without this people drift from God's plan. It is true that people will often resist and resent leadership in the church, but they will hate the consequences of its absence much worse.

What is Zeal?

2010-05-20T09:09:00.003-04:00

J.C. Ryle gives us a classic description of zeal when he writes:

Zeal in religion is a burning desire to please God, to do His will, and to advance His glory in the world in every possible way . . .
A zealous man in religion is pre-eminently a man of one thing. It is not enough to say that he is earnest, hearty, uncompromising, thorough-going, whole-hearted, fervent in spirit. He only sees one thing, he cares for one thing, he lives for one thing, he is swallowed up in one thing; and that one thing is to please God. Whether he lives, or whether he dies--whether he has health, or whether he has sickness--whether he is rich, or whether he is poor--whether he pleases man, or whether he gives offence--whether he is thought wise, or whether he is thought foolish--whether he gets blame, or whether he gets praise--whether he gets honour, or whether he gets shame--for all this the zealous man cares nothing at all. He burns for one thing; and that one thing is to please God, and to advance his glory. If he is consumed in the very burning, he cares not for it--he is content. He feels that, like a lamp, he is made to burn . . . (Quoted in J.I. Packer, Knowing God, 173)."

Why Wouldn't You Want to God to Church?

2010-05-20T08:40:00.003-04:00

A few weeks ago a local newspaper writer responded to the question, "Do you have to be a Christian to go to church?" As I read the article, a few things came to mind. This is my response to this question.

Does one have to go to church to be a Christian? Lord only knows how many times I have been asked this question, and I am not alone. Typically our answers center around the blessing received from church affiliation. That is, we often point to the great blessing of fellowship or having people to pray with and for you. Who, after all, doesn't want that?

Surely this impulse is right. We should point out the blessings. But is there more to say?

I believe there is. First, the question itself represents a misunderstanding of the church. It assumes that the church is a static thing that you go to instead of a living thing that you are part of. Many think of churches in terms of a building where stuff happens. We see the church as a monument of bricks instead of a movement of people. That is why many often say, "Let's go to church," or "There is a service at the church." While it is good and necessary to gather together (Acts 2:42-47; Hebrews 10:25), the NT pictures the church as a living organism. It is the bride of Christ (Eph. 5:22ff.) made up of witnesses to the gospel of Christ (Matt. 28:18-20; Acts 1:8). It is what Christ himself is building to push back the resistance of hell (Matt. 16:18). And it is the ordained instrument of God to display his wisdom (Eph. 3:10). None of this can be fully accomplished within the narrow confines of a building.

Second, when we answer this question purely in terms of what one gets out of church, we cater to the consumer mentality of our day. We act as if "getting something out of it" is the only reason to be involved in a church. Thus we relegate the church to a dispenser of religious goods and services--a virtual Wal-Mart for the soul--that you check in and out of as you needs dictate.

Such a mindset loses sight of the fact that God purchased the church at great cost to himself. When speaking to a group of church leaders in Ephesus, Paul said, "Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood (Acts 20:28)." Two things stand out. First, the church here is called God's church--a fact that should underscore the importance of the church. Second, he purchased the church with the blood of his son--a fact that should create respect for the church.

You know the value of something by what you are willing to pay for it. A few years ago we tried to sell a house. The economy had just crashed and the housing market was in shambles. Nevertheless, I was sure that our house had retained its value so we placed in on the market with a firm price. Months went by with no takers. Our agents tried to get me to lower the price, but I assured them of the houses value. Finally, a courageous person told me, "I hate to break it to you, but your house is worth what someone will pay for it."

If that was true for my house, might it be true for God's church? We honor God when we value what he values. If a person claims to love the God who died to save them, wouldn't that person love the movement he died to create? Do not misunderstand what I am saying. God saves us individually. But God also has a plan for us corporately. We do not honor God as individuals when we question is wisdom in giving us the church. The fact of the matter is this: when we dismiss or disregard the bride, we insult the husband.

That being said, the real question not, "Do I have to go to church to be a Christian?" The real question is, "If I am a Christian, why wouldn't I want to go to church?" Perhaps this better illustrates the heart of the matter.

Masculine Holiness

2010-05-14T14:19:00.002-04:00

You have got to love this. C.T. Studd once wrote:

Too long we have been waiting for one another to begin! The time for waiting is past! . . . Should such men as we fear? Before the whole world, aye, before the sleepy, lukewarm, faithless, namby-pamby Christian world, we will dare to trust God, . . . and we will do it with His joy unspeakable singing aloud in our hearts. We will a thousand times sooner die trusting only in our God than live trusting in man. And when we come to this position the battle is already won, and the end of the glorious campaign in sight. We will have the real Holiness of God, not the sickly stuff of talk and dainty words and pretty thoughts; we will have a Masculine Holiness, one of daring faith and works for Jesus Christ (quoted in David Platt, Radical, 178-179).

Could this be Us?

2010-05-13T14:09:00.003-04:00

While reading a secular book on change, one quote grabbed my attention. The author described why people often resist changing in order to move forward. The reason for this Resistance, he explained, is often fear. The person caught in this fear:

[D]on't think about growth. They don't think about personal renewal. They don't think about developing whatever leadership they have. Instead they cling defensively to what they currently have. In effect, they embrace the past, not the future (John Kotter, Leading Change, 185).

Change happens so fast. What was once common and expected is now outdated and sometimes laughable. I wonder if we sometimes remain stuck in our current state because we are simply afraid. Is that why churches sometimes fight so violently to remain the same?

Fear is a real experience that is only conquered by a superior fear and confidence. That is why the Bible constantly drives us to a healthy fear of God (Prov. 1:7) and a robust confidence in God's sovereign goodness (Rom. 8:28). If fear constrains, God will liberate. And we will be the better for it.

Disinfecting Christians vs. Discipling Believers

2010-05-13T08:51:00.002-04:00

In a good new book entitled Radical, pastor and author David Platt draws a helpful distinction between disinfecting Christians versus discipling believers. He describes the process of disinfecting Christians like this:

Disinfecting Christians from the world involves isolating followers of Christ in a spiritual safe-deposit box called the church building and teaching them to be good. In this strategy, success in the church is defined by how big a building you have to house all the Christians, and the goal is to gather as many people as possible for a couple of hours each week in that place where we are isolated and insulated from the realities of the world around us. When someone asks, "Where is your church?" we point them to a building or give them an address, and everything centers around what happens at that location (104).

Sadly I believe that this is not only the mentality of many church, but it is also the stated goal. Thus many believers are willing to invite people to church but hesitant to invite the same people to Christ. This is not only different from the biblical picture, but it also works against it. Platt describes the biblical alternative by saying:

Whereas disinfecting Christians involves isolating them and teaching them to be good, discipling Christians involves propelling Christians into the world to risk their lives for the sake of others. Now the world is the focus, and we gauge success in the church not on the hundreds or thousands whom we can get into our buildings but on the hundreds or thousands who are leaving our buildings to take on the world with the disciples they are making. In this case, we would never think that the disciple-making plan of Jesus could take place in one service a week at one location led by one or two teachers (105).

Hardly a day goes by when some one does not ask me how many people go to our church. I understand what is behind the question. It is a veiled way of asking how "successful" we are. Oh for the day when people begin to ask, "How many people are you sending from your church?" Then we will be getting close to the pattern of Jesus. On this account, John Piper has it right when he says that we should measure the effectiveness of a church be sending capacity not seating capacity.

The Trellis and the Vine

2010-01-21T13:37:00.002-05:00

Ministry is messy. Scores of books argue to the contrary, but ministry is still messy. Its messy getting involved in people's lives. It gets messy when the Bible rocks your world and you must change. Ministry is messy.

That's why ministers need practical help from time to time. But even looking for help is messy. Speakers abound but true biblical guides are a precious few.

The message of a wonderful new book entitled The Trellis and the Vine is that ministry is supposed to be messy. Nevertheless there is an goal and a method to the madness. The central argument of the book is that Christianity is not a spectator religion. Rather it is a religion of disciples committed to making disciples. With that in mind, this is not a book about ministry structures. Instead it is a book about the nature and essence of Christian work.

It begins by arguing that the our goal in the church must be making disciples, if we are to follow the pattern of the Bible. The problem is that churches tend toward institutionalism. That is, we can become so preoccupied with structures and programs that we miss the essence of our call. The essence of our call is to prayerfully speak the word into the lives of people in order to reach them for Christ and mature them in Christ. Consequently, disciples need training, which means that large amounts of time and energy must be devoted to training disciples so that they may become those who train disciples.

This was a refreshing read. It is a rare book about the work of the church that does not try to impress the reader with stories of remarkable numercial growth. It is a subtle work that calls us to the joyful gravity of the normal--biblically speaking--Christian life. I plan to use it as a valuable tool in training our people.

The Subtle Effect of Traditions

2010-01-14T07:08:00.002-05:00

In a wonderful book entitled The Trellis and the Vine, authors Colin Marshall and Tony Payne explain the subtle danger of our "church" traditions. They write:

"We are all captive to our traditions and influenced by them more than we realize. And the effect of tradition and long practice is not always that some terrible error becomes entrenched; more often it is that our focus shifts away from our main task and agenda, which is disciple making. We become so used to doing things one way (often for good reason at first) that important elements are neglected and forgotten, to our cost. We become imbalanced, and then wonder why we go in circles (p. 15)."

It Has Been a Fast and Great Year.

2009-12-28T11:36:00.002-05:00

This year is almost over, and I cannot believe it. It started with the Arnold back in Tennessee after around nine years. We had not sold our house, and we were beginning a new pastorate. We did not know what to expect, but we knew that God was in it.

It took about 10 months to sell our house. During those months we learned new lessons about God's faithfulness and provision. Time after time God opened unforeseen doors and encouraged us daily.

On the church front, we experienced more and faster growth than we could have anticipated. With every step, Double Springs responded with support like we have never experienced. I am filled anticipation, because I believe that we will see great growth in both depth and breadth.

More importantly, however, is the work of God in our family. We moved with great concerns about finding a school for Joshua. Previously he attended Lee Christian in North Carolina. We loved it so much that we could not imagine finding a school half as good. Besides this, there was no Christian school in the area. Now less than a year later, there is a great Christian school and Joshua is able to go. Lucas and Abby are loving life, since they are surrounded by family all the time. Kim and I are more in love than every, and our passion for ministry is growing. We are looking for a house to spend the next 70 or so years.

As I type the random thoughts, I feel so thankful for this life God has given me to live. I hope that all of you feel the same. It is my prayer that we will take this sense of thanksgiving and gain new confidence in the power of God for the upcoming year.

Live the Life and You will Get Your Chance

2009-12-03T08:11:00.001-05:00

Here is an amazing video that reminds me of the necessity of a consistent witness over the long haul.

John MacArthur - Study Video from Together for the Gospel (T4G) on Vimeo.

I Love This Quote!

2009-11-24T15:09:00.004-05:00

When author Roland Bainton describes Martin Luther's incredible courage during the Reformation, he says:

"The most intrepid revolutionary is the one who has a fear greater than anything his opponents can inflict upon him. Luther, who has so trembled before the face of God, had no fear before the face of man (quoted in Roland Bainton, Here I Stand, 104).

God help us all to have this fear.

Sermon of the Week!

2009-11-19T11:24:00.001-05:00

I heard this sermon while at the SBC convention this summer. It was one of the most moving experiences of my life. God does not need us, but he delights to use us!

David Platt: SBC Pastors Conference 2009 from Todd Thomas on Vimeo.

How much do you have to hate someone?

2009-11-19T11:21:00.000-05:00

Here is a stirring quote from a non-believer!

Lessons in a Leaf Pile

2009-11-07T18:35:00.005-05:00

The yard was a sea of colors. Just a few days ago there was grass; now all we could see was a leaves, leaves, and more leaves. In classic Shane fashion, I scheduled a time to clean them up and clean we did. It was a team effort--all five Arnold racking and bagging. (Really it was 4.5. After all how much can a 2 year old really do on leaf day). I was hip deep in leaves when I noticed that my wedding band was gone. It had been too big for the last few years, but now it was gone. Instantly I was on my hands and knees searching for the lost ring. At that moment I did not care about leaves, mud, or anything else. All I knew was that I wanted that ring. Sadly, my ring is gone--swallowed in the abyss never to return.

I did, however, find hope and challenge in this event. I found hope the next day when I reflected on the event. Actually, reflected is the nice word; whining and fussing are the right words. I thought how Jesus sought me. Jesus came to seek and save that which was lost. That meant He left the glory of heaven and dirtied himself with the mud of this world in search for me. But unlike my unsuccessful search He was most successful--pulling me from the muck and mire, bringing me to God.

I found challenge when I thought of what he demands of me. Jesus said as the Father sent Him so He sends me. He calls me to dirty my hands and change my schedule to be a part of his redemptive plan.

God help me to remember this. I am both loved and sent by God. These lessons from the leaf pile hurt. But I hope they will last a life time.

I Think I Know Why I am Tired

2009-11-07T14:53:00.005-05:00

I was helping my dad clean the leaves out of his yard. Seeing a lawnmower in action, my youngest son ran out to help. Up to this point the job was fairly easy and productive. Then Lucas climbed aboard. Suddenly an easy joy got noticeably harder. I turned right; he tired to turn left. I turned left; he tried to turn right. When we got finished I was tired, because a lawnmower was not made for two pilots.

Then it hit me: what is true for a lawnmower is--on some level--true for my life. My life was not made for two pilots but for one. I was created to worship and serve God. Thus my life works best when one is in charge. While I know this I often fight it. God says zig but I zag. As a result, I am worn out.

The good news is God calls me to rest. God calls me to submit to his rule and follow his ways. He calls me from the futility of building up my kingdom to the joy of participating in the up building of his. That is what Jesus means when he issues the invitation, "Come unto me all who are weak and heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart. And you will find REST for your souls (Matt. 11:28ff.). So here's the choice: run our lives our way and feel the exhaustion of working against my creator or submit to his rule and find rest for our souls. Choice wisely.

I think I know why I am tired, but I won't be for long!

Fight Pride with Joy in Christ

2009-11-07T07:37:00.003-05:00

I listened to an amazing sermon by Tim Keller about pride. Based on the book of Ester, Keller described two forms of pride. The first form is the superiority form of pride. This is the kind of pride that elevates the self above some other person or class. The second type of pride is the inferiority type of pride. This type of pride constantly degrades the self, where we are down about our looks or talents or station in life.

What both forms have in common is a relentless focus on the self. When you feel superior to others, you are mainly seeing yourself. And when you are downing yourself, you are almost totally focused on self.

Both forms are deadly. Keller calls pride the carbon monoxide of sin. You cannot see it or smell it but it is deadly. This is true because the bible constantly affirms that pride goes before a fall. In addition, the bible says that God is opposed to the proud (see 1 Peter 5). That means when we are gripped by our feelings of superiority, God stands opposed to us; and when we are gripped by our inferiority, God opposes us.

So what can we do? How can we be free from the slaving terror of pride? We meditate one how Christ emptied himself of all glory to make us sons and daughters of glory. We meditate on the gospel until our hearts are melted into self-forgetfulness. Then we can live for his glory. We become interested--truly interested--in others, because we are not constantly posturing or comparing. In other words, the only cure for the prideful soul is to be captured by the joy of Jesus to the glory of the grace of God

So What Can We Do? Part 3

2009-11-05T10:55:00.003-05:00

Here is the final instalment of some practical steps we can take to move our churches toward health and growth.

Fifth, engage in sacrificial acts of love and service for the purpose of displaying the glory of God. "You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is not longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people's feet. You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven (Matt. 5:13-16).

The Bible assumes we will do good works in the world. After all, faith without works is dead (James 2:26). But there is a way that we can do good works that puts the attention on us instead of God. This happens when our motivation is to meet a need and at the same time be thought of as generous. If, however, we are bent on displaying the love, goodness, and glory of God as our greatest motivation for good works, others will notice God and be drawn to him. So in humility do good works for the purpose of putting God on display through your life.

Finally, we should pray, pray, and pray some more. Admittedly, this should have probably been first. Most Christians, of course, believe in the practice of prayer. We write slogans about prayer like: A prayer a day will keep the devil away; A family that prays together stays together; or Seven days without prayer makes one weak. But are we as good at actually praying? How often do we pray for renewed spiritual zeal? How many times do we ask for effectiveness in witness. At the end of the day, church growth and health is a work of God, and He grants us the privilege of participating through prayer. Do not let this weapon go neglect in the fight of faith.

As I said before, this list is not exhaustive. That is, there is more to be said. But there is no doubt that these things will make a real difference in turning our churches around for the glory of Christ.

So What Can We Do? Part 2

2009-11-05T10:28:00.005-05:00

What are some practical things we can to to see our churches grow? In our last post, we focused on our identity as kingdom people on a mission. Today we continue that thought with some more suggestions.

Third, worship God (both in life and in corporate services) with the zeal, passion, and earnestness that God deserves. Our identity is change in Christ for the purpose of commending God to others. Peter reminds us, "You are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light (1 Peter 2:9)." One way that we do this is worship. But worship is not limited to services; rather, it encompasses the totality of our lives (Rom. 12:1-2).

That does not mean, however, that services are not important. The way we worship is a living testimony--to all who might see--of the value of God in our lives. When we worship God in stale ways, when we seemed uninspired with the whole process, we belittle God. We paint a picture to all who are there that God is less exciting than our favorite T.V. show or sporting event. When that happens, they feel no need for this kind of God and will go in search for a god who inspires. That is why we need to take the necessary time to prepare for worship. We need to come to worship with engaged hearts so that we commend God as worthy of all our worship.

Fourth, place yourself in a position to grow in grace. We are commanded to "grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (2 Peter 4:18)." Nothing is as repulsive as hypocrisy mixed with a strong helping of judgmentalism. At the same time, nothing is as winsome and attractive as God-exalting humility and sacrificial love. None of us are naturally humble or loving. We tend to be self-satisfied with our spiritual life and begin to coast. That is why we need others to point out our blind spots and encourage us in the faith. Such work takes small groups of believers who are radically committed to the work of grace in each other's lives. Sadly, however, most believers are content to attend one service per week, where people are safely distant from us. We do this to our own hurt. Without the sharpening of others, our witness is less effective because we are cut off from an important means of grace. But when we are engaged with others and growing in our faith, our friends, relatives, and neighbors notice our love, which opens doors for faith.

In other words, the combination of worship and growth that takes place in a community of faith promotes a vibrant faith that is noticeable to others. More thoughts tomorrow.

So What Can We Do? Part 1

2009-11-05T09:58:00.004-05:00

You could see the distress on her face. We had just talked about the state of the American church as well as the state of our own church. We discussed our lack of growth over and extended period of time and what that means for the next generation. After some time a hand went up. After she was acknowledge, the sweet lady simply said, "What can we do to see the church grow?" She was distressed because she loved the church. She had felt the power of Christ's love through the body, and she wanted others to know the same. That is why she asked the obvious and pressing question, "What can we do?"

It is a hard question because it is where the rubber meets the road. It is one thing to talk about health and growth, but it is quite another to pursue it. Ultimately, of course, God causes any growth to the glory of his name. But there are theologically informed things we can do. In this post--and a few to follow--I want to offer some practical answer to this pressing question. This list, of course, is not exhaustive, but it is a place to start.

First, seek to re-prioritize your life and church according to the dictates of the kingdom of God. Matthew 6:33 tells us to "seek first the kingdom of God." The word first points to priorities. When something is a priority, it receives our attention, energies, and is the object of our dreams. Clearly, we are given a first priority, and that priority is the kingdom of God. Jesus was very concerned with the kingdom. He taught us to pray that God's "kingdom would come (Matt. 6:10)." The kingdom of God is God's rule over men and women through the gospel. The kingdom expands as people come to know, love, and worship, God. And that is our priority.

Understanding this forces us to reevaluate our lives. What gets our first and best attention each day? Are we on a mission to expand our kingdom or God's? Understanding this forces a church to evaluate their priorities and releases us from a "small church mindset." A small church mindset says, "We have never done it this way before." But a kingdom mindset looks for bold creative ways to join God on mission. A small church mindset values closeness to the exclusion of others. But a kingdom mindset values closes so much that there is a longing to include others. If we want to see real change, we must make changes that are consistent with our identity as kingdom people.

Second, realize that we are sent by God with the gospel. When Jesus appears to his disciples in John 20, he says to them, "Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you (v. 21)." Jesus was the greatest missionary in history. He traveled from heaven to earth to reclaim rebellious men to the glory of his Father. John reminds us that the Jesus who came is the same Jesus who sends the church to be a part of this grand redemptive drama.

Knowing this revolutionizes our understanding of life and work. There are no ordinary job when you are on mission with Christ. People are not meant to slug it out in a factory or coast by in a class. God's people are strategically placed by God to work for God in all places.

But it is not just enough for us to show up. We are sent with a message. We are witnesses of Christ. The same Jesus who sends the disciples sends them with a message. He says that "repentance and forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name to all nations (Luke 24:47). The apostle Paul explains for us the urgency of this task. "For everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord will be saved. How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without some preaching (proclaiming the good news of Christ)? And how are they to preach unless they are sent (Rom. 10:13-15)?"

We are sent as kingdom people to proclaim the good news wherever God has placed us. Embracing this will move us from stagnant to vibrant. But there is more to say.

Asking for Forgiveness: Risky Yet Rewarding

2009-11-03T15:21:00.004-05:00

Some of you may remember Happy Days with the lovable and cool Fonz. "The Fonz" could do just about anything except admit that he was wrong. When he tried the word would barely come out of his mouth.

It's funny how we like characters that are at least a little like us. "The Fonz" was not the only one who has trouble admitting wrong or asking for forgiveness. Why is this? I think that this quote from Paul Tripp nails it.

Asking for forgiveness is so hard because of what it says about life and what it says about me. You cannot ask for forgiveness without acknowledging that there is something in life that is more important than the progress of your own kingdom. You cannot seek forgiveness without owning the fact that you were created for the glory of another. You cannot make honest, humble confession without acknowledging that there are more important things in life than getting your own way and being happy. You cannot admit wrong without being hit with the fact that there are bigger things in life than how you feel about how you feel. You see, it's our sturdy allegiance to our own kingdom that makes us unwilling to confess that we have gotten in the way of God's kingdom on earth (A Quest For More, 156-157)

The Basis of our Confidence

2009-11-02T14:20:00.003-05:00

In a discussion of the role of a pastor John Calvin once wrote, "If any one object that the governance of the Church is a matter of so great difficulty, that it ought rather to strike terror in the minds of persons of sound judgment than to excite them to desire to do it; I reply, that the desire of great men does not rest on confidence in their own industry or virtue, but on the assistance of 'God, from whom is our sufficiency.'"

This quote highlights for us the necessity of confidence in God in ventures of faith. At the outset of any great attempt in Christian service, there is a mixture of nervousness and hope. As time goes by and difficulties increase hope tends to fade and nervousness turns to despair. It is during those moments when our hearts are exposed. Our confidence in God has waned, and our desire shrivels. But the desire of a great person rests on confidence in God's help not our ability.

What might change in our lives if we believed this? What new venture might we pursue? May God radically change our hearts so that our faith in him exceed our misplaced trust in ourselves. The world will feel and see the difference.

Becoming Missional

2009-10-29T17:01:00.003-04:00

Christians were never meant to sit and soak. We are meant to go and tell. That means a change in mindset and methods if we are going to be on mission. Watch and enjoy.

Missional Leadership from Ed Stetzer on Vimeo.

We Need a Barnabas!

2009-10-29T16:00:00.004-04:00

We need a Barnabas, because we are stained by sin. The apostle Paul started as the Christian killer Saul. But God intervened. God intervention,however, was not enough for the church. The Bible says that when he came to Jerusalem, "he attempted to join the disciples. And they were all afraid of him, for they did not believe that he was a disciple (Acts 9:26)." You cannot blame them really. His reputation preceded him. Maybe he was tricking them in order to kill more of them.

But in the crucial moment Barnabas stepped up. He put himself and his reputation on the line and "took him and brought him to the apostles (v. 27)." When everyone else was afraid of who he used to be, one man was embraced who he could be in Christ.

We need a Barnabas, because our sin makes us suspect to some. And that is when a brother or sister in Christ embraces and encourages us. We need a Barnabas, because we are not perfect.

We Need a Nathan!

2009-10-29T15:50:00.004-04:00

We need a Nathan, because sin is powerful. Just ask King David. You remember David. He stayed home from battle, saw a woman, slept with a woman, got the woman pregnant, and murdered her husband to covered it up.

Some time later God sent Nathan. Nathan's method of confrontation is classic. He told a story about a rich man who defrauded a poor man. David was furious. He demanded to know the identity of the rich man. So Nathan told him without hesitation, "You are the man."

We need a Nathan who will get in our face to tell us we are the ones who have sinned. We need him because sin lulls us into self-deception. We cannot see our blind spots. (They are after all blind spots). So we need someone who will love us enough to tell us truth. Dietrich Bonhoeffer was right when he said, "Nothing can be more cruel than the tenderness that consigns another to his sin. Nothing can be more compassionate than the severe rebuke that calls a brother back from the path of sin. It is a ministry of mercy."

Because of Nathan, we have Psalm 51, which is a Psalm of revival. So, Lord bring us a "Nathan" and send us revival.

Sorry for the Delay

2009-10-13T09:56:00.002-04:00

Post have been slow lately. We have had computer problems that we hope will be fixed soon. And I have been sick. This combination is bad news for blog posts, but we are getting better and more posts to come very soon.

I'm Homeless yet Happy!

2009-09-29T21:30:00.002-04:00

O.K. homeless is an overstatement. Really I am house-less, because we closed the sell of our house today. It was a long awaited event that brings an important chapter of our lives to a close. Thank you all for your prayers and support.

Oh God, Please!

2009-09-24T09:26:00.002-04:00

Father, my heart is often troubled. My desires run ahead of my faith, and I am tempted to want more. How often I have lived as if you are not enough. Yet, in those moments you rescue my soul with the sure knowledge that Jesus is more than enough. There is enough grace in Jesus to fill the most desperate soul with joy. Even in death, I am secure, because Jesus is enough. So give me Jesus today; give me Jesus tomorrow. This world will pass away, but Jesus endures and through Him so will I. Thank you, my precious Heavenly Father. Amen!

Fernando Ortega - "Give Me Jesus" from Adamson.TV on Vimeo.

Comeback Worship: A Special Treat

2009-09-23T13:58:00.002-04:00

Here is an excellent discussion on the topic of leading worship. I found it convicting and challenging. If you cannot listen to the whole thing, pay attention to approximately the 38:00 mark, where these fine men discuss the connection between planning and spontaneity.

Lessons Learned from Three Decades of Leading from Sovereign Grace Ministries on Vimeo.

Developing a Holy Hatred

2009-09-18T07:19:00.002-04:00

It was one of my favorite parts of the day. The bus dropped me off at 3:10. By 3:15 the T.V. was one with an episode of either The Three Stooges or The Little Rascals filling the screen. Being a child myself, I could resonate with The Rascals. And being a young boy, I wanted to join their club. You remember the club, don't you? The he-man-woman-haters-club was one club was not just their club but mine too. Over the years, however, the he-man-haters club turned into the he-man-I really like-girls club. And then when I got married it became the he-man-I love this woman, I thank God for this woman, I want to spend the rest of my life with her, and I cannot and do not want to remember what it was like to be single-club.

Yet, I wonder if a Christian man can and should have any room in his life for hate. The answer, I believe, is a firm yes and no. On the one hand, followers of Christ are not given room by God to hate people. So the answer is no. On the other hand, we are given permission to hate sin. So in this regard the answer is yes.

It is this hatred that I woke up with this morning. I hate sin. I hate what sin does to my life--how it robs me of peace and joy and takes my focus off God. I hate what sin does to our families--how it tears down and tears apart. I hate what sin does in our churches--how it robs us of effectiveness and creates petty divisions in the body. I hate what sin does to our society--how it weakens our moral fabric and turns resolve, courage, and virtue into antiquated ideas in a society of people-pleasers and how it turn perversion into a matter of preference.

With all this hatred, something strange happened. A radical love began to awaken, as I think of how much God hates sin. His hatred for sin requires blood, and while it should be my blood that is required for my sin, it was his blood shed in my place that takes the curse of sin from me. Now there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:1). Now I have the power to put to death the deeds of the body (Romans 8:13). Now I am ready to worship and live this day for the glory of Christ. May God make us all sin-haters that we may become Christ-lovers.

Comeback Worship

2009-09-15T11:20:00.002-04:00

Worship is a central part of a comeback effort. Stetzer gives us a balanced look at the issue. For those readers who are part of the Double Springs faith family, I look forward to discussing this tomorrow.

Comeback Church part 4- Celebrative Worship from Ed Stetzer on Vimeo.

Two Years Ago Today

2009-09-11T07:07:00.002-04:00

Two years ago today I was a nervous wreck. I didn't expect to be, but I was. After all, we already had two kids, and I was an old pro. But this was different. Kim experienced weeks of sickness leading up to that day. In fact, the doctors wanted to take the baby a day earlier, but there was no room in the hospital. To make matters worse, the nurses took Kim to surgery and forgot me. So there I was in the room by myself imagining the worse.

Finally, the nurses remembered me, and I was rushed to the operating room. Previously I imagined the worse, but when she came I immediately began to imagine the best. From the start she was a bundle of energy--a bundle that keeps us all hopping. As soon as I saw her I knew that everything would be different and it is. There is nothing like a baby girl to make a big mean daddy melt into one big sap.

I've heard it said that boys will make you a father but a girl will turn you into daddy. I admit it sounded pretty far fetch to me until she called me daddy for the first time. I would not take a million dollars in exchange for the joy she brings to our family. As I type this, I fight back the tears. God has been better to us than we could have every imagined, and we bless his name. I love you, baby girl. Have a happy birthday.

A Good Reminder For Those who are Teaching This Sunday

2009-09-09T16:11:00.002-04:00

One common problem associated with teaching is the tendency to be self-conscious. Do I know enough? Am I loud enough? Am I too loud? Is the lesson long or short enough? What will people think? On and on the questions go.

If you struggle with this, D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones gives us good advice in his classic work Preaching and Preachers. He writes that our rule for teaching is:

[B]e natural; forget yourself; be so absorbed in what you are doing and in the realisation of the presence of God, and in the glory and greatness of the Truth that you are preaching, and the occasion that brings you together, that you are so taken up by all this that you forget yourself completely. That is the right condition; that is the only place of safety; that is the only way in which you can honour [sic] God. Self is the greatest enemy of the preacher, more so than in the case of any other man in society. And the only way to deal with self is to be so take up with, and so enraptured by, the glory of what you are doing, that you forget yourself altogether (p. 264).

In other words, it is not about us. We are clay pots with a royal message from heaven. God is the main attraction. We, therefore, labor to point others to him. Be absorbed in this and forget yourself. Then we will see a real difference in our classes and services.

Comeback Church

2009-09-04T13:11:00.000-04:00

I have tried to post this all week. Thanks for the patience.

Comeback Church part 3- Lay Mobilization from Ed Stetzer on Vimeo.

I Can't Believe It

2009-09-02T15:36:00.003-04:00

Seven years ago today I held you in my arms. I trembled at the thought of being a father. At the same time, I instantly became a dreamer. I dreamed about who you might be, what you might do, and how you would do it. I felt sure that you would change the world. My chest expanded and my eyes leaked tears of joy. But most of all I could not stop thanking God.

This morning it seemed like that baby should be looking back at me. Instead there was this little boy who is quickly growing into a man. I couldn't believe it but there you were. To tell you the truth part of me is still scared, and all of me still dreams. Now I dream of a godly man who leads a godly family, living for the glory of God. I long for the day when it comes.

I love you, son. You are a gift from God and a great joy to me. I do not deserve you. You constantly remind me of the love of God. After all, my heavenly Father gave up his son for me. I hope you have a great one with many more to come.

A Mission that Matters

2009-08-29T12:16:00.001-04:00

A stirring reminded of the urgency of the task.

What a Way to Start the Day

2009-08-29T12:04:00.002-04:00

What do you say when you first wake up? Are you one of those rare persons who go into the day singing? Or are you like most of us who wake up thinking: why does that clock ring so early? We wake up worried about the mountain of work; dreading some uncomfortable part of the day; or nervous about it all.

Before he died John Newton, the man who wrote the beloved hymn Amazing Grace, famously said: "My memory is nearly gone, but I remember two things: that I am a great sinner and that Christ is a great Savior." What a statement!

Part of the power of this thought is its balance, and it is that balance we need when we start the day. When I wake up feeling pretty good and righteous, I need to be reminded of the greatness of my sin. When I wake up depressed or discouraged, I need to be reminded not of my inherent abilities but of Christ's utter sufficiency.

I cannot help but think that such a beginning would change things. Perhaps I would be more patient and kind, less critical and harsh. By God's grace let's keep these two truths close. Let us not just say them but love them, and God will slowly but steadily change us for his glory.

Becoming a Comeback Church

2009-08-26T11:53:00.003-04:00

It is no secret that I believe God want great things for Double Springs Baptist Church. He wants to reverse deep trends and lead us to renewal. Over the next few days (maybe even weeks) I will post a series of videos from a great book entitled Comeback Churches. Here the author, Ed Stetzer, describes the need for intentional evangelism.

Comeback Church part 2- Intentional Evangelism from Ed Stetzer on Vimeo.

Purpose Driven: part 3

2009-08-19T13:02:00.004-04:00

Nate Saint one of the five missionaries killed among the Auca Indians gave some insight into what made these men tick.

He writes, "As we weigh the future and seek the will of God, does it seem right that we should hazard our lives for just a few savages? As we ask ourselves this question, we realize that it is not the call of the needy thousands, rather it is the simple intimation of the prophetic Word that there shall be some from every tribe in His presence in the last day and in our hearts we feel that it is pleasing to Him that we should interest ourselves in making an opening into the Auca prison for Christ (Through Gates of Splendor, 171)."

What a picture of evangelism. Evangelism is not a mere duty that we do with much fear; rather, it is a privilege by which we make an opening in a prison of darkness for Christ.

He continued, "As we have a high old time this Christmas may we who know Christ hear the cry of the damned as they hurtle headlong into the Christless night without ever a chance . . . May God give us a new vision of His will concerning the lost and our responsibility . . . If God would grant us the vision, the word sacrifice would disappear from our lips and thoughts; we would hate the things that seem now so dear to us; our lives would suddenly be too short, we would despise time-robbing distractions and charge the enemy with all our energies in the name of Christ (ibid).

That, my friends, is a pray worth of repetition of every Church in America. God give us a vision for the nations, and then we will know what it means to be purpose driven.

Purpose Driven: Part 2

2009-08-19T12:52:00.005-04:00

As Elizabeth Elliot contemplated widowhood for the cause of Christ, she concedes:

It was time for soul-searching, a time for counting the possible cost. Was it the thrill of adventure that drew our husbands on? No. Their letters and journals make it abundantly clear that these men did not go out as some men to out to shoot lion or climb a mountain. Their compulsion was from a different source. Each had made a personal transaction with God, recognizing that he belonged to God, first of all by creation, and secondly by redemption through the death of His Son, Jesus Christ. This double claim in his life settled once and for all the question of allegiance. It was not a matter of striving to follow the example of a great Teacher. To conform to the perfect life of Jesus was impossible for a human being. To these men, Jesus Christ was God, and had actually taken upon Himself human form, in order that He might die, and, by his death, provide not only escape from the punishment which their sin merited, but also a new kind of life, eternal both in length and quality. This meant simply that Christ was to be obeyed, and more than that, that He would provide the power to obey. The point of decision had been reached. God's command 'Go ye, and preach the gospel to every creature' was the categorical imperative. The question of personal safety was wholly irrelevant (Through Gates of Splendor, 170-171)

Indeed it is. Going is not optional, for God has come to rescue us. Therefore, we must lay down our lives for others.

Purpose Driven: Part 1

2009-08-19T12:37:00.005-04:00

No this is not a post about Rick Warren. I have nothing against him, and I recognize that God has used him. Nevertheless the purpose driven logo has become something of a standard among churches. If we are not careful we can become purpose driven about being purpose driven and all the while we miss our purpose.

Lately I have been reading the classing book Through Gates of Splendor by Elizabeth Elliot. It is the gripping story of five missionary martyrs in the jungle of Ecuador. After weeks of preparation the men were ready to set up a beachhead in order to contact the Auca Indians--a notoriously violent tribe that was un-reached.

Just before they left, Elizabeth "reminded Jim of what we both knew it might mean if he went. 'Well, if that's the way God wants it to be,' was his calm reply. 'I am ready to die for the salvation of the Aucas.'"

With that it was settled. But that did not mean Elizabeth and the other wives stopped considering the possibility. She writes:

The other wives and I talked together one night about the possibility of becoming widows. What would we do? God gave us peace of heart, and confidence that whatever might happen, His Word would hold. We knew that "when He putteth forth His sheep, He goeth before them.' God's leading was unmistakable up to this point. Each of us knew when we married our husbands that there would never be any question about who came first--God and His work held first place in each life. It was the condition of true discipleship; it became devastatingly meaningful now (170).

Now that's purpose: a husband and wife ready to part on this earth for the salvation of savage peoples. Sometimes we would not cross the street for our neighbor's salvation. Yet purpose--true purpose--takes us wherever we must go and die if necessary for the salvation of human beings made in the image of God. When has the cost of discipleship been devastatingly meaningful to us?

Faith Inspires

2009-08-14T06:59:00.002-04:00

I remember sitting there for the first public information meeting about Christ's Legacy Academy--a classical Christian school that started this year. The speaker stood up and made his presentation. He explained what classical, Christian education was and why it is a good model. What was most notable, however, was what he could not say. He could not say how much tuition would be. He could not name the headmaster. He could not even give a location. But he did make it very clear that school would begin in August.

I remember leaving there with mixed feelings. On the one hand, I saw the difficulties ahead. On the other, I saw a group of people with a seeming indomitable confidence that God would make it happen.

Over the past few months I have watched God do just that. He provided a headmaster and a location. He provided a staff bent on excellence. Yes God provided but he provided through hard work. God only knows how many hours the board of directors put in this year. But all along the way they have projected a desire to be a part of something great that is contagious.

I thank God for this example. It has inspired me in many ways, and I hope to have the same influence in other's lives--by calling them to great things for God.

Do Not Miss the Importance of "Each One" in Ministry

2009-08-14T06:46:00.003-04:00

My good friend Ben Finch over at Crimson and White posted a personal and thoughtful article yesterday. It is a short chronicle of his recent ministerial life, in which he moves from a full time staff position to 'secular' employment and faithful church participation. In it he gives an example of a typical conversation and notes the typical response.

This exchange highlights, I believe, one great weakness of our churches today--a misunderstanding of the nature of Christian ministry. Gradually but surely we have relegated the idea of ministry to a professional activity. That is, we pay people to do "the ministry" while the normal believer becomes a recipient. Surely, the "professional" ministry must share in the blame for this. We have not taught well or delegated often enough to others. Oftentimes we have a need to be needed that limits and weakens the church. What we need is an expanded conception of ministry that includes every believer. In the wake of this, countless believers miss the thrill of ministry that they were designed by God to enjoy.

A key text for this is 1 Peter 4:10. "As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's various (or manifold) grace." Peter begins by making it clear that each member of the body of Christ has received a gift of grace. The purpose of this gift is "service," which Peter considers a stewardship issue. Each one has a gift. Each one is given a gift for a reason--the privilege of service. And all of this is a matter of stewardship before God. The concept of stewardship involves faithfulness to God and it is about more than money. One reason our churches struggle is that we are bad stewards who wait for the professional to engage in ministry. All the while countless lives are unaffected by the gospel and countless Christians are unengaged. I pray that this changes today.

Thank you Ben for your candor and faithfulness. God is using you in a mighty way. Through your example I pray that many experience the thrill of ministry.

School Days Again

2009-08-13T07:00:00.002-04:00

It's official. School has begun. Sleepy children are forced out of bed and off to school. Frazzled parents who are fresh off the rush to buy school supplies are frustrated with the sleepy children.

The beginning of school brought to mind the best book I have ever read on parenting--Shepherding a Child's Heart by Tedd Tripp. In it he points out that behavior is not the primary problem; rather, the god-ward or godless orientation of the heart is the real issue. He reminds parents of their God-given role of authority and pushes us to embrace biblical methods and goals of communication and correction. Here is a sample of a discussion of discipline:

While it is true that disciplined children are a joy to their parents . . . as God's agents you cannot discipline for mere matters of self-interest or personal convenience. Your correction must be tied to the principles and absolutes of the Word of God. The issues of discipline are issues of character development and honoring God. It is God's non-negotiable standard that fuels correction and discipline (page 39).

If you are a parent, buy this book. If you have bought the book, read it. If you have read it, apply it. You will not regret it.

What do I really need today?

2009-08-12T11:39:00.002-04:00

Is it money? If so, when will I have enough? Is it a safe home with healthy children? I want this, but I am not always satisfied with just this. Is it esteem or success?

On and on the questions could go. The fact of the matter is that all human hearts are factories of desire. We constantly want something else, and we hope that that the next blessing or gift will satisfy our hearts.

Yet, we are made to find ultimate satisfaction in God alone. And here is the great thing: when God is the satisfaction of our hearts, the blessings get better, for they are rightly enjoyed. God is not honored when the gift trumps the giver. He is honored when the gifts lead us to praise the giver.

What I really need today is God, and through Christ I have him. Listen and let your heart be satisfied. God says, "I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore I have continued my faithfulness to you (Jer. 31:3)." "I will feast the soul of the priests with abundance and my people shall be satisfied with my goodness, declares the Lord (Jer. 31:14)."

Let's Dream

2009-08-03T13:24:00.002-04:00

Charles Spurgeon once encouraged pastors to:

Contemplate at the outset the possibility of having a church of soul-winners. Do not succumb to the usual idea that we can only gather a few useful workers, and that the rest of the community must inevitably be a dead weight: it may possibly so happen, but do not set out with that notion or it will be verified. The usual need not be the universal; better things are possible than anything yet attained; set your aim high and spare no effort to reach it. Labor to gather a church alive for Jesus, every member energetic to the full, and the whole in incessant activity for the salvation of men. To this end there must be the best of preaching to feed the host into strength, continual prayers to bring down the power from on high, and the most heroic example on your own part to fire their zeal (quoted in Mark Dever, The Gospel and Personal Evangelism, 117).

Let's aim high to be alive for Jesus today!

I can't help it. I'm their dad.

2009-07-31T09:48:00.003-04:00

Here are three things that I am profoundly greatful for.

Are You Doing God's "Will" Right Now?

2009-07-31T09:15:00.003-04:00

Most of the time when we think about God's will our aim is to find the answer to some confusing question. Should I marry this person? Should I go to this school? Should I change jobs? Should I join a ministry? On and on the questions go.

While it is certainly good to seek the mind of God in these areas, we sometimes miss the obvious. That is, we have certain places in Scripture that make God's will absolutely clear. Take 1 Thessalonians 5:18, for example. "[G]ive thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." You do not have to guess at it; you do not have to wonder. It is God's will that you give thanks.

That means the flip side is also true. If you are not thankful, if you are fussing, if you are complaining, you are out of the will of God. What are you doing right now? What are you thinking? Are you doing God's will?

Try this: stop what you are doing and take out a piece of paper. Write down three gifts of God for which you are thankful. Take a few moments and know that you are walking in the will of God and rejoice.

I'm Living My Biography

2009-07-29T14:49:00.002-04:00

I started reading Through Gates of Splendor yesterday. It is the story of Jim Elliot written by his wife Elizabeth. I was struck as I read the first chapter by the fact that she loved what God was doing in his life. She gushed with admiration for God and her husband.

Then a thought came to me. I wondered what would happen if I died and Kim wrote a biography about me. What would she say? Would it be filled with confidence in God? Am I the kind of man that she could admire and respect? What if my children tried to write it? What would they say?

There are two things that I know. First, I am not worthy of a biography, and if one was written it would not be like Jim Elliot's. Second, I am living the material now. I am humbled and challenged by this. God help me to live a faithful life before them. Only God knows how much I want to lead them to and not away from Christ.

A Missionary Moment: Jim Elliot

2009-07-28T14:16:00.002-04:00

I know that it is pitiful to try to summarize a person's life in a blog post. That is especially true of a life so full as that of Jim Elliot. At first it may sound strange to say that of a man that died at 29 years of age. But a full life is not measured by the passing of the sands of time. Rather a full life is measured by the degree to which the glory of God is seen through it.

Perhaps the title of his published journal's said it all, for he lived under the Shadow of the Almighty. As I read and thought about his life, a few important lesson emerged.

First, living under the almighty shadow of God gives us a holy restlessness. Suddenly we are discouraged by the status-quo and committed to making a difference. Elliot lamented this in his own life. Hence, he prayed, "Forgive me for being so ordinary while claiming to know so extraordinary a God." While preparing to go to Ecuador, people tried to discourage him. They claimed that he would be of more use in the states, because he could stir them with missionary fervor. His response reveals the same dissatisfaction:

So what if the well-fed church in the homeland needs stirring? They have Moses and the prophets, and a whole lot more. Their condemnation is written on their bank books and in the dust on their Bible covers. American believers have sold their lives to the service of Mammon, and God has his rightful way of dealing with those who succumb to the spirit of Laodica.

Second, living under the shadow of the almighty gives a healthy perspective of death. On January 8, 1956 Jim Elliot along with his missionary partners headed out for a meeting with the notorious Auca Indians in Ecuador. Just before he left, his young wife asked if he would use the gun in his pocked if attacked by the Indians. His response challenges our self-protective tendencies. "We will not use our guns," he responded. When asked why he simply said, "Because we are ready for heaven, but they are not." A short time later the Indians did attack killing all the men. Jim left a wife of less than three years and a baby girl. In death he testified to what he said in life. "He is not fool who give up what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose."

May God help us to live under the shadow of the almighty so that we may have a holy restlessness to see the nations come to our God!

A Quest for More: Part 4

2009-07-27T13:44:00.002-04:00

The inner essence of sin is selfishness. The power of sin draws us away from God and others, giving us an almost exclusive concern with self. Tripp describes this as the formation of a kingdom of one.

This gives greater understanding to many of life's issues. Consider the intensity of conflict experienced between teenagers and parents. The parent wants a clean room; the teenager wants freedom. The parents demand; the child rebels, and hours of fighting lay ahead. On the surface, it seems quite silly. But when we understand that what we have here is a conflict of two kingdoms, we begin to see how deeply our sins affect us and how ferociously we are committed to our kingdom.

Using Matt. 6:25-34 as a guide, Tripp shows how earth-bound needs drive us to insecurity. What usually happens is an expansion of our concept of need, and we have a hard time distinguishing between wants and needs. If grace does not free us our earth-bound desires lead to anxiety-driven needs, and we live painfully small lives in light of God's plan.

Life Above the Sun: Seeing Majesty in the Mundane

2009-07-23T11:01:00.004-04:00

Most of life feels mundane. The housewife has the same routine. The job has the same people dealing with the same problems. Sometimes I feel like I am living in the book of Ecclesiastes--vanity of vanities, nothing is new under the sun, all are striving after the wind.

In those moments, I find that my perspective is decidedly earth bound. Then God in his great mercy transforms my perspective through his word. He jolts me awake with passages like 2 Corinthians 4:17-18. "For this slight momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal."

Notice how a gospel perspective changes everything. It changes how we understand affliction. For the most part, afflictions oppresses us. We feel as if we will never get out from under. But this passage reminds us that God is at work even in our afflictions. Feel his goodness as He takes afflictions that happen to us and puts the to work for us. When we see that God takes our pain and turns them into stepping-stones to joy, our pain seems light and short. Our afflictions are preparing something for us, and the result is "glory beyond all comparison."

This centers us on what is truly important, and we look beyond--beyond the mundane of our day, beyond perceived meaninglessness. We look toward eternity and understand that our time is fleeting, a mere shadow of our real existence. The things that seem so important now will seem so small then. We are made for eternity. Thus, I pray that God will fortify us with this thought that we may see the majesty behind the mundane.

A Missionary Moment: Lottie Moon

2009-07-21T13:59:00.003-04:00

Who is Lottie Moon? I must have asked that question a hundred times growing up. After all, we did take up an offering in her name every year. But no one explained to me who she was and why we remember her this way.

Charlotte Lottie Moon was born on December 12, 1840 in Albermale County Virgina. In God's providence this girl would go on to serve for more than 39 years on the mission field, most of which was in China. She died at age 72 aboard a ship in a Japanese harbor, weighing no more than 50 pounds.

In her prime, she was a small women who was mighty in the faith. Standing around 4 feet, 3 inches, she became a champion for the cause of Christ in China. She immersed herself in Chinese culture. She ate, spoke, dressed, and lived as they did. In this she followed the incarnational example of Jesus as she ministered to the people. As a matter of fact, for some time no one knew that she spoke English.

She displayed an unusual courage in the cause of Christ. In 1890, persecution broke out against Christians in Sha-ling. Lottie rushed to Sha-ling and told the persecution leaders, "If you attempt to destroy his church, you will have to kill me first. Jesus gave himself for us Christians. Now I am ready to die for him."

How different our churches would be if we had this faith. Imagine a contentions business meeting, filled with the flushed faces of anger. Just before a split happens, a small but fiery lady brings everyone back to the cross with these words. What a difference it would make in our sleepy congregations to see a living example of such courage!

Her courage and character earned the respect of many. In 1911 China's revolution broke out. Fighting was intense around Baptist mission stations, and the U.S. asked missionaries to leave. All did with one exception--Lottie Moon. She heard of a hospital where all personnel were left unaided in the care of the sick. Thus she made her way through waring troops and took charge of the hospital. In a short time, others returned and took over the hospital, freeing Lottie to leave with things in good hands. Akin records the astounding events surrounding her departure. "With the baptist hospital in rightful hands, Lottie packed up to return home, but the men warned that heavy fighting made this impossible. When she insisted, they sent word to the opposing generals that Miss Moon would be passing through at a set hour. A young missionary escorted her and as they made their way through the battle lines, firing stopped on both sides." If that is not an example of the power of Christian influence, I do not know what is.

She labored tirelessly for much needed funds and manpower. She chided Baptist: "If fills me with sorrow to see these people so earnest in their worship of false gods, seeking to work out their salvation by supposed works of merit, with no one to tell them of a better way. Then, to remember the wealth hoarded in Christian coffers. The money lavished on fine dress and costly living." She asked, should we not "become co-workers with our Lord and Master in the conversion of the world?" Indeed we should. But it will cost us.

I say that she pleaded for "manpower" because she lamented the lack of men on the mission field. In an open letter she said, "I am trying to do the work that could fill the hands of three of four women, and in addition must do much work that ought to be done by young men." If we are honest, we know that this is not simply a missionary problem. For years, women have carried the load in most Baptist churches. God forgive us and help us to change.

Lottie Moon was inspiring. I hope that God will bless me with her courage and drive, and I pray that God use us all as co-laborers to win the world.

*All the material for this post came from Daniel Akin's work 5 Who Changed the World

A Warning For Preachers (and those who listen to them)

2009-07-21T09:45:00.002-04:00

While we are on a roll, here is another thought for preachers as we prepare this week. We must remember, "What a preacher is in prayer to God, for himself, for his people, so is his power for real good, so is his true faithfulness and his true fidelity to God, for time and eternity." That is, preaching is too serious to become a mechanical process. It is a spiritual exercise that Thus we are fools to think that can perform spiritual tasks without employing spiritual weapons. But we can become so proficient in our techniques that we lose a sense of the divine. Hear and tremble as E.M Bounds warns, "The scientist loses God in nature. The preacher may lose God in his sermons."

May it never be! I pray that we will not be so familiar with the text or so set on what we want to say that we lose the God revealed in the Word. And I pray that those who listen to us will not be satisfied with merely practical self-help talks that do not reveal the majesty of God to their glory-starved souls. I pray that the atmosphere of our services will be dominated by God and that we will rejoice in what we see and hear to the glory of Christ.

**(Both quotes are taken from E.M. Bounds' Power Through Prayer)

A Word to Preachers (and those who listen to them)

2009-07-20T14:43:00.002-04:00

E.M Bounds reminds us in his classic work, Power Through Prayer, of the power of holiness. Listen, repent, and rejoice.

The preacher must throw himself, with all the abandon of a perfect self-emptying faith and a self-consuming zeal, into his work for the salvation of men. Hearty, heroic, compassionate, fearless martyrs must the men be who take hold of and shape a generation for God. If they be timid time-servers, place-seekers, if they be men-pleasers or men-fearers, if their faith has a weak hold on God or His Word, if their denial be broken by any phrase of self or the world, they cannot take hold of the church nor the world for God . . . It is not great talents or great learning or great preachers that God needs, but men great in holiness, great in faith, great in love, great in fidelity, great for God--men always preaching by holy sermons in the pulpit, by holy lives out of it. These can mold a generation for God.

A Quest for More: Part 3

2009-07-20T13:50:00.002-04:00

Sin is a big deal--a really big one. We often do not see it that way. We look at the fall as a misdemeanor rather than treason, but the Bible will not let us off the hook. Because Adam and Eve's fall humanity is comprehensively affected and depraved, families struggle and split, creation groans, and society always seems to totter on the brink of destruction.

But that is exactly what we fail to see. Our sin shrinks our concern to only those things that affect me in this moment., and our world shrinks to our own kingdom. It is not until we see the holistic, biblical picture of the effects of sin that our concern expands into kingdom concern. That is the emphasis in chapter 3. Trip notes, "If the glory of God is reflected in all of creation, if the effects of sin reach to all of creation, and if the goal of redemption is to restore all of creation, then what should you and I care about? Everything (45)!"

When our God is too small, our sin is no big deal. When sin is no big deal, our mission is a matter of preference. When our mission is a matter of preference, love loses its nerve. So let us see the holistic, biblical portrait of sin and marvel at the massive victory of Chris over it.

It Can't Get Any Better, Can It?

2009-07-16T15:38:00.003-04:00

That was what I was thinking on July 18th, eleven years ago. I was standing at the front of Clearwater Baptist Church. My father stood beside me as the congregation rose to its feet. When the back door opened, my eyes almost popped out of my head. There stood the most beautiful women that I had ever seen, and she was minutes away from being my wife. I just remember thinking, "If just can't get any better than this, can it?"

Amazingly it has. God has blessed me with a wife that is so much better than I deserve. I am not sure if it is the way the she cares for us and cherishes our children, or if it is her relentless commitment to God's call that impresses me the most. She has followed me away to school and back again. She worked while I prepared for ministry, and now she works preparing our children for life. She has spent evenings alone when I am called out. She has been a relentless encourager and partner, and I am a better man for it.

Kim, the words "I love you" seem woefully incomplete to express how I feel, but they are all that I have. Very few people are blessed enough to be married to their best friend as I am. The first 11 years have been great, and I am as excited as ever about what God may bring us. Happy anniversary. When I hear these words, I always think of you: "She looks well to the ways of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her. Many women have done excellently but you surpass them all (Prov. 31:27-29)."

Thank you God for your grace and kindness toward us. We have made it this far because of your mercy, and by your mercy we go on. You have blesses us; help us to be a blessing to others. In Jesus Name, Amen.

Loved by God Through the Body

2009-07-16T10:15:00.002-04:00

Last night the church we serve, Double Springs Baptist, threw a surprise anniversary party for Kim and I. We were totally overwhelmed at the goodness of God who placed us in this body. As I thought about it, I rejoiced. I rejoiced at the intensity of shared love within the body. It is with good reason that John said, "By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers (1 John 3:16)."

Part of me, however, grieves. I grieve because I know that in our area there are so may de-churched people. They have not experienced such love and have cut themselves off from the body of Christ. They simply do not know what they are missing.

If you are one of these people, do the hard thing and find a church. Find a church that preaches the Bible and strives to live it. You will be glad you did.

Say It For Me Augustine

2009-07-16T10:10:00.003-04:00

I mentioned St. Augustine and his confessions in my last post. Here is a flavor of how he says the same thing--only much better.

He alone was free among the dead. He alone had power to lay down his life and power to take it up again, and for us he became to you both victor and victim; and victor because he was the victim. For us, he was to you both priest and sacrifice, and priest because he was the sacrifice. Out of slaves, he makes us your sons, because he was born of you and did serve us. Rightly, then, is my hope fixed strongly on him, that you will heal all my diseases through him, who sits at your right hand and makes intercession for us. Otherwise I should utterly despair. For my infirmities are many and great; indeed, they are very many and very great. But your medicine is still greater (see Augustine, Confessions, 10.43.69).

Resuced

2009-07-16T09:40:00.002-04:00

Sometimes my memory of past sinfulness is almost overwhelming. Apparently I am not alone. Saint Augustine wrote an entire book of confessions to his God. Sometimes I wonder why we are allowed to remember our past sinfulness. Surely God could erase the memory as he has erased the debt. Why must we have the stabbing pain of remembered sin?

Part of the answer, I think, is so that we will glorify God as we remember not just the pain of sin but the sweetness of deliverance. Every remembrance of sin humbles me, but it is meant to do more than humble me. It is meant to drive me to the cross, where I remember who I am now. Praise God that through Jesus who I am now barely resembles who I used to be. And who I am now is only a small glimpse of what I will one day become. Oh, how my chains fall at the cross. Oh, how my heart sings. Oh, how I look forward to being with Jesus forever. And it is all possible because Jesus paid it all. I thank God that I cannot remember my sin without being drawn to my Savior.

I hear the Savior say, 'Thy strength indeed is small. Child of weakness watch and pray, find in me thine all in all.'

For nothing good have I whereby they grace to claim, I'll wash my garments white in the blood of Calvary's Lamb.

Lord, now indeed I find thy power and thine alone can change the lepers spots and melt the heart of stone.

And when before the throne I stand in him complete, I'll lay my trophies down, fall down at Jesus' feet.

Jesus paid it all. All to Him I owe. Sin had left a crimson stain he washed it white as snow.

A Quest for More: Part 2

2009-07-15T14:09:00.002-04:00

We have all seen it happen. The box under the tree contains the exact toy that the kid wanted. It was carefully chose, wrapped, and placed for their joy. You giggle as they open it, imagining what fun they will have. A few moments later, however, you are agitated as they child leaves the toy to play with the box. Somehow the child concludes that there is more fun in the empty box than with the toy. In some unknown language the box calls and the child answers. But boxes do not last long. They soon break and become useless, and if the child has not discovered joy of the real gift, you are in for a long day.

In a small way, sin works that way in our lives. It promises big and delivers small. Satan is a master deceiver. From the first sin in the garden to your last sin today, he holds out promises of freedom, joy, and power. He entices us to forsake knowing God for passing pleasure of a moment. Satan promises god-like power, but leads us to death-like chains.

Unfortunately, we settle for the small promises of sin in all sorts of mundane ways. One effect is a loss of the joy and purpose for which we are created. One challenge we all face, is discovering the ways we are duped into a pursuit of what is less, to repent and forsake its suicidal path, and to return to God with the promise of the gospel. Then and only then will we be on a true quest for More.

Missionary Moment: Part 2

2009-07-14T14:25:00.002-04:00

William Wallace was born in 1908 in Tennessee. His mother died when he was eleven, leaving William, his sister, and their physician father behind. At age 17, his conscious was assaulted by the nagging question: what would God have me do with this my life? With a Bible in hand, he made the decisive decision to be a medial missionary to the nations. He spent the next 10 years receiving his education. Along the way, he turned down a lucrative offer from a stateside medical practice to pursue his dream. As his training drew to a close, he wrote these words to the Foreign Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention, "I must confess, I am not a good speaker nor apt as a teacher, but I do feel God can use my training as a physician. As humble as I know how, I want to volunteer to serve as a medical missionary under our Southern Baptist Foreign Mission Board."

With these words, he launched a missionary career in China. Wallace arrived during unrest and stayed when others left. He served the Chinese people during the Japanese invasion of China, World War II, and the Communist takeover of China. Sometimes he even performed surgery with bombs exploding all around him. He was often with the sickest patients in the most dangerous parts of the hospital.

His radical sacrifice of time and energy was fueled by a overwhelming sense of God. He saw himself simply as "one piece of man." This Chinese saying was used to deprecate one's value by painting him as a single expendable person. But when Wallace said it, he was not using a phrase for show. As one commented, "He really meant it. He has no concept of his own worth and no anxiety for the future that I can see." In other words, the smallness of his life in relation to the greatness of God released in him such sacrificial energy that he could stay through hardships for the glory of Christ.

Eventually, this would cost him his life. In December 1950, the Communist planted evidence against Wallace in attempts to paint him as a spy. He endured the horror of attempted brainwashing, before he was killed in February 1951.

What a legacy this man leaves for us. Who said that Christian teachers are the only ones who can make a difference? Who says that God cannot get the attention of a 17 year old and change his life forever? What would happen if we were as available to God as this man? What might happen in our lives, families, and communities?

* All of this information was taken from Daniel Akin's 5 Who Changed the World pp. 37-55

Trains, Trains, and More Trains

2009-07-09T21:15:00.002-04:00

It is not as easy as it look. You try to drive the Polar Express when a John Deer keeps messing it up.

Luke the Duke: A Hard Workin Man

2009-07-09T21:11:00.001-04:00

Look everybody. This is what I do at papaw's house for fun. Where is my dad when I need him?

Freedom in God's Will

2009-07-09T14:32:00.003-04:00

Here is one follow up thought from the life of Adoniram Judson. He worked with the constant threat of death. In that atmosphere, how do you serve the Lord? Judson once said, "[I]t is possible my life will be spared, if so, with what zeal shall I pursue my work! If not--His will be done. The door will be open for others who will do the work better (see Akin, 5 Who
Changed the World, 28)."

What freedom there is in serving God! If my life is spared today, with what zeal shall I follow Him. If I die, his will be done. His work will not stop!

Invest your life that way today. Invest in work that will out live you. With zeal give yourself to the mission of God with the freedom that this work will out-last you.

A Missionary Moment

2009-07-06T14:12:00.003-04:00

Danny Akin's little book 5 Who Changed the World is a collection of sermons delivered at Southeastern Baptist Theological seminary. It covers 5 influential missionaries by relating their lives to a biblical text.

This morning I read the chapter on Adoniram and Ann Judson. This couple is famous for their work and suffering in Burma. At one point, Adoniram was imprisoned in what was called the "Death Prison." It was a forty by thirty feet room. In it were one hundred persons--both male and female, half naked and marked for death. The floor was covered by dead animals and piles of human waste. Each night their captures placed a bamboo pole between their shackled legs, lifting all but their shoulders off the ground in order to prevent escape.

Ann visited her husband regularly, though she was burdened beyond belief. At one point, she carried her new born child through the streets begging native women to nurse her child, for she was too emaciated to do it herself. She eventually died on the field.

Initially the work was slow. There were 18 converts in the first 10 years of ministry. By the end of his life, however, there were in Burma 7,000 people baptized, 63 congregations, and 163 missionaries. At one point he requested 15 to 20 thousand gospel tracks for a Buddhist festival that proved most fruitful. He described the scene:

[We have distributed] nearly ten thousand tracts, giving to none but those who ask. I presume there have been six thousand applications at the house. Some come two or three months' journey from the borders of Siam and China--'Sir, we hear that there is an eternal hell. We are afraid of it. Do give us a writing that will tell us how to escape it.' Others come from the frontiers of Kathay, an hundred miles north of Ava--'Sir, we have seen a writing that tells about an eternal God. Are you the man that gives away such writings? If so, pray give us one, for we want to know the truth before we die.' Others come from the interior of the country, where the name of Jesus Christ is little known--'Are you Jesus Christ's man? Give us a writing that tells us about Jesus Christ (quoted on pages 33-34).'

What a God He is to triumph over suffering for the glory of His name. What a God He is who takes regular people and makes them "Jesus Christ's man." I hope to be one some day.

A Quest for More: Part 1

2009-07-06T13:29:00.004-04:00

At Double Springs Baptist church, we are studying through Paul Tripp's helpful book A Quest for More. Over the next several weeks, I will provide a chapter by chapter summary for this class. Today we begin with chapter 1.

Chapter 1 discusses the desire in all people to be a part of something big. He calls this a desire for transcendence; that is, "a craving to be a part of something bigger, greater, and more profound than our relatively meaningless day-to-day existence (p. 14)." Sadly, however, the tendency in our hearts is to live for self-satisfaction and self-survival. Herein lies a tension. On the one hand, we feel a desire to be a part of something big. On the other hand, we relentlessly pursue our selfish and small agendas, which produces a good deal of frustration.

Tripp does not ignore or condemn our desire for transcendence; he explains it in terms of our original creation. In Genesis 1-2 it is apparent that Adam and Eve were not created for themselves. They were created for God. Another word for this experience used is glory. Drawing from the creation account, Tripp closes this with a discussion of 4 spheres of glory that are meant to bring "life-shaping focus" to all humans. The first, and most obvious, is God glory. Life does not define life. God defines life. We are created to see, know, and experience life in primarily in relation to God. Second, we are created for the glory of stewardship. Adam and Eve were "resident managers" in God's creation and so are we. We do not own our "stuff" in any true sense. God has entrusted us with such gifts to care for as an act of worship to him. Third, we are created for community glory. It was not good for Adam to be alone. He was designed to live with another in service for the glory of God. This truth extends to our relationships today. Our relationships are not merely about our relationships. Rather our relationships are part of a bigger story--God's story. Finally, we are created for truth glory. Thath is, we are dependent on God for direction, wisdom, and a right interpretation of our lives. Just like Adam and Eve--who opted to get truth from another source--our tendency to to look elsewhere for wisdom.

These f0ur areas of glory give shape and challenge to our lives. At every point we are tempted to forsake the greater for the lesser. And we shrink the size of our lives to the size of our lives. This book is about pursuing a different path--a godward path toward the glory for which we were created.

Reacting to One

2009-07-02T14:30:00.002-04:00

I was around twenty years old when I met him. Preacher Hooker, as we affectionately called him, was a tall yet gentle man. I loved how he still adored his wife after all their years together, and I loved how he seemed so gentle while remaining a man of conviction.

He was not always this way. At least that is what he used to tell us. I still remember how his voice would tremble as he spoke his past struggle with anger, and I remember the look on his face when he spoke of the lessons he learned. One particular lesson stuck with me. He would say, "I just determined never to be a reaction to some one's action." That is, the actions of other people would not be what determined how he lived his life. They would not set the emotional agenda for him.

Over the years this quote kept me from a lot of self-inflicted pain. It is a great quote. And it is almost right. I do not say "almost" because I disagree; I just want to go a step beyond. So, I say almost for this reason: while other people are not meant to set the emotional agenda for me, there is one person who should--Jesus. I am made to be a reaction to he supreme action of self-sacrifice on the cross. My motivations, plans, and actions are meant to be a response of love to his motivation, plan, and action. Paul says it like this, "For the love of Christ compels us, because we have concluded this: that one died for all, therefore all died; and he died for all that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised (2 Cor. 5:14-15)."

So wherever you are today. Don't live a life of reaction to every body's actions. Live as a reaction to his action and watch his grace work as his kingdom expands.

Are you satisfied?

2009-07-01T16:36:00.003-04:00

Some quotes never get old. Time and time again God uses them to snap us back to reality. The following quote does that for me. It comes from a man named J. Campbell White who was the founder of the Layman's Missionary Movement. He said:

Most men are not satisfied with the permanent output of their lives. Nothing can wholly satisfy the life of Christ within his followers except the adoption of Christ's purpose toward the world he came to redeem. Fame, pleasure and riches are but husks and ashes in contrast with the boundless and abiding joy of working with God for the fulfillment of his eternal plans. The men who are putting everything into Christ's undertaking are getting out of life its sweetest and most priceless rewards (quoted in John Piper, When I Don't Desire God, 229).

I hope that we will not be satisfied with anything less than the boundless joy of working with God for the fulfilment of his mission.

Sanballet or Barnabas: whose voice do you have?

2009-06-30T15:04:00.002-04:00

I am studying Nehemiah 4 for this week's sermon. While looking at the first few verses I was reminded of the power and potential of our words. As work continues on the wall project, the enemies are increasingly angered. Specifically Sanballet was "angry and greatly enraged (v.1)." It is interesting that his initial attack is talk. Because he is enraged, he "jeered at the Jews." He knew that if they were discouraged and if their confidence in God faltered, the work would stop. So he set out on a path to "jeer" them into submission.

On one level it seems silly. Talk should not stop construction. But for anyone who has been hurt by the words of another, we know how a well-timed insult can lay us on the floor. Even though we know this, this kind of talk still fills our relationships and hinders our families and churches. We get angry; we lash out; and the work of God in our lives suffers.

How much better would it be to follow the pattern of Barnabas? When the Gospel spread to the Gentiles, the church sent Barnabas to check it out. Barnabas was "a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith (Acts 11:24)." He went into the church and the first thing that he noticed was grace, which made him glad (v. 23). How many times do you walk into your home or church with eyes that are trained by grace looking for evidence of grace. He probably saw all sorts of less than ideal conditions in the church, but he noticed grace. Thus he was able to "exhort them all to remain faithful to the Lord with steadfast purpose (v. 23)." And "a great many people were added to the Lord (v. 24)."

Do you see the difference? One man used his voice in a vain attempt to stop the work of the Lord; they other to expand it. Every day we have the same opportunity. God has given us a powerful tool by giving us a voice. We can use if for good or evil--to build up or destroy. Perhaps today we will look for ways that God can use our tongues to expand His work in the lives of people. Perhaps today we will forsake words that destroy others and hinder grace. The power of good and evil resides in the tongue. How will you use it?

SBC WRAP-UP

2009-06-29T14:03:00.002-04:00

Now that the convention is over, it seemed like a good idea to give my purely subjective reflections on last week's events.

First, it is a good time to be a part of the SBC family. There was a good spirit around the convention. There are, of course, exceptions to the rule (more on that in a moment). But for the most part there was an uncommon unity among the brethren.

Second, the creation of the Great Commission Task Force was a much needed step in the process of becoming a Great Commission denomination. The most contested part of this resolution called for an evaluation of SBC entities to check our efficiency and effectiveness for the gospel. This is a necessary step for both churches and denominations to take to ensure good stewardship and faithfulness to the mission. No one is above correction and improvement. If there is a more effective way to do our part in the Great Commission, let's do it. Evidently the messengers felt the same way and passed the resolution by more than 95%.

Third, the SBC is filled with godly, inspiring leaders. I could literally give countless examples, but I will limit my comments to three men. Johny Hunt was re-elected as president. Throughout our time in Kentucky he was a model of humble courage. For example, during his pastor's conference message, Dr. Hunt shared how he spoke harshly to a man when he arrived. Feeling convicted, he hunted the man down until he could ask forgiveness. That is the kind of leader I want to follow--a somebody who is concerned about the nobodies. Danny Akin--the president of the greatest seminary in the world--did much of the same. In the weeks leading up to the convention, Dr. Akin received much criticism for his part in the Great Commission resurgence movement. Yet, he never displayed the anger and bitterness that often arise when one is unfairly attacked. Instead he displayed a faith based optimism that was truly amazing. In fact, one person even called him a "happy warrior." Mark Dever provided a model of a servant's heart. Dr. Dever is pastor of Capital Hill Baptist Church in Washington D.C. He has written numerous books and serves as president of Nine Marks Ministry. Although he is a high-profile pastor, he spent most of his time at the Nine Marks booth talking to all comers. As I watched, I thought, "He would do this if no one knew who he was." And judging from the amount of ministry inters he has, I believe that he does. Humble, courageous, and loving servants inspire me to serve in the same way.

Finally, sin is a constant force to battle in movements for good. Unfortunately, some messengers came to the convention ticked, and it showed in their motions. From angry rants to sinful name calling, they were a black-eye on an otherwise joyful gathering. Things like this are a reminder of the constant need to watch our all-too-sinful hearts (Prov. 4:23). It is also a call to patience. We are all still in process and have much to learn. As God is patient with us, so let us be patient with others.

I thank God for this opportunity and for the church family that made it possible. I want to serve the Lord with more zeal than when I left. I have a deeper desire to see God transform lives and our church by his glorious grace. And I pray that these lessons will stay with us as we stay on mission for the king.

Devastated

2009-06-22T23:20:00.003-04:00

David Platt left the convention breathless tonight. The first five minutes of his message was the quotation of Scripture. Then he explained Hebrews 13 mixed with passionate stories from the mission field. He asked, "Are you going to die in your religion or die in your devotion?" It was like God stabbed me in the heart, and I was not alone.

What followed was amazing. The leaders of the conference decided to take an offering for world missions, because we have a major shortfall. When all was said and done, the conference took up $43,000 dollars for world missions tonight.

I saw first hand the way God devastates us with the word and then cleanses us and sends us into action. There is so much going on in my heart that I can barely sleep. I pray that I will never be the same, that our family will never be the same, and that our church will never be the same. To God be the glory. Amen!

A Warning for Double Springs Baptist Church

2009-06-22T13:48:00.002-04:00

Warning: God is dealing with your pastor. The first two sessions of the convention have been great. Last night J.D. Greear, Mac Brunson, and Chuck Colson challenged us to repent of traditionalism and engage the business of making disciples.

This morning Ed Stetzer dropped an atomic bomb on the convention by calling us to unity in love for the common cause of evangelism. His message was followed by Francis Chan who told the moving story of planting a church, leaving that church, and returning. He shared with us how the picture of our churches often does not match the picture of the church in Acts. One illustration was particularly moving. A gang leader was saved at the church. (The church is located in a part of Cal. where there is a heavy gang population). The man was baptized but then did not come back. Later the pastor found out that the man was disappointed with church, because he thought it would be a family like his gang used to be. The pastor said, "It is sad when gangs resemble the church of the NT more than the church." You can imagine the silence in the room. The final message was by a man named Tom Eliff. He shared a moving story and called for forgiveness. It was one of the most remarkable services that I have been a part of for a long time. I may get the DVD for our church to watch.

The time away is a blessing. Thank you for making this trip possible. I thank God for you and for a wife who will watch the kids by herself while I am gone. God is better to me than I deserve. He is speaking to me. Over the last few weeks, we have been grieved by God over the state of Christianity in McMinn County. All over our area churches, pastors, and people are hurting. Now God is asking us: What are you going to do about it? How will we join God in this great work? Stayed tuned, because I know that God will supply the answers that we need.

It's Gooooooooooooood!

2009-06-17T21:19:00.001-04:00

Be honest. Whose daughter is this? You know that you are cute when you can make spaghetti this good!

Great quotes from a great man

2009-06-17T13:14:00.002-04:00

Richard Sibbs, a great Puritan, wrote a famous little book called The Bruised Reed. Here is a few juicy quotes. (All quotes are from the Banner of Truth edition, reprinted 2005). If you can, get it and read it.

"[t]here is more mercy in Christ than sin in us (13)."
"A Christian conquers, even when he is conquered. When he is conquered by some sins, he gets victory over others more dangerous, such as spiritual pride and security (95)."
"The happiness of weaker things stand in being ruled by stronger. It is best for a blind man to be guided by him that has sight. It is best for sheep, other feckless creatures, to be guided by man. And it is happiest for man to be guided by Christ, because his government is so victorious that it frees us from the fear and danger of our greatest enemies, and tends to bring us to the greatest happiness that our nature is capable of. This should make us rejoice when Christ reigns in us (108)."

I was late today, and I loved it!

2009-06-17T12:25:00.002-04:00

If you know me, you know that I hate being late. So the title might shock you. I was late to work today. I was, in fact, a few hours behind schedule. Usually such things throw me into a panic. We are all busy people with busy lives. We have deadlines to meet and people to see. Things need to get done. So, to lose a couple of hours usually leads to worry (that is saying it kindly).

But I am not worried. I am not anxious. I am not ticked. Instead I rejoice. I rejoice because I was late for a good--I might even say great--reason. I was invited to attend a time of prayer and bible study this morning. I was not sure what to expect. I was not even sure that I wanted to go, but I am glad that I did. In the presence of these men, my soul was refreshed by God. They helped, encouraged, and inspired.

It reminded me that God wants us to experience community. We are social creatures who are made to engage first with God and then with others. Just consider the various "one another" passages in the NT. We are to "live in harmony with one another (Rom. 12:16)," to "teach and admonish one another (Col. 3:13)," to" accept one another (Rom. 15:7)," to "stir up one another to love and good works (Heb. 10:24)," just to name a few.

Technically speaking this is fellowship. Biblical fellowship is something greater than the meal we have in the "fellowship hall." It is a gift of the Spirit that based on our common fellowship with God. It mirrors the divine fellowship within the Trinity, and through it we enjoy the common blessings of our salvation.

That is why our church is committed to seek God's direction for the creation of authentic, biblical community. It is a gift that we need and a work worth pursuing.

I was late today. I am behind schedule, and I bless God for it. He loved me to much to let me feel alone. He wanted me to experience Christian fellowship. Thank you, Jesus. You give me more than I deserve.

Sorry we are experiencing technical difficulties

2009-06-16T15:38:00.002-04:00

My computer is not working today. I hope to have new stuff tommorrow.

"Daddy, was that just pretend?"

2009-06-15T14:09:00.005-04:00

Yesterday we observed communion. As always it was a beautiful and powerful reminder of the life-giving, life-shaping work of Christ on our behalf.

After church we spent some time at my mother-in-law's swimming pool. I was sitting in a chair as the boys played. Suddenly, Joshua asked a random question. "Daddy, was that just pretend today?" Confused I responded, "What do you mean?" He said, "Were you just pretending that the grape juice was blood?"

Now I understood. Our observance left him confused. So he asked a profoundly theological question. He wondered if our worship service was like a game he would play-- except for grown ups. In one sense, we did pretend. We were not actually in the upper room, and we were not physically present with Jesus. In another sense, however, it was not pretend at all. It was a living reminder superintended by the spiritual presence of Christ that called us to renewal and consecration. In other words, our service was not detached from reality, but a reminder of what is most important. It was a time for Jesus to call us from our sin to repentance, faith, and mission. Yes, my son the grape juice was not blood, but no, my son, I was not just pretending.

I understand his confusion and rejoice at his question. But I hope that it is not glimpse of the future. Let me explain. I fear that many look at the Christian church and ask, "Are you pretending?" Sadly there are many times that our faith appears like nothing more than a game we play as "good church going people." It is a trap that is hard to avoid. But then God in his great love provides for us the Lord's Supper to remind us of the the reality of Christ's sacrifice as well as the preciousness of our salvation and the urgency of His mission. We are not pretending; we are pilgrims on our way home. May our lives reflect that reality in all spheres of life!

Ouch!

2009-06-11T13:57:00.000-04:00