Worth part II

We had Fusion last night…it’s our student ministry worship time. The message was on Matthew 13:44-46, the story/parable on the Kingdom. Here is a couple of points that was made about the passage.

A. The Kingdom Is Priceless: Christ and His Kingdom are a treasure that is rich beyond comparison: it is incorruptible, undefiled, and eternal. That treasure is lying in the field of this poverty-stricken, accursed world, and is sufficient to eternally enrich every one of the earth’s poor, miserable, blind, and naked inhabitants.

B. The Kingdom Is Not  Visible: In the parable of the pearl, the merchant had to search for the pearl. Searching requires for us to not just expect it to be easy, but expect us to look for God (If you seek Me you will find Me-Jer. 29:13).

C. The Kingdom Is deem fitting to one self: Before a person can personally find  the Kingdom fitting, he must come to the point where he sees the value of the Kingdom. God has offered something of true value to men, yet it’s incredible the extremes people go to find things that are worthless.

D. The Kingdom Is The Source Of Joy: The farmer in the field sold EVERYTHING to require the field with the treasure. Check out John 15:11 and 1 John 1:4…

E. The Kingdom Is Entered Under Different Circumstances: Some stumbles into God’s Kingdom and some searches for the Kingdom. Farmer stumbles while working in the field. The merchant traveled and searched for the pearl

F. The Kingdom Is Made Personal By A Transaction: It was bought by God through Jesus. It will cost an exchanged of your life for God’s life. Luke 9:57-62

-excerpts from www.biblebb.com/files/mac/sg2303.htm .

From here i came up with some questions that we dived into. You might want to answer them for your self.

1. Would you rather have something that is flawless or with flaws but it looks really good? (ex. hoop-tee ride with 22″ rims)
2. Why do we want the easy button in life? Why do we expect to have it or everything should be?
3. Why is it easier to look for people to reach out to when the outreach have been organized, but in everyday life we don’t bother to look? (ex. mission trip vs school)
4. Why do we pursue happiness rather than joy?
5. Why do we say we are Christians when we don’t want to lose our life? (ex. live for His pleasure rather than your pleasure)

God is good.

Just the other day I ate dinner over at a friends house. He is a student pastor at a near buy Church (Hello Grant) and graciously  invite my family for some incredible healthy food…and it was the jank! We shared stories and our experiences in ministry. After dinner, during scraw-berry-showt-cake, he asked about my story-how I had come into ministry. His response to my life and how I feel about God was summed into one thing: God is good. So fast forward a bit (many weeks) and I had stumbled on this great Word. I hope you devour it and may the goodness of God transform our hearts.

You can read straight from Mark Driscoll blog here or read below.

The Forbearance of God

Charles Spurgeon

The Prince of Preachers

Romans 2:4—”Or do you presume on the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that God’s kindness is meant to lead you to repentance?”

It is an instance of divine condescension that the Lord reasons with men, and asks this question, and others like it (Isa. 1:5, 55:2; Jer. 3:4, Ezek. 33:11).

God not only acts kindly to sinners, but when they misuse his kindness he labors to set them right (Isa. 1:18, Hosea 11:8).

It is a sad thing that any who have seen God’s judgments on others, and have escaped themselves, should draw from this special mercy a reason for adding sin to sin (Jer. 3:8).

Honor God’s Goodness and Mercy

1. A reverent sense of it will be a sure safeguard against taking it for granted.
   • Goodness which has put up with past sin (Ps. 78:38)
   • Forbearance which bears with us in the present (Ps. 103:10).
   • Long-suffering which, in the future as in the past and the present, is prepared to bear with the guilty (Luke 13:7-9)

It is manifested to us in a threefold form:

2. It is manifested in great abundance: “riches of his goodness.”
   • Riches of mercies bestowed, temporal and spiritual (Ps. 68:19)
   • Riches of kindness seen in gracious deliverance, measured by evils averted which might have befallen us, such as sickness, poverty, insanity, death, and hell (Ps. 86:13)
   • Riches of grace promised and provided for all needs.
3. It is manifested in its excellence by four considerations:
   • The person who shows it. It is “the goodness of God” who is omniscient to see sin, just to hate it, powerful to punish it, yet patient towards the sinner (Ps. 145:8).
   • The being who receives it. It is dealt out to man, a guilty, insignificant, base, provoking, ungrateful being. (Gen. 6:6)
   • The conduct to which it is a reply. It is love’s response to sin. Often God forbears, though sins are many, wanton, aggravated, daring, repeated (Mal 3:6).
   • The blessings which it brings. Life, daily bread, health, gospel, Holy Spirit, new birth, hope of heaven (Ps. 68:19).
4. It has been in a measure manifested to you. “Do youpresume?”

Unstoppable:Purpose part II

Coming from you via Heredia, Costa Rica.

I like games. Banana Grams is now my favorite. I also like board games like Monopoly and Sorry. What about “hide and go seek.” Man…that game was played long ago (Adam and Eve). We all play games, but when we get older we play them in a different way. Let me explain further.

4 ways we treat life like a game:

1.    God WANTS me to be happy. Try tell that to Andrew & Philip from the Bible. You know that same guys in John 12. Both did what they were suppose to do when it came to living out the faith, but it left them beat and crucified.  That doesn’t sound like a happy ending, or even a happy good o’ day. People nowadays say, “well God wants me  to be happy, or God wants me to not be like that…He loves me and would never ask me to do that.” That my friend is a lie and is NO WHERE in the Bible. Our call in life is to love God’s people and walk in obedience to what God wants. When  Andrew was being crucified history says He said, “When I come nearer to the cross I become nearer to God. When I am farther from the cross I remain farther from God.” Sounds like he knew true happiness is being completely satisfied in God not himself. (Phil. 3:7-11)

2.    We make our OWN Jesus. I see this a lot inside the church but as well as NOT in the Church-with people who know enough of God to be dangerous. We tend to play the  ”just enough” card. When things are good we do it big but when the line must be drawn we rather make another Jesus and call it ours. I’ve heard many people say, “God loves me and forgives me, all the while making a habit of sinning with preconceived  intentions. Sometimes it’s more like “The Bible says I need to take care of  my family 1st”  which is true but not at the cost of your relationship with God. That my friend is #1, family is #2. We play this game very well because we use scripture against its self when it comes for us to do something that we disagree with. Here is an example: Teenagers are rebelling and marriage is struggling. So you drop out of church to fix this all the while YOU have not ever included Jesus nor led your family in discipleship (you left that up to the pastor at your church). So instead of pouring into your family the love of Jesus you retreat to the lake for some R and R. There is a cost to following Jesus. In Luke 9:57-62, you have some people who come to Jesus wanting to follow Him. He tells them that when you follow Him it’s not going to be comfortable nor peachy, but you will have the joy of being with Him. There is a cost to following Him as well as a line drawn. I think the guys who approached Jesus in the above text wanted their own Jesus. Jesus said he doesn’t play games, and if you want to follow me-follow me.

2 down and 2 to go. Stay tuned…

Costa Rica update 2.0

Thoughts from Costa Rica:

As we left  Evans toward Atlanta (with a one stop in Dallas/Miami) it was creating an excitement that couldn’t be described  or contained in words. Wouldn’t you know it, 18 hours later, the excitement of heading to Costa Rica had died down-once my bags got misplaced and the baggage claim had turned into a shelter for a group of 24 Georgians.So much for the easy road. So after the red bag with the “light from heaven shining over it” was recouped, the trek to the community of San Raphel started.

Work detail started Thursday morning with the moving of dirt across a lot with an old beat up wheel barrel. Matt, Kenny, Drew, Tyler, and myself did major work with what we had. Kenny surprised us with his amazing shoveling skills/eating an earth worm skills and Carlos, a 5-year-old child who followed us everywhere, always wanting to help. The ladies organized rooms, scrubbed the center, and helped Scott replace and work on electric wires. Good workday.

Kids start to arrive with the anticipation like what I had on Christmas morning growing up as a kid. Games, swirling, holding, chasing, and everything you can imagine takes place once the kids show up at LaRoca. The times are not exactly but usually between 12-4pm with the teens showing up after 6pm as well. The sounds in the streets were now filled with laughter.

On Saturday, soccer or rather futbol games were held from 9-12 noon with Hotdogs at the center to follow. Looking out among the children you can spot the one Kim Rogers wants to adopt, to have the Blind Side version -Costa Rica style. Later that day, the ladies took over 30 young girls for a hair, nail, and glitter make over called Princess Time, while the boys played basketball and skate boarding in the streets.  With the young girls roaming around looking like there just stepped out of a movie, the boys are now bouncing the balls and sweating like young men. LaRoca is booming with over 100 people today.

With 4 full days a head, I think it’s time for some sleep now. Pray for hearts transformed by the Good News of the Gospel for it is not just good news, but GREAT news.

ONEprayer: Purpose

There is a movement among a few churches…well, more than an 800,000. Our Church is participating in this movement over the summer. I was asked by our Lead Pastor to preach a sermon on this ONE Prayer theme- Unstoppable. During the next few posts, I will share my thoughts on my message. May God stir your heart and reveal His ways to you.

ONEprayer 2010

Unstoppable PURPOSE

Being there…

Well…I haven’t wrote a blog in a minute (slang for a while).  So this Monday morning is as good of a day as ever to start back.  I was thinking about the whole “being there” deal.  Do you know what that is?  Let me explain.

I once was eating lunch with a friend of mine name Josh who was lending me some encouragement about me feeling as if I am so scattered.  Maybe you are like me…I often get very uneasy when I have to be everywhere.  I do many things that keep me from focusing on one singular object or task. I don’t have ADD so it’s not that, it’s when I get pulled different directions (not me pulling in those directions). Josh told me to be there when I was there.  Meaning, always be myself and give that situation/thing all the attention it needs, then at the end of the day, you can look anyone in the eye and hold your head high.

Where ever you are, be there.

Re-post: Tebow lost but found

I love this story and reminded of this as Tebow has followed me all afternoon around the house. Got to say…he is a cool dog.

I often chat about pursuing “something.”  Whether that “something” is stuff, emotions, or people, you really don’t stop pursuing if you want it bad.  My life’s thesis is loving Jesus, loving others, and pursuing both.  I’m about pursing the “both.” Sometimes I forget what that means…until yesterday.

I have a dog named Tebow.  He is a blab, which means he is part beagle and lab.  Really, he just looks like a tall beagle …but we still love him.  Diana and I adopted  him from the South Augusta animal shelter about a year and a half ago. The spots on his face cover that sneaky little grin, all the while, his bark sounds like a broken one.  He is still our dog.  He is still our responsibility.  He is loved very much.

We had just installed our storm door and let the dogs in.  Peja, our 120lb Rottweiler  mix, lead the way with the charge through that NEW storm door.  Crash!!  They busted the door off the hinges…and the dogs were loose!  Peja loves her daddy (ME) so she came straight to me.  Tebow on the other hand, looked at me and in total disregard of that $125 puppy training, took off through the neighborhood. I ran after him but couldn’t catch him…it’s hard with flip-flops on.  Three and a half hours later…still no Tebow.

I was in the process of making a $500 reward.  Can you tell that I love my dog?  I went to every house and told them I had a missing dog.  I had walked through woods, ran on paved roads, drove for hours with the windows down, went to door to door with dripping sweat, and called a group of teenagers to help me look.  Still no Tebow.

Then all of a sudden…a little head poked out of the bushes across the street  of our subdivision (1/3 mile away) on the main hwy…at rush hour.  I didn’t even look both ways before crossing.  I just ran to him (my wife and mother in love were calling for him) and picked him up.  My nice dress shirt was now sweaty and very dirty, but I had my dog-Tebow.

I didn’t give up looking for Tebow and was willing to pay to have my dog back with me.  I know for some people they may think this is not a big deal.  Having a lost dog is part of life.  Giving up money and lots of time for something that has run away seems to be not worth it.  Pursing something and risking “what others think of you” is too great of a loss to be without. It is not worth it some will say.

I must disagree.  God pursued us. God payed the debt of our rebellion through the death of Jesus-the Cross.  Jesus didn’t care that people made fun of Him, He was NEVER ashamed of us.  He not have liked what we did or were doing, but He was NEVER ashamed.  He was beaten, dirty from blood and spit, and  tasted death so we don’t have to.  But, when He finds you…what joy is displayed from earth all the way to heaven.  The angels even reflect His joy! What was lost, is now found!

For today’s Church, It is always worth risking it all so that many can know Him.  When we are not ashamed of a God who pleaser is to bind the broken-we are drawn to His heart. When we  love the lost and those who are not found-we are drawn to His heart. When we make a big deal out the pursing of the people God payed for through the giving of His Son- we are drawn to His heart.

Was it worth it?  Yes. Would a I do it again?  You betcha.

Check it out!

Hey everyone. Go check out Nick Carnes new post . It’s good…and basic.  The last time I checked Jesus was basic in his teachings.  He spoke and said practical words to the audience. If you need proof, read the 4 Gospels.  Check out Nick’s blog.

3. Jesus Empowered (Mark 6:7) “And he [Jesus] called his twelve disciples together and began sending them out two by two, giving them authority…”
Jesus had a specific mission he was here to fulfill, but part of that mission did not include him staying here physically to fulfill every role himself. He empowered and trusted the people he mobilized to join him to carry the mission out. He gave them all the authority they needed to accomplish the mission he called them to. I think the deadliest problem in the church today is “leaders” who micromanage every detail of the church. They have to know everything that’s happening and they have to have their fingerprints on it. Jesus gave his people the ability to carry out his mission without standing beside them holding their hand…and yes…they failed and they messed up…but he kept teaching them and preparing them for the day they would not have him. At New Passion we desire to empower our leaders & volunteers to fulfill the role we entrust to them.

To Follow You: part IV

Counting the cost not the lost.

1.   When something crazy happens in our life, our first view is to dwell in the lost. In what ways have that happen to you?

2.   Is there any good?

Luke 5:27-32, story cont…

Not much is known about Levi-Matthew’s ministry after the Ascension of Jesus. Some say he was preaching in Ethiopia and in Persia, another said he went to Syria and Macedonia. The Church proclaims him a martyr but Clement of Alexandria claims that he died a natural death.

Whatever Levi-Matthew did after the Ascension of Jesus, he did it for the Jesus who called him from a life as an outcast to a life as one of Apostles. Matthew alone reports the visit of the tribute collectors for the tax. His telling of the story includes Jesus’ lesson to Peter (Matthew 17:24-27).

Matthew also includes the parable of the eleventh hour laborers, even to the details of the oral labor contract (Matthew 20:1-16). Matthew even gives the details of Judas’ contract for the betrayal of Jesus, details interesting to a tax collector (Matthew 27:3-10).  He tells the parable of the unrighteous servant (Matthew 18:23-35) and also the story of the tenants who were ungrateful (Matthew 21:33-46). If that isn’t enough…Matthew can relate to the parable of the king’s wedding banquet (Matthew 22:1-14).

Finally, Matthew is the only writer to include this quote from Jesus, “Come unto me, all who labor and are heavy-laden and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me; for I am gentle and lowly of heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” If there is anyone with first hand experience it has to be Levi the tax collector.

Levi notices the reflection of compassion and grace in Jesus’ eyes. The acceptance and love that Christ showed that day transformed the lonely tax collector into a passionate follower.  He counted the cost and not the lost.  He knew what Jesus (God) did and was doing for him could and did surpass his desires. It changed his desire from what he could get to what He did.  May we count the cost (Cross) and not the lost (our life and desires).

1. Why don’t we just GO and DO what it is that God calls us to?
2. Do you find your self-weighing the options of pleasing people vs. God?

The Cross should be the weighing factor in our every move because it bought us from the destruction of sin.

To Follow You: part III

Saturday 2^nd break (Lunch/12:30ish)

The Journey through the thorns

1.   Have anyone been stuck by thorns?

2.   In what serious condition?

Luke 5:27-32, story cont…

Levi threw a party at his house. Lots of tax collectors and others came…Jesus brought his crew as well. Just thinking out loud, Levi being wealthy probably knew how to throw a nice shindig. His boys were just like him, outcasts who only hung with each other.  Partying was very good around his parts and was very easy to do.  Maybe Levi had another motive in this get together. Maybe he and Jesus chatted about “how they can reach his friends…or the out cast.” That sounds familiar doesn’t it (Student Ministry concept)?

So the party took place and was a hit, except for the party crashers (Pharisees and teacher of the law) who seem to be at every place like reverse groupies.  Can you imagine the stares? Imagine being “horrible” and now you come in the light…and people were now staring at you and giving you very dirty looks worst than before. It wasn’t just the “good people” (Jews and teachers), but now the people you use to hang with.  They call you a sell out and try to persuade you to join the ranks again.  It was a tough call for Levi. A tough situation with thorns now on every side of him…closing in quick.

I like how he handled the situation at the get together. Oops, he didn’t really handle it.  Jesus did the handling.  He told the opposition (even the disciples that were following) that he didn’t come to call the righteous but the sinners to repentance. In other words…THAT’S MY PEOPLE, THE ONES WHO CAN’T GET IT TOGETHER! Jesus wants those who are willing to trade their lives for something far greater (not easier).  Matthew knew his desires had to be let go and NEW desires had to be in its place.

1. In what ways are there thorns in your life that keeps you from reaching in the direction that Jesus is calling you? (Is it a certain group of friends, family, job, hobbies, etc?)

2. We need to stay focus…remember when HE called us, when HE chose us, and when HE defends us.  Jesus wanted us.  May we be spurred by that.