Frustration. Joy. Anger. Wonder. Disappointment. Excitement.
All of these things are profound realities in our lives. We live in this world that is filled with extreme pain and failure as well as moments of such ecstasy that we can hardly contain them. Being that our world is “fallen” because of sin, we live with these polar opposites. All is not as it should be in the world. However, by the power of the cross, we have/and are: been made into new creatures, being sanctified by the Holy Spirit and will one day meet Christ in the complete fulfillment of His glory.
Yet, we are left with these opposites in the now.
Sunday evening in our Adult Disciple Group, we watched an interesting discussion with best-selling author Donald Miller and theology professors Dan Allender and Tremper Longman. Honestly, I must admit that the discussion created more “discussion” among our group of 13 than I would have thought. It was candid and challenging to hear what was happening in our midst. A few of the highlights (at least the ones that really stood out to me) were:
-God works in the desert places of our life. In fact, it is often in the desert that the Gospel
is most fulfilled in our lives
-There is no hope for ultimate fulfillment in this life (we live "east of Eden")
-The struggle we have in this life is that “we” want to be in control and we will go along with God's plans as long as they meet what I want
-We are tempted to misread the Bible as, merely, a self-help book
-If we are not careful we become the very thing that God hates – legalists. Believing that if we do certain things, then God is obligated to bless us.
-The life of Job and so many other faithful followers of God leave us with many unanswered questions about living in this life
-It is frustrating when we encounter folks that have “false expectations” of God and we have met them in those times where they have asked us, “If God is good, why did He let that happen?!” (We struggle with how to answer)
-We struggle over the fact that we believe that if we can get those we care about to church (we tell people, “If you come it will help you.”) then maybe they will get fixed
-We mourn over those same people when they finally come to church and their lives do not get better and they leave. (They must be thinking: “I tried God and he didn't work.”)
-We fear that perhaps we are the ones causing people to have false expectations and it even causes us to not want to say anything at all!
Whew! These are some big issues that we kicked around last night. The discussion did not leave us with merely being depressed because our “discussers” turned the conversation in reminding us that we are called to “fear God” and to understand that our hope is in the resurrection of Christ.
Yes, we have many unanswered questions. Yes, we struggle when things are difficult. Yes, we fail to have the “right” answers when asked tough questions. Yet, it seems to me that many in the room Sunday night have come to learn in the midst of all those realities that Jesus and His Grace are sufficient.
Why? Because we have come to understand the perspective we must have about our lives as shared by Dan Allender. The starting point of our lives is to understand that we are not the creator but the creature. We live “east of Eden” because of sin and left in that sin, we will continue to be apart from God. In that condition, the might, loving God acts on our behalf to justify us through His Son.
Practically speaking, we have to remind ourselves to what are we inviting people. Yes, we want them to come and be apart of Arabi Baptist Church. However, what we really want is for them to come and follow Jesus in the forgiveness of sin. We know that anything the people we care about substitute for Jesus will fail them. We are not always completely sure that what we think or have to say to them will be right. However, Peter, James, John, Stephen, Irenaeus, Caedmon, Augustine, Martin Luther, John Wesley, Charles Spurgeon, Dwight Moody, Lottie Moon, Billy Graham, and generation after generation of followers of Christ have been convinced that the Gospel is enough and it is worth going to great lengths in order to communicate in this painful, joyful, frustrating and wonderful world!
“Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful.” Hebrews 10:23
Monday, November 30, 2009
Monday, October 19, 2009
Fellowship in Fun
"And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works"
Hebrews 10:24
"Old" (i.e. the older members participating) and young moved across with the field with joy and excitment. Runners strove up the baselines with intensity. Batters swung for the gate. Throws were made-some taking their spots while others were errant. Runs were scored. And laughter was heard all around.
Saturday was a fantastic time together for those who gathered for the church-wide softball game. It had been many years since a softball game had actually taken place on our old field. I am sure that memories flooded the minds of those that participated in church league games years ago. For one moment, the old competitive juices flowed again in a game that led to a final score of 23-22.
As we played together on Saturday, we were reminded of the simple joy of just being together and being a part of an activity that allowed us to enjoy one another. You can't help but wonder why such things are not more a part of our regular fellowship. It is in those times that we get to see things about each other that we have never seen before. We are able to "let our hair down" and laugh and run and smile. It is in that fellowship together that we enjoy one another and are glad that we are a part of each other's lives.
In those moments we recognize how much we love each other and are glad that we are in each others lives.
In the midst of sore muscles and funny attempts to recover old sports glory, we are surrounded by the joy of being part of the church. We see God's good gift of laughter and friendship and sport.
We see that fellowship is often the choice to be together. Yes - we can be doing something else with our Saturdays. Yes - we can be somewhere else. Yes - when we are together like that, we wonder, perhaps, why we have not sought that fellowship sooner and more often. (I am sure some who woke up on Sunday mornign know why it has been a long time?)
As I headed off toward Savannah on Saturday evening after the softball game and cookout, I was truly happy. I was glad to have been in Arabi, Georgia with an incredibly fun group of people. I was glad that their was joy and love in our midst. I was touched by the sweet memory of a group of people that surrounded me and prayed for me as I would go and preach to another sister congregation. It all communicated to me-we are together and it is good.
Hebrews 10:24
"Old" (i.e. the older members participating) and young moved across with the field with joy and excitment. Runners strove up the baselines with intensity. Batters swung for the gate. Throws were made-some taking their spots while others were errant. Runs were scored. And laughter was heard all around.
Saturday was a fantastic time together for those who gathered for the church-wide softball game. It had been many years since a softball game had actually taken place on our old field. I am sure that memories flooded the minds of those that participated in church league games years ago. For one moment, the old competitive juices flowed again in a game that led to a final score of 23-22.
As we played together on Saturday, we were reminded of the simple joy of just being together and being a part of an activity that allowed us to enjoy one another. You can't help but wonder why such things are not more a part of our regular fellowship. It is in those times that we get to see things about each other that we have never seen before. We are able to "let our hair down" and laugh and run and smile. It is in that fellowship together that we enjoy one another and are glad that we are a part of each other's lives.
In those moments we recognize how much we love each other and are glad that we are in each others lives.
In the midst of sore muscles and funny attempts to recover old sports glory, we are surrounded by the joy of being part of the church. We see God's good gift of laughter and friendship and sport.
We see that fellowship is often the choice to be together. Yes - we can be doing something else with our Saturdays. Yes - we can be somewhere else. Yes - when we are together like that, we wonder, perhaps, why we have not sought that fellowship sooner and more often. (I am sure some who woke up on Sunday mornign know why it has been a long time?)
As I headed off toward Savannah on Saturday evening after the softball game and cookout, I was truly happy. I was glad to have been in Arabi, Georgia with an incredibly fun group of people. I was glad that their was joy and love in our midst. I was touched by the sweet memory of a group of people that surrounded me and prayed for me as I would go and preach to another sister congregation. It all communicated to me-we are together and it is good.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
The Prayers of Charles Spurgeon's Mother
"Now, Lord, if my children go on in their sins, it will not be from ignorance that they perish, and my soul must bear a swift witness against them at the day of judgment if they lay not hold of Christ." -Eliza Jarvis Spurgeon
My mother said to me, one day, "Ah, Charles! I often prayed the Lord to make you a Christian, but I never asked that you might become a Baptist." I could not resist the temptation to reply, "Ah, mother ! the Lord has answered your prayer with His usual bounty, and given you exceeding abundantly above what you asked or thought."
My mother said to me, one day, "Ah, Charles! I often prayed the Lord to make you a Christian, but I never asked that you might become a Baptist." I could not resist the temptation to reply, "Ah, mother ! the Lord has answered your prayer with His usual bounty, and given you exceeding abundantly above what you asked or thought."
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Lay Renewal Training, Glen Sheppard and the Discipline of Evangelism
Hello everyone! Hope you are having a great Tuesday.
I am quite thankful to everyone that participated in our Preparation Group Training this past Sunday. Leaders, you should be getting a card in the mail encouraging you to take the following two steps: 1)Reviewing and Assessing what your team will need to accomplish and 2) planning your first meeting with your team. Just a reminder, if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact our General Chairperson(s), Tracy & Kathryn Walls or myself.
Our Preparation Group Leaders are: Prayer Group - Pam Dollar & Kathy Bradford, Communication Group - Connie Still & W.L. Farmer, Publicity Group - Pat Story & Jacqueline Evans, Coffee Group - Lonnie & Melissa Nelms, Food Group - Gary & Dennette McDaniel & Cheris Gardner
Please don't forget this Wednesday Night Activities.
6:30 Supper for Youth and Children
7:00 Adult Prayer and Praise, Youth Group, Mission Kids
I would implore everyone to make to Wednesday Night Prayer a priority as we prepare for for our upcoming Lay Renewal!
Glenn Sheppard of International Prayer ministries has been in Revival services this week at Ebenezer Baptist Church. I heard him last night and yesterday morning. He said something to a group of pastors that really got my attention.
"Evangelism is done first in the closet of intercession with brokennesss over the lost condition of people."
Recently, I have been reading a book by Patrick Morley on Spiritual Disciplines. He shares how he has shared Christ with many people, especially men over the past several years. He tells how many have told him that he must have the "gift" of evangelism. He states,
"I don't. It's true that I do a lot of evangelism, but I do it as an act of discipline. Evangelism is not my natural interest, nor my spiritual gifting. I do it because of the following declaration by Jesus, our Master: 'You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; an you will be my witnesses...(Acts 1:7-8).
"Clearly from this verse, part of what it means to be a disciple is to be a witness--either by gifting or by discipline. So I look at this verse and say to myself, 'I am willing to substitute discipline for a lack of natural interest." I do this for Jesus. I also do it for the men [to which I minister]." (emphasis added)
Hope everyone has a great evening. Look forward to seeing you Wednesday Night.
Rodney
I am quite thankful to everyone that participated in our Preparation Group Training this past Sunday. Leaders, you should be getting a card in the mail encouraging you to take the following two steps: 1)Reviewing and Assessing what your team will need to accomplish and 2) planning your first meeting with your team. Just a reminder, if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact our General Chairperson(s), Tracy & Kathryn Walls or myself.
Our Preparation Group Leaders are: Prayer Group - Pam Dollar & Kathy Bradford, Communication Group - Connie Still & W.L. Farmer, Publicity Group - Pat Story & Jacqueline Evans, Coffee Group - Lonnie & Melissa Nelms, Food Group - Gary & Dennette McDaniel & Cheris Gardner
Please don't forget this Wednesday Night Activities.
6:30 Supper for Youth and Children
7:00 Adult Prayer and Praise, Youth Group, Mission Kids
I would implore everyone to make to Wednesday Night Prayer a priority as we prepare for for our upcoming Lay Renewal!
Glenn Sheppard of International Prayer ministries has been in Revival services this week at Ebenezer Baptist Church. I heard him last night and yesterday morning. He said something to a group of pastors that really got my attention.
"Evangelism is done first in the closet of intercession with brokennesss over the lost condition of people."
Recently, I have been reading a book by Patrick Morley on Spiritual Disciplines. He shares how he has shared Christ with many people, especially men over the past several years. He tells how many have told him that he must have the "gift" of evangelism. He states,
"I don't. It's true that I do a lot of evangelism, but I do it as an act of discipline. Evangelism is not my natural interest, nor my spiritual gifting. I do it because of the following declaration by Jesus, our Master: 'You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; an you will be my witnesses...(Acts 1:7-8).
"Clearly from this verse, part of what it means to be a disciple is to be a witness--either by gifting or by discipline. So I look at this verse and say to myself, 'I am willing to substitute discipline for a lack of natural interest." I do this for Jesus. I also do it for the men [to which I minister]." (emphasis added)
Hope everyone has a great evening. Look forward to seeing you Wednesday Night.
Rodney
Monday, August 24, 2009
Listening for the Glory of God
Sunday Morning, Katie Schrader did a wonderful interpretive sign that led us to think on the freedom that we have in Christ. As I watched Katie sign, I was struck by the wonderful movement and sound of the music and the power of the song's message. After the song was complete, I was ready to continue worshipping in my role of preaching and teaching as I hope that those who heard were ready to worship God through listening to His word read and exposed.
I off-handedly remarked that as we have a “Summer Reading Festival” (with the purpose of reading books to help us love Jesus more), perhaps we should begin a music or listening festival (with the purpose of listening to music hat helps us love Jesus more)!
In Seminary, I came to really appreciate the ministry of Professor Chip Stam. He was both a great teacher and worship leader. I had the good blessing to attend Clifton Baptist Church where he lead our congregation in, what he called, the singing of worship. His teaching helped me to gain a bigger understanding of the practice of worship. In congregational worship, worship is more than the singing. We worship when we read and listen to the reading of Scripture. We worship as lead and listen to prayer. We worship as we give our financial resources. We worship as we spend some moments in quiet meditation. We worship as we greet those around us in love. We worship as we leave the congregational meeting to go out and live faithfully for Christ.
Chip Stam taught me that worship is more than just the singing part of the congregational gathering and we should see each element as such.
Professor Stam also taught me to be thoughtful as I listened to and sang the music during worship. What are the words teaching me about Christ? What biblical texts are the words moving toward for further reflection? Am I experiencing the love or correction or faithfulness or holiness or greatness or etc. or etc. of God as I sing? Is the music helping me to love Christ more?
All the music we listen to causes us to think about something. Jimmy Buffet enjoys leading us to think of drinking a lot. Toby Keith leads us to think about “me, I , #1” or how America is going to kick the tails of terrorists. Snoop Dog leads us to think about illegal activities. Why is this? Songs have a message.
I believe that is why we should consistently listen to music that helps us think biblically about Jesus and encourages us to love him more and live more faithfully.
Here’s a few albums that have helped me do just that recently.
Bob Kauflin, Upward: The Bob Kauflin Hymns Project and Worship God Live
(available at www.sovereigngracemusic.com/albums ) Bob is Worship Leader at Covenant Life Church in Gaithersburg, MD. He was involved in the early Contemporary Christian Music scene with the group Glad. He has a great worship blog, which you can read at http://www.worshipmatter.com/ The hymns album is older songs with new arrangements and the Live album gives you a feel for worship a Covenant Life Church.
Keith Green, Greatest Hits
Keith sang in the late 70’s, early 80’s. His songs still sound fresh after all these years. His songs are both worshipful and challenging. He has the most interesting voice and is a great piano player. He died in a plane crash in 1982 at the age of 28. My kids love his music!
dcTalk, Jesus Freak
dcTalk was one of the first Christian rap groups. However, this album took the group in a more decidedly “rock” direction. In 2006, a 10th anniversary addition of the album was released.
Sara Groves, Tell Me What You Know
This is one of the most thoughtful albums I have every heard. “When the Saints” and “Song for my Sons” are two of the most powerful songs I have ever heard. She has a real acoustic, folksy sound.
Caedmon’s Call, Overdressed
Again, thoughtful music in a very acoustic/pop sound. There songs never fail to help me worship and think about the Lord.
You can hear examples of these songs on the Internet by either checking them out at the artist websites or at other places.
I off-handedly remarked that as we have a “Summer Reading Festival” (with the purpose of reading books to help us love Jesus more), perhaps we should begin a music or listening festival (with the purpose of listening to music hat helps us love Jesus more)!
In Seminary, I came to really appreciate the ministry of Professor Chip Stam. He was both a great teacher and worship leader. I had the good blessing to attend Clifton Baptist Church where he lead our congregation in, what he called, the singing of worship. His teaching helped me to gain a bigger understanding of the practice of worship. In congregational worship, worship is more than the singing. We worship when we read and listen to the reading of Scripture. We worship as lead and listen to prayer. We worship as we give our financial resources. We worship as we spend some moments in quiet meditation. We worship as we greet those around us in love. We worship as we leave the congregational meeting to go out and live faithfully for Christ.
Chip Stam taught me that worship is more than just the singing part of the congregational gathering and we should see each element as such.
Professor Stam also taught me to be thoughtful as I listened to and sang the music during worship. What are the words teaching me about Christ? What biblical texts are the words moving toward for further reflection? Am I experiencing the love or correction or faithfulness or holiness or greatness or etc. or etc. of God as I sing? Is the music helping me to love Christ more?
All the music we listen to causes us to think about something. Jimmy Buffet enjoys leading us to think of drinking a lot. Toby Keith leads us to think about “me, I , #1” or how America is going to kick the tails of terrorists. Snoop Dog leads us to think about illegal activities. Why is this? Songs have a message.
I believe that is why we should consistently listen to music that helps us think biblically about Jesus and encourages us to love him more and live more faithfully.
Here’s a few albums that have helped me do just that recently.
Bob Kauflin, Upward: The Bob Kauflin Hymns Project and Worship God Live
(available at www.sovereigngracemusic.com/albums ) Bob is Worship Leader at Covenant Life Church in Gaithersburg, MD. He was involved in the early Contemporary Christian Music scene with the group Glad. He has a great worship blog, which you can read at http://www.worshipmatter.com/ The hymns album is older songs with new arrangements and the Live album gives you a feel for worship a Covenant Life Church.
Keith Green, Greatest Hits
Keith sang in the late 70’s, early 80’s. His songs still sound fresh after all these years. His songs are both worshipful and challenging. He has the most interesting voice and is a great piano player. He died in a plane crash in 1982 at the age of 28. My kids love his music!
dcTalk, Jesus Freak
dcTalk was one of the first Christian rap groups. However, this album took the group in a more decidedly “rock” direction. In 2006, a 10th anniversary addition of the album was released.
Sara Groves, Tell Me What You Know
This is one of the most thoughtful albums I have every heard. “When the Saints” and “Song for my Sons” are two of the most powerful songs I have ever heard. She has a real acoustic, folksy sound.
Caedmon’s Call, Overdressed
Again, thoughtful music in a very acoustic/pop sound. There songs never fail to help me worship and think about the Lord.
You can hear examples of these songs on the Internet by either checking them out at the artist websites or at other places.
Just wanted to remind everyone that on this Wednesday, the adults will be participating in GO Outreach. Looking to write a few cards, make some phone calls, but mostly looking for folks willing to GO out and deliver cupcakes to some folks and invite them to church or Sunday School. Look forward to seeing you on Wednesday!
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