In 1980's being a rock Star meant you figuratively owned the world. Stars were idolized based on a bands popularity. Flowing from their singing or screaming was also a sense of fashion and appearance. Athletes picked up on the whole star thing and they had a guy named Micheal Jordan who led the charge in creating the star mentality for sports figures that surpassed anything up till then. We forget that all along there have been stars - real stars! Some reading this will remember Roger Staubach. Others will go way back to a few coaches like Tom Landry or Vince Lombardi. Stars have been around in all facets of life. We all admire somebody for some reason.
We are drawn to these figures today as we were once drawn to cartoons. Batman, Superman, Spider Man, and even the Hulk were characters that we would emulate as youngsters. My life was confined to basically three stars: Roger Staubach, Nolan Ryan and The FBI! Leading a comeback, striking out the side, and cuffing and stuffing. I picked those three for a reason. Each of them stood and still stand for something of value. Yes each were good at what they did. But there was a character quality about each that drove me to respect and admire them. So strong was this quality that I would pretend as I young boy that was in certain situations and my reactions to such were just like these three. Granted, these were the days when the only video game was a white ball going back and forth across the screen.
Fast forward to 2013 and something interesting is taking place. Mass publicity for years has highlighted the rock stars, the athletes, and the movie stars. Since the 90's these have been the "heroes" of many. Social media and reality TV have escalated their popularity. These figures developed a growing influence of our culture as they spoke out in favor or opposition of their desired interest. Much of the crazy ideas of today stem from a group that makes millions off of publicity. Truth be known, their talents and brain power are limited. But there is a change in the air. This change seems to be gaining steam as we see the truth that publicity often hid in the past, being exposed by mere over exposure. I actually love the irony.
I can sense as I scan Facebook and Twitter this new air blowing. First responders are growing in admiration and appreciation. Our men and women in uniform are admired and cheered for. Those who buckle it up and get it done day in and day out are miraculously becoming heroes. They should have been all along. People see the difference between those who promote and those who actually care and do. The millions made and flaunted by punk type people who would have a difficult time qualifying for any other type of work is about to reach a point of push back. The inside realities of these narcissist cannot compete with people who put their lives on the line daily because they value more than money and fame. Today's growing heroes are people who value life and freedom. They value it enough to do something about it. Politicians cannot escape this new air that is blowing. The truth is slowly but surely being seen. And the reality is gripping every age group. Blowhards will always be there sucking our money and ideas. But heroes are real people who do amazing real things.
The remaining ingredient for this new air to become mature is simple. When we all step back and realize that money and fame are nothing and that life and family are everything, we will rediscover one of the most precious missing values over the past 20 years. The ugly world we live in today, that will be even more ugly tomorrow, requires this simple value of life and reality. For when money and fame cannot be found, values show us what has been important all along. They remind us that we are here for a reason - to reach people with the gospel. They motivate us to action when lives are threatened. Values when present, drive us in positive directions that grow and build. Values give life and create freedom for life.
I read today an article about Tim Tebow. Much is being said in reference to his love for ministry and sharing Jesus. Often Christians have chided those who have ridiculed his treatment in the NFL. But this article highlighted the real issues that Tebow must deal with in regard to skill and knowledge. Now that he has been released, his promotion is limited. And it is now that we will see if Tebow can stand up and do what must be done to maintain his NFL career or not. The reality of all of this slams into our faces - though Tebow accomplished some great things in college and has been faithful in ministry, is he the person who can learn and grow to become a real NFL QB? Or is Tebow like the many before him who through publicity and promotion have hid the truth about his skills/weaknesses only to become a media frenzy with limited accomplishment. Only time will tell.
And guess what? Each of us are in the same spot today. Only time will tell what is the real truth about our values and character. Publicity fades. Promotion lacks real perspective. Self promotion is seldom accurate and often purposefully done to prevent the truth from being shown.
Time reveals the truth in each of us.
And that is a BIG DIFFERENCE!
Blogging for the purpose of Spiritual Growth and Edification
Showing posts with label The Work of the Ministry. Show all posts
Showing posts with label The Work of the Ministry. Show all posts
Tuesday, April 30, 2013
Friday, April 26, 2013
The disconnect of knowledge and change!
I read. I read a lot. I read everything from my Bible, to books, to articles, to sports stats, to cartoons. I read a lot! So I got to thinking last night. Does one need to be careful to not read too much? Are there dangers in reading too much? This I thought on all night and most of today. Indeed there may be something to this thought. Allow me to show you.
#1 Reading can never be underestimated. Reading sharpens our thinking and keeps our brain learning. Reading is healthy. But this only occurs based on the content of what one reads. If I dive into a Louis L'Amour classic western, I am reading for entertainment. I may be thinking, but the thoughts are not requiring much analysis and reason. There is little to apply with this type of reading. And yet, reading for entertainment is good and fun. But too much defeats the purpose.
#2. Reading for information sake is also fun. This is why I read 20 to 30 articles a day. I try to stay informed and learn. But here is a trap. If I only use one type of source for this reading, my learning is not complete. One type of source never ever gets the whole picture. So for a guy as conservative as I am, I read even liberal stuff. Why? I want to see the big picture. I want to learn how and why people think the way they do. What makes a person tick. There is value in learning this. But caution must be used in applying this new found information. Just because I know something doesn't mean anything about me or my abilities. I just know. Big deal. Arrogance of knowledge is a dangerous trap! Knowledge without the understanding to apply is real dangerous. And don't forget, knowing what is good, right, bad, and evil, can be even more difficult.
#3 Reading to change. Now this hurts. When one reads to change, one reads with the idea of instant interaction. This is how we should approach our Bible reading. If, when reading the Bible, all we get is information, no change will occur for the good. But when we read and apply, asking God to change us through His Word, life change occurs in us. And this type of change is so needed.
Of the above three, #3 is the one most needed today. With all the resources available and the push for people to read more, we Pastors really need to highlight #3 in our promotion and encouragement. If we take the first 2 and miss #3 we miss God. If we use the approaches of the first 2 with the Bible and do not apply #3, we are missing God changing us. God is not impressed with how much we know about Him. God desires our transformation - change - in Him!
Technology has allowed me to read more books than I would have ever dreamed. I can read thoughts of people from all over the world instantaneously, but none of that will change me like God can through His Word. Nothing is life giving as the Word of God. And this is what we all need most.
So here is a simple challenge from me to you - take out your Bible. Put away all the other stuff. Ask God to change you via what you are about to read. And dive into the greatest book in all of history, past present and future! The Bible will reconnect knowledge and change in your life. And this connection will be worth more than you will ever dream!
#1 Reading can never be underestimated. Reading sharpens our thinking and keeps our brain learning. Reading is healthy. But this only occurs based on the content of what one reads. If I dive into a Louis L'Amour classic western, I am reading for entertainment. I may be thinking, but the thoughts are not requiring much analysis and reason. There is little to apply with this type of reading. And yet, reading for entertainment is good and fun. But too much defeats the purpose.
#2. Reading for information sake is also fun. This is why I read 20 to 30 articles a day. I try to stay informed and learn. But here is a trap. If I only use one type of source for this reading, my learning is not complete. One type of source never ever gets the whole picture. So for a guy as conservative as I am, I read even liberal stuff. Why? I want to see the big picture. I want to learn how and why people think the way they do. What makes a person tick. There is value in learning this. But caution must be used in applying this new found information. Just because I know something doesn't mean anything about me or my abilities. I just know. Big deal. Arrogance of knowledge is a dangerous trap! Knowledge without the understanding to apply is real dangerous. And don't forget, knowing what is good, right, bad, and evil, can be even more difficult.
#3 Reading to change. Now this hurts. When one reads to change, one reads with the idea of instant interaction. This is how we should approach our Bible reading. If, when reading the Bible, all we get is information, no change will occur for the good. But when we read and apply, asking God to change us through His Word, life change occurs in us. And this type of change is so needed.
Of the above three, #3 is the one most needed today. With all the resources available and the push for people to read more, we Pastors really need to highlight #3 in our promotion and encouragement. If we take the first 2 and miss #3 we miss God. If we use the approaches of the first 2 with the Bible and do not apply #3, we are missing God changing us. God is not impressed with how much we know about Him. God desires our transformation - change - in Him!
Technology has allowed me to read more books than I would have ever dreamed. I can read thoughts of people from all over the world instantaneously, but none of that will change me like God can through His Word. Nothing is life giving as the Word of God. And this is what we all need most.
So here is a simple challenge from me to you - take out your Bible. Put away all the other stuff. Ask God to change you via what you are about to read. And dive into the greatest book in all of history, past present and future! The Bible will reconnect knowledge and change in your life. And this connection will be worth more than you will ever dream!
Tuesday, November 13, 2012
Speaking the TRUTH in todays America (Series)
Part 1
Over the past week I have made clear my perception of today's America - it is not pretty. In noting this, the simple fact that the change we are seeing did not occur overnight was also front and center. So now we must ask the question as Christians trying to reach people in this new era of "neo-anything can be truth" culture, HOW?
American Christians have perfected the speech approach to teaching. Even in our social media use can be found the clear and often blunt ugly use of this method in telling people what is wrong with their ideology and where they will go because of it. We make our points well yet we are failing to impress or influence even a few. It is time we seek to understand the needed approach required if we are to really make a difference today.
And for many Christians, this is going to be a tough road to travel!
Our learning begins with some simple facts. People without Jesus, do not have a foundation that we can build upon. People without Jesus, need Jesus first! Never should we compromise the truth with anyone. But understanding that only in a relationship with Jesus is the foundation upon which truth is built can we expect any glimmer of accomplishing lasting life change. This is Biblical truth. Hard to realize that we Christians must first accept a truth before we expect others to do the same. But this is a must. The journey begins with this hurdle at the starting line.
Many American churches are facilitating this hurdle by abandoning Evangelistic outreach endeavors. We talk much about reaching the nations. Preaching to the nations is the new modern day battle cry! A simple analysis of our current trends in methods and thoughts on evangelism reveal that we are doing little to reach individual people regardless of the intent of the battle cry. The popular growth of Reformed Theology and the New Calvinism of our day are not helping either. The more this spreads the fewer people that will be reached. Sharing Jesus is the beginning. It is more than preaching/teaching. Sharing Jesus is more than telling someone to turn or burn. Sharing Jesus is sharing Jesus story and what He did for all of us. It is making it clear that Jesus offers a free gift called salvation to all who will receive. The gift is offered, but we each must chose to accept or reject.
Rom 6:23
Rom 5:8
8 But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
(NKJ)
Over the past week I have made clear my perception of today's America - it is not pretty. In noting this, the simple fact that the change we are seeing did not occur overnight was also front and center. So now we must ask the question as Christians trying to reach people in this new era of "neo-anything can be truth" culture, HOW?
American Christians have perfected the speech approach to teaching. Even in our social media use can be found the clear and often blunt ugly use of this method in telling people what is wrong with their ideology and where they will go because of it. We make our points well yet we are failing to impress or influence even a few. It is time we seek to understand the needed approach required if we are to really make a difference today.
And for many Christians, this is going to be a tough road to travel!
Our learning begins with some simple facts. People without Jesus, do not have a foundation that we can build upon. People without Jesus, need Jesus first! Never should we compromise the truth with anyone. But understanding that only in a relationship with Jesus is the foundation upon which truth is built can we expect any glimmer of accomplishing lasting life change. This is Biblical truth. Hard to realize that we Christians must first accept a truth before we expect others to do the same. But this is a must. The journey begins with this hurdle at the starting line.
Many American churches are facilitating this hurdle by abandoning Evangelistic outreach endeavors. We talk much about reaching the nations. Preaching to the nations is the new modern day battle cry! A simple analysis of our current trends in methods and thoughts on evangelism reveal that we are doing little to reach individual people regardless of the intent of the battle cry. The popular growth of Reformed Theology and the New Calvinism of our day are not helping either. The more this spreads the fewer people that will be reached. Sharing Jesus is the beginning. It is more than preaching/teaching. Sharing Jesus is more than telling someone to turn or burn. Sharing Jesus is sharing Jesus story and what He did for all of us. It is making it clear that Jesus offers a free gift called salvation to all who will receive. The gift is offered, but we each must chose to accept or reject.
Rom 6:23
For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
(NKJ)
(NKJ)
Rom 5:8
8 But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
(NKJ)
Sharing truth requires each of us who know Christ to begin sharing His truth. It is not turn or burn. It is begging and pleading with people to see what God did for them in His Son Jesus. It is sharing the love of God for all people regardless of where they have been or what they have done! It is leaving the judging to God while living as one changed so as not to cause anyone to stumble so that the message of Gods love in Christ, can be seen and thus received.
This is the starting point! No moral or political change is possible of lasting value without Jesus first!
Wednesday, November 7, 2012
Nothing has changed - only more clear!
Tuesday night did not show any kind of a change. I am sorry for those who have wasted energy and emotions thinking that something changed. I truly am. The problem is now more clear than ever - America has been changing for years and we tried to deny it. In fact, we neglected it! Tuesdays results are the by product of the already changed America. And it is NOT a political change that has occurred.
Now what will we do about it?
Christians must realize quickly that elections ARE NOT our hope. Never have been and never will be! My sixteen year old has now seen more anti-God Government in his life time than somewhat pro God Government. Think about that for a moment. This is not a new situation - it has been brewing for some time - since the 1940's. The change has been occurring. It is now just clearly being seen!
The problem?
American Christianity has been the keeper and builder of the club rather than be on mission doing what God called us here to do. I looked at the political maps last night and today and I realized something - they mirror the American churches. We do not reach and have not reached the other people groups that God has sent to us. And our society is showing this in a clear way! Angry conservatives who tell people how to live will NOT change lives. Angry Christians will not open doors for sharing Jesus with self righteous talk and name calling. Our speech by the way is suppose to draw people to Jesus, NOT "push" them away. Our cries from fear and frustration are only more signs that we are NOT sold out to the mission that God placed us here for. We should be salt and light living lives showing agape love to all! This we have NOT done!
The people of this generation ARE NOT being discipled nor reached! We as Christians have not sought to love them and to make a difference in their lives. Even the Bible belt of America is seeing the gap narrow.
This coming Sunday I will be dealing with this subject in a straight forward way! The message will be available here for anyone who cares to see what we as American Christians MUST change.
I just pray we do!
Why?
Our current generation is living, and thus will die, without Jesus! Hell will be their eternal place!
And that is breaking my heart!
Now what will we do about it?
Christians must realize quickly that elections ARE NOT our hope. Never have been and never will be! My sixteen year old has now seen more anti-God Government in his life time than somewhat pro God Government. Think about that for a moment. This is not a new situation - it has been brewing for some time - since the 1940's. The change has been occurring. It is now just clearly being seen!
The problem?
American Christianity has been the keeper and builder of the club rather than be on mission doing what God called us here to do. I looked at the political maps last night and today and I realized something - they mirror the American churches. We do not reach and have not reached the other people groups that God has sent to us. And our society is showing this in a clear way! Angry conservatives who tell people how to live will NOT change lives. Angry Christians will not open doors for sharing Jesus with self righteous talk and name calling. Our speech by the way is suppose to draw people to Jesus, NOT "push" them away. Our cries from fear and frustration are only more signs that we are NOT sold out to the mission that God placed us here for. We should be salt and light living lives showing agape love to all! This we have NOT done!
The people of this generation ARE NOT being discipled nor reached! We as Christians have not sought to love them and to make a difference in their lives. Even the Bible belt of America is seeing the gap narrow.
This coming Sunday I will be dealing with this subject in a straight forward way! The message will be available here for anyone who cares to see what we as American Christians MUST change.
I just pray we do!
Why?
Our current generation is living, and thus will die, without Jesus! Hell will be their eternal place!
And that is breaking my heart!
Thursday, October 18, 2012
Religion and Politics - At Critical Mass
It has now become clear that the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association has taken themselves down a dangerous path for political reasons. The web site for BGEA has made a major change. It is a sad change and one that we who believe the Bible and understand the true Gospel of Jesus Christ need to note and speak against.
The BGEA has now removed the Mormon church being listed as a cult!
It is a sad day in the waning years of the evangelists life to see such political posturing rise above the life message of the Gospel that has been faithfully preached for many years. I had so thought that Dr. Billy Graham would finish strong and show the world a strong modern example of such. I think that day has come to an end.
Mormonism is NOT Evangelical and it never will be. The way a Mormon believes they will enter heaven is totally different that what the Bible says - and the Bible is the authority on such! I realize that politics in America is at a critical point. I realize that America is being thrown down the tube by the current administration. I know that this election is the first of many tough ones for Christians in America. We failed to reach our nation and payment time has arrived. But politics should never shape Theology!
I have placed my allegiance to and in the person of Jesus Christ - the one and only Savior. It is only through repentance of sin and acceptance of Jesus as Lord and Savior that a person can find eternal life with God in heaven. And Americas need for a political change does not, nor can it change that fact. Mormonism is a cult. It does not teach the true Gospel of Jesus Christ. I am called to preach Jesus, and Jesus alone. My political views do not change my theology.
Christians need to be extremely careful! When we alter our convictions for our desired political gains, we lose more than a political victory!
I rank Mitt Romney way above President Obama in a political perspective. I want President Obama defeated in this election.
But I will NOT change nor stray from the Gospel of Jesus Christ nor will I lesson my declaration of the application of the Gospel of Jesus Christ for the mere token of political gain!
This I cannot and will NOT do!
Jesus is the Lord and I will NOT sell Him out over anything!
The BGEA has now removed the Mormon church being listed as a cult!
It is a sad day in the waning years of the evangelists life to see such political posturing rise above the life message of the Gospel that has been faithfully preached for many years. I had so thought that Dr. Billy Graham would finish strong and show the world a strong modern example of such. I think that day has come to an end.
Mormonism is NOT Evangelical and it never will be. The way a Mormon believes they will enter heaven is totally different that what the Bible says - and the Bible is the authority on such! I realize that politics in America is at a critical point. I realize that America is being thrown down the tube by the current administration. I know that this election is the first of many tough ones for Christians in America. We failed to reach our nation and payment time has arrived. But politics should never shape Theology!
I have placed my allegiance to and in the person of Jesus Christ - the one and only Savior. It is only through repentance of sin and acceptance of Jesus as Lord and Savior that a person can find eternal life with God in heaven. And Americas need for a political change does not, nor can it change that fact. Mormonism is a cult. It does not teach the true Gospel of Jesus Christ. I am called to preach Jesus, and Jesus alone. My political views do not change my theology.
Christians need to be extremely careful! When we alter our convictions for our desired political gains, we lose more than a political victory!
I rank Mitt Romney way above President Obama in a political perspective. I want President Obama defeated in this election.
But I will NOT change nor stray from the Gospel of Jesus Christ nor will I lesson my declaration of the application of the Gospel of Jesus Christ for the mere token of political gain!
This I cannot and will NOT do!
Jesus is the Lord and I will NOT sell Him out over anything!
Saturday, August 28, 2010
Which group are you in?
The idea of grouping people is just as natural as rain and sunshine. Each one of us possess certain qualities and approaches to life. There will be others in this life who are similar to us and thus a group for identity sake etc. is easy to form.
In Nehemiah chapter 3 we see a listing of many who put their bodies to work. The state of Jerusalem was horrible. As Nehemiah had been called by God to lead out in the rebuilding of this city (and more) we are given a specific list of those who worked and what that work was. Also mentioned in this chapter is a group of people who WOULD NOT WORK.
No one could deny the state of the city. No one could deny that something had to be done. But how could a group of people with a background such as "nobles" sit and watch while others jumped in and went to work? Is there a lesson here?
Sure!
There will always be those who do nothing. The nobles could have done long before Nehemiah. They could have prevented the much of the decay. They could have used their influence to rally the people long before Nehemiah chapter 3. But instead they did nothing and continued doing nothing.
You and I are in groups naturally. The key for our growing life with Christ is to make sure that we are NOT in the do nothing group! I would rather be a stepping stone than stumbling block! I would rather be part of the solution than to be a mere critic on the sidelines doing nothing and helping no one.
Which group are you in?
In Nehemiah chapter 3 we see a listing of many who put their bodies to work. The state of Jerusalem was horrible. As Nehemiah had been called by God to lead out in the rebuilding of this city (and more) we are given a specific list of those who worked and what that work was. Also mentioned in this chapter is a group of people who WOULD NOT WORK.
No one could deny the state of the city. No one could deny that something had to be done. But how could a group of people with a background such as "nobles" sit and watch while others jumped in and went to work? Is there a lesson here?
Sure!
There will always be those who do nothing. The nobles could have done long before Nehemiah. They could have prevented the much of the decay. They could have used their influence to rally the people long before Nehemiah chapter 3. But instead they did nothing and continued doing nothing.
You and I are in groups naturally. The key for our growing life with Christ is to make sure that we are NOT in the do nothing group! I would rather be a stepping stone than stumbling block! I would rather be part of the solution than to be a mere critic on the sidelines doing nothing and helping no one.
Which group are you in?
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