Job Hunting

Well, I finished my Master's degree at Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary last week, and graduated on Saturday. Feel's great to be finished with this leg of the journey and I'm really excited about what God has next. No idea what that is, but excited none the less. I would like to ask you be to in prayer for my next step in life and ministry. Resumes are flying out to churches that look promising, I'm filling out applications at several online universities in which I hope to teach Bible, Theology, and Christian Philosophy in an adjunct role, the hand is healing slowly, and God has been really working on my contentment. I'm reading through the book of Ruth for my devotions, and I'm seeing an amazing picture of how Jesus is the ultimate redeemer of all things. Life is really good right now, summer is on it's way, and it's all good. Please keep me in your prayers as you go about your life the next few weeks, and thanks to all who follow the teaching/preaching on iTunes. If you happen to hear of any churches looking to hire, or have any suggestions for college/universities I could apply to, please shoot me an email. God bless!

Resurrection Week

This Sunday is Easter, the time we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus from the dead. The 28th chapter in the book of Matthew gives us an amazing account of Jesus’ resurrection from the dead. Jesus’ resurrection confirms His identity as the only true Savior and that, His accomplishment at the cross was accepted by God the Father.

Matthew doesn’t give us the explicit way in which Jesus rose from the tomb, but what he does make clear is that Jesus had risen. As the women approach the tomb (v.1), we see an angel descending from heaven, with an appearance like lightning and clothes that were as white as snow, touching down on the ground with a great earthquake, rolling back the stone and then sitting on top of it (vv.2-3)–not so Jesus could get out of the tomb–but so the women, the guards, the disciples, and the entire world could go in and see for themselves that the tomb was indeed empty.

The angel becomes the first messenger to proclaim the news that Jesus had in-fact risen from death (vv.4-7). As I look at this account, I think about how cool it must have been for the angel to get this call. I’m sure there are many cool jobs that angels could do, but this one had to be the mother of all assignments. Imagine that God calls you and says, “You have the task of announcing the Resurrection of my Son, Jesus Christ.” How awesome would that be? Yet, for those who God regenerates and saves, He also gives this same assignment of proclaiming the resurrection of Jesus. Sometimes we can get wrapped up in the “supernatural accounts” found in the Scriptures of other great heroes (angels, disciples, etc.) but we need to remember that while those accounts are cool, God has given us the same call to be witnesses of the greatest event in human history…the resurrection of Jesus.

After hearing the testimony from the angel about Jesus’ resurrection, the women take off to tell and proclaim the great news to the disciples (vv.7-8). Jesus then meets them on their way to prove the testimony of His resurrection. The women are so overcome with joy that they physically fall down in worship, grabbing hold of His feet. They experienced the physical, resurrected body of Jesus. They didn’t just see Him, but they touched Him as well. Jesus accepts their worship, acknowledging that He was in-fact deity, receiving worship as God. He allows the women to put Him in the place of ultimate in their lives, something only God would allow, further signifying that He truly is the God-man, the Savior, the Messiah, the One.

Notice also that the angel doesn’t point to himself as the one they should want to see, but Jesus. It’s not the miracles of healing in our lives, the appearance of angels, the testimonies of witnesses that we should focus on, it’s Jesus. He is the one we should be chasing after, the one we should desire to see, the one we should desire to follow and serve. Every human heart has a natural hunger for something more than this world and life. Even if we don’t understand what that desire is or realize the impact it has in our life, it’s still there. Only Jesus can fill this hunger. The reason Jesus died was so that we might live, and the reason He rose again was so that we might serve a risen, victorious Savior.

This Easter, I hope that you can see the truth found in Scripture about Jesus. I want to experience what the women and disciples experienced! I want to know that Jesus has risen, that He is available, that He wants to show Himself to me. Do you want to see Him, to touch and experience Him? The great news is that the tomb is empty, the testimony has gone out, and Jesus has revealed Himself to the world. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to meet Him and become a witness to the most amazing miracle–the miracle that out miracles every other miracle in human history. Happy Resurrection Week!

The Journey to Jesus

Life...from start to finish it’s the most important game any of us will ever play. But what are the rules? How do we win? Do we get any “do-overs”? The answers to these questions may surprise you! No matter where you are across the board, as Christians we need to know how to navigate the ups, downs, twists, turns, and learn how to win the Game of Life!

I believe the answer is Jesus! Jesus Christ is the only person in history who completely reveals salvation to us. He provides the way to forgiveness of sin, reconciliation to a Holy, Sovereign God, and gives us unlimited do-overs in this game of life.

The question I would like to ask you today is, “What kind of Journey have you been on?”

Go ahead and turn in your Bibles to Jeremiah 17. Here is a little recap of Jeremiah- The people of Judah at this time had been turning to false gods and foreign alliances for protection. Instead of trusting God, they chose to turn to worldly, selfish things. They were not on a Journey to Jesus! So, Jeremiah contrasts the way of the wicked with the way of the righteous.

Jeremiah 17:5-8- Thus says the Lord: “Cursed is the man who trusts in man and makes flesh his strength, whose heart turns away from the Lord. He is like a shrub in the desert, and shall not see any good come. He shall dwell in the parched places of the wilderness,in an uninhabited salt land. “Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord. He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream,and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit.”

The essential truth God wants us to take hold of if we are going to be on The Journey to Jesus is:

We cannot trust in both God and…(Luke 16:13)
If we turn to anything (a person, spouse, child, etc.), we intentionally turn away from God. We all must make a choice of who or what we will serve.

So how do we stay focused on this Journey called life? I believe the Bible explains what we must do if we want to stay on mission and finish well. We must realize:

1) It All Begins With Jesus (Colossians 1:15-20).

2) Focusing On Ourselves Will Never Reveal God’s Will
(Romans 12:1-3).

3) We Were Made By God And For God (Ephesians 4:17-24).
Until we understand this, life will never make sense.

Result- Jesus is not just the starting point of our lives; He is the source of life. To discover our purpose in this life we must turn to God’s Word (the Bible), because it is the instruction manual, given to us by God, on how to have purpose in our lives. Scripture gives us three insights into our purpose:

1) We find our identity through a relationship with Jesus
(Ephesians 1:11-12).

2) God called to us long before we ever called to Him
(Romans 8:29-30).

3) Without Jesus, there is no forgiveness of sin
(Romans 5:8-11 & Acts 4:10-12).

Closing- The person who accepts Jesus is blessed because his trust and confidence is in Christ. The person who trusts Jesus will be given the gift of faith, they will find their purpose, their lives will be full of strength, grace, and mercy, we know this because the Bible clearly states in Jeremiah 29:11- “For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” If you haven’t put your Full trust in Jesus Christ today, would you make Him your priority this morning? If you do- He will show you the purpose of your life, He will help you better enjoy this Journey we call life, and He will guide and direct you to the greatest, game-winning finish you could ever possibly imagine.

When a Church Cares

Over the last two weeks, we’ve talked about why we as a church worship and why we need to pray. With those questions answered, it’s important to see that another of the characteristics of a true church that represents Jesus is that it really does care.

The church in Philippi really cared for Paul. This church was the first church Paul planted in Europe. They cared so much about him that they sent him money while he was in prison in Rome. He had probably already thanked them for the gift, but in our Scripture today, we see that he ends his personal letter to the church with a reference to their care for him and what it had meant to him.

Philippians 4:10-20- I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at last you have renewed your care for me. You were, in fact, concerned about me, but lacked the opportunity to show it. I don't say this out of need, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know both how to have a little, and I know how to have a lot. In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of being content—whether well-fed or hungry, whether in abundance or in need. I am able to do all things through Him who strengthens me. Still, you did well by sharing with me in my hardship. And you, Philippians, know that in the early days of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving except you alone. For even in Thessalonica you sent gifts for my need several times. Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that is increasing to your account. But I have received everything in full, and I have an abundance. I am fully supplied, having received from Epaphroditus what you provided—a fragrant offering, a welcome sacrifice, pleasing to God. And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus. Now to our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.

From their example as a church, let’s look at what happens when a church cares.

When a Church Cares
1) It Gives Expression to Concern (Philippians 4:10a).
It is easy to say that we are concerned. We can make the proper facial expressions, use the right tone of voice, and even say the right words. But what the world is looking for is an expression of that concern.

Paul knew this church was concerned for him because they expressed it tangibly by sending him money.

How can we as a church express our concern for others?
When a mother is sick- care for the kids, do the laundry. When a person suffers loss- take them some groceries, deliver a meal. When a person doesn’t know Jesus- Share Jesus with them.
*Concern must be expressed tangibly!

When a Church Cares
2) It Seizes the Opportunity to Act (Philippians 4:10b).
The church always cared for Paul, they just had not had the opportunity to act before. When we really care, we will take the opportunity when it comes. We cannot always schedule when other people might need our help. It is not a matter of doing what is expected of us- anyone can do that. It’s about doing the unexpected because it is what is need at that time.

When a Church Cares
3) It Shares in the Lives of Others (4:11-16).
Paul praises the church for sharing in all that he had done and accomplished for Jesus. They became a part of the life and ministry of Paul by helping him financially. In the same way, we become a part of the lives and ministries of those we help.

When a Church Cares
A) It Receives a Blessing Itself (Acts 4:17-20).
B) Caring Blesses the one who gives as well as the one who receives.
C) Caring Causes us to shift our attention from ourselves to others.

Closing– When a church cares, that care is expressed in actions. We know the world is not going to care, so it’s up to us. Imagine what would happen in our community if all of us began to act out the kind of care that the church at Philippi did, the kind of care Jesus modeled. I believe it would energize and empower people to see and experience the Grace and Forgiveness of Jesus Christ. And I believe that it would radically change the time and season in which we live. We need to be people who care- because if we don’t, who will?

When a Church Prays

Have you ever longed to break through the barriers and limitations in life in order to experience a life transformed by God? I know I have. According to Scripture, the earliest followers of Jesus asked Him to teach them to pray. Prayer is the tool we have that can help us break through every barrier, every limitation in our life. Probably one of our greatest weaknesses as a church is our weakness in prayer, our reluctance to pray. I know for me, prayer is one of the elements I neglect and struggle with in my daily life, something I don’t spend enough time being part of. Would you say that this is true in your life?

Prayer is (and needs to be) a priority in our lives. Prayer is one of the significant ministries of the church. This morning we will look at what happens when a church prays and hopefully we will be encouraged and empowered to be a church that prays.

Acts 4:23-31- When they were released, they went to their friends and reported what the chief priests and the elders had said to them. And when they heard it, they lifted their voices together to God and said, “Sovereign Lord, who made the heaven and the earth and the sea and everything in them, who through the mouth of our father David, your servant, said by the Holy Spirit,‘Why did the Gentiles rage, and the peoples plot in vain? The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers were gathered together, against the Lord and against his Anointed’ for truly in this city there were gathered together against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, along with the Gentiles and the peoples of Israel, to do whatever your hand and your plan had predestined to take place. And now, Lord, look upon their threats and grant to your servants to continue to speak your word with all boldness, while you stretch out your hand to heal, and signs and wonders are performed through the name of your holy servant Jesus.” And when they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness.

1) Prayer is a Response to God’s Grace (Acts 4:23-28).
When Peter and John were released from prison, they joined the other Christians in Jerusalem. When they were set free, they didn’t hold a conference, try to find a way to keep from getting arrested again, or plan a retaliation- No, they prayed. Prayer is the natural response of the Believer to God’s Grace.

2) Prayer Is A Request (Acts 4:29).
Notice that the early Church’s request centers on obedience to God and to the task of witnessing for God. They didn’t pray, “keep us free, safe, and don’t let us get caught again.” Instead they prayed- The Bobble- “Lord, help us keep the main thing, the main thing. Help us stay on task and get on with the Job of proclaiming the Gospel”. We need to constantly be praying for boldness in proclaiming the Gospel. Because, the good news of Jesus is the only way our city is going to experience hope, joy, peace, purpose and change!

3) Prayer Is A Resource (Acts 4:30).
The early church prayed with expectancy. They expected God to do something amazing. They knew that there was an adequate and powerful resource, and they claimed it. They claimed the power of God in Jesus- this same power is available to all Believers. All of God’s resources are available to us through prayer.

4) Prayer Produces Results (Acts 4:31).
The early church had prayed in v.29 for boldness in speaking the Word of God. In v.31 we are told that they spoke the Word of God with Boldness.

Conclusion- What Results from Prayer?
A) We Experience the Presence of God.
B) We Experience the Power of God.
C) We Receive Boldness for Ministry.

Closing- When a church prays, that church can Experience boldness in ministry. A major ministry of the church is prayer. As we’ve seen through Scripture today, when a church prays…it has power.

When A Church Worships

Have you ever wondered why we do what we do as a church? What does this church really consist of? This month we will be looking at what the Bible says church could and should be about. We will examine how if we as ordinary people simply follow God’s blueprint and put into practice what the Bible teaches, will experience an environment and community that fulfills people’s needs, as well as God’s desire for His church.

This morning we will look at how the very first church in Acts wasn’t caught up in the things that are prevalent in “church” today. There were no fancy programs or paraphernalia; instead we see them busy doing what Jesus called and commissioned them to do. Today we will look why the church worships.

Acts 2:42-47- "And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. And all who believed were together and had all things in common. And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved."

1) There’s a Designated Time for Worship (Acts 2:46-47).
Worship is all about Jesus. The first church dedicated a time to praise and worship Jesus. We start with a time of praise & worship at the beginning of our weekly service. Praise and Worship are parts of our service, not killing time before the preaching.
*We all need to designate time for worship daily!

2) There is a Purpose for Worship (John 20:19-20).
Notice that the disciples were glad to see Jesus. We, too, want to see Jesus when we worship. There is a time when we need to move aside all of the other things in life that crowd out Jesus. We worship at the beginning of our service to prepare our hearts to respond to all God has done in our lives, in thanksgiving, and expectation of the message He has prepared to speak to us.

3) Jesus is the Center of Worship (Matthew 18:20).
Jesus’ presence as our focus is what sets worship apart from any other gathering.

4) The Product of Worship (John 20:21-22).
A) We Receive Comfort & Peace from Jesus.
B) We Receive a Commission to Serve Jesus.
C) We Receive the Spirit of Power from Jesus.

The Holy Spirit gives us the power to receive the forgiveness of our sins through Jesus’ death, burial and resurrection; and empowers us to be the witnesses for Jesus, to share with others the forgiveness we’ve personally experienced and accepted.

Closing- Worship is the stating point of a Church’s Ministry (that’s why we begin and end our service with Worship). When a church worships Jesus, wonderful things happen: people find forgiveness, friends, community, support, purpose & encouragement. When a church worships, lives are transformed, destinies are changed, needs are met and Jesus is glorified.

Things You Never Expected To See In Church

I never expected to see a guy get hit in the head with an offering plate. Luckily it was actually an offering bag (thanks Baptists') and the guy who got hit was actually me. Total accident, and the lady that scrambled my eggs was so sorry. As I reflected on the hilarious event (tuning out the pastors sermon completely), I wondered if God wanted me to give more? I've heard that sometimes God has to knock you around to get your attention, but this was ridiculous! I think I did get the picture though, so next Sunday I'll be putting in 2 checks! Thanks for the reminder God...no further lesson is required!