I read a great quote somewhere recently: "The best things in life are not things. I have been reminded once again during this Christmas season the profound truth of this simple statement. Family and friends, the renewed awareness of God's presence in my life, and the gift of God's grace and mercy make the things of this world look pale in comparison.
Robin and I were recently talking about how time seems to be moving so fast in our lives. It seems just yesterday that we were anticipating the arrival of a new millennium. And here it is already ten years later. But a new year brings with it new opportunities to make a difference in the world. There will be new opportunities to touch the lives of those around us and new opportunities to be touched by God grace and the love of his people!
I wish for all of you a very Happy New Year and I hope you renew your commitment to be all that God has called you to be in 2010.
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Thursday, November 12, 2009
The Cheerful Giver
“The point is this: the one who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and the one who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each of you must give as you have made up your mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” 2 Corinthians 9:6-7
Some years ago a little girl walked into an ice cream store and inquired about the price of an ice cream sundae.
“Fifty cents,” replied the waitress.
The little girl carefully opened her fist and counted the coins in her hand. Then she asked, “How much is a plain dish of ice cream?”
The waitress, quite annoyed by the girl, snapped back, “Thirty-five cents!”
“Then I’ll take the plain ice cream, please,” she said as she slowly counted out thirty-five cents and handed it to the waitress.
The waitress took the money, dipped up the ice cream and handed it to the little girl, all without saying a word or issuing so much as a smile. After the little girl left, the waitress went over to clean off the table and was embarrassed to find two nickels and five pennies placed neatly by the bowl.
We could all learn a lesson from that little girl. How many of us would have chosen to purchase the plain ice cream rather than the ice cream sundae in order to have enough money for a tip. When I was a little boy buying ice cream at Yate’s Drug store on the court square in Philiadelphia it never even occurred to me to give a tip.
Our Stewardship campaign this year at Minor Memorial is attempting to teach each of us about God’s attitude toward giving. Every time I study what the bible says about giving I am reminded that no subject is more important to my spiritual health. From time to time I hear complaints that we shouldn’t be talking about money in the church. We should, some insist, stay on spiritual subjects. But Jesus talked about money more than almost anything else.
Of course, the church is not in the fund-raising business. It really isn’t about the needs of the church. It’s about what we need to do to be faithful disciples of Jesus Christ. And we simply cannot be a faithful disciple without a generous heart.The bible makes this point repeatedly. Some form of the word “give” is found in scripture over 1500 times.
Over and over in the scripture God promises to bless those who use their time, talent, and treasure to bless others. Many verses could be quoted to make this important point but perhaps the best is Jesus’ simple statement found in Luke 6:38. “Give and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap; for the measure you give will be the measure you get back.” Don’t miss God’s blessings. Be a cheerful giver!
Some years ago a little girl walked into an ice cream store and inquired about the price of an ice cream sundae.
“Fifty cents,” replied the waitress.
The little girl carefully opened her fist and counted the coins in her hand. Then she asked, “How much is a plain dish of ice cream?”
The waitress, quite annoyed by the girl, snapped back, “Thirty-five cents!”
“Then I’ll take the plain ice cream, please,” she said as she slowly counted out thirty-five cents and handed it to the waitress.
The waitress took the money, dipped up the ice cream and handed it to the little girl, all without saying a word or issuing so much as a smile. After the little girl left, the waitress went over to clean off the table and was embarrassed to find two nickels and five pennies placed neatly by the bowl.
We could all learn a lesson from that little girl. How many of us would have chosen to purchase the plain ice cream rather than the ice cream sundae in order to have enough money for a tip. When I was a little boy buying ice cream at Yate’s Drug store on the court square in Philiadelphia it never even occurred to me to give a tip.
Our Stewardship campaign this year at Minor Memorial is attempting to teach each of us about God’s attitude toward giving. Every time I study what the bible says about giving I am reminded that no subject is more important to my spiritual health. From time to time I hear complaints that we shouldn’t be talking about money in the church. We should, some insist, stay on spiritual subjects. But Jesus talked about money more than almost anything else.
Of course, the church is not in the fund-raising business. It really isn’t about the needs of the church. It’s about what we need to do to be faithful disciples of Jesus Christ. And we simply cannot be a faithful disciple without a generous heart.The bible makes this point repeatedly. Some form of the word “give” is found in scripture over 1500 times.
Over and over in the scripture God promises to bless those who use their time, talent, and treasure to bless others. Many verses could be quoted to make this important point but perhaps the best is Jesus’ simple statement found in Luke 6:38. “Give and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap; for the measure you give will be the measure you get back.” Don’t miss God’s blessings. Be a cheerful giver!
Friday, October 30, 2009
Ole Zeke’s New Buggy and Team
I got a letter this week from my great uncle Tally Thompson. You may remember, he is a World War I veteran and my family’s revered storyteller. Now, Uncle Talley went home to be with the Lord when I was just a young man. At least I prefer to believe he’s with the Lord. But he knows I always enjoyed his stories, including some pretty tall tales, so he still writes me from time to time to tell me what’s what and what’s really going on back home in Neshoba County. He especially loves to tell stories that happened back when he was just a youngin’.
This time he told me about a fella back home that had purchased a brand-spankin- new buggy and a prize-winning pair of trotters. Ole Zeke drove out of Philadelphia down the Zepher Hill road with the wind blowing in his hair. As he went down one road and then another he became lost in the discovery of new paths, the smell of the trees, and the beauty of the wild flowers growing along side of the road.
Ole Zeke began to realize he was no longer in familiar territory. But, not to worry. He was enjoying his new rig and team so much he didn’t want to turn around. He would find his way home in time. Zeke trotted through the woods and past cotton fields and pastures. His buggy and team followed a creek for a while. Finally, he decided he had better start back toward town.
He came upon a white house with a little cotton patch out front. There was a shirtless boy wearing ragged pants chopping cotton in the field. He looked to be about fourteen or fifteen years old. Zeke pulled his tired team over by the boy and called out. “Hello, there young man.”
“Hello, yourself,” responded the boy while continuing his work
“Where does this road go to?” Ole Zeke questioned.
“Hain’t never seed it go nowhars. Hits always been right cheer.”
“How far is it back to Philadelphia?” Zeke continued.
“Don’t know,” the boy answered. “Never measured it.”
Well, by this time, my Uncle Tally wrote me, Ole Zeke was quite frustrated. “You don’t know much, do you boy?” he said. ‘You must be about the most ignorant, uninformed fool I’ve ever met.”
The boy finally stopped his labor. He turned his head and spat out a wad of chewing tobacco. He wiped perspiration from his forehead with his straw hat and propped himself against the hoe handle. He looked up and smiled at the stranger sitting in his brand-new buggy. Finally he spoke. “I knows I know might near nothing. And I knows I is a fool. But I also knows I ain’t lost.”
Uncle Tally’s story reminds me that I need to be careful not to lose my way in this chaotic world in which we live. It is very easy to get so involved in the material things around us that we lose sight of the things of God. Often times the things I get lost in are good things. There’s nothing wrong with a ride in the countryside enjoying God’s creation. But sometimes these things are just not as good as the things God has for us.
A few days ago two Northwest Airline pilots missed the Minneapolis airport because they were engrossed in their computers. They got lost somewhere over Wisconsin. This made me think about how far off I might be from the flight plan God has for me. What about you?
This time he told me about a fella back home that had purchased a brand-spankin- new buggy and a prize-winning pair of trotters. Ole Zeke drove out of Philadelphia down the Zepher Hill road with the wind blowing in his hair. As he went down one road and then another he became lost in the discovery of new paths, the smell of the trees, and the beauty of the wild flowers growing along side of the road.
Ole Zeke began to realize he was no longer in familiar territory. But, not to worry. He was enjoying his new rig and team so much he didn’t want to turn around. He would find his way home in time. Zeke trotted through the woods and past cotton fields and pastures. His buggy and team followed a creek for a while. Finally, he decided he had better start back toward town.
He came upon a white house with a little cotton patch out front. There was a shirtless boy wearing ragged pants chopping cotton in the field. He looked to be about fourteen or fifteen years old. Zeke pulled his tired team over by the boy and called out. “Hello, there young man.”
“Hello, yourself,” responded the boy while continuing his work
“Where does this road go to?” Ole Zeke questioned.
“Hain’t never seed it go nowhars. Hits always been right cheer.”
“How far is it back to Philadelphia?” Zeke continued.
“Don’t know,” the boy answered. “Never measured it.”
Well, by this time, my Uncle Tally wrote me, Ole Zeke was quite frustrated. “You don’t know much, do you boy?” he said. ‘You must be about the most ignorant, uninformed fool I’ve ever met.”
The boy finally stopped his labor. He turned his head and spat out a wad of chewing tobacco. He wiped perspiration from his forehead with his straw hat and propped himself against the hoe handle. He looked up and smiled at the stranger sitting in his brand-new buggy. Finally he spoke. “I knows I know might near nothing. And I knows I is a fool. But I also knows I ain’t lost.”
Uncle Tally’s story reminds me that I need to be careful not to lose my way in this chaotic world in which we live. It is very easy to get so involved in the material things around us that we lose sight of the things of God. Often times the things I get lost in are good things. There’s nothing wrong with a ride in the countryside enjoying God’s creation. But sometimes these things are just not as good as the things God has for us.
A few days ago two Northwest Airline pilots missed the Minneapolis airport because they were engrossed in their computers. They got lost somewhere over Wisconsin. This made me think about how far off I might be from the flight plan God has for me. What about you?
Friday, October 23, 2009
The Power of Invitation
Dr. Win Arn was the founder and president of the Institute for American Church Growth. He was also publisher of Church Growth: America magazine. He shared with me once about a study his organization had done with 720 people. Of this group 240 were new Christians who continued to be actively involved in their churches. Another group was made up of 240 new converts who had already “dropped out.” The third group of 240 had had the gospel presented to them but had chosen not to respond positively.
Each person was asked to classify the person who had introduced them to Jesus Christ and the church into one of these categories: TEACHER (one who had used an information transmission approach), SALESMAN (one who had used “manipulative monologue” to convince them), or FRIEND (one who had used non-manipulative dialogue).
The results of the study were very revealing. The vast majority of people who perceived the presenter of the gospel as a TEACHER did not respond positively to the invitation. Those who saw the presenter as a SALESMAN tended to respond but those most often became the “dropouts.” (only 29% had, in fact, remained active). Those who perceived the presenter of the gospel as a FRIEND had responded positively the gospel message and had remained committed to their new found faith and active in their church.
This all suggests to me that if we believe that Jesus Christ and His Church have anything to offer we should offer it to our friends! Soooooooooo. . . INVITE A FRIEND, RELATIVE, ASSOCIATE, OR NEIGHBOR TO CHURCH AND BRING THEM WITH YOU SUNDAY! Or even better. . . INVITE THEM TO JOIN YOU IN SUNDAY SCHOOL OR OTHER SMALL GROUP.
Each person was asked to classify the person who had introduced them to Jesus Christ and the church into one of these categories: TEACHER (one who had used an information transmission approach), SALESMAN (one who had used “manipulative monologue” to convince them), or FRIEND (one who had used non-manipulative dialogue).
The results of the study were very revealing. The vast majority of people who perceived the presenter of the gospel as a TEACHER did not respond positively to the invitation. Those who saw the presenter as a SALESMAN tended to respond but those most often became the “dropouts.” (only 29% had, in fact, remained active). Those who perceived the presenter of the gospel as a FRIEND had responded positively the gospel message and had remained committed to their new found faith and active in their church.
This all suggests to me that if we believe that Jesus Christ and His Church have anything to offer we should offer it to our friends! Soooooooooo. . . INVITE A FRIEND, RELATIVE, ASSOCIATE, OR NEIGHBOR TO CHURCH AND BRING THEM WITH YOU SUNDAY! Or even better. . . INVITE THEM TO JOIN YOU IN SUNDAY SCHOOL OR OTHER SMALL GROUP.
Friday, October 16, 2009
Christians Without Shoes?
Hugh Hughes used to tell a wonderful story about a man who visited a particular town for the first time. It was a windy December day when he arrived. He immediately noticed something very strange. Strange indeed. Many of the people were well-dressed as they walked along the streets wearing heavy coats. However, these obviously prosperous people wore no shoes. Absolutely no one wore shoes! Many of the locals limped along apparently suffering from frostbite, chilblains, and bruises.
After checking in he had lunch at the hotel’s restaurant. He sat with a prosperous older man who seemed very friendly. After getting acquainted the visitor asked the gentleman, “Sir, I don’t want to appear presumptuous, but I’m quite amazed that I have seen no one here wearing shoes. Could you possibly explain to me why?”
“Well,” replied the old gentleman. “It does seem that wearing shoes would be desirable. But, I confess, I can’t really tell you why no one does so.”
After lunch the shocked traveler walked around town taking in the sights. He noticed several rather large buildings that seemed not to be in current use. Seeing a custodian carrying out garbage he asked, “What is this building?”
“This is a shoe factory,” replied the custodian.
“What kind of shoes do they make here?” the visitor asked.
“Oh, they don’t make shoes here,” the custodian explained. “People gather here and talk about making shoes. They sing about making shoes. They even pray that shoes will be made. But they don’t actually make shoes here.” He went on to explain. “Once a week all the businesses in town close and people gather to hear about shoes.”
Now the visitor was even more mystified. He continued his walk around this most unusual town. On a side street he found a very old cobbler making shoes by hand. He said to the cobbler, “I’m surprised to see you making shoes. I see no one in this town wearing them.”
The cobbler smiled as he responded to the quizzical look on the traveler’s face. “I can see you don’t understand. People here do occasionally wear shoes. I sell a pair to nearly every couple getting married. I sell a pair for babies when they are christened. But the shoes are worn only for the ceremony. Parents don’t want the children’s feet to be cramped. Of course, when the child becomes an adult they can decide for themselves if they want to wear shoes. And everyone is buried with shoes, even those who never wore them before.”
The perplexed visitor bought a pair of shoes from the cobbler for the polite old gentleman with whom he had eaten lunch. However, the old man thanked him for his kindness but insisted he could not wear the shoes since it was simply not done by the “better” people. The visitor tried to explain the many benefits of putting on the shoes but the man finally walked away saying, “You don’t expect me to be a fanatic, do you?
What do you think about the town where people seldom wore shoes?
After checking in he had lunch at the hotel’s restaurant. He sat with a prosperous older man who seemed very friendly. After getting acquainted the visitor asked the gentleman, “Sir, I don’t want to appear presumptuous, but I’m quite amazed that I have seen no one here wearing shoes. Could you possibly explain to me why?”
“Well,” replied the old gentleman. “It does seem that wearing shoes would be desirable. But, I confess, I can’t really tell you why no one does so.”
After lunch the shocked traveler walked around town taking in the sights. He noticed several rather large buildings that seemed not to be in current use. Seeing a custodian carrying out garbage he asked, “What is this building?”
“This is a shoe factory,” replied the custodian.
“What kind of shoes do they make here?” the visitor asked.
“Oh, they don’t make shoes here,” the custodian explained. “People gather here and talk about making shoes. They sing about making shoes. They even pray that shoes will be made. But they don’t actually make shoes here.” He went on to explain. “Once a week all the businesses in town close and people gather to hear about shoes.”
Now the visitor was even more mystified. He continued his walk around this most unusual town. On a side street he found a very old cobbler making shoes by hand. He said to the cobbler, “I’m surprised to see you making shoes. I see no one in this town wearing them.”
The cobbler smiled as he responded to the quizzical look on the traveler’s face. “I can see you don’t understand. People here do occasionally wear shoes. I sell a pair to nearly every couple getting married. I sell a pair for babies when they are christened. But the shoes are worn only for the ceremony. Parents don’t want the children’s feet to be cramped. Of course, when the child becomes an adult they can decide for themselves if they want to wear shoes. And everyone is buried with shoes, even those who never wore them before.”
The perplexed visitor bought a pair of shoes from the cobbler for the polite old gentleman with whom he had eaten lunch. However, the old man thanked him for his kindness but insisted he could not wear the shoes since it was simply not done by the “better” people. The visitor tried to explain the many benefits of putting on the shoes but the man finally walked away saying, “You don’t expect me to be a fanatic, do you?
What do you think about the town where people seldom wore shoes?
Friday, October 2, 2009
1950's Churches vs The 21st Century
In the 1950’s there wasn’t much to do for entertainment in the Zephyr Hill community of Neshoba County where I grew up. The little country church my family attended held a couple of revivals each year. A firebrand preacher was usually invited to bring the “messages” and folks would come from all around to hear him. For that week it was the best “entertainment” in the community. Even the unchurched attended. That’s why revivals worked as an evangelistic outreach. People came to know the Lord through these revivals.
For much the same reason, through the 1950’s churches thrived by simply being there. There was not much competition on Sunday, even in our towns and cities. Cinemas, shopping, and sports events weren’t open for business on Sundays. Nothing else to do, might as well go to church! The church was the place to be.
But now it’s the 21st century. The church has plenty of competition. Cinema, shopping, television, the Internet, and a multitude of other activities are competing with the church on Sundays and every other day of the week. We can no longer just erect a building, put a sign out front that says church, and expect people to come.
But that should never have been our strategy. Jesus never called the church to be a social club where friends gather for a short while and then go home. This kind of church was described several years ago by Chad Walsh in his book Early Christianity in the 21st Century. “Millions of Christians live in a sentimental haze of vague piety, with soft organ music trembling in the lovely light from stained glass windows. Their religion is a pleasant thing of emotional quivers, divorced from the will, divorced from the intellect and demanding little except lip service to a few harmless platitudes.”
This kind of church was described even earlier by the great theologian Elton Trueblood. He suggested that many Christians have been inoculated by just enough “Christianity” to keep them from catching the real thing. My sixty years of experience in the church has convinced me that Walsh and Trueblood were right on the money. Very few people in America are atheist or even agnostic. They just believe God doesn’t have much to do with their life. Church members see themselves as “believers.” The problem is they believe in a Jesus that saves but not the one who calls those he saves to radical discipleship.
The church of the 1950’s will not survive the 21st century. But a church that takes seriously God’s call on our lives will thrive. When we feed the hungry, give water to the thirsty, welcome the stranger (rich and poor), give clothes to the needy, care for the sick we will attract others who want to be a part. When we address life issues such as unemployment, divorce, addiction, and family conflicts we will attract those who are hurting. When we provide a nurturing place for children and youth and help parents with the awesome responsibility of raising kids in a hostile world, we will attract new families.
When we take seriously the gospel and serve as faithful disciples, God will bless our work of service and our fellowship will grow in quantity and quality.
For much the same reason, through the 1950’s churches thrived by simply being there. There was not much competition on Sunday, even in our towns and cities. Cinemas, shopping, and sports events weren’t open for business on Sundays. Nothing else to do, might as well go to church! The church was the place to be.
But now it’s the 21st century. The church has plenty of competition. Cinema, shopping, television, the Internet, and a multitude of other activities are competing with the church on Sundays and every other day of the week. We can no longer just erect a building, put a sign out front that says church, and expect people to come.
But that should never have been our strategy. Jesus never called the church to be a social club where friends gather for a short while and then go home. This kind of church was described several years ago by Chad Walsh in his book Early Christianity in the 21st Century. “Millions of Christians live in a sentimental haze of vague piety, with soft organ music trembling in the lovely light from stained glass windows. Their religion is a pleasant thing of emotional quivers, divorced from the will, divorced from the intellect and demanding little except lip service to a few harmless platitudes.”
This kind of church was described even earlier by the great theologian Elton Trueblood. He suggested that many Christians have been inoculated by just enough “Christianity” to keep them from catching the real thing. My sixty years of experience in the church has convinced me that Walsh and Trueblood were right on the money. Very few people in America are atheist or even agnostic. They just believe God doesn’t have much to do with their life. Church members see themselves as “believers.” The problem is they believe in a Jesus that saves but not the one who calls those he saves to radical discipleship.
The church of the 1950’s will not survive the 21st century. But a church that takes seriously God’s call on our lives will thrive. When we feed the hungry, give water to the thirsty, welcome the stranger (rich and poor), give clothes to the needy, care for the sick we will attract others who want to be a part. When we address life issues such as unemployment, divorce, addiction, and family conflicts we will attract those who are hurting. When we provide a nurturing place for children and youth and help parents with the awesome responsibility of raising kids in a hostile world, we will attract new families.
When we take seriously the gospel and serve as faithful disciples, God will bless our work of service and our fellowship will grow in quantity and quality.
Saturday, September 26, 2009
The Eight Principles of the Beatitudes
Several people taking my Wednesday night Making Methodist Membership Meaningful course has asked if I could record the session or pass out notes. I have not made notes for every class but I do feel that our sessions on the Beatitudes are especially important. I’ve decided the audience might be widened for this important material by putting this in my blog and/or monthly church newsletter. This means this week’s issue of my blog will be somewhat different from usual, but I hope readers find the material useful.
The Beatitudes are part of what is commonly referred to as Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount. This “sermon” begins with these eight principles or steps in the Christian life as posited by Jesus in Matthew 5:3-12.
Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. The first step for any person is to recognize our own inadequacy. We must come to understand that our life is out of control. Relationships with God and others are broken. We must come to recognize our sinful nature.
Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Having recognized how sin is controlling our lives and leading us to destruction the second step is being remorseful and contrite.
Blesses are the meek (gentle), for they will inherit the earth. The third step is to turn our out of control lives over to the control of God. This means inviting Jesus Christ to become the Lord of our lives. Like a gentle horse submits to the rider we submit to God. We sometimes call this being “born again.”
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Having made a commitment to God through Jesus Christ we begin a process of reconciliation and renewal. We become a serious student of the Bible. Through worship and prayer and self-examination we work to become the person God created us to be.
Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy. As God works to transform us, filling us with His love, we discover the joy of serving others. We begin to practice Jesus’ golden rule, “In everything do to others as you would have them do to you.”
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. At first we tend to perform acts of mercy because God commands us to do so. We tend to be motivated by God’s promised rewards. But as we grow in Christ our motives begin to change. God fills us with compassion. We serve others, not because God promises His blessings, but because of our compassion for a hurting and hungry world.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. For Jesus, peacemakers are those who work to make peace between people and people groups. It also means those who work to make peace between individuals and God. Having experienced a restored relationship with our creator the peacemaker wants others to have this same joy. This is commonly referred to as evangelism. It’s “one beggar telling another beggar where to find bread.”
Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Jesus did not hesitate to tell his followers that when they practiced their faith without hesitation there would be those who would not understand and sometimes even persecute them.
It is important for every believer to understand these eight principles. We need to work throughout our lives to apply these principles as obedient disciples of Jesus Christ. These steps are also the best way to lead an unbeliever to faith in Christ.
The Beatitudes are part of what is commonly referred to as Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount. This “sermon” begins with these eight principles or steps in the Christian life as posited by Jesus in Matthew 5:3-12.
Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. The first step for any person is to recognize our own inadequacy. We must come to understand that our life is out of control. Relationships with God and others are broken. We must come to recognize our sinful nature.
Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Having recognized how sin is controlling our lives and leading us to destruction the second step is being remorseful and contrite.
Blesses are the meek (gentle), for they will inherit the earth. The third step is to turn our out of control lives over to the control of God. This means inviting Jesus Christ to become the Lord of our lives. Like a gentle horse submits to the rider we submit to God. We sometimes call this being “born again.”
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Having made a commitment to God through Jesus Christ we begin a process of reconciliation and renewal. We become a serious student of the Bible. Through worship and prayer and self-examination we work to become the person God created us to be.
Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy. As God works to transform us, filling us with His love, we discover the joy of serving others. We begin to practice Jesus’ golden rule, “In everything do to others as you would have them do to you.”
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. At first we tend to perform acts of mercy because God commands us to do so. We tend to be motivated by God’s promised rewards. But as we grow in Christ our motives begin to change. God fills us with compassion. We serve others, not because God promises His blessings, but because of our compassion for a hurting and hungry world.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. For Jesus, peacemakers are those who work to make peace between people and people groups. It also means those who work to make peace between individuals and God. Having experienced a restored relationship with our creator the peacemaker wants others to have this same joy. This is commonly referred to as evangelism. It’s “one beggar telling another beggar where to find bread.”
Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Jesus did not hesitate to tell his followers that when they practiced their faith without hesitation there would be those who would not understand and sometimes even persecute them.
It is important for every believer to understand these eight principles. We need to work throughout our lives to apply these principles as obedient disciples of Jesus Christ. These steps are also the best way to lead an unbeliever to faith in Christ.
Friday, September 18, 2009
For the Sake of Others
When I was working on my doctorate at Princeton I stayed just around the corner from the home where Albert Einstein once lived. I heard many interesting stories about his life at the university. I decided to learn a bit more about him and discovered some very interesting quotes from this scientific genius. I came across one of my favorite again recently in an unexpected place—a new guitar book I recently purchased.
"Strange is our situation here upon earth. Each of us comes for a short visit, not knowing why, but sometimes seeming to divine a purpose. From the standpoint of daily life, however, there is one thing we do know, that we are here for the sake of others—above all for those upon whose smile and well-being our own happiness depends, but also for the countless unknown souls with whose fate we are attached by a bond of sympathy. Many times a day I realize how much my own outer and inner life is built upon the efforts of my fellow men, both living and dead, and how earnestly I must exert myself in order to give in return as much as I have received.” Albert Einstein
It’s fascinating to me that a man who had the intelligence to discover the solutions to some of the greatest mysteries of God’s universe also had the wisdom to discern the greatest secret to living in that universe. “There is,” he insisted, “one thing we do know, that we are here for the sake of others.” This great scientific thinker understood that he lived in a symbiotic relationship with human beings and was dependant upon others. He could never have accomplished what he did without the help of so many.
I also found it fascinating that the author of a guitar book, Aaron Shearer, would record this quote in his discussion of why someone would want to learn to play the guitar. “Music,” he maintains, “is for sharing.” But for Shearer is goes deeper than that. About the quote from Einstein Shearer wrote, “‘For the sake of others.’ These words sparked a flame in my imagination which has endured to this day. They’ve been a stabilizing force for me during difficult times, and have strongly contributed to my generally rewarding life.”
A famous guitar teacher/author; an infamous scientific genius. Both men discovered an eternal truth taught by Jesus two thousand years ago. “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.” “Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave—just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
"Strange is our situation here upon earth. Each of us comes for a short visit, not knowing why, but sometimes seeming to divine a purpose. From the standpoint of daily life, however, there is one thing we do know, that we are here for the sake of others—above all for those upon whose smile and well-being our own happiness depends, but also for the countless unknown souls with whose fate we are attached by a bond of sympathy. Many times a day I realize how much my own outer and inner life is built upon the efforts of my fellow men, both living and dead, and how earnestly I must exert myself in order to give in return as much as I have received.” Albert Einstein
It’s fascinating to me that a man who had the intelligence to discover the solutions to some of the greatest mysteries of God’s universe also had the wisdom to discern the greatest secret to living in that universe. “There is,” he insisted, “one thing we do know, that we are here for the sake of others.” This great scientific thinker understood that he lived in a symbiotic relationship with human beings and was dependant upon others. He could never have accomplished what he did without the help of so many.
I also found it fascinating that the author of a guitar book, Aaron Shearer, would record this quote in his discussion of why someone would want to learn to play the guitar. “Music,” he maintains, “is for sharing.” But for Shearer is goes deeper than that. About the quote from Einstein Shearer wrote, “‘For the sake of others.’ These words sparked a flame in my imagination which has endured to this day. They’ve been a stabilizing force for me during difficult times, and have strongly contributed to my generally rewarding life.”
A famous guitar teacher/author; an infamous scientific genius. Both men discovered an eternal truth taught by Jesus two thousand years ago. “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.” “Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave—just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
Friday, September 11, 2009
The Church Is Always Asking For Money
In a recent Finance Committee meeting we were discussing the church’s need for more money. We agreed that better communication with the congregation was needed. Someone suggested that it must be hard for a preacher to talk about money. I responded that I didn’t know any pastor who actually enjoyed preaching on this subject. I certainly do not take pleasure in asking for money. But I indicated that I am unapologetic when it comes to talking about Christian stewardship which includes the use of our time, our talents, and our treasure (money). Jesus talked more about money than almost any subject.
Several years ago I read an article published in the Anglican Digest. The author started by saying, “Sometimes you hear people say, ‘The church is always asking for money.’ That statement is untrue. It is the world which is always asking for money, not the church.” He went on to point out that the grocery store never fails to ask you for money when you shop. Your mortgage company insists on a check every month without fail. Most of us get bills in the mail with great regularity, but not one from the church. “Who withholds a percentage of every dollar you earn?” the author asked. “Your Uncle does that. Your Father does not.” He stated with great profundity, “There is no free lunch—except at the church.”
I had never thought of it quite the way this writer stated the obvious truth. The church does not charge admission. You can get professional counseling for free. If you’re sick and in the hospital, the pastor will make a “professional call” without charge. You get a monthly newsletter without a paid subscription. If a loved one dies the funeral home will certainly charge you; the church will not.
The truth is you can attend church for years without contributing one cent; and no one is going to kick you out. You will not lose your membership. There are never even any membership dues. The truth is the church asks for money less than anyone else!
And yet. . . and yet no one uses your money to accomplish greater things than the church. The church is here to offer the love of Christ to a broken, hurting world. It offers character training for your children through quality Christian education. It offers your family the love and support of a covenant community who will be there for you in times of need.
Of course, just because the church offers its services without charge doesn’t mean no one has to pay. The utilities for the church have to be paid. Buildings are not free. Staff requires salaries. There really isn’t a free lunch, even at church. Someone has to pay for the food we eat. The church could not exist without generous supporters who understand the value of the church’s ministry. Thank God there are those who are willing to be good stewards of what God gives them. Thank God there are obedient disciples of Jesus Christ who respond to God’s call to give. Thank God there are those who don’t want a free ride but are willing to carry more than their share of the load. Thank God there are those who have discovered the joy in giving and sharing.
Several years ago I read an article published in the Anglican Digest. The author started by saying, “Sometimes you hear people say, ‘The church is always asking for money.’ That statement is untrue. It is the world which is always asking for money, not the church.” He went on to point out that the grocery store never fails to ask you for money when you shop. Your mortgage company insists on a check every month without fail. Most of us get bills in the mail with great regularity, but not one from the church. “Who withholds a percentage of every dollar you earn?” the author asked. “Your Uncle does that. Your Father does not.” He stated with great profundity, “There is no free lunch—except at the church.”
I had never thought of it quite the way this writer stated the obvious truth. The church does not charge admission. You can get professional counseling for free. If you’re sick and in the hospital, the pastor will make a “professional call” without charge. You get a monthly newsletter without a paid subscription. If a loved one dies the funeral home will certainly charge you; the church will not.
The truth is you can attend church for years without contributing one cent; and no one is going to kick you out. You will not lose your membership. There are never even any membership dues. The truth is the church asks for money less than anyone else!
And yet. . . and yet no one uses your money to accomplish greater things than the church. The church is here to offer the love of Christ to a broken, hurting world. It offers character training for your children through quality Christian education. It offers your family the love and support of a covenant community who will be there for you in times of need.
Of course, just because the church offers its services without charge doesn’t mean no one has to pay. The utilities for the church have to be paid. Buildings are not free. Staff requires salaries. There really isn’t a free lunch, even at church. Someone has to pay for the food we eat. The church could not exist without generous supporters who understand the value of the church’s ministry. Thank God there are those who are willing to be good stewards of what God gives them. Thank God there are obedient disciples of Jesus Christ who respond to God’s call to give. Thank God there are those who don’t want a free ride but are willing to carry more than their share of the load. Thank God there are those who have discovered the joy in giving and sharing.
Saturday, September 5, 2009
Holy Mathmatics
Several years ago Charles Allen wrote an article he entitled “Holy Mathematics.” He invited his readers to imagine that there was only one Christian on earth and that person won one other person to the Lord the first year. Now suppose that during the following year that each of these two led one other person to Christ. After the second year there would be four Christians in the world. Now assume each of these four led one other person to faith in Jesus Christ the next year. After the third year there would be eight Christians. Now Dr. Allen asked his readers to imagine that each Christian continued to lead just one other person to Christ each year. “How long,” he asked, “would it take to win the entire world to faith in Jesus Christ?”
Dr Allen did the math and concluded, “It has now been 2000 years since our Lord was on earth. Has that been enough time? Actually, there has been enough time with just one winning one other per year to convert 65 worlds like this.” Dr. Allen pointed out at the time he was writing that it would actually take only 31 years to convert the entire globe to genuine Christianity.
Now let’s do our own supposing. If a church like Minor Memorial were to start with only twenty people who introduced someone to Jesus in the next twelve months and instilled in each one the same urgency to introduce others, we could win our community to Christ in short order. Just twenty people doubled each year would total over twenty thousand souls in only ten years.
How do we win people to Jesus Christ? One of the easiest ways is to invite them to attend church. Offer to pick them up and bring them. Offer to sit with them during worship. Introduce them to other Christians. Get to know them outside the church and let them see by your actions what God means in your life. Invite them to go with you to Sunday School. Ask them to attend Wednesday night bible study with you. Encourage them to enroll their children in Sunday School. Invite them to join a supper club with you and some of your Christian friends. Tell them how much you enjoy the fellowship at church and share with them how God has helped you through the years. This should not be done with a holier than thou attitude but like one beggar telling another beggar where to find bread.
The kingdom of God grows by invitation. Every study on the subject I’ve ever seen indicates that most active church members came because someone invited them. Remember the parable Jesus told about a man who had prepared a great banquet but his expected guest did not come. Jesus said this man sent out his servants to invite “the poor, the crippled, the blind and the lame.” He told his servants to “compel them to come in, so that my house will be full.” (Luke chapter 14).
It seems that our attendance grows almost every week at Minor Memorial. It will continue to grow, and God will continue to bless our efforts, if we get excited about what God is doing and invite others to join the party.
Dr Allen did the math and concluded, “It has now been 2000 years since our Lord was on earth. Has that been enough time? Actually, there has been enough time with just one winning one other per year to convert 65 worlds like this.” Dr. Allen pointed out at the time he was writing that it would actually take only 31 years to convert the entire globe to genuine Christianity.
Now let’s do our own supposing. If a church like Minor Memorial were to start with only twenty people who introduced someone to Jesus in the next twelve months and instilled in each one the same urgency to introduce others, we could win our community to Christ in short order. Just twenty people doubled each year would total over twenty thousand souls in only ten years.
How do we win people to Jesus Christ? One of the easiest ways is to invite them to attend church. Offer to pick them up and bring them. Offer to sit with them during worship. Introduce them to other Christians. Get to know them outside the church and let them see by your actions what God means in your life. Invite them to go with you to Sunday School. Ask them to attend Wednesday night bible study with you. Encourage them to enroll their children in Sunday School. Invite them to join a supper club with you and some of your Christian friends. Tell them how much you enjoy the fellowship at church and share with them how God has helped you through the years. This should not be done with a holier than thou attitude but like one beggar telling another beggar where to find bread.
The kingdom of God grows by invitation. Every study on the subject I’ve ever seen indicates that most active church members came because someone invited them. Remember the parable Jesus told about a man who had prepared a great banquet but his expected guest did not come. Jesus said this man sent out his servants to invite “the poor, the crippled, the blind and the lame.” He told his servants to “compel them to come in, so that my house will be full.” (Luke chapter 14).
It seems that our attendance grows almost every week at Minor Memorial. It will continue to grow, and God will continue to bless our efforts, if we get excited about what God is doing and invite others to join the party.
Friday, August 28, 2009
Ready! Fire! Aim!
Ralph Franklin was my band director at Delta State College (now University) back in the sixties. What I remember most about his leadership was his frequent admonition to "Do something--even if it is wrong." He explained that he could correct mistakes but there would be no success without an honest attempt. Many times since then my experiences have confirmed the wisdom of his counsel. In a rapidly changing world such as ours there are times a person or organization has to experiment to determine what works.
Billie Wilhite loaned me a book recently and suggested I read it. The book’s title is Unchristian: What A New Generation Really Thinks About Christianity. . . And Why It Matters. The research upon which this book is based confirms what I have experienced in the church over the last few years. The Christian church is increasingly ineffective at reaching the younger generations. To an alarming degree what the church is doing is not working! I’m reminded of the quote attributed to W. L. Bateman, “If you keep on doing what you've always done, you'll keep on getting what you've always got." But the problem is in the church we tend to keep doing what we have always done and we are not getting the results we used to get. Many times what used to work is no longer effective.
In his #1 National Bestseller In Search of Excellence business guru Tom Peters reported the results of his extensive studies of “America’s Best-Run Companies.” He listed eight attributes that characterized these innovative, successful companies. The first on his list was bias for action. He states, “In many of these companies the standard operating procedure is “Do it, fix it, try it.”
In the chapter where he discusses this principle Peters stresses the importance of communication and organizational fluidity. Leadership must communicate with one another and with everyone in the organization. Everyone must listen to one another. There must be an atmosphere of trust. We have to trust one another enough to allow mistakes. We must trust one another enough to give people the freedom to act--to give people the freedom to do something and to do it now. Peters insists “The name of the successful game is rich, informal communication. The astonishing by-product is the ability to have your cake and eat it, too; that is, rich informal communication leads to more action, more experiments, more learning, and simultaneously to the ability to stay better in touch and on top of things.” Communication above all builds trust that is crucial for developing a creative atmosphere where new things can be tried and evaluated.
Franklin D. Roosevelt is famous for having said, “But above all try something.” Ralph Franklin said, “Do something, even if it is wrong.” Some folks have suggested there are times we should change Ready! Aim! Fire! to Ready! Fire! Aim! This means we act now and make needed corrections as we move forward in the faith. Of course, the church must never abandon the eternal truths of God’s kingdom. We are not talking here about discarding wonderful traditions that are still meaningful. My mother long ago warned against “throwing the baby out with the bath water.” But the church must find ways to reach new generations of skeptics without compromising the gospel.
I'm conservative and traditional by nature. I'm an old dog and learning new tricks for me can be extremely painful. But the reality is that only the churches who are willing to change will survive the twenty-first century. I've also been around long enough to know we must do this while continuing to meet the needs of our present, and often times older, members. I am personally committed to both.
Are you ready to Do Something? Ready! Fire! Aim!
Billie Wilhite loaned me a book recently and suggested I read it. The book’s title is Unchristian: What A New Generation Really Thinks About Christianity. . . And Why It Matters. The research upon which this book is based confirms what I have experienced in the church over the last few years. The Christian church is increasingly ineffective at reaching the younger generations. To an alarming degree what the church is doing is not working! I’m reminded of the quote attributed to W. L. Bateman, “If you keep on doing what you've always done, you'll keep on getting what you've always got." But the problem is in the church we tend to keep doing what we have always done and we are not getting the results we used to get. Many times what used to work is no longer effective.
In his #1 National Bestseller In Search of Excellence business guru Tom Peters reported the results of his extensive studies of “America’s Best-Run Companies.” He listed eight attributes that characterized these innovative, successful companies. The first on his list was bias for action. He states, “In many of these companies the standard operating procedure is “Do it, fix it, try it.”
In the chapter where he discusses this principle Peters stresses the importance of communication and organizational fluidity. Leadership must communicate with one another and with everyone in the organization. Everyone must listen to one another. There must be an atmosphere of trust. We have to trust one another enough to allow mistakes. We must trust one another enough to give people the freedom to act--to give people the freedom to do something and to do it now. Peters insists “The name of the successful game is rich, informal communication. The astonishing by-product is the ability to have your cake and eat it, too; that is, rich informal communication leads to more action, more experiments, more learning, and simultaneously to the ability to stay better in touch and on top of things.” Communication above all builds trust that is crucial for developing a creative atmosphere where new things can be tried and evaluated.
Franklin D. Roosevelt is famous for having said, “But above all try something.” Ralph Franklin said, “Do something, even if it is wrong.” Some folks have suggested there are times we should change Ready! Aim! Fire! to Ready! Fire! Aim! This means we act now and make needed corrections as we move forward in the faith. Of course, the church must never abandon the eternal truths of God’s kingdom. We are not talking here about discarding wonderful traditions that are still meaningful. My mother long ago warned against “throwing the baby out with the bath water.” But the church must find ways to reach new generations of skeptics without compromising the gospel.
I'm conservative and traditional by nature. I'm an old dog and learning new tricks for me can be extremely painful. But the reality is that only the churches who are willing to change will survive the twenty-first century. I've also been around long enough to know we must do this while continuing to meet the needs of our present, and often times older, members. I am personally committed to both.
Are you ready to Do Something? Ready! Fire! Aim!
Friday, August 21, 2009
Michael Jackson and the Princess and the Pauper
All the attention given Michael Jackson’s death recently reminded me of a similar situation several years ago. In the space of a few days in 1997 two women died who had very little in common. Both women were well known throughout the world but had lived very different lives. One had lived a life of almost unimaginable luxury and power. The other had intentionally chosen a life of poverty and service. The death of one commanded an international audience similar to the attention given Michael Jackson. The other much less so.
In reaction to Princess Diana’s death people left public offerings of flowers, candles, cards and personal messages. Within a short time the pile of flowers outside Kensington Gardens was five feet deep in places. Her funeral took place in Westminster Abbey September 6, 1997. It has been estimated that as many as 2.5 billion people watched on television from around the world. If that’s true it would mean that over one third of all the people in the world watched this event.
Mother Teresa died of heart failure on September 5th in Calcutta, India. There were many who mourned the death of this compassionate little lady who had touched the lives of so many. But the attention of so many more were fixed on the funeral of Diana. The death of a saint was only a brief footnote compared to the the death of a princess.
It has been two thousand years since Jesus came into the world to show "the way, the truth, and the life." He made a major impact upon the world. But sometimes it seems there is much lip service given him but few who actually follow his Way. What does it say about our world that so many more were focused on Princess Diana? How is it that one of the “beautiful people” commands so much more attention than someone who alleviated so much pain and suffering in the world.
I have nothing against Princess Diana. She even did some poverty work. I don’t have anything personally against Michael Jackson.But my travel in poor areas of the world has helped me understand the vast chasm between the world of which the princess and the rock star were a part and the world in which Mother Teresa lived. My experience in India has revealed a country of one billion people where most struggle each day to survive. Mother Teresa did much to serve its people.
In the last few weeks so much attention has been paid the death of a man who spent millions on himself. All the while millions go to bed hungry every night. God blessed Michael Jackson with so much. So, why didn’t he share more of his wealth with others? No, that’s not the question is it. The question is why don’t we? By world standards most of us are wealthy. One billion people live on less than a dollar per day.
Now here are the important questions. Who most inspires you, the rock star, the princess, or the pauper? Who do you really worship? Whose example do you follow?
In reaction to Princess Diana’s death people left public offerings of flowers, candles, cards and personal messages. Within a short time the pile of flowers outside Kensington Gardens was five feet deep in places. Her funeral took place in Westminster Abbey September 6, 1997. It has been estimated that as many as 2.5 billion people watched on television from around the world. If that’s true it would mean that over one third of all the people in the world watched this event.
Mother Teresa died of heart failure on September 5th in Calcutta, India. There were many who mourned the death of this compassionate little lady who had touched the lives of so many. But the attention of so many more were fixed on the funeral of Diana. The death of a saint was only a brief footnote compared to the the death of a princess.
It has been two thousand years since Jesus came into the world to show "the way, the truth, and the life." He made a major impact upon the world. But sometimes it seems there is much lip service given him but few who actually follow his Way. What does it say about our world that so many more were focused on Princess Diana? How is it that one of the “beautiful people” commands so much more attention than someone who alleviated so much pain and suffering in the world.
I have nothing against Princess Diana. She even did some poverty work. I don’t have anything personally against Michael Jackson.But my travel in poor areas of the world has helped me understand the vast chasm between the world of which the princess and the rock star were a part and the world in which Mother Teresa lived. My experience in India has revealed a country of one billion people where most struggle each day to survive. Mother Teresa did much to serve its people.
In the last few weeks so much attention has been paid the death of a man who spent millions on himself. All the while millions go to bed hungry every night. God blessed Michael Jackson with so much. So, why didn’t he share more of his wealth with others? No, that’s not the question is it. The question is why don’t we? By world standards most of us are wealthy. One billion people live on less than a dollar per day.
Now here are the important questions. Who most inspires you, the rock star, the princess, or the pauper? Who do you really worship? Whose example do you follow?
Friday, August 14, 2009
Letter From My Uncle Alvin
I got a letter this week from my great Uncle Alvin. I decided to share it with you. Now I warn you, Uncle Alvin is known for being a teller of tall tales. I suppose it started when he came home from fighting in WWI, and told all his exciting war stories. I never could decide when he was telling the truth and when he was pulling my leg.
Dear Dewayne, (My middle name, used by my family)
I had to write you to tell what happened at the Goodwill Methodist Church, over yonder by the Indian Reservation. You know that church used to be a big strong church, but through the years all the young folks moved away to get better jobs. The church had just about dried up, except on homecoming Sunday.
It’s kind of funny how things work out. Lot’s of people have moved to this neck of the woods in recent years. The reservation has built two casinos and a whole passel of new factories. They've brong in people from all over, to help run them. Even some of them Japanese fellows.
But ole brother Zeke Townsend, the church lay leader, said these new folks ain’t “our kind.” “Folks from the North still got it in for us,” he said. “And those Japs killed my boy. If they set foot on this here church property it will be over my dead body.”
Well, don’t you know, they buried ole Zeke last month out back of the church. And last week the little group of folks left over there decided they just couldn’t make ends meet without him, so they voted to close the church. I hear tell that they may sell the property to the reservation so they can build another casino. I guess folks may come over ole Zeke’s dead body after all!
Come to see us when you can.
Your uncle Alvin
Pulling your leg but hoping to make you think,
Dr. Gary
Dear Dewayne, (My middle name, used by my family)
I had to write you to tell what happened at the Goodwill Methodist Church, over yonder by the Indian Reservation. You know that church used to be a big strong church, but through the years all the young folks moved away to get better jobs. The church had just about dried up, except on homecoming Sunday.
It’s kind of funny how things work out. Lot’s of people have moved to this neck of the woods in recent years. The reservation has built two casinos and a whole passel of new factories. They've brong in people from all over, to help run them. Even some of them Japanese fellows.
But ole brother Zeke Townsend, the church lay leader, said these new folks ain’t “our kind.” “Folks from the North still got it in for us,” he said. “And those Japs killed my boy. If they set foot on this here church property it will be over my dead body.”
Well, don’t you know, they buried ole Zeke last month out back of the church. And last week the little group of folks left over there decided they just couldn’t make ends meet without him, so they voted to close the church. I hear tell that they may sell the property to the reservation so they can build another casino. I guess folks may come over ole Zeke’s dead body after all!
Come to see us when you can.
Your uncle Alvin
Pulling your leg but hoping to make you think,
Dr. Gary
Saturday, August 8, 2009
A Christian Is As A Christian Does
In his book Improving Your Serve: The Art of Unselfish Living Chuck Swindoll plays a little game of “Let’s pretend.” He “pretends” the reader works for him as his executive assistant in a large, rapidly growing company. Chuck is the owner who is interested in expanding overseas. He decides to travel abroad for several months to make this happen and leaves the reader in charge of the company. As the months pass Chuck writes the reader on a regular basis giving instructions and describing his expectations.
When Chuck finally comes home he is stunned at what he finds. The company is in shambles. The grounds have been taken over by weeds. Windows are broken out. The place is a mess and no work is being done. Chuck calls his executive assistant, the reader, into his office. The following exchange takes place:
“What in the world is going on, man?”
“What do ya’ mean, Chuck?”
“Well, look at this place! Didn’t you get any of my letters?”
“Letters? Oh, yeah—sure, got every one of them. As a matter of fact, Chuck, we have had letter study every Friday night since you left. We have even divided all the personnel into small groups and discussed many of the things you wrote. Some of those things were really interesting. You’ll be pleased to know that a few of us have actually committed to memory some of your sentences and paragraphs. One or two memorized an entire letter or two! Great stuff in those letters!’
“Okay, okay—you got my letters, you studied them and meditated on them, discussed and even memorized them. BUT WHAT DID YOU DO ABOUT THEM?”
“Do? Uh—we didn’t do anything about them.”
Jesus indicated that his followers would be known by their actions. A Christian is as a Christian does. This is not to argue that an individual can earn his or her own salvation. But Jesus made it clear that the door to heaven is open to those who seek to live by the “golden rule.” In the sermon on the mount Matthew reports Jesus saying, “In everything do to others as you would have them do to you; for this is the law and the prophets. Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the road is easy that leads to destruction, and there are many who take it. For the gate is narrow and the road is hard that leads to life, and there are few who find it. . . You will know them by their fruits. . . Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. . . Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father in heaven.”
We Christians must be careful that we do not confuse talking the talk with walking the walk. We need to be good students of God’s word. We need to spend time together in fellowship and worship. But let’s not confuse the ends with the means. As Chuck Swindoll suggests, let’s improve our serve, practicing what we preach!
When Chuck finally comes home he is stunned at what he finds. The company is in shambles. The grounds have been taken over by weeds. Windows are broken out. The place is a mess and no work is being done. Chuck calls his executive assistant, the reader, into his office. The following exchange takes place:
“What in the world is going on, man?”
“What do ya’ mean, Chuck?”
“Well, look at this place! Didn’t you get any of my letters?”
“Letters? Oh, yeah—sure, got every one of them. As a matter of fact, Chuck, we have had letter study every Friday night since you left. We have even divided all the personnel into small groups and discussed many of the things you wrote. Some of those things were really interesting. You’ll be pleased to know that a few of us have actually committed to memory some of your sentences and paragraphs. One or two memorized an entire letter or two! Great stuff in those letters!’
“Okay, okay—you got my letters, you studied them and meditated on them, discussed and even memorized them. BUT WHAT DID YOU DO ABOUT THEM?”
“Do? Uh—we didn’t do anything about them.”
Jesus indicated that his followers would be known by their actions. A Christian is as a Christian does. This is not to argue that an individual can earn his or her own salvation. But Jesus made it clear that the door to heaven is open to those who seek to live by the “golden rule.” In the sermon on the mount Matthew reports Jesus saying, “In everything do to others as you would have them do to you; for this is the law and the prophets. Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the road is easy that leads to destruction, and there are many who take it. For the gate is narrow and the road is hard that leads to life, and there are few who find it. . . You will know them by their fruits. . . Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. . . Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father in heaven.”
We Christians must be careful that we do not confuse talking the talk with walking the walk. We need to be good students of God’s word. We need to spend time together in fellowship and worship. But let’s not confuse the ends with the means. As Chuck Swindoll suggests, let’s improve our serve, practicing what we preach!
Saturday, August 1, 2009
The Player-Coach
I attended a seminar once by Bill Easum, considered by many to be the leading church consultant in America. He insisted that effective churches have a clear vision of their mission. That mission is to make disciples of Jesus Christ. I agree with Bill. This is why I asked the Church Council to develop a strategic plan for our church that would include a clear statement of our vision and mission and a clear process for making disciples.
I was also very interested in what Easum had to say about the role of the pastor. It was here that he spoke with the most assurance. He said, “Christ-centered pastors don’t make disciples, much less take care of people.” At first this sounds almost like heresy. Bill went on to explain that the pastor’s job is to train and equip others to make disciples and to take care of people. He said, “Pastors of growing, effective churches would rather equip ten people to make disciples than to make disciples themselves.”
I have always tried to see myself as a player-coach. My job is to do ministry and train (coach) others to do ministry. To make disciples that make disciples! In Ephesians 4:11-12 we read, “And He gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors-teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ.” I am called to be a “pastor-teacher.”
Bill summarized his presentations by declaring, “Disciple-making and caring for people are too important, the task too great, and the personal rewards too bountiful for either to be reserved primarily for just one person in a congregation.” John Ed Mathison, now retired, served many years as pastor of Frazer Memorial United Methodist Church in Montgomery, Alabama. This is one of the largest churches in Methodism. He began his popular book Every Member in Ministry (Discipleship Resources 1988) with this sentence: “The secret of the growth of the church is the involvement of the laity in meaningful ministry.”
Last week I wrote that “Churches with passionate members grow.” John Ed claims that the best way to generate passionate Christians is to get them involved in meaningful ministry. He explains what happened in his church when members began to get involved in real ministry that makes a difference. “As people became excited about the ministries for which they volunteered, that excitement became contagious. Lay people excite lay people. . . The volunteering becomes important because it places a responsibility upon the laity rather than upon super-pastor or super-staff who are going to recruit people to do ministry. Lay people like this responsibility and what it communicates about their worth, dignity, and potential” (page vii).
John Ed says he often is asked “What do you think is the most important reason for the growth of Frazer Memorial United Methodist Church?” He claims “The answer is simple: the growing commitment of lay persons who volunteer to serve in an intentional, meaningful ministry through the church” (page 1).
I was also very interested in what Easum had to say about the role of the pastor. It was here that he spoke with the most assurance. He said, “Christ-centered pastors don’t make disciples, much less take care of people.” At first this sounds almost like heresy. Bill went on to explain that the pastor’s job is to train and equip others to make disciples and to take care of people. He said, “Pastors of growing, effective churches would rather equip ten people to make disciples than to make disciples themselves.”
I have always tried to see myself as a player-coach. My job is to do ministry and train (coach) others to do ministry. To make disciples that make disciples! In Ephesians 4:11-12 we read, “And He gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors-teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ.” I am called to be a “pastor-teacher.”
Bill summarized his presentations by declaring, “Disciple-making and caring for people are too important, the task too great, and the personal rewards too bountiful for either to be reserved primarily for just one person in a congregation.” John Ed Mathison, now retired, served many years as pastor of Frazer Memorial United Methodist Church in Montgomery, Alabama. This is one of the largest churches in Methodism. He began his popular book Every Member in Ministry (Discipleship Resources 1988) with this sentence: “The secret of the growth of the church is the involvement of the laity in meaningful ministry.”
Last week I wrote that “Churches with passionate members grow.” John Ed claims that the best way to generate passionate Christians is to get them involved in meaningful ministry. He explains what happened in his church when members began to get involved in real ministry that makes a difference. “As people became excited about the ministries for which they volunteered, that excitement became contagious. Lay people excite lay people. . . The volunteering becomes important because it places a responsibility upon the laity rather than upon super-pastor or super-staff who are going to recruit people to do ministry. Lay people like this responsibility and what it communicates about their worth, dignity, and potential” (page vii).
John Ed says he often is asked “What do you think is the most important reason for the growth of Frazer Memorial United Methodist Church?” He claims “The answer is simple: the growing commitment of lay persons who volunteer to serve in an intentional, meaningful ministry through the church” (page 1).
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Your First Love
In Revelation chapter two God said to the church at Ephesus, “I know your works, your toil and your patient endurance. I know that you cannot tolerate evildoers; you have tested those who claim to be apostles but are not, and have found them to be false. I also know that you are enduring patiently and bearing up for the sake of my name, and that you have not grown weary. But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first. Remember then from what you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first. If not I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place, unless you repent" (Revelation 2:2-5 NRSV).
How many of us are not convicted at least to some degree by these words? I have been visiting with various small groups since arriving at Minor Memorial. We’ve been talking a great deal about the wonderful things going on in our church. We all agree that there is much to celebrate. But each group has agreed that improvements could be made. The word commitment has been used over and over in my conversations with church members. Of course, there is nothing new about this. Every church I’ve ever been a part of has had to deal with this issue. Just how committed to God’s kingdom are we?
For many of us this passage from Revelation is a good reminder of where we are in our lives. Many of us have lost the excitement and enthusiasm we once felt for the church. We’ve simply lost much of the love we once felt for God. We’ve moved on to other things in our lives. The problem is that these “other things” don’t satisfy. They tease and promise lasting happiness, but in reality do not last.
Notice that the church at Ephesus had much to commend it. There were a lot of positive things going on in the church. A lot of good was being accomplished. But they had lost their passion. Their energy was being drained. They were still going through the motions but had lost much of their joy.
Not only was this detrimental to their spiritual, physical, and psychological health, it was robbing them of their spiritual power and destroying their witness. People want to be part of something exciting. When members are truly excited about their church and energized by the Holy Spirit, others see that excitement and energy and want to be a part of that congregation. Passion and persistence wins over ability and aptitude every time. Churches with passionate members grow. Churches with members who have lost their "first love" do not.
How many of us are not convicted at least to some degree by these words? I have been visiting with various small groups since arriving at Minor Memorial. We’ve been talking a great deal about the wonderful things going on in our church. We all agree that there is much to celebrate. But each group has agreed that improvements could be made. The word commitment has been used over and over in my conversations with church members. Of course, there is nothing new about this. Every church I’ve ever been a part of has had to deal with this issue. Just how committed to God’s kingdom are we?
For many of us this passage from Revelation is a good reminder of where we are in our lives. Many of us have lost the excitement and enthusiasm we once felt for the church. We’ve simply lost much of the love we once felt for God. We’ve moved on to other things in our lives. The problem is that these “other things” don’t satisfy. They tease and promise lasting happiness, but in reality do not last.
Notice that the church at Ephesus had much to commend it. There were a lot of positive things going on in the church. A lot of good was being accomplished. But they had lost their passion. Their energy was being drained. They were still going through the motions but had lost much of their joy.
Not only was this detrimental to their spiritual, physical, and psychological health, it was robbing them of their spiritual power and destroying their witness. People want to be part of something exciting. When members are truly excited about their church and energized by the Holy Spirit, others see that excitement and energy and want to be a part of that congregation. Passion and persistence wins over ability and aptitude every time. Churches with passionate members grow. Churches with members who have lost their "first love" do not.
Friday, July 17, 2009
The Compass or the Clock?
In his book First Things First popular author Stephen Covey talks about the clock and the compass. For Covey the clock represents how we manage our time. The clock has to do with our time commitments including how we schedule our day to day activities and commitments. On the other hand he suggests that “the compass represents our vision, values, principles, mission, conscience, direction—what we feel is important and how we lead our lives.”
Covey wisely points out that the problem for most of us lies with the gap between the clock and the compass. The gap grows out of our hectic, chaotic lives. We live with the tyranny of the urgent. Even those who are retired often seem to live in a disorderly state of pressure and stress. I sometimes tell folks I feel like the man who got on the horse and rode off in all directions. Most of my pastor friends tell me they spend most of their time putting out fires.
Not only does this gap between the clock and the compass, our actions and our values, create stress and anxiety, it also contributes to feelings of guilt and disappointment. It drains our joy, robs us of personal satisfaction, and leads finally to feelings of emptiness and despair. We rush to succeed, climbing and clawing our way to the top, only to discover that there’s nothing there worth the effort. Too late, too many begin to ask themselves, “Is this all there is?”
Just listen to people around you. Ask them how they are doing and most will respond by telling you how busy they are. It seems that the majority of people I know are living treadmill lives, running, running, running. The problem is they are not sure they are getting anywhere important. They get a lot done but wonder what kind of real difference it all makes.
Most of us need to learn to control our lives by the compass rather than the clock. And that’s where God can come in. (You knew I would get around to Him sometime didn’t you?) God made each of us for a purpose. There is a reason for our being. A sense of satisfaction and lasting joy comes only when we align our lives with God’s purpose. The issue is not how efficient is our running. The issue is where we are going. Are we giving our lives for trivial things that have only a brief life expectancy or do we give ourselves to those things that have eternal significance? Is your life controlled by the clock or the compass?
Covey wisely points out that the problem for most of us lies with the gap between the clock and the compass. The gap grows out of our hectic, chaotic lives. We live with the tyranny of the urgent. Even those who are retired often seem to live in a disorderly state of pressure and stress. I sometimes tell folks I feel like the man who got on the horse and rode off in all directions. Most of my pastor friends tell me they spend most of their time putting out fires.
Not only does this gap between the clock and the compass, our actions and our values, create stress and anxiety, it also contributes to feelings of guilt and disappointment. It drains our joy, robs us of personal satisfaction, and leads finally to feelings of emptiness and despair. We rush to succeed, climbing and clawing our way to the top, only to discover that there’s nothing there worth the effort. Too late, too many begin to ask themselves, “Is this all there is?”
Just listen to people around you. Ask them how they are doing and most will respond by telling you how busy they are. It seems that the majority of people I know are living treadmill lives, running, running, running. The problem is they are not sure they are getting anywhere important. They get a lot done but wonder what kind of real difference it all makes.
Most of us need to learn to control our lives by the compass rather than the clock. And that’s where God can come in. (You knew I would get around to Him sometime didn’t you?) God made each of us for a purpose. There is a reason for our being. A sense of satisfaction and lasting joy comes only when we align our lives with God’s purpose. The issue is not how efficient is our running. The issue is where we are going. Are we giving our lives for trivial things that have only a brief life expectancy or do we give ourselves to those things that have eternal significance? Is your life controlled by the clock or the compass?
Saturday, July 11, 2009
What We Have Here. . .
Most of you will recall the famous line from the movie Cool Hand Luke staring Paul Newman, “What we have here is a failure to communicate.” Well, I have to admit one of my greatest frustrations as a pastor has often been “church communications.” Through the years I’ve used letters, telephone, announcements in the worship services, and newsletters to communicate with church members. With the help of technology we can now use many more methods that help us connect with each other.
Those of you who are members of Minor Memorial who have given the church office your email address should have received this week our first midweek E-News. We’re calling this The Connection. You will also receive an email with a link to this blog letting you know I have made a new post. Our church has recently formed a Facebook group on line and now the church is on Twitter. None of this is being done to be cool or get involved in the latest “thing.” We are doing this to improve communication and help build upon a sense of community in the church.
We recognize that not everyone has a computer nor are all those who do technologically savvy. I certainly am not myself. However, I do think we should use new tools when they can help us be the church God is calling us to be. Sound systems and pianos were once considered innovations. I have asked Morgan to offer a brief training session several times in August during the Sunday School hour to help everyone understand how to use these tools and to also issue appropriate warnings about their use.
We are working diligently to get a web site up and running. This is vitally important because my experience and research supports the conclusion that most people looking for a church home check out churches first on the Internet. If a congregation doesn’t have a presence there it may not even get on the radar screen of a prospective member.
One of the great things about this modern technology is the capability of two-way communication. Our web site will, of course, allow surfers to email any questions to any church staff. I would love to have positive dialogue going on through my blog. My hope is that this will become a forum for sharing our walk with God. Facebook is an amazing tool that can truly connect us as never before. Twitter will be used to get out quick announcements but can also help connect us in the midst of our busy lives.
There is one final warning that I would like to share with my new friends at Minor Memorial. We must keep such public communication positive and Christlike. The devil loves to seek and destroy. His favorite strategy is to divide and conquer and he loves to do his work in God’s church. These tools, like almost everything else, can be used for good or evil.
On the other hand nothing makes people want to be a part of God’s church more than when they see evidence of God’s joy working in the lives of his people. These communication tools, along with those already being used effectively, will give us more opportunities to display that joy than ever before!
Those of you who are members of Minor Memorial who have given the church office your email address should have received this week our first midweek E-News. We’re calling this The Connection. You will also receive an email with a link to this blog letting you know I have made a new post. Our church has recently formed a Facebook group on line and now the church is on Twitter. None of this is being done to be cool or get involved in the latest “thing.” We are doing this to improve communication and help build upon a sense of community in the church.
We recognize that not everyone has a computer nor are all those who do technologically savvy. I certainly am not myself. However, I do think we should use new tools when they can help us be the church God is calling us to be. Sound systems and pianos were once considered innovations. I have asked Morgan to offer a brief training session several times in August during the Sunday School hour to help everyone understand how to use these tools and to also issue appropriate warnings about their use.
We are working diligently to get a web site up and running. This is vitally important because my experience and research supports the conclusion that most people looking for a church home check out churches first on the Internet. If a congregation doesn’t have a presence there it may not even get on the radar screen of a prospective member.
One of the great things about this modern technology is the capability of two-way communication. Our web site will, of course, allow surfers to email any questions to any church staff. I would love to have positive dialogue going on through my blog. My hope is that this will become a forum for sharing our walk with God. Facebook is an amazing tool that can truly connect us as never before. Twitter will be used to get out quick announcements but can also help connect us in the midst of our busy lives.
There is one final warning that I would like to share with my new friends at Minor Memorial. We must keep such public communication positive and Christlike. The devil loves to seek and destroy. His favorite strategy is to divide and conquer and he loves to do his work in God’s church. These tools, like almost everything else, can be used for good or evil.
On the other hand nothing makes people want to be a part of God’s church more than when they see evidence of God’s joy working in the lives of his people. These communication tools, along with those already being used effectively, will give us more opportunities to display that joy than ever before!
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