Life. At times it can be hard, difficult, frustrating, maddening, sad and beautiful. Some call it a mystery. However, it is what it is. And the real question is what are we going to do with this life? We know there will be good times and bad times. Jesus tells us in John 16:33, “…Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” What comforting words. No matter what cards you are dealt in life, no matter how hard things may get, we can still find peace. We can still take heart, because no matter the situation, the failure, the heartbreak or the pain Jesus has already overcome it. Wow, that is powerful!
Do you know that God really does love you and cares about you? Now, I’m not just saying that because I am a pastor and that is the right thing to say. I say that from experience. I know it to be true because I have felt it and experienced it in my darkest times. When no other human words or touch could suffice, God’s gentle, yet firm arms embraced me and I experienced peace. He cares about what you are facing and what you are going through. And actually he wants the best for your life. John 10:10 says that the thief comes to steal, kill and destroy, but Jesus says I come to give life and give it to the fullest.
The holy Trinity is vastly aware of the spiritual struggles and temptations we battle on a daily basis. We are at war, no doubt. But through it all we have a God we can trust. One who loves us and even one who can relate to our suffering, abandonment and temptations. My dad has a framed, rather crude, hand written (or scribbled) picture on his office wall from a 5 or 6 year old boy that reads, “Life is hard sometimes dad, but when you’re around it’s not.” You see, I gave that to my dad some 30 years ago. I wrote it from my heart one day and simple told him how I felt. Already at age 5 or 6, I understood there to be disappointment and hurt in the world, but I know that my father was there to see me through many of the bruises, cuts, tears, heartbreaks and disappointments that life had to offer (and he still does by the way). And of course, the same is true of our heavenly Father. Life is hard, real hard sometimes, but when He is around (which is all of the time), He is there to love us, shepherd us, discipline us and care for us. We just need to stop and take the time to tell him how thankful we are and that we loved. Who knows, He might even hang it on His heavenly wall!
Blessings,
Pastor Tim
Monday, November 24, 2008
Monday, June 23, 2008
A Brief Discussion on Evangelism
The other day a good friend of mine and I were having a healthy discussion on the nature of evangelism. The discussion focused primarily on this question: Has the face of evangelism changed over the past few generations or is it still the same? I’m not talking about the mandate from Scripture to share our faith, nor am I suggesting that Jesus has changed, for he is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8). However, I do wonder if our approach to evangelism changes within the context of the ministry in which we are doing. My friend and I had two very different points of views, which of course is okay, yet, I know one day he will eventually see things my way. I’m joking of course, but it was a great conversation and I felt we needed to blog about it.
First off what is evangelism? Does it mean we go out and try to find some person that we can convert to Christianity so we can mark off another name on the chalkboard or does it mean we try to show people the Love of Christ and how he wants them to live? In Matthew 28:19 Jesus told his disciples this: “Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit.” Almost all Christians refer to this verse as the Great Commission, recognizing what we as believers are called to do. But read it carefully. What does it say we are to do? Nowhere in there does it say to “save” someone. Rather, it says to “make disciples”. As I began to study this Scripture I realized that my perspective on evangelism was all wrong. If our calling is to make disciples rather than converts then our approach has to be different than just knocking on someone’s door and asking, “Hey if you died tonight where do you think you would go? Would you go to heaven or would you burn in the eternal pits of hell?” Okay, okay, some of you might be saying that is a bit dramatic. But is it? How does it sound to those unbelieving strangers whose home we have just invaded? If we are going to truly live out the Gospel mandate to make disciples then I believe it must happen in the context of relationships.
Relationships are everything. As a matter of fact the two greatest commandments have to do with relationships. We are told to love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength and love others (Mark 12:28-31). Everything boils down to relationships. Love God and love others, this formula is quite simple actually.
As I look at Jesus in the New Testament, I see Jesus involved in peoples’ lives building relationships in order to minister to them and turn them into disciples. Jesus did it with the woman at the well first, by building a relationship with this woman of another ethnic group and secondly, by having a meaningful conversation with her. This was unheard of in that day, yet Jesus set a divine appointment to share truth with her. And he used water, which the woman was after, as common ground to initiate the conversation. Jesus did get to the point of acknowledging her sin put not until he first built a relationship with her (John 4:1-42). I also find this true with the story of Zacchaeus, the most notorious sinner in all of Jericho (Luke 19:1-10). Jesus finds him and tells him that he is going to hang out at his house (or crib - for the MTV generation) for awhile. Later Jesus proclaims that salvation has come to this house because of the life change that has taken place in Zacchaeus. And there are numerous other Scriptures that tell of Jesus hanging out with liars, cheaters and other sinners, building relationships with them and making disciples.
I realize that there is no “one way “to do evangelism. Each person has their own personal style. My friend that I mentioned earlier feels that it is best to just approach anyone and bring up their spiritual walk immediately, kind of like, “Hey do you know Jesus and if not do you want to”? On the other hand, I feel it is best to build a relationship first and ease into the conversation about Jesus. My friend commented on the story of the rich young man in Matthew 19 that came to Jesus and asked him what he needed in order to have eternal life. Jesus told him to obey the commandments and then sell everything and follow me. The rich young man went away sad because he loved his wealth. My friend argued that there was no time for a relationship there, Jesus simply gave him the plan of salvation and the man went on his way. True, but the difference between this story and the two I mentioned is that this man approached Jesus with a direct question. With Zacchaeus and the woman at the well Jesus went to them. Don’t get me wrong, I believe that there are times when you know “now” is the time to ask about their spiritual well-being, and there are times when you realize that “now” is not a good time.
The point is this; if you are a believer then you are called to share your story. You don’t need a specific game plan or the four spiritual laws memorized. Simply, know where you were before Christ, where you are now because of Christ, and where you are going because of Christ, and then tell someone. The one thing my friend and I do agree on is that it is essential that we share our faith with an unbelieving world. Figure out your style, and then go and make disciples for Jesus!
Any thoughts, comments or questions you have please blog them.
Blessings – Pastor Tim
One final note: A special thank you to my “friend” in this story. If it was not for him I would not even have this blog. He set it all up for me because I have no idea what I am doing when it comes to computers. Thanks friend and keep on sharing your faith!
First off what is evangelism? Does it mean we go out and try to find some person that we can convert to Christianity so we can mark off another name on the chalkboard or does it mean we try to show people the Love of Christ and how he wants them to live? In Matthew 28:19 Jesus told his disciples this: “Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit.” Almost all Christians refer to this verse as the Great Commission, recognizing what we as believers are called to do. But read it carefully. What does it say we are to do? Nowhere in there does it say to “save” someone. Rather, it says to “make disciples”. As I began to study this Scripture I realized that my perspective on evangelism was all wrong. If our calling is to make disciples rather than converts then our approach has to be different than just knocking on someone’s door and asking, “Hey if you died tonight where do you think you would go? Would you go to heaven or would you burn in the eternal pits of hell?” Okay, okay, some of you might be saying that is a bit dramatic. But is it? How does it sound to those unbelieving strangers whose home we have just invaded? If we are going to truly live out the Gospel mandate to make disciples then I believe it must happen in the context of relationships.
Relationships are everything. As a matter of fact the two greatest commandments have to do with relationships. We are told to love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength and love others (Mark 12:28-31). Everything boils down to relationships. Love God and love others, this formula is quite simple actually.
As I look at Jesus in the New Testament, I see Jesus involved in peoples’ lives building relationships in order to minister to them and turn them into disciples. Jesus did it with the woman at the well first, by building a relationship with this woman of another ethnic group and secondly, by having a meaningful conversation with her. This was unheard of in that day, yet Jesus set a divine appointment to share truth with her. And he used water, which the woman was after, as common ground to initiate the conversation. Jesus did get to the point of acknowledging her sin put not until he first built a relationship with her (John 4:1-42). I also find this true with the story of Zacchaeus, the most notorious sinner in all of Jericho (Luke 19:1-10). Jesus finds him and tells him that he is going to hang out at his house (or crib - for the MTV generation) for awhile. Later Jesus proclaims that salvation has come to this house because of the life change that has taken place in Zacchaeus. And there are numerous other Scriptures that tell of Jesus hanging out with liars, cheaters and other sinners, building relationships with them and making disciples.
I realize that there is no “one way “to do evangelism. Each person has their own personal style. My friend that I mentioned earlier feels that it is best to just approach anyone and bring up their spiritual walk immediately, kind of like, “Hey do you know Jesus and if not do you want to”? On the other hand, I feel it is best to build a relationship first and ease into the conversation about Jesus. My friend commented on the story of the rich young man in Matthew 19 that came to Jesus and asked him what he needed in order to have eternal life. Jesus told him to obey the commandments and then sell everything and follow me. The rich young man went away sad because he loved his wealth. My friend argued that there was no time for a relationship there, Jesus simply gave him the plan of salvation and the man went on his way. True, but the difference between this story and the two I mentioned is that this man approached Jesus with a direct question. With Zacchaeus and the woman at the well Jesus went to them. Don’t get me wrong, I believe that there are times when you know “now” is the time to ask about their spiritual well-being, and there are times when you realize that “now” is not a good time.
The point is this; if you are a believer then you are called to share your story. You don’t need a specific game plan or the four spiritual laws memorized. Simply, know where you were before Christ, where you are now because of Christ, and where you are going because of Christ, and then tell someone. The one thing my friend and I do agree on is that it is essential that we share our faith with an unbelieving world. Figure out your style, and then go and make disciples for Jesus!
Any thoughts, comments or questions you have please blog them.
Blessings – Pastor Tim
One final note: A special thank you to my “friend” in this story. If it was not for him I would not even have this blog. He set it all up for me because I have no idea what I am doing when it comes to computers. Thanks friend and keep on sharing your faith!
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
"The Least of These"
Matthew 25 tells us that we are to serve “the least of these.” So, who are the least of these? What does that mean exactly? If you look around you will find them everywhere. A hurting neighbor or co-worker, the homeless guy at the corner, the teenage girl who had an abortion, the couple who is going through a divorce, or could it be the person looking back at you in the mirror.
Within the verses of Matthew 25 we find that serving others is not a suggestion, rather it is a command! Actually, Jesus uses some pretty strong language here. He tells us that we are in danger of hell if we refuse to serve others! Look at Matthew 25:41-46, “Then the king will turn to those on the left and say, ‘Away with you, you cursed ones, into the eternal fire prepared for the Devil and his demons! For I was hungry, and you didn’t feed me. I was thirsty, and you didn’t give me anything to drink. I was a stranger, and you didn’t invite me into your home. I was naked, and you gave me no clothing. I was sick and in prison, and you didn’t visit me.’
‘Then they will reply, ‘Lord, when did we ever see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or in prison, and not help you?’ And he will answer, ‘I assure you, when you refused to help the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were refusing to help me.’ And they will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous will go into eternal life.” Jesus tells us that there is more to our salvation than just going to heaven. We are to spend our lives serving others. We know it is not ‘works’ that saves us, it is the grace of God that saves us, but after we are saved we need to ‘work’ out our salvation as James tells us in chapter 2, verse 26 of his epistle to the church. James tells us that a faith without action is useless, and Jesus says it leads to eternal punishment. Therefore, I think the New Testament is pretty clear that it is our job to serve the world.
Both my generation (I’m 35) and the one behind me, which the Barna Group defines as Mosaics (born between 1984 and 2002) and Busters (born between 1965 and 1983), have become hostile towards Christianity. It is imperative that we find a way to reach them with the love of Christ. The problem is that they are tired of hearing about Jesus - they want to see Jesus! And I believe that it is our job as Christians to actually be Christ-like. We need to show people who Jesus is. We need to practice what we preach and quit being so judgmental toward a lost and immoral society. It always intrigues me when believers are offended by the sin of unbelievers. We shouldn’t be surprised that a society without Christ is going to be a society with sin. We need to learn how to build relationships with unbelievers and teach them about a God who poured himself into his Son so he could relate to us and show us love and forgiveness. We need to first find forgiveness ourselves and then share that forgiveness of Christ with a hurting and desperate world. We may well be the only “Jesus” some needy person ever sees. As a simple pastor it is my desire that we as Christians begin to really embrace the teachings of Jesus and that we become a Matthew 25 people, serving and loving a lost generation!
Within the verses of Matthew 25 we find that serving others is not a suggestion, rather it is a command! Actually, Jesus uses some pretty strong language here. He tells us that we are in danger of hell if we refuse to serve others! Look at Matthew 25:41-46, “Then the king will turn to those on the left and say, ‘Away with you, you cursed ones, into the eternal fire prepared for the Devil and his demons! For I was hungry, and you didn’t feed me. I was thirsty, and you didn’t give me anything to drink. I was a stranger, and you didn’t invite me into your home. I was naked, and you gave me no clothing. I was sick and in prison, and you didn’t visit me.’
‘Then they will reply, ‘Lord, when did we ever see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or in prison, and not help you?’ And he will answer, ‘I assure you, when you refused to help the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were refusing to help me.’ And they will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous will go into eternal life.” Jesus tells us that there is more to our salvation than just going to heaven. We are to spend our lives serving others. We know it is not ‘works’ that saves us, it is the grace of God that saves us, but after we are saved we need to ‘work’ out our salvation as James tells us in chapter 2, verse 26 of his epistle to the church. James tells us that a faith without action is useless, and Jesus says it leads to eternal punishment. Therefore, I think the New Testament is pretty clear that it is our job to serve the world.
Both my generation (I’m 35) and the one behind me, which the Barna Group defines as Mosaics (born between 1984 and 2002) and Busters (born between 1965 and 1983), have become hostile towards Christianity. It is imperative that we find a way to reach them with the love of Christ. The problem is that they are tired of hearing about Jesus - they want to see Jesus! And I believe that it is our job as Christians to actually be Christ-like. We need to show people who Jesus is. We need to practice what we preach and quit being so judgmental toward a lost and immoral society. It always intrigues me when believers are offended by the sin of unbelievers. We shouldn’t be surprised that a society without Christ is going to be a society with sin. We need to learn how to build relationships with unbelievers and teach them about a God who poured himself into his Son so he could relate to us and show us love and forgiveness. We need to first find forgiveness ourselves and then share that forgiveness of Christ with a hurting and desperate world. We may well be the only “Jesus” some needy person ever sees. As a simple pastor it is my desire that we as Christians begin to really embrace the teachings of Jesus and that we become a Matthew 25 people, serving and loving a lost generation!
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Spiritual Food For Spiritual Thought
Why is it that ministry has become so complicated? Or has it? Maybe you would argue that it's not complicated. But have you checked out some churches lately? It seems to me that churches have become so busy doing "stuff" that they have lost sight of what the purpose of Christianity is all about. What is that purpose you ask? Well Jesus was asked a similar question by some Pharisees of his day. Matthew 22:36-40 says this, "Teacher, which is the most important commandment in the law of Moses? Jesus replied, You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: Love your neighbor as yourself. All the other commandments and all the demands of the prophets are based on these commandments."
Did you catch that? Did you see it there in the text? It is the formula for simple ministry. The way God intended it. It is simply to love God, love each other and then serve others. Everything else in life is secondary. How about you? Have you made God, church, Christianity, or your personal faith complicated? Or is it simple? Let me know what you think!
Pastor Tim---Simple Pastor
Did you catch that? Did you see it there in the text? It is the formula for simple ministry. The way God intended it. It is simply to love God, love each other and then serve others. Everything else in life is secondary. How about you? Have you made God, church, Christianity, or your personal faith complicated? Or is it simple? Let me know what you think!
Pastor Tim---Simple Pastor
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
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