September 6, 2013

 ^“He said to them: “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. ”After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight. They were looking intently up into the sky as he was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them. “Men of Galilee,” they said, “WHY DO YOU STAND HERE LOOKING INTO THE SKY? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.” Acts 1:7-11

This is a very familiar Scriptural reference and as important the first couple of verses are, I want to focus on the question posed by the angels, “Why are you standing here staring into the sky?” I would rephrase it like this, “What on earth are you doing?”

Good question, wouldn’t you say?

These disciples had just heard the direct and definitive words of the Risen Christ telling them to go and be witnesses but there they stood. No wonder the angels rebuked them!

So, how did they respond?

You will have to come to church this Sunday to find out!

But let me ask you, “What on earth are you doing in regard to witnessing and sharing the Gospel of Jesus?”

Are you regularly praying for the salvation of an unsaved friend or family member?

Intercessory prayer is a crucial element of changing your world!

Are you building redemptive relationships?

That person you see every morning at the convenience store where you buy your coffee. Do you know his name? Is he married? Does he have a family? Does he know your name?

You could be a world-changer just by taking an extra minute and intentionally getting to know that person you already see every day!

How about that waitress at the diner where you eat lunch each day? What's her name? What is her story? Do you know? You could! You should!

By simply taking the time and making an intentional effort your could earn they right to become a world-changer while doing what you already do every day!

What on earth are you doing with the opportunities your daily routine presents you with? Why on earth are you not using those interactions to build a redemptive relationship. You could possibly change their worlds by just slowing down a few seconds and caring for them.

What on earth are you doing for Heaven's sake?

September 5, 2013

"My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.  Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends." John 15:12-13

What on earth are you doing?

That is the question I am exploring this week.

Have you ever considered being a world changer?

"But I'm just one person! How can I change the world?", you may be thinking.

Consider this inspiring story!

In Ernest Gordon’s true account of life in a World War II Japanese prison camp, "Through the Valley of the Kwai," there is a moving story. It is about a man who through giving it all away literally transformed his world. The man’s name was Angus McGillivray.

Angus was a Scottish prisoner in one of the camps filled with Americans, Australians, and Brits who had helped build the infamous Bridge over the River Kwai. The camp had become an ugly situation. A dog-eat-dog mentality had set in. Allies would literally steal from each other and cheat each other; men would sleep on their packs and yet have them stolen from under their heads. Survival was everything. The law of the jungle prevailed...until the news of Angus McGillivray’s death spread throughout the camp. 

Rumors spread in the wake of his death. No one could believe big Angus had succumbed. He was strong, one of those whom they had expected to be the last to die. Actually, it wasn’t the fact of his death that shocked the men, but the reason he died.

Finally they pieced together the true story. The Scottish soldiers took their buddy system very seriously. Their buddy was called their 'mucker,' and these Scots believed that is was literally up to each of them to make sure their 'mucker' survived. Angus’s mucker, though, was dying, and everyone had given up on him; everyone, of course, but Angus. He had made up his mind that his friend would not die.


Someone had stolen his mucker’s blanket. So Angus gave him his own, telling his mucker that he had 'just come across an extra one.' Likewise, every mealtime, Angus would get his rations and take them to his friend, stand over him and force him to eat them, again stating that he was able to get 'extra food.'  Angus was going to do anything and everything to see that his buddy got what he needed to recover.


But as Angus’s mucker began to recover, Angus collapsed, slumped over, and died. The doctors discovered that he had died of starvation complicated by exhaustion. He had been giving of his own food and shelter. He had given everything he had—even his very life.


The impact of his acts of love and unselfishness had an amazing effect on the compound.  As word circulated of the reason for Angus McGillivray’s death, the feel of the camp began to change. Suddenly, men began to focus on their mates, their friends, and humanity-- of living beyond survival, of giving oneself away. They began to pool their talents—one was a violinmaker, another an orchestra leader, another a cabinetmaker, another a professor. Soon the camp had an orchestra full of homemade instruments and a church called the 'Church Without Walls' that was so powerful, so compelling, that even the Japanese guards attended. The men began a university, a hospital, and a library system. The place was transformed all because one man named Angus gave all he had for his friend. His sacrificial love changed their world.


Don't underestimate the power of sacrificial love!


It was the sacrificial love of Jesus that changed your world!

September 4, 2013

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles.  And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us,  fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”  Hebrews 12:2-3

A young couple rented a vacation cottage for a week. One afternoon the husband looked out a window at the swimming pool and exclaimed, "Let’s change our clothes and go get some exercise!" His wife, who was washing the dishes in the kitchen and looking out the window watching some people play tennis, quickly agreed. While she dressed for a tennis match, he put on his swimming trunks. The window a person chooses to look out at the world often determines that individual’s perception of reality. - Lyle Schaller, “Activating the Passive Church”, p. 19.

What happened to these two young people?

They were influenced by two different visions weren’t they?

Consider the power of each vision and how it influenced them.

First, their vision influenced how they thought. The young man, looking and the pool thought of a refreshing did in the sparkling water of the pool. But his young wife was thinking of the fun and exercise of a rousing game of tennis.

Second, their vision affected their decisions. The husband, thinking of a dip in the pool decided to put on his swim suit while his wife, with visions of tennis balls, chose to don her tennis outfit.

Thirdly, their vision impacted their expectations. The husband was expecting his wife to show up in a bathing suit while she was expecting him to come dressed for tennis!

Finally, their vision dictated their actions. He dressed for swimming and she dressed for tennis.

Being newlyweds we can assume they laughed this off and used it as a lesson in communication going forward.

But imagine if this continued to happen throughout the remainder of their marriage. Would that continue to be funny? What is the likelihood of it taking a toll on their marriage?

My purpose is to illustrate in a simple way the power and importance of vision in your life.

I think you can also see how important vision is in relationships. A shared vision can develop a deep and intimate relationship with shared goals and shared values. But differing visions can tear at the fibers of the relationship and pull the couple in opposite directions.

Now apply this to a church fellowship. I’m sure you have been associated with or known of a church that did not have or did not share a commitment to the same vision. What became of that church?

Contrast that to a church led by visionary leaders who communicate a clear and compelling vision that the people embrace and execute together!

What vision is directing your life?

What vision is compelling your marriage?

Do you know the vision of your church? If so, are you committed to it?

Could it be time for some vision clarification in your life?

September 3, 2013

“How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?  And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!” Romans 10:14-15

Church growth Specialist Dr. Thom Ranier’s recent research concludes, to his surprise, there is little correlation between a church’s location and its growth. So what is the biggest factor in a church breakthrough? If there is any one basic lesson to learn, it is to lead the church to an outward focus, literally back to the basics.

Can I paraphrase what Dr. Thom is saying here?

“Where your building is located is not nearly as important as where your heart is located.”

And what are the basics Dr. Ranier is talking about? Here’s a hint – Great Commission - as in evangelism and discipleship.

A little less than a year ago we did something that has been significant in the process of relocating the heart of FredWes. On the week of Thanksgiving we decided to prepare our usual Thanksgiving feast for our annual church Thanksgiving dinner, but instead of enjoying it ourselves we decided to share it with the good folks at the EconoLodge. Since then we have had several more opportunities to serve them and are planning other outreaches there.

What has happened in the months since we began our outreach to EconoLodge? Let me list them for you:

1) Our weekly giving has increased

2) Our attendance has increased

3) Several people from there have been showing up at worship services and one has become a member at FredWes!

4) God has led us to more exciting opportunities for outreach! In just a few weeks we will receive financial commitments toward drilling a well in a remote African village. We will have the chance to support Rich and Kara Tippey in their mission trip to Guatemala, and in February we will take a team to minister at Hephzibah Children’s Home!

5) Twenty of our core people have committed to reach one person for Christ by April 30, 2014.

Relocating the heart is the result of being moved upon by the Spirit of God until His priorities are our priorities and His passion is our passion. That change happens one heart at a time.

God is moving on hearts at FredWes.

Is it happening in your heart?

Are your priorities being challenged or changed?

Are you praying for the salvation of specific unsaved people?

Do you find yourself becoming more passionate about spreading the Gospel?

September 2, 2013

"One day the angels came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan also came with them. The LORD said to Satan, "Where have you come from?" Satan answered the LORD, "From roaming through the earth and going back and forth in it." Then the LORD said to Satan, "Have you considered my servant Job? There is no one on earth like him; he is blameless and upright, a man who fears God and shuns evil." Job 1:6-8

I was never real good in math, but math is nice and tidy, very predictable. When you add one and one you always get two. Always. When you subtract 5 from 10 you get 5. Always. That is nice That is comfortable. That is so unlike life.

But somehow we take a mathematical approach to live. We think that if we do this good thing and combine it with that good thing we will get a good result. Maybe. Maybe not.

That is a huge part of the problem with suffering. It doesn't always add up. In the Bible some of the men who suffered the most lived the best. So here's the math: righteous living + faithful obedience = severe suffering. God's math is strange!

There weren't many who were more moral that Job. He was so righteous that God bragged on him to the Devil! Of all the people I want to impress, God is THE ONE! So what did Job's stellar resume get him? Deep sorrow and suffering. How does that add up?

David had a heart like God's. When God chose him to be King his life was constantly threatened by Saul the reigning king. He spent years running from Saul even though David was totally blameless. Several times he could have killed Saul and ended the period of exile, but he chose to honor Saul because Saul still occupied the throne. David suffered and suffered longer than he needed to because his heart was right and he chose to wait on God. How does that add up?

 

And then, of course, there was Jesus. He was sinless and remained sinless for one reason. So He could become sin for us and suffer our judgment. The very Son of God died a horrifying excruciating shameful death for one reason - He was the only One holy enough to do it! There is no worse suffering than death on a cross. God's best took our worst. How does that add up?

 

This brings us back to the problem that has no mathematical solution, a holy all powerful loving God Who could prevent all suffering doesn't. No one has ever been able to balance that equation. That has caused many to abandon faith or to choose not to believe.

What do you do when life doesn't add up?

What are you to believe when God subtracts from your comfort rather than adding to it?

Will you factor in God's goodness and love when the math doesn't seem to work?

Can you trust your problem to be His solution?

September 1, 2013

“…for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.” Philippians 2:13

 

Paul is teaching us how we can make sure our salvation works for all our days on planet Earth. His key thought is "obedience IS the work of salvation because it allows God to work out the completion of your salvation"!

 

If you want your salvation to work:

 

Obey faithfully!

 

Obey fearfully!

 

AND obey fruitfully!

 

You know salvation is working out when His will and His purpose happens through your life!

 

You know your salvation is working out when God is pleased by your obedience.

Salvation works when you are committed to obeying His will and purposes. It doesn't work when you disobey. It is that simple!

 

When you are committed to obeying His will and purpose your life will bear spiritual fruit. When disobey his will and purpose there will be not fruit.

Charles Finney noted this about obedience and sacrifice, “Revival is nothing more or less than a new obedience to God!”      

 

“Joy is the byproduct of obedience”  - (Unknown)

 

D. L. Moody has expressed it so well: “. . .Joy flows right on through trouble; joy flows on through the dark; joy flows in the night as well as in the day; joy flows all through persecution and opposition. It is an unceasing fountain bubbling up in the heart; a secret spring the world can’t see and doesn’t know anything about. The Lord gives His people perpetual joy when they walk in obedience to him”

 

Patrick Morley’s book “Walking with Christ in the Details of Life.” It is a book of meditations that includes one called “Revival: The Gospel of Addition.” In it, he said the following, “The American gospel has evolved into a gospel of addition without subtraction. It is the belief that we can add Christ to our lives, but not subtract sin. It is a change in belief without a change in behavior… A changed life is one that has added Christ and subtracted sin, that attracts a world weary of worn-out words. Obedience is the proof.”

 

"Have you noticed how much praying for revival has been going on of late - and how little revival has resulted? I believe the problem is that we have been TRYING TO SUBSTITUTE PRAYING FOR OBEYING, and it simply will not work. To pray for revival while ignoring the plain precept laid down in Scripture is to waste a lot of words and get nothing for our trouble. Prayer will become effective when we stop using it as a substitute for obedience."
A.W. Tozer

 

You are more likely to OBEY YOURSELF INTO PRAYING than you are to pray yourself into obeying!

 

HOW’S YOUR OBEDIENCE? ARE YOU SEEING FRUIT IN YOUR LIFE?

 

HOW IS YOUR SALVATION WORKING OUT?

 

I AM GOING TO GUESS IT IS WORKING OUT IN DIRECT PROPORTION TO YOUR OBEDIENCE.

 

August 31, 2013

"......continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling...." Philippians 2:12b
 

The work of salvation is obedience!
 

Obedience allows Christ's work of salvation begins in your heart when you obey His conditions for salvation.

Once you have salvation you must obey faithfully!

Not only should you obey faithfully but also obey fearfully!

Romans 3:16-18 – Characterizes disobedient people:

·         "Destruction and misery are in their ways”:

·         And the way of peace have they not known:

·         There is no fear of God before their eyes. "

 

I hope that doesn’t describe you this morning.

 

The best reason for obeying God is out of love and a desire to please Him. But an equally effective reason is fear of what happens when you don't obey God, as these stories illustrate.

 

Charles Swindoll once talked with General Charles M. Duke, a former astronaut who went on the Apollo 16 mission to the moon. I asked, “Once you were there, weren’t you free to make your own decisions and carry out your own experiments. He smiled and said “Sure, if I didn’t want to return to earth!” He went on to describe the intricate plan, the precise instructions, the essential discipline and the instant obedience that was needed right down to a split second. He explained how they landed with sixty seconds of fuel remaining. Talk about being obedient! (Charles Swindoll, Strengthening Your Grip).

 

Their obedience to the plan allowed the plan to work! The slightest act of disobedience would have doomed the mission and them!

 

Consider the truths of these quotes:

“If God be God over us, we must yield him universal obedience in all things. He must not be over us in one thing, and under us in another, but he must be over us in everything.” - Peter Bulkeley, Leadership, Vol. 9, no. 1

 

Obedience doesn’t allow you to decide what you will and won’t obey. The Words of Christ are not suggestions or advice: they are commands! (Water Buffalo Theology)

 

How's your obedience?

 

Are you obeying fearfully?

 

How is your salvation working out?