September 7, 2013

If you had a chance change the world, where would you start?

What if I told you that you DO have the chance to change the world?

If you are a Believer and follower of Jesus Christ, you are called to be a world-changer! It is your legacy! It is your history! It is your responsibility!

“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.” ACTS 1:8

The people who first heard those words 2,000 years ago were wondering “What on earth are we supposed to do?” And when they heard, they proceeded to change the world – and that is why we are here today!

The world in which Christianity was conceived was a very immoral one:

*Slavery was a universally accepted system
*Homosexuality was rampant
*Sexual permissiveness was the rule of the day
*Prostitution & sexual immorality were a major part of religion
*Human life was cheap & pleasure was primary

THEN, into their world of immorality Christianity was introduced and changed the moral climate of the world.

How on earth did they do it?

THEY WERE CHANGED!

“When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place.  Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.” Acts 2:1-4

Until you have experienced a fundamental spiritual transformation nothing changes. Have you been changed by God?

THEY CHANGED FAMILY AND FRIENDS

^“Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.” Acts 2:38-39

“Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.” Acts 2:46-47

What’s your plan for reaching your family and friends?

Do you have a passion to reach them?

THEY CHANGED THEIR CITY

“We gave you strict orders not to teach in this name,” he said. “Yet you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and are determined to make us guilty of this man’s blood.” Acts 5:28

These First Christians changed their city for Christ! Some historians estimate that half the people in Jerusalem were converted to Christianity.

Do you believe FredWes can change our city for Christ?

We’ll never know unless we try! Let’s minister with Power, with Purpose and with Persistence!

THEY CHANGED THEIR WORLD

They surrendered and served a world changer!

He was born in an obscure village the child of a peasant woman .He grew up in another obscure village where he worked in a carpenter shop until he was thirty.

He never wrote a book , He never held an office , He never went to college , He never visited a big city, He never travelled more than two hundred miles from the place where he was born. He did none of the things usually associated with greatness. He had no credentials but himself. He was only thirty three 

His friends ran away. One of them denied him. He was turned over to his enemies and went through the mockery of a trial. He was nailed to a cross between two thieves.  While dying, his executioners gambled for his clothing the only property he had on earth. When he was dead  He was laid in a borrowed grave through the pity of a friend .

Twenty centuries have come and gone and today Jesus is the central figure of the human race and the leader of mankind's progress. All the armies that have ever marched, all the navies that have ever sailed,  all the parliaments that have ever sat, all the kings that ever reigned put together have not affected the life of mankind on earth as powerfully as that one solitary life 

“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 1:9

In other words, “Why are you standing around staring? Go change your world!”

You don't like the world the way it is?

Go change it!

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.