David Tarkington

Memorial Day - The Cost of Freedom

Remember. . .freedom is never free.

Making the Shift from Church-Focused to Kingdom-Focused

I readily admit that I really never have original ideas. I claim Ecclesiastes 1:9 for this reality.

Last week I was at a gathering of church planters and pastors of churches that are raising up church planters. The keynote speaker and leader of Vision 360 (and Pastor of NorthWood Church in Keller, Texas) Bob Roberts, Jr. shared about the necessity of moving away from the western "church-focused" model to the biblical "Kingdom-focused model." 

Though this is not a new concept, it was so refreshing to see it laid out in such an understandable way. It is exciting to be able to see or hear something and sit back and go "Wow! That's exactly what I've been thinking, but wasn't able to clarify in my mind." God does this. He uses the Word, situations and others to speak (and pretty much anything else He chooses. He is God, you know.)

So, what does this mean?

What's the big deal about shifting from being Church-Focused to being Kingdom-Focused?

The big deal is that remaining in a Church-Focused framework means death and missing what the Gospel leads us to do and be.

The problem is that I grew up in a Church-Based model. I was trained in this framework. That's what I learned in church, at seminary and in ministry meetings. We work and work at doing church better under this framework only to continue to see the Great Commission go unfulfilled.

I'll break down more of this in later posts, but let's start here. 

The Church-Based Framework . . .

Now, at first glance you may not find any problems with this framework. It has a number of church terms listed: disciple, gospel, etc. However, look closely and you'll discover that the Church is the center and the primary functions lead to growing the church (the organization, not the body and therefore, not the people.) 

This is a radical shift for me and maybe you as well. Of course we're supposed to make disciples, but all too often that looks like nothing more than a membership drive and increased participation in a program. Here's a newsflash - just because people show up at church does not mean they are disciples.

The membership strategy and participation numbers lead this framework and then an interesting view of the gospel comes. This view is all about self, rather than about God. It's about personal salvation and personal atonement for one's sins. I know, I know, you're saying "What's wrong with that?" Well, nothing except for the exclusion of God. Unfortunately, this is how Christianity has been sold, especially in the west. It's about "praying a prayer" rather than about the Lordship of Christ.

Of course, the desire is for personal salvation and Christ's death does atone for one's sins. The issue is the focus. The focus is not about "me" or "us" but Him.

In the church framework the society is basically ignored. This leads to isolationist Christianity. It's evidenced in a "hiding place" church and ministry that is designed to keep us safe from the evils of the world. It results in "Christian" versions of every societal domain and further removes us from being "in the world" while using the excuse of not being "of the world."

The church, therefore becomes the building and an institution. Regardless how many times we say that "the church is the people not a building" our culture is built on this framework, so it is difficult to really live otherwise.

So, that being said, what does the Kingdom-Focused framwork look like?

The Kingdom-Focused Framework. . .

It may seem subtle, but the differences are huge. In other words. . .THIS CHANGES EVERYTHING.

The Kingdom-focused Church begins with the Gospel. It's the gospel of the Kingdom of God and focuses on His sovereignty and kingship.

This leads to disciple-making. The Great Commission is a Kingdom-focused command. We are to make disciples. Disciples are those who hear and obey. They live under the lordship of the King. (

Society is not something to be disengaged from, but something to engage. Domains are engaged. Loving one's neighbor becomes real. We then do not love people for the sake of seeing them become Christians, but just because we love them. Yes, we want them to come to Christ, but love must be unconditional.

The church is then defined and living out as the "ecclesia" - the called out ones. The church is the people and we are the ambassadors of the King in this world. We represent Him.

What does this mean?

It means a shift must happen. Language must change. Motivation must adjust. It's about the Kingdom, not about "our" church.

It's Time to Kick Up Some Dust

02 04 - Soldier On

In chapter one of 2 Timothy, Paul encourages the young pastor Timothy in ways that seem very fatherly. It's powerful how Paul reminds Timothy of his heritage of faith and the role God has called him to fulfill.

Then, in chapter two Paul steps into instructing. It's as if he's saying "I encourage you. You have what it takes. You are a man of faith and courage. So. . .get to work." There's power in the encouragement followed by the instruction.

When we talk about what it means to be a disciple of God, there are many definitions thrown around. Most are pretty good and correct, if not complete. However, if there's one phrase that sums up what it means to be a disciple of God, I believe it is simply to "hear and obey." 

Many church attenders in the world have heard the truth. However, just hearing does not make one a disciple. Unfortunately, I fear that many who attend church regularly around the world and especially here in the west are not disciples. Thus, the church fails to be what God intended.

God intended His church to replicate. His plan is for the church to make disciples. 

In Timothy’s case, he was instructed to find faithful men. These men were to be those changed by the Spirit of God, men who were all in regarding the church. These couldn’t be superficial men. The qualifications of these men were given by Paul to Timothy in his previous letter.

The pastor who does not multiply his faith in God through others is set up to become a codependent pastor preaching to a church full of weak members who always “need their pastor.”

It’s dangerous and yet, for generations has been expected in our culture. Therefore, we have stories of burned out pastors and passionless churches that become black holes of self-interest who gather weekly to biblically gaze at their navels, have pot luck meals and attend funerals all while the community slides into a post-Christian funk who cannot understand the relevance of the church.

So, Paul affirms to Timothy – get your team together. Be strong. Lead them. Soldier on.

This message is one that God is using to move us as a church from a "church based framework" to a "Kingdom based framework." You'll hear more about this later. Stay tuned and connected. It's pretty powerful. 

We have been called to be disciples, to hear and obey and to change the world. 

This is a powerful message and at one point, I share a story from Pastor Dion Robert of Cote d'Ivoire. He was asked at a conference what it means to be a disciple. His answer regarding being the shadow of God really clicked with me. There's so much more, so I've included the video here. Take a moment to watch. You'll be glad you did.

A friend of mine told me that one of the root words that we get our word "disciple" from actually means to "kick up dust." I like that. A disciple is an action figure. Can you imagine the first century world that encountered Christ's disciples saying "Hey, look at those dust kickers!" 

Let's be the shadow of our God.

Let's change the world.

Let's be dust kickers.

To Be Called "Faithful"

01 3 - To Be Called Faithful

Every Christ-follower yearns to hear the Father say "Well done, good and faithful servant." To be called faithful is a deep compliment of a valuable trait.

In Paul 's letter to Timothy, he affirms the young pastor's faith as well as that of his mother Eunice and grandmother, Lois.

What is it that makes a Christ-follower faithful?

I believe the first and primary characteristic is that of surrender. A person who is fully surrendered to Christ will live a life that honors Him. This person will love deeply, pray authentically, serve unashamedly, stand firmly and give generously. There are many more characteristics of the faithful, but they all come from total surrender.

May we be fully surrendered, faithful followers of Christ.

The audio message attached was the Mother's Day sermon presented at First Baptist Church of Orange Park on May 13, 2012.

Prayer Point 10: Renew Every Pastor's Heart

The final Prayer Point for our ReVision Florida gatherings focuses on the hearts of our pastors.

Prayer Point 10: Renewal of the hearts of our pastors

Problem: No passion. Stagnant, dull services. No focus on the Word of God.

Symptoms: No salvations. No baptisms. No vision. No mission. No passion in the pulpit.

Truth: Spiritual renewal has always come on the heels of a renewed reverance and hunger for the Word of God.

Scripture:

• Psalm 51:12(ESV)
  Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit. 
• Colossians 3:10-12(ESV)
  And have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator. Here there is not Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, free; but Christ is all, and in all. Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience.
• Romans 12:1-2(ESV)
  I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
• 2 Corinthians 5:17(ESV)
  Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. 

Our Prayer: God, renew and revive the hearts of our pastors. Return them to their first love. Remind them of Your calling on their lives. Lead them to serve You today in such as way that is as thrilling, exciting and dangerous as when they first answered the call. May the power of the Holy Spirit renew the hearts of our pastors for Your glory.

Prayer Point 9: We Must Own This Vision

Prayer Point 9: Ownership of the Vision

Problem: God's people do not sense ownership of the work to be done in our state. God has given us our communities and state as a stewardship. However, many of us feel like the problem of the lostness in Florida belongs to someone else. As Baptists, we sometimes believe the problem belongs to the Florida Baptist Convention, the local Associations or some other network of churches. The reality, the problem is ours.

Symptoms: Lack of unity among churches. Working to build small kingdoms rather than work for the Kingdom.

Scripture:

• Proverbs 29:18(ESV)
  Where there is no prophetic vision the people cast off restraint, but blessed is he who keeps the law. 
  
• Acts 18:9(ESV)
  And the Lord said to Paul one night in a vision, “Do not be afraid, but go on speaking and do not be silent, 

Our Prayer: God, may we see the stewardship You have given us here. God has called us to reach our communities and this state. May we see the challenges, the problems, the possibilities and the vision as ours to fulfill under God's lead.

Prayer Point 8: Releasing of Resources

Prayer Point 8: Releasing of Resources

Problem: God has supplied the needed resources and funds for His work. His people will not release the resources.

Symptoms: Ministries left undone for lack of resources.

Scripture:

• Psalm 37:34(ESV)
  Wait for the Lord and keep his way, and he will exalt you to inherit the land; you will look on when the wicked are cut off. 
  
• 2 Corinthians 9:6-8(ESV)
  The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must give as he has made up his mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work. 
• Matthew 6:33(ESV)
  But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
• 3 John 1:2(ESV)
  Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, as it goes well with your soul.
• 2 Corinthians 9:8(ESV)
  And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work.

Our Prayer: God, give your people a heart of generosity. May the church release the resources of God's for His work. In our abundance, let us understand that what we have is not ours, but Yours and send a fresh sense of sacrificial generosity.

Prayer Point 7: Need for Laborers

Prayer Point 7: Lord of the Harvest to Send Forth Laborers

Problem: A shortage of workers.

Symptoms: A harvest is waiting and the field needs workers.

Scripture:

• Matthew 9:37-38(ESV)
  Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.” 
  
• Matthew 28:18-20(ESV)
  And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” 
• Luke 9:23(ESV)
  And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. 
• Luke 19:10(ESV)
  For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.

Our Prayer: Lord, change our mindset and our vision so we will see that the harvest is still great. Call out the next generation of workers, missionaries, church planters, pastors, teachers, evangelists and others for this task.

 

 

Prayer Point 6: Unity Among Christ Followers

As pastors and leaders praying throughout Florida, we come face to face with the issue of unity. There are churches splitting, fights among believers. There are even churches who wrongly view other churches as "competition" and therefore, create an island of ministry that misses the larger story. Therefore, our prayer focus this day is about unity. This is not a surface level, "feel good" unity, but a deep, gospel focused oneness of purpose and Kingdom-mindedness.

Prayer Point 6: Unity

Problem: No harmony. No agreement. No godly interaction and poor fellowship

Symptoms: Division among church leaders. Wasted time. Wasted energy

Scripture:

• Psalm 133:1(ESV)
  Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity!
  
• Ecclesiastes 4:9-12(ESV)
  Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up! Again, if two lie together, they keep warm, but how can one keep warm alone? And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him—a threefold cord is not quickly broken. 
• John 17:20-26(ESV)
  “I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me. The glory that you have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one, I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me. Father, I desire that they also, whom you have given me, may be with me where I am, to see my glory that you have given me because you loved me before the foundation of the world. O righteous Father, even though the world does not know you, I know you, and these know that you have sent me. I made known to them your name, and I will continue to make it known, that the love with which you have loved me may be in them, and I in them.” 
• Acts 1:14(ESV)
  All these with one accord were devoting themselves to prayer, together with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and his brothers.
• Acts 2:1(ESV)
  When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place. 
• Acts 2:46(ESV)
  And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, 
• Acts 4:24(ESV)
  And when they heard it, they lifted their voices together to God and said, “Sovereign Lord, who made the heaven and the earth and the sea and everything in them, 
• Acts 5:12(ESV)
  Now many signs and wonders were regularly done among the people by the hands of the apostles. And they were all together in Solomon’s Portico. 
• Acts 8:6(ESV)
  And the crowds with one accord paid attention to what was being said by Philip when they heard him and saw the signs that he did. 
• Acts 15:25(ESV)
  It has seemed good to us, having come to one accord, to choose men and send them to you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul, 

Our Prayer: Lord, let us be in accord with You!

Prayer Point 5: Boldness

Today's prayer for pastors and leaders in the state of Florida is for boldness in preaching the gospel. As with the other points, these come from Dr. Clayton Cloer of First Baptist Church of Central Florida.

Prayer Point 5: Boldness

Problem: Lack of godly authority in the church and therefore, the truth of the gospel is by-passed or watered down.

Symptoms: Weakness in the pulpit. The true gospel message is not proclaimed. God's people are therefore presented a watered down message that leads to a timid fellowship and no boldness in living for Christ. 

Scripture:

• Ephesians 6:19(ESV)
  And also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, 
• Colossians 4:2-4(ESV)
  Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison—that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak. 
• Acts 4:19-20(ESV)
  But Peter and John answered them, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you rather than to God, you must judge, for we cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard.” 
• Acts 28:31(ESV)
  Proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness and without hindrance. 

Our Prayer: God grant us boldness to love loud, to share our lives and our Lord with this state (and beyond.) May timidity and fear be banished. May we trumpet truth in our lives, our love and from our lips.

Prayer Point 4: Encouragement for Pastors

Encouragement is needed for all believers, but as a part of our prayer emphasis for ReVision Florida, the specific prayer focus here is for the shepherds of local fellowships.

Prayer Point 4: Encouragement for Pastors

Problem: Four pastors a day leave the ministry.

Symptoms: Discouragement, lack of support from the church and fellow pastors.

Scripture:

• 1 Thessalonians 5:11(ESV)
  Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.
• Psalms 86:7(ESV)
  In the day of my trouble I call upon you, for you answer me. 
• Acts 11:23(ESV)
  When he came and saw the grace of God, he was glad, and he exhorted them all to remain faithful to the Lord with steadfast purpose, 
• 1 Thessalonians 5:14(ESV)
  And we urge you, brothers, admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all. 
• Romans 15:5(ESV)
  May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, 
• Galatians 6:2(ESV)
  Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. 
• 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17(ESV)
  Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God our Father, who loved us and gave us eternal comfort and good hope through grace, comfort your hearts and establish them in every good work and word. 

Our Prayer: May the God of comfort encourage every pastor. May God raise up an Aaron and Hur around every brother. May every pastor’s wife be lifted, strengthened and blessed.   May God encourage the families of our pastors.  May the pastoral staff and families be encouraged.

Have We Lost the Wonder?

01 04 - The Wonder & the Word

Sometimes I fear that as believers we have lost the wonder and awe of God he so rightly deserves. Today, I had the privilege of talking to a young lady here in my office about what it means to surrender fully to Christ.

After talking for about an hour, the Holy Spirit drew her to a point of conviction and choice. She confessed and repented and received Christ. It was amazing. There were no trumpets sounding (at least where I could hear them) and no one stood up and jumped around, but there was a transformation.

Amazingly, God reached into this woman's life and changed her from the inside out. He made her new. It was awesome (and I don't use that word "awesome" like we did back in the 80s. I mean it was truly awesome!) This young woman was transformed before my very eyes. She walked into my office dead. She walked out fully alive in Christ.

She didn't deserve this gift of life.

I don't either. 

That's what makes it so amazing.

God's great love reaches out to offer that which we don't deserve and never could earn - life.

Last night I led our group through a study of Acts 3. The story begins with the healing of a lame man by Peter and John as they were heading into the temple. The lame man is not named, but he is fully restored and his legs, which never worked, began to function. He begins to praise God, as he should.

Peter and John are thrust into a moment where God drew a crowd. The people were in wonder and awe at what they saw, and Peter affirmed that it was not he, nor John who healed the man, but Jesus Christ. 

The power of the name of Jesus Christ was explained.

This man was transformed by Christ, just like the woman in my office was transformed by Christ.

This has been a frustrating day. Numerous meetings, angry church members and friends, frustrated counseling sessions, etc. This is one of those days where the Enemy screams "You don't belong here!" He screams this and other lies. He chips away at all that is good (ministry, mission, purpose, etc.) and then God speaks. He shows up. 

With all the things going on that seem to matter, but don't, God reminded me today what really matters. He does. In fact, He is in control and working to change lives. He chooses to use us and that is amazing.

May we (I) never lose the wonder.

Prayer Point 3: We Need Purity Among Our Pastors

This is the third prayer focus point that pastors throughout Florida are focusing upon. 

Prayer Point 3: Purity Among Our Pastors

Problem: Pastors who lack integrity and honor.

Symptoms: The testimony and integrity of the church is destroyed. The pastor's testimony is destroyed. The pastor's family is harmed greatly.

Scripture:

• Psalm 24:3-5(ESV)
  Who shall ascend the hill of the Lord? And who shall stand in his holy place?
  He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not lift up his soul to what is false and does not swear deceitfully.
  He will receive blessing from the Lord and righteousness from the God of his salvation. 
• Psalm 51:10(ESV)
  Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.
• 1 Corinthians 6:18(ESV)
  Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a person commits is outside the body, but the sexually immoral person sins against his own body. 
• Colossians 3:5(ESV)
  Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. 
• Proverbs 16:2(ESV)
  All the ways of a man are pure in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs the spirit. 
• James 3:17(ESV)
  But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. 
• Titus 2:12(ESV)
  Training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age,
• Matthew 5:8(ESV)
  “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. 
• Philippians 1:9-11(ESV)
  And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God. 

Our Prayer: Keep your pastors pure of heart. Expose impurity, grant repentance and create clean hearts with us.

Prayer Point 2: We Need to be Filled by the Holy Spirit

Continuing along this prayer journey for our state and our churches in the Florida Baptist Convention, the second point of prayer is that pastors and leaders would rely on the filling of the Holy Spirit.

Prayer Point 2: The Filling of the Holy Spirit

Problem: Sometimes pastors preach with no spiritual power or authority shown and end up working under their own strength.
Symptoms: Dead churches. No salvations. No baptisms. No boldness in witnessing.
Scripture:

• Acts 4:31(ESV)
  And when they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness. 
  
• Exodus 35:30-31(ESV)
  Then Moses said to the people of Israel, “See, the Lord has called by name Bezalel the son of Uri, son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah; and he has filled him with the Spirit of God, with skill, with intelligence, with knowledge, and with all craftsmanship, 
  
• Ephesians 5:18-21(ESV)
  And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit, addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with all your heart, giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ. 
  

Our Prayer: Pour fresh oil upon us. May the fire of God fall upon Your people that we may be Your instruments in this state. Make us, as pastors,  clean vessels so You may pour the Holy Spirit into us to be made useful for the calling which we have been given. 

 

Prayer Point 1: Why Aren't We Broken for the "Lostness" Around Us?

As a Southern Baptist pastor in Florida, I have been asked to help gather pastors and leaders together in our region (northeastern Florida) for the purpose of prayer and renewal. This is foundational for what God has led our state convention to do regarding our mission to be salt and light in this dark, dying world.

As I have gathered with numerous pastors and leaders over the past few months, with more gatherings to come, we have talked,, shared and laughed together. Then, we have taken the time to intentionally and strategically pray for each other, our churches and our state.

These prayer gatherings have been powerful. These are not orchestrated "days of prayer" that we often see done with fanfare, graphic designs, posters and T-shirts, but organic, natural times of gathering together and praying.

For the next few days, I will highlight some of the specifics we, as pastors and leader, are praying for and share with you what we believe must happen for renewal and revival to come to Florida.

The prayer "points" were given to Dr. Clayton Cloer as God revealed them to him, and he has shared them with us. 

Prayer Point 1: Brokennes over the "Lostness" of our state and need for revival

Problem: Sometimes we as believers and churches have a lack of concern for the unsaved.
Symptoms: No salvations or baptisms in many of our churches. Stagnant or declined growth and community impact.
Scripture:

• Psalm 51:17(ESV)
  The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise. 
• Psalm 34:18(ESV)
  The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit. 

Our Prayer: Let us see the multitude moved with compassion. Burden our hearts for the desperate need of salvation for the people of our state and need for revival in our churches, and then use us to implement a dramatic repentance.

Please join me and other pastors throughout Florida as we pray for a new brokenness over the spiritual state of Florida. Let us be willing tools of God to see His Kingdom grow.

For more on this grass-roots movement to revive and renew our churches, go to www.revisionflorida.org. 

Avoiding Misplaced Shame

 

01 02 - Shame 1

I remember watching sit-coms as a kid and hearing Gomer Pyle (Jim Nabors) say "Shame, shame shame!" to other characters in the show. It was funny, especially the way Nabors said it with his southern drawl.

There are times in life where shame is the appropriate response. It is a feeling of embarrrassment or guilt, and when prompted by the Holy Spirit is valuable in leading a person to repentance.

However, there are also instances of misplaced shame. The shame of falling short, speaking truth, not speaking truth, etc. The Enemy uses misplaced shame to support the lies we hear regarding our identity and nature.

As Christ-followers, we are to not only live lives that affirm our calling, but are to speak boldly about the One whom we follow. Some have taken St. Francis of Assissi's statement about "preaching the gospel and if necessary use words" as permission to not use any words. 

This is not what is meant, nor biblical. Our lives must be in accordance with the teachings of Scriptures. Our words must be as well. It's not either/or, but both/and.

Paul wrote to his young pastor protege Timothy of the power of misplaced shame and encouraged him to not lose faith, nor listen to the lies of the Enemy. This speaks to us as well.

2 Timothy 1:8-14(ESV)
⁸Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, nor of me his prisoner, but share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God,
⁹who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began,
¹⁰and which now has been manifested through the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel,
¹¹for which I was appointed a preacher and apostle and teacher,
¹²which is why I suffer as I do. But I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that he is able to guard until that Day what has been entrusted to me.
¹³Follow the pattern of the sound words that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.
¹⁴By the Holy Spirit who dwells within us, guard the good deposit entrusted to you. 

 

The New Testament Church

 

01 3 - The New Testament Church

While the term "New Testament Church" has been used for centuries to describe an authentic gathering of believers, it is valuable to define what this actually means.

For some, to be a New Testament church tends to relate to Bible versions and music style and the use or non-use of instruments and sound equipment. 

For others, it has to do with church polity and hierarchical denominationalism.

Yet, there is a definition that is clear. It is affirmed with Scripture and is the template for who we are (since the church is the people, not the building.)

There are at least two (and some say three) ways the word "church" is used in the New Testament.

1. Universal body of believers throughout history.
2. Group of Christ followers associated because of geography.
3. Home groups*

*While there are home groups mentioned in Scripture (i.e. Nympha's, Aquila & Prisca's) some believe this could actually be another version of definition number 2 in that in certain areas there were very small groups of believers gathering together as the church, thus the home became the meeting place.

Therefore, for the purposes of our discusion, the working definition for the local New Testament church is. . .

The local church as seen in the New Testament is a group of baptized believers who gather together regularly to worship God, exhort the Word of God, partake of the Lord's Supper together and celebrate the goodness and holiness of God. They seek to serve God by serving each other. They fall under the teaching and leadership of God's appointed man for the sake of the Gospel.

Thanks to John Piper for clarifying much of this. So, using this defintion as a template, here are some things that make a "church" a real church. . .

• It's full of believers. Only those who have surrendered to the lordship of Christ are part of His church. While guests may visit in our gatherings, the church truly is the people of God.
• The believers have been baptized. This is not a legalistic rule. This is an affirmation of Christ's death and resurrection and the disciple's new live in Christ. Baptism is not salvational, but a sign of obedience. Of course, I believe the biblical mode of baptism is immersion.
• The believers gather regularly. What is regularly? Once a year? Probably not. I like weekly. For some, it may be once every couple of weeks. For others, two or three times a week, but the key is to gather together regularly. The writer of Hebrews encourages us to not forsake the gathering together.
• There is a purpose for the gathering and it is worship. I know, I know, there are five purposes for the church (thanks Rick Warren) but of the five, the paramount one that identifies the church is worship. Our gatherings are ultimately about God. He is the center of the story. He is the reason we exist. The other four purposes (fellowship, discipleship, ministry, and evangelism) flow from the first one - worship.
• Meetings include the exhortation of the Word of God. The Bible is to be taught. The truth is told. The shepherd (pastor) holds a great responsibility of bringing the Word of Truth. A gathering with no exhortation is fruitless. The Word can be presented in creative ways, however. It may be through song, drama, video or preaching. Nonetheless, the gospel must be clear.
• The Lord's Supper must be celebrated. This ordinance is commanded by Christ and is for the church. It's a time of remembrance and worship. Not necessarily observed at every gathering, but it must not be forsaken nor turned into a minimal expression of worship or a worship service "add on."
• The church must fall under the leadership of God's chosen shepherd/pastor and appointed leaders. I understand there are many "pastors" who have muddied the waters here. Those with titles and no integrity are dangerous. The men of God who have been called and serve accordingly are called to study the Word, pray and equip the saints. Other duties are there as well, but these three are primary.

In Acts, when the church was birthed, the Spirit of God led them to love Him and each other. The New Testament church? Seen first in Acts here.

Acts 2:42-47(ESV)
⁴²And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.
⁴³And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles.
⁴⁴And all who believed were together and had all things in common.
⁴⁵And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need.
⁴⁶And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts,
⁴⁷praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved. 

 

"You Don't Belong Here!" and Other Lies Christians Believe

01 01 - You Don't Belong

It's not very creative. In fact, the lie has been the same for centuries. Christ followers seeking to serve the Lord often find themselves in circumstances where they feel totally out of place. It may be in a church service, in a small group, a seminary class or just sitting around a table drinking coffee with friends. No one likes to feel like the dumbest person in the room.

So, the enemy tells the lie.

We hear it.

We don't recognize where it's coming from, so we believe it.

And. . .we are stuck.

The message attached to this post was preached Sunday, April 29 and is the first in a series titled "Finish Well" that takes us through the letter of 2 Timothy. I'm really looking forward to hearing what God says to me through this book. I hope you are as well.

In the meantime, stop listening and agreeing with the lies.

Battle Ready Men's Conference - "What Is It?"

We are one week from hosting our first Battle Ready Men's Conference. There's still time to register, but I believe that many men in our church and community just aren't too sure what this event is. And. . .like you, if I don't know what something is, I tend not to pay much attention to it, much less pay a registration fee and give up my weekend for it.

So. . .here's the skinny:

WHAT BATTLE READY CONFERENCE IS NOT

• It is not just a gathering of church guys around a meal.
• It's not a prayer meeting (though prayer will happen and we do encourage that.)
• It's not a church thing (though, it's taking place at the church's facility.)
• It's not a revival meeting.
• It's not boring.
• It's not easy.
• It's not fluff.
• It's not a waste of time.
• It's not just another Bible study.
• It's not just another men's conference.
• It's not for wimps.
• It's not just sitting in a room watching a movie on the big screen.

WHAT BATTLE READY CONFERENCE IS

• It's dangerous.
• It's about a journey toward authentic manhood.
• It involves good food (on Sunday night - you're on your own Saturday).
• It does involve movie clips - clips from movies that guy's like.
• It's about learning that you're not on this journey alone.
• It's about being equipped to be the man you can be.
• It's about being equipped to be the husband you need to be.
• It's about being equipped to be the father you're called to be.
• It's about being a brother - the kind of brother that sticks close.
• It's about learning you have what it takes.

For years we have held a Battle Ready Weekend getaway to the mountains in the fall. Unfortunately, many men are unable to attend. This conference fills the gap that has been needed for years. However, it's only worthwhile for you if you attend.

This year we welcome David Dusek, founder of Rough Cut Men, as our guest speaker. Using clips from popular films like "Saving Private Ryan," "The Gridiron Gang,", "Armageddon," and even "Shrek", men come away from a Rough Cut Men's Movie Experience realizing they are not the only ones going through challenges. You will be equipped to deal with the challenges of life and encouraged to "walk through life" with one another, as David and Jonathan modeled in 1 Samuel.

In the movie industry, the "rough cut" is defined as the raw, first edition of a movie. This gives an idea of what the finished product will look like and indications where the film excels and needs work. Much like a rough cut movie, rough cut men are not the "finished product" (Philippians 1:6).

Movie clips are coupled with personal storied and relevant biblical principles designed to equip us to live valuable, important and courageous lives.

David Dusek has shared these stories to men all around the nation, from church meetings, Florida Men of Integrity events, the workers for Joe Gibbs Racing and cadets at West Point.

Make a point to join us for the first annual "Battle Ready Men's Conference" featuring Rough Cut Men this year.

The conference is $30 a person and takes place on Saturday, May 5 from 7pm - 9pm and Sunday, May 6 from 3pm - 8pm (gourmet burgers for dinner on Sunday are included.)

Click here to read more and to register today.

Baptism by the Holy Spirit

01 2 - Baptism by the Holy Spirit 4

In Acts 1 and 2 it is clear that Jesus is preparing His followers for an amazing event. The baptism of the Holy Spirit was to come. It was incredible. It was something the disciples had never experienced. It changed everything. 

Yet, today, there's confusion, even among followers of Christ as to what this means. Is this baptism by the Holy Spirit a "second blessing?" Do you get more of God later? Sometime after you surrender to Him?

Take a moment to listen to the attached file, or download it from our iTunes podcast or listen from our church app.

The Church Modeling Stewardship & Generosity (or "Why We're Giving Away $36,000?")

Churches and pastors are good at promoting the message that people should tithe and give generously, cut up credit cards, eliminate debt and save accordingly. The only problem is that while the message is true and right, often the church doesn't actually model that very well.

That's why I am so excited to share once again that the financial leadership team of the church (made up of laypersons) continues to lead us to a place where ministry continues to be done and missions is supported, at increased levels, while saving, giving and eliminating debt is being modeled.

As the church models this as a whole, it is much easier for me and you to see how it should be done in our individual lives.

So, here we are once again. A surplus of funds from regular tithes and offerings from the past six months allows us to worship God through our actions. Like I said Sunday, talk is cheap. This is more than just talk.

We shared at our quarterly meeting last Sunday evening the details, but let me explain them here.

A net "income" has accumulated over the past six months. This was carried over from 2011 and now we are at a place to distribute funds accordingly.

The total amount to distribute is $143,504. From this, per the distribution scale developed last year, the following is happening now:

1. We are "paying" our accrual accounts a total of $23,673 to bring us up to where we should be as of 3/31/2012. The accrual accounts are new and designed to provide funds for replacement and upkeep of high cost items (i.e. A/C units, roofs, transportation).

2. This leaves us with $119,831. Of this, the distribution is as follows:

   1. 40% for capital improvements and/or debt reduction. The total amount is $47,933. Of this, $16,016 was spent in January for the purchase of our needed new sound system in the Worship Center. That amount will be applied to the Music Ministry Budget to put it back in order for the remaining ministry needs for the year. The remaining $31,917 is available for capital improvements and/or debt reduction. Most likely this amount will go towards new signage around campus and the stage rebuild in the Worship Center. These things will take place over time this year since they will cost more than $31,917 and we will not spend money we do not have.

   2. 30% will go in our Emergency/Opportunity Fund. The total is $35,949. This fund is being filled to provide us "rainy day" funds. These are for real emergencies such as fire, hurricane, etc. that may cause us to close for a number of weeks.

   3. 30% of the funds will be given away to Gospel-centered ministries. This is our church being generous and aiding in the spread of the Gospel throughout the world. The total amount is $35,949 (however, we have been told by one individual that they will give $51 to make it a nice round $36,000.) Here's who we are blessing this month:

      • $5,000 to Mercy Hill Church in Greensboro, North Carolina and church planter Andrew Hopper.

      • $5,000 to Caleb Crider, church planter in Portland, Oregon.

      • $5,000 to Sean Benesh, church planter in Portland, Oregon.

      • $5,000 to Matt Jolley, church planter in Portland, Oregon.

      • $5,000 to Anthony Harris, church planter in Vancouver, Washington.

      • $5,000 Clay Holcomb, church planter and pastor of Trinity Church in Happy Valley, Oregon.

      • $3,000 to the Clay County First Coast Women's Services.

      • $3,000 to Living Water International to provide clean water and the message of life through Jesus Christ in Guatemala.

It's an exciting time to be at First Baptist. I've never experienced anything like this. I pray that we remain faithful and focused and continue in this story.

When you see these numbers, in addition to what we were able to do last fall, it's astounding. Also, this is in addition to what we do regularly through our giving to the Cooperative Program, Associational Missions, the Orange Park Clothes Closet, the Florida Baptist Children's Homes, the benevolent gifts distributed regularly through our Deacons, and more. 

Some may not fully understand why we do this, especially the giving away of funds to ministries not in our own backyard and not seemingly benefiting us locally. It's the Acts 1:8 model. We aren't forgetting or ignoring the local mission. We are just living obediently to reach "Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria and the uttermost parts of the world" at the same time.

Whether we all get it or not, I truly believe God is smiling on us.

We are blessing ministries that focus on women and children, orphans, the least of these, and church planters and missionaries. Sounds very biblical, doesn't it?

As we model what godly stewardship looks like, I pray that we (me included) will begin to make the changes necessary to get our own houses in order. Let's get out from under the debt that keeps us in bondage. Let's live unselfishly and generously.

Oh, by the way, for information on personal stewardship as well as helpful resources for you and your family, go to this page on our website (it's more than just the portal to online giving.)  - http://www.fbc-orangepark.org/giveonline.html.

Entering Into The Story of Pure & Undefiled Religion

1-01 Pure & Undefiled Religion

 Yesterday's message has been a long time coming. Yet, it still feels unfinished, unresolved. There is a shift happening in the church. It is a shift to a more deeper understanding of the gospel and how it motivates us for everything.

It is a revelation about religion. 

Sure, it's more about "relationship" than "religion," but there is this little verse in James 1 that makes it very clear that there is a form of religion that God accepts and expects from his followers.

Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world. James 1:27 (ESV)

God is clearly calling the church into this story, this form of religion. The church must be involved, from a gospel motivation, in the story of orphancare. This includes being pro-life, but also pro-adoption. 

It's not up for debate. It's the calling of the church. To love and care for orphans, widows and the unfortunate and to live unstained.

Easy? No way!

Possible? Only through Christ.

It's time to enter into this fully. It's time to offer God pure and undefiled religion.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Our special guest this past Sunday was Eva Kroon Pike. Her story of adoption is powerful and her advocacy for the Florida Baptist Children's Homes  is strong. We were blessed to be led in worship by Eva and our Celebration Choir & Orchestra this past Sunday. Her song "Grace That Chose Me" is powerful. Just in case you missed it, check out the video below.

 

God is Always Changing

OK, so God isn't changing. He's the same yesterday, today and tomorrow and for eternity. Yet, he is always changing. He's continually changing us, his children. When we became Christ-followers and surrendered to his call, we were immediately and forever transformed. We went from death and now have life. However, even now, as living children of God, we are still in a state of change. He is continually renewing and transforming and changing us into his likeness.

He's doing this to the church as well. (Well, that's redundant since we are the church, but you understand, right?)

We are constantly in a state of flux. That means things are always changing. As much as we'd like to hold on and stay the same, it's just not possible. This is true for individuals, families, communities and churches alike.

For years, we have heard the frustration of church-goers and Christ-followers about change. We've often talked about how much churches hate change. I guess it's true. Most of us resist change, yet it's continually happening.

Sometimes the change is immediate. At other times it's subtle.

Sometimes the change is damaging. At others it's healthy and needed.

Some things never change (i.e. the Gospel).

Some things need to change.

I have noticed that while I say I don't like change too much, the reality is that I love it. In fact, I thrive on it. Maybe I'm a little ADD and get bored too easily. Just look at our church's website. I design and maintain it and it has changed completely about twelve times in the past eight years. I'm not saying that's good, it's just been a good reminder to me about my need for newness.

God has wired me this way. I get  bored easily. I like to see new things. I love old things. I really love old things made new.

What I don't like is change just for the sake of change. There must be a bigger story and a good reason for change. Otherwise, it's a waste of time. You know, kind of like rearranging the chairs on the deck of the Titanic (that was my required 100th anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic reference.)

So, here's what God is saying to me through His Word, prayers and the voices of others who are godly and have their finger on the pulse of this culture while standing solidly on the Gospel.

The way we have done church must change. 

That's a pretty bold statement and pretty open ended. It also opens me up for some pretty severe criticism from those who believe we need to go back to a previous age rather than move forward.

In truth, we are being called away from "doing" church to living out what it means to "be the church."

I'm not sure what all this entails, but I do know this. The way I was trained, and most other pastors my age and older, to do church, build staff, create ministries and "grow" a church may not only be wrong, it may be unbiblical.

I'm still working through this, so give me some time before you blast me. There's a good chance God will reveal that I misheard him as well.

Nonetheless, I believe we are moving to an age where the traditional pastors or ministers serving an age group or function will be redefined. Oh, we'll still be serving and leading children, students, single adults, married adults and focus on the function of education, music and administration, but the truth of the matter is that God is blurring the lines between heretofore "defined" pastoral roles.

No longer will the church claim to be culturally relevant and biblically solid just by gathering together in large rooms and stating so. We've talked for decades. James' words of faith and works are getting louder, all the while reminding us that works and good deeds do not save.

Years ago churches lauded the fact they were "mission-minded." That, my friends, is not enough. All around our nation and throughout our denomination we have "mission-minded" churches who give a love offering every Christmas and Easter and maybe do a missions study on Wednesday evenings (or Sunday evenings for those few churches still holding the flag for Sunday night services). I fear that these people will stand before God one day and say "But we were mission-minded," and God will say "Where in my commission did I say to think about being on mission?" 

What does this mean for our fellowship? Well, it's the next step in a journey that we have obviously been on for years. However, don't think that just because we send people on short-term mission trips every year we have arrived. I truly believe that each of us are to be on mission and missional in our own communities as well as supportive (and I mean really supportive) of our missionaries on the field. In addition to that, I believe God is going to call out an individual or family in our church (BTW - He's already at work in this area) that we as a church will send to the field. Yes, in addition to our Cooperative Program giving, which continues to increase, our Associational Missions giving, which also is increasing, God is moving us into a part of the story we have never been as a church. We will continue to support our IMB and NAMB missionaries, but we will also have FBCOP missionaries. 

The change is happening. It's exciting. It's Gospel driven. It's not about being a good church. It's about being an obedient family. What will it all look like? I have no idea, but it's becoming clearer every day.

Oh, here's the warning. We can resist the change. Other groups have. You may have seen them around. They're the ones in buildings they cannot afford, looking to close down or sell out. Others own their buildings, so that's not an issue, but there is no life within. They gather regularly, listen to sermons and studies they have heard for  years. They say "Amen" and then go home. They are inwardly focused and satisfied. They will remain for a few more decades until the last of the members pass away or move away. They will pay their bills regularly until the Social Security checks are no longer enough to keep the doors open. It sounds harsh, right? You know it's true, though. It's the lukewarm Christianity and churches that we read about in Revelation. 

Let's not slide into that trap.

Change is normal.

JAX to PDX - Connecting Churches & Church Planters

Something is going on here in Jacksonville, Florida (JAX). It's big. . .really big. It won't be on the news tonight. Most of the people in our communities don't know this is happening. Many don't care, at least right now they don't, but I pray they will.

Something's happening in Portland, Oregon (PDX), too. It's a similar story, but on a different backdrop. Most likely, the majority of  Portlandians do not know it's happening in their city either. However, they will. 

God is at work in these cities in a mighty way.

Last week I traveled to Portland with a good friend, Neil Jimenez. This journey was strange. We knew we had to go, but weren't sure why. About a year ago, Wes Hughes from the Northwest Baptist Convention tweeted to me while I was attending the Southern Baptist Convention in Phoenix, Arizona. While at this convention, the North American Mission Board was unveiling their "Send: North America" emphasis. The buzz was all about church planting.

So, Wes, while still in the Portland area, tweets over 100 people attending the convention (you could tell who was there by the #SBC2011 people were using) about joining other Baptists in the Northwest to support church planting there.

I responded, thinking Wes was in Phoenix. Since he wasn't we tweeted back and forth and I told him that I would be interested in seeing how our fellowship could connect across the country in Phoenix in this movement of church planting.

So. . .about a year later, Neil and I ended up in Portland with Wes, walking through the numerous communities and meeting with church planters.

What I found surprising was that of the 100+ tweets Wes sent out to SBC attendees about joining them in Portland, he only received one reply. Mine.

So, we travel to Portland last week. We began meeting with church planters and denominational leaders almost immediately. We were getting a crash course on the makeup and diversity of Portland. It's a beautiful city, but not Jacksonville. In fact, their unofficial motto that appears in numerous places is "Keep Portland Weird." I figured I'd fit right in.

So, we walked, rode the MAX (metro train line) and sat in coffee shops all throughout the city just observing, talking and learning about what God is doing there.

Each church planter we met with would ask me "So. . .why are you here?" 

Great question. 

I finally figured out the answer. We were there to discover what God is already at work doing and seeking to find how we can support our church planters and missionaries and get in this great story.

There are great differences between Portland and Jacksonville.

• The geography is very different. While Mt. Hood looms on the horizon in PDX, I shared with our new friends that the tallest mountain in Florida is Space Mountain. 
• JAX has been rated as the least walkable city in America. PDX is one of the most walkable.
• It rains all the time in PDX. It rains a lot here, but not every day (except for those few weeks in the summer when church groups are trying to schedule recreation for youth camps.)
• There's a "Southern Fried Christian" veneer to JAX. Not so in PDX.
• JAX is conservative politically. PDX prides itself on not being so.
• JAX is a football city. PDX is a basketball city (I really enjoyed that.)
• You can pump your own gas in JAX. Not so in PDX or any other city in Oregon. It's a state law.
• JAX has the River Run. PDX has a nude bike race.
• JAX has the beach. PDX is about 45 minutes from the coast.
• JAX has Starbucks. PDX does too, but Portlanders would rather be at Stumptown Coffee or one of the hundreds of independent coffee shops.
• JAX has a lot of bicyclists. Everyone (it seems) rides bikes in PDX.
• JAX has Whataburger. PDX has Burgerville.
• JAX has read Blue Like Jazz. PDX has lived it.

There are other differences, but even with all of these, I noticed some interesting similarities.

• JAX & PDX are both port cities.
• JAX & PDX both have a good college population.
• JAX has Folio Weekly. PDX has the Mercury. They're basically the same paper and have a lot of readers, especially younger adults.
• JAX & PDX both have rivers running through the city.
• JAX & PDX both have many pre-Christians.
• JAX & PDX both have artisan districts.
• JAX & PDX both have a network of believers praying for the city.
• JAX & PDX both have homeless people.
• JAX & PDX both have families in trouble.
• JAX & PDX both have people with drug and alcohol problems.
• JAX & PDX both have residents trying to figure out what life is all about.
• JAX & PDX are both very spiritual cities. (I didn't say Christian.)
• JAX & PDX both have church planters working in the urban core and suburban areas.

So, why were we there? 

I believe we traveled to Portland because God desires our church (First Baptist Church of Orange Park) and other churches in the Jacksonville area to connect with the church planters in the Portland/Vancouver, WA area.

Why?

Some would say "There are enough lost people around here. We need to focus on Jacksonville."

While that's true, that's a pretty small and limiting statement. God's church (remember, it's not a building) is bigger than Jacksonville. For some reason, I believe God has strategically placed us in a position to minister to and with those believers in Portland. Why Portland? To be honest, I really don't know, but I believe it's clearly Portland. 

I do believe it's more than putting mission teams together to travel to Portland, though that may happen. I believe it begins with prayer (actually begins, sustains and ends with prayer) and God will then reveal how we can be His instruments in our city and Portland. 

I'm pretty sure traditional mission trips and church events based on the attractional model are not the answer. 

So, join me in praying for Portland (and Jacksonville, too) as we seek together to push back the darkness. 

Let's win the city! (or cities!)

This story is still being written. 

(BTW - yes, that's a picture of a dude wearing Spock ears and Scotty's shirt while playing bagpipes and riding a unicycle down the sidewalk in one of Portland's 20 minute communities.)

Fritz Wilson - Sermon (04-15-2012)

01 Sermon - April 15, 2012

Last week I was in Portland, Oregon with Neil Jimenez meeting with church planters and the network of Baptists in the region. I asked my friend and Deacon in our church, Fritz Wilson to bring the message on Sunday morning.

Fritz is the State Director of the Florida Baptist Disaster Relief group. You can connect with him through the Florida Baptist Disaster Relief website - www.flbaptistdisaster.org. 

How Emptiness Provides Hope for the Empty

01 Empty - Easter 2012

Jesus spent six hours suffering on a Roman cross. During this time, he fulfilled the work he had come to do. He paid the debt that humanity owed. Then, at the end of the workday, he spoke his last words, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit” and breathed his last.

Shortly thereafter, one of his followers, a man named Joseph, secured rights to his body and buried him in his newly purchased, unused family tomb.

 

You may very well know this story, but just as a refresher – we know that the Roman government stationed guards at the entrance of the tomb. The tomb was actually a cave hewn into the side of a hill. The cave entrance was covered with a large rolling stone. The body of Christ was lain inside, covered in burial cloths and remained there.

 

For three days.

 

Then, everything changed.

 

The dead Jesus was no longer dead.

Resurrection has always been a difficult thing for people to grasp.

 

For years, the debate has been about the fact that this just doesn’t happen. A man cannot be dead for three days and then come back to life, especially in a day where there were no modern medical procedures and brain scanners, etc.

 

The story of Jesus coming back to life has left some doubters to scoff at the authenticity of the story. 

 

At one point, in fact just a few decades ago, the debate centered around the viability of an historical Jesus existing. We’re not hearing so much of that nowadays, but it’s still there. There are those who discount his existence. Some point to other biblical characters like Pontius Pilate, who plays a major role in the Passion week story, as there being no reference in Roman history of his existence. 

 

The only references were in the Gospel accounts of the Bible and some first century stories written by Philo and Josephus. Therefore, if this Roman governor didn’t exist, the story goes, it’s most likely Jesus didn’t either.

 

Then, there was the discovery in 1961 of what is known now at the Pilate Stone.  This stone, about 2’ x 3’ was uncovered in the city of Caesarea Maritima.  The inscription on the stone attributes the dedication of a monument to Pontius Pilate, a prefect of the Roman-controlled area of Judea. He lived in Caesarea from 26-36 AD and journeyed to Jerusalem when needed.

 

While there are still many who state that Jesus never really existed, items like this continue to affirm the authentic historicity of the gospel.

 

The modern world, with its logical, scientific understanding of natural law dismissed the resurrection as fairy tale.

 

Today, in this postmodern culture, there is still unbelief, but it is not tied to natural law. The postmodern mindset disbelieves because the resurrection does nothing for me, apparently. The cultural standard is that of systematic and individual truth – what’s true for me may not be true for you and that’s OK. Therefore, if there’s no understanding of how the resurrection affects me positively, there’s no reason for me to believe it. Therefore, it remains a fairy tale, and one that just wastes my time.

 

Unbelief reigns in the hearts and minds of the natural man. Unbelief is the starting assumption of most.

 

As followers of Christ, this assumption must be acknowledged. In fact, we must first understand and be able to answer why the resurrection matters.

 

Three days after Christ’s death, the tomb that held his body was empty. This emptiness is our message. This emptiness is the fulfillment of the Gospel.

 

For many, to be honest, it just doesn’t matter if Jesus rose from the dead or not. I’m not saying it doesn’t truly matter – I’m saying that many believe it doesn’t matter. The inner question that comes from many is “Do I care? Why should I care?”

 

Years after the resurrection and this event of Jesus’ coming back to life occurred, Paul the Apostle was in Athens, Greece. This cultural center was powerful and many would gather to hear the philosophers and intelligent men banter and debate as they contemplated the deep things of life.

 

Not unlike coffee shops and diners where the world’s problems and political woes are solved daily by men drinking their coffee and offering their insight.

 

In Acts 17, we find Paul in this city at a gathering place on Mars Hill. He enters into the philosophical debates and, as always, seeks to explain the truth of the gospel in ways the Greeks can understand.

 

As his discussion comes to a close, this is said. . .

 

Acts 17:30-31(ESV) 
³⁰The times of ignorance God overlooked, but now he commands all peopleeverywhere to repent, 
³¹because he has fixed a day on which he will judge the world in righteousness by a man whom he has appointed; and of this he has given assurance to all by raising him from the dead.”

Paul speaks of the reality of humanity’s judgment. He speaks of the calling for repentance for all.

 

All have sinned and fallen short of God’s glory. All - you and me and everyone else in this world. We are all idolators and self-worshippers.

 

Then, he refers to a day, already set aside, when all humanity will be judged by one appointed. This one who is the standard bearer – the one who will judge is the one who was raised from the dead.

 

The Easter story was told long before the church assigned it to the calendar.

 

The resurrection story, even in the age of the Greek philosophers and first century people was revolutionary.

 

In this age of enlightenment, we sometimes just presume that ancient peoples believed anything and that to them, this supposed “fairy tale” of resurrection was commonly believed.

 

Check out the next verse.

 

Acts 17:32(ESV)
³²Now when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked. But others said, “We will hear you again about this.”

"Some mocked.” – That response continues today.

 

Some wanted to talk more about this.  That too still happens.

 

Following this, we are told that some believed and joined Paul. Some, not all believed.

 

Not all believe today. Just some.

 

Going back to the Gospel account of the day of resurrection, we find that God revealed the key moment in history to a few people – a few witnesses.

 

The testimony of a few was the plan from the beginning. 

John 20:1-10(ESV)
¹Now on the first day of the week Mary Magdalene came to the tomb early, while it was still dark, and saw that the stone had been taken away from the tomb.
²So she ran and went to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved, and said to them, “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid him.”
³So Peter went out with the other disciple, and they were going toward the tomb.
⁴Both of them were running together, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first.
⁵And stooping to look in, he saw the linen cloths lying there, but he did not go in.
⁶Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb. He saw the linen cloths lying there,
⁷and the face cloth, which had been on Jesus’^£ head, not lying with the linen cloths but folded up in a place by itself.
⁸Then the other disciple, who had reached the tomb first, also went in, and he saw and believed;
⁹for as yet they did not understand the Scripture, that he must rise from the dead.
¹⁰Then the disciples went back to their homes.

The few who came to the tomb – Mary Magdalene, Peter, John, saw the empty tomb.

 

The telling verses are 9 and 10. -  They did not understand the Scripture, that he must rise from the dead. So them went home.

 

It says that the “other disciple” went in and believed. Believed what? He believed the tomb was empty. That’s it. Not that there was a resurrection. Just that the body wasn’t where it was supposed to be.

 

They had just seen evidence of the resurrection, but didn’t recognize it. The empty tomb was not comforting at this point.

 

It wasn’t until the following verses where the risen Jesus appeared to Mary Magdalene, then the disciples themselves complete with the encounter with Thomas and his doubts, that they knew the truth. They had been told about it, but they could not yet comprehend.

 

The truth had been revealed, completely.

 

This man they had been following for three years had been telling them about this continually. . .but they were ignorant to the truth. They didn’t get it. It hadn’t yet clicked for them mentally.

 

What an emotional ride this previous week had given them. The joy of the triumphal entry with Christ. The palm fronds and the proclamation of him as king. The hiding out from the crowds. The meal of Passover with their rabbi. The prayer time in the Garden of Gethsemane, the arrest, the fear, the beatings of Christ, the dispersion of the disciples. The beatings of Christ. The cross. The six hours hanging there. The death. The burial. The fear.

 

Now this. An empty tomb.

Maybe you’re like these disciples that first Easter day. You hear the tomb is empty. You run down to see. . .and sure enough it is.

You’re not sure what this means to you, but you’re not feeling good about it.

 

Maybe you’re not in fear for your lives like the disciples were. Maybe you’re not hiding out like they were.

 

Then again. Maybe you are in fear. Maybe you don’t understand. Maybe you are hiding.

 

The empty tomb reminds you of an emptiness that is very real.

 

It’s an emptiness within you. It’s a void that you have tried to fill with so many things – relationships, jobs, money, material possessions, alcohol, drugs, sex, power, friends, etc.

 

Yet, it’s still there.

 

The emptiness.

 

We’ve all been there. We have all felt this emptiness. Just like these disciples – a shock, a sadness, a confusion, a void.

 

Then, the answer. Jesus arrives. He surprises some. He shocks some. Many believe. Those who do are filled. That void, that emptiness is no longer empty.

 

It seems contradictory. It seems paradoxical. An empty tomb is needed so that our empty lives may be filled.

 

That’s the message of Easter. That’s the hope of resurrection.

Arise!

The clouds had not yet lifted

The tomb was sealed and dark.

The cruel cross had crucified

The hope of every heart.

The Son of God,

The Lord of life,

By death had been destroyed.

Then in the silence of the tomb

He heard His Father's voice.

"Arise. Arise, first Star of the morning skies,

Come forth, my anointed One

Into eternal life.

Arise. Arise.

Cast away death's dark disguise.

My glorious Son,

Victorious One,

In majesty, arise!

The earth began to tremble.

The ground began to quake.

The mighty stone that sealed the tomb

Of death began to shake.

Then suddenly, the darkness

Was shattered by His light

As Jesus Christ, the Son of God

Burst through the doors alive.

Arise. Arise, first Star of the morning skies.

Come forth, my anointed One

Into eternal life.

Arise. Arise.

Cast away death's dark disguise

My glorious Son,

Victorious One

In majesty, arise!

Arise. Arise, first Star of the morning skies.

Come forth, my anointed One

Into eternal life.

Arise. Arise.

Cast away death's dark disguise.

My glorious Son,

Victorious Son

In majesty, arise!

Arise!

Arise!

"Arise" by Luke Garrett from the album Ever Constant. . .Ever Sure copyright 1987 as featured in the musical "The Promise.

Performed by Julio Arriola and choir.

The Day Before Easter

Can you imagine how the followers of Christ must have felt the day before the resurrection? We speak of the three days in the grave, for we know this to be true. Yet, other than knowing the disciples were  basically gathering together in a secret place, there's not much more in the Bible about this time.

While there is still debate on what day Jesus was actually crucified, (BTW - I don't believe it was Friday) the fact is that he was not just unconscious. He was not just in a coma. He was not asleep. He was dead. Jesus' body was not functioning. There was no blood flowing. There were no brain waves to register. The body of Christ was dead. 

The disciples knew about death. Death is a part of life. Solomon had stated hundreds of years prior that going to houses of mourning for the dead was valuable. 

These followers had seen death first-hand numerous times in the past three years. However, in most of those times, as with Lazarus, Jesus proved himself more powerful than death. 

Somehow, this was different. 

Though with hindsight, it's easy to see how these disciples should have been prepared for this day. Jesus had told them over and again, sometimes in parables, sometimes pretty plainly, that he would die.

Did they not believe him?

Did they have a hard time comprehending that this charismatic leader in his early thirties could be speaking of imminent death?

Maybe, like many of us, they just didn't want to think about it.

It may be wise to live with the end in mind. It may be beneficial to visit cemetaries and go to funerals, but many do not.

Morbid? Perhaps.

Depressing? Most often.

Whatever the reason for the disciples not "getting this," they were now gathered together contemplating what to do next. 

Rest assured, the common question for most was trying to figure out how to go back to the way things were three years prior. Some may have even had thoughts go through their mind that made them believe, if even for a moment, that the previous three years following Jesus was a waste. Don't count that option out. The Enemy loves these types of lies.

Nevertheless, it's the day before Easter.

It's the day before the women rush to the tomb to find it open and empty.

It's the day before Jesus appears to the disciples.

It's the day before Jesus walks with some followers on a road to Emmaus.

It's the day before he appears in the room where they are gathering.

It's the day before Thomas gets first hand proof of his resurrection.

It's the day before.

One thing I am certain about. These men and women did not expect to see Jesus the next morning.

They did not anticipate the moment that would change them forever.

The date was circled on God's calendar. 

It was not on the disciples'.

The day before Easter was a day where the disciples felt far from God.

Today, there are many in our world who feel far from God. They are far from God.

Tomorrow, many will change their schedules. Rather than sleep in or go to the beach or spend time on the lake or in a cabin or just a home with family, they will do something out of the ordinary. For many, they will attend a Bible study, sunrise service, small group in a coffee shop, or maybe even a worship service at the church they used to attend or that a friend has invited them to attend. 

They will expect the generic Easter message. Some, undoubtedly, will hear that.

Many may go through the motions and check off the "I went to church on Easter" box for the year. 

However, for others, something is going to happen.

Something will change.

I believe that for some, tomorrow is circled on God's calendar.

Tomorrow is a day where everything will change for them.

At least that's what I'm praying today. . .this day before Easter.

(Oh, and just to be clear. . . I believe there are many who attend church or Bible study every week who are very far from God. May tomorrow change everything. Better yet, may it happen right now.)

Responding to the "What's Your Focus?" Question

Sometimes social media can be good and helpful. At other times, it can be troublesome and distracting. In most cases, the latter is true.

Sunday evening following a full day of service with the church, I logged onto Facebook and seeing as it was April Fool's Day, I knew that there would be some fake stories and specials online. For some, this is bothersome, but in truth, some of these April Fool's Day stories were pretty funny, or just strange. What amazes me is ho much time and effort is spent by some pretty large corporations to develop these. So, I read and posted some to my Facebook, just to share some a laugh or two. Some of the ones I thought were funny were Google Maps introduction of the 8-bit version for the Nintendo. Another was the introduction of YouTube's DVD collection.

Companies like ThinkGeek, who offer some pretty funny and strange items anyway, had a few "special" items for sale Sunday as well. I linked a few of these to my Facebook page, just for laughs.

Apparently, not everyone in Facebook land thought this was a good use of my time. Perhaps they're right. No argument there. I'll never get that 45 minutes back, I guess.

What concerned me was a comment on one of the linked posts. A statement that basically stated that as a pastor, I was unfocused. Again, I'll admit that is true a times. However, the question raised was deeper than just a personal admonition. The comment basically painted a picture of our fellowship at First Baptist Church, calling into question our mission and focus. 

Now, I'm not upset the comment was placed there. In fact, though placed by someone who apparently feels led to worship at another fellowship at this time, led me to respond. I simply responded that our focus was the Gospel, plain and simple.

Then, I deleted the post, not because I don't know how to enjoy a good joke or that the April Fool's Day item was innappropriate, but because I figured, knowing how Facebook works, that "friends" would then pile on comments to this gentleman's statement. I just didn't see any positive coming from that (plus I didn't want the tons of notifications to pop up on my phone)

Nevertheless, the question was timely.

I had just preached that morning on the value and necessity of having the Gospel as our motivator as the church in all we do. Since there are many more people who were not in attendance at First Baptist this past Sunday than were (and apparently, the commenter on the linked Facebook story is one of them) I felt that clarification on how the Gospel motivates us is needed.

When we as Christ followers speak of the Gospel (and I like to capitalize the word to remind me of the holiness of our topic) we are referring to the "good news" of Christ's sacrifice and resurrection and our opportunity at life and a relationship with the Father through Him.

We have our four "Gospel" accounts in the Bible written by Holy Spirit-inspired men intent on sharing the "good news" of Christ to unique audiences of the day and humanity throughout history.

What's interesting is that the term gospel is not reserved for biblical discussions. In ancient days, the Greeks would use the term to signify the spread of good news in their communities. It could be a servant coming to his master with a good report or a soldier reporting to his commanding officer of the success of a military effort. The gospel is good news.

The Gospel is THE good news.

Therefore, it is this Gospel that motivates and drives us.

There are so many unique fellowships that gather weekly. These Christians, part of the church, collective gather to worship and serve the Lord. 

Some center their message and actions around causes such as homelessness, hunger, orphancare, or community impact, etc. Some are centered around a model of church growth. Others are focused on internal care ministries such as children's ministry, youth ministry, senior adult ministry. However you categorize it, each church drifts toward it's natural bent for ministry. 

Here's the rub.

If a church centers itself around a task, regardless how "good" it may seem or beneficial for the people or community, it is a futile endeavor apart from the motivation of the Gospel.

When the focus of the church becomes events, activities, internal ministries or projects, the Gospel slides into the background often. Sometimes, it seems to melt away altogether. Take my word for it, there are "churches" who gather regularly that have slid into this model. Some are dying, and perhaps they should. Others are sustained on the gifts of senior members, but will be gone in a decade or so when the attendance dries up and the bills cannot be paid.

As Reggie McNeal has said, we must remember that the church is a "who" and not a "what."

What is our focus? What it my focus? Simple, it's the Gospel. It is central to all we do as a church fellowship. It must remain our starting point and ending point. The Gospel leads us to be the "who" we are called to be as His church, getting outside the walls of a structure to interact with the world for the sake and glory of God. How can we be "in the world and not of it" if we are satisfied with good deed ativism, another study course, another event and program apart from the Truth?

Tim Keller states this in J.D. Greear's book titled GOSPEL: Recovering the Power that Made Christianity Revolutionary:

One of the most startling passages in the Bible connects the magnificence of angels with the mystery of the gospel. Although angels are incredibly majestic and powerful beings, living in God’s eternal presence. Yet there is something that has happened on earth which is so stupendous that even these immortal beings experience the persistent longing “to look into these things” (1 Peter 1:12). What are “these things” that could possibly and consistently consume the attention of God-fixated creatures?  The answer is–the gospel.

The angels never get tired of looking into the gospel.  This means that there is no end to gospel exploration. There are depths in the gospel that are always there to be discovered and applied not only to our ministry and daily Christian life, but above all to the worship of the God of the gospel with renewed vision and humility.

The underlying conviction in my preaching, pastoring, and writing is that the gospel—this eternally fascinating message craved by the angels—can change a heart, a community, and the world when it is recovered and applied.

… It is one thing to understand the gospel but is quite another to experience the gospel in such a way that it fundamentally changes us and becomes the source of our identity and security. It is one thing to grasp the essence of the gospel but it quite another to think out its implications for all of life. We all struggle to explore the mysteries of the gospel on a regular basis and to allow its message to influence our thinking.

Amen.

How We Work Shows Who We Worship

02 07 - FOUR ZERO Sunday AM

Over the past six weeks we have looked at each of the statements of Jesus on the cross. Each word holds promise and power. This is why we have slowed down and spent weeks on these words, to see how they impacted the world at the time and how they impact us 2000 years later. 

Then Jesus, calling out with a loud voice, said, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!” And having said this he breathed his last. - Luke 23:46 (ESV)

So, is this all there is?

Jesus comes, does some amazing miracles. Heals the sick. Gives sight to blind. Teaches deeply about the Kingdom of God. Shakes up the establishment. . .and then on a Roman cross it’s all over?

As human beings we are drawn to the emotional highs and lows of the Passion week. The celebration, the dinner with friends, the betrayal, the arrest, the crucifixion and all the little details between.There is a deep need within us to know the Truth and to be a part of something incredible like this.

Man has attempted to create connections with God, or at least spirituality since the beginning of time. Yet, because of the prevailing question “Is this all there is?” and an unwillingness to see the Truth of the Gospel, man has created his own answers.

For some the answer is “There is no God.”

• In the age of “new atheism” man affirms that a godless heaven looks down on a soulless earth with a lifeless past, a meaningless present and a hopeless future. Religion becomes the deeply held belief of “not believing.”
• This group holds onto what they believe to be the only two certainties – birth and death.
• Hopeless.

For others, the answer is the human solution.

• Humanism puts man at the center of the universe. There’s no room for God. If there is a God, he’s created in man’s mind.
• Yet, there’s a need for something bigger.
• Consequently, little gods are created. It may be in the form of idols or in the guise of philosophy. 

Even non Christ-followers have agreed over time that there is a deep seated need within man to be a part of something bigger than self.

We see this played out in present day, as in the past, with a generation’s movement toward “good deed” activism. Charities are all over the place now with advocates for those in need.

People are drawn to the causes, whether it be hunger, poverty, AIDS, disaster relief, slavery, trafficking, or some other tragedy. Advocating in these areas isn’t necessarily bad, but without the Gospel, it’s nothing more than a self-centered attempt at feeling important.

Then, for others, there’s the religious solution.

While the pure religion as described by James is biblical and holy, there is a form of religion that is created that finds itself adorned with ritual, legalism, events, processes, and services that look holy, but often aren’t.

The religious often categorize everything. Things are put into two separate piles. One being sacred. The other being secular. This has been propagated through churches and among believers for years. The debate rages in some circles.

The real question is “Is there such a thing as sacred and secular?” 

"Sacred" is that which is allowed in church or fits in religion. We have Christian music, Christian films, Christian clothing and jewelry, etc. Somehow "Christian" has become an adjective used to describe items and things used on Sundays, rather than a descriptor of Christ followers.

"Secular" is the term used for everything else.

Don’t confuse this designation of "sacred" with holy. God set aside many things for His use and honor – the Sabbath for example – as “holy.” Yet, he created the other six days as well. Are they not sacred? 

So, what is truly secular? The word isn’t biblical. Look at it this way, is there anything truly secular except sin?

In this world where people search everywhere for meaning, Jesus gives us the answer in his final words on the cross.

There is a prayer that Jewish mothers have said over their children for centuries as they lay them into bed at night. It’s a quote from Psalm 31

Into your hand I commit my spirit; you have redeemed me, O Lord, faithful God. - Psalm 31:5 (ESV)

Sound familiar?

This prayer, no doubt prayed by Mary over the young Jesus as a child, resonates in the mind of the Savior. As the end is coming. The last breath is about to be taken, Jesus recites the prayer, this psalm of old. . . but with one major change.

He adds the word “Father.”

The connection to the bigger story, the key to significance, the answer is in this simple word “Father.”

Some have difficulty with this descriptor of God. That’s because your earthly image of father has been marred. You don’t have a good story when it comes to father. When you hear the word, it makes you cringe. It brings back memories that you’d just as soon suppress. 

Some advocate just changing the word “father” in the Bible with “Creator.” It’s been done in some translations.

While I truly empathize with those of you who have been harmed by your earthly father, to throw away the word is to allow the Enemy’s lies to redefine the true meaning.

Adding the word Father depicts intimacy. It shows a conscious recognition of One who loves and guides. Jesus had never been without Father.

• 21 years earlier, he states that he was in the Temple “about his Father’s business.”
• 18 hours earlier, Jesus prays “Father, if you’re willing”
• During  the hours prior to his arrest he states “Father” over forty times.
• In his High Priestly prayer of John 17, he states “Father” six times in his recognition of Him and his glorification of Him.

Just a small children do not plan their days and allow their parents to do that, so too does Jesus trust the Father with the day.

Are you conscious of God at work in this world, in your world, at your work, at home, at school? He’s already working.

INTO YOUR HANDS

Jesus has been in the hands of wicked men, but not longer. Throughout the journey he knew that His father’s hands awaited. The Father’s hands offer security and surety. Being conscious of the Father, of His hands, of the world we are in and His workings in it leads us into worship.

“Father, into your hands I commit my spirit” speaks of total surrender and pure worship. 

In each area of life this is to be lived:

• Every project you manage is an act of worship
• Every meeting
• Every case you try
• Every class you attend
• Every class you teach
• Every web page you design
• Every task you do
• Every contract you sign
• Every meal you make
• Everything. . .is an act of worship.

Are you living in such a way that all you do is offered as worship to the Father?

William Booth, the founder of the Salvation Army said at the beginning of the 20^th century:  “These are the chief dangers facing us in the coming century. Religion without the Holy Spirit. Forgiveness without regeneration. Morality without God. Heaven without hell and Christianity without Christ.”

How prophetic. How sad.

The compartmentalization of secular and sacred has resulted in this in many churches, even Booth’s own ministry.

Is your life an act of worship?

Here's the breakdown of the final statement. . .

• Father – intimacy, relationship
• Hands – security
• I – willingly offer
• Commit my spirit – a living sacrifice.

Then it’s done.

Our lives are a fragrant offering to the Father. Our lives are worship. Our lives are prayers.