Most every week, because of my occupation, I have the privilege of having conversations with individuals seeking to fill a void, a relationship with the Lord, a church family, or simply direction in a given situation. If you haven't noticed already, I love having these types of conversations with people. It is literally what I live for! I love helping people know Christ, helping people better understand their identity in Christ, helping people work through difficult issues and struggles in a biblical fashion, helping people live beyond themselves, directing people to a better understanding of the Truth... and so much more. I seriously have the best job in the world!
In the journey of life, there are always certain individuals who stick out as jewels. Interestingly, its not the people with the nicest car, biggest house, most trendy clothes or whatever. They are those people who along the way stand out as individuals who have an incredible passion and devotion to Jesus Christ. In Hebrews 11, we find some of these jewels that rise out of the text throughout Scripture. This is the highlight "widget" of Scripture... it's the recap, the headlines that reveal amazing testimonies of faith. Hebrews 11 has often been referred to as the "Hall of Faith." Many of the people here stand as exemplary models of who we should strive to be in our walk with Christ.
This Sunday, in our small groups, we look at Hebrews 11:8, focusing on the life of Abraham. It was he who "by faith... when called, he answered... when told to leave, he went... when told he would have decendants, he became a father (though he was at a very old age)... when tested, he proved faithful. All these things occurred through, or because of, his faith in Jesus Christ.
Abraham along with the rest of those mentioned in this chapter did not just hold to some cosy spirituality that said "what's good for you is good for me!" that gave them a label as a "person of faith." You should notice there are a lot of "spiritual" people in the world today. No, their faith rested in an all-powerful, all-knowing, sovereign, eternal, good God who lives to this day and continues to work through people just like He did through Abraham. People who live their lives not just for themselves, wrapped up in their own little world, but He works through people who have faith in Jesus Christ, and trust in his plan, will, and desire for their lives and the world around them.
May you and I have this same faith, and may it drive us to selfless living beyond ourselves.
sc
Friday, October 30, 2009
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Social Media
I first saw this video several months ago, but it was brought to my attention again today. The statistics are astounding and they invite the church to think in new ways of how it will reach the world. Many churches have hopped on board, the question is will we? Or are we content with doing things the same ole way? I am thankful my church is one that is not afraid of embarking on new adventures with hopes and dreams of reaching our community for Jesus Christ.
Now let's get moving!
sc
Now let's get moving!
sc
Friday, October 9, 2009
Complete Worship
On my iPod I have a song entitled, You are Worthy, by Hillsong. It is one of my favorite songs of worship that speaks of God's great worth and how He is deserving of not just some, part, or what's left of what I have, but He is worthy of ALL that I am.
Sunday, we will/did look at the the story of Cain and Abel. Here you find that Abel brought his very best, the first fruits of his labor, and the firstborn of his livestock as an offering to the Father. His brother Cain brought a meager portion of what was easy and comfortable. Abel gave and sacrificed what was his very best to give. Cain gave what required no sacrifice and what was comfortable and normal.
There are many passages throughout Scripture that speak of God's desire for ALL of his people, meaning all of each person. just to name a few, read the story of Abraham and Issac, Job, Jesus and the rich young ruler, or passages like Heb 11:4 and Revelation 3:16. Because of his disobedience Cain's life ended up being one of toil, misery, and isolation. Even still, God's grace was evident in his life. (to find explanations of that, be in your small group on Sunday :))
My prayer for you and I is that we do not hold back in our worship, devotion, and service to the Father, but that with total abandon and complete sacrifice, we worship our Father in Heaven.
Below is the song I mentioned above...
You are worthy oh Lord, of all honor.
You are worthy to receive all the praise.
In your presence I live and with all I have to give,
I will worship you, honor you and glorify your holy name....
Sunday, we will/did look at the the story of Cain and Abel. Here you find that Abel brought his very best, the first fruits of his labor, and the firstborn of his livestock as an offering to the Father. His brother Cain brought a meager portion of what was easy and comfortable. Abel gave and sacrificed what was his very best to give. Cain gave what required no sacrifice and what was comfortable and normal.
There are many passages throughout Scripture that speak of God's desire for ALL of his people, meaning all of each person. just to name a few, read the story of Abraham and Issac, Job, Jesus and the rich young ruler, or passages like Heb 11:4 and Revelation 3:16. Because of his disobedience Cain's life ended up being one of toil, misery, and isolation. Even still, God's grace was evident in his life. (to find explanations of that, be in your small group on Sunday :))
My prayer for you and I is that we do not hold back in our worship, devotion, and service to the Father, but that with total abandon and complete sacrifice, we worship our Father in Heaven.
Below is the song I mentioned above...
You are worthy oh Lord, of all honor.
You are worthy to receive all the praise.
In your presence I live and with all I have to give,
I will worship you, honor you and glorify your holy name....
Friday, October 2, 2009
Getting Wise on Evil
Imagine with me for a moment… You’re friend just unintentionally or intentionally insulted you, what now? You wake up in the morning a little earlier than normal, do you turn the TV on or do you pick up the Bible to hear from the Holy Spirit? Your month long project at work was just belittled and thrown out the window for “apparently” no reason, how do you respond? A co-worker was promoted faster than you, than should have been, how do you respond? Anger, resentment, jealousy, lust, covetousness, etc. Insert your own struggle, hurt, or pain, here…the list could go on…
Every day we are confronted with life situations and temptations that present options, choices, and opportunities that serve one of two purposes. They serve a selfish reason, or they serve a godly reason. They will benefit the kingdom of God or the kingdom of self. This Sunday, in Bible study at 10am, we will study a lesson entitled Getting Wise on Evil.
In Romans 1:25, Paul describes the situation of those who have given in to evil as those who have “exchanged the truth of God for a lie.” When we look at the story of Adam and Eve, we see the first example of this common everyday scenario. Satan presented to Eve a truth claim contrary to that of God’s when he said, “did God really say, you must not…” How often do we hear that same lie? That lie that says, “you will find fulfillment if you…?” or “does Scripture really say that you need to…?” or “is all of Scripture really reliable…?”
We think Satan is so creative and deceptive in his schemes. He’s not! He spreads the same lies he always has since the beginning of time… that God’s Word is insufficient, that His message is misleading, and that life is NOT found in Him.
God’s word is the source of truth and life! His word is clear, reliable, and life-giving. If you think it’s not, know that God even gives it to those of us "simple minded folk" in such a way that we can understand… for example, Jesus boiled all of the law down to two main ideas: love God and love people. How much more basic can you get? If you remember nothing else, remember that!
So this post keeps getting longer and longer, I need to stop, for your sake and mine… I challenge you to know Christ, know his Word, and know life in Him. Romans 12:2 says, “be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” This only comes through diligent study of His word, both in community with believers (in small group settings and in large church worship services), but even more so in personal devotional study throughout each week.
I dare you to try it… read his Word today, start in Romans, start in John, start in Galatians… start somewhere, but read his Word… be renewed and be transformed… and get wise on (overcoming) evil in the process.
See you Sunday!
Blessings…
sc
Every day we are confronted with life situations and temptations that present options, choices, and opportunities that serve one of two purposes. They serve a selfish reason, or they serve a godly reason. They will benefit the kingdom of God or the kingdom of self. This Sunday, in Bible study at 10am, we will study a lesson entitled Getting Wise on Evil.
In Romans 1:25, Paul describes the situation of those who have given in to evil as those who have “exchanged the truth of God for a lie.” When we look at the story of Adam and Eve, we see the first example of this common everyday scenario. Satan presented to Eve a truth claim contrary to that of God’s when he said, “did God really say, you must not…” How often do we hear that same lie? That lie that says, “you will find fulfillment if you…?” or “does Scripture really say that you need to…?” or “is all of Scripture really reliable…?”
We think Satan is so creative and deceptive in his schemes. He’s not! He spreads the same lies he always has since the beginning of time… that God’s Word is insufficient, that His message is misleading, and that life is NOT found in Him.
God’s word is the source of truth and life! His word is clear, reliable, and life-giving. If you think it’s not, know that God even gives it to those of us "simple minded folk" in such a way that we can understand… for example, Jesus boiled all of the law down to two main ideas: love God and love people. How much more basic can you get? If you remember nothing else, remember that!
So this post keeps getting longer and longer, I need to stop, for your sake and mine… I challenge you to know Christ, know his Word, and know life in Him. Romans 12:2 says, “be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” This only comes through diligent study of His word, both in community with believers (in small group settings and in large church worship services), but even more so in personal devotional study throughout each week.
I dare you to try it… read his Word today, start in Romans, start in John, start in Galatians… start somewhere, but read his Word… be renewed and be transformed… and get wise on (overcoming) evil in the process.
See you Sunday!
Blessings…
sc
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