Wall Quotes and Picture Frames (Part 4)

"The sovereign selection of God gives great confidence to the Christian workers. We can truly say, ’I am here neither by selection of an individual nor election of a group, but by the almighty appointment of God.’”

J. Oswald Chambers

“How did you end up here?” This is usually the response I get when I am asked by a local why I moved from Western PA to Spring Valley, WI. I always answer, tongue in cheek, “I still haven’t figured out how I got here yet.” The truth is (and I always say this after my joke) I am here not because I chose to come here; nor am I here because I was the one person selected out of many to be the pastor of this church. I am here simply because God has appointed me. This truth gives me great confidence in where I am personally and as a pastor. I am here because of God. This truth should give the members of the church great confidence. Why? Because if God is the one doing the appointing then nothing and I mean nothing can change the fact that we are in his will. In Romans 8:31 the Apostle Paul writes, “If God is for us then who can be against us?” He answers this hypothetical question in verses 35—39 God is in control of all and victory belongs to those who are in Jesus Christ. In these verses he goes through a list of possible “things” that can separate from the love of God. He concludes that he is CONVINCED there is NOTHING that can separate from the love of God. This is where my confidence lies and should give you great hope and confidence

The quote from J. Oswald Chambers is probably one of the oldest quotes I have had on my wall. For over ten years I have read this (almost daily) to remind me of why I am where I am today. There are times when I question my calling as a pastor and all I need is to be reminded… I am not a pastor in the Upper Midwest because I chose or was chosen by people, I am here by the sovereign selection of God. This means I will remain here until God has revealed both to me and the church any different. This gives me (and hopefully you) great joy and confidence that we are right where God wants us. There is nothing better than being right smack dab in the middle of where God has put us.

How about you? Are you confident God has put you where you are? Can you say that you are where you are not because you or anyone else put you there but because God in his sovereignty selected you to be where you are today?

Wall Quotes and Picture Frames (Part 3)

"If you want to make enemies, try to change something."

Woodrow Wilson

Human beings are very resistant to change. We like our routines, traditions, and predictable lives. If you don't agree then do as the quote from Woodrow Wilson above and you will see he and I am right. As a pastor I could tell you story after story about how resistant to change the church can be. In my 17 years of pastoring I have seen people leave churches because they changed the music, the hymnals, versions of the Bible, decorations, facilities, order of worship and so on. Believe me, I am well aware of the enemies one can make by trying to change something. Why are churches so resistant to change? That's a good question and I bet there are thousands of answers. Maybe the better question to ask is "Why does the Church need to change?" (Pause...Open can of worms). I don't think I want to go there today.

One of my frustrations as a pastor is meeting resistance to godly change and/or even worse apathy to godly change. What do I mean by godly change? Simply, changing something that needs to be changed so God may be glorified (because he is behind or in the necessary change) and not merely changing something for the sake of change. I know and have read about pastors who have been fired from their churches because they pushed for unnecessary change and I am not talking about this kind of change. I also know personally, pastors who have been fired for instituting change that God was in.

The truth is when God moves in a church body or an individual we need to re-adjust our lives and church bodies to fit God's plan and purpose. I find it maddening when people knowingly resist godly change simply because they refuse to change. In my mind resistance to God is futile; it's a losing battle from the get go. What gets to me even more is when people say, "Do what you need to do pastor; but don't expect me to re-adjust because I am fine where I am right now. Things are going well for me, life is good and I don't want to mess with that. You go ahead but I'm going to stay right here." What these people are saying is, "I really don't care where God is heading or what he has in store I am fine right where I am."

Sometimes we pastors push for change because we REALLY want to see God come alive in our church bodies and in individuals lives. We promote change because we see God in the change. I encourage you to read Isaiah 43:18,19 to see that God also does new things because he cares for his people and wants to bless us. I know I can come across as the enemy when I promote change, but realize I promote godly change because I desire godly change in my life. I promote it because where God is I want to be... want to come along?

Wall Quotes and Picture Frames (Part 2)

"What we are in secret is what we really are."

N.T. Wright

This is probably one of the most convicting quotes that hangs on my wall. It is a short sentence with few words but it packs a punch. I am a pastor and people (whether I like it or not) have expectations of me. I am expected to be moral, pure, genuine, caring, truthful, trustworthy, a lover of God, a man of prayer, a counselor, a comforter, an encourager, a preacher of God's Word, or in other words I am expected to be one step shy of Superman (at least a Spirit-filled one).

As I stated, these are some expectations people place on me... But what am I when I am alone in my office, at home, or at a place where no one can see what I am up to? If you were to observe me in any of these settings it would speak volumes as to who I really am. Do I read God's Word when nobody's watching? Am I kind to my family when it's just the six of us? Do I pray when I am alone? The list goes on.

I know you know that I know I am not even remotely close to being a hint of perfect. I also assume (you know what that means) that that you know I don't sit around and pray, read the Bible and preach at people all day long either. I am a man who is human and I have flaws (more than I care to share with you). I don't always pray when I should, nor do I study God's Word as diligently as some and I definitely have moments of doubt and questioning.

So what am I in secret? My prayer is that I am the same person when I am around many people... a flawed individual who is striving by the power of the Holy Spirit to live a life that is pleasing to God and reflects the Jesus who is in me. Some days I do this well and other days I fail miserably. However when I do fail I am constantly reminded by this 8 x 10 black picture frame that hangs on my wall "What we are in secret is what we really are."

May my secret life be the same as my public life.

Wall Quotes and Picture Frames (Part 1)

"Sin disunites the most united hearts: It is the bane of holy fellowship."

George Whitefield

I love quotes. I mean who doesn't? I peruse Facebook and read quote upon quote day after day of friends statuses of meaningful quotes. I think I may be a quote hog? Whenever I read a book (generally non-fiction) I like to keep a pen or highlighter in hand to note quotes that really speak to me. I am not a person you would probably want to borrow or buy a book from because of all the underlining and notes I make. Quotes really make me happy.

If I come across on I really like I will open up my ancient version of Microsoft Publisher on my computer and copy the quote into the program. Then I give it a fun colorful font (with a shadow or outline for curb appeal) and tape or tack it up on my wall. I have been doing this for years. In fact for fifteen years I have been in ministry I have only acquired about two handfuls of quotes that have made the honorable transition from book to eye catching MS Publisher document that hangs on the wall.

This past weekend was my 41st birthday and for a present my wife bought me six picture frames and put some of the quotes in these frames so I could hang them on the wall in my office. This was a very thoughtful gift and I just (moments ago) finished hanging them (hopefully I didn't bug our youth pastor too much with all the hammering). As I was positioning these special quotes in just the right places on my wall I thought it would be fun to blog about them and how they impacted me so much. So, Lord willing, I would like to post a quote throughout the days and weeks and write about it and share with you a little of my heart.

The quote above from George Whitefield is probably one the most (definitely in the top three) favorite quotes simply because of the truth factor and reminder of the horrible consequences of sin. Since the creation of humanity sin separated fellowship between us and God. It was because of sin man and woman were cast out of the garden. It continues today to put up barriers between God and humanity. Sin not only creates a barrier between God and people; it also the main factor that ruins true godly fellowship we have with each another. I am often reminded of what the presence of unrepentant sin in one's life has done to sever the fellowship I have had with those who I love. Whether it is my own sin or the sins of others it is without a doubt the main thing that has broken holy fellowship between myself and others. This is why I hate sin.

On the contrary the unsettling thing for me is I claim to hate sin, yet it seems I find myself running to it more than I from it. Why is that? I wish I had the answer. I do know that when I allow sin to run unchecked in my life I feel distant from God and separated from other believers. I also acknowledge the destruction and hurt sin can and does produce in a family, church, small group or individual, yet I/we allow it to run rampant in our lives.

Only by the grace of God can I find forgiveness in Him and pursue the life of holiness He calls us all to. I will never reach sinless perfection in my lifetime but through the power of the Holy Spirit I can (and Lord willing) and will allow God's presence in my life to overshadow the temptations of sin that are ever before me. Words cannot express how much I enjoy fellowship with God and with fellow believers and I am thankful we have the privilege of having both. My hope and prayer for my life is for unity with God the Father and unity among fellow believers. Will you pray for and with me as I seek more joy in fellowshipping with God and believers than I do in pursuing the "pleasures" of sin.

Next Christians (Part 2)

The second category of Christians are called Cultural Christians. According the Lyons there are two sub categories that make up this second group of believers according to how they interact with the current culture.

Cultural Christians - "They don't obsess about the afterlife and generally believe heaven is reserved for most, everyone, except for awful folks..." These groups tend to focus more on social justice and not being too Christian (which many believe can be harmful to the face of Christianity).

BLENDERS - These are individuals who who identify themselves as Christians but culturally they try to "blend" into contemporary culture and try not to "look" or "act" to Christian. The author writes, "Blenders have one concern: being like everyone else." It seems as though these people desire to be Christian but do not want to come across as "holier than thou" or seem like a bible thumper so they become Christians incognito. Lyons identifies many "blenders" as individuals who believe they "inherit their parents' religion - It's a generational hand me down."

PHILANTHROPISTS - These are Christians who emphasize working on making the world a better place to live. Often these individuals are heavy on "doing good things for the better of humanity" and light on the Gospel. They take seriously Jesus' command to serve the needy and one another but often neglect the Great Commission.

With these two groups we can see that Separatists do everything in their own power to disconnect from the world and its evil while the Cultural Christians concern themselves mainly with engaging the world, becoming part of it and doing social justice. Both groups have an exclusive feel to them... Separatists may view the Cultural Christian as too liberal and the the Cultural Christian may view the Separatist as too conservative, strict or judgmental. While both have good qualities about them they do ultimately miss the point of the Gospel of Jesus.

The Next Christians (Part 1)

Today I started a book entitled THE NEXT CHRISTIANS by Gabe Lyons and after reading 50 pages of it this morning I am finding it extremely insightful. Below is a summary of some insights Mr. Lyons made in regards to the "different ways Christians Interact With Current Culture" (What do they emphasize? How do they interact with the world? Where did this mentality come from?) It is broken down into three categories with sub categories for the first two... 1) Separatists 2) Cultural 3) Restorer

Today I am going to share his/my insights about the first group...

Separatists - This group of people take seriously the call of Jesus to bring the light to the world at any cost irregardless (sometimes) of how they come across to others. Many believe that

1) INSIDERS - these individuals "earn their label from the spaces they choose to occupy - or perhaps the spaces they avoid at all costs." This group tends to immerse themselves into the Christian culture and separate themselves from the world. According to Lyons, "These Christians spend the majority of their time in Christian communities - 'safe' places." I (Jeff) call these people "Bubble Christians". They live in a bubble of safety and protection from any influence from the secular world.

2) CULTURE WARRIORS - This group "often hold an underlying view that America and Christianity are deeply intertwined." They have waged war on culture because they believe that modern (or post modern) thinking is the demise of America and ultimately the Church.

3) EVANGELIZERS - Sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ is their main goal and to these people is the ONLY "legitimate Christian activity in the world." They are passionate and motivated for spreading the Gospel (which in itself is not a bad thing it's actually part of our commission) however they can come across as judgmental, rude and loud. "For them, the ability, courage, and boldness to witness - in hopes of winning converts - is the defining mark of the truly faithful."

While the author may come across as critical towards these people he does say that many of these people's motives are pure... they just may not be the most effective way to reach the world for Jesus. The times are changing and so our method of sharing the message of Jesus may have to change just as well. Now this does not mean the MESSAGE (The Gospel of Jesus Christ) should change but the METHOD or way we share may have to in order to be more effective for Christ.

He Must Increase

As I was studying the text this morning for Sunday's sermon the words of John the Baptist have struck a chord in my heart today. "He must increase, I must decrease." Such a simple, yet profound statement. As I prayed this morning I said, "Lord make my attitude be that of John the Baptist."

The church and ministry that God has given me charge over has nothing to do with ME and increasing my influence in the world; it has all to do with Jesus. I do not want to waste an iota of my time trying to promote myself because none of what I do has anything to do with me and advancing my agenda. I want to promote Jesus and His Kingdom... God has given me charge to point this congregation and all of my friends, peers and relatives to Jesus.

Lord, I continue my prayer today... "You must increase in my life, ministry, family, relationships, work, recreation etc. and I must decrease because all I do I want to do for you."