There have been some serious thoughts bouncing around in my head lately. These thoughts have come from several books that I am reading. Those books are: Pagan Christianity? by Frank Viola and George Barna; Real Church by Dr. Larry Crabb; and Crazy Love by Francis Chan. Also, several speakers at the Pastors Conference last week in Louisville reiterated what I have been thinking about. And, you ask, what is that?
If our church were to close it's doors for good tomorrow, would anyone in the community notice? Would they care? Have we become so insignificant in our communities that they pay absolutely no attention to us? Or have we become so self-centered on ourselves and what we want that we have failed to pay any attention to our community?
I am as conservative as they come, yet I feel like we could use a good dose of liberalism. However, not a dose of liberal theological liberalism, but the kind of liberalism that causes us to serve others generously and passionately. Oftentimes people do not listen to us because we have shown little or no concern for their needs. Matthew 25 is plain that when we feed, clothe, tend to the sick, visit prisons, etc., we are doing it as unto Jesus. It is messy work but where did we ever get the idea that we should not get a little dirty and messy serving others and Christ?
Evangelism takes time and you never know where you are at in the process. You may be breaking up hard soil and removing rocks. You may be preparing the field to receive the seed,. You may be out pulling weeds that could choke out the good stuff. Or you may be spreading fertilizer or weed control to aid the plants growth. But then one day, you go out and are ready to receive a harvest. The only issue in all of this, is that each day you do not know what you may be doing and what God has been preparing for you.
All of this is written towards the goal of getting us out into the community to see how we can serve and help meet needs. Then people can see our love in action and I believe that as a result they will be open to God's work in their lives. I am not advocating relational evangelism to the exclusion of other "styles" of evangelism. I am just stating that we need to always be intentional in looking for opportunities to share the Gospel. It may be through acts of service or through short or long-term relationships. I really believe that too many of our communities think, rightly or wrongly, that we do not care about them and their problems. We need to re-engage with our communities and begin looking for where we can serve Christ as a means to reach people for the glory of God. As someone once said, "People do not care how much we know until they know how much we care!"
Just Thinking,
Joe
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Thursday, June 25, 2009
The Inevitable Reality
Death. Perhaps one of the most dreaded of words. It separates loved ones. It is often unannounced and unwanted. And yet, it is inevitable for everyone. We are all going to die, unless Jesus returns first.
Today, the news of the death of Farrah Fawcett was not unexpected. She had been battling cancer for at least three years. The death of Michael Jackson, however, was completely unexpected. That is why so many people were shocked at the news of his death.
It has been stated that there are two things in life that are inevitable: death and taxes. There are certainly many ways that a person can avoid paying taxes. Having immense amounts of money can certainly help you avoid paying taxes. Yet that same money cannot buy you one more day than God has decreed. Death comes for all of us. Even though we know that fact intellectually and experientially, we still seem to live in a state of denial. Most all of us have thought that death always happens to the other person. And yet, for the one that death comes calling, it is certain that they had always believed that they would not be the other person!
Money, fame, prestige, influence, or reputation cannot keep death at bay. Since death comes calling for all of us, as Christians we know it is imperative that people have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. We are commanded to share the Good News that our sins are forgiven through the atoning work of Jesus Christ. Apart from a saving relationship with Jesus, people will die in their sins and spend eternity in eternal torment. Thus, when the news of celebrity deaths are being reported and talked about by many, we have a unique opportunity to share the Gospel as we talk about the death of someone famous.
We should never rejoice in the death of an unbeliever, yet it does give us a window of opportunity to talk with people about death and eternal life. May we be ready for the opportunities to share about the hope of eternal life through Jesus Christ.
Just thinking,
Joe
Today, the news of the death of Farrah Fawcett was not unexpected. She had been battling cancer for at least three years. The death of Michael Jackson, however, was completely unexpected. That is why so many people were shocked at the news of his death.
It has been stated that there are two things in life that are inevitable: death and taxes. There are certainly many ways that a person can avoid paying taxes. Having immense amounts of money can certainly help you avoid paying taxes. Yet that same money cannot buy you one more day than God has decreed. Death comes for all of us. Even though we know that fact intellectually and experientially, we still seem to live in a state of denial. Most all of us have thought that death always happens to the other person. And yet, for the one that death comes calling, it is certain that they had always believed that they would not be the other person!
Money, fame, prestige, influence, or reputation cannot keep death at bay. Since death comes calling for all of us, as Christians we know it is imperative that people have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. We are commanded to share the Good News that our sins are forgiven through the atoning work of Jesus Christ. Apart from a saving relationship with Jesus, people will die in their sins and spend eternity in eternal torment. Thus, when the news of celebrity deaths are being reported and talked about by many, we have a unique opportunity to share the Gospel as we talk about the death of someone famous.
We should never rejoice in the death of an unbeliever, yet it does give us a window of opportunity to talk with people about death and eternal life. May we be ready for the opportunities to share about the hope of eternal life through Jesus Christ.
Just thinking,
Joe
SBC 2009 Reflections
It was a great week to be in Louisville, Kentucky. Louisville is a beautiful city with much to offer. I enjoyed the five years we lived in Kentuckiana while attending Boyce College at SBTS. Enough of the introductory remarks.
The SBC meeting and Pastor's Conference were both very good. I really enjoyed hearing David Platt for the first time on Monday night. His passion for the Word of God, Jesus Christ, and missions is very refreshing and challenging at the same time. J.D Greear probably did not endear himself to older SBC'ers but his message was right on topic on Sunday night. I really enjoyed Francis Chan, especially since I am leading my young adults through a study using his book Crazy Love. Kudo's to Ed Litton for putting together a really great conference.
Other than the usual business that takes place every year, this year we had the Great Commission Resurgence issue to consider. Dr. Johnny Hunt and Dr. Danny Akin both have a passion for seeing the Gospel proclaimed throughout the world. FBC Woodstock and SEBTS are both well known for their extraordinary missions emphasis. With that being said, some personal reflections on GCR and the task force that Dr. Hunt appointed:
(1) I was surprised, yet not shocked, to hear Dr. Hunt announce the members of the GCR Task Force on Wednesday morning. Either he was on the phone all night on Tuesday or he already had approached these people about serving in this capacity. I tend to believe the latter, which is not a bad thing in and of itself. The task force was not a last minute issue and I would expect someone of Dr. Hunt's stature to be ready for the eventuality of the GCR Task Force being approved. Now that they are appointed, they can begin the process of meeting to set their agenda for the next year.
(2) I was surprised by some of the people appointed to the team. The selection of Dr. Ronnie Floyd was certainly a surprise. Since his defeat three years ago in Greensboro, NC, I have not heard much from or about him. I would rather have seen someone such as Larry Wynn, pastor of Hebron Baptist in Dacula, Ga, chosen to serve as chairman of this team. Larry's church gave$1,000,000.00 to the CP several years ago whereas Dr. Floyd's church gave less than 1% to the CP. Even so, I do not think Dr. Floyd's commitment to missions can be seriously challenged or questioned. One may not agree with or like the way he or his church does things, but I would never seek to question his integrity. I certainly would not have selected him to serve in this capacity but that is no reflection upon him or his character. It is just my personal reflection.
I also was surprised that Dr. Hunt selected Dr. Danny Akin and Dr. Al Mohler. I love, admire, respect, and really like both of these men. However, with the stated goal of the GCR force to question all of our agencies and their effectiveness, was this really the wisest choice? After all, both of their schools receive CP dollars. Does anyone really believe that they will not have any bias when it comes to questioning whether or not CP dollars are being used with utmost effectiveness at their schools? I am not suggesting that they will not be honest or effective on this team, as both men's behavior, integrity, and service to Christ are above reproach. I do mean to suggest, however, that there could be a conflict of interest. We will know more in a year. I trust both of these men explicitly. I just think that the team would have been better served to not have any SBC employees on the team.
(3) Although the majority of the SBC is made up of churches with less than 200 in attendance on any given Sunday, there was not anyone chosen from a small church to serve on this team. At the risk of sounding jealous, envious, or anything else unbiblical, are small church pastors not qualified to serve on committees of any significance in the SBC? I realize that their time may be limited due to serving in a single-staff church, but could we quit talking about grassroots Southern Baptists and then stocking important committees with pastors and members from churches that average 500 or more per Sunday? Am I the only one who feels this way?
Now, with all of that being said, I am committing to pray for all of the GCR Task Force. I really believe that introspection is necessary and good. Otherwise, we run the very real risk of becoming like the Federal government and becoming bloated beyond repair or remedy. I look forward to hearing what they have to present at next year's meeting in Orlando, FL. After all, whatever they present still has to be approved by the convention. I imagine that there will be a lot of posturing and parading taking place between now and then :)
Just thinking,
Joe
The SBC meeting and Pastor's Conference were both very good. I really enjoyed hearing David Platt for the first time on Monday night. His passion for the Word of God, Jesus Christ, and missions is very refreshing and challenging at the same time. J.D Greear probably did not endear himself to older SBC'ers but his message was right on topic on Sunday night. I really enjoyed Francis Chan, especially since I am leading my young adults through a study using his book Crazy Love. Kudo's to Ed Litton for putting together a really great conference.
Other than the usual business that takes place every year, this year we had the Great Commission Resurgence issue to consider. Dr. Johnny Hunt and Dr. Danny Akin both have a passion for seeing the Gospel proclaimed throughout the world. FBC Woodstock and SEBTS are both well known for their extraordinary missions emphasis. With that being said, some personal reflections on GCR and the task force that Dr. Hunt appointed:
(1) I was surprised, yet not shocked, to hear Dr. Hunt announce the members of the GCR Task Force on Wednesday morning. Either he was on the phone all night on Tuesday or he already had approached these people about serving in this capacity. I tend to believe the latter, which is not a bad thing in and of itself. The task force was not a last minute issue and I would expect someone of Dr. Hunt's stature to be ready for the eventuality of the GCR Task Force being approved. Now that they are appointed, they can begin the process of meeting to set their agenda for the next year.
(2) I was surprised by some of the people appointed to the team. The selection of Dr. Ronnie Floyd was certainly a surprise. Since his defeat three years ago in Greensboro, NC, I have not heard much from or about him. I would rather have seen someone such as Larry Wynn, pastor of Hebron Baptist in Dacula, Ga, chosen to serve as chairman of this team. Larry's church gave$1,000,000.00 to the CP several years ago whereas Dr. Floyd's church gave less than 1% to the CP. Even so, I do not think Dr. Floyd's commitment to missions can be seriously challenged or questioned. One may not agree with or like the way he or his church does things, but I would never seek to question his integrity. I certainly would not have selected him to serve in this capacity but that is no reflection upon him or his character. It is just my personal reflection.
I also was surprised that Dr. Hunt selected Dr. Danny Akin and Dr. Al Mohler. I love, admire, respect, and really like both of these men. However, with the stated goal of the GCR force to question all of our agencies and their effectiveness, was this really the wisest choice? After all, both of their schools receive CP dollars. Does anyone really believe that they will not have any bias when it comes to questioning whether or not CP dollars are being used with utmost effectiveness at their schools? I am not suggesting that they will not be honest or effective on this team, as both men's behavior, integrity, and service to Christ are above reproach. I do mean to suggest, however, that there could be a conflict of interest. We will know more in a year. I trust both of these men explicitly. I just think that the team would have been better served to not have any SBC employees on the team.
(3) Although the majority of the SBC is made up of churches with less than 200 in attendance on any given Sunday, there was not anyone chosen from a small church to serve on this team. At the risk of sounding jealous, envious, or anything else unbiblical, are small church pastors not qualified to serve on committees of any significance in the SBC? I realize that their time may be limited due to serving in a single-staff church, but could we quit talking about grassroots Southern Baptists and then stocking important committees with pastors and members from churches that average 500 or more per Sunday? Am I the only one who feels this way?
Now, with all of that being said, I am committing to pray for all of the GCR Task Force. I really believe that introspection is necessary and good. Otherwise, we run the very real risk of becoming like the Federal government and becoming bloated beyond repair or remedy. I look forward to hearing what they have to present at next year's meeting in Orlando, FL. After all, whatever they present still has to be approved by the convention. I imagine that there will be a lot of posturing and parading taking place between now and then :)
Just thinking,
Joe
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