Monday, October 27, 2008

SEX AND SPIRITUAL WARFARE



Mark Driscoll is one of the most gifted and insightful Bible teachers out there. The guy consistently "brings it" week in and week out. By the way, his new book, Death By Love, on the atonement and work of the cross if phenomenal.

Mark is the founding and lead pastor of Mars Hill Church, a church located in the heart of the least churched city in America.

Recently, I've been listening to two series by Driscoll that I want to recommend. The first one was recorded during the weekend services of Mars Hill Church. It's called The Peasant Princess and is probably the most frank, open, honest teaching on the Song of Solomon you're likely to hear.

This series deals with the subject of marriage and sexuality in a very explicit and straight forward way. It contains important insights for married couples, as well as those contemplating marriage. You can check out the series on i-Tunes by typing Mark Discoll into the search bar, or by clicking here. Please be advised - the messages are frank, straightforward and sometimes explicit, though not in any way vulgar.

The other series I've been listening to is simply titled Spiritual Warfare. It was recorded by Driscoll during a lecture he did for the counseling ministry at Mars Hill. This may be the hardest hitting, most insightful series on the subject of Spiritual Warfare I've ever heard. Session 2 is especially helpful.

You owe it to yourself to check this series out. Again, you can access it through i-Tunes or by clicking here.

As a follower of Christ and pastor, I need to stay sharp. Driscoll regularly challenges my faith, causes me to question my assumptions and points me to the cross of Christ. If you're looking for something to add to your i-Pod and put into rotation while you're at the gym this week, check these messages out.

This is stuff to GROW BY...

Sunday, October 26, 2008

PRAYER WALKING

In Colossians 4:2-4, Paul challenges the church at Colosse with these words, "Devote yourself to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart. Don't forget to pray for us...that God will give us many opportunities to preach... Pray that I will proclaim the message clearly as I should."

Prayer is fundamental as we move towards the Grand Opening of a2. I've especially been impressed to challenge the believers who are a part of a2 Church, to take up the practice of "prayer walking."

What is it?

I like the way one organization defines it. Prayerwalking is simply praying in the very places we expect God to bring about the answers.

It’s usually a “low profile” issue. A couple of friends or family members just walking through their neighborhoods, schools, work places or “target” areas in conversational prayer.

What should I pray about when I walk?

Here's a list of five things to pray about.

1. Start by praying for the area. Ask God to guide you and to help you see the community through His eyes.

Lift up a2 Church and ask God to reveal the “lost-ness” of this area to you.

Pray that God will show you the needs that exist, how He wants a2 to be involved in meeting those needs, and how we can partner with Him in presenting the gospel to people who need to experience the truth of the gospel for themselves.

Pray that God will give us opportunities to share the gospel as we walk the area.

Pray that God will help us identify people of influence within the community.

2. Second, as you walk the streets, pray for each home you pass, asking God to meet the spiritual, physical, emotional, relational and financial needs of the people who live there.

Pray that every person we come into contact with would be open to the leading of the Holy Spirit, and that his or her eyes would be open to the truth of God’s Word.

Thank God in advance for what He’s going to do in the lives of the people we interact with.

3. Third, as you walk the streets, pray for yourself, asking God to help you see the community like He sees it.

Pray that God would provide you with opportunities to talk with people in the community and in your sphere of influence, and that He would help you understand the needs of the people who call this area “home.” Also, be open to the leading of the Holy Spirit regarding personal confession and renewal.

4. Fourth, as you walk the streets, pray that God (the Lord of the Harvest) would send workers into His harvest fields.

5. Finally, pray for the entire a2 Launch Team, that God will anoint every aspect of ministry involved in this new church plant.


As we move towards the Grand Opening of a2 Church, I want to challenge you just like Paul challenged the church at Colosse, "Devote yourself to prayer..."

Several years ago Walter Wink made a statement that I agree with completely: "History belongs to the intercessors...to those who believe and pray the future into being..."

I've said it before, I'll say it again: Let's PRAY LIKE CRAZY! God wants to do something extraordinary through a2, but He's looking for a group of people who will "devote themselves to God centered, God honoring prayer." Amen.

BUILDING UPDATE ON a2 CHURCH

Slow and steady progress continues on the building. Special thanks to all of you who have given of your time, energy and resources towards this project. You guys and gals are an incredible blessing.

As you can imagine, an incredible amount of work must be completed before next weekend’s scheduled Grand Opening can become a reality. If you have any discretionary time available this week, here’s a “punch list” of items that must be accomplished.

a2 Build Out To Do List:
• Paint Bathroom Walls (Latex)
• Paint Office Walls (Latex)
• Paint Nursery Walls (Latex)
• Paint All Classroom Walls (Latex)
• Paint All Hallways and Common Area Walls (Latex)
• Paint All Trim (1 – Primer, 2 – Oil Based Pain)
• Paint Stage Black
• Paint All Door Slabs w/out Windows (1 - Primer, 2 - Oil Based Paint)
• Clean/Remove All Sheetrock “Mud” Off Floors
• Clean All Rubber Base (Prep for Install)
• Clean All Restrooms and RR Fixtures
• Clean / Remove Debris and Trash

If possible, bring your own supplies (gloves, paint brushes, rollers, cleaning supplies, etc.) Obviously, we'll supply the paint...

For more information and an update on our "needs list", email me at cgoins@a2church.org.

Thanks in advance for your continued partnership.

Tuesday, October 21, 2008

GOD MATH

Okay, guys and gals... I just got this forwarded to me from Shannon Johnson. One of her friends sent her this devotional via email with a note:

"I wanted to share my morning devotion with you and Kevin. It's from the great Charles Spurgeon, one of my favorites. The reason I wanted to share has to do with a2. If I was on the grass roots level of a new ministry these words would be very encouraging for me. So Enjoy."

Shannon sent the email on to me. After reading these words I knew I had to share them with the a2 family. I know some of the language is a bit archaic, but I believe the message and meaning come through loud and clear.

So, regardless of where you're at or what's going on in your life, maybe these words are for you...

God's Multiplication Table
Charles Spurgeon

A little one shall become a thousand, and a small one a strong nation: I the Lord will hasten it in his time. (Isaiah 60:22)

Works for the Lord often begin on a small scale, and they are none the worse for this. Feebleness educates faith, brings God near, and wins glory for His name.

Prize promises of increase! Mustard seed is the smallest among seeds, and yet it becomes a treelike plant, with branches which lodge the birds of heaven. We may begin with one, and that "a little one," and yet it will "become a thousand."

The Lord is great at the multiplication table. How often did He say to His lone servant, "I will multiply thee!" Trust in the Lord, ye ones and twos; for He will be in the midst of you if you are gathered in His name.

"A small one." What can be more despicable in the eyes of those who count heads and weigh forces! Yet this is the nucleus of a great nation. Only one star shines out at first in the evening, but soon the sky is crowded with countless lights.

Nor need we think the prospect of increase to be remote, for the promise is, "I Jehovah will hasten it in his time." There will be no premature haste, like that which we see at excited meetings; it will be all in due time, but yet there will be no delay. When the Lord hastens, His speed is glorious.

-Charles Spurgeon

Amen. I like it! Alot!

INVEST and INVITE: The a2 Strategy

Several years ago I had the opportunity to hear Andy Stanley share Northpoint's simple strategy for reaching people who are far from God. It was profound in it's simplicity: INVEST and INVITE.

Instead of attempting to re-invent the wheel, we've adopted this simple strategy for a2 Church.

INVEST in people unconditionally. Here's what I mean: love people with "no strings attached." Live out the Great Commandment (Matthew 22:37-40). Listen to the concerns, hurts and heartbreak of your neighbors, friends, co-workers and family. Have them over for a meal. Take them out for a cup of coffee and just get to know them as people.

INVITE them to experience the love of God. I know... This is where some of us get nervous... We're "cool" when it comes to the "investing" end of things, but we get a little queasy when it comes to "inviting" end of the deal.

This is crucial! Maybe you're not a "gifted" evangelist. Maybe your style of evangelism is the invitational style (John 4:4-30). That's okay. Just invite the people you're investing in to join you for a weekend service at a2. My end of the agreement? We'll do everything possible to make sure they hear the gospel and experience God's presence.

Sometimes "invite" just means that we give people the opportunity to experience the gospel and God for themselves in a "safe environment."

At other times, God may challenge us to share the story of what He has done in our life. If so, you can bank on the Holy Spirit to give you the words necessary (Mark 13:11).

This week I spent a good deal of time canvasing the businesses in Vestavia City Center. Thanks to Dan and Teddy Butcher, I presented each of these businesses with a small bag of chocolate chip cookies with the a2 card attached. My interaction with these managers and owners wasn't pushy... It was simple. "Hi, I'm Chris... We're new to the neighborhood. In two weeks we'll be moving into VCC and just wanted to drop by and introduce ourselves and give you a small gift, just to say, 'If there's ever any way we can serve you, don't hesitate to call.'"

The response? Terrific!

One girl at Subway asked me, "Can anybody attend your church?"

One couple at Guthrie's not only asked about the church, but actually showed up at the Block Party with a large container of baked beans.

I don't believe that it's really that difficult to LOVE THE CITY and MAKE A DIFFERENCE. I think we just have to be intentional.

The only way a2 Church will make a difference in our community is we take seriously this simple strategy. Not as a way to "make our church grow." But as a WAY OF LIFE.

INVEST in people unconditionally. After all, they're people deeply loved by God... Keep in mind you've never locked eyes with an individual who doesn't matter to our great God!

INVITE them to experience God personally. Invite them o a2's Grand Opening or share your personal story.

God wants to use YOU to make a difference.

a2 BLOCK PARTY - Download and Shout Outs

A special thanks to all of you who made this past weekend's Block Party a success!

SHARE: 2-4:30 pm
First of all, thanks to all of you who took it "to the streets" and helped to cover the area with "prayer walks," door hangers, flyers and postcards before Sunday's Block Party. You guys and gals were awesome!

I was really excited about the group of people who showed up to participate... You made a BIG DIFFERENCE!

We had a good number of people check out the block party and a2 Church for the first time based upon these contacts. Me and Janet got to interact with several of these guests and a lot of them will be checking out a2 Church in the coming weeks. Thanks so much for taking the time to reach out and love our city.

CELEBRATE: 4:30-6:30 pm
Here are some special "shout outs" to all of you who made the day a big success.

Thanks to David Upton and the guys at Craneworks for the tables, chairs and grill. This was a huge blessing.

Thanks to David Watts, Andy Lange, Tom Costigan and Billy Walters who jumped in to assist with set up!

Thanks to Ron Wiggins for picking up and dropping off all the rental equipment. This was huge.

Thanks to Paul Baggett for cleaning off the parking lot so that we had a really neat place to welcome all of our guests.

Greg and Kathy Gilbert are the real deal! They shopped for and secured all of the food products. Thanks a million.

Then, Greg and his team, including people like Mike and Melanie Weeks, did a great job cooking up the "dogs," making loads of Smores and serving the crowd! Hats off to Greg, Kathy and the entire team.

If I left anybody out, it's not intentional. We had a TERRIFIC TEAM of volunteers involved in making this event possible. Thanks so much for your involvement.

Finally, Act of Congress blew it away at the concert. These are great guys (and gal) with huge hearts and terrific talents. We're proud to call them "friends."

On another note, it was pretty exciting stuff to have a police car show up at a bluegrass concert! That's right. We had the opportunity to "grow" a little more in the area of wisdom Sunday night.

About half way through AOC's show we had a visit from one of Vestavia's finest informing me that we had failed to secure a "live band" permit. (Holy Cow! I never knew SO MANY PERMITS were necessary...)

Thankfully the Officer graciously allowed the concert to continue with only a warning... Whew! Next time we'll know... The good news iswe're already creating excitement and we're not even "open for business" yet.

I think what happened Sunday evening is what we'd like to see happen more often at a2 Church...

People reaching out... Taking risks... Joining the adventure... Investing and inviting... Loving and serving... Reaching and caring... Laughing and learning... Living and giving...

Thanks to all of you who made it possible!

Friday, October 17, 2008

SMILING ADDICTION



Art doesn't always have to be "uplifting" to be effective. Sometimes art leaves you with more questions than answers. Sometimes it evokes deep emotions in you that you were unaware even existed. Sometimes great art can make you weep, cry, mourn or repent.

Since we've been focusing on the subject of art and creativity over the past few posts, I thought I would share a video produced by Whitestone Motion Pictures. The video is not particularly uplifting. In fact, it's somewhat depressing. But it's powerful and it's truthful.

The song is well written. The vocal is delivered "spot on." And the visuals are moving. The song is about our vain search for this elusive thing called "happiness" and our tendency to self medicate in order to experience it. It's about our real need to be real, vulnerable, honest and authentic.

I think the writer of Ecclesiastes 7:3 nailed it when he wrote, "Sorrow is better than laughter, because a sad face is good for the heart."

Remember that the next time you just need to cry.

This is Smiling Addiction by Whitestone Motion Pictures.

SAY

I love the music of John Mayer. Having a teenage daughter still in the house, I've had the privilege of seeing John twice. It was amazing.

While many view John as another pop icon, he may just be the most under-rated musician out there. It's obvious he truly LOVES making great music and loves performing before a live audience.

One of the songs I've been listening to quite a bit lately over the past several months has been Mayer's song, "Say." It was featured in a great little movie called, "The Bucket List." It is a GREAT SONG.

Cross Point Church in Nashville, TN recently featured the song with a video they created at the conclusion of a service where Lead Pastor, Pete Wilson talked about the "Power of Words." The video combines a killer song by Mayer with the creativity of a church that has a desire to communicate and connect. Great stuff. Enjoy.


'Say' Music Video from Matthew Singleton on Vimeo.

Thursday, October 16, 2008

CREATIVITY AND ARTISTRY


New Creation from FC Post on Vimeo.

Creativity is one of the CORE VALUES at a2 Church. It reads like this:

Core Value #8: Creativity and Artistry
We believe that God is the master artist. He paints on a canvas as big as the Universe. We desire to move people towards a God-centered vision of the arts that expresses itself through worship, the discipleship of artists, and creating a life-giving community where artists are inspired to use their gifts to glorify God and inspire people (Psalm 19:1 Exodus 31:2; 35:30-35).

Recently Fellowship Church in Grapevine, Texas featured this song as part of one of their worship services. The song is titled New Creation and is off of a new worship CD by FC titled "Closer To The Start."

When I first watched this "performance" I was moved... The song is beautifully written. The vocal is delivered with a sense of urgency and intensity. The performance is visually creative. It feels like everything comes together to create a "moment."

I believe God loves it when His kids find creative ways to presence ancient truth.

2 Corinthians 5:17 says, "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!"

The incredible truth of the possibility of TRANSFORMATION deserves a beautiful, creative and anointed presentation.

This song and "performance" challenges me... It challenges me to pray, seek God, listen, learn and work to deliver fresh, relevant, creative messages of the ancient, unchanging truth of God's word. I love it!

Wednesday, October 15, 2008

a2 BLOCK PARTY: SHARE and CELEBRATE

Sunday, October 19

Make plans now to join us for an incredible day of sharing, serving and celebration! Here's an overview:

SHARE: 2-4:30 pm
We'll meet at the a2 worship site at 2 pm, divide into teams and saturate several "target" areas with a2 door hangers, post cards and strategic "prayer walks" leading up to a2's Grand Opening. This is YOUR CHANCE to help get the word out about a2 Church.

CELEBRATE: 4:30-6:30 pm
We'll follow up a day of sharing with a classic "cook-out" on the a2 parking lot featuring hot dogs, smores, chips, sodas and the works. Followed by a special "outdoor concert" featuring Act of Congress at 5:30 pm.

Act of Congress was recently featured on the cover of Portico Magazine and is scheduled to be featured in Billboard Magazine. AOC has received rave reviews from critics and concert goers alike. You'll not want to miss this special show.

We'll wrap up the evening with a short "Pre-Grand Opening" message by Chris Goins. Invite your friends, family and neighbors to an unforgettable evening.

For more information, check out our website at www.a2church.org.

Saturday, October 11, 2008

I AM THANKFUL!!!





This past week has been a really tough week for a whole lot of people... Yesterday I received an email from a friend of mine who indicated that in all of his years as a small business owner he had never experienced a period of time like this... A lot of people are HURTING in a BIG WAY...

In some very real ways, the last twelve months have been the most difficult months of my life... A year ago last week I spoke at my Dad's church the first Sunday after stepping down from a senior pastorate... Last week, I spoke at my Dad's church again... One big difference... Dad's in heaven... We're still here...

I could go on... But that's not why I logged on this evening... I didn't log on to list my regrets or to whine about the curve balls life has thrown me... I logged on to EXPRESS A LITTLE BIT OF GRATITUDE...

In days like these, it's so important to think about and celebrate the gifts we have. Not the things we lack... In honor of that, I wanted to share a few photos with you of the GREATEST BLESSING God has ever given me, apart from what Jesus did for me on the cross... And that's the girl He brought into my life more than 30 years ago - MY WIFE OF 25 YEARS - Janet.

Here are a few pics our friend Becky Abernathy took this summer. They help me remember one of the GREATEST GIFTS God has ever blessed me with... MY WIFE.

Am I concerned about all of the absolute CRAZINESS going on in our world? You bet. More than a little. But I am also THANKFUL for the gifts God has given me... My wife and three incredible girls... My mom and my in-laws... My brothers and my brother's in law and sister's in law. Aunts and uncles. Friends. Laughter. Music. Love. Grace. Grace. Grace. More grace. The church... I could go on... And on... And on...

Janet, if you read this... Know that I am SO GRATEFUL TO GOD FOR YOU... Why you love me? I'll never know. But I'm so GLAD TO GOD that you do.

What about you? What do you have to be thankful for today? Think about it...

Friday, October 10, 2008

a2 BLOCK PARTY - LOVE THE CITY

Sunday, October 19, 4:30-6:30 PM
Parking Lot of Future Site of a2 Church

600 Montgomery Highway, Suite 208
(Just above Pet Supermarket)

Love The City

I think this shirt says it all! LOVE THE CITY. On Sunday, October 19 we'll attempt to do just that. (Make certain you pick up your new a2 t-shirt Saturday, October 18 or Sunday, October 19. Available at cost - about $6 each.)

SHARE: a2 Team Members are invited to join us from 2:30 - 4:30 as we canvas the neighborhood with targeted prayer walks, door hangers and post cards. We'll invite everyone to join us for the block party.

CELEBRATE: At 4:30 we'll kick off the block party with good old fashioned fun including hotdogs, smores, chips, sodas, the works. Our goal? LOVE THE CITY. At around 5:30 one of the premiere bands in the country will join us.

Act of Congress will be our SPECIAL GUEST for the evening. AOC is the 2008 "Disc Makers Independent Music World Series" Winner. Their debut album titled "Declaration" recently Sold Out it's release concert at Workplay, "One of PASTE magazine's 40 best venues in America." They also have upcoming features in Billboard, Portico, and Birmingham magazines. AOC will present a live concert on the parking lot of a2. Invite your friends, neighbors, family and work associates to join you for a great evening under the stars. We'll wrap up the night with a brief pre-Grand Opening message by Chris.

Thursday, October 9, 2008

DON'T BACK DOWN!

Okay, I seldom post more than once during any given day, but I was blown away when I read this post by Steven Furtick of Elevation Church.

Blown away because earlier today I had used some of the same language in an email I sent out to the extended family of a2...

This will preach! It's where I'm at... It's what I'm believing for... Thanks for an incredible word, Steven.


Don’t Back Down
Steven Furtick

God has been speaking to me a lot about the economy recently. The sense of what He’s been impressing on my heart is: don’t back down.

Every time I’ve turned on cable news in the last 3 weeks I’ve been tempted to scale down and back away from some of our God-sized, faith stretching initiatives. And I do want to be responsible…exercise wisdom…employ restraint…

But this is NOT the time for the church to huddle up in the bunker and wait for the end of the world. In Joshua 3, God led His people across the Jordan during the flood stage. Practically speaking, it was the worst possible time for them to cross over. But from the standpoint of faith, why not cross over during flood season? Flood season and harvest time go hand in hand. And the higher the waters, the greater the opportunity for God to show off when He brings us through.

So Elevation Church is not backing down in this time of economic crisis. We’re forging ahead, believing that God knows how to feed His children, even in a time of famine.

We’ll be committing hundreds of thousands of additional dollars to our local outreach partners in the coming months. We are in the process of making the most expensive facilities decision we’ve ever made. We just sent over 700 couples on date nights-paid for by the church.

We can’t back down. It’s harvest time! People are more ripe than ever to embrace the certainty of Christ, as the earthly things that seemed so certain are shaking and quaking. And God will resource us to reach them with the Gospel as we keep our eyes on Him.

I may sound naïve. But I’d rather be naïve than faithless.

God’s faithless children are confined to wandering in the wilderness of intimidation.
Those who look to Him in times of scarcity and press ahead will see His provision, His favor, and His miraculous, abundant supply.

Don’t back down!

LET'S GO TO CHURCH?

Okay, guys and gals I've never been a Desperate Housewives fan... Can't say that I've ever watched an entire episode...

However, today Tim Stevens over at Leading Smart.com posted this clip from DH. It spoke to me in a big way about the people we are trying to reach at a2.

Some of them will be like the husband in this clip. They feel that they "did their time" in church when they were growing up and there's nothing the church could possibly do for them.

Some will be like the kid. They're parents have never really taken the time to share God's Word with them. So, they're confused. Jesus is nothing more than a fairy tale, along the lines of Santa Claus.

Some of them will be like the wife. They're curious about checking out church because they've experienced some kind of tragedy or personal crisis in life. They know there has to be more...

You can bet that as fears and uncertainty about the economy continue to grow... As tension continues to mount with Russia... As war continues in Iraq and Afghanistan...some...no...MANY...will be driven to "try church" again. They'll experience a longing to encounter something "transcendent" and meaningful in world that appears to be crumbling all around them... Here's the question: "Will we - the church - be ready?"

Will the people who walk through our doors experience an authentic encounter with God and feel like they're loved and accepted by other people? Will they find hope in the midst of hopelessness? Will they meet Jesus? Will their lives be changed?

That's what I'm praying for at a2. It's what I crave...

A church where people of all stripes have an authentic experience God that turns their world right side up... A church where people know that they are loved and cared for regardless of their past, hangups, mistakes or personal history... A church where people leave RADICALLY CHANGED!

Check out the DH clip and let me know what you think...

And no, I won't be checking out DH any time soon... Just not my way to spend an hour in front of the TV... I've only got so much time and SO MUCH to do... But this clip speaks to me - BIG TIME... Let me know what you think.

THIS SUNDAY AT a2 CHURCH

HERO
Dangerous Church - 9

Acts 6-7
This Sunday, October 5, 5:30 pm
Location: Invernvess Vineyard Church
4733 Valleydale Road

Everyone dreams of being a hero, of acting courageously and decisively in the most difficult of situations. Most of us think it's unrealistic and far-fetched to think we could ever be a hero, but the truth is we'll all face defining moments in our lives when the opportunity to act heroically will arrive at our doorstep. How will we respond?

This week discover the story of a very ordinary guy who faced unbelievable pressure and opposition, but stood courageously when his faith came under fire. Don't miss this important message.

PS: This will be our last weekend to worship at Invervness Vineyard Church. Join us for a special evening of praise and worship, as well as an inspiring message that will challenge you to live the life God has called you to live.

Wednesday, October 8, 2008

DEATH BY LOVE

Mark Driscoll is the founding and lead pastor of Mars Hill Church in Seattle. According to Mark, Seattle is the most unchurched city in the U.S.

Driscoll is one of my favorite authors and speakers. Confessions of a Reformission Rev is an incredible book that provides a candid look at the first ten years of Mars Hill. It is riveting stuff. Sometimes if feels like you're reading something out of the book of Acts...

Earlier this year, Driscoll published Vintage Jesus. An excellent book on the person, work and ministry of Jesus Christ. Great stuff.

Recently, Driscoll published Death By Love. The focus of the book is on the atonement - the work of the cross and and what it means to our lives.

Here's what I love about Driscoll. He is "in your face," no holds barred in preaching the gospel in the language of this culture. You may not agree with everything the guy says, but he's going to present a solid case for his beliefs based upon the truth of Scripture.

I also love to hear Driscoll preach. Messages by Driscoll are available on the Mars Hill site, the Acts 29 Network site, Resurgence and i-Tunes.

Here's a video with a creative overview of Driscoll's newest book, Death By Love. I just ordered it from Amazon and look forward to digging in.

I'M COUNTING ON GOD!!!

Iraq. Afghanistan. The $700 billion dollar rescue plan. A plummeting stock market. Growing tension with Russia. Fears about Iran and North Korea. Brooding anxiety and uncertainty about the economy and future. There's no doubt about it: these are dangerous times.

Here's my question: "What can you count on when everything around you seems to be crumbling?"

This is the same question someone asked David in Psalm 11: "When the foundations are being destroyed, what can the righteous do?"

The panic that launched that question didn't come from David. It came from one of his well-meaning adviser's. In fact, that question is only PART of their advice. In Psalm 11:1-2, these guys looked at David and said, "Run to the mountain. Get out of Dodge. The bottom's dropped out of the country... Good people don't really have a chance. This is your only option. You have some powerful enemies and they're closing ranks. The foundations are being destroyed. Everything you built your life on is collapsing. You had better run while you can."

Psalm 11 was written during a time of national crisis. It contains incredible insight for people like you and me living in times like these. It indicates that one of the most important things we can do when it feels like the "earth is moving beneath our feet" is to RE-FOCUS on the CHARACTER OF GOD.

RE-FOCUS ON THE CHARACTER OF GOD

Check out the first four verses of Psalm 11.

Psalm 11:1-4 (NIV), In the LORD I take refuge. How then can you say to me: "Flee like a bird to your mountain. 2 For look, the wicked bend their bows; they set their arrows against the strings to shoot from the shadows at the upright in heart. 3 When the foundations are being destroyed, what can the righteous do?" 4 The LORD is in his holy temple; the LORD is on his heavenly throne.

I think James Montgomery Boice nailed it when he wrote these words:

"We do not have a strong church today nor do we have many strong Christians. We can trace the cause to an acute lack of sound spiritual knowledge. Why is the church weak? Why are individual Christians weak? It's because they have allowed their minds to become conformed to the "spirit of this age," with its mechanistic, godless thinking. They have forgotten what God is like and what He promises to do for those who trust Him.

Ask an average Christian to talk about God. After getting past the expected answers you will find that his god is a little god of vacillating sentiments. He is a god who would like to save the world but who cannot. He would like to restrain evil, but somehow he finds it beyond his power. So he has withdrawn into semi-retirement, being willing to give good advice in a grandfatherly sort of way, but for the most part He has left His children to fend for themselves in a dangerous environment.

Such a god is not the God of the Bible. ..the God of the Bible is not weak; He is strong! He is all-mighty. Nothing disturbs or puzzles Him. His purposes are always accomplished. Therefore those who know Him rightly act with boldness, assured that God is with them to accomplish His own desirable purposes in their lives."


Wow! I think Boice is right!

During times like these we must FOCUS on the CHARACTER of God. It's crucial to remember truths like:

God is sovereign. He really is in control.
God is omniscient. He knows the score.
God is merciful. He sees my pain.
God is gracious. He provides me with what I could never deserve.
God is loving. He loves me completely and unconditionally.
God is good. His plans and purposes for my life are for my ultimate good (Romans 8:28).

In the book of Daniel, the prophet indicated that "...…the people who know their God shall be strong, and carry out great exploits." (Daniel 11:32)

Instead of overdosing on Fox News, CNN, HNN, MSNBC, NBC, ABC or CBS, why not lean into the truth of Psalm 46:10, "Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth."

Guys, I don't know what lies ahead. I don't have a clue of what bad news we may get hit with tomorrow. But what I do know is that during times like this I must focus on what I know to be true about the God who created me, loves me and sustains me.

I want you to know that I'm praying for you and praying for our country. If there's a way I can pray for you more specifically, please don't hesitate to email or call.

In the mean time, here's a song that is owning me right now. It's from New Life Worship and titled "Counting On God." Check out the story behind the song and CD right HERE.

Tuesday, October 7, 2008

WHAT YOUR CRITICS REALLY MEAN...

Perry Noble is the pastor of Newspring Church. This church is "blowing up" and doing GREAT THINGS for God. Perry had THIS POST this morning that made me SMILE - big time.

Having been in some form of pastoral ministry for about 20 years, I've heard every one of these statements more than once...

See if you can relate to Perry's post:


What They REALLY Mean…

One of the lessons I’ve learned while being in the ministry for the past 17 years is sometimes what people say isn’t exactly true…things such as…

(WARNING…you will probably only like this post if you are a pastor or a staff member of a church!)

What They Say: “I’m looking for a church that preaches the Word!”

What They Mean: “I’m looking for a church that preaches MY view of the Word. I think the BLANK translation should be used…I think BLANK should be talked about a lot while BLANK should be ignored. And if you ever stop preaching my view of the Word I will leave and tell others that you don’t preach the Word!”

What They Say: “Lot’s of people have been coming to me and saying they don’t like is…”

What They Mean: “I basically only have three friends…and all of them think exactly like me. The other night we were enjoying a time of self righteousness because, after all, we are right about everything…and were also slandering you (in the form of prayer requests) and thought it would be wise to approach you with our pet peeve. We’ve actually talked to no one else about this but said “lots” because we wanted to validate our dysfunction.”

What They Say: “I’m leaving the church.”

What They Mean: “Beg me to stay. If you will just ask me I will share with you several ways you can compromise God’s vision that He’s given you, thus becoming nothing more than a people pleasing pastor who is more interested in popularity than obedience. If you don’t bow to my demands I will remind you that I tithe and that the church needs my money, reducing you to a mere preaching whore…one who is paid for a service for the pleasure of another person.”

What They Say: “I want a church that is more focused on discipleship.”

What They Mean: “I want a church where everyone knows me and how important I am! I don’t want to reach people who are different from me, be it economic class or race or even musical preference. I already know WAY more than I do…but I somehow equate spirituality with knowledge rather than application and I rather enjoy feeling intellectually superior to those who don’t know as much as me.”

What They Say: “Don’t take this personally…but…”

What They Mean: “I am about to lower the BOOM on you…but you can’t get angry because I told you not to take it personally. Even though you have dedicated your life to this and pretty much invest every ounce of energy you have to this cause…and I think about it once or twice a week…you need to receive my attacks, even when they are personal…and you cannot retaliate because, remember, it’s not personal.”

OKAY, that was fun! I typed it all with a smile. Trust me…I’m not mad or frustrated with anyone…I just thought a pastor or two MIGHT get a smile out of this. :-)

Thursday, October 2, 2008

THE KIND OF WORSHIP GOD DEMANDS

I thought I had blogged about this is a while back, but couldn't find the post... But recently, I've been reminded of a challenge that appears in the opening chapter of Malachi.

These are some of the toughest words in Scripture. Words that we desperately need to remember and recover...

Malachi 1:6-14 (MSG), "Isn't it true that a son honors his father and a worker his master? So if I'm your Father, where's the honor? If I'm your Master, where's the respect?" God-of-the-Angel-Armies is calling you on the carpet: "You priests despise me!
"You say, 'Not so! How do we despise you?'
"By your shoddy, sloppy, defiling worship.
"You ask, 'What do you mean, "defiling"? What's defiling about it?'
7-8 "When you say, 'The altar of God is not important anymore; worship of God is no longer a priority,' that's defiling. And when you offer worthless animals for sacrifices in worship, animals that you're trying to get rid of—blind and sick and crippled animals—isn't that defiling? Try a trick like that with your banker or your senator—how far do you think it will get you?" God-of-the-Angel-Armies asks you.
9 "Get on your knees and pray that I will be gracious to you. You priests have gotten everyone in trouble. With this kind of conduct, do you think I'll pay attention to you?" God-of-the-Angel-Armies asks you.
10 "Why doesn't one of you just shut the Temple doors and lock them? Then none of you can get in and play at religion with this silly, empty-headed worship. I am not pleased. The God-of-the-Angel-Armies is not pleased. And I don't want any more of this so-called worship!
11 "I am honored all over the world. And there are people who know how to worship me all over the world, who honor me by bringing their best to me. They're saying it everywhere: 'God is greater, this God-of-the-Angel-Armies.'
12-13 "All except you. Instead of honoring me, you profane me. You profane me when you say, 'Worship is not important, and what we bring to worship is of no account,' and when you say, 'I'm bored—this doesn't do anything for me.' You act so superior, sticking your noses in the air—act superior to me, God-of-the-Angel-Armies! And when you do offer something to me, it's a hand-me-down, or broken, or useless. Do you think I'm going to accept it? This is God speaking to you!
14 "A curse on the person who makes a big show of doing something great for me—an expensive sacrifice, say—and then at the last minute brings in something puny and worthless! I'm a great king, God-of-the-Angel-Armies, honored far and wide, and I'll not put up with it!"


When we fail to offer God less than our BEST, we DISHONOR the God who gave His best for us.

What about it?

Do you offer God sloppy, shoddy worship? Or do you offer God your very best?

Anything less than our BEST isn't WORSHIP, it's HOT AIR. To put it bluntly, it's CRAP. It STINKS before a Holy God.

If we really believe this, it changes everything... EVERYTHING!

It changes the way we WORK... We'll work "with all of our heart, knowing that we're working for the Lord, not for men" (Colossians 3:23). Even the way you do your JOB is a form of WORSHIP.

It changes the way we LIVE... We understand that worship isn't something reserved for 11 am every Sunday. It's LIFE. Monday. Tuesday. Wednesday. You get the picture... Worship involves the other 167 hours in our week. We begin LIVING OUT the truth of Romans 12:1.

Romans 12:1 (MSG), So here's what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering.

Is that the way you live? Your very LIFE an OFFERING to God?

It changes the way we MINISTER. After 20+ years of "doing church" I've seen scores of people make excuses for sloppy, shoddy ministry... "Oh, it's only church..." "There were only four kids in the class..."

Please don't misunderstand. I'm not implying that we should strive for PERFECTION. PERFECTIONISM is a dead end street that strangles the life out of creativity. I am saying that we ought to offer God our BEST by praying hard, preparing well and trusting Him with the outcome.

It changes the way we do CHURCH. Most of us get a lot more excited about who wins the game on Saturday, than all that Jesus accomplished for us on the cross 2,000 years ago. I'm amazed at the lackadaisical way tons of believers approach worship. I think Annie Dillard nails it when she writes:

“Does anyone have the foggiest idea what sort of power we so casually invoke… It is madness to wear ladies’ straw hats and velvet hats to church… We should all be wearing crash helmets. Ushers should issue life preservers and signal flares; they should lash us to our pews.” ~ Annie Dillard, Teaching a Stone to Talk: Expeditions and Encounters

She's right! This is GOD we're approaching... Can you really stand before HOLY GOD sipping on a cup of coffee, casually and nonchalantly singing the words, "Uh, how great thou art?" I hope not!

I'm convicted... Convicted of a half-lived life, half-hearted ministry, and passionless worship... It doesn't get it with God and it shouldn't get it with me...

Lord, here I am... Broken... Used up... Damaged goods that I am... Whatever I have I bring it to you and pray that you would use my life, ministry, occupation and worship to honor You for who You are - GREAT, GLORIOUS, AWESOME, MIGHTY, GOD OF ANGEL ARMIES, ABOVE and OVER ALL. You deserve my BEST... Such as I have, I give it to YOU...

AMEN.

Wednesday, October 1, 2008

THE PROCESS

Talk about a HUGE RESPONSIBILITY! Just before He ascended, Jesus gave His disciples the following challenge:

Matthew 28:18-20 (NIV), Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

"Go and make disciples..."

That's HUGE! "Make disciples..."

Here's the question: How does that happen? What does the process of "disciple making" look like?

That's one the questions we're attempting to answer at the outset of a2... We truly believe that we're called to do more than get together and have a "holy huddle" every Sunday morning... We are called to "make disciples."

Question: What is a disciple?

Here's Jesus' own definition: “If you continue in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine; 32 and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.” (John 8:31 NAS)

I think this is one of the most important questions we will answer. What does the process of discipleship look like at a2 Church? How do we move a person from "ground zero" in their walk with Christ to "full devotion" to Christ?

We've got a long ways to go as we wrestle with this question, but we are committed to developing a process that leads believers at every level towards full devotion to Jesus Christ.

Can you describe the process your church has adopted for moving believers towards full devotion to Christ? You can bet, it won't happen by accident. We must be intentional in seeking and developing a Jesus-centered, Spirit-empowered, Biblically-oriented approach and process of discipleship.

So, what your process?