Tuesday, January 27, 2009

COME HOME!



No matter what you've done... No matter how you feel... The past is behind you... It's time to come home.


New Series Kicks Off This Sunday, February 1, 9:45 am
a2 Church
600 Montgomery Highway, Suite 208 (Just above Pet Supermarket)

I'm so pumped about this Sunday @ a2. We begin a brand new series from Luke 15:11-32 titled "Come Home." We'll spend three weeks in one of the most familiar stories in the entire Bible. This story rocks! It contains an incredible picture of God's amazing and extravagant grace.

This is THE WEEK to bring someone with you to a2.

By the way, the "item numbers" for Sunday are going to blow you away. A special acoustic / unplugged set featuring the music of Daughtry and Chris Tomlin.

Two words: COME HOME!!!

Monday, January 26, 2009

PICS FROM LIFE IN TECHNICOLOR




















Here are some pics from Life In Technicolor. The painting was imagined, drawn and painted by Anhtuan Bui, Nathan Holladay and Kevin Johnson and is based on Malachi 4:2, "The sun of righteousness will rise with healing in his wings."

YOU MAKE ME WANT TO DANCE!!!

Yesterday I preached from Malachi 4. Awesome chapter. I talked about what life as God intends it looks like... What God really desires for you. Surprisingly, according to Malachi 4:2 one of the things God wants to do is to set you free from propriety and make it possible for you to DANCE!!!

Here are some of my thoughts straight from the manuscript. (Special thanks to John Piper and his message "The Sun of Righteousness Will Rise" for getting my thoughts going in this direction.)

Malachi 4:2b (NLT), But for you who fear my name, the Sun of Righteousness will rise with healing in his wings. And you will go free, leaping with joy like calves let out to pasture.

I really believe that when the “sun of righteousness rises” in your life and you are totally SET FREE out of the prison you’ve lived in for most of your life, you won’t merely walk or run, you will LEAP like a calf just let out of the stall

I know what some of you are thinking… “Chris, man you don’t know my personality type… I mean, it would be easier for me to speak fluent Russian than for me to leap like a calf…”

LISTEN: I’m not denying that some people have more outward and gregarious personality types that makes it easier for them to leap or dance, while some are introverts and somewhat reserved when it comes to life and worship… I understand that… I really do… I understand, some of you probably feel like: “Chris, I just don’t know if there’s a calf in me…”

Here’s what I believe, “There’s a ‘CALF’ in every believer in this room, and given the right set of circumstances, it will LEAP… You will DANCE…”

In fact, deep down, you really want to…

Some of you have lived your whole life with your “back against the wall.” You’re that guy or gal at the prom or wedding reception and while everyone else is on the dance floor, your back is against the wall… You try to look reserved… You try to look cool… But the truth is, something in you longs to CUT LOOSE

Why? Here’s one reason: sometimes WORSHIP DEMANDS IT… The best definition for worship I’ve ever read is this:

Worship is responding to all that God is with all that we are!

Sometimes the only way worship can express itself is through DANCE!!! To "leap like a calf."

Here's the example: David was a guy who refused to live with his “back against the wall…” In fact, on one of the greatest days in Israel’s history, when the Ark of God returned to Jerusalem, do you know how David celebrated?

2 Samuel 6:14 says, And David danced before the LORD with all his might…

I love what Eugene Peterson said about this:

“David danced. In God, David had access to life that exceeded his capacity to measure or control. He was on the edge of mystery, of glory, and so he danced.

“When we’re going about our work responsibly and steadily, we walk. But when we’re beside ourselves with love, shaken out of preoccupation with ourselves, we dance.

“David danced. If David had been merely carrying out his religious duties, or conducting a political ceremony, he would have walked in solemn procession before the ark, leading it into Jerusalem with dignity. But this was no duty. He was worshipping, responding to the living God.” So he danced!”
~ Eugene Peterson

A friend of mine sent me this link of a T-mobile promotional filmed at Liverpool Street Station in Great Britain. If you click on the link, watch the video with the public's reaction to the dance... Pretty cool stuff on how infectious dancing can be.

After you watch the entire clip, I think you'll agree... To use Keith Urban's words: Sometimes you gotta dance!

MAKE A JOYFUL NOISE!!!!!! Oh, yeah! CRANK IT UP!

Last evening I talked about the fact that at the end of Sunday's service the band cranked it up and did a repeat of Chris Tomlin's "You Lifted Me Out." The song rocked! David Watts cranked up the sound and our people sang like crazy!!! I loved it!

Some time ago, my friend and one of a2's worship team members, Mike Shaw, posted on the subject of loud music and church. Mike has one of the finest voices I've ever heard. Pure tenor. Spot on pitch. Heart for God. Attitude of humility. I thank God for this guy.

Mike shares some great thoughts on music and the reason it needs to be LOUD. That's right. Mike says, "Crank it up and worship!" Great post. Good stuff. Here's the post. You can check out Mike's blog by clicking here.

Loud Music and Church
May 6, 2008

OK, here’s a revelation from the wide wide world o’ churches. I’ve always thought this, now experience confirms it.

Loud music is good for worship.


Notice I didn’t say any particular style. Whatever style you play for worship, make it louder.

Whenever I tell people I sing…99% of the time the response is the same. It’s something along the lines of “well…you don’t want to hear ME sing”.

Personally, I think nearly everyone has a good singing voice. It’s primarily a function of practice and confidence. I also think that God would not tell us to sing without giving us some ability.

So…given this very scientific figure of a 99% Oh-no-I-can’t-sing ratio. it follows that 99% of the people out there don’t like to hear their own voice.

And it actually is scientific. One ‘fun’ thing about singing is that when you hear your own singing, it’s always whacked out. You’re hearing all sorts of phasing and resonance and audible ‘junk’ that goes on in your head. In fact, when you sing “right” you typically sound crappiest to yourself.

So to sing well, you have to develop a sense of what you sound like outside your head. You can’t make adjustments based on what you hear. You have to adjust based on what you know.

Thus: You practice to figure out what is right. You develop confidence to have the courage to sing in front of thousands of people even when you sound awful in your head.

(and you cushy singers with the in-ear monitors….you just better hope they always work right and the mix is good)

To the typical 99% congregational singer, who lacks practice and confidence, hearing their own voice will shut them down quicker than a punch in the gut.

So how do you get them to sing out like God wants them to?

Here’s what I’ve seen. When the music is loud, people sing. When the music is quiet, people don’t sing. Don’t argue with that. It’s true.

You know what the funny thing is? When the music suddenly gets quiet, people suddenly sing louder. I think it’s because they hear other people singing louder than themselves at that point.

Plus, they’re in the right mindset, They’ve been singing their hearts out in worship, not thinking “what do I sound like” or “am I embarrassing myself?”

So, regardless of what kind of music you’re playing, if you want people in your church to sing out, crank it up a notch. It will take a good sound engineer to pull this off without making it harsh….and you’ll have to deal with the “too loud crowd” (who really are not worshiping anyway and just want to complain about their self-centered experience), but you’ll have a worshiping congregation in no time.

SETH GODIN ON OUR UNSPOKEN GOALS

Just read this post from Seth Godin on the goals we never talk about... Good stuff, especially for those in the leadership arena.


The goals you never hear about
Seth Godin, January 26, 2009

Doing goal setting with friends and colleagues is always motivating and invigorating for me. You hear things ranging from, "I want to help this village get out of poverty," or "I want to double our market share," or "I want to be financially independent."

What you rarely hear is, "I don't want to fail," "I don't want to look stupid," or "I don't want to make any mistakes."

The problem is that those goals are really common, and left unsaid, they dominate. If your goal is not to be called on in class, that's a largely achievable goal, right?

Think about how often your goal at a conference or a meeting or in a project is, "don't screw up!" or "don't make a fool of yourself and say the wrong thing." These are very easy goals to achieve, of course. Just do as little as possible. The problem is that they sabotage your real goals, the achievement ones.

It's not stupid to have a stated goal of starting several ventures that will fail, or asking three stupid questions a week, or posting a blog post that the world disagrees with. If you don't have goals like this, how exactly are you going to luck into being remarkable?

______________________

Great stuff... So, a new goal I have for this week? To write something on this blog that ticks somebody off... jk... Or, maybe not... We'll see.

A LITTLE PERSPECTIVE

I was deeply moved when I heard this on NBC's Today show - an open letter from the Bush twins - Barbara and Jenna to the Obama girls - Sasha and Malia. It is moving and a reminder of the "human side" of presidential - and might I add - ANY form of leadership.

If you're getting this feed via FB and unable to access the video, check out my blog at www.chrisgoins.org. Enjoy.

Sunday, January 25, 2009

SUNDAY IN REVIEW 01.25.09

GREAT day @ a2! I mean, GREAT!

• I love what God is doing! Every week I believe we’re becoming more of the kind of church God wants us to be.

• I thank God that a2 Church is not about traditions, rules, rituals and "church as usual"It’s just about Jesus. It’s always about Jesus. It’s only about Jesus. I love it.

• Yesterday I invited the girl who works at the place we get all of our printing done to check out a2. She looked at our card that reads, “…a church for people who’ve given up on church,” and said, “That’d be me.” It was awesome to look at her and say, “Then a2’s the place for you.” And MEAN IT. We're not into religion. We're into JESUS. Don't get me preaching!

• God is up to something. I love getting to join Him in His activity.

• Today the band kicked off the service with our own arrangement of Coldplay’s song, “Life In Technicolor” featuring mandolin – you read that right, mandolin on Coldplay. Who knew? Electrics. Bass. Drums. Acoustic. The works. Really cool approach. I love seeing our band grow, develop and gel. It gets me pumped up about the present and the future. We're going to steal Life Pointe Church's T-shirt design. Our new T-shirt? a2 Rocks!

• As the band covered the song, three artists from a2 – Anhtuan B., Kevin J. and Nathan H. painted their own interpretation of Malachi 4:2, “…the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in His wings.” I’ll throw up a pic later. All I can say is that I’m amazed. In four minutes – AWESOMENESS.

• The band blew up worship with Chris Tomlin’s, He Lifted Me Out. This song rocks! I loved hearing our people sing it and know that before long when we sing, “He set me dancing, dancing…” we’ll actually be dancing!

Everlasting God is a great worship song. “You never change. You stay the same. You are the everlasting God.”

• Closed out Reset by preaching from Malachi 4. Loved preaching this week’s message. Key thought: Entropy is one of the great enemies of the human spirit. If you put any important area of your life on autopilot, and you’re at risk. God’s will is never entropy or mediocrity. It is life!

• Pumped about seeing the response during the invitation. Seeing approximately 20 people STAND – yeah, we went “old school” this morning and challenged people who wanted to “return to God with their whole heart” to stand – and sing, “Come and make my heart your home…” Oh, yeah! Love it!

• I’m feeling more passionate and bold about challenging people towards commitment to Christ than I believe I’ve ever felt! Look out! The ride could get bumpy... But aren't you tired of "cheap grace," passionless preaching and a lukewarm relationship with the God of the Universe. We were meant to live for so much more... (Thanks, Bonhoeffer and Switchfoot.)

• To use the words of Jim Collins, “Good is the enemy of great. And that is one of the key reasons why we have so little that becomes great… Few people attain great lives, in large part because it is just so easy to settle for a good life…" I really believe God longs for people to live GREAT LIVES, but it requires repentance and a constant pursuit of holiness. To quote Paul, “I’m bringing all my energies to bear on this one thing…”

• Loved going back to “You Lifted Me Out” at the end of the service. David pumped up the mix, BIG TIME. “He set me dancing…”

• Today one of our Sound Techs, David W. brought me a great T-shirt. I may wear it next week. The front of it says, "If our music is too loud. You're too old." I love it!

How about the free pizza at the end of the service? COOL! Got the idea earlier this week to give away free pizza at the end of our 21-day adventure… Our people loved it. All of it was GONE – really, really quick. People hung out until almost 1. Love seeing our people walk out Acts 2:42-47. That’s what a2 is all about.

• Pumped about this Wednesday’s Dream Team Session. Last Wednesday rocked! I was absolutely “out of control.” Oh, yeah, this Wednesday – not holding anything back. If you want it all nice, neat and politically correct – forget it! We’re talking God’s Word, not some self-help book. Pre-service prayer @ 6. Dream Team Session @ 6:30. One hour of intense “leadership level” study. Gooooood stuff!

• Absolutely jazzed about our new series, Come Home: Invitations from the Prodigal God.” Really believe God’s going to use it to remind people – “No matter what you’ve done… No matter how you feel… The past is behind you… You can come home.” Three weeks in the most familiar and maybe one of the most important of all Jesus’ parables is going to rock. We’re going to fall in love with the gospel of grace and realize that “prodigals” come in all shapes and sizes. Cool thing: God loves them, regardless! Come home!

• Make certain you use the “Come Home” postcard invitations. Write a hand written note this week to somebody who has wondered from God. Follow it up with a phone call or email. Share the special “Come Home” invite cards. The GOSPEL OF GRACE is going to BLOW UP @ a2 this Sunday.

• Excited about next Sunday’s Student Super Bowl Bash. Can’t wait to hang out with students 6 – 12 grade. The game is going to look awesome on the big screens. The sound is going to rock. The food is going to be amazing. And if the game gets out of hand – check out “Rock Band!!!” Invite a friend.

• Pumped up about the new a2 Kid's Ministry Stage Set. We want a2 to be the coolest environment possible. We want kids and their parents to LOVE it! Thanks to Kevin J., Chris G., Jennifer G., Jeremy G. and Bill R. for helping to get this off the ground.

• Oh, by the way, God has used this 21-day adventure to amp up my prayer life. I am praying like crazy that God will blow our minds with what He does through a2. I'm praying with boldness and a sense of passion. Thank you, Holy Spirit for re-igniting my life.

• Dream big. Pray hard. Work like everything depends on you. Pray like everything depends on God!

• I’m out.

Thursday, January 22, 2009

PROMISES TO THE PRESIDENT

Just read this post from Pastor David Foster over at David Foster.tv. It contains some great thoughts about how we can respond to a new president.

Confession: While I've always found Obama to be smart, articulate and charismatic, I did not vote for President Obama. I've never been caught up in what some have called "Obama-mania."

At the same time, I believe it is essential that we pray for and respect our leaders (1 Timothy 2:1-4; Romans 13:1-2). Believing Christians should pray passionately for those in authority, even those with whom we may disagree.

Unlike some individuals who are actually encouraging people to pray for President Obama to fail, I'm NOT praying for his failure. That's simply illogical and I believe unScriptural. But I'm also not necessarily praying for his success. (I don't know that I've ever prayed for a president to be successful.) However, I am praying as Jesus taught us to pray, "...Your kingdom come, Your will be done."

I'm praying that God will direct the heart, attitudes, decisions and actions of our new President, and use Him to accomplish His purposes and plans. I'm praying for President Obama's wife and children who will be experiencing more scrutiny and pressure than you and I could ever imagine.

Proverbs 21:1 (NIV) says, "The king's heart is in the hand of the LORD; he directs it like a watercourse wherever he pleases."

Even though our new President holds views that I completely and very strongly disagree with - particularly in respect to the sanctity of human life, I believe the truth of Proverbs 21:1, and believe that God can and will direct his heart. So, I'm praying...

In the post below Dave Foster shares some great thoughts about how we can respond to a new leader... I would probably add one or two additional promises, but this is a great start... (I also believe these promises are a great model for us to use in how we relate to other leaders, beyond that of the president.)

What do you think? What promises will you make for our new President during this difficult period in American history?

Something to think about...


Dave Rave - Seven Presidential Promises

Well today is an historic day; the day we swear in President Obama, the first Black President in the history of our country. I am proud to be able to live long enough to see it.

It’s also historic in that there is a feeling of hope and new beginnings unlike anything I’ve felt in my lifetime. You might call it a sense of promise. For anyone to preside over a nation, you must have citizens willing to be presided over. So here are my seven promises to President Obama as he makes history and begins his presidency.

1. President Obama, I promise to pray for you each and every day that God would give you wisdom and favor and that He would protect you from those who are evil.

2. President Obama, I promise to respect you for not only what you have achieved personally and how you’ve taken advantage of all your opportunities, but the fact that you fulfill the role of President of my country, an office worthy of respect though the men who have occupied it have been imperfect, its ideal still abides; a Democracy ruled over not by a King, but by a President elected by the people.

3. President Obama, I promise to support you where I can and to reserve judgment over those things I disagree, believing that you may know more about the subject than I do.

4. President Obama, I promise to believe the best about you. I won’t listen to conspiracy theories and throw you under the bus at the first sign that you may not be doing something the majority of the people agree with.

5. President Obama, I promise to be the kind of American worthy of a great President.

6. President Obama, I promise I will not expect you to do for me what I should be doing for myself. I’m glad I don’t live in a Socialist state. I live in a Democracy driven by Capitalism, the idea that I am personally responsible for my actions. So I’ll not ask you to pay my house payment or feed me unless I have a catastrophic disability. I’m willing to pay my taxes and my fair share and fully take responsibility.

7. President Obama, I promise to remember that you’re human; that you occupy an office that no human can be expected to perform flawlessly. I’ll try to put myself in your place even though it would be hard to do.

This is a day of new beginnings for our country. I plan to be in on it. I’m not going to sit on the sidelines and throw stones. I want to be a part of the solution, the change that we all hope and pray will happen. As a man of faith it is my obligation and responsibility. And as a citizen, it is the covenant I signed up for.

LIFE IN TECHNICOLOR ii

Here's one of the coolest, most interesting and creative music videos I've seen in a long, long time. An indication of why Coldplay is one of the most artistic and creative bands making music right now. Enjoy.

Wednesday, January 21, 2009

Reset Fasting Blog - Day 18 (Burn Baby Burn)

Me and Janet just completed the 18th day of this 21 day adventure of prayer and fasting, and I have sensed such a reigniting of passion, excitement and energy in my life.

There are all kinds of things that can rob us of passion.

Failure.
Criticism.
Exhaustion.

Just to name a few... Been there. Done it.

Somehow during this fast I've sensed God re-ignite passion, excitement and creativity in my life.

For instance, tonight was supposed to be a simple little teaching on the birth, definition and marks of a healthy church. "Supposed to be..." Before it was over I had preached with such incredible intensity and passion that my wife and daughter were wondering, "What happened to Chris?"

My point? I didn't enter this fast with a focus on God reigniting passion in my life. I entered this fast desperate for Jesus. But today as I reflected on what God has been doing in my life I could sense maybe just a little of Jeremiah sensed when he said, "...if I say I’ll never mention the Lord or speak in his name, his word burns in my heart like a fire. It’s like a fire in my bones! I am worn out trying to hold it in! I can’t do it!" (Jeremiah 20:9 NLT)

John Wesley, an eighteenth century revivalists and theologian was reported to have said, "When you set yourself on fire, people will come to watch you burn."

As we enter the final three days of this fast I am asking God to "set us on fire." I'm praying that God will restore your joy, excitement, energy and passion.

I love you and I'm praying for you...

Burn baby burn!

LET'S MAKE A DEAL???

This morning my annual trek through the Bible had me in Genesis 28.

Great chapter. The kind of drama you pay to see on the big screen. Jacob cheats his older brother Esau out of the family blessing and then has to hightail it out of dodge before big brother goes all "Al Pacino" on him and makes him "say hello to my little friend."

His first night on "Survivor Island" Jacob sleeps under the stars and has an incredible encounter with God where God makes Jacob some huge promises (Genesis 28:12-15).

When you really experience God, it's not anything like meeting Mr. Rogers. It's awesome. And I don't mean that in the slang sense of the word. It's absolutely terrifying.

Jacob woke up and said, "God is in this place... And I didn't even know it." He was terrified. He whispered in awe, "Incredible. Wonderful. Holy. This is God's house." (Genesis 28:16-17)

He didn't know what else to do so he built an altar, poured some oil on it and attempted to make a deal with God.

This is the part that stood out to me this morning.

Esau was the man. Think Bruce Willis in Die Hard. He drove a Ford truck and he was Ford tough...

Jacob, on the other hand, was a momma's boy. Think Ryan Seacrest.

Everything Jacob had was a result of running a con, scheme or cutting a deal... His name even means, "schemer."

Now he wants to make a deal with God...

Here are a few of the thoughts that came out of my S.O.A.P. exercise.


S - Scripture:

Genesis 28:20-22 (ESV), Then Jacob made a vow, saying, "If God will be with me and will keep me in this way that I go, and will give me bread to eat and clothing to wear, 21 so that I come again to my father's house in peace, then the LORD shall be my God, 22 and this stone, which I have set up for a pillar, shall be God's house. And of all that you give me I will give a full tenth to you."


O - Observation:

Jacob wanted to make a deal with God. "If God will do this, this and this, then I'll do that... Then the Lord shall be my God..." The problem is God isn't into cutting deals!

He is God. He demands surrender.

Thought: No wonder Jacob spent several years working for a scoundrel like Laban; and all night in a wrestling match with God that ultimately left him somewhat disabled... God wants surrender. PERIOD.


A - Application:

I need forgiveness for the many times I attempt to cut a deal with God. God doesn't want a deal. He wants my heart in complete and utter surrender...holding nothing back...

Will I be like Jacob, "If you do this, then I'll do that?" Or I will I be like Job, "Though He slay me, yet will I hope in Him." (Job 13:15)

Will I be like Jacob or the three Hebrew children, "...the God we serve is able to save us from it, and he will rescue us from your hand, O king. 18 But even if he does not, we want you to know, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up" (Daniel 3:17-18)?


P Prayer:

Oh, God help me to live a fully surrendered life.

Help me to live the truth of 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.

Heavenly Father, here's my life. I surrender it completely to you.

___________________________________

So, what about you? Tried to make any deals with God, lately? Or have you finally gotten to the place where you're ready to simply surrender?

Thought: when Flight 1549 left took off from LaGuardia, the plane's first officer, Jeff Skiles, handled the takeoff. When it was apparent that the situation was quicly deteriorating and they were in deep weeds, Skiles said two important words: "Your aircraft."

At that point Captain Chesley B. Sullenberger took over and made history with his incredible leadership and life saving landing in the waters of the Hudson.

The transaction between First Officer Skiles and Captain Sullenberger is interesting. Skiles had less experience flying an airbus... But maybe something else was involved in that handoff - "Your aircraft."

It's one thing to commandeer a plane with more than 150 passengers when the skies are clean, the engines are strong and everything is "A" okay. It's another thing to be the Captain when your taking a nose dive and have to make life or death decisions in the matter of a few seconds. At that point, you're ready to surrender control. "Your aircraft."

Eventually Jacob came to that place in his life where He had to say, "Your aircraft. Your life. Your lead. I surrender."

It took Jacob more than 14 years of hard work where he regularly got cheated out his wages, a damaged relationship with his own brother, betrayal by his brother in law and an all night wrestling match with God. But he finally surrendered.

How about you? What's it going to take before you surrender?

Are you going to continue to say, "My aircraft. My life. My decisions. Let's make a deal?"

Or will you bow your knee and say, "Your aircraft. Your life. Your will. I surrender."

God doesn't want to make a deal. He demands surrender.

Tuesday, January 20, 2009

GREAT QUOTE

Just read this great quote over on Mark Batterson's blog. Goooooood stuff!

“If a man is called to be a street sweeper, he should sweep streets even as Michelangelo painted, or Beethoven composed music, or Shakespeare wrote poetry. He should sweep streets so well that all the host of heaven will pause to say, 'There lived a great street sweeper who did his job well'." ~ Martin Luther King

WHEN YOU'RE ASKED TO PRAY...

When you're asked to pray for the Inauguration of the 44th President of the United States, this is how you pray. Here is Rick Warren's Inaugural Prayer.

I love it when Rick concludes his prayer by saying, "I humbly ask this in the name of the one who changed my life, Yeshua, Esau, Jesus, who taught us to pray..."

Great job, Rick! Let's join Rick and continue to pray for our new president...

I LOVE THIS PICTURE

Regardless of what camp you're in politically, this picture reminds me of our responsibility as believers to fulfill Paul's admonition to Timothy.

1 Timothy 2:1-3 (NLT), I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. As you make your requests, plead for God’s mercy upon them, and give thanks. 2 Pray this way for kings and all others who are in authority, so that we can live in peace and quietness, in godliness and dignity. 3 This is good and pleases God our Savior...
I really like the way The Message paraphrases this verse:

1 Timothy 2:1-2 (MSG), "The first thing I want you to do is pray. Pray every way you know how, for everyone you know. 2 Pray especially for rulers and their governments to rule well..."

Today, as our 44th President takes his oath of office, let's pray for Mr. Obama, his wife Michelle, their children Malia and Natasha.

"This is good and pleases God our Savior."

Reset Fasting Blog - Day 17

Wow! This evening me and Janet we'll complete our 17th day of our 21 day adventure of prayer and fasting.

How has it been? The truth. Last week was tough. At times, even laborious. For some reason, I had some physical reactions that made things just plain hard.

This week is off to a good start. I was reminded Sunday to stay focused on the purpose of this fast. It's not just about abstaining from food, or at least abstaining from particular foods. It's not about strenuous self discipline. It's about God. It's the passionate pursuit of God's heart.

This week I'm zoning in on this purpose and asking God to let me know Him... Here's the way Paul described it in Philippians 3.

Philippians 3:8b-10 (MSG), "Compared to the high privilege of knowing Christ Jesus as my Master, firsthand, everything I once thought I had going for me is insignificant - dog dung. I've dumped it all in the trash so that I could embrace Christ 9 and be embraced by him. I didn't want some petty, inferior brand of righteousness that comes from keeping a list of rules when I could get the robust kind that comes from trusting Christ - God's righteousness. 10 I gave up all that inferior stuff so I could know Christ personally, experience his resurrection power, be a partner in his suffering, and go all the way with him to death itself."

Here's the point: as you enter into the final four - five days of this fast, pursue God. Pursue God's heart. Ask Him to change your heart. Hunger and thirst for righteousness. To use Paul's words, "...dump [everything else] in the trash, so that you can embrace Christ."

I'm praying for you as you continue the adventure.

THE MISSION

Okay, guys and gals, my year long journey through the Bible had me in Luke 15 this morning. This is one of my favorite, and I believe one of the most challenging passages in the New Testament.

Every time I read it, it reminds me of THE MISSION.

This is what came out of my S.O.A.P. time with God.

S - Scripture
O - Observation
A - Application
P - Prayer



S - Scripture:

Luke 15:1-3 (NLT), Tax collectors and other notorious sinners often came to listen to Jesus teach. 2 This made the Pharisees and teachers of religious law complain that he was associating with such despicable people; even eating with them! 3 So Jesus used this illustration...

Luke 15:1-2 (MSG), By this time a lot of men and women of doubtful reputation were hanging around Jesus, listening intently. 2 The Pharisees and religion scholars were not pleased, not at all pleased. They growled, "He takes in sinners and eats meals with them, treating them like old friends."


O - Observation:

Jesus was a magnet for sinners. His unconditional love and attitude of acceptance drew sinners to Him in large numbers. This baffled and angered the religious elite.

Evidently, the religious elite drew lines and formed walls to keep people out. They felt this was a responsibility.

Jesus was all about tearing down walls and reaching across lines to bring people in...

People responded. They were drawn to him...

The NLT calls them "notorious sinners." The Message calls them "men and women of doubtful reputation."

How did Jesus treat these people who had been shunned by the religious community?
The NLT says "...he was assosciating with such desipicable people; even eating with them." The MSG reads, "He takes in sinners and eats meals with them, treating them like old friends."


A - Application:

I want to become more like Christ. Unfortunately, we have a tendency in "church world" - I have a tendency in my life - to draw lines, form barricades and do everything possible to keep people out - to keep the world from infecting the nice little religious commune we've established.

We've forgotten the mission... We've forgotten the reason we're here...

This is why it was so hard for the older brother to celebrate. He thought the mission was keeping the rules, checking off the "to do list," and making certain everyone else did the same...

Jesus knew, the mission is PEOPLE. They're so valuable an important to God they're worth an all out search and rescue mission.

A man leaves 99 sheep in the fold to search for one lost sheep.

A woman sweeps and cleans the floor looking for one lost coin out of perfect matching set of 10 coins.

A father waits for his rebellious son, and once he returns having done "only God knows what," He interrupts the sons apology, wraps His arms around Him, and throws a giant party!


P - Prayer:

Oh, God help me to always remember the mission.

It's people. Not my rules. Not my agenda. Not my neat, little, sub cultural, Christian ghetto... It's people.

Oh, God. Help me to get out of my neat, safe, respectable, Christian world and reach across lines, and tear down walls to reach people...

Let me be so aggressive in reaching out that I become known as Jesus was known, as a guy who "treats sinners like old friends."



Here's the question: Is your life still about the mission? Or have you drifted into religion? What will it take for you to get back on mission?

Sunday, January 18, 2009

SUNDAY IN REVIEW 1.18.09

• Awesome day @ a2. Yeah, God! Big time!

• Great praise and worship set.

Counting On God by New Life / Desperation Band has become our theme song for this series. I love it.

• The rest of the set included: Salvation Is Here by Hillsong United, Everlasting God by New Life, How Great Is Our God by Chris Tomlin.

• I know How Great Is Our God has been sang a billion times by now, but this week I was struck by the beautiful simplicity of this worship song to our GREAT GOD.

• Pretty cool having Bethany B. of Act of Congress join in on violin / fiddle this morning. This girl is one of the most gifted players I’ve ever heard.

• Did Steve Fee’s song Burn for You for an “item” number today. I love this song. It moves me.

The Money Rant by The Veracity Project is one of the best video pieces I’ve seen for use in a public worship service. You can check it out by going to their site.

• How about the band on the cover of The O’Jay’s classic, For The Love of Money?

• Hey, how about the lead vocalists on For The Love of Money? I know… I know… Don’t quit your day job… I love the fact that we can have a GREAT TIME at church.

• Really sensed God’s anointing on the weekend message. I usually hate – and I do mean HATE – talking about the subject of money. But I really sensed a special awareness of God’s presence to deliver this message. You can check it out on iTunes.

• Great response during our prayer time this morning. Wow.

• I love our volunteers.

• Special thanks to Ahntuan B. for jumping in and making things happen with Guest Services.

• People like Jennifer G., Teddie B., Bill R., Kevin and Shannon J. are also making it happen in our Children’s. (Can’t wait to see the new set and get our kids involved in the new curriculum on February 1.)

• I’m more excited about what God is doing @ a2 than I’ve ever been. Look out. The future is going to be amazing. God is going to use a2 as part of His redemptive plan and purpose for this city.

Want to catch the dream? Check out our Dream Team Session this Wednesday at 6:30. We’ll be covering Chapters 1 and 2 of Mark Driscoll’s book, Vintage Church.

• We’ll complete our 21 Day Adventure of Prayer and Fasting this Saturday evening. I’m thankful for the experience and so glad that the end is in sight. I’m praying that this week I zone in on the purpose of prayer and fasting: the passionate pursuit of God’s heart…

• Pumped about our Student Super Bowl Party on February 1. It is going to ROCK! I guarantee it. How much better could it get? The Superbowl! Rock Band! Pizza! Chicken Wings! The works… Oh, yeah. Students grades 6-12 are invited.

• We’ll meet for prayer tomorrow AM and Wednesday PM at 6…

• God is so good! I'm out.

Friday, January 16, 2009

U2's NEW CD

Here's the album cover for U2's new CD. The album cover artwork is an image of the sea meeting the sky by Japanese artist and photographer Hiroshi Sugimoto.

Here's the full tracklisting:

1. No Line On The Horizon
2. Magnificent
3. Moment of Surrender
4. Unknown Caller
5. I’ll Go Crazy If I Don’t Go Crazy Tonight

6. Get On Your Boots
7. Stand Up Comedy
8. Fez – Being Born
9. White As Snow
10. Breathe
11. Cedars Of Lebanon

By the way, the CD drops in the US on March 3. The first single gets released in the US on February 15.

Can't wait! It's a beautiful day!

Reset Fasting Blog - Day 13 (HUNGRY FOR GOD)

We are approaching the completion of Day 13 of our fast and it's crucial that we maintain the right attitude when it comes to fasting.

This is IMPORTANT: a God-initiated, God-ordained, God-honoring FAST will always turn our hearts UPWARD to God in worship and OUTWARD to other people in love and ministry. That’s the message of Isaiah 58.

Isaiah 58:6-7 (NIV),
“Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke? 7 Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter—when you see the naked, to clothe him, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood? 8 Then your light will break forth like the dawn, and your healing will quickly appear; then your righteousness will go before you, and the glory of the LORD will be your rear guard. 9 Then you will call, and the LORD will answer; you will cry for help, and he will say: Here am I."

John Piper, in perhaps the best book I’ve ever read on Christian fasting, says it like this:

“The birthplace of Christian fasting is homesickness [or hunger] for God.”

Here's the question: Are you hungry for God? Is that what has motivation to take part in this 21 day journey?

Unfortunately, what Piper goes on to say is absolutely true…

“The greatest enemy of hunger for God is not poison but apple pie. It is not the banquet of the wicked that dulls our appetite for heaven, but endless nibbling at the table of the world. It is not the X-rated video, but the prime-time dribble of triviality we drink in every night. For all the ill that Satan can do, when God describes what keeps us from the banquet table of his love, it is a piece of land, a yoke of oxen, and a wife (Luke 14:18-20).” ~ Piper, A Hunger for God

Those words nailed me when I read them… You see, it’s critical that we understand that food in and of itself is not a bad thing… In fact, it’s a gift from God that is to be received with a thankful heart… But far too often I can anesthetize the hunger and ache in my soul and spirit for God with a bite of food or a can of soda, or any other number of substitutes…

Here’s what fasting is about… It’s about falling on your face before God and saying, “Oh God, I want you… I want you this much…”

It’s being able to speak the words of Psalm 42 with authenticity…

Psalm 42:1-2 (MSG), “I want God. I want to drink God, deep draughts of God. I’m thirsty for God-alive. I wonder, ‘Will I ever make it-arrive and drink in God's presence?’”

The question becomes: Why are we so hungry for God? Haven’t we experienced the reality of being adopted into God’s family, filled with God’s Spirit and made alive in Christ?

Absolutely! But I love what Piper goes on to say…

“The aching and yearning and longing for Christ and his power that drive us to fasting are not the expression of emptiness… Hunger for God, yes. But not emptiness. The firstfruits of what we long for have already come…

“We have tasted the powers of the age to come, and our fasting is not because we are hungry for something we have not experienced but because the new wine of Christ’s presence is so real and so satisfying. We must have all that it is possible to have. The newness of our fasting is this: its intensity comes not because we have never tasted the wine of Christ’s presence, but because we have tasted it so wonderfully by His Spirit, and cannot now be satisfied until the consummation of joy arrives. …Christian fasting is a hunger for all the fullness of God…"
~ Piper, A Hunger for God

Final question: Are you hungry for God? Really hungry?

“The more deeply you walk with Christ, the hungrier you get for Christ...the more homesick you get for heaven...the more you want ‘all the fullness of God’...the more you want to be done with sin...the more you want the Bridegroom to come again...the more you want the Church revived and purified with the beauty of Jesus...the more you want a great awakening to God's reality in the cities...the more you want to see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ penetrate the darkness of all the unreached peoples of the world...the more you want to see false worldviews yield to the force of Truth...the more you want to see pain relieved and tears wiped away and death destroyed...the more you long for every wrong to be made right and the justice and grace of God to fill the earth like the waters cover the sea.” ~ Piper, A Hunger for God

A God-initiated, God-ordained, God-focused fast will always turn our hearts UPWARD TO GOD!

Tomorrow we'll talk about how fasting can turn our hearts OUTWARD TO PEOPLE.

Thursday, January 15, 2009

Reset Fasting Blog - Day 12

In John 4:31 the disciples were concerned that Jesus hadn’t eaten for some period of time. Maybe Jesus had been fasting? We're not sure. But the disciples looked at Jesus and said, “Rabbi, aren’t you going to eat?”

I love Jesus’ response. Jesus looked at his disciples and said, “I have food to eat that you don’t know anything about…”

The disciples were confused… They looked at each other and said, “Did somebody bring him some food?”

Jesus said, “Guys! My food and nourishment comes from doing the will of God, the one who sent me.”

This wasn’t a clever metaphor… It was a genuine reality! Jesus was being sustained and nourished by the power of God

Optimally, fasting reveals a heart that longs for God and the will of God more than anything else… It reveals a heart that will not fall for any of the substitutes this world offers…

I think Richard Foster was right on when he wrote:

“More than any other discipline fasting reveals the things that control us.”
~ Richard Foster, Celebration of Discipline

Sometimes we can cover up what is inside us with food and other addictions. Fasting brings whatever controls us to the surface…

If pride controls us, fasting will reveal it… If a critical or judgmental spirit controls us, fasting will reveal it… If anger controls us, fasting will expose it…

If we’ve become "spiritual junk food-aholics" – who need to jump from one fix to another fix just to satiate and satisfy our little spiritual appetite – fasting will get to the root of our selfishness and reveal it for what it is…

“More than any other discipline fasting reveals the things that control us.”
~ Richard Foster, Celebration of Discipline

I believe that the primary purpose of fasting is the passionate pursuit of the heart of God!

QUESTION: How desperate for God are you?

How desperate for God are you?



James 4:8 (NLT) still says, "Draw close to God, and God will draw close to you."

Wednesday, January 14, 2009

MY LIFE IN HD

This morning my daily devotional led me to Luke 12:2-5. This is one of those passages that hits with the force TROY POLAMALU. In other words, its the kind of passage that you still feel when you wake up the next morning.

Here's Luke 11:2-5 in the NLT.

"For there is nothing covered that will not be revealed, nor hidden that will not be known. 3 Therefore whatever you have spoken in the dark will be heard in the light, and what you have spoken in the ear in inner rooms will be proclaimed on the housetops. 4 And I say to you, My friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do. 5 But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear Him who, after He has killed, has power to cast into hell; yes, I say to you, fear Him!"

One day my life is going to be broadcast in HD 1080p. Everything is going to be revealed. Everything!

All of the skeletons will come out of the closet.

Every secret sin will be exposed and become "not so secret" anymore.

The lies, whispers and gossip that I savored like a fine piece of steak and then spread with the gusto of a TMZ reporter, will all come out.

Here's the way Luke 12:1-2 reads in The Message.

Luke 12:1-5 (MSG), By this time the crowd, unwieldy and stepping on each other's toes, numbered into the thousands. But Jesus' primary concern was his disciples. He said to them, "Watch yourselves carefully so you don't get contaminated with Pharisee yeast, Pharisee phoniness. 2 You can't keep your true self hidden forever; before long you'll be exposed. You can't hide behind a religious mask forever; sooner or later the mask will slip and your true face will be known. 3 You can't whisper one thing in private and preach the opposite in public; the day's coming when those whispers will be repeated all over town. 4 I'm speaking to you as dear friends. Don't be bluffed into silence or insincerity by the threats of religious bullies. True, they can kill you, but then what can they do? There's nothing they can do to your soul, your core being. 5. Save your fear for God, who holds your entire life - body and soul - in his hands."

Here's the point: reverence for a holy God demands that we live genuine, authentic lives.

The world is so tired of religious fakes. But do you know who's more tired of it? God.

And reverence for a sovereign and holy God demands authenticity on my part.

I'm praying for God to so fill me with His Holy Spirit that I wouldn't mind for my life to be broadcast in HD 1080p. I'm praying that God's Spirit keep me from deteriorating into role playing and "image" keeping. I want to be a man who walks honestly and humbly before God.

Here's the scoop: I've got a lot of growing to do.

Question: What about you? How are you doing in their of authenticity? Do you tend to wear a mask, play a role or hide behind some kind of religious disguise? What steps do you need to take to become more genuine and real in the way you approach your daily life?

Something to think about.

CHANGING YOUR WORLD

Here's a great word from my friend, Travis Johnson.

Travis is the lead pastor of LifePointe Church in Homestead, Florida. This innovative church is making a difference for Christ in South Florida.


You Can't Change The World Without Your World Being Changed
by Travis Johnson, January 13

That’s what I’m learning. My grandpa used to say that you couldn’t have omelletes if you weren’t willing to crack eggs. It’s a messy business. But, the results are delicious. Not everyone is willing to take on the hard job of change. Leadership certainly isn’t easy. If it was, everyone would be doing it. But, if you are on the front lines of a movement, you better be willing to flex and morph according to circumstance.

WHAT DO YOU MORPH?

You never flex core values. They must guide you. Never compromise the cause. Be willing to compromise everything else. Flex over the negotiables. Bend, weave, negotiate, and be fluid over the things that are vehicular…the things that get you there.

Some organizations become so beholden to the accessories that the cause is diminished and even lost. Organizations calicify and become lionized. The “way things are done” becomes King and what we are doing it for becomes the casualty.

So, if you are out to change the world, you have to know that your world is going to change…and change often. As life comes at you faster and faster, you have to be more ready than ever to flex with it. At the end of the day, changing the world means you have to be willing to change. If you’re not willing, go home. Do something less challenging.

_______________________________

Amen.

Okay, what are some things you need to be willing to change if you're going to accomplish all that God has called you to accomplish?

CREATIVITY AND TEAMWORK

This post and video from Eric Bryant of Mosaic made me smile. Great insight presented in a very funny way. Thanks, Eric.

You can check out Eric's blog and post by clicking here.

Invisible Influence: Organized for Innovation
by Eric Bryant, January 14



Imagine a community where people are serving in their area of passion and gifting.

Imagine a place where the people are organized for innovation, structured for experimentation, and where people are growing in their faith while seeing others getting connected for the first time.

The Scriptures (Romans 12 and I Corinthians 12) refers to the Church as the Body of Christ. The structure is on the inside, invisible yet strong. On the outside, we are to be warm, soft, and human.

We aren’t the Skeleton of Christ, a community where the structure is on the outside. Too often rules, doctrines, policies, buildings, and ministries come before people. This should not be! Too many of our churches are organized to death.

We aren’t the Federal Republic of Jesus, a governmental entity where people vote on everything but care for very little.

We aren’t the Institution of Christ, a company where the only people who get anything done are those who are paid (and even they spend too much time on the Internet).

To become the Body of Christ and organized for innovation, we need to take the following steps:

1. Trust God.

We have everyone we need to accomplish what God is calling us to do right now.

2. Trust our people.

Some of the best leaders of our future are not currently involved. We need to recruit knowing that people need to serve more than we need their help. When we do everything, we rob others of the opportunity to discover their lives by losing their lives while serving others.

3. Trust ourselves.

We are more capable than we realize as leaders - more resilient, more prepared, and more powerful than we realize. We need to lead with grace and truth, calling people to a high standard and helping them get there.

For more on organizing for activism listen to Raising Up Leaders (and Avoiding Burnout).

______________________________

What would happen if everyone in the body of Christ discovered their unique gift(s) and abilities and got busy doing what God has gifted and called them to do?

What about you? Are you deploying your gift in an area that is making a difference?

Tuesday, January 13, 2009

Reset Fasting Blog - Day 10...

We're almost halfway through this adventure of prayer and fasting...

If you're observing the Daniel Fast, by now you're probably more than ready for things like chicken, beef, burgers and pizza... Oh, I'm sorry... Shouldn't have filled your mind with images of mile high burgers, two inch think deep dish pizza and mouth watering fries... There I go again...

Just kidding, guys and gals... But suffice it to say that you are probably ready for something besides fruit and veggies.

But hopefully, you are also growing in your relationship with God. Prayerfully you're finding that some long besetting sin is losing its hold on you. Prayerfully your desire to passionately pursue God's presence is becoming more intense and your passion to conform to the image of Christ is increasing.

Keep this in mind, halftime is crucial. If you're a football fan you know that halftime is usually when adjustments get made that determine the outcome of a game.

The next ten or eleven days will probably be crucial in determining your entire experience during this 21 day adventure. I want to challenge you to lean hard on Christ, to depend on the Holy Spirit and to persevere.

Maybe these words from Hebrews 12:1-2 will encourage you to persevere.

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily hinders our progress. And let us run with endurance the race that God has set before us. 2 We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, on whom our faith depends from start to finish."

Remember, I'm praying with you as we continue this adventure together.

Keep on running!

Monday, January 12, 2009

MORE BEST OF PICKS FOR 2008 - MUSIC

Since we're only 12 days into the New Year, it's a great time to look back on "the year that was." Here are my favorite albums from 2008.

Consolers of the Lonely by The Racontuers
With The Raconteurs, Jack White of the White Stripes teams up with Brendan Benson, Jack Lawrence and Patrick Keeler. Jack and Brendan share lead vocals and most of the writing. The music is heavily influenced by classic rockers like Led Zepplin and The Beatles. The music is original, inspired and quite frankly, on some cuts, amazing. Highlights include: Consolers of the Lonely, Old Enough, and Many Shades of Black.

It Is Time For A Love Revolution
by Lenny Kravitz
On the advice of my younger brother I downloaded Lenny's new CD. I'm SO glad I did... The CD is heavily influenced by great classical rock music, but the lyrics are something else... From the very first song you get the sense that Kravitz has a lot to say about his relationship with God. It doesn't end with the first cut. Several of the tracks not only reference God, but also challenge listeners to call out to Jesus. The song, A New Door, is a beautiful invitation to step out of the pain of your past into a living relationship with Jesus. This is an excellent album. Highlights include: Love Revolution, Bring it On, and If You Want It.

This Is Our God by Hillsong
In my opinion, this is one of the best praise worship CD's to date. It is solid from beginning to end. But while the CD is great, if you really want to experience a little bit of what this evening must have been like, pick up the DVD. You won't regret it. Highlights include: Desert Song, This Is Our God, Healer, You'll Come.

Give Yourself Away by Robbie Seay Band
I had this CD on my iPod for several weeks before giving it a thorough listen. I'm glad I listened. The CD is worshipful, creative and inspired. Robbie's voice is one of the finest voices in music right now. The tracks "Song of Hope" and "Shine Your Light On Us" are two of my favorite songs from 2008...

Viva La Vida by Coldplay
A solid release from Coldplay. The cuts Viva La Vida, Lost and Violet Hill are great tunes. I loved this CD.

Where The Light Is by John Mayer
Think Mayer is only simply an "okay" pop icon? Check out Where The Light Is which features Mayer in three settings: an acoustic set, the John Mayer Trio and John Mayer with a full band. This guy is one of the most talented musicians of this generation. This album is amazing. A feast for the music lovers ears.

Learn To Live by Darius Rucker
I've loved Hootie and the Blowfish since their "Hold My Hand" days. Lead singer, Darius Rucker takes a shot at a solo career with this country release. That's right. It's country and Darius sounds as comfortable and natural singing these tunes as he did singing, "Hold My Hand." His voice is one of the most unique voices in modern music at this time. Highlights include: Forever Road, Don't Think I Don't Think About It, Learn To Live, and If I Had Wings.

Bethany Present Deluge (Live)
A great live praise and worship CD. It moves me every time I listen to it. "Open Up The Skies" and "Whisper His Name" are outsanding.

Today Is the Day by Lincoln Brewster
Lincoln is one of the finest electric guitar players out there - PERIOD. He also has an incredible heart for God. This CD combines a glimpse of Lincoln's skill as a musician, his ability as a vocalist - he's a great singer, and passion for worship. I love this CD. Check out "Give Him Praise," "Today Is The Day" and "God You Reign." I also love the guitar work on his cover of Hillsong's "Salvation Is Here."

I Heart Revolution by United
Nothing new here. Just United doing what they do. Singing great praise and worship songs from places all over the planet. For an added treat, check out the DVD

Singalong by Phil Wickham
Who knew that a guy could take an acoustic guitar, stand in front of a few hundred people, get people to sing along with him and it would turn out to be one of the more interesting and beautiful releases of 2008. You can still download the CD free on Wickham's website. This is an excellent CD. Highlights include: Because of Your Love and Beautiful.

Folklore and Superstition by Black Stone Cherry
Classic rock. These guys are incredible musicians and Chris Robertson is one of the best lead vocalists in rock music right now. A great listen. Highlights include: Blind Man, Soul Creek, and Things My Father Said.

What were your favorite releases of 2008? Tell me a little about the music that challenged and inspired you last year?

Reset Fasting Blog - Day 9

We're approaching the completion of Day 9 in our 21 day adventure of prayer and fasting. Here are a few of my thoughts as we continue the adventure. You can watch the clip on You Tube by clicking here or on Vimeo by clicking here.

If you're accessing this blog through our Facebook feed and unable to view the video, check out our blog by going directly to www.chrisgoins.org.

Sunday, January 11, 2009

I PROMISE! - ReSeT Part 2

Here are some of the notes from today's message. Thanks to John Ortberg and his message, Living Excellent Lives - Relationally for lots of the content shared in this message.


At the heart of what it means to honor God with your first and best is making promises and keeping promises. “I do.” “I’ll be there.” “You can count on me.”

The Bible word for what lies at heart of making promises and keeping promises is the word “COVENANT.”

Covenant – (beriyth): to bind; a binding agreement; that which binds us together; a solemn vow; a sacred pledge.

God is a covenant making and covenant keeping God.

Some Examples of God’s faithfulness to His Covenant:
• God’s covenant with Noah (Genesis 9:1-17 )
• God’s covenant with Abraham (Genesis 12:1-3; 15:18; 17:1-21)
• God’s covenant with Israel at Sinai (Exodus 19-24)
• The New Covenant (Jeremiah 31:27-40; Ezekiel 36:22-38; Luke 22:19-20; 1 Corinthians 11:25-26).


Some Thoughts About Our “Covenant Keeping” God:

• God never enters into a covenant casually.

• God never goes back on His Word.

2 Corinthians 1:20 (NIV), For no matter how many promises God has made, they are “Yes” in Christ.

• God is faithful, even though we are notoriously unfaithful.

2 Timothy 2:13 (NLT), If we are unfaithful, he remains faithful, for he cannot deny himself.


The “Covenant Challenge” From Malachi 2:

Malachi 2:10 (ESV), Have we not all one Father? Has not one God created us? Why then are we faithless to one another, profaning the covenant of our fathers?

The Message reads, “Why do we desecrate the covenant of our ancestors that binds us together?”

Malachi 2:10 (NIrV), …why do we break the covenant the LORD made with our people long ago? We don't even keep our promises to one another.


1. Marriage Matters To God. Honor Your Marriage Covenant.

Malachi 2:13-16 (NLT), Here is another thing you do. You cover the LORD's altar with tears, weeping and groaning because he pays no attention to your offerings, and he doesn't accept them with pleasure. 14 You cry out, "Why has the LORD abandoned us?" I'll tell you why! Because the LORD witnessed the vows you and your wife made to each other on your wedding day when you were young. But you have been disloyal to her, though she remained your faithful companion, the wife of your marriage vows.
15 Didn't the LORD make you one with your wife? In body and spirit you are his. And what does he want? Godly children from your union. So guard yourself; remain loyal to the wife of your youth.
16 "For I hate divorce!" says the LORD, the God of Israel. "It is as cruel as putting on a victim's bloodstained coat," says the LORD Almighty.
"So guard yourself; always remain loyal to your wife."



Genesis 2:23-25 (NIV), Then the LORD God made a woman from the rib he had taken out of the man, and he brought her to the man. 23 The man said, "This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called 'woman, ' for she was taken out of man." 24 For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh.
25 The man and his wife were both naked, and they felt no shame.



2. Trust and Faithfulness Are Huge When It Comes To Being A Parent. Keep Your Covenant To Your Kids.


3. Friendship Is Nurtured and Sustained When We Keep Our Promises. Keep Your Covenant With Your Friends.

Malachi 2:10 (NIrV), People of Judah, all of us have one Father. One God created us. So why do we break the covenant the LORD made with our people long ago? We don't even keep our promises to one another.


4. Integrity In The Marketplace Matters. Keep Your Word.


Malachi 2:2-3 (NLT), …because you have not taken my warning seriously. 3 I will rebuke your descendants and splatter your faces with the dung of your festival sacrifices, and I will add you to the dung heap.