"Do not be afraid. God has come to test you, so that the fear of God will be with you..." Exodus 20:20. God said this to the Israelites through Moses just after God's holiness and power were displayed on Mount Sinai--thunder, lighting, smoke, shaking. The Israelites trembled with fear at only a glimpse of the Lord God's awesome power. This display was not to make them "afraid," but to give them strength and courage to live for God, whose presence was with them wherever they were. So, in a real sense, the fear of the Lord makes a believer fearless. Why? Because those who fear God, are those who are wholly sold out to and submitted to God, so they are empowered by the greatest power of all to live faithfully for him.
A lot of fear is being spread in the U.S. A lot of people are fearful of the economic situation, so much that they are self-fulfilling an economic decline. Unfortunately, a lot of believers are becoming fearful as well--fearful of that they will not have what they need due to the "economic downturn," fearful to speak the name of God in conversations because it might offend, fearful that they may miss out on what this life offers so they fill their lives with the desires, activities and pursuits of this world, fearful to step out in the spiritual battle for God as a humble sacrificial servant because they might get taken advantage of, and fearful of death.
There is absolutely no reason for a genuine believer to have any fear at all, except the fear of the Lord, loving God with all your heart, mind and soul, believing wholeheartedly in God's promises, trusting entirely in his incomparable power. As disciples of Christ, we have to be willing to face any "threat," challenge or danger that the prince of this world might put before us or disregard any "promises" that this world says we might miss out on--in order to serve God fully and fulfill God's purpose and mission.
There is no power greater, no authority higher, no ruler stronger than the God we serve. So live a fearless life for God.
Erwin McManus puts it this way, "When we fear God and God only, we are no longer bound by all the other fears that would hold us captive. The fear of death, the fear of failure, the fear of rejection, the fear of insignificance--all of the fears that we know by name and haunt us in the dark of the night become powerless when we know the fear of the Lord. And if this is not enough, we discover that perfect love casts out all fear. Not even God will hold us or control us by fear. When we fear Him, we in essence begin to live a life where we are fearless."
God through Paul reminds us of His power,
"I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength, which he exerted in Christ...And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way...For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us." Ephesians 1:18-20, 22-23; 2:10
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Monday, February 16, 2009
Abnormal Church
I had a conversation with our Youth Pastor, Jeff, today. We were talking and laughing about the awesome things God is doing at and in our church. I can't remember which one of us said it first, but the word "abnormal" came up when we tried to describe Journey. If you are a part of Journey and are reading this, don't take it as a criticism, it is actually a tremendous compliment.
In one respect, Journey is abnormal in that we can't predict what is going to happen based on "normal" church statistics or even our past, who knows what is going to happen or who shows up for an event or on any given Sunday. Our record setting Sunday was none other than Mother's Day. What!? Don't they know it is suppose to be Easter or Christmas? December was our best "tithing" month. It is refreshing that (for the most part) people are not so "churched" at Journey that we follow all the "established church" trends. Members at Journey don't know that they are "suppose" to attend on this given Sunday and be gone on this one. (Am I making sense here? I know what I mean.)
Journey is abnormal also in that members show up in greater numbers when the event is actually an event that serves the community in some way other than those designed for members. Journey members take it upon themselves to gather people to go pray over those needing healing or encouragement. Journey members organize efforts (on their own initiative) to help people in the community who are hurting, experiencing a crisis or just have a need.
As a staff, we are continually surprised by an "abnormal" church. As Erwin McManus expresses it, I believe we have a group of "barbarians" who just want to follow Jesus by sharing his grace with anyone they come in contact with. I believe we have a group of "barbarians" who just want to follow Jesus instead of church trends. (Of course there are exceptions. Let's not talk about exceptions.) I believe we have a group of "barbarians" at multiple places in the journey of faith, who are lining up shoulder to shoulder, not knowing all there is to know, just that there is a spiritual battle ahead. That means the line will look pretty ragged from time to time, but they are all facing the same way and all relying on the same incomparable unstoppable power.
As a Pastor, I am so thankful to God for this ministry, a dream of a lifetime--pastoring an "abnormal" church. Journey is a community of believers in and through whom God is doing amazing things, and through whom God is going to do even more amazing things. God's Kingdom is being experienced by Journey!! God's Kingdom is being displayed through Journey!! I pray that God's Kingdom will come with even more power and grace in a way that sprouts like a mustard seed--saving more, transforming more, enlivening more, so we can be even more "abnormal."
In one respect, Journey is abnormal in that we can't predict what is going to happen based on "normal" church statistics or even our past, who knows what is going to happen or who shows up for an event or on any given Sunday. Our record setting Sunday was none other than Mother's Day. What!? Don't they know it is suppose to be Easter or Christmas? December was our best "tithing" month. It is refreshing that (for the most part) people are not so "churched" at Journey that we follow all the "established church" trends. Members at Journey don't know that they are "suppose" to attend on this given Sunday and be gone on this one. (Am I making sense here? I know what I mean.)
Journey is abnormal also in that members show up in greater numbers when the event is actually an event that serves the community in some way other than those designed for members. Journey members take it upon themselves to gather people to go pray over those needing healing or encouragement. Journey members organize efforts (on their own initiative) to help people in the community who are hurting, experiencing a crisis or just have a need.
As a staff, we are continually surprised by an "abnormal" church. As Erwin McManus expresses it, I believe we have a group of "barbarians" who just want to follow Jesus by sharing his grace with anyone they come in contact with. I believe we have a group of "barbarians" who just want to follow Jesus instead of church trends. (Of course there are exceptions. Let's not talk about exceptions.) I believe we have a group of "barbarians" at multiple places in the journey of faith, who are lining up shoulder to shoulder, not knowing all there is to know, just that there is a spiritual battle ahead. That means the line will look pretty ragged from time to time, but they are all facing the same way and all relying on the same incomparable unstoppable power.
As a Pastor, I am so thankful to God for this ministry, a dream of a lifetime--pastoring an "abnormal" church. Journey is a community of believers in and through whom God is doing amazing things, and through whom God is going to do even more amazing things. God's Kingdom is being experienced by Journey!! God's Kingdom is being displayed through Journey!! I pray that God's Kingdom will come with even more power and grace in a way that sprouts like a mustard seed--saving more, transforming more, enlivening more, so we can be even more "abnormal."
Thursday, February 5, 2009
The Barbarian Way
I just read a book by Erwin McManus entitled, "The Barbarian Way." It was excellent. I recommend it to anyone who truly wants to be a disciple of Jesus answering his call to live totally sold out to him and his purposes. Caution: Do Not Read, if you do not want to be convicted.
Erwin, as those who first began to emphasize being "missional," is not writing anything new, he is showing us what it means to pick up Jesus' cross and follow him. He is reminding us that we died with Jesus and were raised again to a new life--a life where we unleash our "untamed faith." He makes a clear distinction between "domesticated faith" and "untamed faith" that applies to us individually and to us as communities of faith.
God is moving in the U.S. and around the world in amazing ways. He will use "barbarians" and "barbaric communities of faith" to reach those who are lost, hurting, and broken. Our society has been prepared for an authentic display of God's kingdom--his power, nature and salvation. And God's kingdom is authentically displayed through the "barbaric" church--churches that have unleashed their untamed faith--not holding back, not settling in, not accepting status quo, but walking in faith, sacrificing "safety," charging forward in the spiritual battle, and showing people God's consuming love.
His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms Ephesians 3:10
We always thank God for all of you (church of the Thessalonians in God), mentioning you in our prayers. We continually remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.
For we know, brothers loved by God, that he has chosen you, because our gospel came to you not simply with words, but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and with deep conviction...You became imitators of us and of the Lord...And so you became a model to all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia. The Lord's message rang out from you not only in Macedonia and Achaia—your faith in God has become known everywhere. Therefore we do not need to say anything about it...They tell how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead—Jesus, who rescues us from the coming wrath. 1 Thessalonians 1:2-10
Erwin, as those who first began to emphasize being "missional," is not writing anything new, he is showing us what it means to pick up Jesus' cross and follow him. He is reminding us that we died with Jesus and were raised again to a new life--a life where we unleash our "untamed faith." He makes a clear distinction between "domesticated faith" and "untamed faith" that applies to us individually and to us as communities of faith.
God is moving in the U.S. and around the world in amazing ways. He will use "barbarians" and "barbaric communities of faith" to reach those who are lost, hurting, and broken. Our society has been prepared for an authentic display of God's kingdom--his power, nature and salvation. And God's kingdom is authentically displayed through the "barbaric" church--churches that have unleashed their untamed faith--not holding back, not settling in, not accepting status quo, but walking in faith, sacrificing "safety," charging forward in the spiritual battle, and showing people God's consuming love.
His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms Ephesians 3:10
We always thank God for all of you (church of the Thessalonians in God), mentioning you in our prayers. We continually remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.
For we know, brothers loved by God, that he has chosen you, because our gospel came to you not simply with words, but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and with deep conviction...You became imitators of us and of the Lord...And so you became a model to all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia. The Lord's message rang out from you not only in Macedonia and Achaia—your faith in God has become known everywhere. Therefore we do not need to say anything about it...They tell how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead—Jesus, who rescues us from the coming wrath. 1 Thessalonians 1:2-10
Sunday, February 1, 2009
6:42 a.m. and hoping for an ENCOUNTER
All week leading up to this morning, Sunday morning, God has been working on me and preparing me for our gathered worship. Yesterday I fasted, prayed, listened to worship music by Misty Edwards and Kim Walker, seeking an enounter with God so God would lead me to be able to lead his people to encounter him this morning. You see, I believe that we are at the beginning of a mighty movement of the Lord in the U.S. where God's kingdom is displayed and grows. My desire is for Journey to be on that train, to be a church where God's kingdom is displayed, experienced and shared. If we are going to be that kind of church, then we face a violent battle ahead, because Satan is still at war to keep the broken, broken, the hurting, hurting, and the lost, lost. So we have to be prepared, armored up, and focused on God's agenda, his purpose, his mission.
That is where this morning comes in. Our gathered worship is vital for our preparation and strength--so we must encounter God, we must experience his convicting, healing, transforming presence every time we gather together. There will be resistence--part of the spiritual battle--because our gatherings have a tendency to become socially comfortable get-togethers where we can be nostalgic, entertained, or legalistically check our "God Scorecard." Our gatherings become sources of complaints when our preferences aren't met--too long, too loud, too soft, wrong style, bad phrase in a song, too cold, too hot, too dark, too light, ran out of coffee, no donuts.... We leaders are partly the cause.
As leaders, we have a tremendous responsibility to pray to and encounter God ourselves, seeking his guidance on how we might be able to lead his people to encounter him in worship. Our focus has to be helping people encounter God, not "what will they like." We have to put in the time and effort it takes to hear God speak to us, not just throw something together because Sunday is coming.
So, here I sit, now 6:58 a.m. on Sunday moring, hoping and praying that today, our gathered worship will be an encounter with the life-chaning God. Because if we encounter God as a community of believers this morning, none of us will ever be the same.
...be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God... Ephesians 6:10-13.
...since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near to God Hebrews 10:19-22
...you have come to Mount Zion, to the heavenly Jerusalem, the city of the living God. You have come to thousands upon thousands of angels in joyful assembly, to the church of the firstborn, whose names are written in heaven. You have come to God, the judge of all men, to the spirits of righteous men made perfect, to Jesus the mediator of a new covenant... Hebrews 12:22-24
That is where this morning comes in. Our gathered worship is vital for our preparation and strength--so we must encounter God, we must experience his convicting, healing, transforming presence every time we gather together. There will be resistence--part of the spiritual battle--because our gatherings have a tendency to become socially comfortable get-togethers where we can be nostalgic, entertained, or legalistically check our "God Scorecard." Our gatherings become sources of complaints when our preferences aren't met--too long, too loud, too soft, wrong style, bad phrase in a song, too cold, too hot, too dark, too light, ran out of coffee, no donuts.... We leaders are partly the cause.
As leaders, we have a tremendous responsibility to pray to and encounter God ourselves, seeking his guidance on how we might be able to lead his people to encounter him in worship. Our focus has to be helping people encounter God, not "what will they like." We have to put in the time and effort it takes to hear God speak to us, not just throw something together because Sunday is coming.
So, here I sit, now 6:58 a.m. on Sunday moring, hoping and praying that today, our gathered worship will be an encounter with the life-chaning God. Because if we encounter God as a community of believers this morning, none of us will ever be the same.
...be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God... Ephesians 6:10-13.
...since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near to God Hebrews 10:19-22
...you have come to Mount Zion, to the heavenly Jerusalem, the city of the living God. You have come to thousands upon thousands of angels in joyful assembly, to the church of the firstborn, whose names are written in heaven. You have come to God, the judge of all men, to the spirits of righteous men made perfect, to Jesus the mediator of a new covenant... Hebrews 12:22-24
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