Blessings of God

God is always at work in His people. Even during the "barren times"--the times when we can't seem to see any real spiritual fruit--God is still actively working to accomplish His will. Of late, at least from my perspective, we have been experiencing a time of reaping the spiritual blessings and benefits that come from God's good hand.

Just over the past month we have seen several individuals turn from sin and trust Christ as Savior and Lord. I've had the privilege of baptizing four disciples and welcoming them in to our church family. Our numbers--in both offerings and attendance--are on the rise. I'm having to be especially disciplined in my time management because my schedule is literally soaring. There is a flurry of activity and it is mostly positive stuff. But, these are not signs that God is beginning to work. God has been faithfully at work all along. We are just in a special season of reaping some of the blessings of God.

For both of you who follow my blog (just kidding, I know there are at least three of you), I want to ask for your prayers. Over the past two years we have continued to see growth in our church family and have been trying to figure out the solution to our long-term facility needs. New Beginnings has been leasing space in an office building since my arrival in June 2008. We have already doubled our space and while our finances are stronger than ever, we recognize that we need to find a permanent home for our church family. We need to replace our expensive lease with an equity-building situation that will enable us to be even more aggressive with sharing the gospel both "at home" and elsewhere.

Little by little the Lord has been shedding light upon our path in regards to where we need to land permanently. God has blessed us with godly landlords who have a sincere heart to see their building (we lease the bottom half of it) used for the glory of God. After many months of prayer and dialogue our church leadership has reached a financial agreement with our landlords for the purchase of the entire 12,000 SF building. However, there are certain (and major) contingencies that must be satisfactorily resolved in order for us to take full ownership. Would you please pray for God's will to be done for us? There is a lot of work ahead but we believe that God has placed us right here in Woodbury Heights for a very special purpose.

Here are a few pictures from our development over the past few years...

Why Everyone Should Attend At Least One Funeral Per Week

I think I've stumbled onto something profound (and yes, a little disturbing). I think that everyone should try to attend at least one funeral each and every week. I know, I'm a freak, right? Just hear me out...

This morning I went to the funeral of a man who's adult daughter attends our church. I did not go because I knew the man but because I know and love his daughter, Jackie, and her husband. In fact, I had never met the man. But, after today, I have been deeply affected by this man's life and legacy. Today I was moved to tears by the stories about this man as told by his family and friends. A man I had never met in life touched me even while his physical body lay in a casket. That's pretty strange, right?

As a pastor, I am around death, suffering, and "the effects of sin" perhaps more often than most other people. I am still not quite comfortable with death. There is something inherently unsettling about it's inevitability and finality. But, my perspective on death, and my understanding of all the emotions and needs of people while death is passing by, has changed dramatically. Don't misunderstand me; I'm not some sick-o guy with a demented affinity for death. I guess I am just coming to view death less and less out of a perspective of fear and more from a perspective which sees it in the context of God's grand story.

I'm becoming more acutely aware that something profound happens to me at funerals. Whether it is the funeral of a beloved and godly person, like the man whose funeral I attended today, or that of a person who never made time for God in life, I think there is something good, healthy, and necessary that happens to us when we are forced to look death in the face. In other words, I think God uses death for those of us left behind to help us move forward in a way that better pleases Him. I think that we tend to quickly forget what matters most in life, and "death" is a not-so-subtle-but-altogether-effective reminder of what really counts.

Here are a few reasons why I think everyone should attend at least one funeral a week:

1) Because at funerals we are reminded of our frailty and of the preciousness of life. I'd suspect that the thought runs through most people's mind at some point during a funeral that one day they'll be the one laying in the casket. "Life is a vapor", James says (4:14). We are reminded of our own mortality when we are forced to look upon the face of a deceased loved one. Funerals remind us that life is still a place of brokenness. We are forced to admit that things change, people leave, and pain is an inevitable part of life in the here-and-now.

2) Because at funerals we are reminded of just how precious and important family is to us. At every funeral I attend my thoughts somehow begin to drift from what I'm hearing about the "dearly departed" to what my loved ones and friends might have to say about me. I am forced to face the condition of my life and to evaluate honestly and inwardly how I am living my life. Funerals remind us that one day we will be gone and the people we love will be the most important things we leave behind. Not our work, not our money, and not even our reputation; no, it will be our children and grandchildren, friends and others who have been influenced by us which are the most valuable of things we can't bring to heaven with us. Today, while sitting through this funeral, I experienced a renewed passion to be the kind of husband and father that I know God wants me to be. We are making an impact--either for the "better" or for the "worse"--on the people we love every day.

3) Because at funerals we are reminded of just how amazing God's grace is. I used to be uncomfortable when I heard people go on and on about "how great" so and so was during their lifetime. But now I realize, if the deceased person loved Jesus Christ and was living from a God-centered orientation, then the "goodness" that we speak of in a person at their funeral is nothing else than the graciousness of God being lived out through the power of the Holy Spirit in their life. Jackie's father was a man of tremendous faith and today I learned that he was an awesome husband, father, and church leader because he was yielded to God's life. It was really his faith in Christ that shaped him and enabled him to be the noble man that many said goodbye to today. God did not bring death, we did. We (humanity) rebelled and sinned. God is the author of life and even in death He brings the hope of resurrection out of the ashes of suffering.

So, that's why I think it would be profitable for all of us to spend a little more time in the "house of mourning" than in the "house of laughter". I doubt that anyone (including myself) will take my advice, but maybe it at least gets you thinking.

Giving "Up" vs. Giving "In"

Today is, apparently, the first day of Lent, which is also known as Ash Wednesday. (Actually, I was reminded of this earlier this morning when I met a friend for breakfast at a local diner and a smattering of the patrons had smudge marks on their foreheads. I nearly said something to the first lady I saw...awkward!) The truth is, growing up in my particular Christian tradition, there was no difference between Ash Wednesday and "any other" Wednesday. Honestly, I wouldn't have recognized the beginning of Lent if it walked up and introduced itself to me. It has only been recently that I've come to know anything about the religious significance of the Lenten season.

So, I'm probably the least qualified person to say anything about Lent. I am not going to attempt an explanation of it nor am I going to present an argument against it. I'm simply going to ask a question. (Yea right, Dan!)

Okay, before I come to my question I think it is important to have at least a little understanding of the the religious purpose or significance behind Lent. Adherents of the Roman Church, Eastern Orthodox, Lutherans, Methodists, Anglicans, and many Presbyterians and even some Baptists (!) all observe Lent. (Yes, that means that if you don't observe Lent, then you are in the minority of "Christendom".) Lent comes from a Latin word which means "fortieth" and was used to identify the period of forty days whereby the religiously minded person dedicated themselves towards penitential preparation through such acts as fasting, prayer, penance, charity giving, and confession. This period of time varies for some traditions but for the majority it seems to run from Ash Wednesday until Easter Sunday. Many have written about the relationship of Jesus' forty days of testing in the wilderness as an (the?) example for the religious observance of Lent. So...that basically exhausts everything I know about Lent. (Thanks, Wikipedia!) The bottom line, I've come to learn, is that Lent is primarily about demonstrating to God one's religious sincerity by giving up something.

In recent years I've heard of people giving up all sorts of crazy things for Lent. People give up anything from chocolate to cigarettes, or even coffee! People give up watching a certain television program, from watching any television, or attending any entertainment at all. The idea is that, for a definite period of time, one is to show their devotion to God by deleting something that they enjoy, something they regularly engage in, from their life. Sort of a religious "addition-by-subtraction" experiment.

But (finally!) here is my question: Is God really more concerned with what we "give up" than He is with what we "give in"? In other words, is God somehow pleased with man for showing a small amount of self-restraint for a short period of time? Is God's cosmic ego somehow stroked by the religious gymnastics people perform (like not smoking for forty days)? Simply put, is our relationship with God based on negatives (things we don't do) or positives (things we do)?

It seems to me, the more I come to know the God of the Bible, that He is far more concerned about us "giving in"--fully, totally, completely--to His life and will than He is about us temporarily "giving up" something as a ritual of worship. Even though I think there is a glimmer of godliness that may be found in Lent, that it certainly is Biblical to humble oneself in the sight of the Lord intentionally, practically, and genuinely, I still can't help but feel broken-hearted for all the people who actually believe that not watching American Idol for forty days is going to show up on their final record. God wants us to yield to His wisdom all the time because that is when we are most blessed.

Micah 6:8 beautifully says, "He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God." I could be wrong, but I don't believe that I am, God desires that we demonstrate our commitment to Him by doing His will--loving others, helping others, serving others, being truthful, tender, and honest--not simply by "giving up" something. I guess I am just learning more and more each day that true righteousness and life in God is a matter of losing myself in God's love, way, and will--all day, every day...On the other hand, I suppose it wouldn't hurt my spiritual walk to give up ESPN for a few weeks...Nah!!!

Tebowed

So, I realize that Denver Broncos QB Tim Tebow has been the topic du jour for some time now. Frankly, the only chink in this white knight's armor that I've found is the fact that he played his college football at F...F...Florida (I am a devoted Volunteers fan...just stop by my office sometime). Seriously though, Tim Tebow is actually doing everything I could only dream of doing as a child. Although he's one of the most polarizing personalities of our day, he is humbly and rapidly making a huge impact for the Lord.

My wife recently forwarded this powerful article to me which brings into focus the real substance to the Tebow hype. Trust me, it's worth five minutes of your time.

How do you react to this story? What impression do you get when you read about Tim Tebow's grace, humility, and influence?

Many Christians are tempted to gaze in wide-eyed wonder at the Mile-high Messiah. They view Tebow more as a fictional superhero than as a real Christian. Rather than being inspired to emulate the faith of this man, they passively idolize this man of faith.

Even those who reject Christianity are mystified by Tim Tebow. Despite his candour and humility, Tebow's detractors scrutinize his every move just waiting to find the fatal crack in this man's pedestal. (I find myself praying, at times, for Tim Tebow because of the unfortunate damage his inevitable humanity will bring for some people.)

Isn't it saddening that there is so much skepticism about a man who is simply trying to let his actions backup his beliefs? Why is Tim Tebow such an anomaly? Why aren't people being "Williams-ed"? Why does there seem to be such an absence of real-life difference makers in our world today?

Granted, the Lord has given Tim Tebow a unique platform to point to God's glory. The spotlight can only shine on one, or maybe two, at a time. But here's the thing: God can and wants to use each one of us to make just as real, and just as powerful, a difference as Tim Tebow. It is the same Spirit, if we have been saved by God's infinite grace, that fills us--whether your last name is Tebow, Williams, or Smith. I might not have an article written about me or a microphone shoved in my face, but I am still called to the same thing as Tim Tebow: faithful obedience unto the Lord.

Like most of you, I am a fan of Tim Tebow. But, I am a follower of Jesus Christ. I'm grateful to God for the influence that Tebow has right now. And even though I'm not on the roster of the Denver Broncos, I am still on Tim Tebow's team: the church of Jesus Christ. I sure hope that I'm doing my part.

New Year's Poem

I composed the following poem the other day (New Year's Eve) while sitting in my office. It is inspired by Hebrews 13:8 which says, "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever!"

Another year is ending.
The next will soon begin.
Yet, through all of life's great trials,
I have a special Friend.
My friend, His name is Jesus--
The Life, the Truth, The Way.
He guides, He leads, He comforts me
On each and every day.
If you're searching for real hope or peace
In these times which can be strange,
Then please open your heart to Jesus,
For, my Friend, He doesn't change.

Happy New Year, everyone!

Servant of All

I just returned from a short stint away from my office in sunny Cape May, New Jersey. I had a great time "down the shore" with Laurie and the children. I was especially blessed to be able to preach at our sister church in Cape May the past weekend.

About an hour after sitting down at my desk this morning I looked up and saw this sign (see picture) on the inside of my door. The sign reads "Servant's Entrance". Now, I know who to thank for adding this tremendous reminder to my office. In fact, I've spoken at length to this gentleman several times about the great responsibilities of serving the Lord in full-time ministry. This sign is a visual cue to me that every time I walk through that door back out into the church or the community I am going as a servant of Jesus Christ.

In Mark 10, Jesus gives a real lesson on true greatness and leadership. He told a group of twelve quibbling disciples:

You know that those who are considered rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. But it shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man came not be be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many. Mark 10:42b-45

Jesus Christ came as a servant. I hope you don't miss the significance and the irony of this. Jesus is a radically different sort of leader than anything we know. Instead of demanding attention, Jesus demonstrated true humility. Even though Jesus is preeminent among all things (Colossians 1:15-20), He lovingly and sacrificially stepped into the world He created and laid His life down for our redemption. Jesus taught us and demonstrated for us the pathway to real influence. It is the lonely road of servitude.

May the Lord continue to teach us what it means to be a real servant of the kingdom.

4th of July

Today about thirty people from our church joined with hundreds from our community to celebrate our nation's birthday. A few months ago, several of us got together and decided to enter a float in the Wenonah Fourth of July Parade (Wenonah, New Jersey). Part of our purpose was to continue being an active presence in our community for the glory of God. We also wanted to strategically promote our upcoming VBS outreach by putting a personal invitation into the hands of local children. It was a terrific way to continue building relationships with others from our town. This was really the first intentional, large-scale outreach that we've done outside of Woodbury Heights as well.

I have to admit that I had very little to do with the actual construction of the float and gift bags. A special thanks goes out to our ministry intern, Tim Nessler, and a group of about 15 people who devoted several hours of planning and preparing the float and 500 gift bags which included an invitation to VBS, a flyer about our church, a tract, and candy. Great work, gang!

This just in from the local news desk: New Beginnings took 1st place in the float category! Praise the Lord! Way to go, everyone!

Here are some pictures of from this morning...

Going, Going, Uganda

This evening a good friend of mine will be leaving to serve the Lord in the nation of Uganda for at least one year. Stephanie Nitschke became a part of our family at New Beginnings about two years ago. She quickly began to make an impact through her involvement in local outreach and as a part of our missions committee. Frankly, I knew from "day one" that Stephanie was only going to be with us for a short time because of her passion for the nations.

Stephanie will be living in the nation's capital city of Kampala. She will be volunteering her time with a national organization which assists women in all sorts of difficult circumstances. Her plan is to live among the people of Uganda and to follow the Spirit's leading in sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ with those around her. Stephanie will be working to complete her Master's degree in International Development through Eastern University while overseas. Needless to say, she is going to have plenty to do over the next twelve months.

Would you join me today in praying for Stephanie as she continues to follow Christ's leading in her life? The Bible gives us a breath-taking glimpse into future where there is a multitude from every nation, and all tribes and peoples and languages standing before the throne and before the Lamb (Revelation 7:9). I praise God for Stephanie's sensitive heart for the hurting of the world. I am also thankful for the support and open heart of our congregation to stand with Stephanie as she follows the Lord's leading on her life.

If you would like more information about Stephanie's year-long mission, or you would like to know how to support her in Uganda, please let me know.











[All of these photos are from a previous trip that Stephanie took to Uganda.]

Baccalaureate

What is "baccalaureate"? That's a pretty good question. According to one source, the term originated at the University of Oxford in the 1400s when each bachelor (i.e. graduate - from the Latin bacca) had to present a sermon in Latin as part of his academic requirements. Modern baccalaureate services are held within a few days of a school's graduation exercises and, due to government restrictions, are not "official school events". They are student-initiated services of worship where thanks is given to the Lord for bringing the graduating seniors to such an accomplishment in their life's journey.

On Sunday, for the fourth consecutive year, I had the tremendous opportunity and honor to share the gospel of Jesus Christ at our local high school's baccalaureate service. About 40 graduating students from Gateway Regional High School, along with maybe 100 other friends and family, assembled in the school's auditorium on Father's Day for the service. Students led in prayer, Scripture reading, and singing (accompanied by our church pianist Sonja Rentschler!). But the opportunity to address the students and their families was mine.

I shared a message about wisdom--God's way--as the highest and greatest goal of our lives. I cited the Biblical story of Solomon and how he wisely asked God for a discerning mind to govern the people of Israel (1 Kings 3). I also shared about how Solomon lost focus on the glory and honor of God and turned away from the Lord (1 Kings 11:9). I cautioned the students about chasing after the "empty" goods of this world - mentioning some of the themes of the book of Ecclesiastes. Finally, I challenged the students to embrace God's greatest gift and provision of wisdom, the Lord Jesus Christ. I shared 1 Corinthians 1:18-25 which speaks of the power of the cross of Jesus Christ being "foolishness to the world", but to those who trust and believe it is "God's power". I pray God really spoke through me to the students and their families.

I remember back some 14 years ago to my own baccalaureate service as a graduate from Soddy-Daisy High School. The room was packed with people and most of my graduating class (some 350 students) was in attendance. I remembering having the opportunity to share my testimony and some Scripture at that service. I have come to realize clearly that things are a lot different in my setting in the Mid-Atlantic. The "church" is not a central part of cultural life for most people in our area. Still, I am amazed by God's power to provide relationships that lead to such opportunities for the gospel to be brought to these people. I thank God for giving me these chances to point people to their need for Jesus Christ. God's word never returns to Him empty (Isaiah 55:11). So, I am confident that these opportunities are having an impact on my community and, in the end, will be shown to have made a difference in someone's life.

A Decade of Love

"Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends."
1 Corinthians 13:4-8a

Ten years ago--June 17, 2001--I was blessed by God to marry the love of my life. Over the past decade, God has done so much in my life and one significant instrument of His divine work has been my godly and devoted wife. I am astonished at God's favor and amazed by His grace. My life has been filled with good things, not necessarily all pleasant things, which reflect God's amazing faithfulness and goodness.

I am grateful for an excellent wife who is a source of honor and not shame (Proverbs 12:4). I am constantly challenged by Laurie's commitment and dependability. I am proud to be a partner with her in the rearing of our children.

Laurie, I am so happy to have had you by my side over these past ten years. May God continue to fill our hearts with His grace and our home with His love. I love you! Thanks for the thousands of ways that you communicate your love for me in return.

A Heart for Missions

On Sunday we hosted a special missions night at New Beginnings. Over 90 people turned out, including several of those who are supported financially by our church and serve the Lord in area missions. It was great to reconnect with these servants of God who are seeking to make a difference in the lives of others. Tito Pagano, former Director of Word of Life in Chile, brought the message which he titled "A Heart for Missions" from Romans 1:13-16. Tito spoke in his native Spanish language while his son-in-law, Sergio Belloso (who is an elder at NB), translated. It was a powerful challenge for our people to refocus on our personal role in spreading the kingdom of God.

Stephanie Nitschke, a member at New Beginnings, is leaving for a year of service in the country of Uganda. The Lord provided nearly $1,000 through a free-will offering to help Stephanie take the gospel to the needy people of that country. God is so faithful!

Here are a few snapshots from the night's festivities:











May God continue to stretch our vision for missions at New Beginnings.

Answering the Call

A significant theme of Scripture is the astounding interplay between God and specific human personalities. Often we speak of this as God's special "call" upon the life of certain humans. I sometimes think that we take for granted how incredible it is that a supremely holy and eternal God choose to "put His word into the mouths" of the prophets and apostles of Bible times. How amazing is it that God graciously gives the knowledge of His will and character to a race of fallen people?

God created man for His pleasure and to enjoy personal, intimate fellowship and communion with Him. However, mankind choose the path of rebellion and sin, and consequently was expelled from the Garden of Eden forever. Still, throughout history, God has chosen to communicate to man through messengers who were uniquely called to carry God's words to His people. God, in His mercy, has passionately pursued His people by shedding divine light through human vessels upon the path that leads home.

God called Abraham (Genesis 11-24) to leave the familiar land of his fathers and to journey to new land of promise. God told Abraham that he would be the father of a new race of people--people who would be counted righteous by faith, rather than trying to prove their own "goodness" by their deeds. God called Moses to boldly lead His people out of Pharaoh's hand in Egypt (Exodus 3). God spoke with Samuel, David, Solomon, Elijah, and Isaiah. Of Jeremiah, it was said, "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you a prophet to the nations" (1:5). And later, God said, "Behold, I have put my words in your mouth. See, I have set you this day over nations and over kingdoms, to pluck up and to break down, to destroy and to overthrow, to build and to plant" (1:9-10). Indeed, God choose to "speak to our fathers by the prophets at many times and in various ways" (Hebrews 1:1).

We are probably more familiar with Jesus' call upon an unimpressive group of Galileans to "Come, follow me" (Mark 1:17). Or, perhaps we especially think of Paul as the "Apostle to the Gentiles" and one who was uniquely called of God to preach the gospel to the whole world (Romans 1:1). The sovereign call of God kept Paul focused on his mission despite tremendous hardships and abuse. Paul was so persuaded of God's presence and power in his ministry that he said, "Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel" (1 Corinthians 9:16).

The reality for every child of God is that they are called to bear fruit for the glory of their Heavenly Father (John 15:16). We are all called to walk in the good works that God prepared in advance for us (Ephesians 2:10). We are all called to walk wisely and in purity before the world (1 Thess. 4:3, Eph. 5:15ff). God has a common call upon every believer to bear witness before the world of His transforming grace and power.

On another note, I am completely humbled to say that I have just received a special "call" to serve New Beginnings as pastor. Over the past three years I have been employed with Church Extension ministries as a church planting pastor designated to Woodbury Heights, New Jersey. Now that New Beginnings has graduated and is self-supporting, they have graciously decided to extend the invitation for me to stay on as the permanent pastor. Please pray for our church as we move ahead in the grace and for the glory of God!

Being Honest About Being Lost

Have you ever been lost? Chances are that you have been. (Although, thanks to our modern GPS gadgets, "being lost" may be a thing of the past.) How did you feel when you realized you were lost? Did you stop and ask for directions? Or, did you "man up" and just figure it out (...several hours later...) all on your own?

I've been unusually immersed this week in the Scriptures, books, and conversations regarding the reality of man's "lost" condition apart from faith in Jesus Christ. Don't misunderstand me, I recognize this theme as a reality every week, but it has just been especially intense over the past few days. One clear observation from all my prayer and study is this: God repeatedly points out man's condition of "lostness" whereas man continually denies such a reality. God, in his holiness, declares that "...the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth" (Romans 1:18). But man denies that there is any problem at all (Romans 3:10-12).

The Bible actually uses another term for this idea of "lostness"; the term is death. It says, "And you were dead in the trespasses and sins" (Ephesians 2:1). The Apostle Paul says, "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23). And again, he says, "For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord" (6:23). This is what it means to be spiritual lost--we are relationally seperated from God and "dead" due to sin.

The depth of man's lostness is such that "no one seeks God" (Romans 3:11). The Bible, and frankly our own personal experience in the world, testifies to our continually craving for everything but God. Jeremiah 17:9 says, "The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it?" Not only is man lost apart from God, he is sickeningly satisfied to remain that way.

So, how does anyone ever come to the understanding that they are lost and in real danger? This is the great story of the Bible. In response to man's sinfulness, the Lord sends Jesus to be the sin-bearer. In light of our rebellion, God provides a righteous Redeemer. The Bible says, "For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God" (2 Corinthians 5:21). When we like wandering sheep had lost our way, God sent the Good Shepherd to find us and bring us back into His heavenly pen (John 10).

It is actually the work of God's Spirit which brings personal conviction of sin and prompts the child of God to repentance unto life (John 6:44; 16:5-15). God, in His mercy, touches our eyes to see the reality of our lost condition (Acts 9). In His grace, God tenderly brings fresh life into formerly dead hearts. That's the sort of God who has revealed Himself through Christ and the Word.

The Bible says, "For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost" (Luke 19:10). If you aren't walking with Jesus, my friend, then you really are lost. Isn't it about time that you come clean about this? Isn't time to be honest about being lost?

Hide & Seek

I've been thinking a lot about the following verse: "For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God" (Colossians 3:3).

Here are a few questions that I'm being challenged by in my own life as a disciple of Jesus Christ:
+ Am I actively and progressively seeking the face of God?
+ Just how "dead" am I to sin and the world?
+ Do I genuinely desire for ALL of my life to be "hidden with Christ in God"?
+ Do I love God more today than I did yesterday?

I am constantly reminded, through both my own walk and through interaction with others, of the reality and power of sin. Sin...wickedness...rebellion against God...selfishness...pride...materialism...(and a hundred other horrible things) all remain a practical problem for the sincerest follower of Jesus Christ even though one's position has been secured in the family of God.

In one place, Paul could write, "Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God" (Romans 5:1-2). And then just one chapter later, he writes, "Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? By no means! How can we who died to sin still live in it?" (6:1-2).

Lately I have been really meditating upon the glorious reality that Jesus is more than the righteous substitute for our sinfulness, He is the very source from which we live and seek the glory and pleasure of God. Instead of hiding from God and seeking the cares of the world, we are to hide ourselves in the person of Jesus Christ through humble, child-like faith and seek after the things of God.

"If you have been united with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God," Paul says in Colossians 3:1. A lot of our issues with sin will be dramatically cleared away if we will "hide-and-seek" in Christ.

Who/What are you seeking after these days?

"Deeper" Preaching

The responsibility that I have each week to stand before God's people and preach is deeply humbling. The Bible says in James 3:1, "Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness." It isn't just the message of a man that is judged carefully, but rather, in the context of James, it is also his moral character which comes under great scrutiny. Believe me when I tell you that I do not take my calling as a messenger of the gospel of Jesus Christ lightly. I understand that what I do is not a result of who I am, rather it is all because of Who I belong to and the amazing grace that flows from him.

Still, I can tell you that each week I have the joyful opportunity to labor in the Word of God to prepare what I genuinely hope to be is a God-honoring, Christ-focused, and church-building message. At the same time, I've been around the church long enough to know that there are many out there who think that the preacher just rolls out of bed on Sunday and climbs into the pulpit. There are some who think we work just one day a week! "How hard could it be?" they say. Others are homiletics experts in their own minds, and they aren't afraid to say so. I remember boldly (foolishly?) asking for feedback on a survey after one of my first sermons at a former church. Sure, there were some encouraging comments. But there were also some brutally honest remarks as well. (FYI, if you don't want somebody's opinion, don't ask them for it.) The longer that I am in the ministry of the church of Jesus Christ the more I realize that it takes deep humility and deep faith in God to do the work of a pastor. At times you sort of feel that, as a pastor, you are viewed by some as a "Customer Service Representative" for the Almighty God Himself! I'm sure that Moses felt that way from time to time.

Last week, I saw this blog post on "What is 'Deeper' Preaching?" by Pastor Pete Wilson. Pete is a dynamic pastor of a growing network of churches in the Nashville, TN, area. The post certainly resonated with my heart and I wanted to share it with you as well. Below is the same video that Pete posted of a conversation between John Piper and Rick Warren, two modern-day super-preachers of the church. Take a look at this video clip. Dare I say it...Let me know your thoughts.

Set the Example

The Apostle Paul wrote to his young protege in ministry:

If you put these things before the brothers, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, being trained in the words of the faith and of the good doctrine that you have followed...For to this end we toil and strive, because we have our hope set on the living God, who is the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe. Command and teach these things. Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity...Do not neglect the gift you have, which was given you by prophecy when the council of elders laid their hands on you. Practice these things, devote yourself to them, so that all may see your progress (1 Timothy 4:6, 10-12, 14-15).

I am really proud of my brother. Tim serves as the minister of music and director of youth ministries at Oak Street Baptist Church in our hometown of Soddy-Daisy, Tennessee. (Now, I know what some of you are thinking...but I better not catch anyone making fun of the name of my hometown!)

Tim has such a heart for the Lord, for teens, and for his church. The past year has been especially difficult for Tim and the Oak Street family as they lost their beloved pastor, Joe Miller, to cancer back in January. Tim and I have had numerous opportunities to talk and pray about the challenges that present themselves to the church when a beloved leader goes to be with the Lord. It will shortly be one year since our own friend and elder, Danny Offenbacker, realized the eternal reward of his faith despite a harsh battle with cancer.

While I certainly haven't been a mentor to Tim, I am so blessed to have watched his growth over the past few years. Tim is pouring his life into young people and into teaching his church about God-exalting worship for the honor of Jesus. I know from personal experience how difficult and challenging ministry can be (and especially ministry to teens!), and so I find myself praying almost daily for my brother to stand strong for the Lord and to set an example for his church.

Tomorrow, Tim will be preaching at his church. He sent me his manuscript to get my thoughts and it was a really powerful message. Would you pray along with me for God to anoint Tim in a special way as he speaks God's Word to God's people tomorrow? May God be glorified in a great way!

"The Devil Made Me Do It!"

Sin is an awful thing, isn't it? Most of us, who claim to be Spirit-filled followers of Jesus Christ, would say that we long to be pure people of God who overcome sin and walk in sweet fellowship with our Heavenly Father. However, the reality of the condition of our lives suggests that sin is still very much an active part of our existence.

Many of us are walking examples of Paul's words in Romans 7. Here we read, "I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate" (Romans 7:15). A little later Paul says, "So now it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me. For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out. For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I keep on doing" (7:17-19). Many of us would say a hearty, "Amen!" Even the most mature follower of Jesus Christ still finds the flesh-spirit battle to be a fierce one.

What is sin? According to 1 John 3:4, sin is "lawlessness". One theologian has defined sin as "any lack of conformity unto, or transgression of, any law of God, given as a rule to the reasonable creature" (R.C. Sproul, Essential Doctrines of the Christian Faith, p. 143). The Bible simply states it this way, "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23). Sin--whether it be doing something that is against God's will or not doing something that is a part of God's will--causes us to come up short of God's perfect standard and glory. This is a major problem for us because the Bible reveals that God is perfectly holy and won't allow sin to be in His presence (Psalm 24).

Moreover, the consequences of sin are disastrous for us. Romans also says, "For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord" (6:23). When our first ancestors (Adam and Eve, Genesis 1-3) sinned, they incurred the penalty of this act of rebellion--physical death and spiritual separation from God. Every human being who has ever lived, except for the sinless Son of God, has sinned and thus been in need of a solution to the sin problem.

I will take up the topic of God's provision for our sin in my next post. For now, I wanted to share one more passage that talks about sin. James 1:13-15 states, "Let no one say when he is tempted, 'I am being tempted by God,' for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one. But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death." I'm sure you've heard someone say, "Well, I'm sorry, but the devil made me do it!" Certainly, it is true that we have an adversary, the devil, who is out to trip us up and vainly attempts to rob God of His full glory (1 Peter 5:8). However, the reality is that the sin that we commit is born out of a fleshly, rebellious propensity in our own hearts. We need to appreciate the wiles of the devil, but we need to take ownership of our own responsibility to submit our hearts and actions to the loving control of God's Spirit.

As Paul says in Galatians 5:15, "But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh." God is glorified to redeem us through the blood of Jesus, His Son, and to reshape us through the abiding presence and control of His Spirit. In our struggle with sin, we need to remember that we are powerless against the flesh--on our own. However, God is placed within our hearts the source of power to walk in such a way that is approved by Him. 1 John 4:4 states, "...he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world." The Word says, "His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence" (2 Peter 1:3).

Sin is a problem. It's a problem for me, and it's a problem for you. But, because of Jesus Christ and His perfect loving sacrifice on the cross, the power of sin has received its own death blow (Hebrews 2:14-15). And, because God knows that we struggle and fail to live for Him, He comes to live within us. What a great hope!

Is there an area of your life--or, maybe a specific sin--that you need to give to the Lord?

"For Better, For Worse"

In a few weeks Laurie and I will celebrate ten years of marriage. It's pretty hard to believe that a decade has already passed since we stood before the Lord and exchanged pledges and symbols of our undying love for one another. At the same time, I can't remember life without Laurie. The Lord has done a lot in our lives over the past decade. We have lived in four homes in three states. We've had three incredible children. I've finished graduate school and have now been working in pastoral ministry for over five years. We would like to think that the future promises only to bring more stability. But, we'll have to wait and see.

A few days ago we had the privilege of celebrating with Dick and Joan Rindfleisch as they reached a major milestone in their life's journey--50 years of marriage. Dick and Joan have been a part of the core group of NBBFC since its inception nearly seven years ago back in "the garage". They are the kind of people who you can just count on at any time. Joan is the "Queen" of hospitality here at New Beginnings. She is our own (better) version of Martha Stewart. It has been a joy getting to know them and serving as their pastor for the past three years.

During the vow renewal ceremony, I shared the following words with Dick and Joan:

Marriage wasn't meant to be perfect. Why do perfect marriages not exist? Because perfect people do not exist. Prince Charming shows up only in fairy tales; and if we are honest, the Stepford Wives were a little creepy. Marriage teaches us how to love an imperfect person perfectly...(From Rick and Bubba's Guide to the Almost Nearly Perfect Marriage)

The Scripture says, "Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends..." (1 Cor. 13:4-8a).

When young people get married it's hard for them to accurately envision all that "for better, for worse" entails. Some people naively think that getting married will solve all their problems. In reality, marriage is, at times, very difficult. The life you think you're going to have--a life full of adventure and romance--can be turned upside-down by financial stress, relational stress, or health issues, just to name a few.

As I shared with those at Dick and Joan's party, "It is uniquely a Christian idea to suggest that any flawed human being--which, by the way, we all are--can learn to love selflessly, sacrificially, and completely, another flawed human being out of a motivation to please and glorify God, Who Himself is our great example and source of love...In a culture where approximately half of all marriages are ending in divorce, we need to honor and celebrate these great examples--not of perfection, but of perseverance." I know that Laurie and I have been so blessed and encouraged to see such amazing examples of marriage here at New Beginnings.

Congratulations, Dick and Joan, on this awesome accomplishment! May God bless you for many years to come.

New Series

Beginning this Sunday at New Beginnings I will be preaching about the radical life of following Jesus Christ. The video above is from a promotion for David Platt's book Radical. The Lord has been teaching me so many things over the past few months from His Word and from sources like Platt's book. 1 John 2:6 states, "Whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked." My hope is that the Lord will be glorified and pleased to use the next couple of months teaching in a special way to call the hearts of those who listen to His word to a genuine and radical life of discipleship. Please keep me in your prayers.

What are some examples of radical faith-walking that stand out to you from the history of the church or the contemporary landscape of Christianity?

Batman Returns

(Warning: The account you are about to read may contain details unsuitable for some readers and mental images about me that will shock and appal you. Please do not report me to the National Association of Advocates for the Protection of Bats. If you love bats, you do not want to read any further. I am sorry; you just don't. The story you are about to read is true...)

Last night was awful.

It started about 12:30 AM when Laurie detected something rustling about in our bedroom. In my usual fashion, I tried to dismiss the noise as something reasonable--the ceiling fan, one of the kids on the monitors, or aliens landing outside. My own ears seized upon the same noise and the adrenaline began to flow. I knew that something was in the room and that it was going to require me to....get out of bed!

We moved to Woodbury Heights in September 2008. We instantly fell in love with the town, our neighbors, and our quaint, little home. However, we soon learned that we had moved into the one house in our town that has a warp zone-like connection to Disney's Animal Kingdom. I've continually been defeated by the most determined squirrels ever made by God. I regularly have to pick trash up out of the yard. I've tried new trash cans; these varmints just eat right through the lids. I'm also pretty sure that about 200 fluffy bunnies live on our property.

Sometime in that first year I clubbed my first home invader. Laurie called me home from an important meeting screaming that a bat was in the house. I thought she was crazy until the beady-eyed little pest came swooping at me. I did what any normal person would do--I bludgeoned the poor creature with a tennis rack and stomped on it with my shoe, all the while I trash-talked the little sucker in a way that would make today's NBA players blush.

Sometime later, Laurie "claimed" that she saw another bat. This time downstairs when she was putting a load of clothes in the washer. It was a convenient little ploy given that I can count on one hand the number of times that Laurie has done laundry in our marriage. (I love you, babe, but you know it's true.) I never found that bat, even though I went down multiple times a day with two tennis racks and a "Handy Manny" hardhat on...

And, then there was last night. After hearing the noise nearby, I rolled over just in time to see the silhouette of the flying creature zoom past our heads. Reluctantly, but swiftly, I sprang from the bed. I pulled the light string and the deadly dance was on. I grabbed the closest object that--in that split second--my mind identified would give me a fighting chance of successfully terminating the intruder. The object: one of Laurie's bras. The bat circled the room about seven times. Each time I would flail my satin sword in an attempt to simply stun the beast out of the air and onto the ground where the playing field was more even. Finally, on about the eighth pass, I struck the bat and it bounced off the closet door and landed nearby.

I then quickly identified my next weapon. Resourcefulness in crisis has never been a strong suit of mine. I grabbed the box of baby wipes just to my left and lunged at the fallen creature. A relentless series of fresh-scented blows rained upon the helpless bat. Like Mel Gibson in The Patriot, it took me a moment to realize that the fatal blow had been cast.

I would love to be able to tell you that we quickly and confidently drifted off to sleep after I bagged up the bat carcass in a WalMart plastic bag and launched it out the back door. Unfortunately, the truth is that about an hour later we heard another noise in the room. This time it was the familiar sound of some creature pawing from inside the walls. At about 3 AM, we must have drifted off to sleep.

Please Lord, make the scary animals go away!