Book Review: Cofee House Chronicles Set

For the past few years a friend of mine has been struggling with faith in God. He has questioned God, Jesus, creation and everything else that goes along with faith. Through this process, we have moved from creation to the person of Jesus.

I purchased the first book in this series, “Who is Jesus,” in hopes of taking a in-depth look to see if my friend could be convinced that Jesus really was a real person who lived, died, and has a story history cannot deny… in my friend’s mind! This book was totally different than what I expected, but it was good and proved useful.

Written by Josh McDowell and Dave Sterrett, this series is comprised of three books: Who Is Jesus, Did the Resurrection Happen, and Is the Bible True. All of these books are all short reads, told in a story format. The setting is a college campus and coffee house where people wrestle with and debate points of faith and Christianity. Personally, I really enjoyed all three books. I found all to be beneficial, easy to read, and filled with great facts. However, if you are looking for a resource comprised of cold hard facts, I would recommend looking elsewhere.

Chloe's Baptism

Chloe received Jesus as her savior on June 21, 2013 (Christy & my 10th Anniversary). On July 28th (my birthday), I had the incredible privilege of baptizing her at First Baptist Jenks, where I serve as the Executive Pastor. It was so great to experience this, and have GiGi & Pappa, Grammy & Grandad, MawMaw & Bubba, Micheal & Anne with Josh, Sam, Drew, Caleb, and Angelina there to celebrate with our family as well. This was a great day!

Walking with God

Saturday, January 19, 2013 I received a phone call around 9:00PM from my pastor asking me to fill in for him the following day, Sunday, January 20, 2013. The funny thing is that I had been contemplating calling him at that exact time to call in sick as well. Instead, I did what was necessary and put together a message from my heart on Walking with God. The whole message is an act of God, from how it fit together to even being able to deliver it at all. Although 2 Corinthians 12:19 had nothing to do with this sermon, God proved His grace is sufficient for me for His power is made perfect in weakness. Here is the sermon based off of Genesis 5:21-24 and Hebrews 11:5-6: Walking with God.

The Real Church: Connected in Service

Sunday, September 2, I had the opportunity to preach the final sermon in our Series "The Real Church" called, Connected in Service. on Romans 12:1-8. The passage is about our response to Salvation. The main ideas focused on the Charge of Service, Challenge of Service, Context of Service, ending with a Call to Service. I love how the Word of God speaks to, challenges, and calls out to Christ Followers. You can listen to the sermon here.

On Mission (Run to Win)

This past Sunday, August 12, I had the opportunity to preach. Continuing with our sermon series (The Real Church) I felt led to preach about how The Real Church is On Mission. The sermon came from 1 Corinthians 9:16-27 and focused on how the real church Proclaims Christ Crucified, Proclaims Creatively without Compromise, and Proclaims Conscious of the Crown. It was awesome because God showed up and spoke through me! May we all be on mission and run to win! Click this link to listen to the sermon.

The 5 "Be's" of Evangelsim (by Mike Bergman)

I saw this post today from Mike Bergman at SBC Voices and decided to share an abbreviated version of his post with a link for those desiring to read the whole thing. Basically, these are 5 tips for evangelism that are a little different from most evangelism pointers, here they are:

1.     Be talkative – if you are going to share, you’ve got to talk

2.     Be friendly – the Gospel is offensive, you cannot be

3.     Be authentic – be yourself and share with your personality

4.     Be different – a saved person is transformed, be different than a non-believer

5.     Be prayerful – the Holy Spirit calls, pray they receive Jesus

These are 5 good tips I hope you found worthy of thinking about as well.

Prime Your Spiritual Pump

Today I had the privilege to preach a sermon called "Prime Your Spiritual Pump" based out of 1 Thessalonians 5:12-24. The message focused on addressing our actions, attitudes, and acceptance of God's truth. The main illustration was based upon one of my mentor's talks, "Prime The Pump." It was a great Sunday, and always good to reminisce about time spent with Mr. Ziglar! Click here to listen to the sermon.

TRANSFORMAITON: A Look at the Life of Peter

TRANSFORMAITON: A Look at the Life of Peter, was a sermon based on the highs and lows of the Disciple/Apostle Peter. His experiences following Christ shows grace in our own failures and successes. Most of all, they show that transformation is a process where God never gives up on His followers!

Dealing With Your Critics (2 of 2)

10 Tips for Dealing with Critics: 

1. Determine if it is Constructive or Destructive
2. See the critic, not criticism – some people mean to help
3. Guard your attitude – don’t let the beat-down beat you down
4. Check yourself (spiritually) – be angry and do not sin
5. Prove the critic wrong in time – this comes from my competitive nature
6. Concentrate on your mission – don’t get distracted from what God has called you to
7. Change your mistakes – if there is truth in the criticism
8. Find the truth in the criticism – Even if there is just a hint of truth, typically you can learn from anything
9. Own your mistakes – don’t ever blame others or pass it off on others, own whatever mistake you made and apologize for them
10. Thank whomever criticizes you – if they meant well, you will affirm them; if they were being a jerk, you can kill em' with kindness

Dealing With Your Critics (1 of 2)

It really disgusts me when I hear preachers with nothing better to do than to pick on other preachers. As a former staff member of Prestonwood Baptist Church in Plano, TX, I received a great deal of criticism from other pastors, seminary professors, and other seminary students. They really seemed to enjoy telling me how wrong we were for the size of our building, budget, and how we did church. It was always amusing to me to hear such criticism, because it was coming from people who had never been to Prestonwood and knew nothing about anything we actually did. Pastor Jack Graham, Mike Buster, Todd Bell and the other leadership were (are) godly men who wanted to reach that region for Jesus. Although thousands of people came to Christ during my years there, critics remained. Focus is the key to successful ministry and dealing with critics. We are called to preach the Gospel, not fight with other people who claim to know Jesus but do not like us. Perry Noble preached on this subject and cited advice from Rick Warren, Pastor of Saddleback Church, who gave him 3 insights for dealing with critics: 1. Out-love your critics. 2. Out-live your critics. 3. Out-fruit your critics. May we out-love, out-live, and out-fruit those who have nothing better to do than waste time criticizing others instead of fulfilling the calling Christ placed upon their lives. Mark 9:38-41 states, “John said to him, "Teacher, we saw someone casting out demons in your name, and we tried to stop him, because he was not following us." 39But Jesus said, "Do not stop him, for no one who does a mighty work in my name will be able soon afterward to speak evil of me. 40 For the one who is not against us is for us. 41For truly, I say to you, whoever gives you a cup of water to drink because you belong to Christ will by no means lose his reward.” May our focus be on Jesus and what He has called us to!

Grounded in the Word

This sermon, Grounded in the Word, was part of a series called "Conquering the Flesh." 2 Timothy 3:16-17 was the focal passage. The idea was to share what a great resource God has given His followers in the Bible!

Developing a Multi-Generational Vision

Recently, I have been thinking about how to bring different generations together for the purpose of sharing insight and life together. This afternoon, this article spoke to me in such a way I wanted to share part of it with you. If you are a member of my church, begin thinking about having a Mulch-Generational Home Group this year!

We Must Think Long-Term

Having a multi-generational outlook means thinking long-term. Thinking long-term is difficult in a society that worships speed and efficiency. Many parents cannot wait until retirement to hop in the Winnebago and drive down to sunny Florida. Many of our nation's senior citizens have already done this, proudly displaying the bumpersticker, "I'm retired and spending my children's inheritance." In Deuteronomy 6:2, we read that God specifically tells parents that their responsibility extends to the third generation. God wants parents to see their responsibility as a long-term commitment that does not end when the children leave home or retirement.

Having a long-term perspective is crucial to raising children for at least two reasons. First, without it, many parents surely give up. Second, to produce faithful generations requires us to be oriented to the future, eagerly anticipating how our lives can contribute to God's work in the future. It will be difficult to expect our children to have a hopeful vision for the future if we are reluctant, passive and without hope ourselves. Short-term thinking is a perfect setup for failure. God continually reminds us to have our eyes on the future.

To help keep our thinking future-oriented, the Bible uses the following words: "remember," "testimony," "covenant," "generations," "inheritance," and "heritage". A long-term focus is crucial to persevere through the trials that we all encounter (Philippians 3:13-14; Romans 5:1-5). By thinking long-term, we can have hope. Our children can succeed where we have failed! But for this to happen, we must not let a bad day, a bad week, or even a bad year distract us and lead us into a detour of despondency.

One of the hallmarks of a great leader is his ability to offer hope to those who have no hope. Hope is an increasingly scarce commodity. But our God is a God of hope! As God's children and as leaders, we must share this sense of hope with generations.

� Copyright 2002 Institute for Uniting Church and Home, all rights reserved. The Institute for Uniting Church and Home is a trans-denominational ministry.

My Baptist Lent

This year I participated in lent for the first time, albeit a Baptist version (meaning no Ash Wednesday or palm leaves from the year before… or the other stuff I am not sure about). The challenge to myself was delivered to my church, “Give up or fast from something (that is a distraction to my relationship with Jesus) and replace it with a spiritual discipline.” Although I do not desire to delve into the specifics of what that looked like for me, I would like to pose a question: why would I take up something I laid down as a distraction?

If I resume my activities (yes there were more multiple things I laid down) that were a distraction, are they not just going to regain their former position in my life? Am I being too serious about my commitment? Is it really that big of a deal? For me personally, I am not really sure where the balance lies, but there is a conflict in picking up what I clearly saw as something that got in the way of my walk with God.

The principle of replacement was the key to actually growing spiritually during this time. In former fasts, I found myself thinking about how hungry I was, and “showing God I was serious about my specific prayer” – something that is valuable and important. This was different though, this was personal, it was about drawing closer to He who loves me, made me, died for me, and prays for me – the same God who rose from the grave and is my ferocious Fighter, victorious Savior, and adamant Advocate. It was about refocusing my heart and life towards God and the things of God. It brought about a renewed understanding of living on mission, having a meaningful time with God everyday (not struggling to stay out of a rut or get a quiet time done), and making the most of every opportunity.

God blessed me with the opportunity to lead two people into a relationship with Him and share His love with multiple others. I saw my patience lengthened… at least a time or two! Joy replaced tired living, He led me to thrive instead of just survive (this is a reference to my life-stage of having a 5 year old, 3 year old, and almost 4 month old). I believe that God has anointed me in specific ways, and I feel that was renewed during this time. Major problems in key relationships in my life were resolved. God was great to me during this time.

Also, there were hard times that challenged me greatly. There were times of frustration and confusion in regards to decision-making and struggles. My weaknesses and ability to sin is still present. Distractions abound. And it is very true that “He’s still working on me, to make me what I ought to be…”

All that being said, I have an intense desire to grow more intimately with God and to let His light and love shine through me. There are areas in my life I would like to develop spiritually, so again I am left with the thought, of why would I pickup that which I laid down that I saw as a distraction to my walk with God? For me personally, I do not think I will. Presumably I will get to the point where the said distractions are just hobbies or time fillers, and then I will most likely use them as entertainment. My prayer though is for God to grant me the wisdom to know the difference and the strength to lay whatever down for Him.

What Is The Gospel?

This is a very well done Gospel presentation by SBTS.

What is the Gospel? from Southern Seminary on Vimeo.

Hell Is the Wrath of God in Effect by Mark Driscoll

Do We Really Believe What We're Saying? by David Platt

Do We Really Believe What We're Saying? from The Church at Brook Hills on Vimeo.

Rob Bell's "Love Wins" = a Loss for Truth

This is a link to an in-depth review of Rob Bell's new book, Love Wins. If you are unaware of the book or the author, you need to know who he is and what he is teaching. His popularity sets mainly with the younger crowds who tend to label themselves in the emergent church. In my opinion, this book is heretical in all it's forms and resembles anything but the truth of Christ, the truth of the Cross, and the way to salvation. Here is what an excerpt from Kevin DeYoung's review that I perceive to be the key thought: "If Rob Bell is right, then historic orthodoxy is toxic and terrible. But if the traditional view of heaven and hell are right, Rob Bell is blaspheming."

Click this link for the full review of God Is Still Holy and What You Learned in Sunday School Is Still True: A Review of “Love Wins” by Kevin DeYoung.

I believe his teachings are heretical blasphemy, and I do not enjoy even writing those words. If you are unconvinced about your stance, read the Bible in proper context for yourself and let it speak to your heart. This book just makes me sad.

Al Mohler's Take.

Accountability Groups by Ed Stetzer

This is one of the greatest resources I have come across in regards to accountability groups. The one thing that must be understood is that accountability only works if you are honest! These is research from Ed Stetzer on the right questions to ask and can be found on his blog:

Typically, these questions are asked in groups of 2-3, are specific to men or women, meets regularly, and hold each other accountable.

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John Wesley's Small Group Questions:

1. Am I consciously or unconsciously creating the impression that I am better than I am? In other words, am I a hypocrite?
2. Am I honest in all my acts and words, or do I exaggerate?
3. Do I confidentially pass onto another what was told me in confidence?
4. Am I a slave to dress, friends, work , or habits?
5. Am I self-conscious, self-pitying, or self-justifying?
6. Did the Bible live in me today?
7. Do I give it time to speak to me everyday?
8. Am I enjoying prayer?
9. When did I last speak to someone about my faith?
10. Do I pray about the money I spend?
11. Do I get to bed on time and get up on time?
12. Do I disobey God in anything?
13. Do I insist upon doing something about which my conscience is uneasy?
14. Am I defeated in any part of my life?
15. Am I jealous, impure, critical, irritable, touchy or distrustful?
16. How do I spend my spare time?
17. Am I proud?
18. Do I thank God that I am not as other people, especially as the Pharisee who despised the publican?
19. Is there anyone whom I fear, dislike, disown, criticize, hold resentment toward or disregard? If so, what am I going to do about it?
20. Do I grumble and complain constantly?
21. Is Christ real to me?

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Wesley's Band Meeting Questions:

1. What known sins have you committed since our last meeting?
2. What temptations have you met with?
3. How were you delivered?
4. What have you thought, said, or done, of which you doubt whether it be sin or not?
5. Have you nothing you desire to keep secret?

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Chuck Swindoll's Pastoral Accountability Questions:

1. Have you been with a woman anywhere this past week that might be seen as compromising?
2. Have any of your financial dealings lacked integrity?
3. Have you exposed yourself to any sexually explicit material?
4. Have you spent adequate time in Bible study and prayer?
5. Have you given priority time to your family?
6. Have you fulfilled the mandates of your calling?
7. Have you just lied to me?

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Neil Cole's Questions:

1. What is the condition of your soul?
2. What sin do you need to confess?
3. What have you held back from God that you need to surrender?
4. Is there anything that has dampened your zeal for Christ?
5. Who have you talked with about Christ this week?

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The questions I use are from these cards from Church Multiplication Associates. I keep one in my Bible.

The ten questions are as follows:
1. Have you been a testimony this week to the greatness of Jesus Christ with both your words and actions?
2. Have you been exposed to sexually alluring material or allowed your mind to entertain inappropriate thoughts about someone who is not your spouse this week?
3. Have you lacked any integrity in your financial dealings this week, or coveted something that does not belong to you?
4. Have you been honoring, understanding and generous in your important relationships this past week?
5. Have you damaged another person by your words, either behind their back or face-to-face?
6. Have you given in to an addictive behavior this week? Explain.
7. Have you continued to remain angry toward another?
8. Have you secretly wished for another's misfortune so that you might excel?
9. Did you finish your reading this week and hear from the Lord? What are you going to do about it?
10. Have you been completely honest with me?

The Group at Westboro by Thomas White

I came across this a few days ago and thought it was worth sharing. It irks me that "The Group at Westboro" identifies themselves as (1). Christians; (2); a Church; and (3) Baptist. Although it is not up to me to judge the validity of their faith in Jesus Christ as Lord, I can without question say that what they proclaim is not of God, the Bible, the Gospel, or the words, message, example, or truth of my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Here is what Thomas White had to say about the group on his blog:

The Group at Westboro

If I told you that I was a bird, you might have your doubts. After all, I don’t look anything like a bird. I can’t fly. I don’t have wings. In fact, I have very little resemblance to a bird unless you want to count my bird legs as evidence.

Well, as a third generation Southern Baptist preacher and a professor at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary where I teach about the church, I think know what makes a Baptist church. According to the Bible, a church is a gathering, but a gathering with a purpose…an ecclesia. This Greek word is a compound word from ek and kaleo meaning the “called” “out” ones. The church is made up of those called out for God’s purposes. There are other assemblies in the New Testament. People called out and gathered for political reasons which may form assemblies but not churches. You see, a church has a special mission, which is the mission of Christ. Christ came to offer love and hope, and saving grace to those who were hopeless, unloved, and sinners.

So it really upsets me when a group calls themselves a Baptist church and then conducts themselves disgracefully. As a member of a Baptist church, I want to go on record as saying that the group calling themselves “Westboro” is neither Baptist nor a church. They do not follow the New Testament or the commands of Christ. They act nothing like a church should and do not demonstrate the characteristics of a true church. They should do everyone a favor and change their name to reflect reality. They appear to me as nothing more than a hate group with a extreme agenda. God will set things right on judgment day, and I would not want to be in their shoes.

So why do they call themselves a Baptist church? Well, of course I cannot know for sure, but I suspect that it is because the Devil would love for the public to think all Baptist churches act like Westboro. In reality, nothing could be farther from truth. So when you hear about the group at Westboro that spews hatred across the land, recognize them for what they are–not what they call themselves. And please don’t mistake them for a Baptist church no matter what the sign may say.

Francis Chan's Tremendous Example

“Christian famous” pastor quits his church, moves to Asia
By, Eric Marrapodi, CNN

He pastored a 4,000-member church in California. He was a sought-after speaker at major conferences, wrote two best-sellers and launched a DVD teaching series.

Then he abruptly resigned and left the country.

But in Francis Chan’s unexpected journey there apparently is no hidden scandal, no money trail, and no ‘other’ woman.

“I just want to disappear for a while,” he said in late September as he prepared to leave Cornerstone Community Church in Simi Valley, California for an undisclosed location in Asia.

Before selling his house and packing up his wife and three children, Chan was becoming “Christian famous” in Evangelical circles.

“Even in my own church I heard the words, ‘Francis Chan’ more than I heard the words, ‘Holy Spirit’,” he said.

That was a big part of the reason he walked away at the peak of his professional career.

“I think there has been too much emphasis on me. I want to be used by God, but I think we have this desire to make heroes out of people rather than following God and the Holy Spirit.” For the rest of the article, click here.

Later on in the article it says, "His fame was straining his work as a pastor." Note that his church was continuing to grow, he did not have a problem delegating, or caught in some scandal. He simply viewed his image as detracting from God, so he walked away for a season. It is my hope and desire to make Jesus famous, and now there is an example to make sure He is always more important than me!