Leadership

As Burlington Community Church approaches the New Year, my mind is being drawn to ideas of leadership.  We are at a stage where we could use some help but only if it is necessary and helpful.  It is important the time is taken first to spell out what leadership is, what is helpful to a church and pastor, and how leadership in a church setting has a few similarities and many differences from that of a business world.  To be frank, as a pastor I have run ahead in this area a few times and regretted it.  I need to be personally aware of what God is doing and resist the effort to move forward when God has not spoken.   

The men in our church will go through a series of Bible Studies with me on Saturday mornings in January to look at these things and determine what needs to take place before leadership happens.  It is in confirming God's selection on the church setting rather than ability or the consistent, annoying verbal resume a pastor may receive...  

How is a church leader identified and what are the qualifications?  I had the chance to sit down with one man in our church who has desire and potential.  We looked at a passage of Scripture together and he has been working to make changes and wonderful changes are taking place.  This is encouraging!  A leader should be able to identify changes God's Word has had on their lives.  

It is also good to point out present, helpful behaviors.  A leader for the church MUST mirror the pastor's heart in ministry and commitment.  A leader would be sure that church attendance is extremely important, giving of tithes are happening, and efforts to resolve problems and issues rather than cause division.  A leader would be very self aware of potential divisive measure of himself and that of others in the church.    

This is just a few of the ideas forming for this study in January with the men and praying it will be helpful and a guiding light to future leadership at BCC.    

Hesitant Warrior

 THE HESITANT WARRIOR

The angel of the LORD came and sat down under the oak in Ophrah that belonged to Joash the Abiezrite, where his son Gideon was threshing wheat in a winepress to keep it from the Midianites. When the angel of the LORD appeared to Gideon, he said, ‘The LORD is with you, mighty warrior.’  Judges 6:11-12

• EVERY WARRIOR FEARS FAILURE.

‘But Lord,’ Gideon asked, ‘how can I save Israel? My clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my family.’  Judges 6:15

  

DEFEATING THE FEAR OF FAILURE

1) THE WARRIOR WILL FAIL ON THE ROAD TO SUCCESS.

…though a righteous man falls seven times, he rises again. Proverbs 24:16

Shake it off and step up!

though he stumble, he will not fall, for the LORD upholds him with his hand. Psalm 37:24

2) THE WARRIOR MUST SURRENDER CONTROL TO GOD.

‘But sir,’ Gideon replied, ‘if the LORD is with us, why has all this happened to us?’ Judges 6:13a

• The warrior can’t control the outcome, only the input.

• The victorious warrior wins the war one battle at a time!

3) THE WARRIOR IS EMPOWERED BY GOD FOR VICTORY.

The LORD turned to him and said, ‘Go in the strength you have and save Israel out of Midian's hand. Am I not sending you?’ Judges 6:14

• Most men’s greatest fear is failure.

• Most men’s greatest pain is regret.

What are you going to regret for the rest of your life if you don’t at least try? 

WHY WOULD GOD USE ME?

WHY WOULD GOD USE ME?

The Lord turned to him and said, "Go in the strength you have and save Israel out of Midian's hand. Am I not sending you?" 15 "But Lord," Gideon asked, "how can I save Israel? My clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my family." Judges 6:14-15

WHO DOES GOD MOST OFTEN USE?

1)      GOD USES THE INSECURE.

Moses said to the LORD, "O Lord, I have never been eloquent, neither in the past nor since you have spoken to your servant. I am slow of speech and tongue." Exodus 4:10

The LORD said to [Moses], "Who gave man his mouth?... Is it not I, the LORD? 12 Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say." Exodus 4:11-12

2)      GOD USES THE UNLIKELY.

…Samuel saw Eliab and thought, "Surely the LORD's anointed stands here before the LORD." 7 But the LORD said to Samuel, "Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart." 1 Samuel 16:6-7

3)      GOD USES THE BROKEN.

Peter replied, "Man, I don't know what you're talking about!" Just as he was speaking, the rooster crowed. 61 The Lord turned and looked straight at Peter. Then Peter remembered the word the Lord had spoken to him: "Before the rooster crows today, you will disown me three times."  62 And he went outside and wept bitterly. Luke 22:60-62

WHAT DOES GOD WANT TO DO THROUGH YOU?

YOU HAVE TO STEP OUT TO FIND OUT.

Lord, if it's you," Peter replied, "tell me to come to you on the water."

²⁹ "Come," he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. Matthew 14:28-29

WHY? Week One "WHY DON’T I ALWAYS FEEL GOD?"

WHY DON’T I ALWAYS FEEL GOD?

• IF YOU DON’T ALWAYS FEEL GOD’S PRESENCE, YOU ARE NOT ALONE.

Feelings are fleeting. Just as emotional love isn't enough to sustain a relationship but the deep, abiding love that comes with maturity will, your faith cannot be dictated by emotions. 

But I cry to you for help, O Lord; in the morning my prayer comes before you. 14 Why, O Lord, do you reject me and hide your face from me? Psalm 88:13-14

WHY DON’T I ALWAYS FEEL GOD?

• MAYBE YOU ARE SENSATIONALIZING IT.

In a culture of instant gratification & an emphasis on "doing what makes us happy",  it's easy to put the responsibility for our contentment back on God.

So they asked him, "What miraculous sign then will you give that we may see it and believe you? What will you do?” John 6:30

• MAYBE YOU’RE SIMPLY DISTRACTED.

In a hyper connected society, it's easy to live a life of constant distraction. Despite all our modern "conveniences", we're busier than ever.

As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. 39 She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet listening to what he said. 40 But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. Luke 10:38-40

• MAYBE YOUR HEART HAS HARDENED.

Life is hard. Bad things happen to good people. The innocent suffer & the wicked succeed. It's easy to allow our hearts to become calloused.

You will be ever hearing but never understanding; you will be ever seeing but never perceiving. 15 For this people's heart has become calloused; they hardly hear with their ears, and they have closed their eyes. Matthew 13:14-15

• MAYBE YOU’VE BUILT A WALL OF SIN.

Too often we like our lives & lifestyles too much to make changes. Not many like to step outside our comfort zones. 

Listen! The LORD is not too weak to save you, and he is not becoming deaf. He can hear you when you call. 2 But there is a problem — your sins have cut you off from God. Isaiah 59:1-2 NLT96

• MAYBE YOU DON’T KNOW GOD.

 Even the devil believes in God. Being aware of God's existence is very different from knowing Him as your personal Savior.

You do not know him, 29 but I know him because I am from him and he sent me. John 7:28-29

PRESENCE PROMISES

1)      YOU WILL FIND GOD WHEN YOU SEEK GOD.

“You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. 14 I will be found by you,” declares the LORD… Jeremiah 29:13-14

2)      YOU CAN DO LIFE WITH GOD’S PRESENCE.

And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor, who will never leave you. 17 He is the Holy Spirit, who leads into all truth. The world at large cannot receive him, because it isn't looking for him and doesn't recognize him. But you do, because he lives with you now and later will be in you. John 14:16-17 NLT96

3)      YOU CAN EXPERIENCE GOD NOW.

God did this so that men would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from each one of us. Acts 17:27

TALK IT OVER

•    What is keeping you from always feeling God’s presence in your life?                          

•    Share a time when you felt God’s presence in your life. How did that experience affect you?

•     What steps will you take to seek God and experience Him now? 


Why Doesn't God Answer My Prayers?

Burlington Community Church

October 14, 2012

WHY—2

By Roy Dowdy

WHY DIDN’T GOD ANSWER MY PRAYER?

13 And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father. 14 You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it. John 14:13-14

WHY DIDN’T GOD ANSWER MY PRAYER?

·  MAYBE YOU HAVE A BROKEN RELATIONSHIP.

Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. 25 And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins. Mark 11:24-25

Husbands, in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect as the weaker partner and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life, so that nothing will hinder your prayers. 1 Peter 3:7

·  MAYBE YOU HAVE THE WRONG MOTIVES.

When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your own pleasures.James 4:3

All a man's ways seem innocent to him, but motives are weighed by the LORD. Prov 16:2

  

·  MAYBE YOU DON’T BELIEVE GOD WILL DO IT.

“But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us." "If you can'?" said Jesus. "Everything is possible for him who believes.”

Mark 9:22-23

But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. 7 That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord…

James 1:6-7

·  MAYBE GOD HAS SOMETHING DIFFERENT.

This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. 15 And if we know that he hears us-whatever we ask-we know that we have what we asked of him. 1 John 5:14-15

We know that God does not listen to sinners. He listens to the godly man who does his will. John 9:31

Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done. Luke 22:42-43

WHAT DO I BELIEVE ABOUT PRAYER?

Prayer is not as much about my wants—as God’s will.

If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it, and he will rescue us… But even if he does not…we will not serve your gods… Dan 3:17-18

·  I BELIEVE GOD CAN.

·  I BELIEVE GOD WILL.

·  EVEN IF HE DOESN’T, I STILL BELIEVE.

I Have a Reason...to be DETERMINED

Continuing in our series "I Have a Reason", we delved into a familiar passage to many of us, Romans 8:28-39.

Looking back on our lives, most of us can think of a situation which at the time seemed devastating, but in hindsight, we see it as mercy. A job you didn't get, a lover who broke your heart, a dream that never came true. In the depths of the disappointment, it's difficult to see how any good could possibly come from these situations & the feeling of loss can be overwhelming.

Thankfully, feelings are temporary, God's promises are not. If we allow ourselves, we can let current circumstances dictate our future success & happiness. As my friend Karen has said so many times, "Happiness is a choice, contentment is a command." Your present failures do not determine your future victories. Remembering & truly understanding that God sees the bigger picture is crucial. Picking yourself up, dusting yourself off, & moving forward with faith-motivated determination is the key to that contentment.
In Romans 8, Paul addresses the duality in our nature as Christians - our struggle to live as Christ intends & the battle against our sin nature.

Romans 8:28-39

²⁸ And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. 

²⁹ For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. 

³⁰ And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.

³¹ What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?

³² He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? 

³³ Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. 

³⁴ Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. 

³⁵ Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? 

³⁶ As it is written:

“For your sake we face death all day long;
    we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.”

37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.
38 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future,nor any powers,
39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

We have a reason to be determined because:

• All things work together for good - Romans 8:28 
• Because of God's seal & purpose in our life -  Romans 8:29, 30 
• Nothing can stand against us -  Romans 8:31
• God sacrificed His son for our justification  Romans 8:32-33
• Christ is interceding for us -  Romans 8: 34
• Hardship, trial & conflict cannot separate us from the love of Christ - Romans 8:35, 36
• We are more than conquerors - Romans 8:37
• Neither death, nor supernatural powers, nor eternity, nor space or anything else in creation can separate us from the love of God -  Romans 8:38-39

The events of your life, every one of them, are part of God's divine plan. The timeline is important - God is looking at our eternal good, not just what is good for us here & now. He is making us like Christ, conforming us to Him. In Genesis 1:26 God created us in His image. But, through our sin, that image became disfigured and scarred. His plan is to once again in eternity see us restored. Press forward, rise above your circumstances & keep your eyes on the promise of verse 39 - "we are more than conquerors through him who loved us." The battle isn't ours to fight. It's already been won. God sees into eternity. He knows how the story began & how it ends. He gives us the opportunity to live out the pages in between. 

I Have a Reason to Praise

Our series through the month of September is "I Have A Reason..." and every week we follow up that lead with a different topic. This week we looked at praise.

Why do we praise?

How do we praise?

How we can praise.

The effect of our praise.

Fully understanding what the Bible teaches us about praise can seem complicated & something of a mystery. Not in a "Is Noah's Ark really on Mt Ararat?" or "What happened to the Ark of the Covenant?" way, but in the sense that Biblical examples of praise range from David dancing in the street (2 Samuel 16:14) to Moses & the people singing (Exodus 15:1-2) and even to praise during prayer (Psalm 63:4) .

While praise is intensely personal it is often demonstrated publicly. In our modern context, praise is often tied to worship. What that looks like in your church may differ from what it looks like at BCC - that's a topic for another day. Today, I want to look at why praise goes far beyond the worship set on Sunday morning.

Why do we praise?
"You are my God & I will praise you; you are my God I will exalt you. Oh give thanks to the Lord for He is good, His mercy endures forever." Psalm 18:28-29 Could we have a clearer directive on why we should praise? God is our creator, He is good, & his mercy endures forever. Forever.
We praise because God inhabits the praise of his people - Psalm 22: 3
We praise because it brings us into His presence - Psalm 100:4
It is our expression when we gather together - Hebrews 2:12
It is a lifestyle not an event - Psalm 34:1

How to Praise
It's easy to fall into a trap of careless - meaning without intent - praise. We do it when we toss out a prayer when we say "grace" before a meal. "Thank you God for this food, bless it to our bodies, Amen." & we dig in. We do it because we're supposed to, not because we want to. There's a big difference.
Praise is to be honest & genuine - Matt 15:8
Worship in spirit & in truth - John 4:23
It is to be done sacrificially -Hebrews 13:15
Praise God specifically - Psalm 150:2
Praise God consistently - Psalm 146:2

Ways to Praise
As I mentioned, in church today, praise is often tied to worship. Some prefer hymns over choruses, secular music included in the worship set, or even a dance team. Again, a topic for another day, although I do recommend  Jon Acuff's look at hand-raising in worship over at Stuff Christians Like.
Obviously, God is more concerned about the condition of your heart than the position of your hands.
Declare your thanks - Hebrews 13:15
Clap your hands & shout - Psalm 47:1
Through musical instruments & dance - Psalm 150:4
Singing praise songs - Psalm 9: 11
Psalms, hymns & spiritual songs - Ephesians 5:19-20
Make a joyful noise - Psalm 98:4
By lifting our hands - Psalm 134:2
By being still - Psalm 4:3-5; Psalm 46:10
By being loud Psalm 33:3; Psalm 95:1-6

The Effects of Praise
Praise has a powerful effect on not only the believer, but on the Devil, and on God himself.
Nehemiah 8:10 "The joy of the Lord is my strength."
1 John 5:4 "For everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith."
Acts 13:2 "As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted..."
It's important to remember these principles:
Satan has no power or presence. 
You focus on someone bigger than yourself.
Your problems become smaller.
Blaming God for problems diminishes.
You become bold in your witness.

Above all else, remember this:
Philippians 2:9-11 Therefore God has highly exalted him [Jesus] and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

A Jouney

I had the opportunity to talk to someone who feels "stuck" in life.  Lack of motivation and depression has caused the person to draw away from making decisions or being productive.  It is the kind of dilemma you will never know until you walk through it.  The frustrations of this "stuckness" leads to so many emotions and multiple ways to destroy relationships that we would need a graphs and charts to follow what is happening.  Unfortunately, the person going through this could care less.  Depression has become so big that nothing but self and circumstances matter.  When some try to reach out to this person or offer help suggestions, it is met with hostility in many cases or a passive response to imply that all is well and they will make it.

How does a person get to this place and what brings them out?  If there is such an intense lack of motivation, will anything help?  

It is difficult to understand completely because as I talk to this person, I see potential!  I see a young life that has so many good things ahead and even bigger dilemmas than the current one.  (I will probably not talk about harder things ahead!)  As I talk to this person, I am triggered because I can be and have been in this spot in my life.  I am caught sometimes in thinking this is the worst thing happening and I do not know a solution nor do I care.  

The help comes from the Lord and the realization that it is a journey not fate or the end.  As I am able to recognize potential in this person, I know I am not the only one!  I know that God sees it!  God has formed this person in His image, given gifts and abilities, knows the beginning and the end, guiding, directing, and with this person through every trial and every joy.  Hope, strength and joy is from the Lord!  

Is it comforting to know about this help? 

The Difference Between Grace and Mercy

Question: "What is the difference between mercy and grace?"

Answer: Mercy and grace are often confused. While the terms have similar meanings, grace and mercy are not the same. To summarize the difference: mercy is God not punishing us as our sins deserve, and grace is God blessing us despite the fact that we do not deserve it. Mercy is deliverance from judgment. Grace is extending kindness to the unworthy.

According to the Bible, we have all sinned (Ecclesiastes 7:20; Romans 3:23; 1 John 1:8). As a result of that sin, we all deserve death (Romans 6:23) and eternal judgment in the lake of fire (Revelation 20:12-15). With that in mind, every day we live is an act of God's mercy. If God gave us all what we deserve, we would all be, right now, condemned for eternity. In Psalm 51:1-2, David cries out, "Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions. Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin." A plea to God for mercy is asking Him to withhold the judgment we deserve and instead grant to us the forgiveness we in no way have earned.

We deserve nothing from God. God does not owe us anything. Anything good that we experience is a result of the grace of God (Ephesians 2:5). Grace is simply defined as unmerited favor. God favors, or gives us good things that we do not deserve and could never earn. Rescued from judgment by God's mercy, grace is anything and everything we receive beyond that mercy (Romans 3:24). Common grace refers to the sovereign grace which God bestows on all of mankind regardless of their spiritual standing before Him, while saving grace is that special dispensation of grace whereby God sovereignly bestows unmerited divine assistance upon His elect for their regeneration and sanctification.

Mercy and grace are best illustrated in the salvation that is available through Jesus Christ. We deserve judgment, but if we receive Jesus Christ as Savior, we receive mercy from God and we are delivered from judgment. Instead of judgment, we receive by grace salvation, forgiveness of sins, abundant life (John 10:10), and an eternity in Heaven, the most wonderful place imaginable (Revelation 21-22). Because of the mercy and grace of God, our response should be to fall on our knees in worship and thanksgiving. Hebrews 4:16 declares, "Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need."

Truth about Hell

Question: "Is hell real? Is hell eternal?"

Answer: It is interesting that a much higher percentage of people believe in the existence of heaven than believe in the existence of hell. According to the Bible, though, hell is just as real as heaven. The Bible clearly and explicitly teaches that hell is a real place to which the wicked/unbelieving are sent after death. We have all sinned against God (Romans 3:23). The just punishment for that sin is death (Romans 6:23). Since all of our sin is ultimately against God (Psalm 51:4), and since God is an infinite and eternal Being, the punishment for sin, death, must also be infinite and eternal. Hell is this infinite and eternal death which we have earned because of our sin.

The punishment of the wicked dead in hell is described throughout Scripture as “eternal fire” (Matthew 25:41), “unquenchable fire” (Matthew 3:12), “shame and everlasting contempt” (Daniel 12:2), a place where “the fire is not quenched” (Mark 9:44-49), a place of “torment” and “fire” (Luke 16:23-24), “everlasting destruction” (2 Thessalonians 1:9), a place where “the smoke of torment rises forever and ever” (Revelation 14:10-11), and a “lake of burning sulfur” where the wicked are “tormented day and night forever and ever” (Revelation 20:10).

The punishment of the wicked in hell is as never ending as the bliss of the righteous in heaven. Jesus Himself indicates that punishment in hell is just as everlasting as life in heaven (Matthew 25:46). The wicked are forever subject to the fury and the wrath of God. Those in hell will acknowledge the perfect justice of God (Psalm 76:10). Those who are in hell will know that their punishment is just and that they alone are to blame (Deuteronomy 32:3-5). Yes, hell is real. Yes, hell is a place of torment and punishment that lasts forever and ever, with no end. Praise God that, through Jesus, we can escape this eternal fate (John 3:16, 18, 36).

Question: "Are there different levels of punishment in hell?"

Answer: The idea that there are different levels of punishment in hell derives primarily from the Divine Comedy written by Dante Alighieri between 1308 and 1321. In it, the Roman poet Virgil guides Dante through the nine circles of hell. The circles are concentric, representing a gradual increase in wickedness, and culminating at the center of the earth, where Satan is held in bondage. Each circle's sinners are punished in a fashion befitting their crimes. Each sinner is afflicted for all of eternity by the chief sin he committed. According to Dante, the circles range from the first circle, where dwell the unbaptized and virtuous pagans, to the very center of hell reserved for those who have committed the ultimate sin—treachery against God.

Although it does not specifically say so, the Bible might seem to indicate that there are different levels of punishment in hell. In Revelation 20:11-15, the people are judged “according to what they had done as recorded in the books” (Revelation 20:12). All the people at this judgment, though, are thrown into the lake of fire (Revelation 20:13-15). So, perhaps, the purpose of the judgment is to determine how severe the punishment in hell will be. Whatever the case, being thrown into a slightly less hot portion of the lake of fire is no consolation to those who are still doomed for eternity. Whatever degrees of punishment hell contains, it is clear that hell is a place to be avoided.

Unfortunately, the Bible states that most people will wind up in hell. “…For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it” (Matthew 7:13-14). The question one must ask is “which road am I on?” The “many” on the broad road have one thing in common—they have all rejected Christ as the one and only way to heaven. Jesus said, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6). When He said He is the only way, that is precisely what He meant. Everyone following another “way” beside Jesus Christ is on the broad road to destruction, and whether or not there are different levels of punishment in hell, the suffering is hideous, dreadful, eternal, and avoidable.

Question: "How can I not go to hell?"

Answer: Not going to hell is easier than you think. Some people believe they have to obey the Ten Commandments for their entire lives to not go to hell. Some people believe they must observe certain rites and rituals in order to not go to hell. Some people believe there is no way we can know for sure whether or not we will go to hell. None of these views are correct. The Bible is very clear on how a person can avoid going to hell after death.

The Bible describes hell as a terrifying and horrible place. Hell is described as “eternal fire” (Matthew 25:41), “unquenchable fire” (Matthew 3:12), “shame and everlasting contempt” (Daniel 12:2), a place where “the fire is not quenched” (Mark 9:44-49), and “everlasting destruction” (2 Thessalonians 1:9). Revelation 20:10 describes hell as a “lake of burning sulfur” where the wicked are “tormented day and night forever and ever.” Obviously, hell is a place we should avoid.

Why does hell even exist, and why does God send some people there? The Bible tells us that God “prepared” hell for the devil and the fallen angels after they rebelled against Him (Matthew 25:41). Those who refuse God’s offer of forgiveness will suffer the same eternal destiny of the devil and the fallen angels. Why is hell necessary? All sin is ultimately against God (Psalm 51:4), and since God is an infinite and eternal being, only an infinite and eternal penalty is sufficient. Hell is the place where God’s holy and righteous demands of justice are carried out. Hell is where God condemns sin and all those who reject Him. The Bible makes it clear that we have all sinned (Ecclesiastes 7:20; Romans 3:10-23), so, as a result, we all deserve to go to hell.

So, how can we not go to hell? Since only an infinite and eternal penalty is sufficient, an infinite and eternal price must be paid. God became a human being in the Person of Jesus Christ (John 1:1,14). In Jesus Christ, God lived among us, taught us, and healed us—but those things were not His ultimate mission. God became a human being so that He could die for us. Jesus, God in human form, died on the cross. As God, His death was infinite and eternal in value, paying the full price for sin (1 John 2:2). God invites us to receive Jesus Christ as Savior, accepting His death as the full and just payment for our sins. God promises that anyone who believes in Jesus (John 3:16), trusting Him alone as the Savior (John 14:6), will be saved, i.e., not go to hell.

God does not want anyone to go to hell (2 Peter 3:9). That is why God made the ultimate, perfect, and sufficient sacrifice on our behalf. If you want to not go to hell, receive Jesus as your Savior. It is as simple as that. Tell God that you recognize that you are a sinner and that you deserve to go to hell. Declare to God that you are trusting in Jesus Christ as your Savior. Thank God for providing for your salvation and deliverance from hell. Simple faith, and trusting in Jesus Christ as the Savior, is how you can avoid going to hell!

Papa of Proverbs

Sunday was a great experience for Burlington Community Church.  It was Father's Day so I had the privilege of preaching a message to and for fathers.  The service concluded with a baby dedication and BBQ at my house.  It was truly a wonderful day.

The Proverbs Papa was all about some needed advice from a father to his son.  The beginning of the book talks about wisdom and the importance of it then turns lovingly to a son with "instruction of a father and not to forsake the mother's teaching." Here are some of the main themes of Proverbs from a father to his son/daughter.

• Honor the parenting team  (prov. 1:8)

The parenting team give children a sense of security, support and comfort.  If you want to give the best for your children, show them a strong love and support for your wife and what she means to the family.  We know the writers of Proverbs give great support to the woman in the home because the last chapter in the book honors her as no other chapter in the bible does.  If children know that dad honors and supports their mother, he is setting an example for the family and leading it well.  

• Know friendships of your children and warn of harm  (prov. 1:10-19)

These few verses in Proverbs are packed with information about friendships.  It is a huge warning about power and control, some who take advantage of others, business dealings that go wrong and the pain of these relationships in that they hurt themselves in the end.  It is important for us to know our kids and their friends because we know the strengths and weaknesses of our own children.  We can tell when they need help.  They can and will be strong in decisions about friendships if we take the time and have patience with them.  

• Warn of immorality and the path it takes  (prov. 5,6&7)

Too many times our kids do not hear sound advice about relationships.  It is an uncomfortable subject to sit down and discuss sex, immorality and a "path that leads to destruction." Proverbs gives so much great advice about staying away from adultery, noticing the simple lure that draws our hearts away, the temptation of an opportunity when no one else is around and the sin of our own hearts.  If a father can help his children through these tough temptations, a solid husband/wife will emerge.  We are raising a generation with value and faithfulness.  

• Follow wisdom and forsake foolishness  (prov. 3.4&5)

The underlying theme of the entire book is the search for wisdom.  Solomon points out that "the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom."  It continues to show how to gain and maintain that sense of wisdom by "trusting in the Lord with all our hearts" and searching for wisdom a "fine gold or treasure."  It is incredible how this needs to be instructed AND MODELED.  As men, we can make a difference for the next generation by seeking wisdom and following after God ourselves.  

The themes of Proverbs go on and there is more that can be said but these are a great start for the Proverbs Papa who wants to make a difference in their childrens' lives. 

Mother's Day

Mother's Day was a big success for our church!  The men pulled together and created a wonderful brunch for the women in our church.  They took care of the children too.  It was a great way to show our respect and appreciation for them and the hard work they do.  

For the brunch, my wife spoke to the ladies and did a fantastic job talking about the legacy woman can make for their children.  She talked about the simple daily things that may seem trivial but build in significance and your child grows and matures.  The importance in instilling values in them so they are making the right decisions.  As a parent, it can be hard because it takes responsibility, endurance and consistency.  We have a daughter turning 19 next week and we have to realize that she will make decisions on her own.  Our prayer is that she has found the strength to make the right ones everyday. 

I love my wife with all my heart and appreciated what she had to say yesterday.  The success of our children is proof of the legacy she is leaving and I am thankful she is the mother of our beautiful girls!

Happy Mother's Day and hope you are building a legacy.

When your kid gets too smart...

We started a new sermon series in our church called One Month to Live.  It is a book and series of topics that asks our church and readers to really look deep into their lives about purpose and meaning.  It is about living a life of no regrets and moving forward in relationships and in our walk with Christ.  What does Living Passionately look like for you?  That was the looming question this weekend.  You can find out more about the author at Kerry Shook .

For this series, I get to preach on the weekly topic, then we have lunch and discussion after.  This is a good format for us right now.  My prayer is that 2 groups form off of this 4 week study together and we take on various topics as we go.  For now, it becomes an "I talk, now you talk" type of format.  It is good because pastors do not usually have feedback (and sometimes don't want it) right after a message.  In this situation, it is intentional.  

As we were going around the table discussion led by our intern pastor, Derrick Wilhelmus (great guy and you should all get to know him), it came my turn to talk about what I really value in life.  I do not usually give this much thought but had a generic answer of family and God.  I thought I did pretty good but then SARAH says, "Dad, I think everyone would say that, so what else is really important."  My reply was, "Tracey, your daughter is bullying me!"  Yep, that is exactly what I said to everyone at the table, got some laughs and ready to move on.  But...SARAH the BULLY would not let it go.  She said, "no really, dad, what else?"  I had to stop and think for a little.  What was really important?  What values do I hold high enough that I make them my own, act consistently in them, and ready to argue or fight mercilessly over?  

Two such values came to mind...

1.  I value more than anything else, trust.  I know this and I have instilled it in my daughter Sarah.  Sarah can handle anything but if you say, "I don't trust you or trust what you did," it destroys her.  When she does something inconsistent with her character, she is messed up...just like her daddy.  I value trust because I value strong relationships that trust each other enough to talk openly about anything and everything in life.  If I have that, I am sailing!  When that trust is broken or the other person does not place the same value on trust, I can become very defeated.  

I can also place so much trust in someone that I miss stuff.  I want to believe everything said and done that I can be gullible at times.  This is not cool but admittedly true of me.  I think that is why God gave me the wife I have.  She is pretty good at helping me see more clearly at times.  I do not always give her credit for that but I know that is a strength about her that makes me wiser for having her in my life.  

2.  I value loyalty.  I know this because I have always tried to by a loyal person to those I worked for...to a fault I might add.  I was so loyal to one employer that I didn't know when to quit when that was what he really wanted me to do.  I worked super, extra hard to make him happy only to become more frustrated.  During that time, my wife would say, "Why are you even trying so hard?  He doesn't seem to care, so why should you?"  She didn't understand the high value I placed on loyalty...to a fault!  ;-)  So...Tracey was right, but so was I!  (or something like that...)   

       

Ultimate Fighter

Below is my talk from Sunday.  It addresses each topic we will cover in detail during our new series, Ultimate Fighter.  I hope you will join us!

The Ultimate Fighter

·         Jesus challenged false motives.

“You’re blessed when you get your inside world – your mind and heart – put right.  Then you can see God in the outside world.”  Matthew 5:8 – Message

“Appearances don’t impress me.  I x-ray every motive and make sure you get what’s coming to you.” Revelation 2:23 – Message

·         Jesus confronted religious systems.

Talking of the Pharisees Jesus said this, "Be especially careful when you are trying to be good so that you don't make a performance out of it. It might be good theater, but the God who made you won't be applauding.  When you do something for someone else, don't call attention to yourself. You've seen them in action, I'm sure - 'playactors' I call them - treating prayer meeting and street corner alike as a stage, acting compassionate as long as someone is watching, playing to the crowds. They get applause, true, but that's all they get. When you help someone out, don't think about how it looks.  Just do it - quietly and unobtrusively. That is the way your God, who conceived you in love, working behind the scenes, helps you out.”                                                                            Matthew 6:1-4 – Message

“There should be no such word as 'atheism'.  If ridiculous people would stop inventing gods, then rational people would not have to deny them.”         

                                                         Twitter – Ricky Gervais

One reply…”I have no problem with the concept of faith, it is religion I reject.”

Unfortunately, Ricky Gervais is right about so many invented gods but has not accepted in the One True God.  His thoughts do mirror many in our world who are sick of religion.  Jesus confronted these systems by simple faith in Him and a change for all to worship Him in "Spirit and in Truth". 

·         Jesus fought against violence & suffering.

"Here's another old saying that deserves a second look: 'Eye for eye, tooth for tooth.' Is that going to get us anywhere? Here's what I propose: 'Don't hit back at all.' If someone strikes you, stand there and take it. If someone drags you into court and sues for the shirt off your back, giftwrap your best coat and make a present of it. And if someone takes unfair advantage of you, use the occasion to practice the servant life. No more tit-for-tat stuff. Live generously. You're familiar with the old written law, 'Love your friend,' and its unwritten companion, 'Hate your enemy.' I'm challenging that. I'm telling you to love your enemies. Let them bring out the best in you, not the worst. When someone gives you a hard time, respond with the energies of prayer, for then you are working out of your true selves, your God-created selves. This is what God does. He gives his best - the sun to warm and the rain to nourish - to everyone, regardless: the good and bad, the nice and nasty.”

Matthew 5:38-45 – Message

·         Jesus wrestled traditions.

“While they were eating, Jesus took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying, "Take and eat; this is my body.  Then he took the cup, gave thanks and offered it to them, saying, Drink from it, all of you. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. I tell you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it anew with you in my Father's kingdom." 

Matthew 26:26-29

·         Jesus defeated death. 

“Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die.”  John 11:25-26