1 Corinthians 13 Remix...

Last night in small group, we read a section from an incredible book: Counsel From The Cross on God's amazing love and how it is exemplified in Jesus Himself. We often read 1 Corinthians 13 as a list of things that we must do and fail at. This approach and paraphrase of how Christ is perfect love was a blessing to us as we considered how love binds us together to one another.

As the author of language and as God’s Living Word, Jesus can speak in the tongues of men and angels, and yet he condescends to speak simple words that nourish, soothe, and delight our souls. He knows the past and the future, understands all mysteries and knowledge; has all faith and reigns as Ruler over all; and yet, his love caused him to humble himself and remove our mountain of sin. Because of his love, we who are nothing have become “beloved.” He gave away what was rightfully his, humbled himself, and delivered up his body to be burned in the scorching furnace of the wrath of his Father.
Jesus is patient and kind; he doesn’t envy or boast. When faced with Satan’s temptation to prove his Godhood in the wilderness and on the cross, he never showed off his power. He was utterly humble. He wasn’t arrogant or rude, railing on the disciples, deserting them because of their selfish ambition. He isn’t arrogant or rude with us either. When standing before his accusers he didn’t insist that they treat him with respect, nor did he proudly demand their accolades. He was silent, like a lamb before her shearers. The humble King of heaven wore a crown of thorns and a purple cloak. He is never irritable or resentful, picking away at ever little foible he sees. In love, his blood covers our multitudinous sins.
He doesn’t gleefully rejoice when you sin, glad to finally have an opportunity to give you your comeuppance. He rejoices when you believe the truth, not simply the truth about you—that you are sinful and flawed—but also the truth about him—that he loves and welcomes you. Out of love for you, he bears all things. He has unflinching faith and hope in your transformation because he knows the power of his love. He knows that one day he will bring you to be with himself. He has endured and continues to endure all things out of love for you. His love never ends. Never.
Ten zillion years from now, when he has had time to really see what sort of person you are, his love won’t have worn out. In fact, he knows you through and through right now and loves you all the same. Your shameful secrets cannot shock or repel him. His love never ends. One day we will see him face-to-face and then we will fully understand, for the first time, what real love looks like.

(Elyse Fitzpatrick and Dennis Johnson, Counsel From The Cross, (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Books, 2009) p.63)

May you rest today in the perfect love of Jesus Christ.

Lost Ones...

Today's sermon, God's Heart for the Lost, from Luke 15 is now online. After being gone to camp all week, it was wonderful to be back among the local church.

I was really struck by a couple of things in the passage:

1) The grumbling of the religious people prompted this chapter of Scripture. God's reaction to grumbling religious people is so patient and in giving these parables, He is helping us to find grace from Him.

2) The heart of God should influence the heart of His people. Ephesians 5:1 commands us to be imitators of God. Wouldn't this apply to His heart for the lost?

Knowing God's Heart (for the Lost)

I hope you aren't one of those people who think many in the church are "overly concerned" about reaching the lost. If so, maybe you need this, which coincidentally is what we will be looking at tomorrow.

2009 Student Life Camp

I thought I would combine all the posts on this one page so that others could easily view all the content.

Camp Pastor: Neil McClendon
Music Leader: Billy & Cindy Foote

Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Day 5

We were also Group of the Day one day.

Camp - Day 5 & Wrap Up

Today was the final day of camp. We got up early, loaded up the vans, (I drank lots of coffee), grabbed some breakfast, and went to morning celebration decked out in our silver, for the final day with our mission site coordinator. Good time there. Billy and Cindy took us out with Knees Are Bowing. We were dismissed and got on the road, arriving back in Hutch around 3PM. We had an uneventful ride home, for which we thank God.

So, what things emerged to me this week?
1) I was encouraged to be bold in preaching through Neil's solid leadership.
2) I was exhorted to God-centeredness in the song portion of our services through Billy Foote's amazing music.
3) I was challenged to serve by Student Life's staff, as they willingly decreased so that our group could increase. I'm praising God for them.
4) I was warmed through good Christian fellowship with old friends and new. My good friend Dale Baker was there and I was able to meet some new friends in youth ministry and on Student Life's staff. Furthermore, our group was excellent in discussing the gatherings and reviewing what stood out.
5) I was excited to see God's Word produce fruit again. While there were many tools God used, if God hadn't moved by His Spirit, it would have been and empty and futile gathering. God's Word was lifted up and produced fruit.

I am looking forward to another year of camp next year and am prayerfully considering what God would have us do.

Camp - Day 4

Morning Celebration today was on John 14:1-7 and how what we believe relates to how we live. There are many realities that emerge in this text that have ramifications for what we believe.

We finished up our week of missions with a Cookout for those we had the privilege of serving.

Then, tonight, Evening Worship included Billy & Cindy's excellent leadership. Neil preached a provocative message (in my opinion) from 1 Corinthians 10:1-11 and how we need to flip live and learn to LEARN AND LIVE. This passage calls us to learn 4 things from God:
1) Worship Him!
2) Listen to Him!
3) Trust Him!
4) Follow His Leaders!

We ended the day as a church group together. Good day and we head home tomorrow.

Group of the Day...

Yes, the reports are true...

Camp - Day 3

Another day wrapped up and in the books. Had a good day and finished a bulk of our physical labor, which was helpful.

In the AM Celebration, Billy and Cindy brought us usual God-centered songs and Neil opened God's Word to Psalm 12:6 and spoke on the importance of God's Word in our lives. God's Word reveals who we really are.

In the PM Worship Neil spoke on the 129 Words That Changed the World (Romans 3:21-25). He presented 4 things we must believe and respond to:
1) All have sinned.
2) Grace is real (It's Power, a Gift, and Transformational)
3) Redemption is only in Christ...
4) and it ... has to be received by faith.

One more full day and then we're done.

DeYoung's Version of Pilgrim's Progress.

Kevin DeYoung has reposted a "postmodern rewrite a la Pilgrim's Progress." It is excellent and worth a read.

It is entitled: Many Are Called But Few Are Chosen:
Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
Part 4

Spurgeon on belief...

Related to camp, where day one focused on repentance and day two on belief, I thought it would be helpful to let Spurgeon weigh in. I was reading his sermon An Appeal To Sinners, in preparation for Sunday's sermon from Luke 15 this morning and came across the following...

Is there is an infidel here who says he shall be well enough off if he shall die the death of annihilation and shall not live in a future world? Well, my Friend, suppose all men die like dogs, I shall be as well off as you are and I think a little better off, even as to happiness and peace in this world. But if—(and mark you I do not put it so because I doubt it)—if it is true that there is a world to come, I would not like to stand in your place in the next world! If it is so that there is a judgment seat and a Hell—(I put it hypothetically, not because I have a doubt about it, but because you tell me you doubt it though I do not think you really do)—if there is such a place, what will you do then?

Why, even now you shake if a leaf falls in the night. You are terrified if the cholera is in the street. You are alarmed if you are a little sick and you rush to the physician and anyone can impose upon you with his medicines, because you are afraid of death. What will you do in the swellings of Jordan, when death gets hold on you? If a little pain frightens you now, what will you do when your body shall shake and your knees shall knock together before your Maker? What will you do, my Hearer when His burning eyes shall eat into your very soul? What will you do, when amid ten thousand thunders, He shall say, “Depart, depart”?

I cannot tell you what you will do. But I will tell you one thing that you dare not do. That is, you dare not say that I have not as simply as ever I could tried to preach the Gospel to the very chief of sinners. Hear it again— “He that believes on the Lord Jesus Christ shall be saved.” To believe is to trust in Christ—to drop into those blessed arms that can catch the heaviest laden sinner that ever breathed. To believe is to fall flat on the promise—to let Him do all for you until He has quickened you and enabled you to work out what He has before worked in you, “your own salvation.” And even this must be “with fear and trembling.”

The bold part is my emphasis and helpful language to employ when we talk of conversion.

Missions Budget Thoughts...

...from Kevin DeYoung...
1. Are we supporting 1 Timothy 4:16 kind of people?
2. Are we supporting ministry in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and the ends of the earth?
3. Are we striking the right balance of word and deed in the ministries we support?
4. Are we giving priority to long-term missionaries?

Camp, Day 2

We had another great day at camp today.

Our morning began with Celebration. Neil opened up God's Word to Nehemiah 8:1-11 and urged us to greatly rejoice in God's Word. He spoke of how Christianity is not a feeling we strive to maintain, but a reality we were created to enjoy. Then he gave this simple outline: 1) most of the difficult things in life require more joy than discipline and 2) the Bible has more confidence in joy than you do. He ended by directing us to Hebrews 12:1-2 and how Jesus lived out of joy.

Our afternoon service project was a good success. We got 3 rooms completed and 2 more to finish tomorrow. We also moved some things for the organization we get to serve.

Tonight, worship helped with theme of the day -- enter. Neil's message was on the Fruit of Conversion from Acts 16:16-34. There were 4 points:
1) Consistency
2) Endurance
3) Worship
4) Conversion

Was a great day and we anticipate more from the Lord tomorrow.

Camp - Day 1

Well, we arrived safely around Noon. We grabbed some lunch and got registered, then, after orientation, got ready for the evening.

Evening worship included Billy and Cindy Foote leading music from their latest EP Wonder Working One (where you can read my review under customer reviews). Their exact set began with Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing, Sing to the King, Knees Are Bowing, Set Free, You Are My King, Nothing But the Blood, All Praise To God, and How Great Is Our God.

Neil McClendon came and preached on "The Patient God That Crushes People" from Luke 20:9-18. His outline revealed 4 things out of the text about God...
1) God is Patient
2) God Speaks
3) God is Just
4) God is Direct
I was struck by application to use this week to listen to all that God has ordained to show me. He is patiently calling me to Himself. I need to avail myself to this grace.

We finished the day with church group time. We had a great day. Everyone's doing well and we look forward to a busy day tomorrow, serving so that God is glorified.

Camp Is Near!

Tomorrow, Monday, July 20, we leave for Student Life Missions Camp.

Our Camp Pastor is Neil McClendon.
Music will be led by Billy & Cindy Foote.

You can visit the Student Life website, to listen into worship services, check up on camp happenings, email members of our group and countless other activities. (If you go to check us out, we are at a Missions Camp, July 20-24, 2009 at Oklahoma Baptist University in Shawnee, OK.)

Or use this direct link.

Sunday Review - Jesus, The Suffering Servant

This morning, had a full message on Jesus: The Suffering Servant from Mark 1:1-16:20, that's right, the text was the entire book of Mark.

Tonight, during evening service, we are going to be sharing how Mark's Gospel has impacted us as a church, so that should be exciting.

Anything stand out to you?

Congrats to the Oards!

Our good friends, Ben and Jandee, are excited welcoming their second child into this world. Natalie Rose was born at 12:49PM, weighed 9 lbs 2 oz and was 19 1/2 inches long. Congrats!

Gospel-Centered Life

Over on Timmy Brister's blog, he linked to the latest Small Group resource from World Harvest Mission entitled The Gospel Centered Life by Bob Thune and Will Walker. Through July 31, 2009, they are sending out a free preview copy of this curriculum for those who sign up for their newsletter. It would be well worth you time to check it out.

Here's a summary of the contents:

The Gospel-Centered Life is a nine lesson small group study intended to help participants understand how the gospel shapes every aspect of life. Each lesson is self-contained, featuring clear teaching from scripture, and requires no extra work outside of the group setting.

Designed for:

* Pastors and leaders who want to spur Gospel renewal in their churches and ministries.
* Church-planters who want to form Gospel DNA in the churches they start.
* Students and campus ministers who are looking to live out the Gospel on campus.
* Christians who want to be more deeply formed around the Gospel.
* Small group leaders who are looking for content that “works” with diverse groups of people.
* Missionaries who are looking for simple material to disciple new Christians.

Summary of Mark...

Tomorrow, Lord willing, we will be doing an overview of the Gospel of Mark. If possible, why not read through the book again before the morning service. Hopefully, you will be able to remember some amazing things that God has done for you in this book.

One Page Overview of Unpacking Forgiveness

Unpacking Forgiveness is an excellent book written by Chris Brauns. Over at his website, the author has posted a one page overview, which would be a great place to start to see what this book is all about.

Update On Reading...

While I'm busy this week prepping for the weekend and getting ready for camp (next week) I thought I'd post on what I've been reading...

I'm doing lots of background work on Luke and specifically Luke 15 for sermon prep. Particularly helpful have been a couple of books by Kenneth Bailey: The Cross and the Prodigal and Poet & Peasant.

I just finished volume 2 (of 4) in Spurgeon's Autobiography.

Along with the Elders, I have really been helped by Elyse Fitzpatrick & Dennis Johnson's recent book entitled Counsel from the Cross, which gives us more practical ways to employ the Gospel in our interactions with others.

I'm almost done with Voddie Baucham's What He Must Be, which has been helpful in reminding me of my role and my responsibilities as a father.

Mark Driscoll's latest, Religion Saves, was quickly worked through. Lots of helpful things in here from birth control to worship to law & grace.

Kevin DeYoung and Ted Kluck's recent Why We Love The Church has been thoroughly enjoyable. I'm still rather early in it, but the introductions alone drop a grenade of sorts on our preconceived ideas about the church and the casual relationship so many of us have with her.

I know that I struggle consistently with fear of man related tendencies, so I picked up Pleasing People by Lou Priolo to give me some godly counsel.

I think I was tipped off at Piper's Pastor's Conference to the book The Mission of God by Christopher Wright and it was a good tip off. It demonstrates how God has always been on mission and how we can know His heart for missions by looking at His Word. I chop away at this book to the tune of a chapter a week or so.

Also on the list to read soon are:
Manly Dominion by Mark Chanski (another book related to my role in marriage)
Get Outta My Face! by Rick Horne (book on parenting teenagers)

Also, I nearly forgot Broken Down House by Paul David Tripp, an excellent book on issues related to sanctification and living in a way the redeems what sin has destroyed.

That's been all lately. I have some other books that I've finished and would highly recommend, but I'll save those for another post.

Go!

I thought we had a great Lord's Day today. I finished up Mark 16:19-20 on Christ and His Followers. I was struck by a few things...

1) I am not the evangelist I should be.
2) The Gospel sets me free from disobedience to freely sharing the good news.
3) Much strategy can (and should) be employed in this terrifying campaign of advancing the Gospel.

What things stuck out to you?

Keeping the proper perspective on family...

I was directed back to Voddie Baucham's excellent book Family Driven Faith recently. One of the major themes of the book is how God has set apart the family as the primary means of grace for children to be reared on a proper foundation of loving God. Unfortunately, many today feel that this role should be done by the church. Voddie comments on how reading an average youth ministry's purpose statement sounds really incredible, covering all of the bases, but then he laments:

There's just one problem with the aforementioned mission statement. It makes absolutely no mention of parents! This ministry sets out to do for teens what God commands parents to do. Think about it. It is not the job of the youth pastor to evangelize my child -- that's my job. It is not the youth pastor's job to equip (disciple) my child -- it's mine. And it is not the youth pastor's job to send my child out to engage the world; you guessed it -- that's my job too. (pp.176-177)

There are an increasing number of people who think that it is the church's job to provide all this kind of "meaningful programming" for their kids. All the while, in their very admission, they are confessing with their life and lips that they don't measure up the standard God has clearly set forth for them in His Word. This doesn't mean the parenting task is easy or that we shouldn't seek help in doing this most effectively. It does mean that we shouldn't shirk our duties to others.

Isn't this an amazing gift that God has given us? May all of our families be tools in God's hands to further glorifying and enjoying God, forever, in the lives of our children.

For more info on Voddie and his ministry, visit Family Driven Faith.

Spurgeon - Christ and His Co-Workers

In prepping to preach this coming Lord's Day (7/12), I have really benefitted from C.H. Spurgeon's sermon on Mark 16:20 - Christ and His Co-Workers. Among many things, I thought this description of how we need to be proclaiming the Gospel was very revealing:

A great many learned men are defending the Gospel—no doubt it is a very proper and right thing to do—yet I always notice that when there are most books of that kind, it is because the Gospel, itself, is not being preached. Suppose a number of persons were to take it into their heads that they had to defend a lion, a full-grown king of beasts! There he is in a cage and here come all the soldiers of the army to fight for him. Well, I would suggest to them, if they would not object and feel that it was humbling to them, that they should kindly stand back, open the door, and let the lion out! I believe that would be the best way of defending him, for he would take care of himself—and the best “apology” for the Gospel is to let the Gospel out! Never mind about defending Deuteronomy or the whole of the Pentateuch—preach Jesus Christ and Him crucified! Let the Lion out and see who will dare to approach Him! The Lion of the tribe of Judah will soon drive away all His adversaries! This was how Christ’s first disciples worked—they preached Jesus Christ wherever they went! They did not stop to apologize, but boldly bore their
witness concerning Him.

Pray that God would work through His Word this Sunday to inspire in us this kind of boldness.

iWitnesses to His Glory...

Today's sermon, "iWitness" from Mark 16:9-18 is now online. I thought God's Word just opened up in amazing ways and we were able to see how we can be bold in our witness as well as how vast our witness should be. I hope this message was a service to you.

I was really struck by all the excuses I can make for not sharing the good news. May God shake us with boldness for Him.

Witness...

Tomorrow's sermon, entitled "iWitness", will be over Mark 16:9-18. It seems that in the wake of the resurrection and the surprising ending of v.8, some witnessing did occur. Join as we gather together as the church and are reminded of the big kingdom calling that Jesus the Lord has planned for His followers.

Spurgeon's Prayer - Die to Self, Live for Him

I was really helped by Spurgeon's Autobiography this morning. In Volume 2, Chapter 19, Spurgeon's wife is recounting some of those early years, particularly one time when they were going through a hard season of ministry. Here's her recounting:

It was in the garden of a house belonging to one of the deacons, in the suburbs of Croydon, whither my beloved had been taken in hope that the change and quiet would be beneficial, that the Lord was pleased to restore his mental equilibrium, and unloose the bars which had kept his spirit in darkness. We had been walking together, as usual;--he, restless and anguished; I, sorrowful and amazed, wondering what the end of these things would be;--when, at the foot of the steps which gave access to the house, he stopped suddenly, and turned to me, and with the old sweet light in his eyes, (ah! how grievous had been its absence!) he said, "Dearest, how foolish I have been! Why! what does it matter what becomes of me, if the Lord shall be glorified?" -- and he repeated, with eagerness and intense emphasis, Philippians 2:9-11: "Wherefore, God also hath highly exalted Him, and given Him a Name which is above every name; that at the Name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in Heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." "If Christ be exalted," he said, -- and his face glowed with holy fervour, -- "let Him do so as He pleases with me; my one prayer shall be, that I may die to self and live wholly for Him and His honour. Oh, wifey, I see it all now! Praise the Lord with me!" (p.192)

This is how we should face the hard times. Oh, for grace to honor God in such a manner!

Loving the Church...

Kevin DeYoung and Ted Kluck, who recently wrote a book Why We Love The Church were guest columnists this week in the religion section of the Washington Post/Newsweek forum. Their comments are very revealing:

Perhaps Christians are leaving the church because it isn't tolerant and open-minded. But perhaps the church-leavers have their own intolerance too--intolerant of tradition, intolerant of authority, intolerant of imperfection except their own. Are you open-minded enough to give the church a chance--a chance for the church to be the church, not a coffee shop, not a mall, not a variety show, not Chuck E. Cheese, not a U2 concert, not a nature walk, but a wonderfully ordinary, blood-bought, Spirit-driven church with pastors, sermons, budgets, hymns, bad carpet and worse coffee?

This is a great challenge for us in this day and age where we church hop and shop around based on our whims and desires. We've heard of going to those churches who can give you an oil change while the service is happening. What Christ calls us to, however, is not a casual relationship with His bride, but a commitment. Let's, to use the words of DeYoung and Kluck, give the church a chance.

9 Marks Weighs In (on Missions)

The latest 9Marks E-Journal (for July/August 09) is online. The focus is on Missions. Good reading!

Free Audio of Crazy Love Book

One of our adult SS classes is studying the book Crazy Love by Francis Chan. Over at Christian Audio, they are offering as their special for the month of July, a free download of the entire book in audio format, read by Chan himself. Here's the instructions:

Add the download format of Crazy Love to your cart and enter the coupon code JUL2009 when prompted during checkout. This normally runs $13.99 but is free for the month. So enjoy!