Tim Liston

Applause vs Criticism

In life you will receive both applause and criticism. How do you balance the two? Actually, you don't have to. Here's what I mean...

 

"A reporter once asked an insightful question when interviewing a woman from the Boston Philharmonic Orchestra: 'How does it feel to get a standing ovation from the crowd at the end of your performance and then wake up in the morning to a negative review in the newspaper?' Her response was also insightful. She said over time she has learned not to pay attention to the applause of the crowd or the disapproval of the critics. She was only after the approval of her conductor. After all, he was the only person who really knew how she was supposed to perform."¹

 

As Christians, we live for an audience of One. Applause will come and go. Criticism will come and go. People are fickle in their opinions. It is impossible to please everyone. But, we're not supposed to even try. Paul says in Galatians 1:10, "Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ."

 

Recently I spoke "hard truths" in church (in the opinion of someone who was there). They cautioned me, "Coming right out and saying it like that... you're going to run some people off." Actually, that doesn't worry me. I'd rather have a church with 1 person and obey God, than to have a church of thousands where I have to waterdown the truth. Truth is truth. Abraham Lincoln once said, "If you call a dog's tail a leg, how many legs does it have? The answer is four. Calling a tail a leg doesn't make it a leg."

 

I'll stick with the truth of God's Word, His principles, and His standards. Besides, someday I will stand before God. The people who wanted me to bend the truth or shave off edges won't be standing with me. It will be me and Him. And I want to be able to hear him say, "Well done."

 

 

  ¹ Replenish: Leading from a Healthy Soul, by Lance Witt.

Trick or Treat?

I’ve been asked the following question many times throughout the years: Can Christians trick or treat, according to the Bible?

 

First of all, the Bible says nothing about trick or treating, since it was written well before this activity began. However, we know from reading the Bible that a Christian is not to do anything that glorifies evil. So, if a particular Halloween costume (or party) is centered on or around demons, devils, evil spirits, or the Dallas Cowboys, then the answer is easy: Don’t have anything to do with it. But... If the costume is not evil (or for our adults: too revealing) and the source of the candy is known, then I can’t find anything in the Bible that would forbid trick or treating.

 

What’s funny is I’ve seen churches preach against Halloween and trick or treating, and then offer an alternative event at the church… where kids dress up and get candy. Uhhh....... What’s the difference? How come if I take my kids to my neighbors or to their grandparents and they get candy it’s evil – but if I take them to a church and they get candy, it’s okay?

 

Take a look at the Christmas tree. It was originally an ancient fertility symbol. Yet, it has become a representation of Christmas and the place where we put the gifts when we celebrate the birth of Christ. Are Christians worshipping a pagan fertility god if they have a Christmas tree in their home? Not at all. That’s because the Christmas tree has now been totally separated from its pagan roots and has become a cultural symbol of the season of Christmas.

 

In 1 Corinthians 10:23-33, Paul talks about meat sacrificed to idols. There was meat left over after sacrifices were made to these pagan gods. This meat was often sold in the market. Apparently, Christians were going to the market, buying, and then eating this meat in spite of its questionable origins. And so the issue arose, "Should a Christian eat such meat?" (We can ask, “Should a Christian eat candy given to them on Halloween?”) Paul said in verse 25, "Eat anything that is sold in the meat market, without asking questions for conscience' sake."

 

This is interesting. He says it is okay to eat the meat bought in the market place even if it was sacrificed to idols. Meaning, meat is meat. To which I say, candy is candy. Yes, Halloween has pagan origins, but I don't think that's the intent of the kindly old neighbor who gives Smarties to your kids. It's become a cultural/social event. And my take is that because of our freedom in Christ, our kids can dress up in (non-evil) costumes, go door-to-door, eat lots of candy, and just have fun. After all, “Greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world.” -1 John 4:4

 

Ultimately, you'll have to make the decision for your own family - and I'm sure you'll make the right one.

 

 

 

 

 

It's the End of the End of the World Series...

This weekend is the final installment of the End of the World series at New Hope. I'm going to be answering as many of the questions that were sent to me as I possibly can. I'm also going to be using this blog, beginning Sunday evening, to answer the questions I can't get to in the service.

 

Thanks for all your great input and the many questions. I hope that, in the end, you are: a.) Ready for Jesus to come back, and b.) Not Afraid!

 

Blessings!

 

Matthew 24, Left Behind, and an old song...

 

I've had several people mention this song during our End of the World series, plus I heard my wife listening to it the other night, so I thought I'd share. I'm not sure how compelling it will be for those who've never heard it. When I hear it, it takes me back to my youth. Larry Norman, who originally wrote and performed this song, was one of the first contemporary Christian singers who looked the part back in the 70's. (He's the one with the long blonde hair in the video.) The guys doing the singing in the video are from DC Talk. It's taken from the Matthew 24 where Jesus says, "One will be taken, the other will be left behind."

 

Enjoy. 

 

 

 

Helping our Wounded Heroes

New Hoper and BABASOT Board Member, Terry Collins (front right)

 

I’m so proud of all the good work that our New Hopers do every day. Our church family just overflows with the love of God for people. And I love that about you! I want to tell you about a New Hoper who is doing something amazing. His name is Terry Collins and he is one of the Co-Founders and a current Board Member of an organization called Bay Area Builders Association Support Our Troops. BABASOT was established in 2005 and has as its mission to provide custom made homes to wounded and disabled veterans and the widows of the fallen in an effort to get their lives back on track. BABASOT partners with corporate sponsors, individuals contributors, and volunteers to help severely wounded heroes and their families’ transition from the battlefront to the home front. I talked to Terry this past weekend and he said that they just gave away their 29th home to a wounded warrior!

 

Amazing!

 

Way to go BABASOT! Way to go Terry!

 

For more info: www.babasupport.org

Haiti building dedication... pure joy!

Many of you are aware of our involvement with a young man in Haiti named Caleb. Caleb feeds almost 200 kids  twice a week and teaches them songs about Jesus and Bible stories. He also teaches them leadership lessons based on Bible principles. All this took place under a tarp/tent until the last few days. Now they have something more weather proof. Our church, New Hope Church, recently funded the building of a "shelter" where he can run his ministry. Here are some pics of the final clean of the building and the finished product. (That's Caleb front right in the above picture.) Pray for Caleb and the children of Haiti. And rejoice with them in their new shelter.

 

 

 

 

 

The smartest kid you know...

Today we have a guest blogger. His name is Eric Holt. Eric is seventeen years old and will be a Senior this fall at Elkins High School in Missouri City, TX. His mom, Carrie, is a staff member at New Hope. The reason I asked Eric to write a blog is because he is extremely intelligent. Super intelligent. In fact, after being pursued by several colleges for their summer programs, he is currently attending Berkley University. He is number one in his class at Elkins and is looking forward to pursuing a career as a theoretical physicist. Eric has been part of the New Hope family since 1994. On the heels of our "God Loves Science" lesson, I asked him to answer the question: Why does someone who is super-smart like you believe in God? in 300 words or less. The following is his 291 word answer. Remember, he's 17. Enjoy.

 

"Why do you believe in God?" is indeed a profound question, simply because absolute proof of God's existence cannot be realized by any human being. Therefore, in order to believe in God, we must have faith in Him and His word. Just as Hebrews 11:6 says, "without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him." Such faith, however, does not come easily, especially in a world in which mankind's knowledge is exponentially increasing. Perhaps a better question would be, "Why is it that when we think we are smart we believe that a creator is impossible?" When the Big Bang theory of the origin of the universe was proposed, many people lost faith in God. We live in an era where our faith is constantly being tested by untruthful teachings. The only true, holy teachings we should believe in are those of the Word of God. I believe in God, because otherwise, everything and everyone in the universe, including you and I, are all part of a big accident. From a logical point of view, the sheer probability of the latter occurring is overwhelmingly close to zero. How could an accident possibly have caused the earth to be placed at precisely the right distance from the sun, have precisely the right mixture of gases in the atmosphere, and to have the countless other conditions necessary to support life? I don't know about the other scientifically-minded individuals out there, but I for one believe in a God who not only created the entire universe, but who loves us and wants to have a personal, intimate relationship with each and every one of us.

 

New Hopers in the sky...

 New Hopers Paul Steffenauer & Kyle Engelhardt watch over us from above.

 

Paul rides shotgun and directs the high tech instruments that track and assist in the apprehension of criminals while Kyle flies the chopper. Paul will soon enter flight school to become a pilot as well.

 

Well, I'm convinced: You never know where you might find New Hopers these days!! Recently, I had the privilege of riding for a shift with New Hopers, Paul Steffenauer and Kyle Engelhardt, of the Houston Police Department Air Support Division. Wow! Talk about a thrill ride! (Kyle was willing to increase his tithe if I puked on Paul. I couldn't... not that I didn't try!) It's amazing the support that these eyes in the sky are able to offer the guys on the ground, spotting, directing, warning... Basically, giving the law enforcement personnel on the ground a bigger more detailed picture of unfolding events. I'm a Pastor, so you knew this part was coming: The whole time we were up there I was thinking about how much we miss on the ground when we're right in the middle of "it" - whatever "it" may be - and how helpful a view from above is or could be. 

 

"'For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,' declares the LORD. 'As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.'" -Isaiah 55:8-9

 

That's another reason to call on God: He sees more than we can see. He knows more than we can know. And James 1:5-8 says He's willing to share that information with us.

 

Props to the guys in the skies and to all our law enforcement people who spend their days and nights watching over our safety.

 

You've got to read this! A note from Haiti... #haiti

  
Kids in the mountains near Jacmel, Haiti.

 

  
Birth of a great church? The foundation of the shelter where the kids in Caleb's ministry will be fed and taught about Jesus. This project is being funded by New Hope Church.

 

  
Caleb Midi (left) is our Haiti Missions Partner, along with some of the kids he feeds and teaches about Jesus. Below is a note from Caleb, unedited. Enjoy!

 

Hey everyone at New Hope Church!

How are you all doing? It's a pleasure today to write you this letter and to tell you God loves you and I love you as well. Thanks to God for His Kingdom and all of the people a part of it, especially you guys :) I am so thankful for your freindship. You allow me to see the love of Jesus in all of your hearts and you are always teaching me and encouraging me in so many ways. I would love to tell you, you are all awesome and I love you. Keep doing what your doing for God. He is so proud of all of you and all that you do for His kingdom. I would also love to tell you it is an honor for me to be a servant for the kingdom of God. I would like to let you know the impact you are having here in Haiti. First of all, the childrens program that you support and also me myself. I keep praying for the ministry in America and especially new hope church. I keep praying for all leaders, especailly brother Tim Liston and Pastor John the Hero because I know they are doing amazing things for the Kingdom and especially for new hope church. Thank you for your support and for your prayers and all you do for us. I pray you guys can keep supporting our prject here because we have so much pain here and so many lives to save for the Kingdom of God. I love you! And Im praying for you! And I hope I can see you  in November.

God Bless you!

Brother Caleb Midi the servent.   

 

 

 

God and Tough Love...

 
Paul tells us in Romans 1:24 & 28 that sometimes God gives people over to their destructive behavior so that they can hit bottom and (hopefully) turn to Him. Nowadays we call this, “tough love.” For anyone who’s had to do it, you know it’s tough. (See also 1 Corinthians 5:5.) It’s especially difficult when the person is saying, “If you love me, why won’t you help me?” Sometimes they ask the question because they’ve gotten real good at manipulating us. (i.e. We help them, but then that help enables them to go back to what they were doing.) But always, they ask the question not understanding that it is because we love them that we will no longer intervene. We put ourselves through short-term pain, in hopes of eternal gain for them.

 

God also loves people with a tough love at times. But as He backs away from them, ironically, sometimes the bad behavior increases. That’s because some assume that God’s silence is a green light. It’s not.  

 

God is giving them time to turn to Him.

 

After all, “…it is his kindness that leads us to repentance.” -Romans 2:4. (ALSO, please see 2 Peter 3:9-10.) Eventually, it will be “party over.” That’s when the real wrath shows up on Judgment Day. But don’t get me wrong here: It is the hope of a righteous, gracious, loving God that all people will wake up and turn to Him. And when they're ready, our church will be ready for them.

 

 

My Prayer for National Day of Prayer...

 
Dear Lord,

We thank You for blessing our nation beyond what any nation has ever experienced. We thank You for our heritage of faith that directed our nation for so long. We’re sorry for the times in the recent decades when we’ve excluded You. We apologize for those who want to remove You from all areas of American life.  (Forgive them for they don’t know what they’re asking!) Please help us to learn to live 'within our blessings' before it is too late. Thank You for the brave men and women who get up every day to stand between us and the evil that seeks to harm us. Watch over and protect them. Bless our leaders and give them wisdom to lead us according to Your will. Please do not remove Your favor from us. Send revival to our land and draw us back to You. Let that revival begin in us, the church.

We ask it in the powerful name of Jesus.

Amen.

PS: Proverbs 21:15 (OBL)

Steal a Donkey for Jesus...

 

If the Lord is prompting you to do something, odds are He’s asking people who can help to be involved as well. Case in point: Luke 19. Jesus is approaching Jerusalem. He told his disciples to go ahead of him and get a donkey. He described the donkey and its location in great detail. Then he said in verse 31, “If anyone asks you, ‘Why are you untying it?’ say, ‘The Lord needs it.’”

 

What are the chances the line, “The Lord needs it,” would work if you were trying to take someone’s car without their permission? Not good, right!? Unless… (and you’d best be sure!) unless the Lord had spoken to the owner before you got there.

 

Verse 33 says, “As they were untying the colt, its owners asked, ‘Why are you untying the colt?’ They replied, ‘The Lord needs it.’” End of discussion. No push back from the owner. No 911 call. No more words exchanged. The donkey was taken back to Jesus for His ride into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday.

 

Step back from the story and you can easily conclude that the Lord had spoken to BOTH the disciples AND the owner of the donkey at the same time and they were both on the same page. What does that mean for you? It means when God asks you to do something, you’re not the only one He’s asking. If it is His will, He’s going to place others in your path to help you achieve it!

 

Following Jesus by Finishing Well...

 
I’ve always been intrigued by the transfiguration. Jesus goes up on the mountain and there’s smoke and haze, and then Moses and Elijah, gone for hundreds of years, show up and hang out with Jesus for a few amazing minutes. The disciples freak. Peter wants to build tents so they can camp out there, meaning, he freaks too! (Read about it here: Luke 9:28-36.)

 

For fun, let's dig a little deeper...

• Moses represented THE LAW. Moses was a STARTER. He started the work (gave the law) – Joshua finished his work (took the people into the Promise Land.)
• Elijah represented THE PROPHETS. Elijah was a STARTER. He started the work – Elisha finished his work.

 

Moses started... Joshua finished.

Elijah started... Elisha finished.

 

Both Moses and Elijah’s finishers’ names, Elisha and Joshua, mean, “The Lord saves” or “The Lord is our deliverance.” In fact, the name Elisha is a variation of Joshua, which is also the name Yeshua. So, both finisher’s names, Elisha and Joshua, are in essence, the SAME NAME: Yeshua. Both are finishers.

 

Guess what Jesus’ name is when translated into Hebrew? You guessed it: Yeshua!

 

Jesus was/is a finisher.

 

Verse 31 says that Moses and Elijah spoke with Jesus “…about his departure which he was about to bring to fulfillment in Jerusalem.”

 

Maybe they spoke to him about finishing well.

 

Yeshua/Jesus: The conclusion of the law, the fulfillment of the prophecies and, as Hebrews 12:2 calls him, “…the finisher of our faith.”  

 

Thank you, Jesus, for being a finisher. And thank you for finishing well. May we also finish well!

 

Don't wait for someone to pick you...

 
Times are changing. There were once identifiable gatekeepers who said who got in and who did not. They had all the power. But now a person can have a hit song without a major record label. You can write a book without a publisher. (Skip the paper and go straight to an ebook!) You can have a dynamic, Bible-believing, Jesus-preaching church that isn’t a part of a denomination. The gatekeepers of the past are becoming irrelevant... and it’s driving them crazy!

 Seth Godin said, “It’s a cultural instinct to wait to get picked. To seek out the permission and authority that comes from a publisher or talk show host or even a blogger saying, ‘I pick you.’ Once you reject that impulse and realize that no one is going to select you--that Prince Charming has chosen another house--then you can actually get to work. If you’re hoping that the HR people you sent your resume to are about to pick you, it’s going to be a long wait. Once you understand that there are problems just waiting to be solved, once you realize that you have all the tools and all the permission you need, then opportunities to contribute abound… Pick yourself.” ¹

 Sure, it would be nice to be picked by another human being. But we’ve already been chosen by God. Jesus said, “I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you.” –John 15:16

So, what are you waiting for? Get busy! 

 

 

¹ http://sethgodin.typepad.com/seths_blog/2011/03/reject-the-tyranny-of-being-picked-pick-yourself.html

Get ready! The world is ending on Saturday...

 
Well, according to the billboards it will end on May 21! I’ve had a number of people ask me about it, so I thought I would address the subject. I looked up the website, read the claims thoroughly, and will give you my take. They’ve done a calculation based on dates in the Bible and are convinced that the world will end on May 21. One problem with their theory: Jesus said in Matthew 24:36 that, “no man knows the day or the hour.”

So if someone says they know it’s going to be a certain day, then you can just about bet it won’t be that day. Jesus instructs us in verse 42, “Keep watch, because you do not know what day your Lord will come.”

It will happen eventually. 

In verse 44 He says, “So be ready, the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.”

You know what this means? He's probably not coming back on May 21. With that said, there's a good chance we'll still be here for the “End of the World” lesson series this fall at New Hope Church!

So, if we're still here... be there!

 

Jesus wants to ride in your boat today...

 

I was reading this morning in John 6 and points of an old familiar story hit me between the eyes. The disciples were out on the Sea of Galilee, it was now night and a storm began to blow. Verses 18-19,

“A strong wind was blowing and the waters grew rough. When they had rowed about three or four miles…”

They rowed a boat 3 or 4 miles! Big deal? Yes. Here's why: The boat was probably like the one pictured above, found in 1986 in the northwest corner of the Sea of Galilee during a drought. It was found in close proximity to where Jesus spent a lot of time, where his disciples fished, where Peter lived, and is from the same time period of Jesus. It’s big: 27 feet long and is typical for fishermen of the day. They rowed that sized boat - a big, heavy, wooden boat - 3 or 4 miles... in a storm! (What a workout!)

Now, I’m going to cut to the chase: They see Jesus walking on the water and in verse 21…

“Then they were willing to take [Jesus] into the boat, and immediately the boat reached the shore where they were heading.” 

Ok, see the highlighted comparison?

Rowing and straining for hours to make 3 or 4 miles. Or invite Jesus in, and instantly be where you couldn’t make it on your own.

I've met so many people in my life who are rowing hard, trying to be good enough for God to love them and bless them - when what they really need to do is invite Jesus in and instantly He will give them favor with God. Or others who work hard (rowing!) trying to accomplish things and only end up frustrated, but if they would have invited Jesus to help, He would have made the trip much more productive.

Have you invited Jesus into your boat today? 

 

Please RT: Help Japan @MSChurchNagoya

 
I’ve been shocked and overwhelmed as I see pictures and video coming out of Japan. So much devastation. And it’s probably going to get worse before it gets better. If you’re like me, when you see images like that you want to help. And if you’re like me, you want to make sure that your money actually goes to an organization that will use it for those purposes. Pastor John Davis has found an organization that is right there on the ground. It’s a church planting organization called, Mustard Seed Global Fellowship. It's a bunch of young people (see their website here: http://www.msgf.com/#/home) trying to make an impact for Jesus in Japan. They're now going to help in the relief efforts via a fund they have set up.

You can give directly to their relief effort, or you can give through our church and we'll get your gift to them. (NOTE: Your donations through our church will show up on your 2011 New Hope Church Giving Statement.) Either way, make a donation and your money will make a difference. Any size donation will help. It’s that simple.

If you give through New Hope Church by check, please write "Japan" on your check.

To give online through our church: http://www.newhopechurch.tv/giving.html. Please choose the fund, "Extraordinary."

 

 

Big Obstacle < Bigger God

 
It was early Sunday morning, just after sunrise. Three women were headed toward the tomb to anoint the dead body of the Savior with spices. It had been a long night of grieving after a few days of hell on earth for those who loved Jesus. Maybe it was their grief that made them forget an important detail before their journey began: They didn’t have a way to move the stone that covered the entrance of the tomb. When that fact occurred to one of the women, the question was asked, “Who will roll away the stone?” –Mark 16:3. They certainly couldn’t. But (and this is what I love about the story) they kept going anyway. Why?

I think it was the same thing that keeps us going when we know there’s an obstacle in front of us determined to stop us. I believe we keep going forward in faith because we know deep down inside ‘Who’ will move the stone. And if we don’t keep going, we won’t get to see it happen.

When they arrived at the tomb, their walk of faith was rewarded with an encounter with a Savior who was alive and well. The large stone had become a non-factor.

Remember, God is bigger than any obstacle in your life. Keep moving forward in faith!

 

God, please do the impossible in the lives of everyone who reads this post today. Whatever the immovable stone is in their situation, I pray that as they do their part and walk in faith, that you will do what only you can do: Move the stone! In Jesus name I ask it. Amen.  

 

Thank God: Jesus is not my Homeboy

 

When Jesus walked the earth, most people were waiting for a Messiah that would be a powerful, political figure. Someone who would break the rule of the hated Romans and everyone would live happily ever after. Jesus tried to erase that picture, even saying to Pilate before he was crucified, “My kingdom is not of this world.” -John 18:36.

On one occasion, the Apostle Peter correctly stated that Jesus was “the Christ” (i.e. the Messiah). Jesus agreed and then immediately told the disciples what that meant: That he, the Messiah, was going to be killed. Then comes one of the most insane verses in the New Testament, “Peter took Jesus aside and rebuked him.” -Mark 8:32.

Bold move by Peter. But why did he do it? The answer is simple: Because what Jesus said did not fit within the picture frame that most people, including Peter, had of the Messiah.  

Then Jesus uttered his famous, though harsh reply to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan.” Apparently, Jesus felt that Peter’s push toward the political was a temptation away from what He really came to earth to do: To give his life as a ransom on the cross for me and you.

Bottom line: Jesus is Jesus. As much as people try, we can’t make him into something he is not. And I'm so glad, because he is so much  more!

He is the Son of God (Hebrews 1:3); The Messiah (Matthew 26:64); The Savior (2 Timothy 1:10); He is Creator God (Colossians 1:16; John 1:3); He is the King of kings and the Lord of lords (Revelation 19:16); He is the Lamb of God that takes away the sins of the world (John 1:29).

I’m so glad He’s not my President, or just a good teacher, or my “homeboy.” 

He is Jesus!!

Unhindered in Concert, Fri, Feb 18!!

 
Unhindered will be in concert at New Hope Church, 288 Campus (cr58 west @ 288) on Friday, February 18th @ 7:00 p.m. Get your tickets in the 288 bookstore for $5 or buy at the door for $10.

This concert is open to all ages, but is part of REVIVE WEEKEND for our students! Find out more or sign your student up at http://www.reviveweekend.com/.

 

Amazed by New Hope Volunteers!

 

I am amazed by our volunteers. Last night, volunteers packed out both campuses and the energy was amazing. These are the people who make New Hope what it is! I’m so thankful to serve our Lord with all of you!! I love the new volunteer tee shirts because the verse from Romans sums up the attitude around our church, "In Christ we, though many, form ONE body and each member belongs to all the others!"  Yes, yes, yes!!! Thank you, God!

I love you guys and I can't wait to see what God has in store for us this year!

I refuse to run the marathon this year because…

 
I’ve run the half marathon once and the whole marathon once. (The pic is probably after the half because I'm still conscious!) But I’m not running either this weekend and the reason is simple: I am not prepared. At all! Rule of thumb: If a trip to the mailbox makes you short of breath, then you’re not ready for the marathon! You have to be prepared. There is no other way.

Something else we shouldn’t approach without preparation is eternity. It’s way too important to mess up. Jesus said, “You must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.” –Luke 12:40.

Wow! What a thought: In an instant He comes to get us, or we leave to meet him, and we don’t know exactly when that moment will happen. Therefore, it makes sense to be prepared!

There are those who believe they can live however they want and then make things right on their deathbed. But honestly, we don’t know if we’ll get that chance. It’s best to be prepared.

I refuse to stand at the start line of a marathon unprepared. And I refuse to live my life unprepared for eternity. That’s why I’ve put my faith in Jesus for my salvation. I’m ready!!!!!! (But not for the marathon!)

One Reason Heaven is better than Hell…

 
Matthew 5:22 contains a reference to Hell (Gehenna) which is tied to the Valley of Hinnom. This valley, outside the city of Jerusalem, was made infamous in the Old Testament because of child sacrifices, then desecrated to keep the people away. (See 2 Kings 23:10.)  It was outside the walls of the city, was at a lower elevation, and was far removed from the centerpiece of the city, the Temple, where God’s presence* was said to have dwelt. By Jesus’ time, the valley had become the city dump with perpetually smoldering piles of trash and constant fires producing ever-present smoke that drifted into the air day and night. Today, it’s been cleaned up (as you can see in the pic). But back in the day, Jesus used the valley as a picture of the real Hell for us. And it’s not a pretty picture for one very painful reason...

To be “there” was to be outside of God’s presence.* That’s hell. (See 2 Thessalonians 1:9)

Attach whatever biblical metaphor or literal description you want to it, but the thing that makes Hell hell, is that God’s presence is not there. Fortunately for us, the thing that Hell lacks that makes it so bad is the thing that Heaven has that makes it so good: God’s presence!

Here on earth all of us are blessed by his indirect presence. Someday, when He calls us home, because of what Jesus did for us on the cross, we will take a step into his direct presence! (See 1 Thessalonians 4:17-18)

That, my friend, is Heaven!

 

Thank you, Jesus, for your sacrificial death on the cross that takes away the sins of all who accept you as Savior and Lord!

The Devil loves DVR…

 
I heard Louie Gigglio say it awhile back, “The devil is great at rewinding.” So true. In Revelation 12:10 the Bible calls him “the accuser.” He loves to rewind and remind us of our failures. Again and again he replays our past mistakes on the big screen of our minds. He even has HD! It’s his way of controlling us, of keeping us from stepping out in faith. Rewind and remind. Rewind and remind. It’s his specialty.

Let’s face it, we can’t go forward in our lives while we’re rewinding in our minds. Paul said, “Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is next.” –Philippians 3:13.

It’s a new year. 2010 is done, over. So is 2009 and 2008 and 2007 and 2006 and… Well, you get the idea. It’s time to move on. Because of Jesus, the sins you’ve committed are paid for, forgiven, and washed away. You are completely perfect in God’s sight.

You’ve got a fresh start.

Say a prayer of thanks.

Now, hit “play” and see what God has for you next!

Happy New Year! 

Christmas means: God loves you!

 

 
You do know God loves you, right? One of my favorite notes…

“I haven't been to church in a while. I've been feeling pretty down and out lately. My friend talked me into going and I'm so glad she did. The message completely lifted my spirits. I keep repeating 'God loves me' to myself, to remind myself that I'm not alone. I started crying on my way home, thinking about everything I had just learned. Unfortunately, I got pulled over. I was confused as to why, I wasn't speeding, and none of my lights were out. The cop that pulled me over said I shouldn't drive while crying, that it impairs my vision. I couldn't help but laugh. I told him [I was crying] because I finally felt the love of God. He smiled and asked me if I was on my way home from church. I said yes and he asked about what church I attended. I said New Hope. And his words, 'Wow, it must be a pretty amazing place to move a young girl to tears.' I nodded and told him it was a safe place for me, I had finally found home. He let me go with a smile. I just wanted to say thank you for reminding me that God loves me and that I'm never alone. And if I get pulled over again, hey, hearing God's word is worth it.”

Remember: Christmas means you are loved by God! John 3:16

Maybe you're just not ready to be blessed...

 
In 2 Kings 4, a widow was about to lose her sons as slaves to the creditors of her deceased husband. She went to the prophet Elisha for help. He asked her what she had. Her answer, “One flask of olive oil.” He told her to go to her neighbors and ask for empty containers. “Don’t ask for just a few!” he said. Then she was to take the flask of olive oil and pour it into the containers. She did. And one by one she filled them up! I’m sure there was much excitement in the room as her boys watched the oil, which would soon buy their freedom, continue to pour from that one small flask. I bet they were laughing with joy and moving around containers, trying to expedite the process. What a day! The Bible says that soon every container they had in the house was filled to the brim. The mom said, “Bring me another jar!” But the reply came, “There are no more!” (And for me the next line is the most poignant of the story...) “Then the oil stopped flowing.”

I bet she wished she had been ready with more containers.

I’m not a prosperity preacher, far from it. But I do know God blesses our faith. So what would happen if you set out some more containers and prayed bigger? Maybe God's been giving you time to get ready. Are you ready?

Guest Blogger: U.S. Congress

 
You've got to go back a ways to find a time when State was not so "separated" from God. But thankfully, even though State has become separated, there are still a lot of citizens connected to our Lord! Here's the Thanksgiving Proclamation of the U.S. Congress as the Revolutionary War came to a close. Enjoy...

IT being the indispensable duty of all Nations, not only to offer up their supplications to Almighty God, the giver of all good, for his gracious assistance in a time of distress, but also in a solemn and public manner to give him praise for his goodness in general, and especially for great and signal interpositions of his providence in their behalf: Therefore the United States in Congress assembled, taking into their consideration the many instances of divine goodness to these States…

Do hereby recommend to the inhabitants of these States in general, to observe, and request the several States to interpose their authority in appointing and commanding the observation of THURSDAY the twenty-eight day of NOVEMBER next, as a day of solemn Thanksgiving to God for all his mercies: and they do further recommend to all ranks, to testify to their gratitude to God for his goodness, by a cheerful obedience of his laws, and by promoting, each in his station, and by his influence, the practice of true and undefiled religion, which is the great foundation of public prosperity and national happiness.

Congress, at Philadelphia, the eleventh day of October, AD 1782.

How could this happen?

 
This question kept me up last night. My heart ached when I received the news that Josh, the young man everyone was praying for, was no longer with us. How could this happen?

This morning I read from the Old Testament book of Laments or “Lamentations” as it’s commonly called. However, the original Hebrew name of this book was, ‘ekah, or “how?” A great question then, a fitting question now. But the very fact that this question has been asked repeatedly for thousands of years reveals to us again that the human condition is painfully sick without God. Even within the first family on the planet there was murder. “While they were in the field, Cain attacked his brother Abel…” –Genesis  4:8

It’s not new to the world. Just new to our world. And it shows us that our church still has a lot of work to do in the community. For those of us who love God, let’s make sure that we do our best to spread the love of Jesus. Evil is in our world, but “the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.” -1 John 4:4

"Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” –Romans 12:21

Pray for Josh's family.

Heaven is not Dallas

 
When I was in college, and stressed out, I had a reoccurring daydream: How far could I get on two tanks of gas? (That was all I could afford!) Do you ever find yourself daydreaming about escaping? God made us that way. It is our soul “yearning” for heaven. Many people try to create heaven here: A home on a beautiful piece of property... but then the yard needs mowed. A trip to the Caribbean... but you have to come home. An escape from the routine... but while you’re escaping the mortgage is due.

With the vantage point of time, experience, and an atlas (none of which I had in college) I know now that if I would have lived out my daydream I would have ended up somewhere outside of Dallas. Not exactly the stress free, tropical paradise I had daydreamed! (And that's not a shot at the Cowboys!)

But in God’s time we’ll get to the real heaven and it will be perfect: No pain, no sickness, no stress, no tears, and perfect weather all the time! He’s created it just for you. (John 14:1-4)

For now, we’re here. But somehow, knowing we’ll be there eventually makes being here now a little easier to take. (Philippians 3:20-21)

Our Curved Driveway is a Straight Path

 
 
So we’re laying down some concrete at the 288 Campus. I have to admit, I find it odd in a way. I went to Bible College, enjoyed most of my classes, passed all of them (though some of them, barely). And I’m an avid Bible reader and LOVE the stories of the early church. But I have yet to read or hear a story about the early church and concrete, or parking lots, driveways, air conditioning, or even church buildings. Do we really need all these things to reach people?

Believe it or not, I’ve thought a lot about this and here’s the answer: Yes.

When people come to church they always seem to bring their vehicle. Hence, driveways and parking lots. In our part of the world people want to be protected from the elements, i.e. a building. And yes, AC is a must nowadays in our culture.

“Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him.” -Luke 3:4

Bottom line: If we had no driveway, parking lot, place to meet, or it was 105 degrees in the building, we wouldn’t reach anyone. Making straight paths for people to meet the Lord, that’s all we’re doing.

Thanks to those of you who understand this, and are helping financially to make it happen!

Happy (what’s the deal with?) Hanukkah!

 
Contrary to what many people think, Hanukkah is not some recently made up holiday to compete with Christmas. Most people know it’s a Jewish holiday, but may not know the history, or (drum roll, please) that Jesus celebrated it. Some background…

During the last few years of his reign, Antiochus IV Epiphanes, (bust statue pic above) made an effort to destroy the Jewish faith and ordered an end to the daily sacrifices. (BTW- Many believe he was the “horn” prophesied in Daniel 8:9-14.) Eventually, Judas Maccabeus recaptured Jerusalem and rededicated the temple to the Lord. This happened in December of 165 B.C.

Daniel 8:14 states, “…the sanctuary will be reconsecrated.” It was. To commemorate this rededication of the temple an annual celebration was held by the Jews known as the “Feast of Dedication.” This was the beginning of what is now called, “Hanukkah.”  

Fast forward to the time of Jesus, and we have this revelation in John 10… ^[22] “Then came the Feast of Dedication at Jerusalem. It was winter, ^[23] and Jesus was in the temple area walking in Solomon’s Colonnade.”

It’s not a stretch: Jesus, a Jewish man, in the temple during the celebration of the Feast of Dedication, i.e. Hanukkah. Would He celebrate it if He was still here physically? Don’t know the answer to that. But I do know Christians shouldn’t be offended by this holiday that commemorates an important event in Jewish history. Jesus wasn’t.   

Be Warm and Well Fed

 

I'm amazed by our church family. Our people gave tons of groceries, coats, jackets, and blankets. And early today, seven buses filled with volunteers and seven Uhaul trucks filled with donations left our church campuses and went to areas of need around us. Everything was given away. It was overwhelming to see the need and it was heartwarming to see our people respond. We based this mission on a passage of Scripture from James chapter 2... 

"14) What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such a faith save them? 15) Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. 16) If one of you says to them, 'Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,' but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? 17) In the same way, faith by itself, it it is not accompanied by action, is dead. 18) But someone will say, 'You have faith, I have deeds.' Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds.'"

Thank you, God, for allowing me to be part of a church family that puts faith into action through love. We are blessed. I am blessed. 

(Video by Pastor Chris Hughes)

 

Jesus was a communist?! Part 2

 
(Continued from Part 1) Was Jesus communist? Does the Bible promote communism or socialism? Short answer: No.

Consider this: Two of the ten commandments are anti-socialism. Command #8: You shall not steal, and #10: You shall not covet [your neighbor’s stuff]. Both of these commands guard the right of an individual to own things. Socialism and communism demand that stuff be given up to the state for distribution. The reward for hard work and success becomes the confiscation of your personal property. And the reward for laziness becomes a living wage even if you haven’t lifted a finger to earn it. This is completely contrary to the Bible command, “The one who is unwilling to work, shall not eat.” -2 Thess 3:10.

The state becomes the “almighty” deciding who gets what and how much they deserve. Socialism/Communism cannot co-exist with God’s teaching. That’s why the agenda of these political systems includes the marginalizing, silencing, and ultimately, the outlawing of the church and the teachings of Christ. The church in communist China (pic) has been driven underground. Think about it: If Jesus was communist, why would His teachings be outlawed by communists? Answer: Because Jesus gives freedom! And from that freedom and out of our personal property we voluntarily help the poor, in the name of Jesus!

(Please do not be political in your comments here or on Facebook. Thanks!)

Jesus was a communist?! Part 1

 
I heard someone on TV say, "Jesus was a communist." WT518?! The argument that Jesus was a communist comes from the fact that the early church in Jerusalem “…shared everything in common.” -Acts 2:44. But this outpouring of generosity, while God-led, was not a political system nor was it intended to be. Rather, it was a signal to the community of love between Christians. It worked. Three verses later in Acts 2:47 we find that, “…the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.” Persecution scattered those believers from Jerusalem (Acts 8). A famine in the area (Acts 11:27) prompted even the poorest  Christians from outside the area to give cheerfully so those same believers, mentioned in Acts 2, could survive (2 Corinthians 8).

Generosity cannot be forced. Communism and its cousin, Socialism, take by force from those who have and give to others in the name of the State. But biblical generosity originates in Christ-like love, is supplied by "personal" wealth, and is given voluntarily in the Name of Jesus. As Pastor John said last weekend, “We don’t proclaim Christ without helping. And we don’t help without proclaiming Christ.”

Government doesn’t proclaim Christ when “helping.” And in Scripture, proclaiming Christ is the whole reason we give.

(Please try not to get political when commenting here or on Facebook.)