Tim Liston

I stand amazed...

Easter weekend is always busy at church. This year was no exception. We had 9,371 people worship with us. (That alone is amazing!) However, I was blown away by the number of people who made commitments! In EVERY single one of the 12 services people went public with their decision for Christ. And every time I thought I was going to lose it! I've heard some great stories of family members/friends who came to church by invitation and left church a new creation! Thank you, volunteers!! Thank you, staff!!! And most of all, thank you, Lord Jesus for what you did for us!

 

 

 

Great CoMission Update #4: Walls on the ground, on paper, and in dreams...

 

288 Campus: The walls of the 288 Campus expansion have been poured! There will be a week or two wait now as the walls cure and the steel is shipped. Then the walls will be lifted into position.

 

Alvin Campus: Last week we had a meeting about the Alvin Campus and I was  very encouraged! Yes, we have a building. But all of the needed changes are still being worked out on paper. But it's fun watching a dream becoming a reality!

East Campus: We are about to begin the design of the East Campus build out! We've been told this shouldn't be a difficult process because the area is already under roof and everything has been removed.

Haiti Campus: As you heard in the service two weeks ago from Marc Davis, Haiti is a challenge! We knew it would be. We've got our eyes on a piece of land, but are moving forward with caution. It's risky, but the potential for making an impact for Jesus Christ is so great, we are going to keep pressing ahead in faith. Prayers please!!

Thanks again to every faith filled, fully devoted, commited and crazy New Hoper who is giving toward these projects! You are the GREATEST! Much love!!!

 

 

 

 

Teaching for Life Change...

Two weeks ago I mentioned the Bereans who received Paul's teaching with eagerness then went home to check what they had learned against Scripture. That one line in Acts gives us insight not only into the Bereans lives, but also into Paul's teaching. Let me explain by telling you about two types of Bible study...

• A "deductive" Bible study begins from a point that a teacher is making, and then uses a number of scripture verses and examples to support that conclusion. Many sermons and Bible studies are conducted this way.
• An "inductive" Bible study begins with the raw text of scripture. The student (or in our context, the teacher) takes the time to observe what is happening in the text, the “who, what, when, where and why.” The teacher asks questions which help him to understand what is going on, what is being said, and how. Then he moves on to determining the application based on the observation and interpretation.

 

 

I like the inductive approach in study because of the more precise interpretation of the text and, therefore, the correct application that it brings. It is why I went to Bible College. There I went through years of “inductive” Bible study. However, the inductive method in teaching has its limitations. When standing in front of people it is time consuming and laborious to get to the point using the inductive approach. What works in Bible College with students who are committed to years of training in the classroom and are paying to get an education, does not work with people in a service that lasts one hour each week. When people come to church they don’t need to watch the pastor "study" the text on the stage. They need to know the results of the study they are trusting him to do.

 

When you have only about 30 minutes to stand in front of people, it’s important to get to the point quickly. It’s not good stewardship of people’s time to spend 27 minutes “observing” and “interpreting” while only spending the final 3 minutes applying. What people really need when they are receiving the Word is a brief explanation of how you arrived at the specific conclusion and then what to do with it, or how to apply it. They don’t need to sit and watch you observe and interpret. People want and need to know what God wants from them. The pastor/teacher is supposed to deliver the goods, not put on a show of intellect. 

  
However, the inductive method done from the stage is preferred by many Christians who consider the historical and cultural information as “meat” and the application of the text as “milk.” In fact, I've often seen new Bible College students with a semester or two under their belt (i.e. just enough Bible knowledge to make them dangerous) scorn teaching that doesn't sound like one of their classes. They think they are chewing meat when in reality they are crunching back story facts. Hebrews tells us that meat of the word (or solid food) is the application of the Scriptural text in a way that helps us to discern what we should and should not do (Hebrews 5:13-14). In a word, meat is “applicable” Bible teaching, not the details and the minutiae of the back story.

 

James 1:22 actually says that we can listen to the word and be deceived. How? Be not applying it. In Matthew 7:26 Jesus tells us that when we hear His word and don't apply it we're like the foolish man who built his house on the sand. The emphasis of Scripture is on "doing."

 

As always, at New Hope we try to do things in such a way in our services that we do not alienate the people God has called us to reach. Paul encouraged the church at Corinth to do things in their gatherings in such a way as to not alienate the people who were outside of the faith (1 Corinthians 14:23). Therefore, effective teaching that can hold the attention of a wide audience will feel like a deductive study – but is really inductive. The inductive part is done in the privacy of the pastor’s office. The lesson is then put into a form that gets to the application quickly. The Apostle Paul obviously used this method in his teaching. I say this because the Bereans listened to him teach, but then went home and checked the Scriptures to see if what he had said was true (Acts 17:11). The observation and interpretation often found in public in the inductive method was missing from Paul’s sermon(s) – but was obviously done in private because of the purity found in his teaching. 

 

Information without application leads to frustration.

Information with application leads to transformation.

 

And at New Hope we want transformed lives!

 

 

 

 

Old School: A sermon from 1859...

The following is an excerpt from a sermon preached by Charles Spurgeon on February 6, 1859. I found it interesting on several levels. I imagined sitting there in the New Park Street Chapel, listening to a man who had a firm grasp on Scripture and was able to get his point across to his audience. I was also amazed because a sermon from 1859 spoke to me. Yes... truth is timeless. Read on...

"Beware ye of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy.” Luke 12:1

Suggested Further Reading: Matthew 23:23-28

"Some people I know of are like inns, which have an angel hanging outside for a sign, but they have a devil within for a landlord. There are many men of that kind; they take good care to have an excellent sign hanging out; they must be known by all men to be strictly religious; but within, which is the all-important matter, they are full of wickedness. But I have sometimes heard persons mistake this matter. They say, “Ah! well, poor man, he is a sad drunkard, certainly, but he is a very good-hearted man at bottom.” Now, as Rowland Hill used to say, that is a most astonishing thing for any man to say of another, that he was bad at top and good at bottom. When men take their fruit to market they cannot make their customers believe, if they see rotten apples at the top, that there are good ones at the bottom. A man’s outward conduct is generally a little better than his heart. Very few men sell better goods than they put in the window. Therefore, do not misunderstand me. When I say we must attend more to the inward than the outward, I would not have you leave the outward to itself. “Make clean the outside of the cup and platter”—make it as clean as you can, but take care also that the inward is made clean. Look to that first. Ask yourself such questions as these—“Have I been born again? Am I passed from darkness to light? Have I been brought out of the realms of Satan into the kingdom of God’s dear Son? Do I live by private communion near to the side of Jesus? Can I say that my heart panteth after the Lord, even as the hart does after the water-brooks?”

Sermon no. 237
6 February (1859)

 

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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.

Cancer, Rebuke, Pastors, Weddings, Christ's bride...

It's early Tuesday morning and I'll admit it: I'm a little all over the map today. It's already been a long week. But somehow, everything around me is related. I sat in M.D. Anderson yesterday praying, reading, and waiting as Ty had his surgery. During that time I made it halfway through the book, Replenish: Leading from a Healthy Soul, by my friend Lance Witt. I want to share two excerpts with you. In the first, he’s talking about rebuke; why we need it and how it is the highest form of love. The second is an interesting take on a Pastor’s job. Enjoy…

 

“A question I often ask people in ministry is, ‘Who in your life can rebuke you?’ Solomon said, ‘He who listens to a life-giving rebuke will be at home among the wise.’ When’s the last time a trusted confidant rebuked you about how you treated someone, or an off-color joke you told, or your insensitivity to your spouse, or your distortion of the truth, or your harshness toward a team member? A rebuke can be life-giving in the same way that a doctor exposing and removing cancer is life-giving. There’s temporary pain but long-term gain. Usually when we think of rebuke, we attach words like shame, guilt, and failure. But a well-placed rebuke from a well-trusted friend actually exposes the stuff in my life that could destroy me. If I have a friend who loves me enough to rebuke me, it is a [blessing]…

...As a pastor, my job is to watch after the bride [the church] on behalf of the groom [Jesus]. I am like a spiritual wedding coordinator. The coordinator’s job is to assist and serve the bride and groom, behind the scenes, in making their wedding day a meaningful event. No wedding coordinator worth their salt would ever steal the spotlight from the bride and groom. Jesus said, ‘Father, I want these whom you’ve given me to be with me, so they can see my glory. You gave me the glory because you loved me even before the world began!’ There should never be anything blocking the bride’s view of the Groom’s glory. My constant challenge as a leader in the church is to get myself out of the way so that the bride [the church] will be awestruck by the incomparable majesty of her Groom [Jesus]!”

 

BTW- A question I’m constantly asked is: Why isn’t your name on anything at New Hope? (Some people seem a little disturbed by this!) But the reason is simple: It’s not about me! It’s all about Jesus and for His glory alone!

 

Blessings! And thanks for your prayers for my family!

 

Replenish: Leading from a Healthy Soul, by Lance Witt

http://www.amazon.com/Replenish-Leading-Healthy-Lance-Witt/dp/0801013542/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1327421226&sr=8-1

 

 

Fellowship of the Unashamed...

I read this in church this past weekend. It's something that I wrote in the back of my Bible when I was 18. It's not original with me, and I'm not even sure who the author is. But it described how I felt at the time. Amazingly enough, many years later I still feel the exact same way. After the service I started getting requests for a copy. I posted it on Facebook, but decided to include it on my blog as well. Enjoy...

 

I’m part of the fellowship of the unashamed. I have Holy Spirit power. The dye has been cast. I have stepped over the line. The decision has been made. I’m a disciple of His. I won’t look back, let up, slow down, back away or be still. My past is redeemed, my present makes sense, my future is secure. I’m finished and done with low living, sight walking, small planning, smooth knees, colorless dreams, tamed visions, mundane talking, “chincy” giving, and dwarfed goals. I no longer need preeminence, prosperity, position, promotions, plaudits, or popularity. I don’t have to be right, first, tops, recognized, praised, regarded or rewarded. I now live by presence, lean by faith, walk by patience, lift by prayer and labor by power. My face is set, my gait is fast, my goal is heaven, my road is narrow, my way is rough, my companions few, my guide reliable, my mission clear. I cannot be bought, compromised, detoured, lured away, turned back, deluded or delayed. I will not flinch in the face of sacrifice, hesitate in the presence of the adversary, negotiate at the table of the enemy, ponder at the pool of popularity, or meander in the maze of mediocrity. I won’t give up, shut up, let up, until I have stayed up, stored up, prayed up, paid up, preached up for the cause of Christ. I am a disciple of Jesus. I must go till He comes, give till I drop, preach till all know, and work till He stops me. And when He comes for His own, He will have no problem recognizing me – my colors will be clear.  

 

New Hope Church: What's next...

This weekend we introduced The Great CoMission stewardship emphasis at New Hope Church. What follows is brochure #1 which gives an overview of the projects. It also gives some info about "your mission" in the Co-Mission effort. Here's a hint: Jesus said, "Go!"

 

End of the Word Question: Does Jesus have a tattoo?

Question: Is Jesus’ tattoo a tattoo on his skin, or on his clothing?

 

Great question! This question comes from Revelation 19 where it says,

“On his robe and on his thigh he has this name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.” -Revelation 19:16 (NIV)

 

Seems like it was a tattoo on his thigh when reading most translations. But the question won't go away. Why? And why are there a couple of translations that say “banner” instead of thigh?

 

The difference is barely a stroke of a Hebrew letter. If Revelation was originally written in Hebrew (as many believe) the word in question is RAGEL or... maybe it was DAGEL. What’s the difference? Ragel means thigh. Dagel means banner. In English, the difference is the two legs of the R. (I'm saying that, because if you removed the two legs of the R, it would almost pass for a D.) In Hebrew, there’s even less of a difference...

 

If the extension on the ד (dalet) was written like this: ר (resh) then the word means thigh not banner. You can see why it's not a closed case and why many translations say "thigh" while a few say "banner."

 

How are we going to know if Jesus has a tattoo or there's just something written on his clothing? Easy: Just look when you see Him! (Ahhh... So many questions will be answered on that day!)

 

 

 

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. 

 

 

 

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.

 

100% of the offering leaves our church...

 Nicaragua: Two little girls cautiously approach the group of New Hopers in the background. Our team was there to serve the people who live in the dump.

 

The weekend of June 11-12 we will be giving away 100% of our offering to missions away from home. If your heart is for overseas missions, then be sure and put some money in the offering bag or give it online. People need Jesus. We want to help our missions partners who are making Christ known in far away places. Please give generously!

 

 

New Hope on the other side of the world, literally...

 
  
The dedication service of a building in 1ndia where young men who are studying to be pastors stay. Major funding for this building came from our church, which is why they chose the name, New Hope Center.

 

 
  
New Hope Church Operations Leader, Marc Davis, presenting six pastors with motorcycles that will expand the reach of their ministries. C1CM has found that pastors with transportation can reach 3 times as many people for Christ. New Hope Church paid for these motorcycles.

 

 
  
A church of Burmese refugees in the heart of the major city of De1hi in the moments after they received Bibles in their own language. These Bibles were purchased for this church by people of New Hope Church.

 

 
  
Ajai, the director of the Central 1ndia Christian Mission and one of the most amazing people I've ever met, "bringing it" at a youth conference.

 

This weekend, May 28-29, we will be hearing from our 1ndia Missions Partner, Ajai. 1ndia is in a "red zone" for Christianity, meaning, it's dangerous for Christians. (I hesitated to post this blog on the internet, because I don't want him to get in trouble at home. That's why I've purposely left off his last name, and spelled 1ndia with a "1" instead of an "I.") But right in the heart of 1ndia where danger for Christ-follwers abounds, we are seeing the Good News of Jesus spread and change lives. It's soooo exciting for our church to be involved in this move of God! 

 

I know this weekend is a holiday weekend, but I'm going to encourage you to be in church as we get inspired by a modern day hero of the faith! (BTW- June 11-12 is our "MISSIONS OFFERING WEEKEND." 100% of what is given on that weekend goes to support God's work away from our home turf. So please, give generously on that weekend!)

 

PS- This weekend, May 28-29, I'll also be passing out and explaining the "Bring A Bible You Can Write In" Series Addendum. 

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.   

 

 

 

Baptism Weekend 2011

 

I’m just amazed. This past weekend 304 people were baptized at New Hope Church. I loved cheering for the people who were going to be baptized who stood at the end of the service. Someone from the East Campus said there was a moment when tears were flowing as people stood to be baptized! Many people didn’t plan to do it, but made the decision on the spot and followed through a few minutes later. How awesome to see so many take this step. One man told me, right before he went under the water, “My detour away from God ends here.” I about lost it.

 

When Jesus was baptized, God the Father said, “This is my beloved son, in whom I am well pleased.” I called that statement, a heavenly high five! I’m sure there were lots of high fives in heaven this past weekend.

 

 I love this church!

 

“And now what are you waiting for? Get up, be baptized and wash your sins away, calling on his name.” –Acts 22:16

 

(BTW- We baptize people every weekend at New Hope Church. If you haven’t done it, but would like to do so, email the church at mail@newhopechurch.tv.)  

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.

 

 

Wow! Easter 2011...

 The LIVE iCampus broadcast of the New Hope Easter service on the big screen of one of our military families in Korea. (Pic courtesy of James & Mallory Sessions.)

 

Wow! We thought we might have a crowd at Easter! This year we wanted to spread out the crowd so that no one would have to sit in the lobby as in previous years. That meant adding 4 services (for a grand total of 12) to our already busy weekends at New Hope. Our East Campus had Saturday services for the first time and the 288 Campus added Friday services. (BTW- Our new drive and multiple exit lanes at 288 seemed to help the traffic flow! Thank you, Beyond Campaign Participants!) Only with the help of the greatest volunteers and staff on the planet could having so many services ever work. But you guys came through in a big way. And get this: 9,489 people heard the gospel this past weekend, and not one of them had to sit in the lobby! There were so many people who committed or recommitted their lives to Christ, it was amazing! Thank you, Lord, and thank you volunteers for making that possible. I love our church family!

 

The best news of the entire weekend is: We serve a risen Savior who is still saving people and changing lives! Jesus is alive!!

 

Pastor sought: Failure to pay toll...

 
Something interesting happened when I was going through a tollbooth years ago. Somewhere along the line, someone had not paid and now each motorist was paying for the person in front of them! It’s not the way it’s supposed to work, but for the moment it was working. Each motorist would put change in and let the car in front of them go. Then they’d creep up to the crossbar and wait for the person behind them to do the same.

 

Now it was my turn to pay for the person in front of me. I put in my change and up went the crossbar for the car in front of me to go through. Then the crossbar came down and I assumed my spot at the gate. I don’t know how long this had been going on, but I can tell you when it stopped: When it was my turn at the crossbar! I kept looking in the rearview and every time I’d make eye contact with the driver of the car behind me he would just shake his head, “No.”

 

So I put my truck in drive and broke through the crossbar. (Just kidding!)

 

Let me put Easter in perspective: We find it hard to give up a little change for someone else – but Jesus gave up His life for us! He willingly submitted to the cross for me and you. Romans 5 says,

^[7] “Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die. ^[8] But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” -Romans 5:7-8 (NIV)

 

The cross stands as a graphic reminder of the price that was paid for you and I. And Easter is a time when we celebrate Jesus paying that price and then winning the victory over sin and over the grave! Come celebrate the victory with us this Easter weekend! Twelve services to choose from! www.newhopechurch.tv. I can't wait!!

 

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."

 

 

Giving the keys to the teens...

 
If you were around New Hope Church this past weekend, you couldn’t help but notice what God is doing in our youth. Hundreds of kids dressed in blue tee shirts invaded our services at both campuses. We adults are often concerned about the next generation (and those concerns are valid in many instances). But to see our kids on fire for Jesus was an inspiration to me. In fact, I got teary eyed. You see, I’m not just a Pastor, I’m a dad. I love my kids with all my heart and I want them to love Jesus with all of theirs. To know that that is happening is… Well, let's just say it’s a dream come true.

The day is coming in the not too distant future when we will hand over the keys of the church to the kids. That thought used to scare me. Now I'm excited!!!

 Thank you Pastor B and your team of staff and volunteers for making New Hope a church where kids are loved where they are, yet challenged to go where Jesus wants them to go!   

 

BTW - We're finishing up our Family Tree series this weekend with, "WoMan Talk."  (February is typically a mediocre month attendance-wise. However, our attendance has been at or over 6,000 for the entire month! Let's finish strong this weekend!)  

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!!

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!

East Campus Breaks 1000!

 
Our East Campus had over 1,000 people in church this past weekend. We’ve done it before (Grand Opening & Christmas Eve) but this was the first time on a “normal” weekend that East crossed that threshold. No guest speaker. No prize giveaways. Just church. And the thing that makes it even more impressive was the downright ugly weather we had Sunday: Constant downpours on a cold, dank day. But even the weather couldn’t keep people away from church.

 If you’re wondering why I’m telling you this, let me put it in perspective: It took 10 years to reach 1,000 people in attendance in our church (total). Our East Campus has done it 4 months after getting into their new building.  [Insert your own, “Wow! Praise God!” here.] 

Thanks to everyone who believed in this vision. Thanks to all the amazing volunteers and staff at East. And thanks to all of you who are giving to the “.Beyond” campaign!

Tell someone in that part of the world about our East Campus! (FM2351 & FM518 in Friendswood.)

 

For further study: Acts 1:15; 2:41; 2:47; 4:4; 5:14; 6:1; 6:7; 9:31; 9:42; 11:21; 11:24; 11:26; 12:24; 13:44; 14:1; 14:21; 16:5; 17:12; 18:8; 21:20

Alex Made Us Stronger

 
Isaiah 11 says, “A little child shall lead them.” That’s a prophecy about Jesus, but the concept can certainly fit the way the childlike faith of young children can strengthen the faith of adults. And such was the faith of a little 8 year old named, Alex.

This young man led his mom back to church and once there, he invited friends to attend. He encouraged and impressed all of us with his deep faith. Even as brain cancer limited his ability to move and made his left side go limp, he never complained. Never. And he always had a smile on his face, though a little crooked toward the end.

Today, Alex is in heaven. At 1:00 p.m. on Sunday, January 9 his “faith turned to sight” as the old song says. But he didn’t leave us empty-hearted. No, he left behind something invaluable for us: Childlike faith so pure and trusting that just days before he made the trip he talked to his mom about turning to the left, once through Heaven's gates, to see New Hopers already there. And he also told his mom, “You’re going to be ok.” (What a big man, taking care of his mom before he left.)

Thank you, Alex, for your gift of strengthening the faith of all who knew you! We WILL see you again!!!

 

(Pictured: Alex's Mom Holly and Alex right after they were baptized. Thank you, Stacy Todd, for capturing these special moments in pictures!)

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

Do you remember the moment?

 
I was a junior high kid. We were traveling through Oklahoma on the way to a men’s retreat. We stopped at a small country church where a few hundred retreat-bound men had gathered for an evening service. A gentleman named Stuart Hamblen gave his testimony. Mr. Hamblen had been a popular radio DJ in Los Angeles, had acted in some old westerns with John Wayne, and had been a heavy drinker. Then Billy Graham came to L.A. Mr. Hamblen didn’t respond to the altar call. But God would not leave him alone. At 4:00 a.m. he knocked on Billy’s hotel room door and asked to be saved. Billy replied, “We’ve been praying for you...”

He ended his testimony by singing a song he wrote, that was inspired by a conversation with John Wayne:

It is no secret what God can do.

What He’s done for others He’ll do for you.

With arms wide open, He’ll pardon you.

It is no secret what God can do.

I was just a kid sitting in the back of the room acting like I wasn’t paying attention as he told his story. I was. And in those moments God broke me down.  I didn’t know I was going to end up being a pastor. But I knew I would follow Jesus wherever He wanted me to go. Do you remember the moment?  

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.

I Told Them Not to Go...

 
What does an earthquake, flooding, tent cities, mosquitoes, a recent hurricane, a cholera outbreak, and New Hope Church all have in common? Answer: All of them are making an impact in Haiti. That’s because we have a group there right now.

Here’s the funny thing: I told them not to go. Last week, Pastor John asked me if I thought the group should postpone the trip because of the cholera outbreak. I said, “Yes. Let’s play it safe and postpone.” Then a few days later he texted me and said, “We’re going.” To which I boldly replied, “…ok.” And now they are making a difference for Jesus. (Oh me of little faith.)

When I heard from John in Miami before their plane ride over to Haiti I told him, “It takes crazy people to change the world.” Be proud, New Hope Church: You’ve got some crazy people in your midst. (Jeremiah 20:9; Acts 4:18-21) Pictured: New Hopers, Lisa, Christie, and Chris teaching Haitian children about Jesus.

 

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.)

Get a clue, Pastor: Encourage People

 

I listened to a pastor preaching the other day on the internet. I was searching for something else and his site came up. A minute into his talk I was uncomfortable. Not “convicted of sin” uncomfortable. More like, he was "talking down to the audience" uncomfortable. I’m not sure about his church. Don’t even know the name of it. (I looked for it again before I wrote this but it was out of my history.) Again and again after he would say something he thought was profound he would yell, “Come on, get a clue!” But I had a clue. I felt like if I were married to him or was one of his children, I would be very unhappy. I imagined him constantly hitting me on the back of the head saying, “Come on! What are you thinking? Get a clue!”

I don’t know much about his church. I imagined it was very small. I could hear a woman coughing every now and then in the background, which made me think the room in which he was speaking was very small – or the microphone was very good. I felt sorry for her.

Hebrews 10:25

I see Jesus

 

I see Jesus all week long. (Not like the guy in the pic, although that pic is awesome! But in daily life.) Yes, I’m a late arriver to the party when it comes to blogging. But it’s time. This will give me another avenue to talk about Jesus during the week, along with reminding our church family of relevant, upcoming events. Some days will be pure musing from my personal Bible study. Other days will be for fun. And some days will be all about my family. (I LOVE those people!)

If you know me and want to keep up with blog, you can easily subscribe or become a fan. I promise to keep it short! (190 words or less is my goal!)