Culturally Relevant

The term "culturally relevant" is a term that has been used and abused in today's church. I believe when properly understood it is seen in the life of Christ. Think about this. What culture did Christ leave? What culture did Christ come to? Did Christ continue to use the culture of heaven?

As you think about these questions, also think about how Christ leveraged the culture that he came to. His goal was Biblical Transformation (see last post) but He accomplished that within the culture of Israel. Let's model our lives after Christ, understand that we must go to, communicate with and serve the culture that is in front of us.

Biblically Transformational

One of the values that drive my life is seeing people biblically transformed. To some this may be an understood concept but for me it took years to grasp. I grew up in a religious environment which understood the transformation aspect. The emphasis was placed on the behavior. The person who was mature in Christ was the one who looked the part. It was behavior modification with a religous twist.
Then one day I realized that the one's who "looked" the part often struggled with the same heart issues as those who did not "look" the part. Ephesians 4 tells of this process.
It says "to my initial suprise" that believers can live just as those who are far from God. It didn't say in their actions, but in their thinking. It was at this point that I realized that biblical transformation is a changing of the heart and mind.
The verse then goes on to say that the completion of the transformation is the action.
Let's make sure we understand that a heart change produces a behavior change. We need to make sure we address the heart. That's where biblical transformation takes place.

Values

Each of us have driving factors that act us to cause the way we act. In the past I have been forced to be able to articulate those values that drive me. As I began to put these together some time ago, I came to the realization that these are based on one of two things, myself or the word of God. As I began to evaluate these in my life the conclusion I came to is this, if they are not drawn from and driven by the word of God, they should not drive me. I want to encourage you, what are the values that drive you in your daily life. Are they drawn from the word of God or are they merely self made? I will post over the next few weeks on the values the drive me personally and how I have drawn them from the bible.

BIG GOD

This morning I was reading Isaiah 40. It is amazing the view that often times we have of God. We view him in light of our own culture. He is not just big, He is HUGE. Think about this.

He measures the water of the ocean in the palm of His hand.
He views the nations as a single drop in a large bucket.
He views people as the size of grasshoppers.

Take some time to read Isaiah 40. See how BIG GOD is.

Vacation Reading

While on vacation this past week our family has a tradition, reading a book as a family. This year we chose the book entitled In the Presence of Mine Enemies. It is the story of the abduction of Martin and Gracia Burnham. I would challenge you to read this book. It will cause you to see yourself as you've never seen yourself before.

Late Night Calls

Last night just before 10 pm, we recieved a phone call. Tammie's grandmother had gone home to be with the Lord. As this has happened, life becomes different. There is an urgency to make plans to be with family and prepare for the arrangements. Time is of the essence to make sure all is done.

As Tammie's grandmother is in heaven, I wonder what she is focusing on? I know her focus is on the one who gave her breathe while on earth and cause to rejoice in heaven. As we face tought times in life, let's remember who is truly worthy of our praise.

Reggie, one of the people from our church is talking our church to Guatemala. Church is people joining together to accomplish God's mission. As you go through your work be praying for Reggie. He will be teaching pastor's in Guatemala. Pray for his strength, the pastors who will come to hear him and their safety.

We cannot wait to see what God does through Reggie.

Now What?

This morning some of the staff sat and evaluated the service at the NPAC. We began by talking through this years service and then planning possible thoughts and changes for next year. After we were done we all sat and looked at each other, almost as if to say NOW WHAT? As I thought about that this afternoon, I realized that often times after big events we can forget that God's work is not wrapped up in a one time event. It is a life of service He desires. Our challenge is to continue to make an impact for the kingdom. Enjoy and praise God for the big events, both as a church and in our lives, but remember there are 51 other weeks in the year. Use them wisely.

2 Days and Counting

Two days left until we celebrate Easter at the NPAC. We are praying for a great day. Pray with us that the word of God will be presented in a clear way. Invite those who you have a relationship. We are praying that the decisions that are made will make an difference in the kingdom. Remember He is risen and we are changing.

Easter @ the NPAC

I am excited about easther at the NPAC. We are praying that God will use this day to draw many to Him. Let's make sure we are doing our part by investing and inviting those with whom we have a relationship. Investing by taking an active interest in their life. Inviting by welcoming them and bringing them to a venue where the gospel can be heard. I am including the link to a video we used on Sunday to encourage people to visit us at the NPAC. Check it out http://www.youtube.com/v/zDSp-9gg7MQ&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0">http://www.youtube.com/v/zDSp-9gg7MQ&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385">

American Idol Moment

Last night I was watching American Idol (thanks to my DVR). One of the judges, Paula Abduhl, made a comment after one of the contestants performances. She said "Genius is not meeting expectations but shattering them." When she made this comment it started my mind thinking. Will my life be seen as just meeting expectations? Will others view my life as just meeting expectations?

My mind went to a verse, Ephesians 3:20 (ESV) 20 Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us. The ability to live a life of genius, lies in our the source of our strength. I pray that each day God will accomplish more than I can ever imagine through my life. I pray that God will allow me to not only meet expectations but shatter them. LIVE A LIFE OF GENIUS!

My Part ... Your Part

Have you ever asked yourself what part you play in kingdom work. The last 20 years of church history has had the potential of harming the church's ability to effectively impact the kingdom. Professional ministers and missionaries, those who do it vocationally, have given the impression that those who may not be "called" into full time ministry are second class citizens of the kingdom. It is interesting to look through the Bible and find those who made a significant impact for the kingdom without out ever giving up their day jobs.

The centurion, Christ healed his daughter, was said to have great faith. It is interesting that God did not tell him to give up all that he had, but rather sent him back to his daily work. If God were to look at our lives, would He say to us that we have great faith? Up until 20 years ago, the church was perpetuated and the kingdom advanced by each person understanding their role, a life sold out to following Christ and impacting the kingdom. Don't let someone tell you or act like a second class kingdom citizen. Do your part, live your part, take charge and ADVANCE THE KINGDOM.

One of those days...

This morning as I was sitting in my office, talking with Clark something happened that made me think...it's going to be one of those days. My office chair gave way. It was quite a site. It did not go all the way to the floor just back to where my feet were sticking straight up. Clark, before he helped, was laughing hysterically. I couldn't get up, i could just roll around helpless, feet to the sky.

After I got out of the chair, the office had a good laugh at my expense and I regained what was left of my dignity, I began to realize often times I have days and even weeks that seem like I am rolling around life, not in control, with my feet in the air. I was reminded of Jeremiah 29:11, it says, For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for wholeness and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Even when I am stuck in a chair with my feet in the air, God has a unique plan for my life.

The question is am I looking to live on mission, or am I content sulking about my feet in the air?

GOING GLOCAL

No that is not a misspelling. Glocal is a word that is used to coin a new but old concept in missions. It is the concept that our mission endeavour must be both local and global. Most churches have a pull between the two. God never intended for that pull.

This Sunday we will be looking at what it will take for God to give us a burden for missions. Read Isaiah 58. It is amazing the truths about missions that can be looked at through the old testament. God had a mission for His nation Israel, but it could only be accomplished when they were willing to pray for things to be done His way. How are you praying and sacrificing for glocal missions?

It's Monday

This morning my alarm went off, earlier than normal. I've committed to a healthier lifestyle. I went to the YMCA to exercise. (We will see how long it lasts.) Sometimes we have noble aspirations. We start exercising and if you are like me, often times it happens for a while and then we give up on it.

We have just finished a series on worship. The concept that for too long worship has been a one day a week activity and then it's Monday. This Monday morning how are you doing in your worship? Have you spent time in prayer? Have you spent time reading the Bible? Have you spent time building relationships? Are you viewing your entire life as kingdom work?

For me this morning, besides my commitment to exercise, I also want to renew my commitment to a life of worship. Let's not give up on doing our part for the kingdom.

Trip to the Airport

Wednesday morning my family and I had the privilege of picking Tammie's parents up from the airport. When ever I am in a public place I begin to watch people, their dress, their relationships, their habits, the funny things they do, etc. As I was watching all of the people, some on cell phones being very animated, others calm, some dressed nicely others casual, some eating others just sitting. As I watched, my mind began to wonder who they are, do they know Christ, if they do, how do they live for Christ.

While all this was running through my mind, and much more, I pondered some thoughts.

1) Can we truly tell a persons spiritual state by their outward appearance?
2) Can someone tell my spiritual state by observing me in a public place?
3) How do you determine if they are spiritually driven or worldly driven?

For years, these questions have been at the root of what I will be speaking on Sunday. Can a person tell if I am worldly by my possessions, dress, house and all the external things of life? Or is worldliness an internal response? Let me know what you think.

Life

Now that we have our youth director in place and life is beginning to move on, I am going to attempt to join the blogging world. As I blog, I want you to join in the conversation about life. Life is what God gives each of us to carry out his unique purpose for our life. He also gives us relationships that will help build us, train us, and equip us to carry out God's mission for our lives. Fell free to post and this dialogue can become a conversation that will help us through the journey of life.