Simply James, Part 2: Money and Materialism
What if money and materialism were just symptoms of a greater sickness we suffer from? I explore this in is my sermon on Simply James, Part 2: Money and Materialism. Check it out! Simply James, Part 2
The Effects of Contextualizing the Gospel in Hip Hop Culture
Here’s My Abstract:
Hip Hop—what once started as a subculture in urban centers—has now turned into a growing lifestyle among Americans known as millenials and is steadily becoming an influential part of the normalized culture of youth in suburban and urban communities alike. The effects of hip hop culture in the millennial generation leads to an interesting discussion about how music, fashion, and expression can impact the way a young person sees reality—including faith. Unfortunately, some of what the church has attempted to do has been particularly detrimental and, in many ways, undermined the credibility of the emergence of what many call Christian hip hop or Gospel rap. Conversely, the clouded images of a hip-hop artist wearing a diamond “Jesus-piece” to protect him from bullet wounds, to the scantily-clad woman who thanks Jesus at an awards show, or the stand-up comedian who refers back to the shared memories of the church service while using profanity all serve to muddy the waters of reaching and discipling young people.
In this paper, I will argue that the ubiquitous nature of hip hop means that the church must 1) engage, 2) respect, and 3) recognize the redemptive elements of the culture if they are to help steer young people into clarity and discernment when listening to and adopting the ethos of hip hop as a lifestyle. I will frame the paper by first providing a short excurses into the emergence of hip hop onto the scene of middle America, discuss the implications it has had on the millennial generation, and then look at some case studies that show how redeemed hip hop culture has served as an avenue to see the Gospel go forward. I will then draw certain conclusions from the case studies that will serve as a set of guiding principles to youth pastors, lay leaders, and people involved in reaching the millennial generation that will be helpful in both practice and philosophy.
Love, Sex, and Dating: The Series
I was on iTunes this morning looking for some music and found the titles for the “Top 10″ downloads on iTunes somewhat amusing. The titles include songs about hooking up with aliens (E.T. by Katy Perry) and other things that involve two letters (S&M by Rihanna). Of course, who can’t snap their fingers to crooners Jeremih and 50 Cent’s romancing duet, Down on Me? To be clear, I don’t think all secular music is bad, but I can’t help but chuckle at the eleventy-billion ways our culture has found ways to talk about sex, without calling it sex. And you thought your parent’s metaphors when you had “the talk” or your school-teacher’s “birds and the bees” was a terrible explanation? E.T.? Really, America? That’s got to be the worst metaphor I’ve heard of in my life. But I digress…
Over the next three weeks at TheCity, we’re going to take a break from Philippians and talk with high school students about Love, Sex, and Dating. No catchy slogans, no bracelets or rings, no awkward metaphors…just love, sex, and dating. At the end of each week, I’ll do a Q&A Session where you and your friends can anonymously ask any question pertaining to the topic, and I will answer it. Here’s the deal, I’m not going to tell you that talking to girls will result in pregnancy or that God sheds a tear every time you think about something inapprop
See you this Wednesday at 6:30 for hanging out and food, 7:00 for D-Groups, and 7:30 for awesome music and a message.
The Best Question Ever
I have recently finished two “Ask Anything” Q&A sessions that have opened my eyes to a lot of the current questions and issues that high school students struggle with. A lot of the questions enter areas that are shaded gray–the Bible doesn’t have a direct answer, people have divided opinions, and there are some tough circumstances that make giving a pat answer difficult. Culture tends to answer gray areas by providing these questions:
- Is it legal?
- What are the chances of being caught?
- How do you feel?
The sad part is that many of these questions don’t help people make long-term decisions that they later won’t regret, and more importantly the choices we make just don’t impact the individual but everyone around us. Divorce doesn’t just impact one person, it hurts a family. Porn doesn’t impact a person, it hurts future intimacy. Going into debt doesn’t just affect you, it it impacts the entire economy (just ask neighbors who live in areas with a lot of foreclosures and bank-owned homes).
Instead of using culture’s questions, we should ask this one instead (thanks, Andy Stanley):
In light of my past experiences, current responsibilities, and future hopes and dreams–what is the wise thing to do?
I preached this weekend on John 1:35-51, and the big idea was that the difference between a significant and mediocre life is how we respond to God-given opportunity. When we use Andy’s phrase to live our life, then we can begin tackling the shades of gray that exist. Should I go to that college? Should I date that person? How far is too far? Should I buy that car? Should I switch to that job?
The answer is always found in asking this simple question–what is the wise thing to do?
To see where this comes from in the Bible, check out Ephesians 5:15-17.
Collin Outerbridge is one of the pastors of Vista Church in Orlando, FL. He provides oversight to local and global mission, student ministries, and MissionCity-Vista’s Church Planting Initiative. For more information, check out www.vistachurch.com or www.collinouterbridge.org
On Heaven and Hell
I think this message answers some great questions on Heaven and Hell. I may lose some friends over this, but it is an accurate depiction of the Bible:
http://www.marshillchurch.org/media/luke/heaven-and-hell
Trust Jesus, Friend.
Mentors, Part 2: “Help Me Organize”
For the next few weeks, I will share stories about specific men who have inspired me in my development as a husband, father, and pastor. I am indebted to men like this who continually pour their experience into my life with nothing to gain. This week, meet Jeff–a mentor and friend.
Jeff was the Missions Pastor at the first church in where I had the opportunity to serve in a vocational position. I was a full-time college student while just moving into a role of overseeing a student ministry with a large number of students. I just turned twenty and was in over my head. I needed someone to help me grow rapidly and quickly in the area of organization, and Jeff was willing to help me in a great way.
We met one day for lunch and began to share stories about how God had been working in our life and what our relationship might look like if it went beyond sitting in the same room for staff meetings, but exchanged ideas to make our ministry better. Eventually, Jeff extended an invitation to help improve my organizational skills. He had devised a system that had worked for him for years, making the best use of his time as well as ensuring that he did not overload his support staff with too much busy work. This was my first ministry with support staff, and I had no idea what to do with them. Needless to say, Jeff was ready to help me and I said yes.
For about six months, Jeff would meet with me on a routine basis and he would teach me the system that he used for organization. It came in the form of a large notebook that had divided compartments for upcoming events. Essentially a mix between Franklin Covey planners and a Daytimer, Jeff showed me how to maximize both my time and the work for my personal assistant that would create a great deal of success for me in my personal life and ministry.
After that mentoring relationship ended, Jeff and I became great friends, and he oversaw the proceedings at my wedding. To this day, he is a confidant, and co-laborer in the Gospel. We see each other as equals, but I am forever grateful to him for his willingness to teach me something that I use until this day in my ministry.
Jeff taught me the importance of building relationships with people where there may be no direct positive impact to the ministry that you lead. His time taken out to teach me how to implement an organizational system had no bearing on greater effectiveness in his own ministry, but he saw what he had learned as a gift to be given away. As I think about relationships I have with people, I realize now that not every mentoring relationship will turn into a beneficial result in my personal ministry. The bottom line is that we need to be willing to engage with people who can offer nothing in return. As a result, we give all of the content that is developed in our ministries away for free in hopes that it may help someone else.
Secondarily, Jeff counseled me in learning how to navigate the relational nuances of the local church. He was quick to let me know how to get things done while maintaining honor for the leaders that have been faithful to seeing the church grow. I still use these principles and concepts as I lead others in a growing church that is continually seeing greater depth and complexity in the sheer amount of teams, leaders, and ministries that are being developed.
Collin Outerbridge is one of the pastors of Vista Church in Orlando, FL. He provides oversight to local and global mission, student ministries, and MissionCity-Vista’s Church Planting Initiative. For more information, check out www.vistachurch.com or www.collinouterbridge.org
Mentors, Part 1: Meet Me at Guthrie’s
For the next few weeks, I will share stories about specific men who have inspired me in my development as a husband, father, and pastor. I am indebted to men like this who continually pour their experience into my life with nothing to gain. This week, meet Aaron–a mentor and friend.
Aaron served with a campus ministry for years at the University of Florida. He had taken a grassroots ministry and developed a team of people and students that made that campus ministry one of the trendsetting and benchmark ministries for the organization. He is now in a secular vocation, sensing God’s call to one day be involved in missions in the 10-40 window. His wife and kids are wonderful people that I love being around.
Zachary was in 6th grade when I took over my first post as a Jr. High Pastor. There were a handful of students that first Wednesday night, and Zach stuck out to me as a leader. I decided that he would be one of the students I would focus on, hoping to encourage him to grow in his faith and lead his friends to do the same. When Aaron heard about my intentions, he offered to take me out to eat sometime so we could get to know each other. The only issue was that I was in college and Aaron had to be at work early in the morning, meaning we had to meet at the crack of dawn at a hole-in-the-wall restaurant called Guthrie’s.
I was late. He was gracious.
The food was terrible and greasy, but our conversations were worth every penny I spent at that place. I would vent about things, and he would walk me through my struggles with identity and questions. Aaron would provide a listening ear, ask tough questions, pray with me, and challenge my perceptions of leadership. To this day, he is the first person I call when I am faced with a difficult decision in ministry, relationships, and family. He has helped me grow spiritually, teaching me to read the Scriptures, memorize them, and continually consult the Holy Spirit for wisdom, guidance, and direction.
Aaron’s greatest contribution to me was in the way he showed me what a God-honoring marriage is to look like. He helped me see the complexities and beauty of marriage by inviting me over to have dinner with his family and to see how he loved and served his wife and kids after a busy day at work. He modeled what an Ephesians 5 marriage could look like.
Aaron also taught me how to see my primary ministry as my family, and not my church. He continually challenges me to think about my family first in every situation, and creating margin and boundaries in my life to ensure that my priorities rest first in Christ, then my wife, daughter, family, and ministry. I have seen how much of my ministry is patterned after the way he takes care of his family and that a lot of the boundaries, rules, and margin that we create in our household are reflective of his ministry to Stacey and me.
My prayer is that God would give you an Aaron. If you have one, thank him or her. If you don’t, ask Jesus for one.
Collin Outerbridge is one of the pastors of Vista Church in Orlando, FL. He provides oversight to local and global mission, student ministries, and MissionCity-Vista’s Church Planting Initiative. For more information, check out www.vistachurch.com or www.collinouterbridge.org.
Rob Bell Interview with Martin Bashir
Martin Bashir provides a compelling conversation with Rob Bell by asking straight questions. What do you think?
Why do Bad Things Happen to Good People? Thoughts on Japan and Ruth.
The catastrophic events in Japan have in many ways allowed me to wrestle with a common question many tend to ask: Why do bad things happen to good people?
At MissionCity, we are starting a new series on the book of Ruth, where the main idea is God’s sovereignty. Here was the big idea for this week:
God is sovereign. In everything. Even our suffering.
But what does this mean? Let’s look at some misconceptions we have about God and suffering.
10 Lies About Suffering:
- Suffering can be avoided with more faith (just pray more and you won’t have trouble)
- Suffering allows you to be a victim (your circumstance allows you to blame others)
- Suffering is always a punishment for sin (sometimes we sin and there is no immediate consequence)
- Suffering is something to be pursued (this is the folly of monks who would beat themselves to understand God)
- Suffering is to be avoided (this teaching tells us to avoid conflict and take the path of least resistance)
- Suffering is part of your repayment to God (this lie tells you that Jesus’ work on the cross is not enough)
- Suffering can be explained on earth (there is no infinite understanding for the finite world…Romans 9)
- Suffering is a result of God’s lack of sovereignty (is God in control?)
- Suffering is a result of God’s lack of love (God doesn’t love you, that’s why you suffer)
- Suffering is your minor inconvenience (Nope. Sorry. Because you couldn’t get a parking spot, didn’t get a raise, or lost your keys does not qualify you for suffering)
All of these ideas are somewhat rooted in an unbiblical, manipulative perspective. They teach us nothing about the character of God or His Gospel.
So why do bad things happen to good people? In short, because there are no good people, just a sovereign God who is altogether good and just. We must realize that bad things happen because our world is marked by sin and things are not as they should be. Suffering is as ubiquitous as the air that fills our lungs.
In light of this simple truth, I submit to you four principles by which we should live when faced with suffering:
- Acknowledge your pain, resting in a High Priest (Jesus) who understands your every lament.
- Trust in God’s sovereignty in all things, including your suffering.
- Hope for God’s provision, relying on His promises.
- Live radically, knowing that there is no situation God can not save you from.
Suffering is an inevitable reality that happens because we live in a broken, sin-ridden world. Physically, the earth groans to be made right. Spiritually, our souls yearn to be filled.
Romans 8:22-28
22 We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. 23 Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption to sonship, the redemption of our bodies. 24 For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have? 25 But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.26 In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. 27 And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God.28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who[i] have been called according to his purpose.
Follow Jesus, friend. Trust in His sovereignty.
Live on mission with Him to make the wrong things in our world, right.
Collin is a pastor at Vista Church in Orlando, FL where he provides oversight to missions, student ministries, and MissionCity-Vista’s Church-planting network. For more information about Collin, check out www.vistachurch.com or www.collinouterbridge.org.
What Rob Bell, Charlie Sheen, and You Have in Common
I usually post a blog on Monday, but in some ways have been tired of all the rants and ravings that people have laid out about Rob Bell’s alleged ‘heresy’ and Charlie Sheen’s sheer lunacy. Here’s my favorite quote of the week:
“I am on a drug. It’s called Charlie Sheen. It’s not available because if you try it once your face will melt off and your children will weep over your exploded body.”
What I find ironic is how much people are enthralled with both Rob Bell’s alleged shift from evangelicalism to universalism and simultaneously intrigued by Charlie Sheen’s dive off of the deep end. So instead of blogging about things I don’t know about (whether Bell’s a heretic or Sheen’s loco). I want to look at what society’s obsession with these two people really show us about, well, us:
1. We are Voyeuristic, Peeping Toms.
In one day, Charlie Sheen had 500,ooo followers on Twitter. Rob Bell was a trending topic, and every evangelical had a ‘position’ on a book they had not read. Our culture is filled with a desire to know and talk about other people’s lives…as if our perception actually mattered. News flash: Rob Bell doesn’t care what a 19 year old, community-college degree wanna-be seminarian thinks about his theology. There’s a reason you’re talking about him and he’s not talking about you.
2. We Enjoy Watching the Demise of Others.
There’s no doubt that Charlie Sheen is either a wonderful actor who has America eating out of the palm of his hand, or he is delusional. Either way, people are flocking to see what will happen to Sheen-not out of genuine concern, but out of a desire for entertainment. What makes me sad is that we will laugh at his quotes, re-tweet his 140 character rants, and watch his interviews, but have we prayed for him or his FIVE kids? It seems to me that our culture enjoys a good tragedy, as long as it is not theirs.
And what if Bell is a universalist? Will evangelical culture reach out to him in grace or will we pridefully place ourself on a pedestal and say, “I told you Bell was crazy…I saw it way back in his Nooma videos (which you secretly still think are awesome).”
3. We Tend Toward Narcissism and Self-Promotion.
How did you find out about Rob Bell? Charlie Sheen? Or this blog? Probably because you clicked on a link in Facebook, a friend tweeted it, or you caught an interview on the internet. Check this out:
- Rob Bell posted a video promoting his new book, Love Wins, and the blogosphere began
- Charlie Sheen promoted his story by doing interviews with 20/20 and Howard Stern Radio, and the world began laughing
- I promoted this blog on Facebook and Twitter, and you read it
Promotion (through social media, the internet, etc.) is the new fad in our culture. Although there are benefits to it, I wonder if we’ve taken it too far (including me).
In the end, this is what Rob Bell, Charlie Sheen, and you (and me) have in common: a mutual need for The Gospel. Daily.
It is what saves and transforms every broken soul. If you’re a Christian, you still need to trust the Gospel daily. If you’re not, you need to trust The Gospel today.
“Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners–of whom I am the worst.” 1 Timothy 1:15
Collin Outerbridge is a pastor at Vista Church in Orlando, FL overseeing global and local missions, student ministry, and MissionCity–the church planting network of Vista Church.
Christian Man in Afghanistan to be Executed, US does nothing…
Over the last few weeks, we’ve seen the meteoric rise of demonstrations and rallies as people throughout the global south call for change–like we heard our president say just a few years ago in our country. Places like Tunisia, Bahrain, and Egypt have been faced with difficult decisions as they face the passionate cries of people calling for freedom in their country and the end of despotism and tyranny. The American government has been encouraging this movement toward freedom, believing in the benefits it can bring when a people have the opportunity to self-govern.
Meanwhile, a Christian in American-Occupied Afghanistan–Said Musa–stands ready to be hanged for his conversion from Islam to follow Jesus, and our government has nothing to say about it. Every major news outlet–CNN, MSNBC, and Fox News–will not report it. They’re too busy talking about Paris Hilton’s “man putting a ring on it.” Even more ridiculous is the headline article saying “the burgeoning democracy movement has caught Al-Qaeda off guard.”
Really?!? It’s caught them off-guard? That fully explains why a man will be murdered for his desire to follow Christ in the SAME COUNTRY.
If you’re a Christian, this should disturb you because of the sheer reality that a man is going to lose his life for following Christ, just like Jesus said we would (Matthew 5:10).
If you’re not a Christian, this should disturb you because a man does not have a basic freedom to choose.
Either way, I hope this angers you (I pray it does). I hope you will do something about it. If social media is powerful enough for an entire country to listen to it’s citizens after centuries of dictatorial regimes, it’s powerful enough to wake people up to the atrocity happening in the countries we’re sending our troops to fight for democracy.
Tweet It. Facebook It. Blog about it. Do Something.
Collin Outerbridge is one of the pastors at Vista Church in Orlando, FL providing oversight and leadership to global and local mission, student ministry, and church-planting.
Why I am Planting a Church
Church planting has been called one of the hardest and most arduous tasks someone can take on in ministry. Two years ago, I remember God vividly telling me that there was a work for me to do in Orlando, and it was time to come home. At that time, church-planting was a sexy notion, but it was nothing I would have expected to occur in the next decade. Two years later, God has graced me with a team of pastors, a church with a heart to plant churches, and a core group of college students, singles, marrieds, and grey-haired wise folks who are working toward this goal: launching a church in 18 months from now to minister to the people of UCF and Waterford Lakes. Why plant a church? Here are 5 reasons why:
1. We’re not alone. God has knit a team of pastors, churches, and leaders who support the endeavor.
2. There is a need to reach the campus: Only 2% of UCF students are regular church attenders.
3. There is a need to reach the nations: UCF is one of the most ethnically diverse universities in the country
4. There is a need to reach the men: The least likely person to go to church is a single man ages 18-30, these men are the primary servants in our church.
5. There is a need to reach the city: Orlando has over 13 parachurch organizations, but church attendance is no different than the rest of America.
Many of you will read this, having heard rumors about what it is that I am doing. Some have heard that it is a youth ministry. Others call it a college group. Even others say it is an alternative service. All of that is misinformation. Here I am to set the record straight.
What is MissionCity, you ask? Here are five distinctives:
1. It is a church. With pastors, leaders, a budget, and a vision.
2. It is missional. We equip people to see church not as where they go, but where they are.
3. It is gospel-centered. We preach the Bible, not feel-good self-help seminars disguised as sermons.
4. It is relational. We work toward sharing life through community. This includes dinner, round tables, and discussion at our worship gatherings.
5. It is a network. Under the leadership of Vista Church, we believe God will use MissionCity to plant many churches. In the entire city. Until everyone hears.
I hope you understand a little bit more why I am planting a church. I also hope that you will know you are welcome to join me in this journey. Your prayers, encouragement, and involvement are all ways in which you can partner with me and the scores of people who are saying yes to what God is doing in our city and what He has called us to be as a church.
Books of the Bible I have Preached/Taught in 2010…What’s to Come in 2011
This year has been a blast, and I’m looking forward to seeing how God reveals His Scripture to me in preparation for 2011. Here’s a list of books I have walked through verse by verse this year and had the privilege of teaching:
- Jonah
- 1 John
- James
- Ephesians
- Galatians
As you can see, it’s been a busy year and I’m excited about putting together my preaching list/bible study calendar for 2011. Here’s a list of books I’m considering…which one do you suggest I start with?
- Song of Solomon: covering dating, courtship, marriage…
- Ruth: how to live in times of loneliness
- Ecclesiastes: How to live life in Perspective.
- Philemon: a short, powerful story of freedom.
- 1/2 Timothy: Leadership 101.
Any others? Let me know!
Why Christopher Hitchens is Right…Kind Of.
Christopher Hitchens is a staunch atheist who has been on a crusade to bring awareness to people about the role that religion plays in the calamities and atrocities that happen in our world. This week in a public debate between he and former Prime Minister Tony Blair (a Catholic) in Toronto, Hitchens argued that institutional religion has in many ways, created a “spiritual North Korea” where people are constrained to religious tradition that compels them to act out of fear to their master. I agree with him. Religion oftentimes leads to violence, misinformed tradition, and fear-based manipulation. Here are 5 reasons why Jesus’ doesn’t fit in Hitchens’ model:
Where religion suffocates, Jesus liberates.
Where religion stifles doubt, Jesus gives freedom to question.
Where religion advocates violence, Jesus expresses love.
Where religion expects you to earn a deity’s favor, Jesus simply gives it to you as a gift.
Where religion forces rules, Jesus gives freedom.
If you’re a Christian, why is Jesus better than religion?
If you’re not a Christian, in what ways have you seen people who claim to follow Christ be religious?
Following Jesus doesn’t have to be religious. In fact, religion is what He came to save us from.
Heart Surgery
I’ve never been a very big fan of T.V. shows that have to do with surgery. The nastiness and sheer realism in the shows are far too much for me to handle. Heart transplants are the toughest for me to watch.
Right now, I feel like I’m in the operating room, and God is the surgeon.
This is what I mean. God is slowly peeling back the layers of my life to reveal to me patterns that I have never known about. It’s a painful process, but one that is necessary for God to develop within me the heart that can lead others well. I’m learning that talent and success are secondary concerns to God compared to my heart.
I’m learning that no matter how many people hear me preach, go to a worship service, or follow me on Twitter–God’s great concern is for me to have a heart that looks like His. The beauty is that this surgery is an ongoing process, but intentional in that it helps me function as the person God wants me to be for His glory.
What kind of surgery is God doing on your heart?
7 Preachers, 7 Days…
I listen to more sermons I know what to do with, but I’ve decided to simmer it down to seven guys who I think should be heard on a weekly basis. Get them on iTunes and listen to one guy each day.
1) David Platt | The Church at Brook Hills
He’s pretty much a old-fashioned Bible teacher who is clear and sounds way older than he actually is.
2) Mark Driscoll | Mars Hill Church Seattle
He’s a loud, blunt preacher who tells it like it is. I most appreciate his ability to practically teach Scripture. A good balance between biblical exegesis and cultural savvy.
3) Gary Simons | Cornerstone Bible Fellowship Bermuda
A dynamic, passionate preacher whose heart for teaching the Bible is raw. Every time I listen to him I learn something new.
4) Matt Chandler | The Village Church Texas
He’s a baller. Fighting cancer and preaching his pants off. Probably the funniest guy I’ll listen to each week.
5) Andy Stanley | North Point Community Church Atlanta
If these other guys preach the Bible, Andy is ridiculously practical. I won’t look to him for much Bible-teaching, but really sound insight on life and leadership.
6) Louie Giglio | PassionCity Church Atlanta
It’s like going to Passion Conferences every weekend. Louie’s planting a church, so it’s fun to hear how this looks different from what he’s done in the past.
7) Your Pastor | Whatever Church You Attend
It’s good to hear somebody in a live setting. For me, I’ve had the pleasure to teach alongside and learn from Matt Blowers (Harbour Church) and Van Fielden at Vista Community Church here in Orlando. They’re pretty awesome.
Fasting Facebook
This past weekend, Stacey and I decided to shut off technology when we left for a family vacation. I was amazed at how much I initially struggled, but how great a blessing it was to get away from repeatedly checking my iPhone and laptop. I think Facebook might be taking over the world…
- 500 million people are registered users (user…isn’t that the same word we use for drug addicts?)
- over 50% of Facebook users log on at least once per day
- the average person spends at least 7 hours/month on the site
- the average American is involved in technology 9x more than they exercise
The bottom line is that Facebook and social media help keep us connected, and we should use it as a resource. But, here’s a challenge–can you go without it? For 72 hours, don’t check your Facebook or Twitter, go outside, meet friends face to face, and send me back some honest thoughts about your experience!
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Reflecting on Bermuda
I’ve been reflecting on what God taught me while I was speaking at Olympian Summer Camp in Bermuda, and have compiled a list of five thoughts that I find beneficial to share:
1) Read: I challenged myself to read 7 books in 7 days, and I loved every moment of it. From memoirs to autobiographies to thelogical manifestos, my mind expanded and grew in its love for knowledge. It also inspires me to write more.
2) Rest: There is something fundamentally needed in our world, and it involves taking time out to relax and unwind. To be truthful, it is easy for me to not rest, but I intentionally chose to get at least 7 hours of sleep while I was in Bermuda, and that made for a continual source of energy after returning to Orlando and launching Sunday School and Crud Wars. For longevity’s sake, rest.
3) Don’t go to Newark Airport: It is a terrible place. I had to manuever my travel plans to get home on time and was rerouted through Newark, NJ. I’ve travelled a good amount and find there to be no more annoying place to have a layover than in this airport. Avoid it.
4) Preach the Cross: Jesus died on it. Through God’s choice to die we receive not only forgiveness, but His righteousness. We saw 60+ respond to the simplicity of The Gospel and follow Jesus. If you are a pastor, quit trying to be a self-help Christian Dr. Phil, and preach the Bible. Please!
5) Cherish your family: I missed my wife and daughter immensely, and this week reminded me that they are my primary ministry. There may always be invitations to speak around the world, but I am responsible to love, protect, and provide for those God has entrusted to my care. The key is seeking Jesus and praying together to find the balance.
These are 5 of at least twenty thoughts God has placed in me while gone. It’s good to be home, and I’m excited about the work God is calling us to in our city. Let’s make it happen!
What Gospel Am I Preaching?
In Galatians 1, Paul writes:
“But even if we or an angel from should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed. As we have said before, so now I say again: If anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to the one you received, let him be accursed. Galatians 1:8-9 (ESV)
Here are a few “Contrary gospels” we find in our culture today:
1. Prosperity Gospel
The fellas who preach and teach Jesus as a means to wealth have taken parts of The Scripture and decided to avoid others. With this gospel comes a sense that God wants you to be healthy and wealthy, and that if you’re not it is because you have sin in your life or because you have not been a financial giver. This Gospel forgets what Jesus says to the rich young ruler in Luke 18:18-32.
2. Universalism
This good news makes the argument that all paths lead to God. In other words, Jesus is a cool guy–like Buddha, Muhammad, and Abraham–who point to the way in which people should live with one another. Here, Jesus’ death is either mythologized or misinterpreted, and His claim to be God is undervalued. Universalism tells you it does not matter what you believe, as long as you are a good person. Of course, this entirely discounts Jesus as the Christ and as 1 John reminds us, anyone who preaches that Jesus is not the Messiah is a false prophet.
What Gospel are you Preaching?
Every day we preach a sermon with our lives. Would our lifestyles, financial decisions, and schedules preach of the transforming, saving grace of Jesus Christ on the cross or would it look similar to a prosperity gospel or universalistic approach?
- What sermon does your bank account preach? One of consumerism or compassion toward others?
- What sermon does your time preach? One of selfishness or selflessness?
- What sermon does your marriage or friendship preach? One of grace or grudge?
By the grace of God, may we be great Gospel preachers!
How to Hear From God Lecture Outline
How to Hear from God: A Brief Look at a Big Topic
Theological Realities
- God is a God of Language
o Creation
o Jesus is the Word
o Power in the NAME of Jesus
- God Speaks to the Regenerate
o Holy Spirit must dwell within the believer
o If you are following Christ, then you are inherently a receiver of God’s voice, the question is whether you are hearing that voice
- God is Always Talking
o Malachi – Matthew 400 years of SILENCE
• God speaking through the prophets
- God’s Voice is Not Supernatural or Mystical
o ALL Christians hear from God, the question is whether we want to
Why We Don’t Hear from God
- Sin
o John Piper: “Be killing sin or it will be killing you.”
o The Scriptures point to Emmanuel, God with Us. By attitude of our sin, we can oftentimes put on spiritual headphones.
- Noise
o We allow other things to fill our eyes and ears.
o Scriptures are replete with verses that speak of our eyes being lamps to our feet and our what we hear being of deep importance
- Unawareness
o Many of us don’t know…
o Paul refers to this as “scales over our eyes” Acts 9:18
How Can We Distinguish God’s Voice from Our Voice
I have been crucified with Christ, so it is no longer I who live, but Christ in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the son of God, who loved me and gave himself up for me.”
Galatians 2:20-21 (ESV)
God Speaks in Two Ways: RC Sproul
Corporately: He is ALWAYS speaking corporately
Personally: He will sometimes draw away for moments of:
- Bolstering Faith
- Teaching Patience
- Preparing Hearts
Methods by Which God Speaks
1. His Word
2 Timothy 3:16-18 “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work.”
- The Scriptures are one of the most tangible, real, and unshakable truths by which we can live by. God speaks loudly for eternity present, past, and future through the Scriptures. We must elevate these highly…To love Jesus and not love The Bible is in it’s very essence a lie for they are indeed the same.
2. Other People
- 1 John 1:2 “test the spirits”
- God will reveal things about you TO you through others, however this will be confirmed within your spirit if it is to be true
- Mike Patz: you are a dam that is about to overflow…the nations will hear of Jesus through your voice.
- Benji Kuriakose: you will be a father to the fatherless…
- My mom: one day God’s going to use that mouth of yours for His glory rather than the evil you allow it to be used for.
3. Dreams and Visions
- God appeared to Joseph in a dream Genesis 37
- God appeared to Paul in a vision Acts 9
- What are your recurring dreams?
4. Experiences
- Prayer is an experience
- Times of musical praise
- Mission Trips
- These can all be signposts where God reveals himself clearly.
5. Holy Spirit
- John 14:26 God has sent us a “Comforter” or “Counselor” that will be with the believer
- The Holy Spirit is a person, not a tingly sensation
- He is present and among Christians, as well as dwelling within believers
- The Holy Spirit convicts of sin, challenges us to discipleship, and is the worker of our sanctification (becoming more like Jesus) as seen in Phil. 1:6
While at Great Clips
While at Great Clips, the following musings gushed from the bowels of my mind:
1. None of the people in Great Clips posters are attractive. Is this on purpose?
2. There is a Latina woman in her mid-thirties and an Asian woman in her mid-sixties as my options for hair “stylists.” I believe in the power of prayer…therefore, will Zohan please magically appear in the nic of time?
3. The Gospel tells me that Jesus loves people from all nations..therefore, whoever I get as a hair “stylist” needs to know about Jesus. I pray for boldness even now that I would share the love of Christ with either woman…or Adam Sandler should he mysteriously arrive.
4. My hair is such a picture of my spirituality…no matter what I do to it, it doesn’t look good. I need someone else to clean it up. Thanks, Jesus.
5. Why did God give us hair, anyway? It is so inconvenient, but then again, I’m sure the cross wasn’t “convenient.” Did I just compare the cross to hair? Yes. Did I do it well? No.
6. Being at Great Clips gives you a haircut…and a cut in your total IQ point total by 20.
7. Listening to “The Climb” by Miley Cyrus adds to the misery. Granted, it’s better than the George Michael tune they are playing right now.
8. Praise God for His grace and mercy. It is good to know that when I fall down, He picks me up. And when my sideburns aren’t even, He still loves me.
Defining “It.”
What is “it.” Have you ever tried to find “it?” Understanding “it” can be quite difficult, but there are others who just live “it.” Others try to get “it.” “It” has this ability to help you become “it” and forsake everything for “it.” Some say the characteristics of “it” are within the eye of “it’s” beholder. But what if “it” changes everything? What if “it” came to you clearly? Would you know what to do with “it?” What is so special about “it” in the first place?
“It” has a name…
Romans 1:16 “I am not ashamed of the Gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes.”
How Emma Grace Changes Everything, Part 2
I’ve been a father for three weeks and it still feels like a daydream. When you are up until 3:15 in the morning bottle-feeding, God tends to give you some good insight into life. So here are the fun updates:
1. So far, I have been pooed on twice while changing a diaper.
2. Emma is remarkably good at hiding her pacifier.
3. Diaper Genie is AMAZING.
4. It’s weird hugging Stacey without a belly. It’s like part of her is missing or something.
5. My ePass bill will probably be higher than my water bill this month.
To date, here are some lessons God has taught me along the way:
Trust in God. We don’t always have an answer to our questions, but He is masterfully working everything out even when it does not make sense. Where there has been an obstacle, God has continuously come through in a miraculous way.
Trust in Community. For the last two weeks, the teams of leaders we have had run our trip to Gainesville Outreach and Costa Rica have been impeccable. It goes to show the importance of leading with people rather than by yourself. On another note, www.takethemameal.com has allowed us to eat great dinners and see some great friends. It’s amazing to see how people have been so loving!
Trust in Prayer. There have been many times where I have felt overwhelmed, exhausted, ill-equipped, or afraid. God has given me a peace that “surpasses understanding” every time I pray. It’s mind-blowing to think that we have people across the globe praying for the safety of our daughter.
Trust in God’s Provision. We received the first medical bill in the mail today. Pretty expensive and more than what we planned (that’s what happens with emergency c-sections and three week stays in the NICU). Stacey and I know that God has gotten us through this far, and He will make a way for us to afford the costs.
Trust in God’s Promises. It has been amazing to see how God’s promises in His Word have routinely been verified in our own lives. He has given us strength when it seemed physically impossible to have any. He has given us hope when we were emotionally spent. He has never left us or forsaken us. It’s pretty cool stuff!
Trust in God’s Ability. I have had to take a backseat in some aspects of ministry to get things ordered at home. Though I have been unable to “perform” at the level I am used to, God has still been faithful to us. Saturday Night Worship has grown in drastic ways, people are coming to Jesus, and our young people are experiencing true life change! It just goes to show that God is not limited to my ability. What a reassuring truth!
Here’s the bottom line: Though our circumstances may change, God does not! Trust in Him.
