Greedy in America

I've been shocked by all the talk of stimulus packages that don't stimulate anything except the pockets of banks, Wall Street CEO's, and poorly run corporations. Since the stock market reached its pinnacle in October 2007, it has steadily declined; yet during the same period of time, over $18 billion was paid in bonuses to top executives on Wall Street. Bank of America requested $20 billion of aid, while their CEO (John Thain) spent $1.2 million redecorating his office. AIG was given financial assistance, then spent a chunk of it irresponsibly on a party. Banks were given money for bailouts and in hopes that it would help thaw the credit markets, but all they've done is hoard it. It's tougher than ever to get a mortgage loan. The list of non-sense goes on, it's deflating our dollar, it's destroying our country, ... and it is all fueled by GREED!

Greed is the politician passing a "stimulus" package for the sake of popularity in his political career. Greed is a package that gives money to big political supporters and pet projects, but only applies 12% of the money toward stimulating the economy. (Some have said that if the government dispersed the same amount of money to the taxpayers, it would put $100,000+ directly into your pocket and I guarantee that would stimulate the economy!) Greed is what motivates good people to become political whores just to get elected. Greed is the CEO who accepts his bonus after running the company amok and losing the money of those who trusted him. Greed is the root cause of the financial mess America is in. 1 Tim 6:10 NIV states it clearly, "For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs." America is a post-Christian nation that has pursued financial wealth and cast off its spiritual moorings!

Greed is also a root cause for the decline in America's churches. Greed motivates people to want things their way. Greed causes some to lay claim to particular seats in the church. Greed causes people to fight over musical preferences... to oppose changes that would help reach more people... to use terms such as "MY church"... to stand in the way of progress, for the sake of protecting their museum. Greed causes congregations to view others as competitors and the church as an exclusive club which only accepts members who meet their criteria.

Greed is also a root cause contributing to the failure of many American families. Greed caused people to buy homes they couldn't afford... to drive cars they shouldn't have owned... and to borrow more than they could never pay back. Greed causes spouses to be unfaithful... daddy's to put time at work ahead of time with the kids... to focus on keeping up with others, rather than measuring up to God's expectation. Greed ultimately costs you everything you were so greedy to get.

To put this very simply -- greed is a sin and is destroying our government, families, and churches. So how do we overcome it? Make a choice! The options are to choose to be selfish or selfless, self-centered or Christ-centered, self-absorbed or others-oriented. Jesus set the example of being others oriented. He did the will of His Father and gave His life for the ransom of many. What about you politician, parent, and parishioner? We would all do well to follow Christ's example.

The Joy of a Clear Conscience

Yesterday, my oldest daughter called and started the conversation with the words, "Dad, I'm okay." She continued by telling me what intersection she was at and what had just taken place. She was sitting in the turning lane, when the van in front of her backed up and bumped her. The van then pulled away as though he thought about leaving the scene. Down the street, he changed his mind and pulled over. She said, "Dad, I called the police and I'm not moving. I want them to see exactly what happened."

As I arrived at the scene, the police officer was in his car and working on his report. I approached Courtney to find her sitting in her car, doing her homework, and smiling. Some of her first words were, "Dad, it felt so good to be able to call and tell you it wasn't my fault." I had to laugh... she had been in an accident, she was okay, and she was smiling. Knowing her conscience was clear brought her joy in the midst of a problem.

On the other hand, the young man who hit her drove away, then claimed she ran into him. (Sure, everyone drives away when they get rear-ended.) He was crying, shaking, and with good cause. He already had a suspended license, he just bumped someone, and now he is carrying the weight of lying.

The whole scenario really gives a GREAT illustration of the joy that comes with a clear conscience and the grief that accompanies a guilty one. Courtney didn't mind answering any question the officer asked; because she had perfect peace... she knew she wasn't hiding anything... her conscience was clear!

Isn't the same true in our lives? The spouse who is having an affair doesn't want anyone asking him where he's been or why he's coming home late. The employee who is embezzling money doesn't want to be audited. The kid hiding drugs doesn't want anyone searching his room or car. Aachan didn't want anyone searching his tent. David didn't want anyone walking in while Bathsheba was visiting. A guilty conscience will drive you crazy!

On the other hand, a clear conscience brings great peace. Why not clear yours today? Reconcile with those you offended. Forgive those you're bitter against. Pay the debts you owe. Confess the secret sins you only "think" you're hiding from God. There is nothing better than knowing you have a clear conscience before your heavenly Father. Clear yours today!

Sunday Summary

Today was another great Sunday at EBC!

• We started the service by baptizing a young man named Bryce, whose father had the privilege of leading him to Christ at Christmas.

• Libby's family surprised her for her 30th birthday! They came from Delaware, Maryland, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Texas. The siblings all sang together in our service and knocked it out of the park! It was inspiring and amazing -- especially since they couldn't practice until they all arrived here. This family used to travel with evangelists and sing in revival crusades. It was neat to see a picture of the sisters with Dr. Lee Roberson! Libby, her husband, and sister-in-law have now formed a group named "One Focus."

• Heather, the musical selection was tremendous this morning. There was truly a spirit of worship.

• This morning I preached on "Apostasy vs. Authenticity." Billy Graham said that the greatest mission field in all the world is the American church. God has done a miraculous work at EBC, but I still feel we have some in our pews who are religious, but lost. The Bible speaks to this repeatedly: Wheat-tares, sheep-goats, professors-possessors, religious-real, saved-lost, Simon the sorcerer-Ethiopian eunuch, apostates-authentic believers, and you get the picture. We are in a "culturally Christian" community, where everyone says they are saved, but far fewer act and live like they are. Jesus said in John 14:15, "If you love me, keep my commandments." This is easy to do when things are going our way, but true Christians are revealed when they choose to obey instead of pursue their natural desires. For the invitation, we gave people cups and asked them to place them on the altar in an up position stating they want to obey God and be filled with His Spirit; or in a down position stating they are declining God's offer and choosing instead to be filled with their sin. This is a powerful illustration to show us that we either choose to obey God or disobey Him, but we can't have it both ways.

• Tony, your song tonight was a sermon in itself and a great reminder-- I'M FORGIVEN!

• Joseph, great job on your exegesis of Genesis.

• Thanks to everyone for catching the vision and allowing time in our services to pray for other churches and other pastors. Remember... we're all on the same team.

• Deacons, thanks for being prayer warriors and faithfully "serving" our church, instead of trying to "run" it. I am privileged to serve with godly men. Keep praying about ways we can diversify our ministry to reach more people for Christ!

• Buddy and Donna, we will be praying for you this week.

Life in the Fishbowl

Perry Nobles recommended this post series by pastor Craig Groeschel for pastors or those who care about them. Life in the Fishbowl.

School Choice for South Carolina

Last night, I attended an informational meeting regarding a new bill that will be introduced to our state legislature in the months ahead. It includes a tax credit and scholarship program for those who choose to educate their children via a charter, private, parochial or home-schools. If the bill passes, it would provide some financial relief for those paying school taxes, plus private school tuition. It would also give opportunity for many students who cannot afford a private school education to obtain one.

So many are afraid of the term "School Choice," but let me give a simple explanation. We already give financial assistance for school choice at the college level. Students in SC can receive the LIFE, HOPE, and Palmetto Fellows scholarships, the GI Bill, etc.) They can use that money to attend the public or private institutions of their choice. SC has also given financial assistance (ABC Vouchers) for preschoolers. So, why are we so afraid of giving financial assistance to students in grades K5-12?

I personally believe it is due to fear and lack of education. People think school choice would take money away from the public schools, but that's NOT true! Public school funding is based on programs, not on the number of students. EXAMPLE: If a school with 10 students had $100,000, they would spend $10,000 per student. (By the way, SC averaged over $11,000 per student last year.) If school choice passed and 2 students left the public school to attend a private school, the public school would now have the same $100,000 to spend on only 8 students. That means the spending increases $2,500 per student remaining in the public school. On the contrary, if 2 students left the private school to attend the public school; then the public school would have the same $100,000 to spend on 12 students. In that case, the spending decreases to $8,333 per student.

In addition, all schools benefit when there is healthy competition. They are forced to improve their product and it is the students who ultimately benefit! Fifteen states have already have some form of School Choice and several more are considering it. I challenge anyone to find a state where the public education system has been hurt by school choice. In fact, what you will find is that the test scores in almost all schools have improved and the per-capita spending on each student has increased. The FACT is that everyone benefits from School Choice -- but most importantly -- the children benefit!

No one will argue that SC desperately needs to improve education across our state. Our best school district (York 4) was 126 points behind Chapel Hill, NC on the SAT scores; yet our kids are competing with students in Chapel Hill for jobs and college acceptance. As bad as that number sounds, York 4 was 326 points above Hampton 2. Instead of addressing the problems, some legislators and educators are simply playing the "spin" game. Jim Rex stated that 77.1% of SC students graduate, but Education Week found it was just 56%. The New York Times stated that "South Carolina mis-reports dropouts by 22%." SC education is in need of change!

I'll be honest and admit that I wasn't a real fan of the "voucher" proposal made several years ago, but this School Choice bill has nothing to do with vouchers. This bill is going to propose tax credits/deductions for any spending on a child's education and also offer corporate tax credits for companies contributing toward scholarships. In this scenario -- everyone wins! Let's push for school choice and begin to move SC forward with regard to education!

No Perfect People Allowed

My extended family lives in South Florida and we try to visit as often as possible. During our last visit, my dad gave me a hat that he received while playing in a golf tournament hosted by a church in his area. I am blessed to be the beneficiary of the annual tournament and usually receive the mock turtleneck shirts they give to the participants. This year, the church did not give shirts, instead, they gave hats. The hat had the church's slogan on it that read, "No Perfect People Allowed." That was the greatest slogan I've ever read and fits our church (and should fit most) well.

Too many people have the false belief that people who attend churches have it all together. The truth is that too many church-goers want to make people think they have it all together. In our church, we encourage people to take off their masks and be real. We encourage them to leave their church costumes at home and dress comfortably. We encourage them to join accountability groups, confess their faults, and pray for one another. When someone comes to join our church, I ask them point blank, "You know this is not a perfect church... right?" They often look stunned, but I openly admit that we are not a perfect church, we do not have perfect members, and we do not have a perfect pastor. I tell them that if I have not offended or disappointed them yet... I will and so will anyone else they allow themselves to get close to. But, I also promise to do all I can to reconcile any offense if they will simply bring it to my attention. I'll never apologize for a biblical position, but I will apologize for any offense due to disposition.

I already admitted that our church is NOT perfect, but we do have a few members who "think" they are. They think their way is the only "right" way. They can tell you how the church should be run... and of course... it's their way. They are blinded by their sin of pride and remind me of a bad hemorrhoid -- a real pain in the rear, that causes discomfort to the body, and just won't go away. If you visit EBC and happen to meet one of these people... please don't judge our whole church by them. Instead, just love them like we do and realize that sinful people do sinful things. Pray for them!

If you are "imperfect," we would love to have you at Emmanuel Baptist Church! If you are "perfect," we will be happy to recommend several good churches in our area that you can bless with your presence. Wow... I love that slogan, "No perfect people allowed." It so impressed me that I'm preparing to preach a whole sermon series with the same title in 2009.

Sunday Night Reflections

What an incredible day! I'm sitting here reflecting on today and can't believe how God continues to bless our church family.

• Today was "Sanctity of Life Sunday." This day is set aside annually to remember those babies that were killed by abortion, but it is also a day to warn others not to make the same mistake. There are so many hurting people wrestling with the guilt and pain of abortion. While it is important to issue warning, it is also important not to inflict hurt on those who are guilt-ridden by it.
• Steve Sunshine, a radio talk-show host from WMHK, was our guest speaker today and told the story of their family recently adopting a 6 year old Haitian boy. Steve knocked it out of the park and really challenged people to consider adoption; but his primary point was -- trust God!
• God added another amazing family to our church today. I've been impressed by them since our very first visit and could say so many good things about them, but I'll only mention the most important -- they are an example of godliness. David & Shawna -- it's good to have you and I look forward to serving you and serving with you for years to come!
• The Sunshine family bragged on the way they were greeted from the time they stepped into our doors. Of course I asked if he mentioned that he was our guest speaker, and Steve said "no".. the ushers just thought it was our first visit and treated us kindly. Way to go ushers!
• One of our church members debuted her first solo and I couldn't believe the talent she has been hiding. Madeline -- it was WONDERFUL!
• Today was the first day for a man in our church to help lead worship by singing on our praise team. Tony -- you did GREAT!
• Tonight, we took time to share praises and thank God publicly for what He is doing. Jack told us that his eyesight was restored after a recent stroke; Dean & Pam shared that their son-in-law is back in ministry as a college pastor; and so many others stood to thank God for His goodness and blessings. We need to teach people to publicly thank God for His blessings!
• We closed out our day at the church with a dessert fellowship for David Watford and his family. David is our new Children's Pastor. We feel blessed to have him on our staff and look forward to a stong ministry to children in the days ahead.
• I got home tonight and watched 2 football games. I recorded them while we were at church, watched them both (fast forwarding the commercials and replays) and caught up to watch Pittsburgh finish off the Ravens in real time. I'm not a fan for either team, but I am a Kurt Warner fan, because he has always been very outspoken about his faith. While I don't care who wins the Superbowl, I'm already looking forward to the great fellowships our LIFE Groups are planning for that night.

Thanks God for another great day, blessings we don't deserve, the privilege leading a great church, and the opportunity to serve you vocationally.

Church Lessons Learned from a Puppy

Last weekend, we adopted a puppy! That brings our pet total to three: an 11 year old Cockatiel (Dandy), an 8 year old Bishon (Noel), and an 8 week old lab mix (Sadie). I've always wanted a big dog, but what was I really thinking adding one more to the mix? I was tag-teamed by my 19 year old daughter and one of our church members who was working with the Humane Society. Obviously they won!

Well, over the past week, I've noticed some things taking place in our house that remind me of what takes place in many churches. Our old dog (Noel) is like some long-time church members. She does not like change and has been pouting for a week! How dare we allow a new puppy into her house (their church), to sit on her pillow (their pew), and to be part of her family (their circle of friends). She (like the church members) wants that puppy to look like her, smell like her, lay like her, bark like her, be house-broken like her, and eat the same food as her. But, she is different...so, why should we allow her to be part of our family?

In addition, Noel is upset, because she was there first... everything was just how she liked it... it was all about her! Now, Noel doesn't get all the attention... she has to share her toys... she has to share her family... she has to adjust to change. Things aren't the way they used to be and she does NOT like it! She's mad... she's pouting... and she wants everyone to know it. She refuses to come downstairs -- like those who refuse to come to church or boycott the services. She leaves the room when the puppy is present -- like those who turn a cold shoulder when someone new comes their way. She growls when the puppy comes close -- just like those who scowl to show their displeasure with the new people and the changes that have accompanied growth.

Noel reminds me of "some" church members -- young and old! Their favorite song is, "Who let the DOGS in?" Like new church members, all the puppy wants to do is settle into the family, make new friends, and get involved. But, like Noel, some long-time church members become territorial. They don't like the new people; they don't want to share their church; they don't want things to change; they don't want the family to grow. Why can't everything just be like it used to be? It was all about them and they liked it that way. Doesn't the pastor realize the old dogs were there first? Why does he keep inviting new people into OUR church? This is our pound!

Like Noel, some long-time church members are missing opportunities to share their wealth of wisdom and help new family members as they grow. Instead, they choose to get upset... pout... and show their displeasure. They are easily angered when the puppy tinkles on the carpet, but are quick to display their crappy attitudes for others to see. Sure, puppies require a lot of attention, but it doesn't mean we don't love the dogs we had before them. In fact, our family is catering even more to the old dog and giving her even more attention; but she's still miserable and choosing to make everyone else miserable. Truth is... Noel, like long-time church members, is the only one who can decide whether she will be happy or miserable in the days ahead.

So why would I take time to write such a blog? Because, it reveals how self centered "Christians" can be when we forget our primary mission. Some have committed themselves to saving dogs; but God has called us to save the souls of men! Noel doesn't like the new puppy; but by opening our home, we saved a puppy's life. Some long-time church members don't like new people coming into their church; but by opening their arms, it may save a soul from hell.

Do Cultural Christians Worship Their Churches?

My entire life has been lived in Southern states. I know, some of you are questioning whether Florida is really "southern," but it is south of Georgia and South Carolina. During my tenures in the deep south, I've noticed the prevalence of "cultural-Christianity" and a general lack of real spiritual depth. Before you get offended... I said "general" and will quickly admit that some of the most godly people I've ever met have lived and do live in the deep south (several of those people are in the church I currently serve). My comment regarding cultural Christianity is merely an observation and not in any way an indictment. In our area for example, people pray over meals, blue laws are still in effect, we have 114 churches in our small community, and the majority of people attend church on Sunday. In spite of those things, addictions are rampant, divorce is epidemic, and immorality is common. Cultural Christianity may be prevalent in other places and it may even be a national problem, but I don't have the life experiences to call it such. I do know the problem is not new and even the Apostle Paul addressed it in several of his letters.

I personally wonder if there is any correlation between "cultural-Christianity" and the fact that people talk more about their church, than they do about their God. Last night, I had a couple telling me all about their church, their pastor, their programs; but NOT ONCE did they mention God. People talk about what their church is doing, about the attendance, and about programming; but rarely (if ever) do they mention God. They don't say anything about people being saved, baptized, marriages salvaged, or lives transformed. Is it not happening? Is it not important to them? Is their commitment deeper to their church than to their God? Is this why we struggle with "cultural-Christianity?" Do people, in fact, worship our local churches more than we worship God?

I can't answer for everyone, but I do hope our church members are telling people about Jesus! While our church has been the fastest growing church in our area for several years, I would be disappointed if our people only talked about our church. I hope they are telling people about our God and the miraculous things that He is doing at EBC. He is the reason we are growing! He is the One performing miracles! He is the One who poured His Spirit of revival on us! I stake my claim on God's promise that if we lift Him up, then He will draw men unto Himself.

I'm tired of hearing about all the denominational division and local churches competing against each other. I'm tired of splitting hairs with people of like faith. I wonder what the world would think if the church focused on Jesus and stopped bragging on itself. What if we focused on leading people to Jesus and building His kingdom; rather than simply building a local church. What would happen if churches ever realized that we are all on the same team and we serve the same God? What if we worked together? Prayed together? Worshipped together? Served together? What would happen if the lost world ever saw the people of God in one accord?

In 2009, I challenge you to tell people about Jesus and go deeper than simply talking about your church. Focus on worshipping God; instead of worshipping your church, your pastor, or your traditions! Let's move from "cultural-Christianity" to "authentic-Christianity!"