Colboch's Christmas Letter 2017

Dear Friends,

We pray this letter and Christmas greeting find you and yours happy, healthy, and serving Jesus! For us, 2017 has brought a whirlwind of change for our family, so we decided to write a letter to bring you up to speed on where we are and the wonderful things God has been doing.

After 14 years serving the Lord in Hartsville, SC; God in His sovereign mercy and infinite wisdom moved our family to a new ministry at Grace Baptist Church in Pompano Beach, FL where I now serve as the Senior Pastor. God was so good to us through the years in Hartsville and a summary of what He accomplished during those 14 years can be found on my personal website at garycolboch.com. We left behind many very dear friends, but realize that miles don’t separate true friendships. Several have already come to visit us in FL, others call and send cards regularly, and some are already making plans to stay with us in the summer of 2018. We have not moved often in our ministry, but with each move God just enlarges our circle of friends!

Looking back, we see how amazing God is and how Psalm 37:23 is so true, “The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD…” God was ordering our steps, even before we realized it! In the summer of 2016, we put our house on the market for the purpose of downsizing and our house sold in a few short weeks from list to close. We tried to buy 3 houses, but each purchase fell through and just 1 week before we closed on a 4th house, God revealed our move. All along, it was as though He was saying, “You’re not staying in Hartsville... I need you somewhere else.” That became clear as on February 5, 2017, Grace Baptist Church in Pompano Beach, FL formally called me as their Senior Pastor. The church had been without a Pastor for 7 months and the Lord connected us just 3 days before they closed their search. During our 5-day visit interacting with the church members (prior to the church vote), we signed a contract on a house that wasn’t even listed on the market. (Did you get that? After months of unsuccessful looking for a house in SC, the Lord led us to a house in FL in just 5 days.) Until we officially closed on the house, God provided me with a free apartment and used a renter from Chicago to delay the closing on our new house, until Flora finished teaching in SC. Through God’s provision, we never had the pressure of 2 house payments. Oh… and did I forget to mention that our new house is… right on the golf course! Amen!

To share the next amazing detail… Grace is a place that has special meaning for Flora and me. Grace was a church plant from my home church, FBC of West Hollywood. Grace is the church where my sister-in-law grew up and where my wife and I first conversed at her brother’s wedding. Grace’s school (Highlands Christian Academy) was a big sports rival when I was competing in high school at Hollywood Christian and coaching at Berean Christian. The story of how God connected us with Grace is nothing short of a miracle and God’s hand can be clearly seen throughout the process. You can see more about Grace Baptist Church and Highlands Christian Academy by visiting:
• Church website – gbcfl.org
• Church Facebook - facebook.com/gracebaptistchurchfl
• School website – highlandschristian.org
• School Facebook - facebook.com/HighlandsChristianAcademy
• Twitter - #gbcfl or #wearehighlands

God is already blessing our efforts at Grace!
• In our first 10 months, God blessed us with 78 saved and 36 baptized in our services!
• Our total attendance has increased by 142.
• Approx. $30,000 of like-new furniture was recently donated to us. (Conference table/chairs, exec. desks & chairs, guest chairs, couches, file & storage cabinets, greenery, etc. and it’s all in great condition!)
• Our church will give $100,000 to missions in 2018.
• Our Haitian ministry launched on Dec. 10 with 115 present.
• Our Spanish ministry will launch on January 7.
• A Brazilian ministry will be launched in the spring of 2018.
• Highlands Christian Academy reached our goal of 600 students for 2017-18.
Again, we give God the glory for what HE is doing and thank Him for allowing us to be part of it!

Not only a new ministry, new house, and God’s blessings; but Flora also started a new job. When God puts the pieces together, they all fit perfectly! Flora had been working with 4K in SC for 11 years. Should it surprise us that a 4K teaching position opened at Highlands this year? The state of Florida pays schools for the 4K program, so the requirements on teachers is very high. Flora successfully completed the equivalent of 120 credit hours in 7 months (God allowed some previous CEU’s to count toward the requirements). Flora now has her FL VPK certification, national CDA certification, and is a NAEYC member! Pray for her as she works on her Spanish and Portuguese language skills to communicate with students and parents.

So… new ministry, new house, Flora’s new job… and let’s add new grandparents to the list! Our first grandchild, Hadlee Grace, was born to Courtney & Brandon on July 21, 2017. She is as cute as can be. So far, we’ve seen Hadlee (and our kids) more since we moved to FL than we did in SC. In addition, we get to Facetime regularly and receive daily videos of her progress. Courtney went back to work as an RN and Brandon continues his work as an attorney. I couldn’t be more proud as a dad and now a Pop!

New ministry… new house… new job for Flora… new granddaughter… and new son-in-law! Yep, Bethany was married to Bradley Gainey on November 6, 2017 on Deerfield Beach. The setting could not have been more perfect and I had the privilege of officiating the wedding. Justin Facenda opened the ceremony, so I could walk Bethany down the aisle. Bethany and Bradley reside in SC where Bradley works as an engineer. Bethany continues to work as a graphic designer. Bradley has been chasing Bethany since 5th grade, so we’re glad she finally let him catch her. Our family loves Bradley and it’s good to have sons-in-law that love our daughters, but also love the Lord! Two down and one to go. (No hurry)

New ministry… new house… new job for Flora… new granddaughter… new son-in-law… and a new study program for Lindsay! God answered our prayers and Lindsay was 1 of 10 accepted into the Physical Therapy Assistant program. God also provided a beautiful place for her to live with a long-time, family friend. This dear lady has taken Lindsay in like a daughter and we cannot thank her enough. We also thank our dear SC friends who still look out for Lindsay and have reached out to help her on several occasions.

As you can see, 2017 was a year of "NEW THINGS" for the Colboch family. The passage that Flora claimed this year was found in Isaiah 43:18-20; but especially vs. 19, “Behold, I will do a new thing..." For me, I chose Philippians 3:13-14 as my life's verses years ago and like the Apostle Paul, I am "...reaching forward to the things which are ahead..." We thank God for what He is doing in and through us. 2017 reminded us that God is faithful, He orders our steps, and He has a wonderful plan for us (Jer. 29:11) We extend our heartfelt thanks to all who have been prayer warriors for us during this time of transition.

For those of you that live in the Hartsville area, I’ll be preaching a revival at Fourth Street Baptist Church on April 22-25, 2018. I was so honored to be invited by their Pastor and my friend, Harry Wallace, Jr. I would also be honored if you would mark your calendar and join us for that revival. It will be a wonderful time to reconnect with friends and, once again, preach the Word in the city where God allowed us to serve for so long!

We wish you a Merry Christmas,
Gary & Flora Colboch

Symbols of the Season Point Us to the Savior

You’ve heard the saying, “Jesus is the Reason for the season!” That is true, in spite of efforts to take Christ out of Christmas dating all the way back to King Herod’s effort to “take out” the baby, Jesus! Today, the Christmas season has been overtaken by commercialism and busyness. In the midst of the hustle and bustle, it is easy to forget what (Who) Christmas is all about. Yet, we are surrounded by symbols of the season that point us back to the Savior. Allow me to highlight a few of them.

Whether you are a Christian or atheist, whether you call it a Christmas tree or a holiday tree, whether you like real of artificial, the fact is that the Christmas tree points us back to Christ. It reminds us that Jesus was born for the purpose of dying. It was through His death on that old rugged cross (made from a tree) that eternal life would be purchased for all who believe.

A star is found at the top of many, if not most, Christmas trees. Stars are symbols of the Christmas season and seen on greeting cards, lampposts, ornaments, star shaped cookies, and so much more. The star reminds us of the star the wise men followed. It was the star that directed them to the King of Kings.

The practice of exchanging gifts reminds us of the gifts the wise men brought to the house (Matt 2:11). An undisclosed number of wise men arrived when Jesus was approximately two years old and came bearing three types of gifts. The gold was symbolic of Jesus as King, the frankincense symbolized Jesus as our High Priest, and the myrrh was symbolic of the spice that would be used to prepare Jesus’ body for burial.

Tied to many gift boxes are ribbons and bows. Christmas bows are often found on window decorations, atop of wreaths, and tied to mailboxes. No doubt that bows have become a staple part of Christmas. The bows are beautiful; but they are also symbolic and remind us of the “tie that binds,” that unity that Christ-followers find through Jesus Christ.

Candles have been part of the Christmas season from the beginning. Candles were used to decorate Christmas trees prior to the invention of electric bulbs and can now be found as decorations, in windows, on city lampposts, and used in Christmas Eve candlelight services. Christmas candles remind us of Jesus’ statement in John 8:12, “…“I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.”

Christmas bells are a beautiful part of the seasonal decorations and have inspired songs such as, “Jingle Bells,” “Silver Bells,” “Carol of the Bells,” “I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day,” “Come on Ring Those Bells,” and more. Traditionally, bells were used to ring in special days and to get attention prior to a major announcement. Christmas bells remind us of the announcement of Christ’s birth!

The colors of Christmas are red and green. Red symbolizes the blood that Jesus would shed to pay the penalty for the sins of mankind. Hebrews 9:22 reminds us, “…without the shedding of blood there is no remission.” Green is the color of the Christmas fir tree, an evergreen tree, which represents the fact that those who call on Jesus Christ as their Savior and Lord will not perish, but have everlasting life (John 3:16).

Red Poinsettias are often called the Christmas flower. The red color reminds us of the blood Jesus shed to purchase our salvation and the star shape of the flower reminds many of the star that led the wise men to Jesus. The annual bloom of a Poinsettia is beautiful and symbolizes the resurrection, as the flower blooms, withers, and blooms again the next year.

Boughs of green holly are often used to “deck the halls,” to decorate homes, and to make wreaths. Holly is prickly and reminds us of the crown of thorns that was placed on Jesus’ head during the trials and crucifixion. The red berries remind us of the blood He shed for us.

Mistletoe is hung above doorways and light fixtures. It symbolizes love. Tommie Connor wrote the song, “I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus” …where…underneath the mistletoe! This symbol of love should remind us that “God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son…” (John 3:16) and “Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends” (John 15:13). God’s love for mankind is what Christmas is ALL about!

Stockings that are hung by the chimney with care are also a symbol that point us to the Savior. I know… some of you are already thinking… he’s really “stretching” this one! Think about it… when the stockings are empty, they hang limp, as though they are just waiting to be filled with gifts. Likewise, we are empty and waiting to be filled with the Holy Spirit on the day of our salvation!

Finally, for now, the Candy Cane is also a symbol pointing us to the Savior. The “Legend of the Candy Cane” tells the story of the candy cane and its rich symbolism. Click the link for the whole story or think about the “J” shape that represents Jesus, the “crook” shape that represents the shepherd’s staff, the “red” color that represents the blood of Christ, and that whenever a piece is broken-off, it reminds us of Christ’s body that was broken for us.

With so many Christmas symbols pointing back to Christ, it makes me wonder how anyone could miss the message of the manger found in Matthew 1:21, “And she (Mary) will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name JESUS, for He will save His people from their sins.” Isaiah 9:6, “For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Without question, Jesus is the Reason for the season and the symbols point us to the Savior! This year, look for those Christmas symbols that point to Christ and receive God’s gift of salvation, if you have not already done so.

Guilty Until Proven Innocent

"One of the most sacred principles in the American criminal justice system, is holding that a defendant is innocent until proven guilty. In other words, the prosecution must prove, beyond a reasonable doubt, each essential element of the crime charged." - Nolo's Plain-English Law Dictionary. We have all heard that statement above or the term "presumption of innocence." Our American judicial system has always been based on a presumption of innocence; but the times they are a changing.

Unless you've been hiding under a rock, you have heard about the accusations of sexual misconduct flying all over the entertainment world and Capital Hill recently. Having a wife and three daughters, I certainly believe men should conduct themselves properly and be held accountable whenever they cross the line of sexual harassment. Bill Cosby, Roger Ailes, Harvey Weinstein and other prominent individuals were proven guilty and deserve whatever punishment they received. On the other hand, it should concern all of us that in today's climate, any person can simply "claim" an act of misconduct and they can immediately ruin another person's reputation forever. With simply an accusation, a dark cloud can be cast and a stellar reputation can be lost whether the accusation is true or not.

Regardless of whether you are a Republican or Democrat, and whether or not you like a particular candidate; you should be concerned with what we are witnessing. Roy Moore has long been attacked for his conservative Christian beliefs; but throughout the years of accusations, he has never been accused of sexual misconduct, until now. President George H.W. Bush has had a stellar reputation and now some attempt to tarnish his reputation at age 93. I was stunned the other day when I read that Ravi Zacharias was now facing accusations from a lady who emailed nude pictures to him and then "claimed" that he solicited them. That's bizarre! In light of these recent headlines, it appears that VP Mike Pence revealed great wisdom and integrity when he stated that he does not have private meetings or dinners with those of the opposite sex.

People have always had a tendency to stomp on others as they try to climb the corporate ladder. Whether a pyramid scheme, a no-fault lawsuit, frivolous claims of negligence, or Bernie's push for Socialism; people will do whatever it takes to get money out of someone else's pocket. There is no doubt that narcissism has overtaken our society. Think of the world's affinity with selfies, social media, etc.; and it should not surprise us that people would do whatever it takes to advance their cause, even at the expense of others. I've seen it in the secular world and even in the church. I've also seen how accusations travel slow and are often snuffed out, when made against those who live by character, integrity and faith.

So what can we do? We must teach men to practice the biblical principle of being a "one woman man." Older men can teach the younger men how to properly treat and respect ladies. We can stay away from off-color jokes and comments. We can practice the Billy Graham rule of not being alone with a woman who is not your wife (at any time). Men should ask permission, prior to hugging or touching a woman for any reason. We can also genuinely love people in both business and ministry. People who feel loved and appreciated will probably help squelch the rumors. Finally, we can help comfort those who are being falsely accused. If we as believers join in the accusations without evidence, then where will hurting people go for comfort? Remember, Jesus loved the outcasts and provided many examples of extending forgiveness and facilitating reconciliation. Let's do our best to follow His example.

I am a Very Rich Man!

Just the other day, I drove down A1A between Deerfield Beach and Pompano Beach. The homes (mansions) are breathtaking and look more like hotels than single-family homes; the yachts parked along the Inter-coastal cost more than some will make in a lifetime; and I was following a Bentley just before I pulled up beside a Maserati at the traffic light. It's easy to get caught coveting, if you're not careful. As a Pastor, I will probably never live in one of those houses, own one of those yachts, or drive one of those cars; but I am so filthy rich! I have a beautiful, loving, godly, and faithful wife that I've been married to for almost 32 years! I have 3 beautiful and godly daughters, 2 wonderful son-in-laws, and 1 adorable little granddaughter! I still have both of my parents to enjoy, my aunt & uncle, my sister's family, my wife's family, nieces, nephews, and more! I have a roof over my head, food on my table, and cars that are paid for. I have friends all over this country and some around the world. I have people who love me and I am honored to be called Pastor by the people of Grace Church! I am happy, healthy, and rich in so many ways!

I know that some of you think I'm just crazy, but I couldn't be happier! Happiness isn't determined by the material possessions we have or don't have. I have the joy of the Lord and know that one day, I will have my mansion in Heaven! But, I really don't care if it is just a small hut or even the heavenly equivalent of a cardboard box. I'm not looking forward to the residence I'll have in Heaven... I'm looking forward to the Person I'll be seeing in Heaven! The greatest reward is to see the face of Jesus! To hear His voice, to look into His eyes, to see His scarred hands. The truth is, I don't care about pearly gates, golden streets or magnificent dwelling places. I can't imagine that I'll be taking many naps or spending too much time inside, when I can be worshiping the King of Kings and Lord or Lords! Just think... happy on earth and headed to heaven. It only takes a few minutes of reflection to realize just how rich we are with the things that really matter!

Running is Good, but Running the Right Direction is Better!

Throughout the Bible, we find athletic references and illustrations used to drive home teaching points. Running is one of the sports mentioned in Scripture. In 1 Corinthians 9:24 it states, "Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it." In Hebrews 12:1, "Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us." We're told not only to run; but run with the intention of winning.

On October 22, 2017, Eyob Faniel, won the Venice Marathon after the 7 lead runners followed a motorcycle and veered off the course. Yes, they were running; but they ran the wrong direction! By the time they realized their mistake, it was too late. The runners corrected their course, but they were too far behind and could not catch the Italian runner. Eyob Faniel's win was the first time an Italian man had won the Venice Marathon since 1995. What an epic failure for the leaders, but what a reward for the persistent endurance of the man who stayed the course.

As I watched the news reports and read the stories on the Internet, the spiritual significance of this event was glaring! Believers are in a spiritual race, and we must stay the course! Real victory only comes when we run to win... and run in the right direction! The Bible charts our course and the Holy Spirit guides our steps, but it is the responsibility of each individual believer to follow in obedience. It's not enough to just finish the course; we must run to win the race! The starting line is BROAD and lined with many, many runners; but the finish line NARROWS the field and the runners usually cross single-file. Many start the race, fewer cross the finish line; but only one wins the race!

What a spiritual application! Broad is the way that leads to destruction and narrow is the way that leads to life; but few there will be that find it. So, as you run your spiritual journey, keep your eyes on the prize and stay on the right path. It should be every believer's goal to say with the Apostle Paul in 2 Timothy 4:7, "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." Keep your eyes on Christ and you'll be heading in the right direction!

October is Pastor Appreciation Month

October is Pastor Appreciation Month. The Apostle Paul first taught this concept in 1 Timothy 5:17, “The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching." Focus on the Family started recognizing pastors and encouraging congregations to honor their pastors in the 1990's. In 2002, the first greeting cards were printed in recognition of Pastor Appreciation. The practice of raising awareness about pastor appreciation now continues each October.

Pastor's don't enter ministry for recognition. True pastors enter ministry in response to God's calling. Serving as a pastor is rewarding, but difficult. Pastors and their families live in fishbowls with their congregations critiquing their every move. They serve people who often feel they know how to better manage the affairs of the church. The expectations are often unrealistic, the hours are long, the pressures are immense, they are expected to be perfect, and they deal with people... which can be both rewarding and very draining. An interesting and shocking article about reasons pastors leave ministry can be found here at EXPASTORS.COM. The article is good and the comments thought provoking. It's worth the read and may give you a greater appreciation for your pastor.

I'm finishing my 33rd year of ministry. I've had some of my greatest life's joys in ministry, as well as, some of my greatest life's disappointments. Both were directly connected to people. Even when people are cruel and unfaithful, pastors realize that God is faithful and He is ultimately the One we serve. God allows pastors the privilege of loving His people here on earth, and there is no greater honor than to hear someone call you by the name, Pastor.

I am blessed to have many men in my life that have served as my Pastors and friends:
- Dr. Verle Ackerman - took several "preacher boys" under his wing and taught us how to love God and love people.
- Dell Lindsey - Was my dear friend and ministry mentor. Faithful in the face of suffering.
- Jack Baskin - The first pastor I worked for and he gave me a heart for missions.
- Dan Burrell - A very dear friend, who taught me to do everything with excellence and showed me faithfulness through trials.
- David Nelms - Taught me to think outside the box and how to transition a traditional church into a vibrant church.
- Milton Frazier - Taught me faithfulness all the way to the end of his life.
- Jeff Huey - A brother (truly like family), friend, encourager, soulwinner, picture of Jesus! I don't have enough words to describe my love & appreciation for this man.
- Bill Monroe - Showed me that people are the heart of the ministry. My wife's family was saved under his ministry and he walked with Flora & I through a ministry valley.
- Clayton Simmons - A pastor and a true pastors' friend! He will go the extra mile (or two) to help others. He is the example of a pastor's heart.
- Tom Waggoner - A trailblazer that always sees the potential in men and ministries.
- Greg Hales - Encouraged me through one of the darkest points in my entire life. I owe this man so much!
- Ron Long - The greatest encourager of pastors that I've ever known. He is a pastor's friend and a lifter of my soul. Someone recently said that he has done more to influence modern-day Christianity than anyone they know!

These 12 men have influenced my life in ways they will never fully understand. They helped to teach, train, shape, stretch, help, heal, make and mold me into the pastor that I am today. You'll notice that most of these men are older, experienced pastors. They learned ministry in a generation that understood it differently. They aren't CEO's, clock watchers, slaves to their computer screens, counting their hours or looking for extra time off. These are ministers who prepare sermons; but they also serve, visit, teach, and train others. "God, please help me to be a pastor like these men and to apply what they poured into my life!" If you have a pastor who has made a difference in your life, take time to at least send them a note of encouragement. That small gesture will go a long way to help them keep on, keeping on.

Finally, I want to give a shout-out to the pastoral team with which I have the privilege of serving at Grace. Duane, Luke, Steve A. & Steve L.: I've served on, with and led several pastoral teams; but you are some of the finest men I've ever known or had the privilege of working with. Your commitment to Christ, love for his Church, compassion for people, attention to detail, commitment to excellence, heart for evangelism, tireless effort, and support for your Pastor is noticed and VERY MUCH appreciated. May God give us many years to serve Him together!

With a Little Help From My Friends

Many of you will remember the song, "With a Little Help from My Friends" produced by the Beatles on the album "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band" from June 1967. The song was written for and sung by the Beatles' drummer Ringo Starr. The chorus states, "Oh, I get by with a little help from my friends; Mm, I get high (not endorsing) with a little help from my friends; Mm, gonna try with a little help from my friends. Barbra Streisand's song, "People," reiterates the need for friendships, "People who need people are the luckiest people in the world."

I read a sad post the other day that said, "Don't depend too much on anyone in this world, because even your own shadow will leave you when you are in darkness." I wholeheartedly DISAGREE with that statement! Through the years, my wife and I have been SO very blessed, but we have walked through some dark valleys in life and ministry. In the good times and the bad, we have been blessed to have MANY, MANY friends beside us. In fact, we have found that it was the dark days that "revealed" who our true friends really were.

Pastors have many acquaintances, but usually very few deep friendships. My wife and I have intentionally tried to remove the proverbial wall that is built between pastors and people. We get our hands dirty in ministry, we get into the trenches with people, and we get close enough to see through the facades. In doing so, people can also get to know us, too. They see that we aren't perfect, that we are real, that we have the same struggles they do. It's in these times of transparency that friendships are built. True friendships are built when we take off our masks and people see us for who we really are... warts and all.

Our true friends keep in touch with us regularly. Our true friends bless us with cards, notes, and words of encouragement. Our true friends have met a need and even provided financial encouragement when we needed it most. Our true friends knew when we needed rest and took us away for a weekend. Our true friends sat, listened, wept, and walked through the valleys with us. Our true friends are the ones we pick up with, right where we left off. True friends enjoy the sunshine and the darkness together. The truth is that it was in the darkness, that some of our deepest friendships were forged.

Sure you will (and we have) encounter a few fakes, phonies, and wolves in sheep's clothing along the way; but don't let that stop you from trusting people and developing true friendships! Barbra Streisand was right in that "people who need people are the luckiest (most blessed) people in the world." My life is richer and better because of those I call friends.

I'll close by reminding you that I even have a Friend Who sticks closer than a brother! One of my favorite songs is "Friend of God" by Israel Houghton. Ponder these lyrics and let them encourage your heart today:

Who am I that You are mindful of me
That You hear me, when I call
Is it true that you are thinking of me
How You love me
It's amazing
[Choir sings lead verse]

[Chorus:]
I am a friend of God
I am a friend of God
I am a friend of God
He calls me friend.

Thank you Jesus for the way you love me, the friends who love me, and the people I get to love in this lifetime. My life is richer, fuller and better; because of the people I call friends!

A Spiritual Lesson from Driving?

Driving in South Florida is quite the experience. We have an international population and plenty of snowbirds, thus drivers navigate our roads using international driving rules and blue-haired driving skills. The roads are crowded, using a horn is second nature, cutting people off is expected, a yellow light means "punch it," and scooters & motorcycles use the dashed white line as a 3rd lane.

The aftermath of Hurricane Irma made the S. FL. driving experience even that much more exciting. The lights were out at many major intersections. Imagine 12 lanes of traffic trying to work like a 4-way stop! When you approached these types of intersections, you prayed harder; because every man (and woman) did what was right in their own eyes. If a driver got tired of waiting, they simply broke the 4-way stop pattern and altered the process. If they felt someone else wasn't doing things right, they yelled obscenities and flipped them off. Every person believed they were doing right and it created chaos, when the proper system was not followed.

As I sat and watched this scenario playing out, I realized a spiritual truth, "This is what religion looks like." The Bible warns against every man doing what is right in his own eyes. (Deut. 12:8, Judges 17:6, Judges 21:25, Job 32:1, Prov 12:15, and Prov 21:2) Religion is the epitome of people interpreting, practicing and teaching the Bible according to their personal interpretations. Religion is people trying to make God fit into their box. I've known people to seek-out Bible verses to prove their points or justify their behavior. We live in a world that paints and portrays God to be whatever and Whoever they want Him to be in order to "fit" into their personal belief system. It boils down to people setting themselves up as gods and determining that they can redefine spiritual success and chart their own course to heaven.

When driving, we see instructional road signs. These signs are not suggestions, they are commands that carry the full authority of the law. Those who follow these instructions will usually arrive alive; but for those who choose to break these laws, there are often costly (even deadly) consequences. In the Bible, God has given us a road map (GPS) and instructions for our spiritual journey. To start any trip, you must know where you are going. On our spiritual journey, the destination is heaven and we can only get there through Jesus Christ -- He is "the Way, the Truth and the Life and no man comes to the Father except through Him." We are sinners in need of a Savior!

So, the choice is up to you. You can be religious, follow your own interpretations of the law and risk spiritual death; or you can have a relationship with Christ, live for Him and experience eternal life in heaven. Remember, God made it very clear: "There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death" - Prov. 16:25. So, will you choose your way or God's way? Will you choose religion or a relationship with Christ? The choice is yours, but choose carefully!

A Working Team is the Basis for Teamwork!

The following is from my recent post on the Highlands Christian Academy blog to brag on our 100+ Grace/Highlands employees:

As many of you know, I graduated from Hollywood Christian High School. Hollywood Christian School and Highlands Christian Academy were strong rivals when it came to athletics. Not only did I play against HCA, but I also later coached against HCA when I was the varsity baseball coach at Berean Christian School in West Palm Beach. You can’t even imagine the amount of ribbing that I have taken from fellow classmates/teammates and also former players since I started serving here at Grace and Highlands. It is all in fun, but also funny how life really does come full circle!

Athletics have always played a very important role in my life. I’ve had the privilege of playing in Little League and at the college level. I’ve had the privilege of coaching and playing on championship teams. I’ve also been on the other side of the wins. I cannot say enough about the lessons I learned regarding the value of teamwork and the vital role it plays in the success of any organization.

Listen to these famous quotes about teams and teamwork:
• “Talent wins games, but teamwork wins championships.” – Michael Jordan
• “Alone we can do so little, together we can do so much.” – Helen Keller
• “The strength of the team is each individual member. The strength of each member is the team.” – Phil Jackson
• “Unity is strength… when there is teamwork and collaboration, wonderful things can be achieved." --Mattie Stepanek

I wanted to share these thoughts about teamwork; because during Hurricane Irma, I got to see our GBC/HCA team in action. I watched as 70+ employees, church families and school families came out to prepare our campus before the storm. People removed doormats, carried trashcans, removed the shade canopies, removed the high jump mats, installed hurricane panels, cleared playgrounds, and so much more! After the storm, I watched our team gather together and work on restoring our campus, while some didn’t even have electricity in their own homes. Our team members were here joyfully serving and helping to cut and haul fallen trees, to reattach fencing, to remove the shutters, and to reset all of the classrooms and playgrounds for school. It was a daunting task and initially looked slightly overwhelming; but it only took our TEAM about 5 hours to complete the majority of the cleanup and we were able to reopen school on Thursday. Together, we did in a few hours what would have taken one or two individuals weeks to do!

I want everyone to know what a great team of people we have in our church and school ministries. Our team consists of pastors, administrators, staff, faculty, housekeepers, maintenance personnel, cafeteria staff, support personnel, church families, school families, and more. I’ve had the privilege of leading and working with several teams through the years; but truly, this is one of the finest teams I’ve ever worked with!

I close by extending a simple, but deeply heart-felt THANK YOU to each of you! Your commitment to Christ and your commitment to His work were obvious to all who watched and worked with you. Even in the midst of a storm, you were a beacon of hope and joy to others. Again, thank you!

Missions Hypocrisy in the Local Church

Ask people in the community, and they will tell you that they don't go to church, because "the church is full of hypocrites." My response is always that "I would rather be in church with a few hypocrites than to be in hell with all of them." In this post, I'm going to take a position of agreement with those outside the church in an effort to point out a familiar and prominent form of hypocritical behavior as it relates to missions and evangelism in the local church.

I have always been part of local churches that are very evangelistic and have a heart for world missions. Several years ago, while pastoring in the Deep South, I was deeply bothered by a trend that I noticed... churches were giving money to support world missions; but those same congregations did not want to share Christ with their neighbors or build relationships with people of a different skin color. Since first noticing that issue, I've come to discover this practice occurs frequently. How hypocritical for white people to say they love black people in Africa, while refusing to love the dark-skinned people in their local communities (and vice versa).

Recently, I heard of a church that removed community outreach from its annual budget, but collected a special offering to assist the Hurricane Harvey flood victims in Texas. While that is definitely a noble cause, I suggest it is hypocritical to raise money to send to TX, when you refuse to reach those in your own back yard. In addition, how sad that churches are willing to raise money to meet social needs after a flood; but are not willing to spend money to share Christ with their communities.

I believe God places churches in strategic locations, with the purpose of reaching local communities. That said, the local church body should look like a cross representation of its local community! To preach that "God is love" and then refuse to love all people... to sing "Red, yellow, black & white they are precious in His sight" and then to build a church catering to people of only one ethnicity... to send money overseas to reach people, while ignoring those in our own backyard... to go on missions trips, but refuse to share Christ with our neighbor... THESE ARE ALL EXAMPLES OF HYPOCRISY!

So, I challenge pastors, parishioners, and anyone who says that evangelism is important to you; will you begin to share Christ with the people in your neighborhood? Will you include funds for community outreach in your church's annual budget? Will you strive to make your church look like a mirror of the races represented in your community? Will you strive to expand evangelism to a way of life, rather than a single, once per year event! When a congregation claims to be missions-minded, while letting those in their own community go to hell; it fans the flames for those who say the church is full of hypocrites. Let's make the changes necessary to refute that statement, rather than to represent it.

Does God Ever Lead People Wrong?

Does God lead people wrong? It may seem like a strange question, but people often imply it. Some say “God led us to relocate,” but that move resulted in my family falling apart. Others say, “God led me to change jobs,” but then I got laid off. For others, it was “God led me to break fellowship with a person,” but God commands us to love one another and to reconcile our differences. So why do so many insist on blaming God for their poor life’s choices by saying that He "led them" to make those choices?

This type of stinkin'-thinkin' carries over into the church, too. I recently heard of two different churches and pulpit committees that experienced the same calamity. In both situations, the pulpit committees said, “God led us" to call a particular pastor, but the pastors felt God had led them somewhere else. In both cases, it is obvious that someone was not listening to God; but used the phrase “God led” in an effort to spiritualize and "sell" their personal agenda. If God were leading, there would have been a perfect peace for both the church and the pastor. As it pertains to a specific issue, God will NOT tell one person one thing and tell another something different.

God’s leading will never contradict His Word and God never gets confused. 1 Corinthians 14:33 states that “God is not the author of confusion…” By default, we know that Satan is the one who causes confusion. So, let's give credit where credit is due! Those pulpit committees that went the wrong direction immediately lost credibility with the church and the next pastoral candidate will realize that he was the second choice--the “Plan B.” Pushing a personal agenda always wreaks havoc! The best advice is found in Isaiah 40:31, “But those who wait on the LORD Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint.” It is imperative that we wait on God’s true leading, because He will never lead us wrong!

So, I pose this question, “Are you following God’s leading or sleeping with the enemy?” Godly people, seeking God’s direction, can count on God’s perfect guidance, and will experience God’s perfect peace in knowing that He will NEVER lead them wrong! On the other hand, carnally-minded people will run with the devil, seek their own desires, push their own agendas, and disrupt God’s plan as they follow the way that seems right unto a man. If you choose to follow God, you can expect His blessings. If you choose not to follow God and you decide to chart your own course; at least stop blaming Him for the self-made mistakes, messes and the mayhem you cause.

Six Traits of a Church Disrupter

Six Traits of a Church Disrupter -
Now being in my 33rd year of ministry, I've heard about and even seen this scenario played-out in various churches. Ask the majority of pastors and they have had to deal with disrupters. A mentor of mine, Dr. Ron Long, told me that church splits almost always start within the leadership; and mainly with pastoral staff and deacons. He works with pastors and churches across the country and around the world, so he should know. The biggest messes and most disruptive scenarios are usually initiated by people who have been in a church so long that they have come to believe it's "their" church, or novice staff members who think they know more than the senior pastor. Regardless of where the disruption starts, the Pastor better have the courage to take care of the problem as soon as it surfaces and before it destroys the body. As Barney Fife used to say, "Nip it in the bud."

If you haven't experienced a "Church Disrupter" it's only a matter of time. Tom Rainer "nails it" with this blog post and I encourage everyone to read it carefully. These people believe they are God's "watchmen on the wall," but they are really pawns that Satan uses to destroy the work of God. Time always reveals the disrupters, but usually not until after the damage has already been done.

http://thomrainer.com/2017/08/six-traits-church-disrupter/

Church Budgets Reveal the Focus of the Church

There are many reasons that churches die slow deaths, but I believe the root cause is a lost focus resulting in a lack of direction and loss of purpose. I believe the church is an organization that was specifically designed for those who are not its members. The membership gathers regularly to exalt the Lord, to train and equip believers for the work of ministry, and then the congregation goes out as an army to evangelize the world. Rather than an army, too many churches have been converted into social clubs. Rather than exalt, equip, and evangelize; too many are serving as little more than recreation centers for those who are religious, but not fully-devoted followers of Christ. The Church of Jesus Christ was called out and set apart to engage in spiritual warfare for the purpose of spreading the Good News and saving the souls of mankind from eternal damnation; but many congregations have been distracted by the things of this world.

How can a spiritual army, commissioned by the Lord Jesus Christ, lose sight of the battle? I believe it is due to an inward focus and membership mentality that says, “Ask not what you can do for the Church, but what the Church can do for you.” One of the easiest ways to determine if your church is a “spiritual army” or a “social club” is to examine your church’s budget. Where the money is spent will reveal what is important to that church.

I recently saw a budget explanation sheet informing the congregation of the budgeting decisions being proposed by its church leaders. I've included some of the points below. Read this list and evaluate whether you think this church has an inward (personal gain) or outward (reaching the world) mentality. While reading, compare this list to your church.

Budget summary items:
1) Removed funding for community outreach.
2) Removed funding for evangelistic services & events.
3) Removed funding for an annual audit (accountability?)
4) Removed saving toward future expansion.
5) Increased money to send staff on missions trips.
6) Increased staff salaries… while cutting the previously mentioned funding for community outreach, evangelism, etc. (I would ask that with all those previous cuts, why do you even need a staff?)

It should come as no surprise that salvation, baptism and membership decisions are down in this church and the weekly attendance is also declining rapidly.

The Bible is very clear in Matthew 6:21 and Luke 12:34 that “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” When community outreach is defunded, at the same time the church leaders are budgeting for personal profits that pad their own pockets; the church is already dying a slow death. On the flip side, when a church realizes “the fields are white unto harvest,” and their funding goes into reaching the community with the Gospel, the church will grow and thrive!

So, where does your church spend its money? Is money spent on outreach? What does your church's budget predict about future growth? Does your church's budget reveal an inward or outward focus? If you find your church turning inward… speak up! If you see these budget trends in your church, it is either time to expose the problem or "get out of Dodge." To summarize Edmund Burke, “All it takes for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing.”

So, get a copy of your church's budget and begin to ask questions. Remember, the only ones who are afraid of questions are those who don’t know the answers or those who are hiding something. Your questions could be the first step toward making corrections and putting your church back on course!

Learning from Andy Griffith - "The Case of the Punch in the Nose"

One of my all-time favorite TV shows is "Andy Griffith." The wisdom and wholesomeness of Andy, coupled with the naivety and comedy of Barney, make for great TV. Not long ago, I was watching "The Case of the Punch in the Nose" and saw some great spiritual lessons. Barney was going through some old courthouse paperwork, only to discover an open case involving Floyd and Charlie in which a fight had broken out. Andy tells him it was over, in the past, and they had moved on; BUT Barney insisted on trying to close the books on this case. It turns out that Andy was right! Barney's efforts reopened an old wound and resurrected the argument.

This show revealed the truth and great wisdom to the old idiom, "It's better to let sleeping dogs lie." Sometimes it's better just to leave things as they are; especially, in an effort to avoid rekindling an old argument or making matters worse. I have occasionally witnessed the same thing in working with people. I've watched people open old arguments that seemed to have been healed and forgotten, only to have them flare up worse than before.

I can think of situations in marriage , church, athletics, employment, and other relationships that would have been served much better by moving on, rather than looking back. I'm sure you can think of your own illustrations. So, just for fun, take time to watch "Andy Griffith - The Case of the Punch in the Nose" by clicking the link below. I think we can all learn a valuable life's lesson at Barney's expense. https://www.dailymotion.com/video/xy952r_andy-griffith-s05e25-case-of-the-punch-in-the-nose_shortfilms

Identity Crisis #3 - A Generation of Anarchy

On January 30, 2017, President Trump fired the acting Attorney General, Sally Yates, for failing to carry out his instructions. You can call it disrespect, insubordination, defiance,or even betrayal (as Sean Spicer called it). Whatever you call it, Yates failed to realize: "The boss may not always be right, but he's always the boss." This simple and most basic concept appears to be lost across this generation. We saw it in the NFL as Mike Tomlin fired Legarrette Blount for his insubordination evidenced by walking off the field and taking off his uniform in 2014. We saw it with Edward Snowden and Bradley Manning (now Chelsea) who defied orders and their oath by selling USA secrets to Russian spies. We see the public defying law enforcement officers; students defying teachers; and employees defying managers. It appears we are living in a generation of anarchy.

Whether in the NFL, corporate America, the Church, the classroom, or Washington, DC; it's as though respect for authority is a thing of the past. It appears all semblance of loyalty and integrity have been flushed down the toilet. The church is in part to blame, because it has placed so much emphasis on feelings that it has failed to teach obedience to Christ. I also attribute some of the anarchy to the empowerment that Facebook has given cowards to criticize from the comfort of their couch and to base their beliefs on their feelings. President Trump is right in his belief that opinions now trump facts and fake news is running rampant. People often take firm stands on their opinions, whether they have any facts to back them. Sadly, this situation seems to be growing worse in both the church and the world. It is the basis for much of the anarchy that we are witnessing in our world today.

Call me crazy, but I believe this world is in chaos. Consider 2 Tim. 3:1-5 and compare it to the evening news: "But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away!" I believe the only hope for this world is Jesus! I believe 2 Chronicles 7:14, "If My people who are called by My name (the Church) will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land." Our hope can only be found in bowing to the authority of the Lord Jesus Christ and living obediently to Him.

If we don't begin to teach respect for authority at home, at work, and in the church; then how can we expect this generation to have respect for Divine authority! It boils down to the fact that when we don't respect God, we don't respect others. I respect President Trump for firing AG,Yates... I respect Jerry Jones (owner of the Dallas Cowboys), for saying that his players worked for him and if his players didn't stand during the National Anthem, they could work for someone else... I respect a Pastor who teaches people about the Omniscient, Omnipotent, and Omnipresent God; by Whose authority the world is sustained. I respect and function under the authority of God and genuinely believe that one day "every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord!" The identity crisis of today's church has left it striving for numbers, but not teaching the most basic and foundational principles of Scripture. Obedience to God is not an option and our respect for God will reveal our respect for others. It is the obligation of this generation to teach that principle to the next. So, what kind of example are others seeing in you?

Luther Rice College and Seminary

Yesterday, I attended a Board of Trustees meeting for Luther Rice Bible College and Seminary in Lithonia, GA. As I sat in the room with the other Board members, I was truly humbled and, again, wondered how and why God gave me such an amazing opportunity to serve in this capacity. LRS has been a leader in biblical education for over 50 years! The school was founded for the primary purpose of allowing pastors and missionaries to continue their biblical education and seminary training, without having to relocate. LRS removes the need for pastors, ministry leaders, and lay-people to leave their ministries or uproot their families; by making it possible for them to receive a quality Christian education online. LRS is committed to teaching solid and sound Baptist doctrine without compromise! That is one of the primary reasons that I chose to study and now to serve at LRS. Check out their website at www.lutherrice.edu. If you are considering taking classes to enhance your biblical knowledge, I highly recommend LRS.

Identity Crisis #2 - His Blood is on Your Hands!

My heart was broken recently as I heard about a young man who had taken his own life. That young man (we'll call him Bob) had a troubled past, plagued by substance abuse. A Christian family took Bob in, provided shelter, food, and invited Bob to their church services. During a church event, Bob made the decision to trust Christ as his Lord and Savior. Bob was baptized the following Sunday, told many of his decision, started attending multiple church services per week, and was beginning to get plugged-in with his new church family.

Not long after, the young man was facing the same battles that many of us face... his old nature was warring against his new nature. Bob reached out for help, but was pushed aside as a church employee (a staff pastor) and his wife made up false allegations against Bob. As a result, Bob was asked not to return to that church. Bob had now been turned away from the only real family he had ever known; from the place where he had found hope and acceptance. The people who could have helped Bob grow in his faith, were the people pushing him out of the church. Fast forward the story... Bob took his life. Bob's blood is on the hands of those who pushed him away from the church.

The man's name was not Bob, but the story is true and should remind us of what Jesus said in Mark 2:17, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.” Many have forgotten that the Church was once called a "soul-saving station," and a "spiritual hospital." We've forgotten that the Master told his servants, "Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled." The Master NEVER said, Go gather people who dress like we do, like the same music we do, use the same Bible version we do, cut their hair like we do, refuse tattoos like we do, and hide all of their weaknesses like we do! The Master didn't say to establish a commune... He said, "I will build my Church!"

The church identity described above has been replaced with today's "clubhouse mentality" or "pep-rally mentality;" in which members of the church gather to sing a few songs, tell a few jokes, talk about their favorite sports teams, and then they return home to resume life as usual. BUT... that is not the purpose of the Church! Ministers are not mere performers and ministry is NOT merely a 9-to-5 job! The Church is a spiritual army, the Church is at war against the forces of evil, the Church is a lighthouse in the storms of life, the Church is the vehicle that God established to share the Gospel and disciple believers! If the Church won't reach the alcoholics, the drug addicts, the prostitutes, the homeless, the rejected, the broken, the unemployed, the sick, the and even the religious Pharisees; then who will? That's what God called His Church to do! Listen to the words in Luke 4:18-19, "The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, Because He has anointed Me To preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to the captives And recovery of sight to the blind, To set at liberty those who are oppressed; 19 To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord.”

Yes, real ministry is messy and when you reach down to lift someone up, you'll probably get dirty! No doubt that shepherds smelled slightly like the sheep back in New Testament times! I challenge those pastors who see ministry as a 40 hour per week job to pick-it-up or have the integrity to go find other employment. Ministry is not a job - it's a calling! I challenge those who see the church as a clubhouse to reexamine Luke 4:18-19. I challenge those who are not sharing Christ with others to start doing so. I challenge you DO NOT allow the story of Bob, to be true of you or your church. God help Your Church to see the battle and defeat the enemy! "For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places."

The Identity Crisis in Today's Baptist Churches

In my previous post, I recommended listening to Dr. Bill Monroe's sermon "God's Plan for Church Leadership." If you haven't yet watched it, I'd strongly encourage you to do so. Just click the link.

Today's Baptist churches are experiencing a crisis pertaining to church leadership and government. I personally believe that this crisis stems, in part, from a generation that has seen churches focused more on numeric growth, rather than spiritual growth. Today, success is measured by the 3 B's: Buildings, Budgets & Butts. In years past, the success of churches was measured by spiritual decisions: salvations, baptisms, memberships, students enrolling in Bible college, surrender to vocational ministry, church plants, and missionaries sent out. Those measures now seem archaic to many and have been lost in the quest for numbers. Where once Baptist churches were known for their doctrinal depth, today, many are known simply for their musical styles, casual dress, and contemporary atmosphere. Personally, I don't have a problem with any of those items, but they should not define any church. Those are marketing issues and have nothing to do with depth. When a pastor tells you more about his church's style than he does about its doctrinal beliefs and spiritual decisions, you know something is wrong! Sadly, this focus on growth without depth has led Baptist churches into a state of confusion, maybe even into an identity crisis.

With the void of historical and doctrinal teaching; the gap has been filled with attention on preferences resulting in misunderstandings that have wreaked havoc in the church. Baptist churches are beginning to look like Presbyterian churches as they implement Elders and embrace Reformed Theology; including "Election" and "Predestination." Ironically, John Calvin, the founder of the Presbyterian Church, considered Baptists to be heretics and now many Baptists are embracing Calvin's religion! Power struggles also stem from a lack of understanding as it pertains to forms of church government. Today, feelings and opinions seem to take preeminence over the Bible.

In Scripture, we find a stark contrast to the roles of Deacons and Elders when compared to their usage in modern churches. Again, Baptists have become Calvinistic in describing these terms, also. In the Scriptures, we find God calling a man... not a committee... not a Board, to lead His people. God always called a man. Consider some of these men: Moses, Joshua, David, Gideon, Peter, Paul, and others. Interesting that the idea of Elders in Baptist churches really only began to take hold in the late 1990's; but Baptist's trace their roots back over 2000 years. Allow me to be totally transparent in telling you that every time I have seen Elder rule established in a Baptist church, it was initiated either by a group desiring to control and limit the Pastor or by a struggling Pastor in an effort to use a small group (Elders) to control the congregation. Someone once said, "You can either have control or you can have growth, but you can't have both."

I tell people that I am a Christian first and a Baptist second. I believe Baptist beliefs and doctrine are the most accurate in keeping with the Scriptures. When Baptist churches don't take time to teach Baptist history and doctrine, then they eventually lose their Baptist identity. I encourage you to read books such as the "Trail of Blood" and to study Baptist history. Once finished, you'll see the rich heritage that makes Baptists different. Finally, for those who think this is just another post by a small church pastor, leading a dying church; my last church doubled in size and was the largest in the community. I didn't say choose teaching or growth... I believe solid Bible teaching will lead to substantial growth!

God's Plan for Church Leadership

You've got to watch this sermon! Without question, today's churches are experiencing a crisis pertaining to church government and leadership. Below, you will find a link to a sermon preached by Dr. Bill Monroe, founding and current Pastor of the Florence Baptist Temple in Florence, SC. Bro. Bill is a godly man, a humble man, and a friend to me and my family. My wife's family were ALL saved through the ministries of Florence Baptist Temple and Florence Christian School. Bro. Bill is a "Pastor's Pastor" and he loves God's Church. God has used him to help churches, pastors, and I pray his sermon will be a blessing to you.

Click on the link and scroll down the page to watch this powerful sermon entitled "God's Plan for Church Leadership" preached on December 4, 2016 at the Florence Baptist Temple. CLICK HERE TO VIEW SERMON