Children Remind Us of the Sweetness of Christmas

 

What a great way to start the day!  This morning I watched our K5 classes perform “Giddy-up Little Donkey,” a Christmas program. The parents arrived early and waited for the doors to open, they had their phones set to video, and they sat as close to the front as possible (the opposite of what they do when I’m preaching). There was excitement in the air, smiles on faces, hands waving and kisses blown. I couldn’t help but have a sense of pride in our students, our staff and our Lower School Principal; as they had all spent hours practicing for this presentation.

Watching them perform reminded me of the sweet innocence of the children - even the ones who are usually little rascals in class.  It is so special to see children performing the Christmas story dressed as Mary & Joseph, angels, shepherds and the wise men. In every children’s Christmas program, there is also a baby doll being carried (and swung) to portray the baby Jesus. I am so thankful that in our Christian school, we boldly proclaim the Christ of CHRISTmas!

As I left the program and reflected on the sweetness of the children; it did not take long to be reminded that not everyone is experiencing “joy to the world,” “peace on earth” or “good will toward men” during this season.  Sadly, this time of year is too often characterized by frantic shoppers, panicked travelers, people stealing packages, drivers honking horns & giving one-finger salutes, credit cards being maxed out, and so much more. How is it that so many (even Christ-followers) will allow the craziness of Christmas to distract them from the real reason for the season? Why can’t we all practice the sweetness of the children?

What if we required adults to go watch a children’s Christmas program each December? Maybe it would remind us of that silent night when the angel appeared to the lowly shepherds. Maybe it would remind us of the simplicity of the stable birth. Maybe it would remind us of that holy night on which the Savior was born. Maybe it would remind us of God’s plan to redeem and reconcile sinful mankind to Himself. God set the plan into motion on the night that… that peaceful and joy-filled night!

The craziness of preparing for the all-American Christmas often drowns out the beautiful message of the season. The Apostle John brought it into focus when he wrote, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish; but have everlasting life” – John 3:16. God loved us and gave His Son. Salvation through Jesus Christ is the greatest gift ever given, the only path to peace with God and the real meaning of Christmas.

I’d like to encourage you to find a few minutes to read the Christmas story found in Luke 2:1-15. Take time to pray and thank God for His gift of salvation. Make sure there was a time when you confessed your sin, realized your need for a Savior and called out to Jesus. By returning to simple childlike faith, you will soon rediscover the real meaning of CHRISTmas.

2022 12 04 "Hello, My Name is Jesus"

2022 11 27 A Thankful Heart

Thanksgiving sermon at Grace Church in Pompano Beach, FL

2022 11 20 - Sun Stood Still (Joshua 9-10)

2022 11 13 - Endless Flour & Oil (1 Kings 17)

2022 10 30 God Will Make a Way (Ex 14)

What Does This Pastor do to Grow Spiritually?

I was recently asked a great question, "What do you do for personal spiritual development?" 

I must admit that question really took me by surprise. I have never been one to separate my personal and pastoral life, as Flora and I see ministry as part of who we are, not something we do.  So, I have never separated spiritual development into the categories of personal vs. professional; but I do understand the rationale and benefit.  Without a doubt, my spiritual development makes me a better pastor, husband, father, and person; so I've never thought to compartmentalize it. But, I realized that was a great question and I thought maybe our own church family should know and be aware of what your pastor does to foster his own spiritual growth and I want to challenge you to create your own growth plan/habits.

As I reflected on the question, I realized there are things I do regularly for personal/pastoral growth:

1. I try to maintain a regular early-morning workout at the gym (although I may skip a few days). During those workouts, I have found it to be a great time to listen to the Bible on YouVersion (and read if on the treadmill or eliptical.) I can literally go through entire books of the Bible during a single workout. It is a great way to start my day filling my mind with Scripture and focusing my thoughts on the Lord.
   
2. Flora (my wife) and I usually enjoy morning devotions together on the couch, prior to leaving for work. We have currently been going through a simple devotional by one of my favorite authors, Bob Goff. The title of the book is Live in Grace, Walk in Love and I highly recommend it. It's not a deep book, but it certainly challenges us to live each day in service to our Savior.
   
3. Prayer is also an important part of my day. The Bible instructs us to pray without ceasing; so my day is filled with prayer in the car, prayer as I start my day in the office, prayer as I walk our campus and see what God is doing around us, prayer throughout the day and prayer to close the day. Those prayers are for the needs of my family, our church family, the missionaries we support and the families in our school. I often use the model A.C.T.S - Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving and Supplication.
   
4. Daily Bible study is an essential spiritual discipline. It is through God's Word that we get to know God more deeply. I most often focus my personal study in the same areas that I am preaching, unless there is a need to study something different. Right now is one such time in my life, as I’ve been focused on hearing God’s voice.
   
5. I have found it very uplifting and encouraging to listen to several sermons online from various churches each week. Even preachers need to hear some good preaching and to be challenged by the Word.
   
6. As one who is committed to being a life-long learner, I frequently enroll in free online classes or courses offered through Luther Rice Seminary (Project Focus) or book studies offered through Dallas Theological Seminary. These tools are free to anyone and I highly recommend them.
   
7. I have found great reward in making an intentional effort to regularly read a variety of leadership & church growth books.
   
8. I submit to personal accountability with our church staff and with pastors outside our church. I recommend that everyone have at least one person or a small group of people to be accountable to. Too many pastors forego accountability and ultimately make poor choices or lose their ministry position.
   
9. I recently started participating bi-monthly with a network of pastors focused on self/soul-care, personal growth and spiritual development of pastors for the health and growth of the local church.
   
10. I lead a monthly cohort of pastors who meet for personal prayer, growth and friendship.
    
11. Through the years, I have selected to serve on community Boards or in cohorts for the sake of what I can learn personally, rather than what it benefits me professionally. I've found people outside my circle think differently than I do and I need to be challenged in my thinking and by others who hold different opinions.
    
12. I try to attend at least 2 conferences per year for the sake of learning new things or being reminded of things I may not have thought about or used for a while.
13. Flora and I try to visit family or just get away by ourselves several times per year for the sake of unplugging, reconnecting with each other and reflecting on the goodness of God.
14. Finally, my friend, Bill Yeargin, challenged me to be a life-long "learner," rather than a "knower." It is his mantra and has impacted me personally and it has impacted our 134 employees, too. As you walk around our campus, be ready for someone to ask you what you learned today and they expect to hear your answer.  None of us will ever know everything and all of us can learn something new each and every day!

So, there are a few of the things that I do to keep growing and keep learning daily.  I'm sure there are other things that I've missed, but that's a good list to get us started. So, what about you?  Are you making an intentional effort to grow, develop and mature spiritually? Remember the old saying -- "Those who aim at nothing are sure to hit it every time."  Let's aim to grow in our faith, so we can learn to lead others well.

Healthy growth takes effort, so take some time to think about habits that will help you stay healthy spiritually.

2022 10 23 Dry Bones Live Again! (Ezek 37)

2022 10 16 Andrew Saw the Value in Reaching One

Hell...Nothing but the Facts! (10.9.22)

Importance of One (John 1:45-46; Matt 13:45-46)

Healing the Paralytic - Luke 5:17-26

2022 09 11 "Who's Your One?" Week 1 (Mt 4:18-22)

Each One, Reach One - Sermon 8.7.22

The greatest hope we can give is to point people to Jesus!

Don't Lose Your Focus (Jonah 4)

Jonah was upset with God after seeing the great revival in Nineveh. He wanted judgment, while God wanted to bring salvation. What do you want for your "enemies?"

We Have a Mission & Message (Jonah 3)

Our Crisis Should Result in Prayer & Praise (Jonah 2)

How do you respond in a crisis? Our choice to run from God often puts us in predicaments! We can keep running from God or start running back to Him. When Jonah hit bottom, he prayed to & praised God. Great challenge to us all.

You Can Run, but You Can't Hide (Jonah 1)

Week 1 in our Series "Castaway" - The Story of Jonah

Preparing for the Pandemonium (Daniel 12)

Spiritual Battle (Daniel 10)

It's Time to Pray (Daniel 9)

A Beastly Dream (Daniel 7)

Stand Firm in Your Faith (Daniel 6)

Daniel 6 - "Stand Firm in Your Faith." Next in series, "Keeping Your Wits in a Wacky World"

Pride Has Consequences (Daniel 5)

Pride and Arrogance Have Consequences! (Daniel 5)

Why I am Not a Calvinist

I grew up in South Florida surrounded by people from various nations, tribes and tongues. I had friends of different colors, heard different languages daily and routinely learned new things from those I spent time with. Truly, we did not focus on our differences; but rather chose to enjoy each other’s friendship. We had great conversation and debate about things we viewed differently, but we never drew lines in the sand or ended friendships over differences of opinion.

So what has happened in America? Now we “cancel,” threaten, unfollow, cyber-bully, un-peacefully protest, and occasionally even harm those who have differences of opinion. What happened to good, open debate and the opportunity to share, listen and learn from those who held different viewpoints? 

I’ve seen this in the secular world and I am seeing it more and more in the Church.  One of the most obvious examples is the argument over a person’s position regarding Soteriology – the Doctrine of Salvation. Are you a Calvinist, Arminian, or a Provisionist (traditionalist)?  Just as denominations divided and segregated believers into various groups, this new argument is further sub-dividing the already divided Church.

Sadly, the focus for many has shifted away from the mission of bringing people to Jesus and now focuses on trying to bring other Christians to their viewpoint. That is simply a distraction that causes division in the body of Christ and keeps those without Christ from hearing the Good News of the Gospel. I usually try to avoid these debates in public; but I want to address it here, because I am getting asked my “position” more and more frequently.  So, my response comes from the words of Scripture:

• God loves everyone, not just a few (John 3:16)
• Christ died once for all (Rom. 6:10; Rom. 5:18)
• Jesus’ payment for sin was sufficient for all (1 John 2:2)
• God is not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9)
• Whosoever will, come after me… (Mark 8:34)
• As many as received Him… (John 1:12)
• Whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord will be saved (Rom. 10:13)
• There are many, many more verses that show salvation is available to all, not just a select few.

For the sake of those who are still trying to figure this out and even some who are seeking answers to a question they really don’t even understand, I’ve included book titles and links to some great YouTube videos that address the reason I personally hold to a Provisionist (traditional) position regarding salvation – meaning that salvation is available to anyone who will receive it.  My position regarding salvation is based solely on the Bible and I personally have problems with both Calvinism (Presbyterian/Reformed theology) and Arminianism, so I refuse to be pigeon-holed into either camp. 

To those who are “knowers,” the videos below will not change your opinions. To those who are “learners,” I know you will enjoy some good conversation and intellectual stimuli. 

BOOKS:

Against Calvinism by Roger E. Olson. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2011.  207 pp. $14.00. ISBN: 978-0-310-32467-6 

Does God Love Everyone? The Heart of What is Wrong with Calvinism by Jerry L. Walls. Eugene, OR: Cascade Books, 2016. 88 pp. $15.00. ISBN: 978-1620325506.  (See article link below) 

ARTICLE: 

“Does God Love Everyone? The Heart of What is Wrong with Calvinism” by Jerry L Walls. 

YOUTUBE: 

https://www.youtube.com/c/Soteriology101 – Soteriology 101, Dr. Leighton Flowers 

https://www.youtube.com/c/MikeWinger - Learn to Think Biblically, Mike Winger. Once on the site, just search the word Calvinism 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sQXSXfXl4kw – Why Calvinists Get Romans 9 Wrong (Election & Mission), by Dr. Matt O’Reilly 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JJWIWv69D_0&t=44s – The Best Argument Against Calvinism, by Dr. Braxton Hunter

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JASX8g6sWkw – Calvinism Refuted in 10 Minutes, by Greg Boyd 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JASX8g6sWkw – Jerry Walls: What’s Wrong with Calvinism?

 

 

Faith in the Flames (Daniel 3)

With God, Nothing is Impossible (Daniel 2)

Daniel 1 - "Welcome to Babylon"

"Commanded to Love" Series - Week 1 - Love God

Is it OK for Christians to Rebel Against Authority?

Let me start this post by saying – I truly do NOT care about your position on COVID, vaccines, testing, mandates, conspiracy theories, government overreach, political affiliations, authority of OSHA, power of the POTUS, etc.  If you, in any way, think this post is about any of those topics – you have already missed the point!  This post is about the spirit of rebellion, disobedience, insubordination, etc. we are seeing in the attitudes and actions of “God’s people” toward those in authority (teachers, police, local officials to federal employees) during this pandemic.  Some are confusing American liberties with Christian responsibilities. It is my goal to raise awareness to this issue and encourage Christ-followers to act more like Jesus, to be people of peace, and increase the intensity of their witness. With that premise, allow me to introduce the topic and share from the heart of a concerned pastor.

There is no question that this pandemic has impacted the world, not only the USA, as the political conspirators have tried to portray. My heart truly goes out to the families of all who died during COVID; but this post goes far beyond sympathy and compassion. The job market, the world, and even the church looks different and will be forever changed going forward after this pandemic.

As I have now watched the COVID pandemic unfold for almost two years, it has become more and more clear that modern Christianity is far from what Jesus taught and what we see recorded about the early church. The early church put faith over fear, even to the point of martyrdom. Our menial inconveniences including lockdowns, TP shortages, etc. hardly qualify as suffering or persecution. Yet these minimal inconveniences have resulted in a decline in church attendance, reduced participation, and a blowing away of the seeds that fell on the rocky soil of attractional church models.

Many false prophets, fearmongers and dooms-day preachers have come onto the scene.  Many religious people, claiming to be “Christians;” are using this pandemic to stir strife, sow discord, cause division, foster rebellion and spew their anti-government rants. Open debate is gone... differing opinions are not permitted... "you're a racist" now means "I have no credible argument"... preferences are now championed as "convictions" and protecting our rights has replaced submission among “God’s people.”  Most sad is that intense conversations about COVID protocols are dividing families, friends, churches; and have replaced conversations about the good news of the Gospel.

So, what about you?  Take a moment to ask yourself --  

• Have I engaged more people in conversations about COVID, vaccines, mandates, testing, personal rights, etc.; than I have in conversations about Jesus?
• Have I brought more converts to my COVID or political view, than I have to my Savior?
• Do I speak more passionately about my “convictions” for/against the vaccine or about my faith?
• Do my comments light fires or bring unity between my friends, family and the Body of Christ?
• Do I find myself submitting to or rebelling against the authorities God has placed in my life?

While Jesus frequently challenged the heresies of religious authorities; He, and other Bible authors, taught submission to those those in authority (i.e. - parents, employers, civil government, etc.).  Consider the following examples from the Scriptures:

• Jesus taught humility and submission at home and work (Eph. 5-6)
  
• Jesus instructed the Disciples to “render unto Caesar that which is Caesars”
• As Jesus entered Jerusalem, the people threw down their coats and palm branches believing that Jesus was going to overthrow the government and establish a new earthly kingdom. That was not His mission.
• When Peter cut-off Malchus’ ear to defend Jesus, Jesus rebuked him, replaced it, and surrendered Himself to the Roman guards.
• Jesus humbled Himself and opened not His mouth, while being falsely accused and beaten by the Roman soldiers.
• Paul taught believers to obey those in authority, because all authority comes from God.
• Paul and Barnabas sang and ministered in prison, asking the Church to pray for their effectiveness with the Gospel, rather than praying for their release.

In recent days, I’ve heard “God’s people” use Bible stories out of context, in an effort to justify their rebellion against various authorities over things they simply don't "like." In the Bible, the accounts of rebellion against authority were toward those who perverted worship or sought to silence the Gospel. Some of these stories include:

• Acts 5:29 the High Priest instructed Peter and the apostles to stop preaching about Jesus. “But Peter and the other apostles answered and said: “We ought to obey God rather than men.”
• Daniel 1:8 – Daniel refused to eat the king’s food; because it was a violation of the Jewish dietary laws, thus making him unclean (unfit to worship) before the Lord.
• Daniel 6 - Daniel was thrown in the lion’s den for refusing to engage in false worship by offering prayers to King Darius.
• Daniel 3 - Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego were thrown in the fiery furnace for refusing to bow down and worship the golden statue set-up by King Nebuchadnezzar in the plain of Dura.
• 2 Kings 18 - Hezekiah rebelled against the king of Syria by tearing down the idols and turn the hearts of the people back to God.
• 2 Kings 24 - Jehoiakim rebelled against King Nebuchadnezzar at the Lord’s command, because of the sins of Manasseh.

These stories all show the common thread of rebellion against authorities who perverted worship.  These situations are all VERY different from the rebellion toward authority that some “Christians” are trying to justify today. Today's rebellion stems from personal “preferences,” opinions, rights, American freedoms, etc.; and has nothing to do with the worship of God.  Listen closely and you can almost hear Samuel’s words to King Saul in 1 Sam. 15 echoing to today’s church, “For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, And stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry.”

So what is a true believer to do? Certainly Christ-followers do NOT have to agree with those in authority 100% of the time, we don't have to like their decisions, we are allowed to have differing opinions, and we can rest assured there are times the authority will be flat-out wrong; but as believers, here are some biblical instructions to guide us:

• Seek to live peaceably with all men (Rom. 12:18)
• Submit to authorities, because all authority comes from God (Rom. 13:1)
• Realize that rebelling against authority is rebellion against God (Rom. 13:2)
• Practice submitting to authority as a matter of principal (Rom. 13:3-5)
• Give everyone what you owe them (Rom. 13:6-7)
• Realize that love is the fulfillment of the Law (Rom. 13:8-10)
• Realizing the day of salvation is near (Rom. 13:11)
• The Church must be the Church! (Rom. 13:12-13)
• Clothe yourself with Christ and make no provision for the flesh (Rom. 13:14)
• Stop quarreling over opinions (Rom. 14:1-2)
• Refuse to judge others who view things differently (Rom. 14:3-4)
• Follow the humble example of Jesus
• Look out for the weaker brother (Rom. 14:13-15)
• Avoid contention and put the interests of others before your own (Phil 2:1-4)
• Remember, God hates… those who sow discord in the Body of Christ (Prov. 6:16-19)

Practicing these biblical principles, will get us started in the right direction. Realize our personal preferences (frequently mislabeled “convictions”) are too often, just self-centered desires. True convictions are built on biblical precepts and principles that are worth dying for (i.e. - Read Foxes Book of Martyrs for stories of those who died for their convictions). If your position is not worth dying for, it is not a “conviction,” it is merely a preference.  While your preference may be to go 70 mph in a 55 mph zone, there are consequences when you choose to disobey those in authority. While you might prefer to dine in public without a shirt; remember the old sign - "no shirt, no shoes, no service" - it meant that abiding by your preference limited your dining choices. The same is true in God’s Kingdom – every decision has a consequence – so I implore you to make your choices in light of eternity, submit to those in authority, and to bring honor to our Savior. Let's truly be people of peace in this world of chaos.

Take a few minutes to read Romans 13.

Need a Push?

 

Need a push? Those words can apply to a child on a swing, a teen at the top of a ski slope, a clueless adult walking beside a pool, a car stalled in the road, or for anyone who grew-up in the church - it could mean the church bus broke down on the way home from summer camp.  Synonyms for "push" are: shove, propel, ram, bump, prod, poke, nudge, impact, etc. The idea is to get something moving again.  

The word "push" can also mean to encourage someone to improve or move beyond mediocrity. It can mean to help someone over a hurdle. In one sense, we can help "push" people past their fears.  My kids usually needed me to "push" them to try new things. I would "push" them to go on roller coasters, to go down tall water slides, etc. Once they tried it, they loved it and wanted to do it again and again. In a spiritual sense, we all need a little push to help us keep or regain our momentum.  

January is the start of a new year, and it provides a great time to "push" ourselves forward spiritually. Maybe you lost some spiritual momentum during COVID -- you don't attend church services as often... you stopped serving in a ministry... you got in the habit of staying in your PJ's and watching online... etc.  If there were good spiritual habits and disciplines that you engaged in prior to COVID and have not yet resumed them, now is a great time to "push" yourself to restart. As you start to gain momentum, look around to see if there is someone else you can help "push." Continue to find others who are stopped or stuck spiritually and "push" them forward in their faith.  

A car needs all cylinders fully functioning, if it is to run properly.  A team needs all of its players healthy and working together, if it wants to have a chance at winning. The Church is the same way -- we are a Body made-up of many parts. We need all of our parts in order to function properly and fulfill our God-given purpose. So, we need you to get unstuck! We need you to get off the sidelines and back in the game! We need you to get out of your PJ's and back in the pews! We need you to stop sitting and start serving! We need you to help us push forward in the mission God has assigned to His Church!

The Apostle Paul wrote about this in 1 Thess. 5:11 - "Encourage one another and build each other up."  The author of Hebrews said, "And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works." I read these passages as let's "push" each other toward the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. I'm planning to push you in 2022, and I hope you will push me. If we do this for each other, then together we can cross the finish line and hear the words, "Well done, My good and faithful servant."