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!"

We Have a GREAT Team!

We have a great ministry team! My family and I took time off at Christmas to visit my side of the family. It was so nice to be able to leave and not worry about anything!

• Our ministry assistants, Stacie and Anna, are so competent and trustworthy. I could never thank them enough for what they do.
• Our staff pastors, Sherman and Justin, were charged with planning and implementing the plans for the Christmas Eve service. I left them totally on their own and heard nothing but good comments about a wonderful service that families really enjoyed as they focused on the true meaning of Christmas.
• Lori was out of town, but not to fear... Heather was here. As Ron was bragging on Heather, his exact quote was... "And Heather... well... she was just Heather!" That meant spectacular!
• Those volunteers led by Dan, who always make sure our sound and video are working properly are too often taken for granted. I greatly appreciate what you do!
• Mike, thanks for preparing the buildings and making sure everything was unlocked for our people and their guests. You always do a great job and never receive enough praise.
• John, thanks for the great job you have done working with our children and also helping us move our athletic program forward.
• Milton Frazier, is the Pastor Emeritus of Emmanuel after serving here for 36 years. He has become my pastor and fills the pulpit when I'm gone. I'm blessed to have him by my side and privileged to be able to learn from him.
• And I cannot forget our Deacons. These men are this Pastor's right arm. They are my friends, co-laborers, and my greatest prayer warriors. They are godly men and I so appreciate them. They prepared communion for our Christmas Eve service and I'm sure they served in whatever ways were needed.

I just wanted to brag on our team publicly! Too many churches have internal staff struggles, but we have great chemistry. I feel blessed to serve with each staff member and volunteer. Next Monday, we'll be adding a new Children's Pastor to our staff and look forward to the new dimension he will bring to our team. Let me say it again - we have a GREAT team!

Rick Warren to Pray at Inauguration

President-Elect Obama’s selection of Rick Warren to deliver the invocation at the 2009 presidential inauguration will help correct much of the distorted thinking about Rick Warren being a liberal. I like Rick Warren, but I’m no Warrenite and I certainly don’t agree with everything he has done; but the media is proving that he is no liberal theologian or “Luciferian” as some delusional people think.

Rick Warren has come under great attack for his conservative views on the Bible, his stand against abortion, his opposition of homosexuality, etc. He is under fire because he interprets the Bible literally. He is labeled as too conservative and is accused of being intolerant. The New York Times called Warren the next Billy Graham and various sources call him the most influential evangelical in America.

Interestingly, some evangelicals think Warren should have turned down Obama’s invitation, but "why" would he do that? Aren't believers commanded to pray for those in authority, whether we agree with them in all points or not? Bill Hybels met for prayer and Bible study with President Bill Clinton and Billy Graham prayed over Presidents that he did not agree with. Why would any true Bible preacher turn down such the invitation to give the invocation at the inauguration? To do so would be a terrible witness and would leave the door open for some liberal preacher to merely read empty words out of a prayer book.

Rick Warren said it best during a recent interview…“We don’t have to agree on every point.” Neither teammates, spouses, or believers agree on every point; but a mark of spiritual maturity is being able to "agree to disagree, agreeably." Showing you rear end, pouting, throwing a temper tantrum, or taking your ball and going home are all indicators of spiritual immaturity. Let's learn to put non-essential differences aside and focus on the work God has called us to.

If you want to find out more about this preacher who will be delivering the invocation at the 2009 Presidential Inauguration, visit http://www.rickwarren.com/about.html.

Casting a Vision for 2009

I saw the following quote from Brian Houston on http://www.perrynoble.com/. As I look toward "Vision Sunday" and pray for God to reveal what He wants to do through EBC in 2009, I wondered if this might be part of His answer to me. I ask you to read it carefully and begin to catch the vision for what God may want to do at Emmanuel...

“The church that I see is a church of influence. A church so large in size that the city and nation cannot ignore it. A church growing so quickly that buildings struggle to contain the increase. I see a church whose heartfelt praise and worship touches heaven and changes earth. Worship which influences the praises of people throughout the earth exalting Christ with powerful songs of faith and hope. I see a church whose alters are constantly filled with repentant sinners responding to Christ’s call to salvation. Yes, the church that I see is so dependent on the Holy Spirit that nothing will stop it not stand against it. A church whose people are unified, praying and full of God’s Spirit. The church that I see has a message so clear that lives are being changed forever and potential is fulfilled though the power of His Word. A message beamed to the peoples of the earth through their television screens. I see a church so compassionate that people are drawn from impossible situations into a loving and friendly circle of hope, where answers are found and acceptance is given. I see a people so kingdom-minded that they will count whatever the cost and pay whatever the price to see revival sweep this land. The church that I see is a church to committed to raising, training and empowering a leadership generation to reap the end-time harvest that all its ministries are consumed with this goal. I see a church whose head is Jesus, whose help is the Holy Spirit and whose focus is the Great Commission. Yes, the church that I see could well be our church.”

Help for Those Grieving

In December 2002, Emmanuel held our first service entitled, "Home for Christmas." It was an idea that I got from our previous church and an idea they got from a Christian magazine reporting on the same service held in another church. You see, we all benefit when believers share good ideas with others and don't care who gets the credit. Too many churches act like secret societies and don't want anyone else to discover what they are doing. I will admit that sharing your ideas results in MUCH added work, because soon other churches in your area will be doing what you are doing. So, you will have to continually keep coming up with new and innovative ideas for reaching your community. But remember, imitation is the greatest form of flattery!

Well, I said all of that to say, we borrowed an idea from someone else that has really evolved into something wonderful for our church and our community. Each December, we partner with local funeral homes in our area to offer hope and comfort to those families who are grieving during the holidays. While some are celebrating, others are spending their first Christmas without their loved one being present. For some families, holidays hurt; but we try to remind them that their loved one is celebrating Jesus' birthday in His presence! Wow! What a thought. That really does ease the pain.

During the service, we call the loved ones' names, the funeral directors distribute ornaments, the funeral directors address the families, one of the directors prays over the families, we pass out books with ideas to help them get through the holidays, and I usually preach a sermon focused on heaven and the hope found in Jesus Christ. While it is sad to watch the grieving families line the aisles of our church, it is exciting to watch our folks get up, embrace those grieving, pray with them, share encouraging words, and weep with them. It is a simple reminder that these families are loved, prayed for, and they are not alone.

The icing on the cake is that our efforts serve people across our community -- rich and poor, old and young, white and black. We put our differences aside and come together for the common purpose of helping people (all different types of people) who are hurting. This service is one of the highlights of my year and to top it all off, today four of those family members placed their hope for eternity in Jesus Christ. Romans 8:28 proved itself true again, as God can and did work good from all things.

Again, I offer my thanks and appreciation to Franklin Hines of Hines Funeral Home, Eldridge Norton or Norton Funeral Home, and Wendell Davis of Young & Young Funeral Home. I realize this type of service would not be possible without your involvement. It is an honor to partner with each of you in this community service to our community.

Newsweek Twists Bible to Support Gay Marriage

I was just handed one of the most absurd and biased articles that I have ever read, written by a Newsweek journalist trying to use the Bible to justify gay marriage. While journalists are expected to provide fair and balanced news reports, this was nothing but an attempt to lash out at the recent passing of Proposition 8 in California (Constitutional ban of gay marriage). In fact, the Newsweek website states that "The reaction to this cover is not difficult to predict." They urge, "Let the letters and e-mails come." They blatantly state, "...our cover, which is ultimately supportive of gay marriage."

The Newsweek story sounds intelligent, but it is maliciously slanted toward the journalist's bias and includes flagrant misinterpretations. She intentionally (or ignorantly) takes Bible passages out of context; twists passages in an effort to prove her point, while leaving out passages that clearly oppose her premise; she removes biblical absolutes and replaces them with moral relativism; she labels those who take a literal view of Scripture as immature; refers to the Bible as legend; to Jesus as "the boy;" and equates sexuality to skin color (The skin color comment alone ought to be offensive to minorities, whether they are gay or straight).

In contradiction to the Newsweek journalist's accusation, a truly balanced and educated person should easily recognize this as a "one-sided opinion," (and as Newsweek called it... promotion of their "agenda") rather than real research and true journalism. Any journalist seeking real truth will quote both sides to any argument. To the contrary, those seeking only to prove a point will cite only those sources who agree with them.

This article was really nothing more than a journalist's attempt to "scold" those who she assumes voted for Proposition 8 due to their biblical beliefs and/or religious convictions. BUT, she does bring out some good points about "Christians" who vehemently oppose gay marriage; while being unfaithful, divorcing, fostering instability in the home, etc. It is obvious that this journalist has noticed the hypocrisy of the church and so has God! It's not a new problem, but it sure needs to be addressed.

Since the Newsweek side has been stated, allow me to refer you to some great blogs and articles written in rebuttal to this issue. These include:
1) www.AlbertMohler.com - Article written Dec. 8, entitled, "Turning the Bible on its Head..."
2) http://www.getreligion.com/ - Article written Dec. 9 entitled, "What's the Standard?"
3) http://corner.nationalreview.com/post/?q=YzU5OTg0NmJjNzI3YzJkNzJlYzdmNWZjNWFmMjU3MWE= Article writtenDec. 7, entitled, "Newsweek on gay marriage."

A Unified Church

With the exception of a handful of dissenters (yes... even EBC is blessed with a few), we have a wonderful church that operates in the sweet spirit of harmony and unity. Two fires have taught our church how to pull together and we are blessed with a large number of spiritually mature believers who realize that "We must learn to agree to disagree -- agreeably."

Last night is a great example of a unified church. We held our annual Ministry Meeting to vote on our 2009 budget and give annual reports /updates to our congregation. We distributed our budget proposal 2-3 weeks in advance and invited our people to ask questions and offer their input to our pastors and deacons. When the vote was taken last night, it was approved unanimously. It means a lot to know that the church trusts the integrity of its leadership and their unanimous approval is a great vote of confidence. Our staff and deacons had prayed and worked for several months preparing a budget that displayed our trust in God, but also exhibited good stewardship and fiscal responsibility. The church also voted on another proposal regarding our financial reporting and that too passed unanimously.

In addition, we took time to brag on God! During 2008, He blessed our church with many salvations, baptisms, and new members. He brought true revival to our church! He led us in the timing of several key financial decisions that we didn't even realize, until the bottom fell out of the economy. He used our people to pay $700,000 against the principle of our debt in just 2 1/2 years. God has been so good to our church that we just took time to brag on Him publicly. It was a very sweet time... even in a business meeting.

Are things always perfect at Emmanuel? No... because our congregation is made up of imperfect people and we don't have a perfect pastor; but when we put our differences aside, stop our selfishness, and focus on God's plans instead of our own -- oh how sweet it is.

A LIFE Group Experience!

Two years ago, our church started referring to our small groups as "LIFE Groups." The title "Sunday School" brings connotations of little children sitting in desks, boring lectures, and interaction that is limited to Sundays only. Our church is trying to help our folks understand that life takes place seven days per week and we as believers should be "doing life together," sharing our experiences, praying for each other, and supporting one another. We are strongly encouraging interaction between Sundays and some of our groups are really getting it. I understand that small groups are often difficult for the older generation or traditionalists to grasp, but when they do.... they never want to go back!

This past weekend, my wife and I had the privilege of spending some time with a group in our church that has REALLY caught the concept of what LIFE Groups can be. Six couples spent the weekend at a beach house, sharing meals, playing golf, shopping, playing games, putting together puzzles (ladies had 500 pieces, while the men had 14 pieces), engaging in Bible study, and more! We even took time to watch a portion of the Florida Gators beating Alabama. (I'm a Miami fan, but I'm always for whoever is playing Alabama!) The weekend was GREAT, or as my kids would say... AWESOME! We weren't drunk, there were no illegal drugs, everyone kept their clothes on, our conversation was clean --- and we had a GREAT time! Our common bonds were Jesus Christ and a LIFE Group at Emmanuel.

The people in this LIFE Group are developing friendships and building bonds that will last a lifetime. Is it any wonder that this group is growing and people want to be part of it? Think about it... would you rather sit in a large class of acquaintances that meet on Sundays only to hear someone lecture; or would you rather add extreme fun, deep friendships, and great fellowship, and intense Bible study to your Christian walk?

LIFE Groups are really the "life lines" for congregational care at Emmanuel. Class members should be calling and visiting absentees, visiting class members in the hospitals, sitting with family members during surgeries, preparing meals, hosting bridal showers, comforting the bereaved, celebrating, playing, praying, and serving -- together! We believe that every member should be a minister. "LIFE Groups" care for one another, while "dying groups" expect the pastor to do all the caring for them.

Ultimately, the choice whether to attend a class that is dead or alive is up to you, and Emmanuel has both types of classes available. If you're in a dead class, be a catalyst for change and bring it to life. If you're in a dead class, consider moving into a different group. My personal prayer is that EVERY class at EBC will become a LIFE Group!