For quite some time I have heard people talk about the book Radical by David Platt. I'm not one for fads or trends and because Platt had become a trend within our churches and church organizations I was very skeptical of the book. So...I delayed in every way possible reading the book (intentionally). However God apparently wanted me to read it because my attention was continuously brought to the book and its message. Now that I have introduced for you my initial thoughts let me surprise you by telling you that I agree with most of what David writes. I have found that Radical relates quite well to my ministry and our church start in Maryville. I want to encourage each believer to consider the thoughts made by Platt in his book. We are so blessed in America and I'm afraid that we are wasting much in order to accommodate our own comfort levels.
The first encounter we see is about church leaders overseas who are experiencing persecution. These people were meeting in underground churches when Platt encounters them. What a somber thought! What if in America we had to meet in underground churches? As each day goes by we see more and more how the government is removing our freedoms and unless something changes this WILL NOT stop at the front door of the church. The eye opener here should be that unless God intervenes this underground church environment experienced by Platt could very well be what each believer must do in the future. Judging by our sagging church attendance statistics today, a question must be answered...if we had to meet underground, would we still go and worship our Savior?
Platt pastors a mega-church in Alabama, which is another reason why I was skeptical about reading the book. The premise is giving up the American dream for your faith; yet this guy pastors a huge church. Easy for him to say, right? Imagine the contrast of attending a mega-church (and I have) vs meeting underground for safety purposes. All the luxuries that we are accustomed to, gone...nowhere to be found. No TV projectors, no choir, no piano, no sound system, no children's department or youth department...just a group of people meeting together to worship the Lord and the only thing they may have is a page of Scripture. You might say..."those poor people" but I might suggest that we in America have something to learn from these dedicated followers of Christ. Specifically...we can learn to model their love for the Word of God and not the entertainment of the church environment.
In Matthew 4 Jesus called the disciples look at what happened, "As He was walking along the Sea of Galilee,
He saw two brothers, Simon, who was called Peter, and his brother
Andrew. They were casting a net into the sea, since they were fishermen.
19 “Follow Me,” He told them, “and I will make you fish for people!” 20 Immediately they left their nets and followed Him.
Did you catch that? Jesus called them while they were doing their normal "routine" in life and it says that they immediately followed Him. Platt calls this "radical abandonement" which I agree but perhaps it was just simple obedience. This is the kind of obedience that we lack today. Jesus calls us to do something and we are too busy meandering through our own comfort zones and preferences to follow the ministry or the place to which God wants us to go and serve. Understand that when Jesus called them this was not just some great fanciful story, rather He was calling them to "abandon their comforts" (p11) and to leave everything they were familiar with.
What if that was our mindset today as Christians? Abandon everything we are comfortable with in order to follow the calling Jesus has told us? Our churches would be different and so would our country and the world. My fear is that we as Americans love the culture more than we love the Word. We would rather be entertained at church rather than grow from the repentance of our iniquities. My prayer is that I will continue to grow more and more each day in my walk. But that means loving God's Word and living my life in accordance to that Word...not conforming myself and faith to the culture by means of entertainment and preferences.
This is challenging stuff and it has caused me to think about my own life and also the way in which I pastor. I hope it will for you as well
Jeremy
,
Wednesday, August 15, 2012
Saturday, July 14, 2012
A Renewed Perspective of God's Love
Yesterday was one of those days that will forever be etched into my mind. At the center of all the activity was our oldest son Isaac. The things that I saw and witnessed yesterday are the kinds of things that I will reflect upon for many years. It's the kind of thing that one day when he gets married and he's standing on the stage with his bride to be, I will reflect upon. On the glorious day that he accepts Jesus I will remember yesterday. When I have the honor of baptizing him...the images of yesterday will run through my mind. Maybe one day when I become a grandfather the events of yesterday will enter my mind. But with all that happened yesterday, Friday the 13th of course, I have learned more about God's love, His provision, and His calling for me and my family.
It started yesterday afternoon with a frantic phone call from Rachel saying that the doctor's office had called an ambulance for Isaac. Shamefully my first response was, "Great another doctor bill we can't afford." But something told me that I needed to travel with him in the ambulance and experience this with him. It was tough, but I'm glad I did. We arrived at the ER and everything was routine. After assessing his situation they began to give him non stop breathing treatments and put an IV in. He was so brave...he never cried, even after they had to stick him a second time. Then they began to pump a lot of medication into his little arm and then stuck him in the arm, which we were not prepared for. At that point the side effects of the medicine started to kick in and he was breathing harder. He was crying and vomitting. The vomitting continued until there was nothing left and he was just heaving. At this point Isaac lost it.
Have you ever been in a situation in which your child was hurting or suffering and you as a parent couldn't do anything about it? That's when it hit me. I knew everything they were doing was eventually going to help, but at the time my love for my child...God's gift to me, was overflowing with emotion. The images that are forever etched into my memory were of Isaac looking right me gasping for air. He was working so hard to just breathe. At this point he was scared and so was I. His eyes would get so big and he would pull away from me and all I could do was watch. The sight of seeing your child struggle to breathe is one you never forget.
Our prayer is that God will help Isaac with his asthma. We pray that God will take it away. But if God's will is that he live with this then we will travel this road with him every step of the way. And we will use his asthma to bring glory to the Father. I pray that Isaac will be able someday to serve God and testify about how God brought him through these situations. We do not want to have him feel sorry for himself but to recognize that God has great things in store for his life and it might involve asthma.
As the situation calmed down and he started to breathe easier and to relax, I began to pray and think. The one thought that kept coming to mind was just how great God's love is for me. I've often heard others say that you don't completely understand God's love until you have a child....I would have to agree. The other thought that entered my mind was how brave he is. After all that happened as soon as he was able to breathe and talk again, Isaac just like he always does, brought joy to my life. He also brought a lot of joy and happiness to the doctors and nurses at Children's Hospital. Even at such a young age he lives life bringing joy to others with his sweet sweet spirit. I began to realize that Isaac inspires me. The kid has been through so much in the 3 years he has lived. Every time after he has had an episode like this he rebounds with smiles and laughter. I think that is one reason why yesterday was so hard. Because everything that was taking place was so out of character for him. He sure makes being a dad a lot of fun!
In thinking about God's love I began to think about my sin. Do you know what the Bible says about my sin? The basic word for sin in the Bible is "hamartia" and means to miss the mark. In other words to miss the mark of following God's law. Sin is also something that separates me from God because God is holy, just, and righteous. Furthermore the Bible says that the penalty of sin is death. Very serious stuff!
But what about God's love...well Scripture also paints a very vivid picture of God's love and the center of it's attention is God's Son. 1 Corinthians 15:3 says, "For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures." Then in Hebrews 2:17 it says this,"For this reason he had to be made like them, fully human in every way, in order that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, and that he might make atonement for the sins of the people."
If I put these two verses together I see a very real amazing story. My sin separates me from God, my Creator, and that my just penalty is death. But God in His mercy and love sent His Son to die for me. But the meaning is more than that. He died for me so that I might have His righteousness.
As I reflected upon yesterday I could not help but think about Jesus on the cross. I struggled and wept with Isaac yesterday as he fought for each breath. Can you imagine how much God struggled to watch His Son die on the cross? As Jesus struggled to breath, God the Father was watching His Son fight for each breath. The difference is that God could have done something about the situation to save His Son, but we all know that He chose not to. Why you might ask? Well He didn't ask because of His love for me and for you!! Because with Jesus' death my sins could be forgiven and even though I have chosen at times to rebel against Him...He loved me enough to make a way to live in righteousness when I had no ability within myself to do so. That is truly amazing!!
The events of yesterday have also given me a new perspective on God's calling for my ministry. Most of you know we have started a church. Each day and week seem to bring new challenges for us. Sometimes we feel disappointed because it seems like at times no one is interested in helping us. It seems like we are having to do this on our own. I find myself fretting over people who are not there which leads to discouragement. But because of God's love for me how could I think about quitting when He has given us such a beautiful story to tell. Just like how Isaac inspires me...this inspires me. To keep going, stay faithful and obedient to God's calling for us. Just to be thankful for what He has given me and for those great and wonderful partners in the Gospel that are helping us with our church. To know that God allowed His Son to suffer for me and that in turn He would give me such a great and wonderful calling to start a church that is committed to telling His story is my motivation to keep going in the tough times.
God is working in Isaac's life and I know He has great plans for my boy. But yesterday this daddy learned a lot of lessons about life and about my faith. I cannot imagine going through this without my Lord and thankfully I don't have to. Tomorrow is another Sunday for us and it will be a day that we continue to build our church. But it's also a new day in which we take our situations and use them for the glory of the One who died for Jeremy, Rachel, Isaac, and Noah.
Thank you for reading and please continue to pray for us as we endure the battles of spreading the Gospel.
Jeremy
It started yesterday afternoon with a frantic phone call from Rachel saying that the doctor's office had called an ambulance for Isaac. Shamefully my first response was, "Great another doctor bill we can't afford." But something told me that I needed to travel with him in the ambulance and experience this with him. It was tough, but I'm glad I did. We arrived at the ER and everything was routine. After assessing his situation they began to give him non stop breathing treatments and put an IV in. He was so brave...he never cried, even after they had to stick him a second time. Then they began to pump a lot of medication into his little arm and then stuck him in the arm, which we were not prepared for. At that point the side effects of the medicine started to kick in and he was breathing harder. He was crying and vomitting. The vomitting continued until there was nothing left and he was just heaving. At this point Isaac lost it.
Have you ever been in a situation in which your child was hurting or suffering and you as a parent couldn't do anything about it? That's when it hit me. I knew everything they were doing was eventually going to help, but at the time my love for my child...God's gift to me, was overflowing with emotion. The images that are forever etched into my memory were of Isaac looking right me gasping for air. He was working so hard to just breathe. At this point he was scared and so was I. His eyes would get so big and he would pull away from me and all I could do was watch. The sight of seeing your child struggle to breathe is one you never forget.
Our prayer is that God will help Isaac with his asthma. We pray that God will take it away. But if God's will is that he live with this then we will travel this road with him every step of the way. And we will use his asthma to bring glory to the Father. I pray that Isaac will be able someday to serve God and testify about how God brought him through these situations. We do not want to have him feel sorry for himself but to recognize that God has great things in store for his life and it might involve asthma.
As the situation calmed down and he started to breathe easier and to relax, I began to pray and think. The one thought that kept coming to mind was just how great God's love is for me. I've often heard others say that you don't completely understand God's love until you have a child....I would have to agree. The other thought that entered my mind was how brave he is. After all that happened as soon as he was able to breathe and talk again, Isaac just like he always does, brought joy to my life. He also brought a lot of joy and happiness to the doctors and nurses at Children's Hospital. Even at such a young age he lives life bringing joy to others with his sweet sweet spirit. I began to realize that Isaac inspires me. The kid has been through so much in the 3 years he has lived. Every time after he has had an episode like this he rebounds with smiles and laughter. I think that is one reason why yesterday was so hard. Because everything that was taking place was so out of character for him. He sure makes being a dad a lot of fun!
In thinking about God's love I began to think about my sin. Do you know what the Bible says about my sin? The basic word for sin in the Bible is "hamartia" and means to miss the mark. In other words to miss the mark of following God's law. Sin is also something that separates me from God because God is holy, just, and righteous. Furthermore the Bible says that the penalty of sin is death. Very serious stuff!
But what about God's love...well Scripture also paints a very vivid picture of God's love and the center of it's attention is God's Son. 1 Corinthians 15:3 says, "For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures." Then in Hebrews 2:17 it says this,"For this reason he had to be made like them, fully human in every way, in order that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, and that he might make atonement for the sins of the people."
If I put these two verses together I see a very real amazing story. My sin separates me from God, my Creator, and that my just penalty is death. But God in His mercy and love sent His Son to die for me. But the meaning is more than that. He died for me so that I might have His righteousness.
As I reflected upon yesterday I could not help but think about Jesus on the cross. I struggled and wept with Isaac yesterday as he fought for each breath. Can you imagine how much God struggled to watch His Son die on the cross? As Jesus struggled to breath, God the Father was watching His Son fight for each breath. The difference is that God could have done something about the situation to save His Son, but we all know that He chose not to. Why you might ask? Well He didn't ask because of His love for me and for you!! Because with Jesus' death my sins could be forgiven and even though I have chosen at times to rebel against Him...He loved me enough to make a way to live in righteousness when I had no ability within myself to do so. That is truly amazing!!
The events of yesterday have also given me a new perspective on God's calling for my ministry. Most of you know we have started a church. Each day and week seem to bring new challenges for us. Sometimes we feel disappointed because it seems like at times no one is interested in helping us. It seems like we are having to do this on our own. I find myself fretting over people who are not there which leads to discouragement. But because of God's love for me how could I think about quitting when He has given us such a beautiful story to tell. Just like how Isaac inspires me...this inspires me. To keep going, stay faithful and obedient to God's calling for us. Just to be thankful for what He has given me and for those great and wonderful partners in the Gospel that are helping us with our church. To know that God allowed His Son to suffer for me and that in turn He would give me such a great and wonderful calling to start a church that is committed to telling His story is my motivation to keep going in the tough times.
God is working in Isaac's life and I know He has great plans for my boy. But yesterday this daddy learned a lot of lessons about life and about my faith. I cannot imagine going through this without my Lord and thankfully I don't have to. Tomorrow is another Sunday for us and it will be a day that we continue to build our church. But it's also a new day in which we take our situations and use them for the glory of the One who died for Jeremy, Rachel, Isaac, and Noah.
Thank you for reading and please continue to pray for us as we endure the battles of spreading the Gospel.
Jeremy
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Persevere in the Tough Moments
On February 15, 1493, Christopher Columbus wrote this: "Praise be to our eternal God, our Lord, who gives to all those who walk in His ways victory over all things which seem impossible."
Columbus wrote these words while on his return trip from the discovery of America. The words were penned to Queen Isabella and King Ferdinand and reveals a very interesting foundational point about America...in tough times, we persevere.
Columbus and the early settlers were able to persevere only because of their faith in Christ. 1 Corinthians 2:9 even bears this fact when it says, "no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him." Columbus I'm sure envisioned a land full of resources and beautiful landscapes. However I'm not sure he dreamed about how powerful America would one day become. But the point for Columbus is that God grants us victory over those "mountains" in our lives
God has great things in store for us. But do you truly love Him? Are you walking in His way? It's impossible to experience all of what God wants to give us if we are (dare I say it) sinning. Sin chains us down but more importantly it separates us from a Holy God. I'm not saying that Columbus was perfect, nor would I even remotely suggest that. The point is that Columbus was part of the foundation for America which is closely connected to living biblical principles. Least we not forget that it is God that gave Columbus the victory by finding land--and it is God that gives us the victory today over those things that would otherwise imprison us.
At our church plant we are building a foundation. What I have discovered is that very few people want to do such a thing. Let me be honest...neither did I. But the issue is not what we want but rather what God calls us to do. And make no mistake about it, God does not send mixed messages but rather gives clear direction. Building a foundation for a new church can seem impossible. So when I read words like those uttered by Columbus or when I read 1 Corinthians 2:9, God gives me hope. I'm excited about the future of Foothills Baptist Church because I know that God has won our victory. It may not look right on paper or seem as if we are never going to fill the chairs, but I know that God is going to accomplish His purposes through our church. In the meantime we have to persevere and as Scripture says, "love Him." Our foundation is all about the Gospel. Loving people by showing God's love in a practical way. It's not about building programs and boasting about budgets and salaries...it's about letting people know that God loves them. Persevere according to the Word.
Columbus wrote these words while on his return trip from the discovery of America. The words were penned to Queen Isabella and King Ferdinand and reveals a very interesting foundational point about America...in tough times, we persevere.
Columbus and the early settlers were able to persevere only because of their faith in Christ. 1 Corinthians 2:9 even bears this fact when it says, "no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him." Columbus I'm sure envisioned a land full of resources and beautiful landscapes. However I'm not sure he dreamed about how powerful America would one day become. But the point for Columbus is that God grants us victory over those "mountains" in our lives
God has great things in store for us. But do you truly love Him? Are you walking in His way? It's impossible to experience all of what God wants to give us if we are (dare I say it) sinning. Sin chains us down but more importantly it separates us from a Holy God. I'm not saying that Columbus was perfect, nor would I even remotely suggest that. The point is that Columbus was part of the foundation for America which is closely connected to living biblical principles. Least we not forget that it is God that gave Columbus the victory by finding land--and it is God that gives us the victory today over those things that would otherwise imprison us.
At our church plant we are building a foundation. What I have discovered is that very few people want to do such a thing. Let me be honest...neither did I. But the issue is not what we want but rather what God calls us to do. And make no mistake about it, God does not send mixed messages but rather gives clear direction. Building a foundation for a new church can seem impossible. So when I read words like those uttered by Columbus or when I read 1 Corinthians 2:9, God gives me hope. I'm excited about the future of Foothills Baptist Church because I know that God has won our victory. It may not look right on paper or seem as if we are never going to fill the chairs, but I know that God is going to accomplish His purposes through our church. In the meantime we have to persevere and as Scripture says, "love Him." Our foundation is all about the Gospel. Loving people by showing God's love in a practical way. It's not about building programs and boasting about budgets and salaries...it's about letting people know that God loves them. Persevere according to the Word.
Sunday, January 29, 2012
A new beginning
It's a new beginning for Foothills Baptist Church! We are moving into a new building this week which is providing quite a bit of excitement for us. We're moving not because we have outgrown Music Row but because our new location will enhance our ability to grow. This move is a culmination of many months and weeks of prayer and guidance. While we are thankful for the Lord's leading we certainly have had our bumps in the road.
I have felt since late September that Foothills Baptist Church was in a time of transition. We knew the building might not be a long term solution for us and that God would raise up the right place for us at the right time (which He has). We lost a dear brother to cancer a few weeks ago. Sometimes I catch myself trying to listen to his joyous laugh. His spirit is one we shall never forget. We have also endured some internal hardship of which we believe that God has sharpened us. As both of those things were taking place, Rachel and I were going through the loss of a baby by miscarriage. What a trying time!! But my God is faithful and is stronger than my struggles and He has brought us through. There has also been some new faces appear at FBC--further leading us to believe that God has a new beginning in store for us in 2012.
All this came together when the opportunity to lease a new location came along. Financially this is a stretch for us as the rent is $250 more per month. But as we have been discussing the past couple of weeks, the issue is really not about the money...it's about what we believe God is going to do with our church. Do we believe that God is going to grow our church? Do we believe that God is going to send more families to help us? Do we believe that God is going to provide for our finances? We resoundingly say, "YES LORD, YES LORD!"
In 2012 we are going to knock on 250 doors in our community and share God's love with them in a practical way. We need help. We need the manpower to knock on doors or to do other things (i.e. rake a yard during the fall) and we need financial help. God has graciously provided chairs for us as we move to our new venue (Go God!!). But we still have some other needs, such as:
Tables
Microphones
Speakers
Podiums
Computer
Desk Chair
Microphone stand
My heart tells me that God is leading people in our direction. Our church is different from many others. In many churches today you can hide amongst the crowd and simply go with the mindset of, "what's the church going to give me today." Not at FBC. At our church that this something for you to do as soon as you walk in the door (just exaggerating a little). Church planting is hard work. Very similar to a mission trip for those of you who have been on one. At FBC we don't have a lot of things that bigger churches have but the one thing we do have is a passion for the Gospel and a desire to unashamedly stand for Truth. We are taking this message to the people around us and beginning next we are going to do so just a couple doors down
Would you consider praying about joining us?? I'd love to speak with you about FBC or answer any questions you might have. Can't wait to see what God is going to do.
Many people have asked how they can help us...well it begins next Sunday. Anyone who is interested in our ministry or have told us that they are praying for us, PLEASE consider coming and celebrating with us our first Sunday in our new building. We are going to have a very special time of prayer over our future in the building and asking God to bless us. We would love to celebrate this special day with our family and friends, please come and visit with us!!
I have felt since late September that Foothills Baptist Church was in a time of transition. We knew the building might not be a long term solution for us and that God would raise up the right place for us at the right time (which He has). We lost a dear brother to cancer a few weeks ago. Sometimes I catch myself trying to listen to his joyous laugh. His spirit is one we shall never forget. We have also endured some internal hardship of which we believe that God has sharpened us. As both of those things were taking place, Rachel and I were going through the loss of a baby by miscarriage. What a trying time!! But my God is faithful and is stronger than my struggles and He has brought us through. There has also been some new faces appear at FBC--further leading us to believe that God has a new beginning in store for us in 2012.
All this came together when the opportunity to lease a new location came along. Financially this is a stretch for us as the rent is $250 more per month. But as we have been discussing the past couple of weeks, the issue is really not about the money...it's about what we believe God is going to do with our church. Do we believe that God is going to grow our church? Do we believe that God is going to send more families to help us? Do we believe that God is going to provide for our finances? We resoundingly say, "YES LORD, YES LORD!"
In 2012 we are going to knock on 250 doors in our community and share God's love with them in a practical way. We need help. We need the manpower to knock on doors or to do other things (i.e. rake a yard during the fall) and we need financial help. God has graciously provided chairs for us as we move to our new venue (Go God!!). But we still have some other needs, such as:
Tables
Microphones
Speakers
Podiums
Computer
Desk Chair
Microphone stand
My heart tells me that God is leading people in our direction. Our church is different from many others. In many churches today you can hide amongst the crowd and simply go with the mindset of, "what's the church going to give me today." Not at FBC. At our church that this something for you to do as soon as you walk in the door (just exaggerating a little). Church planting is hard work. Very similar to a mission trip for those of you who have been on one. At FBC we don't have a lot of things that bigger churches have but the one thing we do have is a passion for the Gospel and a desire to unashamedly stand for Truth. We are taking this message to the people around us and beginning next we are going to do so just a couple doors down
Would you consider praying about joining us?? I'd love to speak with you about FBC or answer any questions you might have. Can't wait to see what God is going to do.
Many people have asked how they can help us...well it begins next Sunday. Anyone who is interested in our ministry or have told us that they are praying for us, PLEASE consider coming and celebrating with us our first Sunday in our new building. We are going to have a very special time of prayer over our future in the building and asking God to bless us. We would love to celebrate this special day with our family and friends, please come and visit with us!!
Monday, June 13, 2011
A Pastor’s Heart
Yesterday was a great day! Foothills Baptist Church is now eight months old and we had an opportunity to go back to Sevier Heights last night. It was such a relaxing time to be able to sit through a service and have no responsibilities!! Pastors need to be fed as well and I would encourage all my pastor friends on occasion to attend a worship service in which they had no responsibilities. The time was definitely a need for me.
Planting a church has been the most challenging and rewarding act of faith in my life. The one thing that is consistent with a church plant is inconsistency (as one experienced planter told me a few weeks ago). We have had ups and downs, endured a church changing their name very close to ours, we are preparing for our first baptism, we have witnessed God work a miracle in the lives of a faithful couple, we have seen a steady flow of visitors, and have had an amazing time building relationships with our core members. As one could imagine the last eight months have been very busy for us, at times demanding—yet it has been a time of great blessings and amazement as we have seen God's working hand in our family's life and in the life of the church He has given us.
Again I would reiterate from personal experience that one of the greatest leaps of faith is to be part of a church plant. We have been focusing recently on establishing a firm foundation for Foothills Baptist Church. This is a foundation based upon the inerrancy of Scripture and its infallibility. We are committed to encountering the culture with the Truth of God's Word. Not just the parts of Scripture that we are comfortable with but also the parts that cause us to confront our sin. Victory in life can only occur when sin is defeated and for that to happen we must be forthright and honest with culture regarding sin. In a culture that redefines Scripture and God to reflect their desires, we stand firm on the Truth of God as so beautifully detailed in the Bible.
We are still praying for families to come be part in laying the foundation for a ministry that wants to see lives changed for the glory of Christ. If you desire to create a legacy for your family, this is a great opportunity. We have seen a lot of progress over the past year. We planted our church with no pre-existing structure (meaning we did not take members from a parent church nor did we have a financial support system). Now…the books and "experts" will tell you that this is not how a church is supposed to be planted. But in the course of praying and determining God's will for us and the church—we did not want our decisions to be based upon our level of comfort. When God asks that we take a leap of faith it's never based upon how comfortable we are. Thus we began our journey and allow me to be openly honest with you…there was a lot of fear on my part.
But God is faithful and has worked. We have made a lot of progress and over the past few months it has become clear to me that there is indeed a need for a church plant like ours in today's time. Many churches are making "rock stars" out of their pastors and setting them up to fail. Many churches are compromising the gospel in order to draw a crowd and make everyone feel good. Our goal is to be relevant in culture and not be morally relative.
Back to yesterday…we had a low crowd in a huge building. However I noticed that our spirit was the same. Our people served the same way. Every week I grow more thankful for the commitment and dedication of our people. Last night as we sat in our chairs at Sevier Heights…I grew more thankful for Foothills Baptist Church. Not because of anything negative about SHBC (I love that church and Hollie Miller) but because God showed me that even with low numbers, low budget, and smaller ministries that He is still the same God we worship on Sundays and throughout the week. The dream we have for FBC begins right now with a group of believers dedicated to the Gospel and building a foundation of service to the Lord. One day I pray that FBC will expand her ministries and be a beacon in the community in a similar capacity of Sevier Heights. But that begins now with faithful service and prayer.
FBC crowd…we love you all more than we can express!! To my friends who I hope will read this…would you consider praying about coming alongside us in our adventure? Remember it would be one of the greatest leaps of faith you will ever take!
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
The Resurrection is a fact!!
How many of you were alive when George Washington was president? The answer is obvious. Yet despite the reality that no one alive today physically saw President Washington, his presidency is a universal historical fact. How do we know of his presidency? There were eyewitnesses, writings, and a legacy of presidential conduct. Each of these elements (along with a little intellectual thinking) apply to the resurrection of Christ. So why is it that when it comes to Jesus' resurrection are some so quick to try and explain it away as myth or pure non-sense. Well Jesus is our answer for that question because He said, "I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No man comes to the Father except through ME." Indeed the reason why the resurrection is so important is because the fate of every soul in our history depends upon it. If it could be proven that Jesus indeed rose from the grave, would you believe in Him?
There are 5 possible theories that could account for the data of the resurrection. Christianity (Jesus died and rose from the grave), hallucination (Jesus died but the disciples were hallucinating), myth (Jesus died but the disciples created a legend), conspiracy (Jesus died but the disciples were deceivers), and finally swoon (Jesus didn't die). One of these 5 explains the resurrection story.
Secular history records the existence of Christ and in fact it also records the fact that Jesus died by crucifixion. To account for the data all you need to assume is that Christianity exists and that the NT exists. Both of which are undeniable. However you don't have to assume that Scripture is completely true. Just take the details of the story and apply them to the theories. In light of this...
Let's start with the swoon theory. Is it possible that Jesus did not die on the cross; that He merely fainted? This is unlikely because Roman procedures were very careful to carry out the death sentence. Not to mention the fact that a botched execution would have resulted in the punishment of the soldier responsible. Next...the disciples were convinced of His resurrection because you can examine how they were dramatically changed after this event. It would be psychologically impossible to assume that such a change would take place if Jesus had merely fainted.
Conspiracy Theory: Is it possible that the disciples concocted the entire story? To find the answer to this question, one needs to look at the human heart. The heart is deceitful and subject to bribes, pressure, temptation and the like. We know that the disciples faced immense pressure and persecution in light of their faith. They were imprisoned, tortured, and killed. Under such circumstances all it would take is only one of the remaining eleven to renounce the story. But we see the opposite take place in history. None of them renounced the story and most of them endured horrible deaths because of their faith. This theory also does not make sense because if Jesus was still in the grave--then why did the Jewish authorities not produce the body for everyone to see?
Hallucination Theory: Hallucinations tend to be isolated to one individual. Jesus' resurrection poses a problem to this theory because there were too many witnesses. Remember that when the NT was written many eye witnesses to the events surrounding Jesus' life were still alive. If something was written that was not true there would have been eye witnesses to counter the false writings. If Jesus' body was still in the tomb, then the disciples could not have believed in the hallucination. If they hallucinated then someone needs to answer the question concerning the whereabouts of the corpse. Given their devotion to Christ they would have checked for the body.
Myth Theory: The writing styles of the Gospels vary greatly from mythical literature. Within the Gospels there are no exaggerated, overblown, out of place events that typically accompany a myth. The details of the resurrection story in the different Gospel accounts--all fit together, nothing is contradictory. Another aspect of eyewitness testimony is worthy of mentioning here. The story is full of eyewitness details that could only have been provided if the person had seen it (i.e. the angel sitting on top of the stone). Perhaps the most convincing detail about the resurrection that screams reality is that the women were the first to see the event. In 1st century Judaism, women had low social status and virtually no legal right to testify in court. If the empty tomb were invented legend, then those who created the story would not have had the women to be the first to see it. But if they tell the story according to how it happened, then they must report it as such.
In closing, the bottom line is that there is an empty tomb and no one has ever found Jesus' body. You can find the bones of Mohammad, Buddha, and Abraham--but not Jesus. He is different, He is above all, He is the Truth.
There are 5 possible theories that could account for the data of the resurrection. Christianity (Jesus died and rose from the grave), hallucination (Jesus died but the disciples were hallucinating), myth (Jesus died but the disciples created a legend), conspiracy (Jesus died but the disciples were deceivers), and finally swoon (Jesus didn't die). One of these 5 explains the resurrection story.
Secular history records the existence of Christ and in fact it also records the fact that Jesus died by crucifixion. To account for the data all you need to assume is that Christianity exists and that the NT exists. Both of which are undeniable. However you don't have to assume that Scripture is completely true. Just take the details of the story and apply them to the theories. In light of this...
Let's start with the swoon theory. Is it possible that Jesus did not die on the cross; that He merely fainted? This is unlikely because Roman procedures were very careful to carry out the death sentence. Not to mention the fact that a botched execution would have resulted in the punishment of the soldier responsible. Next...the disciples were convinced of His resurrection because you can examine how they were dramatically changed after this event. It would be psychologically impossible to assume that such a change would take place if Jesus had merely fainted.
Conspiracy Theory: Is it possible that the disciples concocted the entire story? To find the answer to this question, one needs to look at the human heart. The heart is deceitful and subject to bribes, pressure, temptation and the like. We know that the disciples faced immense pressure and persecution in light of their faith. They were imprisoned, tortured, and killed. Under such circumstances all it would take is only one of the remaining eleven to renounce the story. But we see the opposite take place in history. None of them renounced the story and most of them endured horrible deaths because of their faith. This theory also does not make sense because if Jesus was still in the grave--then why did the Jewish authorities not produce the body for everyone to see?
Hallucination Theory: Hallucinations tend to be isolated to one individual. Jesus' resurrection poses a problem to this theory because there were too many witnesses. Remember that when the NT was written many eye witnesses to the events surrounding Jesus' life were still alive. If something was written that was not true there would have been eye witnesses to counter the false writings. If Jesus' body was still in the tomb, then the disciples could not have believed in the hallucination. If they hallucinated then someone needs to answer the question concerning the whereabouts of the corpse. Given their devotion to Christ they would have checked for the body.
Myth Theory: The writing styles of the Gospels vary greatly from mythical literature. Within the Gospels there are no exaggerated, overblown, out of place events that typically accompany a myth. The details of the resurrection story in the different Gospel accounts--all fit together, nothing is contradictory. Another aspect of eyewitness testimony is worthy of mentioning here. The story is full of eyewitness details that could only have been provided if the person had seen it (i.e. the angel sitting on top of the stone). Perhaps the most convincing detail about the resurrection that screams reality is that the women were the first to see the event. In 1st century Judaism, women had low social status and virtually no legal right to testify in court. If the empty tomb were invented legend, then those who created the story would not have had the women to be the first to see it. But if they tell the story according to how it happened, then they must report it as such.
In closing, the bottom line is that there is an empty tomb and no one has ever found Jesus' body. You can find the bones of Mohammad, Buddha, and Abraham--but not Jesus. He is different, He is above all, He is the Truth.
Thursday, July 22, 2010
What is a launch team and what do they do?
Being part of a church plant launch team is a very exciting adventure (and it is an adventure). Essentially a launch team is a core group of believers who are committed to the church plant when the church launches. The ideal and recommended situation is to have a group of mature Christians within the group, although new believers and even non-Christians can be part of the launch team. The goal in forming a launch team is to have the leadership in place that is needed for a healthy church when the church plant begins to grow.
It is essential to remember that the purpose in planting a church is to reach the lost. One driving factor behind Foothills Baptist Church is that on any given Sunday, over 50% of Maryville does not attend church. Maryville is in the buckle of the Bible belt and yet there is still a need to reach the lost in a different way. We are not interested in "swapping sheep." But reality is that a launch team is made up of individuals who are connected to a church. What we are interested in is seeing families come to know Christ. In order to see that happen we must be obedient and there must be a launch team of mature believers in place to help mentor and disciple the new believers.
The purpose of our launch team fellowship meetings are just that...to fellowship. They are open to anyone--those who are interested in being part of the launch team and those who are not but are wanting to help in some way. We get together and we pray, we eat,we talk, and we study the Word. All we are asking is for people to pray about whether God is leading them to be part of this dynamic act of faith and obedience. We are asking people to commit to praying for God's leading on their life and to be open if the Lord leads them to an uncomfortable situation.
Many questions and concerns might arise in one's mind when asked to pray about joining a launch team. I know because I've been there. I asked the same questions when I began to feel God leading me in this direction. Let's not pretend...being part of an established church ministry is more comfortable for ourselves and our families. It's easier to fit in and it's more convenient.
So why plant another church or why should we consider uprooting and leave our existing ministry? Fair questions that need to be addressed. The 1st reason is that planting churches is inherently implied in the Great Commission given by Christ. Every church at some point in time was a church plant.
The second reason is found in Romans 10:14: "How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?" Be careful this verse applies to more people than those struggling with the call to ministry. It applies to all believers. To preach simply means to proclaim. Preach or proclaim what? Proclaim the good news about the One who can take away their sins.
We can be naive about things or face reality and the truth. The truth is that hear in the buckle of the Bible belt there are people who have not heard the message of the saving Gospel of Christ. Very close to our church door are individuals who have never heard the name of Jesus. What a sad reality! But true. How does this tie together with being part of a launch team? Well a church plant simply focuses on those who have never had the Gospel shared with them. By being part of a launch team of a church plant you are that "someone preaching to them."
The 3rd reason for joining a launch team is that it will grow your faith. You will see God provide and do things that will blow your mind away. It's already happened to those of us who have been on staff at Foothills. When God's provision takes place it provides encouragement and a realization that God is indeed working. Anyone who commits to a launch team is taking a step of faith. This act of faith is based out of obedience to God's Word and a belief in the vision of the church.
It also grows our faith by getting us out of our comfort zone. The idea that Christianity is supposed to be comfortable is uniquely American. I would encourage you to google "Voice of the Martyrs" and look at their website. Christians in America have it made when compared to the rest of the world. We do not face persecution on such a grand scale as our fellow brothers and sisters around the world. My belief is that because we do not face this persecution we have become very comfortable in our faith. Being on a launch team will get you out of that comfort zone. Now..that doesn't mean that persecution will come rather it implies that it might lead you to do things for the Lord that you are not used to doing (which is not a bad thing).
Forming a launch team is vital to any church plant. For us it is vital as well. We have tried to talk with as many of our friends and relatives as possible. We know that many of you will not be led to do this and that some of you will. We also realize that there are those who are being led but are fighting with God because they are comfortable. God does not call us to be comfortable, He calls us to be obedient. All we are asking is that you come to our fellowships, pray about being on the launch team, be open to His leading, and be obedient.
Let us not forget that all glory be to the Father of Him who is the ransom for our souls!!
Jeremy
It is essential to remember that the purpose in planting a church is to reach the lost. One driving factor behind Foothills Baptist Church is that on any given Sunday, over 50% of Maryville does not attend church. Maryville is in the buckle of the Bible belt and yet there is still a need to reach the lost in a different way. We are not interested in "swapping sheep." But reality is that a launch team is made up of individuals who are connected to a church. What we are interested in is seeing families come to know Christ. In order to see that happen we must be obedient and there must be a launch team of mature believers in place to help mentor and disciple the new believers.
The purpose of our launch team fellowship meetings are just that...to fellowship. They are open to anyone--those who are interested in being part of the launch team and those who are not but are wanting to help in some way. We get together and we pray, we eat,we talk, and we study the Word. All we are asking is for people to pray about whether God is leading them to be part of this dynamic act of faith and obedience. We are asking people to commit to praying for God's leading on their life and to be open if the Lord leads them to an uncomfortable situation.
Many questions and concerns might arise in one's mind when asked to pray about joining a launch team. I know because I've been there. I asked the same questions when I began to feel God leading me in this direction. Let's not pretend...being part of an established church ministry is more comfortable for ourselves and our families. It's easier to fit in and it's more convenient.
So why plant another church or why should we consider uprooting and leave our existing ministry? Fair questions that need to be addressed. The 1st reason is that planting churches is inherently implied in the Great Commission given by Christ. Every church at some point in time was a church plant.
The second reason is found in Romans 10:14: "How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?" Be careful this verse applies to more people than those struggling with the call to ministry. It applies to all believers. To preach simply means to proclaim. Preach or proclaim what? Proclaim the good news about the One who can take away their sins.
We can be naive about things or face reality and the truth. The truth is that hear in the buckle of the Bible belt there are people who have not heard the message of the saving Gospel of Christ. Very close to our church door are individuals who have never heard the name of Jesus. What a sad reality! But true. How does this tie together with being part of a launch team? Well a church plant simply focuses on those who have never had the Gospel shared with them. By being part of a launch team of a church plant you are that "someone preaching to them."
The 3rd reason for joining a launch team is that it will grow your faith. You will see God provide and do things that will blow your mind away. It's already happened to those of us who have been on staff at Foothills. When God's provision takes place it provides encouragement and a realization that God is indeed working. Anyone who commits to a launch team is taking a step of faith. This act of faith is based out of obedience to God's Word and a belief in the vision of the church.
It also grows our faith by getting us out of our comfort zone. The idea that Christianity is supposed to be comfortable is uniquely American. I would encourage you to google "Voice of the Martyrs" and look at their website. Christians in America have it made when compared to the rest of the world. We do not face persecution on such a grand scale as our fellow brothers and sisters around the world. My belief is that because we do not face this persecution we have become very comfortable in our faith. Being on a launch team will get you out of that comfort zone. Now..that doesn't mean that persecution will come rather it implies that it might lead you to do things for the Lord that you are not used to doing (which is not a bad thing).
Forming a launch team is vital to any church plant. For us it is vital as well. We have tried to talk with as many of our friends and relatives as possible. We know that many of you will not be led to do this and that some of you will. We also realize that there are those who are being led but are fighting with God because they are comfortable. God does not call us to be comfortable, He calls us to be obedient. All we are asking is that you come to our fellowships, pray about being on the launch team, be open to His leading, and be obedient.
Let us not forget that all glory be to the Father of Him who is the ransom for our souls!!
Jeremy
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