Sunday, November 04, 2007
Monday, September 24, 2007
Hope
Last week concluded a period of prayer and fasting. It was a difficult week simply because I hate to fast! I made it through though with God's help. It seemed like there was a lot going on that could have distracted me. I really believe that the enemy did his level best to disrupt, distract and destroy the unity of Abundant Life.
I don't have any big profound insights. In fact it seemed for most of the week like my prayers were going no higher than the ceiling. We ended the week with a time of prayer on Saturday night. I cannot say there was a great turnout (I didn't do a great job of making a high visibility announcements). But I can say that after Sunday I have a renewed sense of hope that God is at work in Bethany and Moultrie County. I expect great things as we continue to labor for Him. And I feel a gathering sense of momentum. This is when it gets dangerous. I expect spiritual warfare to increase in frequency and ferocity. But thanks be to God. He gives us the victory through Jesus Christ!
I don't have any big profound insights. In fact it seemed for most of the week like my prayers were going no higher than the ceiling. We ended the week with a time of prayer on Saturday night. I cannot say there was a great turnout (I didn't do a great job of making a high visibility announcements). But I can say that after Sunday I have a renewed sense of hope that God is at work in Bethany and Moultrie County. I expect great things as we continue to labor for Him. And I feel a gathering sense of momentum. This is when it gets dangerous. I expect spiritual warfare to increase in frequency and ferocity. But thanks be to God. He gives us the victory through Jesus Christ!
Friday, September 14, 2007
Western Thought
I have just begun an in depth study of Revelation. I like to preach through entire books of the Bible and I am really praying about preaching through this last book of the New Testament. This book is feared by some, considered irrelevant by others and misunderstood by most. As I have begun to study the background and introductory issues I have noticed that so much of what I have always been taught concerning this book is colored deeply by Western biases.
I come from a dispensationalist background. I am pretrib and believe in the rapture of the saints. But much of what I hear about prophecy and Revelation in general always strikes me as speculation at best and bad theology at worst. Part of the problem lies in the assumption that God sees the world the same way that people of Western European descent see it. This is wrong on many levels. Much of what is taught about the meaning of the prophecies would have had zero relevance to the original audience that John addressed this epistle of sorts to.
Understanding the original context of the Scripture as best we can is necessary for proper interpretation. I believe Revelation is as relevant now as ever. I also understand that I need to, as much as possible, attempt to put aside my presuppositions and allow the Holy Spirit to speak to me through the text. I must open my ears and hear not as an American first but as a Christ follower first.
7He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. Revelation 2:7
I come from a dispensationalist background. I am pretrib and believe in the rapture of the saints. But much of what I hear about prophecy and Revelation in general always strikes me as speculation at best and bad theology at worst. Part of the problem lies in the assumption that God sees the world the same way that people of Western European descent see it. This is wrong on many levels. Much of what is taught about the meaning of the prophecies would have had zero relevance to the original audience that John addressed this epistle of sorts to.
Understanding the original context of the Scripture as best we can is necessary for proper interpretation. I believe Revelation is as relevant now as ever. I also understand that I need to, as much as possible, attempt to put aside my presuppositions and allow the Holy Spirit to speak to me through the text. I must open my ears and hear not as an American first but as a Christ follower first.
7He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. Revelation 2:7
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
Numbers and the Truth
I have often heard it lamented that many people today don't believe the gospel just because a preacher tells them that it is true. It's really no wonder after all how do we know something is true? Everyone has an agenda in the media today. Whether they are lefties or righties, environmental extremeists or global warming deniers, or whoever else the truth is colored. Most news media have an agenda. The way poll numbers are trumpeted like they mean something further distorts the picture. Seth Godin has a great post about numbers and marketing.
So what are we to do as Christians? We have the greatest message. We have the only hope for the world. We need to live the truth. People are looking for incarnational truth. That's why God sent His Son as a man. Because we as people needed to see the truth lived out. The people in my life and in your life are looking for something that is true. But they believe what their friends tell them over what someone in a church service tells them. So we need to befriend them and love them. Before they ask the question, "is this true?", they are asking, "Do I want to be like those people?" Before you say that isn't fair, think about this: there are very few people who would say, "I don't want to be like Jesus."
So what are we to do as Christians? We have the greatest message. We have the only hope for the world. We need to live the truth. People are looking for incarnational truth. That's why God sent His Son as a man. Because we as people needed to see the truth lived out. The people in my life and in your life are looking for something that is true. But they believe what their friends tell them over what someone in a church service tells them. So we need to befriend them and love them. Before they ask the question, "is this true?", they are asking, "Do I want to be like those people?" Before you say that isn't fair, think about this: there are very few people who would say, "I don't want to be like Jesus."
Monday, September 10, 2007
Able to leap tall buildings in a single bound...
Not really. But apparently I am willing to go into a burning house filled with smoke to save a church member. How many pastor's can say that? It wasn't the smartest thing I've done and it landed me in the ER twice in 12 hours. I didn't stop to think about what I was doing. Again not smart and I missed both services yesterday. Every one is fine though. We really feel the attack of the enemy though.
This is a time when it would be easy to be distracted from what God is trying to do in Bethany. Finances are low. People have left the church because we insist on teaching that Abundant Life exists to (re)connect people to God not to keep the saints comfortable until either death or the rapture. And now fire, sickness and other distractions too many to discuss.
Let me serve notice that we are serious about what God has called us to do and to be. We are going to do whatever it takes to be the gospel and proclaim Christ to people far from Him. We are not going to try to put a band-aid on broken people. We are going to introduce them to the only one who can make them whole again! And I fully expect to suffer some pain along the way but it doesn't compare to what my Lord went through.
Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. Hebrews 12:2-3
This is a time when it would be easy to be distracted from what God is trying to do in Bethany. Finances are low. People have left the church because we insist on teaching that Abundant Life exists to (re)connect people to God not to keep the saints comfortable until either death or the rapture. And now fire, sickness and other distractions too many to discuss.
Let me serve notice that we are serious about what God has called us to do and to be. We are going to do whatever it takes to be the gospel and proclaim Christ to people far from Him. We are not going to try to put a band-aid on broken people. We are going to introduce them to the only one who can make them whole again! And I fully expect to suffer some pain along the way but it doesn't compare to what my Lord went through.
Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. Hebrews 12:2-3
Saturday, September 08, 2007
Big Ten Network update
I found out this morning that Dish Network has added Big Ten Network. It is channel 439. This means that Dish will keep my business at least for now. Plus I don't have to go through the trouble of changing providers. Now I know I will be able to see the good, the bad, and the ugly this season with the Illini.
Looking forward to the game tonight despite the fact that they are playing Western Illinois. It shouldn't be a challenge but it should hopefully help get Juice's legs back under him. In the second half hopefully they will be able to play a lot of players and get them some game time.
I am hoping to see more of Jeff Cumberland this year. I remember Coach Zook was really high on him going into last season. He had 16 catches which isn't a lot but considering the QB play last season not too bad. I hope they find a way to use him more. He didn't have a catch last week.
Looking forward to the game tonight despite the fact that they are playing Western Illinois. It shouldn't be a challenge but it should hopefully help get Juice's legs back under him. In the second half hopefully they will be able to play a lot of players and get them some game time.
I am hoping to see more of Jeff Cumberland this year. I remember Coach Zook was really high on him going into last season. He had 16 catches which isn't a lot but considering the QB play last season not too bad. I hope they find a way to use him more. He didn't have a catch last week.
Friday, September 07, 2007
Guest Speakers
I enjoyed this post by Vince Antonucci about guest speakers. I don't have very many guest speakers other than missionaries. I have even changed my approach to having them speak. If I don't know if said missionary can preach effectively then I often just give them a window to share. I have several friends who are full time "evangelists" meaning that they are itinerant preachers. My concern in having a guest is that I have spent almost six years working on a culture in our services. I have a style of preaching that works for us (as far as I can tell). Let me elaborate if I can.
I try not to be condemning. It is easy to condemn large groups of people such as gays, drug users, democrats, republicans, etc. It is also easy to go after vague categories such as the media, Hollywood, rock music, rappers, TV, etc. It is easy to use statistics to make a point but they are so easy manipulated that often statistics are meaningless. I try not to take scripture out of context and often preach verse by verse through whole books of the Bible. I don't use heavy manipulation in alter calls (although I do have them sometimes). We pray for the sick in every service and the altars are open for ministry but I never prolong and drag out the end of my message simply to get a result. I never speculate about the identity of the anti-christ or the date of Jesus return other than stressing that Jesus return is closer now than it was yesterday.
I have gotten plenty of complaints from Christians, many from our church (most of whom have left) about my not doing these things. But I feel like I am giving the messages that God wants our church to have. If I bring in some wild card that I don't know and a friend shows up who I or someone in the church have literally spent weeks,months or years building relationship with they can be scared away in one service by someone whose approach is radically different than mine. This is not to say that those speakers are wrong or don't love Jesus. I am saying that their style might not fit in our context and culture. I feel like I am the best judge of whether it is a good fit.
So that is my thinking on why we have so few speakers other than yours truly at Abundant Life. I am praying for and trying to build up others with the gift of teaching. In the future I hope for some home grown folks to teach and preach some of the time. Until then I am serious about my responsibility to guard the flock. Good post by Vince.
I try not to be condemning. It is easy to condemn large groups of people such as gays, drug users, democrats, republicans, etc. It is also easy to go after vague categories such as the media, Hollywood, rock music, rappers, TV, etc. It is easy to use statistics to make a point but they are so easy manipulated that often statistics are meaningless. I try not to take scripture out of context and often preach verse by verse through whole books of the Bible. I don't use heavy manipulation in alter calls (although I do have them sometimes). We pray for the sick in every service and the altars are open for ministry but I never prolong and drag out the end of my message simply to get a result. I never speculate about the identity of the anti-christ or the date of Jesus return other than stressing that Jesus return is closer now than it was yesterday.
I have gotten plenty of complaints from Christians, many from our church (most of whom have left) about my not doing these things. But I feel like I am giving the messages that God wants our church to have. If I bring in some wild card that I don't know and a friend shows up who I or someone in the church have literally spent weeks,months or years building relationship with they can be scared away in one service by someone whose approach is radically different than mine. This is not to say that those speakers are wrong or don't love Jesus. I am saying that their style might not fit in our context and culture. I feel like I am the best judge of whether it is a good fit.
So that is my thinking on why we have so few speakers other than yours truly at Abundant Life. I am praying for and trying to build up others with the gift of teaching. In the future I hope for some home grown folks to teach and preach some of the time. Until then I am serious about my responsibility to guard the flock. Good post by Vince.
Thursday, September 06, 2007
When you run out of targets make something up!
"The producers of these Veggie Tales movies desecrate Holy Scripture by perverting it into upbeat do-good stories completely absent the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Read that sentence again. Holy Scripture. That’s what we teach our children that the Bible is. Holy. Untouchable. Sacred. Must not be tampered with. But we are considered freaks in a world where nothing is sacred. Nothing is holy. Nothing is untouchable, particularly if there is cash to be made. These people are getting wealthy off the mistreatment of the Word of God.
But here’s my favorite line: “How many hours of this garbage do you want your children to watch? We have the Holy Bible, preserved through the centuries by the martyrs who gave their blood for their love of God’s Word. So what do we give our children? Trash movies that distort the sacred words of Scripture into little moralistic, works righteousness tales with dancing cartoon characters.”
Thanks to MMI for the post about this little ditty from the folks at Slice of Laodicea. I guess if you aren't interested in sharing your faith with the unchurched you might as well shoot at the people who are trying to be salt and light.
But here’s my favorite line: “How many hours of this garbage do you want your children to watch? We have the Holy Bible, preserved through the centuries by the martyrs who gave their blood for their love of God’s Word. So what do we give our children? Trash movies that distort the sacred words of Scripture into little moralistic, works righteousness tales with dancing cartoon characters.”
Thanks to MMI for the post about this little ditty from the folks at Slice of Laodicea. I guess if you aren't interested in sharing your faith with the unchurched you might as well shoot at the people who are trying to be salt and light.
Saturday, September 01, 2007
Labor Day Weekend
I really enjoy Labor Day weekend and I am looking forward to a great weekend. Today Illinois opens up against Mizzou. I wish I could go to St. Louis and watch the game in person but at least the game is on ESPN2 so this one I will get to watch. I am amped up about the Juice and seeing Benn and some of the other athletes. Tomorrow is service in the morning. We are starting a new schedule that includes prayer at 9:30. My brother will be in town I think.
Monday is the Pana Labor day parade. This will be eight years in a row that we will be attending (if the Lord wills, see Sunday morning sermon). The kids love the parade and it is a really long parade. Then we will grill at my grandmas. After lunch it is off to the races! We will go out to the tri-county fair and watch harness racing. We like to try and pick the horses.
Tuesday is the annual Dennis Rogers Memorial Eastern Section golf outing. We play four man best ball and I just hope to be able to contribute one of two shots out of 70. Anyway it is always a good time.
Monday is the Pana Labor day parade. This will be eight years in a row that we will be attending (if the Lord wills, see Sunday morning sermon). The kids love the parade and it is a really long parade. Then we will grill at my grandmas. After lunch it is off to the races! We will go out to the tri-county fair and watch harness racing. We like to try and pick the horses.
Tuesday is the annual Dennis Rogers Memorial Eastern Section golf outing. We play four man best ball and I just hope to be able to contribute one of two shots out of 70. Anyway it is always a good time.
Friday, August 31, 2007
Big Ten Network
We currently are subscribers to Dish Network. Dish Network does not have an agreement to carry the Big Ten Network. The local cable company does not carry the network. All Big Ten games that are not on ESPN or one of the broadcast networks (ABC, CBS, etc.) will be on the Big Ten Network. This is only football season but if I want to see any Illinois football games, and I actually do, then I will have to consider making a change. Direct TV is carrying the Big Ten although it does cost more we are considering switching because I may be able to miss a few football games but come hoops season I will not be a happy person to merely listen to said games on the radio.
The deal I am looking at will cost $15-20 more a month. But if I can come with it I will switch because for that price I will get NFL Season ticket and that would mean I could watch all the Vikings games. I want to see the Juice and the athletes Ron Zook has recruited win some games this year. I am not please with the Big Ten and its greed. But I apparently will follow along like a sheep and pad the pockets of these institutions of higher learning because I am a fanatic about Illinois football and basketball.
As I am looking into this I am also asking myself questions about how much I would be willing to invest in the kingdom of God. Would I go to great lengths to find another $20 a month to give to missions or outreach?
The deal I am looking at will cost $15-20 more a month. But if I can come with it I will switch because for that price I will get NFL Season ticket and that would mean I could watch all the Vikings games. I want to see the Juice and the athletes Ron Zook has recruited win some games this year. I am not please with the Big Ten and its greed. But I apparently will follow along like a sheep and pad the pockets of these institutions of higher learning because I am a fanatic about Illinois football and basketball.
As I am looking into this I am also asking myself questions about how much I would be willing to invest in the kingdom of God. Would I go to great lengths to find another $20 a month to give to missions or outreach?
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
Vick and RR Tracks
There is not a lot going on around here beside the fact that it is going to be almost 100 degrees today. That is way too hot for me to do much outside work. I need to get to some brake work for my dad and some painting and cleaning out the garage etc. But it can wait a few days until it cools. I am hoping tomorrow will be the last 90 degree day of this year.
I was trying to find highlights of the Braves win over the Marlins last night but every time I turned on ESPN there was a clip of Michael Vick or someone talking about him. I couldn't sleep again so I was up until at least 2:00. I tried turning the channel every fifteen minutes or so. I am not exaggerating that every single time I turned on Sports Center, NFL Live or what I thought would be Baseball Tonight they were talking about Michael Vick. Enough already!!!!
We live across the street from the Railroad crossing. Today they tore up a fifty foot section of track in order to replace it. Seth has spent the morning watching the guys working. Very exciting stuff for a two year old.
I was trying to find highlights of the Braves win over the Marlins last night but every time I turned on ESPN there was a clip of Michael Vick or someone talking about him. I couldn't sleep again so I was up until at least 2:00. I tried turning the channel every fifteen minutes or so. I am not exaggerating that every single time I turned on Sports Center, NFL Live or what I thought would be Baseball Tonight they were talking about Michael Vick. Enough already!!!!
We live across the street from the Railroad crossing. Today they tore up a fifty foot section of track in order to replace it. Seth has spent the morning watching the guys working. Very exciting stuff for a two year old.
Friday, August 24, 2007
Birthday
Yesterday I turned 32.
These are books I am currently reading or they are in the stack waiting to be read:
No Perfect People Allowed
Comeback Churches
Revelation
Buying Property with out cash or credit
Flipping Properties
I know it's an odd list but that's what I am reading.
We went and saw Bourne Ultimatum again last night. I really like those movies. Some of the camera work is disconcerting but still an entertaining movie. We also tried to get more information before signing a new contract for cell service. But everywhere we went they were busy and I didn't want to wait more than ten minutes. It was ridiculous.
These are books I am currently reading or they are in the stack waiting to be read:
No Perfect People Allowed
Comeback Churches
Revelation
Buying Property with out cash or credit
Flipping Properties
I know it's an odd list but that's what I am reading.
We went and saw Bourne Ultimatum again last night. I really like those movies. Some of the camera work is disconcerting but still an entertaining movie. We also tried to get more information before signing a new contract for cell service. But everywhere we went they were busy and I didn't want to wait more than ten minutes. It was ridiculous.
Saturday, August 18, 2007
Breakout Church
Tomorrow night we will begin a discussion centered around the principles found in Breakout Churches which is based on Good to Great by Jim Collins. The question we are wrestling with is whether a church in a village of 1300 in a county of about 14, 000 break through the barrier we keep hitting of 50 people. We have come close a few times and then flattened out attendance wise. A good number of people either don't think it can happen or don't want it to happen judging by the events of the last eighteen months.
By it I mean becoming the church God wants Abundant Life to become. A church that is (re)connecting people to God. Our mission field are those who don't feel welcome in church, those who have been wounded by church folks and those who have made life altering mistakes that they feel like nobody can forgive them for. But God loves these people. While it will challenge many of us in our church who have been in a church all of our lives to understand those folks who currently would never think of attending a church let alone becoming a disciple of Jesus Christ, nothing is impossible with God.
We could be discouraged but I choose instead to take courage and rely upon the Holy Spirit believing that God wants to do something great and we are about to experience a sovereign move of His Spirit.
Mainly we are trying to train leaders on our Sunday night discussion but we also want to challenge people's perception of what is possible and how it could be done. It should be fun and a stretching time.
By it I mean becoming the church God wants Abundant Life to become. A church that is (re)connecting people to God. Our mission field are those who don't feel welcome in church, those who have been wounded by church folks and those who have made life altering mistakes that they feel like nobody can forgive them for. But God loves these people. While it will challenge many of us in our church who have been in a church all of our lives to understand those folks who currently would never think of attending a church let alone becoming a disciple of Jesus Christ, nothing is impossible with God.
We could be discouraged but I choose instead to take courage and rely upon the Holy Spirit believing that God wants to do something great and we are about to experience a sovereign move of His Spirit.
Mainly we are trying to train leaders on our Sunday night discussion but we also want to challenge people's perception of what is possible and how it could be done. It should be fun and a stretching time.
Friday, August 17, 2007
How Far
It came home to me again today that there are people that other Christians don't want to reach. Those Christians will literally say to them, "You can go to hell." Sure they may not use those words but in avoiding them they might as well say it. Their attitude show that either they believe some people are beyond the grace of God or that certain people are worth getting your hands dirty for. This shouldn't surprise me because there were plenty of Pharisees in Jesus day who felt the same way.
Growing up in pastors home I experienced this many times. At one point our church was reaching a growing number of minorities. One precious older saint made it very clear that they weren't welcome in her church. And that's just one example. But if Abundant Life is to be the church that God wants it to be we have to reach the people no one else wants to reach. It is hard at sometimes and inconvenient. There will be slings and arrows and disappointments but in the end we hope to hear well done from one Master. If He approves it will be worth it.
Growing up in pastors home I experienced this many times. At one point our church was reaching a growing number of minorities. One precious older saint made it very clear that they weren't welcome in her church. And that's just one example. But if Abundant Life is to be the church that God wants it to be we have to reach the people no one else wants to reach. It is hard at sometimes and inconvenient. There will be slings and arrows and disappointments but in the end we hope to hear well done from one Master. If He approves it will be worth it.
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
Illinois Budget
It looks like after a record special session more than sixty days after the budget should have been passed a budget might be in place. The problem was that the democrat governor and the democrat legislature couldn't agree on a budget. The governor insists that health care for all uninsured people must be included as well as more money for schools, etc. Which of course means that there will not be enough money to go around. It has taken this long to put a deal in place because of the impasse. Now that the deal has passed without the money for health care the governor is going to move the money around to fund his programs anyway even though it appears they aren't in the budget. Will the senate do anything to stop him? Apparently not. So why did it take this long to get here? Why didn't the senate and house just acquiesce to Blago's demands in the first place?
It would be nice if the Illinois republican party could make hay over this fiasco and provide a real alternative to voters. But given the ineptitude of the last several years beginning with Gov. Ryan's corruption I won't hold my breath. You can read about it here.
It would be nice if the Illinois republican party could make hay over this fiasco and provide a real alternative to voters. But given the ineptitude of the last several years beginning with Gov. Ryan's corruption I won't hold my breath. You can read about it here.
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
Resolution 4
I have read on a number of blogs the disappointment that resolution 4 didn't pass at General Council last week. This resolution would have added additional General Presbyters. They would have to be women or under 40. In some ways this would be a good thing. But I really felt that an advisory board may be a better idea. We have recently approved this change in Illinois to help the executives keep in touch with what is going on in the churches.
My biggest problem with the debate was the attitude that came across from some people who supported resolution 4. The implication that if young pastors don't get a voice and don't get it now doesn't not seem to me to be in keeping with Scripture. I heard young pastors and older ones stand up and say that if this doesn't pass many young pastors will leave the fellowship. I don't know about you but I don't like to be threatened. These kind of threats seem childish. In some ways it seems like one my kids stomping there feet and demanding they get what they want.
As a young pastor I want to be a part of the solution. I want to work to bring growth to the Fellowship. But I have the attitude that even if my ideas aren't implemented or if I feel I haven't been heard I am not going anywhere. If my attitude was if things go well I will stay if they don't I will leave, then when things didn't go as I wanted them to I could say I told you so and leave. This seems to be a part of the spirit of the age.
1 Timothy 5:1 Do not rebuke an older man harshly, but exhort him as if he were your father. Treat younger men as brothers,
I urge us to take this approach to the conversation that needs to happen in the Assemblies of God. Even if the older pastors fail to treat us as younger pastors with respect it does not eliminate the burden on us to speak with gentleness and love.
My biggest problem with the debate was the attitude that came across from some people who supported resolution 4. The implication that if young pastors don't get a voice and don't get it now doesn't not seem to me to be in keeping with Scripture. I heard young pastors and older ones stand up and say that if this doesn't pass many young pastors will leave the fellowship. I don't know about you but I don't like to be threatened. These kind of threats seem childish. In some ways it seems like one my kids stomping there feet and demanding they get what they want.
As a young pastor I want to be a part of the solution. I want to work to bring growth to the Fellowship. But I have the attitude that even if my ideas aren't implemented or if I feel I haven't been heard I am not going anywhere. If my attitude was if things go well I will stay if they don't I will leave, then when things didn't go as I wanted them to I could say I told you so and leave. This seems to be a part of the spirit of the age.
1 Timothy 5:1 Do not rebuke an older man harshly, but exhort him as if he were your father. Treat younger men as brothers,
I urge us to take this approach to the conversation that needs to happen in the Assemblies of God. Even if the older pastors fail to treat us as younger pastors with respect it does not eliminate the burden on us to speak with gentleness and love.
Monday, August 13, 2007
Sour Grapes
I have heard of some rumblings about the election of George O. Wood as General Superintendent of the Assemblies of God. Some people are upset that a younger person was not elected. I admit that I had another candidate in mind that I would have liked to see elected. However I prayed for a month before the council for God's will to be done. I am sure that not everyone prayed the same thing. However I believe that the vast majority of the delegates are Godly people who want to see the will of God accomplished in our fellowship. So to complain afterward that your guy didn't get elected is just sour grapes. If we believe in the sovereignty of God then we trust that God has placed this man into this office.
For the record I believe that he will do a good job. He is a brilliant man who loves God and this fellowship. That is very important. God can speak through anyone and I feel that this brother can certainly lead the fellowship for the next few years.
For the record I believe that he will do a good job. He is a brilliant man who loves God and this fellowship. That is very important. God can speak through anyone and I feel that this brother can certainly lead the fellowship for the next few years.
Saturday, August 11, 2007
General Council reflections part 1
One thing that you will notice is that from a distance it is hard to tell a lot of AG pastors apart. Between the hair cuts and the style of dress from 50 feet away in a crowd it is easy to mis identify someone. There a lot of bald pastors who have shaved their heads. There are a lot of balding pastors with gery or silver hair. There are a few other hair styles as well so that I though I saw several people who upon closer inspectoin were not who I thought they were.
The most moving moment I think came late on Friday toward the end of the business sessions. Zollie Smith was elected as director of US Missions. When the results were announced there was the first of many sustained standing ovations. This is an important moment for a fellowship that refused to follow black leadership at its inception. I pray that it will pave the way for even more diversity in the Assemblies of God. We desperately need this if we are to reach our cities!
The most moving moment I think came late on Friday toward the end of the business sessions. Zollie Smith was elected as director of US Missions. When the results were announced there was the first of many sustained standing ovations. This is an important moment for a fellowship that refused to follow black leadership at its inception. I pray that it will pave the way for even more diversity in the Assemblies of God. We desperately need this if we are to reach our cities!
Tuesday, August 07, 2007
Conflict and Fear
2 Corinthians 7:5 "this body of ours had no rest, but we were harassed at every turn—conflicts on the outside, fears within. "
Sometimes I don't know which is worse the conflicts or the inward fears. But we know that in this struggle we are not struggling against flesh and blood but against a very real enemy who doesn't fight fair. In spite of all this we continue to go forward (Re)connecting people to God.
Sometimes I don't know which is worse the conflicts or the inward fears. But we know that in this struggle we are not struggling against flesh and blood but against a very real enemy who doesn't fight fair. In spite of all this we continue to go forward (Re)connecting people to God.
Monday, August 06, 2007
Baptism and Dedication
We celebrated a baby dedication and baptism today. God is doing wonderful things in that family! Looking forward to hopefully having another baptism service in a couple of weeks.
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