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Three Little Shoes
This past Monday night, I cleaned up the kitchen after we’d all enjoyed Stephanie’s giant, belated St. Patrick’s Day feast. As I finished scrubbing the last pan, I noticed there was a stillness in the air. The rush and banter and ornery, bed-time laughter of our three kidlets had disappeared. Our home was quiet. Not a peep was heard. Not even (thankfully) a mouse.
My wife had worn herself out cooking up a delicious storm of Irish delicacies. Everlynn and Carson had particularly enjoyed the corned beef, cabbage, and soda bread – stuffing themselves to full satisfaction. Hudson, our oldest, finally ground through the last of his homework assignments.
Now they all lay soundly and peacefully asleep.
I quietly tiptoed into our foyer so as not to disturb my sleeping bunnies. There I noticed three little shoes. The first was really not so small, for Hudson’s feet had rapidly grown over the last year.
Everlynn’s dainty black shoe was propped up nearby; its pretty little bow adorning the toe.
Carson’s half-pint sneaker sat to the left as if to say, “I know I’m the smallest, but don’t forget about me!”
So quickly they are growing!
Within the blink of an eye, they’ll be moving up to the next shoe size. As fast as the sun rises, they’ll be sailing through school, and then asking me for the keys to the truck.
I’ll turn my head, look back, and they’ll be off to college, setting their own dreams, married, and Lord willing, raising their own families…. all with tiny shoes next to their front door, too.
How the days and years fly by… I vividly remember the look of each child just moments after birth. I gazed into their eyes and they stared deeply into mine. Words weren’t necessary. Love cradled us at first sight.
As all Jesus-loving parents should, I ask God to give me guidance and strength to “train up [our] children in the way they should go” (Proverbs 22:6). I pray that I do not make a practice of “provoking my children to anger so that they are discouraged” (Colossians 3:21), but instead demonstrate love, faithfulness, and hope. They soak up what we do like fresh sponges on water. Knowing my many faulty and sinful propensities, I regularly cry out: “Oh Lord, guide me to love them as you love me. May they find an example to imitate in me, as I follow Christ!”
Growing is Good
Yet as much as I become misty-eyed by their rapid growth, their maturation process is a very good thing, too. I’m extremely glad to only be changing lil’ Carson’s diaper these days. I’m thankful I won’t need to brush my children’s teeth before their first job interview or on their wedding day. That would be fairly awkward.
As those reborn – “born from above” – in Jesus Christ, we, too, are designed to grow. Toddlers eventually must move on from their mama’s milk to solid food. Their new, sharp teeth tend to spur on that process! The same holds true for believers in Jesus: we are born of God to mature in Christ.
The writer to the Hebrews informs us,
“…solid food is for the mature, who because of practice have their senses trained to discern good and evil” (Hebrews 5:14).
The apostle Paul weighed in with a similar warning to the believers in Corinth:
“I, brethren, could not speak to you as to spiritual men, but as to men of flesh, as to infants in Christ. I gave you milk to drink, not solid food; for you were not yet able to receive it. Indeed, even now you are not yet able, for you are still fleshly. For since there is jealousy and strife among you, are you not fleshly, and are you not walking like mere men?” (1 Corinthians 3:1-3a)
Two Indicators of Growth
So how about you and me? First, are good, spiritual growing pains spurring us on to be more and more like Jesus? Or do we still slip into infantile, childish attitudes and words of jealousy, pride, discontment, or anger?
Second, just as I pray my children eventually marry and are blessed with little shoes by their front doors one day, so the final test of spiritual maturity is reproduction. We are born of God to reproduce in Christ.
We all are called to “make disciples of all the nations” (Matthew 28:19). Clearly, Paul’s command to Timothy to “do the work of an evangelist” (2 Timothy 4:5), isn’t limited to just those in full-time pastoral ministry.
So are you and I actively seeking to reproduce the life of Christ in other people? God has called, equipped, and empowered us for this purpose – a life of maturing in Jesus Christ to the praise of His grace.
_______________________
I, again, look back at those three cute, little shoes. Although our home was still and silent, the seemingly insignificant clutter in the foyer was shouting a message, “We’re growing, Papa!”
What about you?
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We Need Each Other!
Two events occurred this week that overwhelmed my heart with joy. I’m not just talking about a fleeting moment of happiness. No, I’m speaking of an inexpressible gladness in God’s work here at Mayfair.
What happened that was so fantastic?
A: Younger disciples learning, worshiping, and even playing with older disciples of Jesus. Look at this great picture taken Tuesday night during our guy’s weekly basketball meet-up:
Photo credit: Mia Hutchison
Here you see a great number of younger guys along with a few not-quite-so-young guys talking about God’s truth and praying together before hitting the court. I love it!
By the way, if you’re interested in shooting some hoops with these men, just head on over to our gym at 6pm every Tuesday night at Mayfair Bible Church!
Just a day later, we held our ReFOCUS Praise and Prayer gathering in the Library (7-8pm on Wednesdays).
Again, my heart was filled with joy as teeangers, middle-aged folks, and senior saints all sang and prayed together. This scene was captured during ReFOCUS last week:
ReFOCUS Praise and Prayer
How Good It Is!
As it turns out, I’m not the only one who is filled with unspeakable joy at the sight of the younger praying and learning together with the older.
Far more importantly, God Himself rejoices over such a beautiful sight. Here’s how David put this
truth to song:
“Behold! How good and how pleasant it is for brothers to dwell together in unity! . . . It is like the dew of Hermon coming down upon the mountains of Zion; For there the LORD commanded the blessing – life forever.” (Psalm 133)
Let’s not skip over the implication of the short phrase, “dwell together.” Certainly, this includes all ages of fellow believers. When God’s people cross-generationally gather to serve, love, and worship, the very sight of it invokes the blessing and joy of God.
Pastor Greg Laurie recently said:
“Younger Christians need older Christians in their lives to stabilize them. Older Christians need younger Christians in their lives to energize them. We need each other!”
Now some of the more seasoned gentlemen among us may no longer have the lung capacity (or knees!) to run around on a basketball court. Sometimes a song chosen by an older disciple may not be the first choice of a younger disciple. A more youthful person may think about mission-effectiveness differently than someone with more rings around the tree. But in every case, the beauty and joy of God is found in us joining together – despite the challenges or obstacles in doing so.
The Path of Unity
How can we continually live in the joy of unity? Humility. Such an ethos in the church is impossible without humble submission to God and one another. This is precisely where Peter goes in his admonition to the younger and the older:
“You younger men, likewise, be subject to your elders; and all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, for God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” (1 Peter 5:5)
Spiritual maturity cannot occur in a heart of spiritual arrogance…no matter how many verses have been memorized in the cranium or the number of gray hairs on the head. Now don’t be mistaken, God’s call to humility should step on the toes of the youngest and the oldest and everyone in between (including mine).
The pattern of older-younger discipleship repeats across the Old and New Testaments. Here’s an excerpt from a personal note by the older church-planter (Paul) to encourage a younger pastor (Timothy): “You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.” (2 Timothy 2:1)
Prof. Howard Hendricks, one of my all-time favorite teachers at Dallas Theological Seminary often challenged us with this principle: “Everyone needs a Paul, a Barnabas, and a Timothy. You need a teacher-mentor, an encourager, and a disciple.”
So may I ask you some heart-level questions?
Q: Who is your Paul? Barnabas? Timothy? If you’re missing one of these key elements for spiritual growth, ask God to guide you to a relationship that fulfills what you’re missing.
Q: Has your pride or generational preference created an obstacle to “dwelling together” with people of differing ages or backgrounds? If we’re honest, we all probably struggle in this area. Let’s take a moment to confess our failing to God and ask for His grace to pour over our pride and wash it away.
Remember, we need each other!
_________________________
- ReBORN Story Video Library: This past week we developed a new page on our website that will contain our growing library of ReBORN transformation stories! Check it out here and share it with friends! — > https://www.mayfairbible.
org/reborn-videos/ - New Harvard Research Says Christianity is Not Shrinking but Growing Stronger: We often hear dire, disturbing news that Christianity is in massive decline across North America. A new study out of Harvard suggests something else may be the case, “They want the genuine deal, and the demographics on religion of the last few decades unmistakably support the fact. Continue reading this important article here: –> http://thefederalist.com/2018/
01/22/new-harvard-research- says-u-s-christianity-not- shrinking-growing-stronger/ - What Not To Ask Someone Suffering: We all struggle with what to say (or not say) when ministering to someone in suffering. Nancy Guthrie, founder of GriefShare, provides some practical, helpful notes for everyday use: —>https://www.desiringgod.
org/articles/what-not-to-ask- someone-suffering
In Christ Alone,
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As Good As Dead?
Sometimes the Bible makes me laugh. I don’t just mean a light chuckle either. I’m talking about a full-throated laugh out-loud. Have you ever experienced this in your study? Early this morning, while deep in preparation for my message this Sunday on the life of Abraham, I encountered a line I never really noticed before:
“By faith even Sarah herself received the ability to conceive, even beyond the proper time of life, since she considered Him faithful who had promised. Therefore there was born even of one man [Abraham], and him as good as dead at that, as many descendants as the stars of heaven in number, and innumerable as the sand which is by the seashore.” (Hebrews 11:11-12)
Ha! Sometimes you discover a familiar, colloquial phrase was originally coined in the scriptures. Lo and behold, tucked away in the Letter to the Hebrews is exhibit A. So the remark, “…and him as good as dead at that,” vividly (and humorously) points out how ancient ole’ Abraham really was. On the brink of death’s door. About ready to kick the bucket. Hobbling around with one gasp left. Of course, there’s a bit of hyperbole here to make the point of God’s power to fulfill exactly what He promised…no matter how geriatric the person may be!
Bruce Waltke, renowned Old Testament scholar, writes:
“Abraham must learn that God’s covenant partners must live in this imagination when the heavenly vision seems impossible in light of the harsh and contrary realities. Called at seventy-five years of age to this venture of faith, he must watch his own body petrify like a dead tree that has lost its sap and Sarah’s womb wither like a dead flower.”
Twenty-four more years passed before the promised son, Isaac, was born. Sometimes we forget how long that must have felt. But Abraham, though often faulty in his walk, kept stepping forward with faith in God’s covenant.
Now you may just be half Abraham’s age but feeling like you’re caught in an endless cycle of nothing-so-important. Can you identify? Do you sense a growing despondency about the outlook for 2019? Have you been caught in a doldrum of spiritual apathy – as if you’re just not going anywhere? As the wrinkles increase and gray fills in your once shimmering dark locks, do you lose sight of eternity and, instead, become more anxious about the present?
You may feel “as good as dead at that.” But according to God’s promises, He isn’t finished with you yet. Continue considering God faithful. Keep believing that what He has begun in your life will be brought to a beautiful completion in Jesus Christ.
_____________________
This Sunday, I’ll begin our new springtime sermon series at Mayfair Bible Church at 10:45 AM (even though it still looks like winter in Michigan): REBORN | Transformed in Christ! Each week we’ll discover how God transformed the life of a man or woman in the Bible and then parallel their narrative with a transformation story from someone in the Mayfair family. We can’t wait!
Week InREVIEW
- Thrive Blood Drive! We’re praising the Lord for His evident blessing over this incredible outreach event that occurred this past Monday. 150 people registered, 136 products were donated, which will result in helping save 408 lives in our community. If you see Matt and Kim Strnad (or their two wonderful boys), be sure to give them a high-5 for leading this outreach! Approximately 75% of the participants were not part of Mayfair. Numerous gospel-oriented conversations were had, along with distributing many tracts and other pieces of literature, as well. THANK YOU to all who donated blood or volunteered to serve! Read or watch the great report from NBC25 / FOX66 HERE.
- Parents, Take Note of Spiritual Practices Common to Kids Who Flourish as Adults: Trevin Wax (LifeWay) wrote an excellent summary based on new research about parents and children who flourish in their Christian faith after entering adulthood. He asks, “What kind of culture do we want in our homes and churches? What space are we creating for our children to flourish? How are we rooting our families in God’s Word? How are we modeling prayer and repentance? What does faithfulness look like in our home? What are the songs that are in our hearts and on our lips? How are we fulfilling the Great Commission? Click HERE to read the entire article.
- Fault-Lines and the Faithful: How should Christ-followers respond and live in a broken, divided world? Last Sunday, I shared a stand-alone message directed toward some deep, difficult questions we’re facing as Christians in the public square. We followed up with a “Pastors Roundtable” video of 5 pastors (myself included) that also addressed these same concerns. If you were not able to attend or view the live-stream of these talks, I humbly ask to watch them on Mayfair’s YouTube channel. I believe the truths presented are extremely vital for us as we move forward together on God’s mission. Watch here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?
v=PEksXYXotK4
In Christ Alone,
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Fault-Lines and the Faithful
So how should Christians respond and live faithfully in a broken, divided world?
:: Fault-Lines and the Faithful :: A message delivered on February 24, 2019 at Mayfair Bible Church:
________________________________
The San Andreas Fault stretches for 800 miles with at least half a dozen other fault-lines branching off to the east and west. Millions of people live right along the fault-line. Yet repeated earthquakes don’t seem to deter people from living there either! They are in constant danger of a chaotic disaster…
Today, across North America, our culture is splitting wide-open with societal upheaval, moral collapse, racism, violence, and political division. It’s like we’re living along the San Andreas Fault with no telling when the next moment of chaos may occur.
Lines are drawn up by mass-media outlets (on both sides of political and social persuasion, mind you). New battles seem to arise just about every day. After all, they want to keep us engaged in the news cycle! If something can’t be drummed up out of Washington, DC, then they’ll resort to the weather report to get everyone stirred into a panic.
However, on a very sincere level, the second largest church denomination in the USA is – this very week – drew up battle lines, per se, around issues of morality. Fault-lines are appearing everywhere around us… and the fault-lines of the culture often invade the church.
Two weeks ago, an extremely well-known pastor of a giant conservative evangelical church network was fired by his elders after years of hidden abuses and cover-ups. And the world salivates over our demise. The fault-lines are spreading…
So how should Christians respond and live faithfully in a broken, divided world?
I’ve prayed and thought and prayed some more over the past a couple years, but especially over the past several weeks about the answer to that question. Today, I will simply map out 4 coordinates from God’s Word to help us navigate the fault-lines as faithful Jesus-followers.
Here are 4 vital coordinates for faithful living in a divided world:
1. Follow SCRIPTURE not CULTURE. (2 Tim. 3:14-17; 1 Pet. 1:23-25; 2:12)
Receive your talking points from the words and works of Jesus, not from political pundits or governmental power groups. Don’t take your cues from the broken culture, but from the enduring Word of God. This applies not only to matters of morality and bioethics, but also issues of justice and poverty. We aren’t in opposition to the culture itself, but we are not guided by the prevailing winds and morals of the times.
2. Live by FAITH not FEAR. (Josh. 1:9; Hab. 2:4; Matt. 28:20; Rom. 1:17; Heb. 10:38)
God said to Joshua: “…do not be afraid from I AM with you wherever you go.” (Js 1:9) Many years later, Jesus then promised His disciples (and to us who are union with Him by faith): “Lo, I am with you always even to the very end of the age.” (Matt. 28:20) Therefore, we can live out our trust in Christ no matter what, knowing He is with us. The righteous of God live by faith in God. (Hab. 2:4; Rom. 1:17; Heb. 10:38). So we can move from fear to faith because HE IS WITH US.
3. Rest your HOPE in GOD not GOVERNMENT. (Job 12:23; 1 Pet. 1:13; Rom. 15:13)
Nations will rise and fall. Kings and kingdoms will pass away. The earth will fade. But God and His Word will never change. Focus your hope on the One who governs all governments (1 Pet. 1:13; Rom. 15:13). One caveat: there’s nothing wrong with being grateful for our country. We are commanded to be prayerful for our government leaders (1 Tim. 2:1-3). I’m thankful for those within our local church who serve in leadership positions in the government. We must pray for them. Yet we must also remember that our hope is not in them but in Jesus the King, whose kingdom is not of this world.
4. Speak from LOVE not HATE. (Matt. 5:10-12, 43-48; 1 Pet. 3:8-9, 13-15)
When verbal (or literal) stones are being thrown, we don’t pick them up and throw them back at the crowd. As counter-intuitive as this sounds, we are called to love the haters. When commenting on Matthew 5:43-48, John MacArthur said, “We are most like our God when we love the people who hate God.” So we must ask ourselves: Will they know we are Christians by our vote? Money? Buildings? Programs? No… by our love.
“The choice for the church in every age will always be, will our identity be shaped by Scripture or by our culture – by the biblical story or the cultural story?” – Lesslie Newbigen/Michael Goheen
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Don’t Just Sing in the Shower
“…the whole multitude of his disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works that they had seen, saying, “Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!” And some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to him, “Teacher, rebuke your disciples.” He answered, “I tell you, if these were silent, the very stones would cry out.” (Luke 19:37-40)
Don’t wait for rocks to break out in song.
All across the pages of the Bible, we’re called to lift up praise to the Lord our God. In the Hebrew text of the Old Testament, the two words translated into “Praise the Lord” are bound into one familiar word: Hallelujah! To “hallal” is to joyfully lift up, sing out, or make known our sincere thanks, honor, adoration, and praise. The direction of our praise is not merely to another human, but to the LORD – Yahweh (combined as “jah”). Our belief in God causes us to overflow with rejoicing for who He is and what He has done.
Don’t just praise Him in the shower.
I enjoy singing in my truck and in the shower probably more than the average Joe. Yet while personal moments of praise are important, it’s vital to notice that nearly all the biblical commands to praise the Lord are plural collective (except for Psalm 146:1; 147:2). Say what? This simply means God intends for our praise to be a public, congregational gathering of voices and hearts. Together as the redeemed children of God, we are called for assembly – that’s the basic meaning of the word ecclesia, in fact. God delights in the praises of His people together. As one local assembly – Mayfair Bible Church – our faithful participation is essential to the exaltation of God our Savior and the edification of one another. God works uniquely through the gathered praises of His people.
Don’t limit your praise to singing.
A brief survey of the Psalms and poetic portions of the prophets gives proof that there are many ways to praise God. God beckons us to express our whole being in thanksgiving to Him: “…praise could involve choirs and musical instruments . . . It could be expressed in speaking (Jer. 31:7), singing (Psa. 69:30), and with dancing (Psa. 149:3).” (Harris, Archer, Waltke in Theological Wordbook of the Old Testament, 218). When a news reporter is on the warpath for all the details of a great story, he or she needs to probe with all the Who, What, When, Where, Why, and Wherefore questions. Well, in simple yet beautiful form, Psalm 150 answers those questions about our call to praise. Take a look!
Praise the LORD! (the What and the Who!)
Praise God in His sanctuary;
Praise Him in His mighty expanse. (The Where!)
Praise Him for His mighty deeds; (The Why)
Praise Him according to His excellent greatness. (The How!)
Praise Him with trumpet sound;
Praise Him with harp and lyre.
Praise Him with timbrel and dancing;
Praise Him with stringed instruments and pipe.
Praise Him with loud cymbals;
Praise Him with resounding cymbals. (The Way and How!)Let everything that has breath praise the LORD. Praise the LORD!” (The Wherefore and the Who!)
So as we prepare our hearts for worship this Sunday morning at Mayfair Bible Church… Let’s remember the significance of our collective gathering. Pause over the words of Psalm 150 and then put them into motion this Lord’s Day. And may we pray that our praise is a sweet and pleasing aroma to God our Savior.
Is He worthy? Oh yes, He is.
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A Truth to Hold Close
I’ve always been one to make a list every January 1st about all the things I’m going to accomplish in the new year. I would then promptly lose the list, forget all of my aspirations, and go on with my life (thank you ADHD). Twelve months later, on December 31st, I’d then remember my lost goals and realize I’d somehow managed to complete a couple, halfway complete a few others, and completely demolish the hope of anything else.
This year I’m doing something new. Instead of writing a gigantic list of resolutions, I decided to look for a promise God has given me in His Word for today and my future, and reflect on how He has been faithful to keep it in my life.
As I was reading, I thought of my favorite verse:
“The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness; He will quiet you by his love; He will exult over you with loud singing.”
~ Zephaniah 3:17
As I was re-reading this, I took joy in the fact that not only has He saved me, but He also loves me. He rejoices over me and He is singing over me!
Digging a little deeper: What does “rejoice over” me even mean?
I understand this as an all-encompassing, never ending, exuberant jubilation.
This past week, my sweet six-year-old daughter exercised her reading skills with a Dr. Seuss book as I tucked her into bed. Every few moments she would look up at me with her dancing, vivacious eyes. She read with excitement and happiness as her Mama rejoiced over her. My heart overflowed with gladness in God for the gift he has given me in my bright, beautiful girl.
If I naturally overflow with joy over my daughter, how much more does our perfect Creator delight over everything He has made? Taking it one note higher, Zephaniah reminds us that He particularly rejoices over those He has redeemed and called His own.
Now there is a truth to hold close.
I am His and He is mine.
That is never going to stop.
What an incredible thought and reminder.
That’s a promise for the ages, not just one year!
Blessings,
Stephanie
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Pawns on the Chessboard?
After a week of subzero temperatures, the sun is finally shining and we’ve reached a balmy 15 degrees above Fahrenheit! I may have to go for a swim in Lake Huron it’s so warm. Meteorologists are now forecasting that temperatures may rise to near 50 degrees this coming Sunday and Monday. Do the math: that’s almost a 70 degree difference in the span of just a few days. Wow!
Temperatures may wildly rise and fall. Economic concerns may skyrocket across the globe. Political crises will see-saw from sea to shining sea. For example, just yesterday morning rather unsettling news came out of Washington, D.C. that our nation is pulling out of the historic nuclear arms treaty with Russia. I’m sure there are many reasons for this decision. Undoubtedly, news anchors and government analysts will banter back and forth about this move for days to come. Meanwhile, we stand on the sidelines like pawns on the chessboard of the powerful. Or do we?
Are you confused, bewildered, or emotionally beleaguered by the current state of things in our country and world? Here’s a timeless truth to grip onto with your whole heart:
“Let the name of God be blessed forever and ever, for wisdom and power belong to Him. It is He who changes the times and the epochs; He removes kings and establishes kings; He gives wisdom to wise men and knowledge to men of understanding. It is He who reveals the profound and hidden things; He knows what is in the darkness, and the light dwells with Him.” (Daniel 2:20-22)
What was true about God during the days of Daniel is still precisely accurate of who He is today. Take a deep breath. Now breathe out. Remind your soul that God is still on His throne. You are not alone. He will never abandon His people. The writer to the Hebrews also draws our hearts toward this same truth:
“…for He Himself has said, ‘I will never desert you, nor will I ever forsake you,’ so that we confidently say, ‘The LORD is my helper, I will not be afraid, what will man do to me?’ Remember those who led you, who spoke the word of God to you; and considering the result of their conduct, imitate their faith. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” (Hebrews 13:5b-8)
Rest your troubled, weary heart on God. He sustains us with His strength (Isa. 40:31). He promises to order our thoughts according to His wisdom (Jam. 1:5).
So, today, amidst the ups and downs of weather seasons and government eras, let’s take one step of faith in the same direction as the faithful who’ve gone on before us.
And tomorrow? Just take another step.
Week InREVIEW
- A Truth To Hold On To: Busy today? I encourage you to take a 1 minute breather to read my wife’s latest devotional, which was published at Breathe Ministry. Click HERE
- Non-Negotiables: Last week I wrote a brief article containing seven pointed non-negotiables for walking faithfully with God, which have been helpful to me for many years. “We live in a culture of increasing darkness, confusion, and death. We are hopeful and prayerful for a spiritual awakening in the world. Yet there is no mistaking our surroundings. We’re not in Mayberry anymore, folks. When you and I walk into our community, we are entering an environment largely opposed to Christ, ignorant of God’s grace, and antagonistic toward His truth. So how will we stay on the path… when the way is dark, lonely, and dangerous?” Continuing Reading HERE.
In God’s Vineyard,
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Non-Negotiables
Stay On The Path
Last Wednesday morning, I preached for the chapel service at Life Challenge-Flint Men’s rehab center. I always leave exhilarated in Christ after spending an hour with those guys, who are courageously fighting against addiction with the power of God. From the text of 2 Timothy chapter 3, I drove home this idea: In the face of the world’s sinful darkness, God lights the way for His people as they continue in the truth of His Word.
There’s no denying it.
We live in a culture of increasing darkness, confusion, and death. We are hopeful and prayerful for a spiritual awakening in the world. Yet there is no mistaking our surroundings. We’re not in Mayberry anymore, folks. When you and I walk into our community, we are entering an environment largely opposed to Christ, ignorant of God’s grace, and antagonistic toward His truth.
So how will we stay on the path… when the way is dark, lonely, and dangerous? First, I’d encourage you to read through Paul’s instructions in 2 Timothy 3. Look for the three vital imperatives that rise to the surface. Second, take a moment to ruminate on the 7 Non-Negotiables provided below. Thumb through the Bible verses given with each point. Years back, Dennis Rainey, preached the commencement address at my graduation service from Dallas Theological Seminary. He concluded his message with these simple yet powerful life-keys. Since that day, I’ve kept a small laminated copy of his list in my wallet and often refer to it when facing discouragement, confusion, or temptation.
Something to Chew On…
The 7 Non-Negotiables – by Dennis Rainey
- Seek God – Not sin (Amos 5:4, 6, 14)
- Fear God – Not men (Prov 19:23; Matt 10:28)
- Love God – Not the world (1 John 2:15-17; Matt 22:37)
- Believe God – Not the deceiver (John 8:44; 7:37-38)
- Obey God – Not your appetites (1 Cor 9:24-27)
- Serve God – Not self (Isaiah 6:8; Josh 24:14-15)
- Worship God – Not comfort (Job 13:14-16; Hab 3:17-19)
Week InREVIEW
- ONE RACE: I wrote a brief article last Monday, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, which included this prayer: “Lord God, our Father in Heaven, may Your name and power be made famous across the earth. May people from every language bow to your reign and rejoice in Your uniting, healing, and redeeming grace. I pray the local church I serve, Mayfair Bible Church, will exemplify Your design, displaying a mosaic of multi-ethnicity to the praise of Your Son. Guard us from the lies of the dividing deceiver, Satan. Protect us from the temptation to lean our hearts toward spiritual pride. Unite us in a love that is only perfected by Your Truth. May Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven, through Christ the Reconciler, I pray, Amen.” Read the rest of the article by clicking HERE: ONE RACE.
- THE WISH OF DEATH: Most of you are probably aware of the decision by New York’s governor to significantly expand provisions for abortion – even up to moments before an infant’s delivery. God offers full healing and forgiveness for those who have made the decision to abort a baby. But let’s also be clear: the hands of those who cheered, lauded, and signed the most recent murderous bill in New York will one day stand before the holy and righteous Judge. May they cry out to Christ for mercy and repent of their wickedness before it’s too late. The heart of God pleads with His people: “This day I call the heavens and the earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live and that you may love the Lord your God, listen to his voice, and hold fast to him.” (Deuteronomy 30:19-20) For those of you who are looking for more biblical and bioethical argumentation, here’s a research article I wrote on the sanctity of life: Click HERE: The Spark of Life and the Wish of Death.
- American Churches are at a Tipping Point: Dr. Thom Rainer (President of LifeWay) is persistently in the field with churches just like Mayfair. This week, he wrote a very important piece: “If current trajectories continue, American churches will pass a tipping point. Our congregations will begin a likely unstoppable path toward decline that will rival many European churches of the past century. If there is not a significant movement of revitalization, there will be an accelerated rate of decline and death.” Continue reading HERE: American Churches are at a Tipping Point.
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One Race
Today marks the annual celebration of MLK’s birthday across the USA. Dr. King was, undoubtedly, one of the most influential people of the twentieth century. His bold, visionary preaching stirred the hearts and changed the lives of millions of Americans. His courageous, peaceful leadership built a force against racial segregation across all walks of life.
While I’d disagree with Dr. King on some points of theology, none of those differences bear on the central thesis of his life: All God’s children are to live united in peaceful, loving harmony.
Martin Luther King Jr.’s dream is God’s design for His Church.
We are one race – the human race – of many ethnicities united in God’s love to the praise His glorious grace.
We will gather together as the one people of God from every language, tribe, and nation by the blood of the Lamb.
Church, let’s live out heaven’s agenda on earth. By God’s power in the Gospel, may we display the beautiful mosaic of humanity’s tapestry as the redeemed and reconciled people of God.
Here’s how the apostle Paul explained what Jesus Christ did to make us one:
“For He Himself is our peace, who made both groups into one and broke down the barrier of the dividing wall . . . [He] might reconcile them both in one body to God through the cross, by it having put to death the enmity.” (Ephesians 2:15, 16)
The consummation of the united Kingdom that God is creating is our future hope:
“And they sang a new song, saying, “Worthy are you to take the book and to break its seals; for You were slain, and purchased for God with Your blood people from every tribe and tongue and people and nation. You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to our God; and they will reign upon the earth.” (Revelation 5:9-10)
Brothers and sisters, let us pray with hope and act on our hope to align our desires with God’s design. May God heal the divide, restore what is broken, and reconcile our relationships. In God’s strength, let’s sing the song of God’s coming kingdom and live out His will on earth today.
My Prayer on MLK Day:
Lord God, our Father in Heaven, may Your name and power be made famous across the earth. May people from every language bow to your reign and rejoice in Your uniting, healing, and redeeming grace. I pray the local church I serve, Mayfair Bible Church, will exemplify Your design, displaying a mosaic of multi-ethnicity to the praise of Your Son. Guard us from the lies of the dividing deceiver, Satan. Protect us from the temptation to lean our hearts toward spiritual pride. Unite us in a love that is only perfected by Your Truth. May Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven, through Christ the Reconciler, I pray, Amen.
Here are two other articles/videos I produced on this subject:
Christian Racism?: Q: “How should a Christian respond to racism? I hear these racist, white supremacists groups say they are also Christian. What do you think of that, Pastor Michael?” Article and Q & A Video: Christian Racism?
Mission Mosaic: God’s love compels us to go with His love to all the people groups of God’s World… both globally and locally. Our God is not a mono-lingual, mono-ethnic, mono-culture deity, but the Creator who has beautifully woven people from every background together into the one family of God in Jesus Christ. Brief Article: Mission Mosaic
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Gifts That Last Beyond New Year’s
Oh the joy of Christmas through the eyes of a child! Our three young kiddos (9, 6, and 2 years old) received a great spread of presents this season. Each one happily tore through the brightly-colored wrapping to discover new trucks, dolls, trains, Lego sets, candies, and more! They sweetly expressed gratefulness to us and their other benefactors (a.k.a. grandpa, grandma, aunties, uncles, etc.).
But now a week after that giddy morning, the gifts are rather scattered. Some still receive attention… Carson wants me to re-read his books each night. Hudson continues to examine his Legos. Everlynn cheerily plays with her kitchen coffee set. Yet other items – so treasured on Christmas morning – are already gathering dust in the corner. A bit of fatherly detective work proves that two certain stockings are already entirely empty. The chocolates and treats have gone the way of all other tasty candies: down the trap and into the stomach they go, never to be heard from again!
Gifts that Don’t Diminish or Disappear
More than the most chock-full Christmas tree, the multi-faceted gifts of God wrapped up in Christmas abound. Through the miraculous gift of Christ’s incarnation, we as broken, messed-up humanity, can behold God’s glory:
“Now the Word became flesh and took up residence among us. We saw His glory – the glory of the one and only, full of grace and truth, who came from the Father.” (John 1:14; NET)
Through the gift of Christ’s first arrival, all of us stumbling around in darkness may finally have light:
“In Him was life, and the life was the Light of men . . . the true Light, who gives light to everyone, was coming into the world.” (John 1:4, 9; cf. Luke 1:77-79)
Through receiving the gift of redemption in Christ, you and I are adopted into God’s family:
“He came to His own, and those who were His own did not receive Him. But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name.” (John 1:11-12)
Athanasius of Alexandria, an ancient defender of Christian doctrine, specifically Christ’s full deity and humanity, rejoiced in this wondrous good news:
“The Son of God became man so that men might become sons of God.” — Athanasius (296-373 AD)
What a shocking reality. Christmas – the celebration of Christ – pours out gift upon gift from the bounty of God’s grace toward undeserving, sin-riddled people. Yes, we who are prone to playing in the mud of self-righteousness! We, who are regularly entrapped by the snare of distraction! We, who wander into the Enemy-devised lies for satisfaction in pleasure, power, and possessions! We, who forget God’s mercy and falter in our faith! Yes, God in Christ came to be the Savior for all of us…all who receive Him by faith according to the sovereign kindness of God.
So in the gift of the Son, Jesus Christ, we rejoice…today and beyond! We praise the Giver of life and light, grace and truth. Why? Because His grace has super-abounded to us!
