SSS: Philippians 4:2-9

Today's "Single-Sentence Sermon" comes from Philippians 4:2-9.  I've been preaching, verse-by-verse, through Paul's letter to the Philippian church since late-April.  It's probably been one of the most personally profitable studies of my life.  God's Word is so amazing!

Today's "SSS:
In Philippians 4:2-9, the Apostle Paul begins to close his letter by commanding the Philippians Christians to "practice" reconciliation (v.2-3), rejoicing (v.4), reasonableness (v.5), resisting worry by prayer (v.6-7), and right-thinking (v.8), all of which constitutes "the path of peace with God" (v.7).

Questions to Consider:

• Paul gives six imperatives (i.e. a command) in these eight verses.  Can you identify them in the English text? (see vvs. 3, 4, 5, 6 - 2x, 8)
• Why did Paul put the command to "rejoice" after his command for "reconciliation"?
• How does unresolved conflict effect the work of the gospel?
• How many times does Paul use the phrase "in the Lord" here?  What difference does this phrase make?

I'd love to hear your comments.  You can find audio files to my messages here.

SSS: 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10

Today's "Single-Sentence Sermon" comes from 1Thessalonians 1:1-10.  Yesterday's sermon was a special one for me as it was our "Regional Pulpit Exchange" Sunday and I was able to preach to the fine people of Grace Bible Fellowship Church in Wallingford, PA.  Thanks, GBFC, for such a warm welcome!!!

Today's "SSS":
In 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10, the Apostle Paul encourages the young, but exemplary, church in Thessalonica, praising God for their "work of faith", "labor of love" and "steadfastness of hope", as well as providing the basis (God's sovereign, electing love) and evidences (hearing the word, turning from idols, serving the Lord, and waiting for the Son) of their salvation.

Questions to Consider:

• Paul established the Thessalonian church around 50 A.D. on his second missionary journey, how long did he stay in Thessalonica (see Acts 17:1-9)?  What is so impressive about the testimony about this young church given that Paul writes this letter only about a year after the church was founded?
• What were the two main purposes of Paul's missionary journeys, especially beginning with the second journey?
• What do you think the "work of faith", "labor of love", and "steadfastness of hope" refers to?
• How can you apply this text to your life as an individual believer in Christ?...as a local church?

Feel free to leave a comment or question.  I really would love to dialogue with you.

(To listen to this sermon, please visit Grace BFC's sermon page.)

A "Grace" Day

Back in March 2004, Laurie and I found ourselves looking for a new church home.  It was a really discouraging season in our "church life" for reasons that I won't go into right now.  But at the invitation of our good friends, Bill and Joanne Platt, we visited Grace Bible Fellowship Church in Wallingford, PA.  God has used that visit to shape the better part of the last decade for my family.  The Bible Fellowship Church has been our home ever since.  Even though it was more than eight years ago, I can still remember the warm reception that we felt that day.  The family of Grace BFC has had a special place in our hearts ever since.

I was in my second year at Biblical Theological Seminary studying for my Master of Divinity degree at the time.  It wasn't long into our time at Grace before the pastoral staff invited me to join their team in the inglorious position as (unpaid) pastoral intern (a.k.a. Pastor Taylor's "lackey").  This afforded me the opportunity to meet with the pastors for mentoring sessions, attend various board meetings, and to preach once in a blue moon.  As an aspiring minister and enthusiastic seminary student, I was in "hog heaven".

As my seminary days wrapped up, the elders of Grace graciously created a new full-time position, Pastor of Outreach and Evangelism, and the church approved my appointment to the post in January 2006.  These early years of ministry at Grace were exciting and deeply challenging.  I learned  a great deal about pastoral ministry, and even more about myself and how little I truly knew of taking care of God's people.  Some of my favorite experiences included college and small group ministry, as well as ministering to a host of "neighbors" from our community.  Today, more than four years removed, I am still noticing little aspects of how I serve as a pastor that were shaped by the family of Grace.

This morning I have the privilege of preaching back at the "friendly confines" of Grace BFC.  I'm looking forward to seeing old friends and encouraging this church which has been such a tremendous example of Christian love to me and my family.

Mousecapades

Our summer vacation was a once-in-a-decade trip to Walt Disney World.  Laurie's parents surprised the kids (and us!) with the big news back at their birthdays in February.  We had an action-packed week with The Mouse and all his friends.  Here are a few snapshots from a special week of memories back in July.

Mike was really excited!

Heading towards the castle

Daddy and Luke on the "People Mover"

One of the kids' favorite "rides"

Pool time with Poppy

They're having fun, I promise

Gabbie posing with "Jake"

Ditto

Thank you, Marmie and Poppy!

Do you have a special summer vacation story that you'd like to share?

"Buh"-Rometer

How do you evaluate success in your church?  This is a question that (literally) keeps me up late some nights.  God's humbling call to love and lead His church drives me to my knees daily in prayer.  I am constantly reminded of my weaknesses and insecurities.  I mean, is it normal for "the church" to be on one's mind 24/7/365?  Is it for you?  Well, that's my reality.  More than anything, I want to be approved by God as a faithful servant.  But if I'm really honest, too often I am equally concerned with being approved by men as a real "go-getter", a top-notch pastor...much to my shame.

As a pastor (a.k.a. a "professional Christian"...for the record, few things bother me more than being viewed this way...but that's another post...sorry for the long parenthesis...it's quite annoying isn't it), I am constantly reminded of people's expectations and the typical "measurements" for what constitutes a "healthy" church.  (I've met a lot of "church experts" in my day.)  Perhaps this post falls under the genre of "confession", but truthfully, the complexity of ministry today and managing people's expectations can be exhausting.  Regrettably, I think that many folks apply the diagnostics of today's business models ahead of the Spirit-given biblical instructions for the church.  Don't you think we should be more informed by the Book of Acts as to what "health" looks like in a local church than we are by Forbes or even Outreach magazines?

The following is a short list of "measurables" that can sometimes overshadow the real signs of health in a congregation.  Let me be clear, none of these are inherently bad.  In fact, they are all good things when viewed in a proper relationship to the real signs of health.  I offer this as a helpful reminder, first to myself, of what "success in the church" may or may not look like.

Budgets

Sometimes people look to the church's bank account as an indicator of its health.  How are the weekly offerings?  How much did we increase this year's budget over last year's?  What percentage are we giving to missions as opposed to the (clearly non-missions work?) youth, children's, or local outreach budgets?  Are we secure financially?

Does having a solid financial statement at the end of the month always indicate "success" or "health" in a church?  Probably not.  Godly stewardship and generous (hilarious) giving is a great thing, don't get me wrong.  But, it isn't the most important thing.

Buildings

Another false indicator of church health are the physical structures that are often mistakenly called "the church".  The size and number of a church's buildings can be really impressive.  But we have to remember that the church is a body, not a building.  The church is a spiritual temple which temporarily gathers in physical spaces.

We at New Beginnings have been trying to figure out our long-term facility needs.  It has consumed much of my time, energy, and attention over the past two years.  It's been an issue of stewardship for us, and I'm glad we've been addressing these questions.  But we can never mistakenly believe that having more or bigger buildings means we are "nailing it" as a church.

Bible Studies

I always get a little paranoid when I say this, but just because you attend 3-4 Bible studies a week, that doesn't automatically make you a great Christian.  Certainly, we are to love God's Word and spend time in it--privately and with other believers.  However, some churches boast in their "spiritual health" when in actuality they have an unbalanced spiritual diet.

We need to exercise (that is, to put into practice) the lessons and principles we receive from God's Word.  Listen, you can never get too much of God's Word.  But, you can over schedule yourself into so many "study" contexts that you fail to do what the Scriptures actually teach--like loving others, sharing the gospel, praying for the sick, visiting the widows, etc., etc.

Buddies

The final thing that we need to watch out for is equating the sheer number of people who attend our (said with puffed out chest) church with spiritual health.  Sure, it is probably a good thing to see new people coming and the membership list growing.  But my point is that the spiritual sum of one's church is not equivalent to the mere numbers of people attending.  Authentic relationships, more than church acquaintances, are a truer indication of spiritual growth in the body of Christ.  

So, what is a Better indicator of "success" in the church?  What should really be the source of our boasting?

Baptisms

More than budgets, buildings, Bible studies, or buddies, the testimonies of people being saved by the gospel of Jesus Christ and following Him in the waters of baptism are true signs of spiritual success.  The Book of Acts speaks of "the Lord adding to their number day by day those who were being saved" (2:47; 4:4; 6:7, etc.).  The movement of the Spirit is a true sign of real advancement for God.  People build buildings; God builds churches through the gospel.  I am desperate for God to keep saving people through our faithful witness.

oBedience

I'm running out of "B"-words, so I'll stop with this one.  Jesus said to His followers, "You are my friends if you do what I command you" (John 15:14).  True, spiritual obedience unto the person of Jesus Christ is the summary of real success for the church.  Jesus set the pattern for us; a pattern of sacrifice, service, and surrender to the will of God.  I am reminded of John's words, "Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, as it goes well with your soul.  For I rejoiced greatly when the brothers came and testified to your truth, as indeed you are walking in the truth.  I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth" (3 John 2-4).  Simple surrender and obedience to the truth of God will result in a vibrant expression of church life.  

May we see the full Blessing of God in our lives as we focus on the right signs of spiritual health.

"Mommy, I'm Ready to Die."

Is it possible that these words..."Mommy, I'm ready to die."...could ever be a good thing?!?!

After returning home from youth group Sunday night, Laurie told me that the kids were huddling in the playroom having a "very serious" discussion.  She informed me that Gabbie and Luke had emerged from the room to tell her how sorry they were for all the disrespectful things they had done.  They also had apologized to Jonah for being mean and yelling at him about "stuff".  According to Laurie, the kids really beamed with excitement about the new leaf they had turned over.  She went on to tell me about how Luke, in particularly, had told her that he was "ready to die" because he "really wanted to be with Jesus".  Apparently, Gabbie had even corrected Luke at one point when she matter-of-factly stated that "Daddy would be the first to go" (really?!?!).

"Mommy, I'm ready to die."  Wow, sort of sounds "Pauline", doesn't it?  "For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain...I am hard pressed between the two.  My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better" (see Philippians 1:21-26).  I took some time the next morning to share with Luke how proud I am that his love for Jesus is growing so strong.  I also told him that God still had a special plan for his life and that he needed to love God here on earth until Daddy had first kicked the bucket!  It's pretty incredible when your four-year-old "gets" something as heavy as heavenly homesickness.

I've been thinking and reading a lot about our hope as believers in Jesus Christ.  All over the pages of the New Testament we are called to "set our minds heavenly things" (Col. 3:1-4) and to "wait for our blessed hope" (Titus 2:11-14).  I am especially taken back by the connection of "present faith" (leading to faithful service for God) and "future hope" (yearning for the return of Christ) found in Paul's Thessalonian correspondence.  Is my love for Jesus creating a restlessness for heaven?  Do I long to depart to be with the Lord?  Or, am I perfectly content with the shallow stuff of this earth?  Yeah, it can sound a little creepy and morbid to hear the phrase "I'm ready to die", especially coming from a little guy like Luke.  But, to me, there is something beautiful and holy (and biblical) in his words to Laurie the other night.

Thanks, little buddy, for being such a good boy.  You are so loved by God, your mommy, and daddy.  Believe in Jesus and you don't have to wait until after you die to have a piece of heaven, because heaven (Jesus) will come into your heart.

Are you "ready to die"?  That's a pretty important question to have answered.  If you aren't quite sure, please contact me and I'd love to share with you the wonderful news to give you hope and peace with God.

SSS: Philippians 3:17-4:1

Last Monday I posted a summary of the previous day's sermon at New Beginnings.  To this, I received the ever-so-encouraging feedback of "YOUR POST WAS TOO LONG" from my beloved wife, Laurie.  Hmm, thanks a lot, dear!

All kidding aside, I got to thinking about what she said and, as usual, she's probably right!  So, I'm rolling out a new weekly feature on my blog.  Each week, on Monday, Lord willing, I will share an "SSS" or "Single-Sentence Sermon".  My approach will be to boil down all the savory juices of my weekly sermon to a short, memorable sentence.  Ultimately, my aim is to encourage you with a God-honoring "spiritual nugget" from Scripture and to stimulate your mind and heart to grow closer to the Lord.

I actually think Laurie's point is brilliant (as usual)!  I remember back in seminary when my homiletics "prof" told us that a good sermon could be succinctly summarized in a single, cogent sentence.  It's harder than you might think!  So, here goes...

Today's "SSS":
In Philippians 3:17 - 4:1, Paul calls the Philippian believers to follow ("imitate") his example by living Christlike lives that are representative of their 'heavenly citizenship', resisting those who are 'enemies of the cross' of Jesus.

Questions to Consider:

• Why could Paul confidently encourage the Philippians to "imitate" his life?  (see 1 Cor. 11:1)
• Who do you look up to in your life as a godly example of Christlikeness?
• What does it mean that "our citizenship is in heaven"?  How does Paul contrast this in 3:18-19, specifically?
• What impact should our "earnest expectation for the Savior's return" have on our lives now?

Feel free to comment!  I'd love to dialogue with you.

(To listen to my sermons, visit this link!)

Who's Discipling Your Children?

True or False: The primary context of discipleship for our children is the church.

If you're like most people then you are likely to answer that the statement above is "true".  However, in my mind, you'd be wrong (or, at least, not totally right...I hate telling people they are wrong) ;-).

Think about it; how many hours a week on average does a typical "churched" child spend at church?  It has to be fewer than five, right? And, honestly, it is likely closer to two or three hours-per-week.  Let's say it is five hours-per-week.  That is less than 3% of a child's time.  Is that really good enough?  Are we really counting on the 3% of our children's time to develop them into 100% devoted followers of Jesus Christ?  And let's be honest, at least half of the time our children are at church is spent consuming pounds of Goldfish crackers, coloring in Joseph's coat, or running laps around the sanctuary.  Hey, all that stuff is fun, I'm just not convinced that it's going to keep our kids committed to the Lord.

The church is a context for the discipleship of our children (i.e. the teaching of our children to love God with all their heart, soul, mind, and strength and to obey His commandments), but it is not the primary context.  So, what is, "Pastor Smartypants"?  Well, I'm glad you asked!

The primary context of discipleship for children is the family.  The Bible, especially the Old Testament, repeatedly reminds the family of the critical responsibility to teach the commandments of God to the next generation (Deut. 6:7; Prov. 22:6; Joel 1:3; Eph. 6:1-4; et. al.).  My role as "father" to Gabbie, Luke, and Jonah is very similar to my calling as "pastor" of my church.  I am called to love them by feeding and protecting them both physically and spiritually.  I am to set a godly example for them to follow, modeling for them a sincere and genuine devotion to the Lord Jesus Christ.  I am to personally feed upon the rich truths of God's Word and then share these truths with them.  In short, I am to serve them out of the divine enabling of God's Spirit within me.  This can be (and IS) hard stuff, especially due to the busyness and distractions of life.  But, isn't it worth it?

Listen, there's no doubt that the church also serves a critical role in our children's discipleship.  In fact, the church itself is to be a "family" where mutual encouragement and growth in Christ takes places.  The church is to be a caring community that "grows up" into conformity to Christ.  The church is strategically given by God to support (equip) parents for the discipling of their children, especially in those aspects that are inherently "corporate".  I'd (strongly) argue that the church has an essential role in the proper spiritual formation of of children.

Still, too many children are suffering from a lack of careful, purposeful discipleship from their parents.  Simply carrying your children to "get more of Jesus" at church isn't enough.  As parents, we have the joyful (and terrifying) responsibility of telling our children how wonderful God is.  We are to take the lead in showing our children what love for God looks like.  There should be no greater influence in our kids' lives than we are.  That includes friends, social media, school, and church.  Who is discipling your children?  Well, I hope you are.  I'm reminded here of 3 John 4 which says, "I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth."  Maybe I'm pushing the application a bit out of context, but you get the point!

Here is a good link to an article on this topic.  What do you think about this?  What ideas or suggestions do you have for others who want to "step up" their ministry in their children's lives?

Here are some things that we do and have found helpful at "leading our children to love the Lord" (Let me gave a HUGE "shout out" to Laurie for being so faithful in this area!):

• Spend time reading the Bible each night, if possible.  There are many great children's Bibles available that have colorful and creative pictures which enhance the stories of Scripture.
• Memorize Bible verses together as a family.  You'd be surprised just how much your little ones can soak in.
• "Do ministry" as a family at church or in the community.  Your kids will never forget the lessons they learn by watching you and serving beside you.
• Unplug a few nights a week after dinner and play games, read, or listen to music together as a family.  Sometimes just being together leads to great opportunities for discipleship!
• Pray with your children....and not just at supper!  Your children need you to teach them how to communicate with God.
• Start an "I-Spy" journal where you record times and ways that your family has seen God at work.  This could be a great tool for encouragement in difficult times or even used at Thanksgiving.
• Participate in a strong, family-oriented church ministry like "Super Sundays" at New Beginnings BFC. This ministry is uniquely designed to help families grow closer to God and to one another.

Doxology

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places.  - Ephesians 1:3

Few things stir the soul like beautiful, God-exalting music (and this from a guy who wouldn't recognize an A# if came up to him and said, "howdy doody").  The power and glory of the Almighty pierces through the dreary darkness of this sin-stained realm in untold, and unexpected, places.  It is beheld in the embrace of a friend.  God's glory can be seen in the sunset sky by faith-full eyes.  The love of the Father is even echoed through the faintest whispers of our children..."Daddy, I love you."  God's creative genius is even imitated through song.  The glory of God surrounds us.  Yet, our chronic self-absorption...our preoccupation with foolishness...drowns out its glorious tones.  One of the most horrific effects of our depravity is our ridiculous contentment with the shallow passions of the flesh.  Choosing sin over savoring the goodness of God is like deciding to eat under cooked, maggot-infested beef instead of filet mignon.

The lyrics to Doxology (meaning, "an expression of praise/glory to God") are as follows:

Praise God from whom all blessings flow.

Praise Him, all creatures here below.

Praise Him above, ye heav'nly host.

Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.

Stop.  Look.  Focus.  Observe.  Think.  Decide.  Praise Him.

"Cool" Jonah

I came home from youth group Sunday night to this picture that Laurie had captured of my youngest son Jonah.  If "a picture is worth a thousand words", then this one pretty well sums up my baby boy.  He keeps us smiling and laughing each and every day.  He's not lacking for personality, that much is for sure.  It's hard to believe that he's only been around for two years!

Psalm 127:3 says, "Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward."  God has filled my home with His love and there are four priceless treasures that remind me of His amazing grace every day.  Laurie, Gabbie, Luke, and Jonah are all special gifts of God's love to me.  God's goodness is truly overwhelming.

But, I wonder, why is it so easy to forget the greatest, most important gifts that come to us from God?  Don't you agree that too often people (you and me) forget just how blessed their lives are?  How frequently do we offer a "sacrifice of praise" to God for His daily graces to us?  Are we living grateful lives before God for our families, our homes, and our jobs?  Not matter how difficult times are, if you truly seeking God, then there are plenty of reasons to praise Him!

Take a few minutes right now to express your gratitude to God for some blessing in your life.

Monday Morning Preacher: John 15:12-17

Yesterday was "Friendship Sunday" at my church.  We had an awesome Sunday morning with several new guests who came at the invitation of some of our members.  My text for the morning's message was John 15:12-17.  In this passage Jesus famously says to his disciples:  "No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you" (John 15:15).  My sermon outline was organized around three very important questions which are implied in the text:  1) Are you a friend of Jesus?; 2) Are you a friend to Jesus?; and 3) Are you a friend like Jesus?  Here are a few thoughts from yesterday's message.  What an amazing reality it is that God desires friendship with us!

Are you a friend of Jesus?
Jesus shared these words of love and encouragement with his disciples on the eve of his own darkest hour.  Jesus was the Teacher (rabboni), yet, in his own special way, he broke the normal, cultural traditions by not only calling his students "friends" ("servant" would have been the typical designation) but by reminding his friends that he had chosen them, not the other way around (John 15:16).  It was customary for a would-be disciple to choose his tutor. Friendship with Jesus (ie. God) is not something that we would choose freely on our own.  It is all by his grace.

The disciples had been selected by the Lord and entrusted with the "secret" of his kingdom (see also Psalm 25:14 for an interesting OT correlation).  Jesus had invested three years in these men and sought to impart much-needed encouragement to them for terrible trial (his own death) which they would soon face.  Jesus graciously called these men from various temporal pursuits in order to impart heavenly wisdom to them and commission them for the eternal work of the church.  What's more, Jesus "laid down his life" (ie. his crucifixion) in order that his friends could experience the forgiveness of sins.

Are you a friend to Jesus?
John 15:14 states, "You are my friends if you do what I command you."  Becoming friends with God is something that was only possible because of the grace of God.  But, the second implied question in this passage concerns the result of this friendship.  I put it this way yesterday: We become friends with Jesus by His selection, we exhibit that we are friends with Jesus by our obedience.  All friendships run two-directions.  There are certain "expectations" or "conditions" assumed in a friendship.

The disciples' lives were radically impacted by their relationship with Jesus.  They had observed what true love for God was all about, and Jesus here challenges them to make sure that they remain genuinely committed to fulfilling their purpose even after his death.  Belief in Jesus Christ always results, at least to some degree, in "fruit-bearing".

Are you a friend like Jesus?
Jesus was obviously concerned that his followers imitate the sort of sacrificial love which they saw in his life.  Twice in this text Jesus says "This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you" (vs. 12, 17).  Friendship with Jesus results in obedience to his commands and love for one another.  The early church was characterized by authentic care one to another (cf. Acts 2:42-47; 4:32-37).  This is the often overlooked dimension of friendship with Jesus.

John 13:35 says, "By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another."  The philos (friend) of God will care about doing the will of God, as well as reflecting the love of Christ with the church.  As I shared with my church, Jesus' life and sacrifice not only provided the means of our salvation, but it also set the pattern for our lives as God's reconciled children.  Friendship with Jesus should result in obedience to God's will and tender affection for God's children.

For further reflection:
- Could your relationship with Jesus be characterized by the word "friendship"?
- What are the blessings of friendship with Jesus Christ?
- What part does God have in your relationship with Him?  What part do you have?
- How are you doing at the "love one another" part?  In what practical way can you better cultivate the "greater love" of Jesus for others?  What sort of impact might this love have on others?

The Blessing of Blogging

If at first (or fourth) you don't succeed, try, try again.  After too many months away I'm re-entering the "blogosphere" not out of guilt, but out of love.  I recently realized that I love the Bible, my family, pastoral ministry, and other random happenings that the Lord brings my way in life too much to let golden opportunities to "tell of His goodness" slip by.  There is a definite blessing in remembering the kindness of the Lord and in sharing the blessings of life in Jesus with others.  So, once again, here we go...

Praise the Lord!

I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart, 

in the company of the upright, in the congregation. 

Great are the works of the Lord,

studied by all who delight in them.

Full of splendor and majesty is his work,

and his righteousness endures forever.

He has caused his wondrous works to be remembered; 

the Lord is gracious and merciful.

Psalm 111:1-4 (ESV)