Stop Doing Church – Introduction
Here are some beginning thoughts on my upcoming sermon and Bible class series, “Stop Doing Church.” The focus of the lesson will be on “stop doing church” and “start being the church.” I will be sharing thoughts throughout the upcoming week as I preach through this series in January.
Take a moment, give it a read and let me know what you think.
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Stop Doing Church #1
Non-Christians are looking to you to make an eternal difference in their life; whether they believe it or not. Even though they act as if their minds are made up, the prosperity of their lives will fade and they will need someone to pull them out of the muck and mire of materialism. Take the recent turn in the economy for an example; since the economy has taken quite a downturn, many are changing their priorities regarding religion and family. Are the “called-out” (Christians) taking advantage of the recent change in people lives? Or are Christians settling back and waiting for the world to arrive at their door?
Taking advantage of every opportunity that presents itself need to be a goal for every Christian. Remember, Christians do not retire! I once heard Frank Higginbotham say, “The church is a place of work and heaven is a place of rest.” There are times when Christians want the world to come to them, instead of the Christians going into the world. After all, isn’t that what Christ spoke to the chosen few?
“Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel…” (Mark 16.15; ESV)
The disciples were to “go” not stay. They were to take an active part in sharing the gospel with mankind beginning with the people in their own town. There are many churches that go into the entire world and forget there are helpless and struggling behind down the block from their church building. I bet there are even struggling people in their own assemblies, but we do not have the personal contact with them to reach out to them. It is difficult to help someone, when you do not sympathize or identify with their problems.
Jesus was able to conquer the world and leave Christians powerful opportunities because He went through the same struggles people face in everyday life. (See Hebrews 4.15) Jesus knew and still knows what it is like to live on this cruel dirt clod called “Earth.” In fact, He knows what it is like to live on this Earth, but better still, He knows what it is like to overcome the Earth. His life was not 33 years of walking and talking, but it was 33 years and changing the people around Him so He could see them one day. He provided opportunities and teaching to everyone with whom he came contact. He never avoided the homeless, the lame the wise or children, instead He embraced them with His life. It would be His innocent life which would be laid out as a sacrifice for them. He did it for you and he did it for me. He even did it for the person down the street and the person living in the gated community across town. He did it so we may share his life with those in the world!
I am a believer that Christ provided us the perfect example of all-time regarding the way we should conduct our lives. His focus was not Himself, but the will of the Father. Would our lives change if we took a few moments and made the Father’s will the goal of our life? Would we be transformed with a new hope and a refreshed spirit? If so, then what are we waiting on? The time is now to seek the power of the gospel in the lives of people around us!
Will you act today?
Stay tuned for more on “Stop Doing Church?”
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Just some thoughts,
Chris
Monday Morning Blues – Senior Citizens
Good Morning! I hope your Christmas was a blessed one! I wanted to share short public service announcement this morning to remind you not to mess with senior citizens. Enjoy!
Have a great day!
Chris
Ten Promises for a Blessed Year
A resolution is nothing more that a promise each person makes oneself. Every year resolutions are made before the New Year even begins and many of them fade before the beginning of March. I believe many resolutions fall short because people lose motivation within a few weeks. If you are making spiritual resolutions this year, remember the “Ten Promises for a Blessed Year” below and let them be your motivation!
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Here are your “Ten Promises for a Blessed Year!”
1. The Promise of a Gift
“But grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ’s gift.” (Ephesians 4.7; ESV)
2. The Promise of the Son
“Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace, according to your word; for my eyes have seen your salvation that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to your people Israel." (Luke 2.29-32; ESV)
3. The Promise of the Spirit
“Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words.” (Romans 8.26; ESV)
4. The Promise of God
“I will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Hebrews 13.5; ESV)
5. The Promise of a Rainbow
“When the bow is in the clouds, I will see it and remember the everlasting covenant between God and every living creature of all flesh that is on the earth.” (Genesis 9.16; ESV)
6. The Promise of a Crown
“Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that Day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing.” (2 Timothy 4.8; ESV)
7. The Promise of Better Promises
“But as it is, Christ has obtained a ministry that is as much more excellent than the old as the covenant he mediates is better, since it is enacted on better promises.” (Hebrews 8.6; ESV)
8. The Promise of Cleansing
“But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin.” (1 John 1.7; ESV)
9. The Promise of Forgiveness
“For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you…” (Matthew 6.14; ESV)
10. The Promise of Heaven
“And this is the promise that he made to us–eternal life.” (1 John 2.25; ESV)
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Just some Sunday thoughts,
Chris
Sunday’s Sermon – The Church in 2010
As 2009 draws to a close, I have spent some time reflecting on the challenges face by Christians and congregations. Each challenge has been unique, but the challenge was clear –
“Be the best that God would have us to be by fully relying on the Son He sent and the life He promises and be sure to share it with others.”
In light of that statement, I put together some thoughts on “The Church in 2010.” There are some challenges ahead, but I believe focusing on the areas in this lesson provides us countless opportunities to share with others the saving message of Jesus.
Give it a look and let me know what you think. (As always, the PowerPoint is a simple guide to my thoughts throughout the lesson. It is not an in-depth study guide, just a point maker.)
Just some thoughts,
Chris
December 26 and Matthew 25
The morning silence was broken when six feet, carrying our three children, made their way downstairs to see what “magically” appeared overnight. With each step, their bodies began to move faster and the sleepiness began to fade from their eyes. Reaching the fourth step from the bottom, they were able to see the tree and the surprises which lay underneath. Their eyes opened wide and filled with the sparkles of a Christmas morning. The presents under the tree brought smiles to their innocent faces and the annual tearing of the paper was about begin!
What happened next seems to take place every year; Santa leaves about two presents for each child and those are the first to be seen and held. After a brief moment, the focus turns to the wrapped ones; the ones from Mom and Dad. Without a word, each child begins to pass out the gifts for everyone but themselves. They want to see what everyone else got, more than what was given to them. I am amazed and excited by their gift of giving, but more amazed at what God was given us.
The presents under the tree were not attained by human achievement, but they were given as a gift from the Father of Lights. (James 1.17) While Carrie and I may have spent hours in the stores, clicking online stores and even searching for the gifts, they are not possible without the God of Heaven!
Every Christmas I am reminded of a short parable speaking a GIANT truth, known as the “Parable of the Talents.” The verse that brings the most significance to my life is this:
“For to everyone who has will more be given, and he will have an abundance.” (Matthew 25.29; ESV)
Jesus’ words are spoken as the result of the lazy servant. The one talent man was entrusted with a gift from the master and never used it. Instead, because of fear, he hid the gift and never put it to use. Granted, the gifts at Christmas time are not the same as the ones in Matthew 25, but shouldn’t we use the gifts that we have been given?
Just asking and thinking. I hope you have a wonderful and blessed day!
Just my thoughts,
Chris
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