Why Teach in Parables? – Sermon PowerPoint

Posted by Chris Gallagher on Jul 31, 2010 in Uncategorized | 0 comments

Jesus had an amazing way of touching the hearts, lives and spirituality of everyone around him. Some took him seriously and made a commitment to following Him, while others simply put Him off as another teacher. As the news of Jesus spread, even His critics were challenged by His methods and message.

Jesus’ teaching in parable is quite amazing because some parables taught one point, some taught several points and still others used a combination of both. The lesson below is a simple look at the way Jesus taught in parables. it is a general lesson, with a few specifics. Take a moment and give it a quick look.

As always, thanks for stopping by the Preacher’s Pen.

Just my thoughts,

Chris

“What I Love about the Church…” – Doug Young, Guest Writer

Posted by Chris Gallagher on Jul 30, 2010 in Uncategorized | 3 comments

What I Love About the Church

by Doug Young

I’ve met numerous people who both love and possess a certain sense of disgust for the church, both, for a myriad of different reasons. Ironically, many of the one’s who loathe the church are, actually, a part of it. They’ve been burned, though, and they say they aren’t going back, either. Some might, but they are going to have to cool down a bit.

Most certainly, this is to be expected. Contrary to common perceptions, the church isn’t worship. The church isn’t a building where Christians come together or people get married. The church is people, and any time you bring people together into one collective there will be difficulty. It’s always been that way.

Just read the book of Acts. People of all sorts found Christ, and consequently found himself or herself added to the collective body of the redeemed (Acts 2:47). They were from different places, and later were even of different nationalities. But this made things extremely difficult for them. It was anything but an easy transition. Personalities and personal preferences often lead to conflict. The first century church couldn’t even escape this inevitable outcome.

Without question, what I struggle with most about the church is also what I love most about it…the people. I love that the church is people, imperfect people made whole by a perfect Savior. Yet, this truth can do one of two things. It can either foster an air of superiority that smacks of all things Pharisaical or it can thrust us into the humble way of Jesus, serving saint and sinner alike. When the latter of the two happens, I see my greatest love and appreciation for the church in full bloom. When the former of the two is witnessed, I find myself wanting to do very little for her.

I love that the church is community. All who a part of it share a number of things in common. The single greatest commonality is that we all were lost and is now found in Christ. We share stories, experiences, and hardships with each other, all in an effort to relate and encourage one another. We are a worshiping community that expresses adoration and praise to the God who redeemed us from our past and causes us to be justified by the life of His Son. We are family, and I love that those whose upbringing might have been deficient when it comes to family bonds get opportunities to forge those bonds with others in the family of God.

I love that the church is thrust into the mission of God (Ephesians 3:9-11). It’s calling is to proclaim the gospel in both message and life. In doing so, it’s engaging in “the ministry of reconciliation” (2 Corinthians 5:18-19). God, through this mission, is reconciling the world to himself. Take it or leave it. If you are a part of the church, you are a part of the mission of God. You are called to serve, and serve you must.

I love that the church is Christ’s (Acts 20:28), not mine. I am a part of his collective, not the other way around. This is his mentoring program. I’m his disciple. I follow after his ways. I need not try to make him into what I want. By the Spirit, he is making me into who he wants (2 Corinthians 3:18).

I love the church for these reasons. I’m sure there are more. But these are the ones that are churning and burning inside of me. I hope they will do for you what they have done for me!

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About Doug Young:

Doug has done pulpit work for the last 10 years, but has recently begun working with the New Mexico Christian Children’s Home in Portales, NM. He and his wife, Tisha, have three children. He is currently working on a Masters Degree in Conflict Resolution and Reconciliation through Abilene Christian University.

Doug’s writing and thought may also be found on his website: http://douglasryoung.net/

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Personal Note:

I thank Doug for his willingness to take some time and guest write for the Preacher’s Pen site. I first “met” Doug on Facebook and Twitter, but shook Doug’s hand for the first time in Tulsa last year. Doug truly has a heart for the lost and a heart to assist others reach heaven. I wish Doug the best as he is now working with the New Mexico Christian Children’s Home. May the Lord bless this new endeavor!

Just some thoughts,

Chris

“What I Love about the Church…” – Jamie Riley, Guest Writer

Posted by Chris Gallagher on Jul 28, 2010 in Uncategorized | 1 comment

Like many, I was born to Christian parents. Actually to take it a step further my dad was also the pulpit minister of a small church in the small town where we lived…I was literally brought up in the church. So when trying to share what I love about the church, the task for me isn’t identifying something I love about the church, but actually narrowing the list down to what I love most about it.

In the church I’ve been loved more than I deserve, served by people with greater character than I possess, taught by those who deserve more respect than I’ve given them, blessed with friendships with people who really shouldn’t have to put up with me, I’ve been forgiven when I was wrong, helped when in need, encouraged when I was down, guided when I had lost my way, held when I was broken, and so much more.

In the church I met my loving wife who is the most amazing woman of god, been given the best friends of any man, ever – who I would trust with my very life, and found a place where people are genuinely happy to see me…me!

In the church I’ve been trusted, supported, believed in, prayed for, built up, protected, and challenged,

In the church I’ve seen people hurt more by one another than I could have ever dreamed, and in the church I’ve seen people love so deeply, for so long, so freely, and so powerfully that lives and eternity were literally changed…and in those moments I’m sure I sensed God smile.

But what I love most about the church is about how our Father loves us intensely, and the two ways He demonstrated that love to us.

In 2 Corinthians 5:13-21 Paul talks about the two things I love most about the church. Honestly when I read this I begin to understand why Paul put a disclaimer in the text, because when I read the awesome things God has done for me I start to get a little jacked up too.

He writes here about how Christ’s love compelled them, and it compels us as well does it not?! He also writes about how “if anyone is in Christ he is a new creation,” and I really am thrilled about that. I know I don’t deserve salvation, but he has given it to me and that love drives me! It drives us!

But what happens next blows my mind! Don’t get me wrong, Jesus on the cross blows my mind and I’m forever thankful for His sacrifice. But I have come to believe in Him being so wonderful, merciful, kind, loving, and compassionate that He would die for an unworthy one like me.

But what he does next…stuns me. Paul says not only does he forgive you and make you new, but he then trusts you with that most precious to him. Sharing his heart with those he loves who are still not sure he loves them.

I’ve been the one needing forgiveness from someone before, and when they finally gave it, they still treated me as though I’m a loser, as if I really don’t deserve what they did for me. But God doesn’t treat us as our sins deserve. He doesn’t handle us, or treat us as though we’re second rate good-for-nothings. He gives our lives purpose and meaning as he calls us his ambassadors, and that he’s making his appeal to the world through us. How awesome is that? We are saved and not only saved, but given a trusted job/purpose by the Father!

That is what I love most about the church!

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About Jamie Riley:

My name is Jamie Riley. I’m the husband of the lovely Kristin, and the daddy of a beautiful little girl named Kendall Riley – age 6 years. I’m blessed to be the Associate Minister of the Sunshine Church of Christ – and, as a part of that role – I serve as a Campus Minister to Innermission Campus Ministry, an outreach to Shawnee State University. I enjoy sports, and outdoor activities; golfing and hiking are a blast. I also enjoy spending time with good friends, especially when our time is spent talking with, or about God. What else is there?

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Personal Note:

I appreciate Jamie’s willingness to write a guest article for the Preacher’s Pen amid his busy schedule. Jamie has been joining with others for some mission work in Honduras! Pray for Jamie and the others in their travels!

Thanks for stopping by,

Chris

“What I Love About the Church” – Special Guest Writer

Posted by Chris Gallagher on Jul 27, 2010 in Uncategorized | 0 comments

Keith Kasarjian is our guest writer for the Preacher’s Pen today. Take a moment and enjoy Keith’s thoughts. Keith bio information is contained below the article.

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I LOVE THY KINGDOM LORD

by Keith Kasarjian

I could not agree more with these words, written long ago by Timothy Dwight. In the ecumenical times in which we live, those of us who do love the church of our Lord need to stand up and be counted. There are those who seek to minimize the church by saying, "I can go to Heaven without being a member." There are those who seek to blur the distinctive nature of the kingdom by proposing, "One is as good as another." And still there are those whose absence of love for the kingdom is painfully obvious by their lack of activity in and support of the church of our Lord.

If do we do, in fact, love the kingdom of God, let us not become timid or intimidated by the aforementioned. Instead, let us rise up as the children of God and publicly proclaim our love for His church.

I love thy kingdom Lord because you have allowed me to be a member of it. I realize I have not earned the privilege nor do I deserve to be a member of the church of our Lord. I know it is only through the grace of Almighty that my sins can be forgiven. I am fully aware that without the blood of Jesus I am still outside of Christ and most miserable. My realization of these things makes me love and appreciate, even more, the Lord’s church.

1 John 3:1 says, "Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God…" How can anyone feel anything but gratitude for blessing of being adopted as a child of God.

I love thy kingdom Lord because it is your body. That the church is the body of Christ is one of the most plainly taught doctrines in all of scripture.[Col.1:24, Eph.1:22,23, 1 Cor.12:27] This fact has at least two major implications for the Christian. (1) I am to be an active member of the church. 1 Corinthians 12:14-27 teaches that every Christian is a member of the body of Christ, and, as such, each member must pull his load and play his part. When members are not active as they should be, the body does not function as it was intended to. (2) I am not to malign the church. "Church-bashing" has become popular among some brethren, but not among those who realize that the church is the body of Christ! When one sees the church as it really is, they recognize that when they malign and criticize the church they strike a blow against the body of our Savior! May no such charge ever be brought against us!

I love thy kingdom Lord because of the price you paid for it. We usually place a value on something based on the price we pay for it. For example, if we pay $1,000 for a watch we believe it to be valuable. Are you aware of the price paid for the church? Acts 20:28 says, "Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood." What a high price! How precious the church must be! When people come to appreciate the price paid for the church they do not minimize it or think it to be no better than a man-made institution. Instead, they love it, serve in it, and seek the best for it.

Can we honestly say, based on our attitudes and actions, that we really love the kingdom of our Lord?

Keith Kasarjian

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About Keith Kasarjian:

Keith has been married to Kim for 20 years and has 3 children – Molly, Kyle, and Blake. Keith has preached for 20 years for churches in Alabama, Tennessee, and Kentucky. He earned the B.A. from Faulkner University and an M.B.S. from Bear Valley Bible Institute of Denver.

Keith has taught in Bear Valley extensions in Kentucky, Ukraine, Tanzania, Uganda, and Panama and is the coordinator for the extension in Nigeria. He has done additional mission work in Scotland, Russia, Canada, Greece, Armenia, South Africa, Cambodia, and Zambia. His writings have been published in periodicals such as Gospel Advocate, Words of Truth, and The Gospel Journal.

Keith is a scuba diver, a marathon runner, and a private pilot who also enjoys camping with his family, golf, most anything outdoors, fitness, investing, and cooking.

Keith is also available for speaking opportunities. You may contact him at his email address by clicking here.

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Personal Note:

I appreciate Keith’s thoughts regarding his love for the church. I met Keith for the first time at WVCYC several years. Keith did an excellent job working with the youth and speaking to them about the Bible. His lessons were challenging and very applicable to their lives. Since then, I have heard Keith speak again and he does an excellent work. Thanks Keith for taking a moment to write for the Preacher’s Pen.

Just some thoughts…

Chris

“What I Love About the Church” – John Alan Turner

Posted by Chris Gallagher on Jul 25, 2010 in Uncategorized | 1 comment

“I like Jesus, but I don’t like the Church.”

I’ve heard people say that. Heck, I’ve heard preachers say that! And maybe they’ve got good reasons. Honesty forces me to admit that The Church hasn’t always looked a lot like Jesus. We bicker and brawl. We split theological hairs and exclude people who don’t agree with us. We divide over dumb things like which songs to sing and what color to paint the foyer. Oh, and there were the Crusades. And that whole Spanish Inquisition thing. That was us, too. Sorry.

There are lots of reasons why a person might say they don’t like The Church.

But I can’t say it.

See…I have this thing for The Church.

I have a love/hate relationship with churches. They provoke disappointment and anger — sometimes bordering on rage — in me. I sometimes wish I could just stop going to church altogether, stop the whole corrupt enterprise.

But, when it comes to The Church, I can’t seem to help myself.

I have a love/hate relationship with churches, but The Church — capital T; capital C — that’s another story. The Church is the hope of the world.

Maybe that’s a bit of an overstatement. Jesus himself is the hope of the world, but The Church is supposed to be the physical manifestation of Jesus in our day and age.
I grieve over churches that fail and church leaders who allow fear and anxiety to rule the roost. I cannot abide churches that play games and engage in petty politics. I have a low threshold for manipulation and triangulation. I can spot an ego problem a mile away (probably because that’s something I personally struggle with — it always seems easier to point out flaws in someone else that you recognize in yourself).

The biggest problem I have with churches is that so many of them lack integrity. They say they’re committed to one thing, but their actions betray them.

And yet….

I can’t quit. I can’t help myself. I cannot stop thinking about and working with The Church — made up of all these mad local congregations. I love these churches that drive me absolutely crazy. I root for these churches and constantly look for things in them to celebrate. I long for them to gather together and recognize that it’s only as they work together that they actually do become The Church — the Body of Christ — God’s plan to save the world.

Because I knew I would be writing this for you, I sent a little tweet out the other day asking folks what they love about The Church. Everybody who responded sent me a list of what they love about Their Church.

I don’t know about you, but I think that’s interesting.

Are we so myopic that we can only see what’s happening at our local church? Are we even aware that our union with Christ mystically joins us to a much larger body than just the folks I can pick out of the church directory?

I’m rambling a little. Maybe I’m stalling.

Here’s my bottom line — what I love about The Church: It’s big. It’s way bigger than I can get my arms around. I don’t know everybody and they don’t all know me — even though we’re all family. Most importantly, The Church isn’t my church, and it isn’t your church. It’s not even our church. It’s God’s Church, and it’s too big to be controlled by any one person or any one group of people.

And this great, gigantic Church — this Body of Christ — is, without a doubt, the single most powerful force of good in the world — when it comes together and flexes its muscles. The Church is responsible for educating children, liberating women, overturning slavery, caring for the sick, clothing the naked and feeding the hungry. You remove The Church and the lights will literally go out in some places.

We banished the Gladiatorial Games. We outlasted the Roman Empire. When China outlawed The Church, it started spreading like the kiddie crud in your local elementary school! There’s more drinkable water in Africa now than there was a generation ago. And there’s a lower infant mortality rate, too.

Why? Because The Church does that. The Church does what Jesus did and gets results. The Church doesn’t just exist for its own sake. It exists for the good of the whole world — regardless of whether that world ever joins or not.

This world still remains upside-down. That may be more obvious in some places than others, but all you have to do is watch CNN for a few minutes to figure out it’s true. God’s plan is to turn it all rightside-up again, and the way he’s going to accomplish that is through The Church — not your church, not my church, The Church, his Church.

And that’s what I love about it.

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About John Alan Turner

I am a husband, a father, a son, a brother and a friend. I work as a writer, a theologian, a consultant and a teacher. I have one wife, four books, three daughters and a dog, and we all live in a great house about an hour outside of Dallas, TX. I like jazz, baseball and reading — though not necessarily in that order.

I believe Jesus was the most brilliant man to ever walk on the earth, and I also believe he was God incarnate who lived a sinless life, died a sacrificial death and rose victorious from the dead.

I believe the message of the Bible is the most life-changing message of all time, and I believe God has called us to share that message with others in a way that makes sense to them.

I believe people would live much better lives if they would periodically take the time to re-examine what they really believe. That’s what my Faith 2.0 is all about.

John’s website is http://faith20.org

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Personal Note:

I thank John for writing and challenging our thinking. I believe it is the challenges that make us stronger. may we, as members of the Church, strive to take an upside-down world and turn it right-side up!

Thanks John for taking time out of your busy schedule and writing for the Preacher’s Pen!

Just my thoughts…

Chris