Benefits versus Responsibilities Part 3

March 26, 2009

Here are some additional benefits and responsibilities of believers. (Neither list is exhaustive)

#3.  Additional Blessings God pours out on His people.

Acceptance before God through Jesus Christ
Insight into God’s will
God’s mercy and love
An eternal inheritance
Wisdom and Knowledge
Spiritual life
The promise of eternal kindness (Eph 2:7)
The knowledge of God’s plan for us (Eph 2:10)
Unity with believers
Peace

#4. Responsibilities of believers

To grow and mature
To put away the old (Eph 4:17-24; 5:2-14)
To speak honestly and truthfully
To imitate God
To walk in love
To be good stewards (time, finances, relationships, etc…)
To be filled with the spirit (Eph 5:18)
To submit to one another
To have marriages that honor God
To demonstrate integrity in the workplace
To stand strong against the forces of evil

When I read the above list of benefits {blessings} I get excited and want to praise God. When I read the list of responsibilities it is a little overwhelming.

It is the grace and mercy of God that provides us with all of the blessings, and gives us strength to accomplish the responsibilities.

One final thought on the responsibilities: It takes work and diligence to be successful in the responsibilities of the Kingdom.  The responsibilities can be difficult at times, or inconvenient others, but we must be stead fast in our pursuit of the Kingdom.

The book of Matthew provides us with great wisdom and insight when we compare the benefits and responsibilities.

Matthew 6:33

33 But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.

Seeking first the kingdom of God and His righteousness is done through understanding and walking out the responsibilities of being a believer.

Thoughts?

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Benefits versus Responsibilites Part 2

March 24, 2009

Today I want to continue discussing the benefits (blessings) and the responsibilities of believers.

2. God pours out His blessings – Our responsibility (call) to spiritual warfare.

Many Christian can testify of the blessings that God has poured out in their lives. Many of us could spend hours describing the abundance of grace and mercy alone.  In addition, many believers live a life amazing peace, financial prosperity, maturing & genuine relationships,  and the ability to grow in godliness.

I know I can praise God and thank Him for the blessings of my wife, our children, our church family, and many, many more things that He poured out into my life. I am very thankful!

When someone receives Christ or rededicates their life to following Jesus as their Lord and Savior they begin to experience the blessings that God pours out on His children.

During that same transition period it is important for new believers to understand their responsibility to walk in accordance with His heavenly calling  in Christ Jesus and encourage the body of Christ to maturity in Him.

Even though the Christian is blessed “with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ” (Ephesians 1:3), spiritual warfare is still the daily experience of Christians while in the world. (Ephesians 6:10-20)

The spiritual world is real and it makes an impact on more than is obvious to most believers. Paul offers insight and direction for not being taken unaware in the midst of the invisible battle around us.

Many times we struggle with things that are hard to explain or have a rough day at work, or just feel that intense pressure or weight on our shoulders, yet seemingly nothing is really wrong or needed to be done.  Not all, but many of these instances in my life have been due to spiritual warfare, and a need to go to my prayer closet and seek God.

In Ephesians 6 Paul describes the weapons of warfare that I  have turned to during these times.  Paul offers insight and wisdom in these verses, and describes the weapons of prayer, and God’s Word. It is in the tongue that brings power and life to the Word of God. I will read scripture out loud or quote some verses that pertain to my situation. The spoken Word of God has power to change things.

Then in my prayers I will seek God and ask Him for the breakthrough or victory that I need, while thanking Him for the victory that was won on the Cross.

I will close with this, His Word coupled with our Faith — changes things — it changes everything!

Next time you are experiencing one of the amazing blessings from God, remember to spend a few moments thanking Him and praying for other situations in your life, and for those struggles in others lives.

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Benefits versus Responsibilites Part 1

March 23, 2009

I know people in the church are always talking abou the blessings (benefits) of living a Christian life, and how coming into a life giving church can radically change your life.  HONESTLY SEEING THAT CHANGE NEVER GETS OLD!

The one thing I do not hear a lot of Christians or churches talking about is the responsibilities that come with those blessings. When someone enters into the Kingdom of God they recieve the full benefits of living in the Kingdom, however they also recieve all of the responsibilities of living in the Kingdom.

Many things in life operate in this same manner, yet we simply do not aply this practical reality to the church, especially to God’s Kingdom.

So this week I want to spend sometime on discussing the benefits (blessings) and the responsibilities of believers.

1. Accepted into the famiy — use our abilities for the church’s benefit

Very few believers would argue that there are major benefits and blessings that begin to manifest in thier lives as they begin to plug into a community of believers where they are welcomed, wanted, and accepted. It is a SECOND FAMILY that accepts them with open arms.  The blessings that come from this are too numerable for me to list.

Ephesians 4:7-13 that as believers we are to use our abilities for the churches benefit. Ephesians 4:12 specifically says, ” for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ”.

In too many churches in America today the believers believe that it is the “paid” pastor’s responsibility to do ministry, and to carry out all the “work” of the church.

According to scripture that is the furthest thing from the truth. It is the pastor’s job to equip the saints for the work of ministry.  It is my belief that everyone should doing ministry. The Great Commission in Matthew 28 is for every believer and not just for the “paid” pastor or the elders of the church.

A final take away here today is that it is amazing and wonderful when people begin to be adopted into the family, but with that comes the responsibility to use your abilities to benefit the family.

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Leadership Via Dora part 3

March 19, 2009

Back in January I posted 2 blogs that still to date have been my most viewed posts.

I have talked from time to time about posting a Leadership Via Dora Part 3.

So here it goes!

Have you ever noticed when watching Dora that she is not about her own business?

She continually is looking to serve and help people on every episode. {Okay, maybe there was that one Dora’s Birthday Surprise}.

Every time I watch Dora with my three year old, it jumps out at me that she is trying to serve someone or something. Always trying to bring restoration to a situation, reconcile a relationship, or help someone accomplish a goal.

Sound like anyone you know?

Matthew 20:28

28just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.

Mark 10:45

45For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.

It is amazing that a simple childrens program gets it, but the majority of our society is out for themselves. Our society teaches people to be out for number one.

In our culture we are so caught up with instant gratification,  and securing goods for ourselves that many fail to serve their neighbor. We definitely live in a time and culture that no longer loves their neighbor as thyself or serves others as a lifestyle.

Another interesting fact about Dora is that she is no respecter of persons and even forgives Swiper the Fox for swiping items from her party or adventures. In several episodes Swiper and Dora work together to accomplish their goal like the Friendship 1 hour special.

I know… it sounds like I am obsessed with Dora. I am not.

I am however, very interested in learning from Media how to reach and teach the next generation {and our adults} how to get a hold of the truth God has laid out in his wonderful & amazing Word!

Hope you enjoyed Part 3…please feel free to leave some feedback.

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The Word

March 6, 2009

I heard an interview today and it got me thinking.

I have been preaching some hard core foundational stuff lately, and prior to that some inspirational, challenging sermons.

Recently God has had me preach on the encounter between Nicodemus and Jesus. It is a story from the New Testament that has drama and a provacative discussion between the two involved. That sermon had real fruit.

You see the Bible is full of messy situations, violence, sex, back stabbing, drama, and family feuds. That is just the Old Testament. The NT is also full of drama, back stabbing, love, service, and redemption.

The description above sounds like a best selling romance, action novel or even a new drama developed for NBC.

Yet church is boring! We preach from this thing called the Bible and somehow we pick out the clean cut passages, leave out all the provacative topics available, and PLAY CHURCH.

Our culture portrays the Word of God as a nice and neat wrapped up piece of wisdom and literature.

It is time the church quits being the nice and neat boring place you’re dressed up for and spend money at on Sundays!

Life is messy, we are flawed, and we have drama. We need the action, life and redemption that the Word of God presents on the pages of the Bible.

Here is my challenge to you today!

Find something you have not read or at least not in a while, or something interesting to you in the Word.

Read it and ask yourself, “How does that apply to my life and those around me?”

I am positive that in the messy, flawed lives of those in the Word and the inspirational life of Christ you will find that it is far from boring, and it is life changing!

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TWISI

March 5, 2009

TWISI = The Way I See It!

At Overflow Church we are about to embark on an amazing journey to discover and evaluate the way you see the world!

In life many people ponder about things, but few take the time to reflect on how they see things, or why they see them the way that they do.  In a world full of moral and social relativism, the truth is in short supply.

I genuinely believe that we will have fun and enjoy the provocative discussions that will ensue during these 6 short weeks.

The ground that is covered in these 6 weeks is emence, and  will stretch you to the point that your mind might throb a little.

All in all, I believe this will change your life and the way you see the World forever.

Overflowers… start praying now… for God to shape, stretch, and challenge you through TWISI!

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Tuesday Night Reflection

March 4, 2009

Tuesday Night Reflections is normally a time for me to reflect on the happenings of the previous week and random thoughts about the things going on in sports, culture, and the church.

This week is going to be a little different. I spent 3 days in Nashville attending some leadership meetings.  Then church on Sunday was heavy and deep with the Hebrews 12 sermon on “What can be shaken, will be shaken”.

Today I want to reflect on a couple of blogs, and then what I have done about it.

1. Where Are You? – A realistic look at yourself and where you are with your walk with Christ.
2. Questions – What are you believing for, and what are you doing about it?
3. Where are You? Part 2 – With the things in the world being shaken, are you on the same page with your spouse? Key Relationships in you life?

All three of these blogs flowed out of some processing I have been doing lately. I have been concerned with some people around me, and some old friends progression in their Walk with the Lord.

I have looking at those people in my life that I am charged with by God to disciple, and evaluating fruit. To be honest with you there has been some good fruit, and some not so good fruit.

Then I took some hard looks at my personal walk, growth,  and physical health. All of this came to a point last night.

Ashlee and I went to dinner at Chili’s (My favorite place) and had a talk. We discussed several issues and concerns about church, non-church, and family life.

She came with a list of items and concerns. She presented her case, and I repeated what I thought she was trying to communicate before giving my feedback. It was good!

We discussed the key areas of our life, and made sure we were on the same page.  Many times we assume people are on board with what we are doing, but it pays dividends to stop and find out.

My wife honored my by writing out in detail her concerns and questions to make sure I was on board with all that she was wanting to pursue. I felt respected, honored, and empowered to release her and encourage her in many areas. At the same time, I felt released and encouraged to continue to pursue somethings that I know are difficult for her and my family.

It was so powerful.  You see all the ministry and changed lives are worth the work,  long days, and painful decisions that I make and my family lives with day in and day out. There is no question that it is worth it.

Ashlee and I did come to an agreement that it is worth all the pain and suffering, but it is not worth our marriage.  Last night, we placed our marriage and family as a priority and dealt with some things even though we had meetings that I had to find someone else to lead for me. It was worth it!

I believe that God used that to bring breakthrough to my marriage, my family life, my church, and even our prayers.

Just some encouraging words for you pastors, leaders, and believers out there.

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Where Are You? Part 2

March 3, 2009

Last week I wrote part 1 of “Where Are You? which discussed the three basic stages of maturing in your Christian Faith and walk with Christ. The ultimate question was “where are you in your walk?”

The first post was based on Hebrews chapter 5,  today I want to take a look a little further in Hebrews.

This past Sunday I preached on Hebrews 12 verses 18-29.  Let’s take a look at them.

Hebrews 12:26-28

26And His voice shook the earth then, but now He has promised, saying, “YET ONCE MORE I WILL SHAKE NOT ONLY THE EARTH, BUT ALSO THE HEAVEN.”

27This expression, “Yet once more,” denotes the removing of those things which can be shaken, as of created things, so that those things which cannot be shaken may remain.

28Therefore, since we receive a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us show gratitude, by which we may offer to God an acceptable service with reverence and awe;

The Message Version

So don’t turn a deaf ear to these gracious words. If those who ignored earthly warnings didn’t get away with it, what will happen to us if we turn our backs on heavenly warnings? His voice that time shook the earth to its foundations; this time—he’s told us this quite plainly—he’ll also rock the heavens: “One last shaking, from top to bottom, stem to stern.” The phrase “one last shaking” means a thorough housecleaning, getting rid of all the historical and religious junk so that the unshakable essentials stand clear and uncluttered.

In my message on Sunday I talked about what can be shaken will be shaken, and I believe we are in a time of shaking. This is not a doom and gloom message, nor am I trying to call out churches, the world, or pastors.

What I am trying to do is call the church to a time a reflection, prayer, and repentance. I live a very transparent life. I share a lot of the happenings in my life here on the blog, and in my messages. When I closed the service Sunday I prayed that God would show us the areas we need to get in order, so that no shaking could move us off of the firm Foundation of the Rock of Jesus Christ. I personally asked God to show me areas in my life.

Monday Night (last Night) Ashlee and I took this to heart. We went to dinner for one purpose. We set down and discussed a list of issues, concerns, and thoughts to make sure were on the same page in unity. We dealt with church issues, non-church issues, and family concerns.

Our goal in meeting was to make sure we were walking in unity, not a house divided against itself during this time. We wanted to make sure we were moving forward together and not in different directions.

The conversation was not easy, although it was not difficult either. God blessed our discussion, and I believe we have a strong marriage this morning, than we did yesterday due to this set aside time.

One last interesting fact about this time is that we had a planned prayer meeting, but we felt it was so important to have this time of discussion that we got someone else to lead it, so we could make sure this discussion happened.

One may be asking how does this relate to shaking.

The answer is simple: We are now on solid ground in our relationship and the various things that are stresses to each one of us.  If shaking comes,  natural pressure of ministry and life, or warfare intensifies, we will be standing firm together on a solid foundation.

My questions for you today are:

Is there something in your life that you need to get in order, so that you know in your spirit that you are planted on solid ground?

Where are you at in your walk with Christ?

Where are you in your relationships with key people? Are you and your spouse on the same page?

Do you need to have some serious, intentional discussions to make sure you stand in unity in every area of your life?

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Question

February 27, 2009

As I have been traveling and praying here in Nashville the last couple days I am beginning to get a sense of urgency for somethings, and a feeling of patience for others.

I believe for our church, and really The Church we are in a now time.

So… Overflowers

What have you been believing God for in 2009?

When you pray do you have a sense of urgency or a sense of patience?

If you feel a sense of urgency, what are you doing about it? Are you building or pushing toward it, or cowering away and waiting on God?

To many people I know are waiting on God to do something He has already told them to do. When God commmands or gives us direction it is not a request.

If God calls someone to be a doctor they cannot set around until God sets a coat and scope around their neck. They have to get off their butt and go to school.

If God gives someone a dream to see their neighbors have a relationship with Jesus, then they can not just sit around and pray.

You see it is a now time in the Kingdom of God. Are you going to get up and advance the Kingdom or sit back and force God to use someone else?

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Tuesday Night Reflections

February 25, 2009

Here are a few thoughts before I head to bed!

  • On Thursday I took the girls to Milwaukee for the day, and to have Adalee’s tooth fixed.
  • We decided to go to the Betty Brinn’s Children’s Museum with the kiddos.
  • The museum was a lot of fun and the girls had a blast in the hands-on areas.
  • It makes me wonder why the church does not step up their game. Many of the things in the museum were not that detailed. The church should have a vision to WOW kids as they enter the children’s area.
  • I am excited that Overflow is having a new website developed. I got a sneak peak at it on Friday, and it looks amazing. Thanks Nate!
  • Our Saturday Night Life Group launched on Saturday night with 10 people attending. I was very excited about the turn out.
  • The feedback was that everyone enjoyed the group. We also heard from a couple of people they were stretched.
  • Continued preaching through the Gospel of John on Sunday morning with “The Message Part 2:LOVE”.
  • The message really emphasized the love of the Kingdom and the Father through the passages in John.
  • There are some things beginning to take shape here at Overflow.
  • We need to pray for a location to facilitate our growth.
  • Please continue to pray for those far from God to be reached through our ministry.
  • I am still praying for people to join our team.
  • I am looking at some universities to continue my studies. I want to work on a Master’s in Ministry Leadership or Master’s in Transformational Leadership. God is calling me to take this step, to prepare for parts of my vision that are starting to take shape even now. I need to be prepared for those things fully.

I cannot think anymore. I am exhausted, and about to relax a little before hitting the sack. Research and writing will come at 5.

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