Satisfied in God

trip to zoo!

2011-09-19T10:33:00.001-05:00

last minute trip to zoo! what a great way to spend a gorgeous Monday!

Piper on TV!!

2011-09-17T18:22:00.001-05:00

Family watching Piper livestream!

Happy Lunch!

2011-09-10T15:26:00.001-05:00

Missed out on a brisket sandwich and had to eat this yummi, nearly raw, veggie pizza. Even better watching Miss State get beat while eating it!!

Raw Food Journey

2011-09-09T13:39:00.001-05:00

Heather and I have been on a quest to better health for the past two months approximately. The results are:

Brad= 22 lbs lost
Heather=24 lbs lost

I will have a little more on how but will give a brief overview. For 3 weeks we did the hCG diet and drops. We lost close to 18lbs a piece. More on this plan later. Now we are eating a 90% raw diet with a small piece of meat thrown in. We have cut down on our red meat to once a week. That being a lean slow cooked roast. So, we want to keep you all updated and challenged to glorify God in our physical bodies and break our addiction to food and the sin of gluttony. We will share stories and samples to encourage you. Here is a pic of our raw tomato soup made with organic tomatoes, avacado, rice milk, agave nectar, water, and spices. It was delish as one of our friends would say. oh yes even the girls loved it!

Shiloh "Fonda"

2011-08-13T12:15:00.003-05:00

Sissy dolled her up. Think she looks like a miniature Jane Fonda!

Crazy Love?

2010-05-27T18:42:00.002-05:00

This post is in response to Francis Chan's book entitled Crazy Love. You may find this to be an odd post because I have not read the book yet. However, I want to share with you a moment that touched me deeply. I read these words on the back of Chan's book:

"It's crazy, if you think about it. The God of the universe...loves us with a radical, unconditional, self sacrificing love. And what is out typical response? We go to church, sing songs, and try not to cuss."

After finishing reading the back cover of the book I looked down into the sky blue eyes of my youngest daughter, Shiloh. Tears welled up in my eyes and I was overcome with emotion. I realized I have a difficult time letting God love me. In fact, I have a difficult time letting anyone love me. As I looked in Shiloh's eyes, I was reminded of how much God loved me in blessing me with such a precious gift. Then, immediately, my mind to turned to Christ; the greatest gift and measure of grace this world has ever known. Oh, how I want to surrender to the relentless of God in Jesus Christ! What about you? Are you allowing yourself to be loved by the relentless love of God? My challenge to you is to surrender to His love and be satisfied by grace!

Day 5: I am United with Lord in Spirit

2010-05-11T10:15:00.003-05:00

Romans 8:11 "And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit, who lives in you."

Once a person accepts by faith the gospel of Jesus Christ this person receives the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit. "Christ in you; the hope of glory." This is a very difficult theological truth to grasp; that Christ lives inside us through the Holy Spirit. However, there is overwhelming biblical evidence that this doctrine is true. No, this does not make is "little gods" as some conclude. But this truth does equip us with the "mind of Christ." Christ disciples focus on this truth far too infrequently. Just the mere acknowledgement of this union with Christ should change our attitudes, hope, dependency on Christ, and striving for holiness. This union with Christ by way of the Holy Spirit should give us great assurance as the Holy Spirit is a seal of our inheritance. My challenge: today recognize that if you accepted the gospel of Jesus Christ by faith you have united with Him through the Holy Spirit. Think and reflect how this should affect your life; mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Feel free to list thoughts and comments below in response to this challenge. God bless!

Day 4: I am Justified!

2010-04-18T10:16:00.002-05:00

Just-as-if-I-never-sinned! This phrase describes God's perspective to those are justified through Jesus Christ. Justification is not just simply a large theological word used only by theologians; it is an important essential truth of the gospel. We are justified by Christ. The problem is that there are many out in our society (Christians and non-Christians) who feel they have to earn their justification or feel they can never be justified because of past sins. However, accept this truth by faith and not human wisdom. Justification frees us from the need and/or burden to justify ourselves. The simple fact is that we could never justify ourselves. It was the work of God's perfect lamb. I am reminded of this truth in the phrase of this old hymn, "Nothing in my hand I bring; Only to the cross I cling." I pray that our souls would rest and be satisfied in the truth that God has chosen to justify us through the cross of Jesus. Praise be to Him!

Day 3: Who I am in Christ: His Friend

2010-04-07T08:31:00.002-05:00

To be honest I remember the first time I heard the praise song "I am a Friend of God." The tune was catchy, though it repeated itself over and over. But the words had me troubled; friend of God? Over the years I have joined with others making fun of that song because of the words. I guess it seemed so irreverent and shallow of a song. Notice the following scripture:

Greater love has no man than this that he lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from the Father I have made known to you. John 15:12-16

Jesus we are His friends because we know the master's business. He has entrusted not only the gospel, but knowledge and understanding of His will and Himself. This intimate knowledge entrusted to us makes us His friend. Not just a slave servant; but rather a steward. You see there were slaves back during the 1st century would not have knowledge of the master's business; neither would they be left in charge. The steward slave, or manager, knew the in's and out's of the master's business and would be left a steward over the affairs if the master was gone or busy. This relationship was an intimate one.

So what does it mean that Jesus is our friend, or how does it affect our lives? First of all, it does not take away from His Sovereignty. In verse 17 of John chapter 15 he establishes His sovereignty as choosing them to be His friends. Specifically, Jesus chose the 12 disciples to follow Him. This verse can be used to prooftext and support Calvinistic views. However, in the context it is clear that He is talking specifically to His disciples. I will not go into a long, complicated argument against Calvinism here; this is not the purpose of the text or my post. However, not that Christ's Sovereignty is not lost by choosing to be our friend. He is our friend and our Lord and our God!

So, how does this affect our lives? Friends are people you trust. You share with them the deepest hurts, wounds, and secrets. They listen and do not tell; do not break your confidence. You might be thinking, "Where are friends like that?" To be honest, I found very few that meet this criteria. This points to a major problem is the Christian life. We do not befriend Jesus at all. He is just not our Lord, and our God; He IS our FRIEND! We run to "friends", pastors, and counselors before we run to our GREATEST Friend; Jesus. I am not saying not to go to trusted friends, pastors, or counselors; I have done all three. But because Jesus is our friend and our Lord, He has both the power to listen and to heal and restore. So today, consider Jesus as your Lord, God, and Friend and see what difference this makes in your life (AND QUIET TIME!!).

I want to close with a great hymn....

What a friend we have in Jesus, All our sins and griefs to bear!

What a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer!

Oh, what peace we often forfeit, oh, what needless pain we bear,

All because we do not carry everything to God in prayer!

Have we trials and temptations? Is there trouble anywhere?

We should never be discouraged; Take it to the Lord in prayer.

Can we find a friend so faithful; Who will all our sorrows share?

Jesus knows our every weakness, Take it to the Lord in prayer.

Are we weak and heavy laden, Cumbered with a load of care?

Precious Savior, still our refuge; Take it to the Lord in prayer.

Do thy friends despise, forsake thee? Take it to the Lord in prayer.

In His arms He'll take and shield thee; thou wilt find a solace there.

Day 2: Who I am in Christ: God's Child!

2010-04-06T08:17:00.002-05:00

It is hard to fathom that I am a child of God; born from above by the Holy Spirit of God. My favorite verses regarding the this topic stem from Galatians. Why? Because the book of Galatians contains lots of imagery regarding inheritance. Notice the following verses:

...that we might receive the adoptions as sons. And because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, cryinng, "Abba! Father!" Therefore you are no longer a slave, but a son; and if a son, then an heir through God. Gal 4:5b-7

Whoa, sons of God, heirs of God? That's right! But the questions now needs to be asked what does this mean? First of all, it means that we have a relationship with a loving, caring, and faithful Father. It means that we are no longer slaves. But slaves of what? If you look at Romans 6 Paul makes it clear that we have been set free from sin and death. No longer are we oppressed poverty stricken slaves; we are God's child! Thirdly, it means that we are heirs; we have an inheritance. There are many who take this idea way further than the bible ever intends. The premise of their "teaching" is to take this idea of being fellow heirs with Christ and twist it and distort its meaning. This errant teaching promotes the idea that because we are heirs with Christ we will never be sick, always be healed, and enjoy a life of prosperity. Let me say that one day we will have this! To answer this questions let's look at the bible and see what scripture tells us...

First of all scripture makes it clear that this inheritance will be fulfilled completely in the future. 1 Peter 1:4-5 reads "to obtain an inheritance which imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, who are protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. Peter was writing to a church experiencing great trials. These trials were due to persecution for being Christians. His point is clear that the complete fulfillment of this promise is reserved for His children in heaven.

Second, if we are heirs with Christ then we should not be above our master and our Lord. What did the Son of Man experience as He lived on this earth? Was it this misinterpreted life that some teach? Pauls writes in Romans 8:16-17 , The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, heirs also, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him in order that we may also be glorified with Him. Some say yes but this suffering is the suffering for the sake of the gospel; it is persecution. That is true but that is not all. In the same chapter of Romans in verse 21, "that the creation itself also will be set free from its slavery to corruption into the freedom of the glory of the children of God." Paul says that all of creation longs to be set free from its corruption. What corruption? The corruption of sin that ruined the perfection of God's creation at the fall. Therefore, we suffer for the gospel, we suffer physically, we suffer mentally, emotionally because we are fallen humans beings living in a fallen world! But one day the corruption of the entire world will be shed and perfection will engulf God's creation once again.

The question might be asked as to how this "inheritance" affects us and now, and what about the abundant life found in Christ? First, this inheritance offers us hope! Ephesians 1:18; I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the Saints..." Paul writes in Romans 8:24; For in hope we have been saved, but hope that is seen is not hope; for why does one also hope for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, with perseverance, we wait eagerly for it. These trials and suffering of all kind refines our faith testing to see it if it genuine. No I don't believe God caused all of these things and strikes His children just to test their faith. This ol' world in it's fallen corrupted state does a good enough job of that! That is why the real blessing found in this world is His Holy Presence that is our refuge as we endure the fallen nature of ceation.

Secondly, what about the abundance life? The abundant life is referring to the fruit that the Holy Spirit produces. Most of the abundance is not in fruit as we think; fruits of labor or works. But rather notice the fruit mentioned in Galatians in terms of attitude: love, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self control. Who needs these when our world is turned upside down? All of us. How will these help our enduring this sick old world? Seems they would help quite well! The abundant life is a fruit filled life as we abide in the Vine and endure WITH JOY!!!!! this corrupted creation. In the midst of our trials and tribulations the the abundant life will manifest itself in the fruit of the Spirit and joy will be it's song!

Now that is what it means to be God's child!

Day 1: Who I am in Christ; I am Accepted.

2010-04-01T08:44:00.004-05:00

As humans we are innately geared toward finding acceptance. I am reminded of this by recalling the many, many times Sarah Grace has approached me seeking acceptance. Usually, it is with a picture, homework, or something that she has proudly achieved and asks, "Do you like my picture daddy?" or "Did I do good on my test daddy?" One of the strongest desires we have as human beings is the desire for unconditional love and acceptance. An acceptance not based on performance but for who we are as individuals. Often times our culture does not offer this kind of acceptance; sometimes parents don't either. However, there is one who accepts us just as we are. "Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God" Romans 15:7. Christ accepts us just as we are with unconditional love. This love is contained in His grace; unmerited favor; By this grace we are saved (loved, accepted, and made new). Christians need to more fully understand this truth and not allow their past, their current environment, or today's culture to oppress them. Often this oppression is found in the idea that we must perfect to be accepted. Howbeit, there was One that was perfect, namely Jesus Christ, and yet He was still rejected. We need not be perfect to be accepted by God but covered by the grace and righteousness of His perfect Son. The following song I offer as an inspiration and prayer to you today:

"In the Beloved" accepted am I,

Risen, ascended, and seated on high;

Saved from all sin thro' His infinite grace,

With the redeemed ones accorded a place.

"In the Beloved," God's marvelous grace

Calls me to dwell in this wonderful place;

God sees my Savior and then He sees me

"In the Beloved" accepted and free.

Song taken from the book, Who I am in Christ, by Neil Anderson;page 21.

Follow Up: 2 Life Wasters

2010-03-30T10:40:00.002-05:00

Well it has been 8 days since my post regarding 2 Life Wasters. Since that post our family has not turned on the TV at all. We have been on the internet some...but a very significant moment changed me forever. It was just about bed time for Sarah Grace and I was glued to my computer. It was dark, Heather was feeding SHiloh Grace. The house was nice and quiet. I glanced over my left shoulder and saw the second love of my life sitting on the love seat by herself. She had been trying to engage me but I was too glued to my computer (the TV was grounded). I was immediately struck by this gripping fact: I was shoving my daughter off. I immediately shut my computer, gathered her in my arms and read some of Janette Oke's book together. She grasped my arm as she sat in my lap. I made a commitment to never allow that to happen again. And so far...things have changed.

This week we grounded our TV. We did not take it out of our home. However, we covered it with a small blanket and put our new family schedule (on a whiteboard) hanging in front of it. What we have done was to put some routine, order, and discipline in our lives. We have a schedule, chore chart, and a menu written on the boards. Some of you might be cringing at the limitations and the rigidity of this action. But we have found it has created a real freedom in our lives. I am free from all the junk and bad news of this world infecting my mind, spirit, and emotions; I am free to be a father, I am free to be a husband, I am free to exercise, I am freel grow in Christ. Now who doesn't want these things? So my challenge: put into practice some things your life that will free you to Grow in Christ and be who God purposed to be as fathers, husbands, friends, and servants!!

Note I am beginning a new quiet time concentrating on "Who I am in Christ." This will be guided be a book by Neil T. Anderson entitled, Who I am in Christ. Each day I will blog about that morning's quiet time. I will ask you to follow this journey with me for the next 36 days...

2 Life Wasters

2010-03-23T09:35:00.002-05:00

The following is an excerpt from John Piper's book; Don't Waste Your Life.

"No one will ever want to say to the Lord of the Universe five minutes after death, I spent every night playing games and watching clean TV with my family because I loved them so much. I think the Lord will say, "That did not make me look like a treasure in your town. You should have done something besides provide for yourself and your family. And TV, as you should have known, was not a good way to nurture your family or your soul."

"A mind fed daily on TV diminishes. It's facility for this great calling is ruined by excessive TV. The content is so trivial and shallow that the capacity of the mind to think worthy thoughts withers, and the capacity of the heart to feel deep emotions shrivels."

I know this post will be controversial but it is a personal conviction. I do not impose it on others but I ask that you consider the topic.

Let me first get this out of the way: it is ok to watch TV...if it is God honoring. Most programs are not and should not be watched because they violate the teaching of the word of God. Why would we ingest brownies with manure in them and ingest such filth into our minds and our spirits...the internet is highly more tempting and private than TV. I am not saying to do away with these things or even that if you do this you are not spiritual or saved. I am saying that I believe godly wisdom speaks to these issues and would direct us in another way.

In the center of our living sits a TV, DVD player, WII, and XBOX. There is also a computer there and a laptop can be seen lying around most of the time. Our family time consists of the WII, movies, watching clean TV (that is still not the best for our children). I am convinced that these erodes the nurturing of our relationships with our children and our spouse. We are interacting with the TV and fictional characters rather than our family. Many of us spend way too much time mindlessly staring at our TV's and Computers rather than engaging our children and our spouse. I believe Piper is right and our mind and emotional capacity is withered away by indulging in these two life wasters. How much more could God shape us and mold us if we limited the amount of time we watched TV...and spend on the internet (yes even Facebook)? How much more could we nurture our souls and our children if shut off the media outlet of the world and ingest God's media outlet; His Word?

"Set your mind on the things above, not the things of this earth. For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God..." Col 3:2-3

This is a part of the crucified life; a life of following Christ.

Put some action behind this; my suggestions:

Monitor and Limit the amount and content of TV you watch every day.

Redeem this time to teach and nurture relationships with God, spouses, and children through His Word.

Use the time to exercise, or to read or write (godly material of course).

Seriously pray and consider these 2 life wasters...and control them not allowing them to control you.

Risk Takers

2010-03-18T13:30:00.002-05:00

Do you like take risks? I am sure our poll would be split down the middle. There are some who enjoy taking risks. Others, like myself, are much more conservative in their risk taking adventures. However, I believe all of us will be surprised as to the extent of our risk taking after examining what taking risks really means. In fact, there are many normal activities in life that are risky. More than that, life itself is a risk. How can this be? Good question. The reason a risk is risky, is because we do not know the outcomes of our actions. Truthfully, we cannot predict for 100% certainty the results of our actions. The Bible makes this clear to mankind in James 4:13-15: Come now, you who say, "Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, and spend a year there and engage in business and make a profit." Yet you do not know what your life will be like tomorrow. You are just a vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes away. Instead, you ought to say, "If the Lord wills, we will live and also do this or that."

I know this may shock some of you but hold on; we, as humans, are not God. We do not know the future and God does not give us the details of every minute of our lives before they happen. God alone is Sovereign and all-knowing. You don’t know if you will quit breathing before you finish reading this article. You don’t know if a car might swerve in your lane before the day is over. John Piper says in his book, Don’t Waste You Life, “risk is woven into the fabric of our finite lives.” Although we surround ourselves with safety and security, they never really exist. Everything is beyond our control! We spend millions of dollars and tons of energy providing safety and security for our nation, our families, and our home. And yet 9/11 and the thousands of break ins each year point to the fact that our safety and security is not guaranteed. My point is that we are all risk takers as finite human beings.

What does this mean for the Christian? If any group of people ought to recognize the risks of living as finite human beings it should be those who call themselves Christians. Christ followers live, or should be living, in the light of the knowledge and understanding of a Sovereign God; a God who is above and beyond all that exists. However, in my experience as a pastor and a Christian, I have found that most Christians are the worst risk takers of all. They are satisfied with comfort, safety, and security of their churches, lives, friends, and activities. But, the Bible is full of examples of godly people taking risks. Take Esther for example. She braved the possibility of being killed by the sword of the King in order to save her people. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego refused to bow down and worship the golden image even when threatened to be thrown in the fiery furnace. The Apostle Paul revealed in the book of Acts that he was ready to be thrown into prison and even die “for the name of the Lord Jesus.” Each of these took a risk when they firmly took a stand for Jesus Christ; His will, His ways, and His Word.

What about you? Our town and our country desperately needs risk taking Christians who will take their stand for Jesus Christ. How ironic, that we live lives of risk but we will not risk our lives (or our popularity, fame, fun, etc.) for the sake of the One who gave us life! We are more concerned about preserving our image, having our fun, being popular and cool, being tolerant, being comfortable, safe and secure than honoring the name above every name. Will we (Christians) risk our lives (which is a risk in itself) for the one who, not only risked, but gave His life for us?

Best Christmas Ever

2009-12-15T08:40:00.003-06:00

We are 12 days from the birth of our second daughter; Shiloh Faith Chandler. We will call her Shiloh. Finally, the reality that we are having another child is sinking in to me. I guess I have just put out of my mind but when we actually filled our papers and toured the delivery room and postpartum room it started sinking in. To be honest, I think this will be the best Christmas ever. What a gift for Christmas; a new healthy baby girl! Oh wait, isn't that what Christmas is all about anyway? For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son...a baby lying in a manger. This baby named Jesus is the Savior of the World! Wow, now that was the greatest Christmas ever! The excitement that Shiloh brings to our family is unmeasurable...but it cannot compare to the joy in our hearts by knowing Christ our Redeemer and the hope of glory that He brings! May our hearts ring out the cry of the heavenly host "Glory to God in the highest!"

Merry Christmas!

Foundations of Christian Doctrine “The B-i-b-l-e” 2 Timothy 3:16-17

2009-05-20T09:47:00.002-05:00

Most of us remember the B-I-B-L-E song that we sung as a child. Did you know that Bible has sold more copies than an other book in history? Although its sales far surpass any other book its frequent usage is far less for the vast majority of Americans. According to a Gallop poll less than 12% read it every day and less than 50% look it more than once a week. According to Barna research, biblical illiteracy is rampant. For example: only half of the people polled did not know that the book of Thomas was not in the Bible; 69% believed that the expression “God helps them who help themselves” was in the Bible and 60% did not know who preached the sermon on the mount. Where do you rank in these statistics? Here are 4 truths regarding the Bible.

1. The Bible is the inspired word of God.

2. The Bible is the authoritative word of God.
3. The Bible is the inerrant word of God.
4. The Bible is the sufficient word of God.

The Cross: Our Victory Philippians 3:9-11

2009-04-09T11:09:00.001-05:00

H.A. Ironside, former pastor of Moody Memorial Church in Chicago said this about Christian Victory: “We are called to know Christ, the living Christ, and the power of His resurrection working in us, overcoming our enemies, defeating the world, the flesh, and the devil, and leading us into a life of triumphant victory. Resurrection life is enjoyed even in a mortal body, and the risen Christ is seen in those whom He has purchased with His blood. This is bliss indeed — a foretaste of that which will be ours eternally in the city of God!” However, as a pastor and friend, I see and hear so many of God’s children living in total defeat. Though they have by faith received victory over everything that would defeat them, they never fully know the “power of His Resurrection.” This morning we will focus on three weapons in Satan’s arsenal that Christ’s resurrection triumphs. I pray this morning that you will grasp the power of His Resurrection through every facet of our service and leave understanding the victory that Christians have through Christ.

1. Christ’s Resurrection gives us victory over sin. (Romans 6:4-7)

2. Christ’s Resurrection gives us victory over death. (1 Corinthians 15:55-57)

3. Christ’s Resurrection gives us victory over our flesh. (Romans 6:12-14

The Cross: Wrath Absorbed! 1 John 2:1-2

2009-04-09T11:06:00.001-05:00

The following is an excerpt from an essay entitled “The Heart of the Gospel” written by J.I. Packer.

Prince Paris had carried off Princess Helen to Troy. The Greek expeditionary force had taken ship to recover her, but was held up halfway by persistent contrary winds. Agamemnon, the Greek general, sent home for his daughter and ceremonially slaughtered her as a sacrifice, to mollify the evidently hostile gods. The move paid off; west winds blew again, and the fleet reached Troy without further difficulty.

This bit of the Trojan War Legend, which dates from about 1,000 B.C., mirrors an idea of propitiation on which pagan religion all over the world, and in every age, has been built.

This excerpt illustrates the idea of propitiation; the quenching of the wrath of a god or gods through sacrifice. This idea is central to Christianity. Humanity has sinned against a Holy God. Because of this, His anger burns toward them. However, this same God shows extreme grace and mercy by sending His own son as a sacrifice for their sins and to appease His wrath. The Bible makes it very clear that Jesus was the propitiation for our sins. This morning, lets look at truths regarding the idea of Christ’s propitiation.

Christ’s propitiation is the work of God Himself.

Christ’s propitiation manifests the righteousness of God.

Christ’s propitiation is made through the cross.

Theology of the Cross: In our Place! 2 Corinthians 5:21

2009-04-09T11:03:00.001-05:00

As a basketball player I absolutely dreaded being taken out of the game and have a substitute replace me. It wasn’t that I thought I was the next Michael Jordan or Larry Bird; it was that I simply loved to play the game. I hated to just sit and watch. However, with our fast breaking offense a substitution was necessary to give me a few minutes of rest that I would need to finish the game. As I look at the cross my attitude toward substitution changes. As much as it killed me to sit on the bench and watch the game, I am happy to sit and watch my substitute pay the penalty of sin for me. Jesus is my substitute; he is yours as well. He took our place on the cross as a sinless, suffering, and saving substitute. Just as my substitution was necessary in that basketball game, God rendered my substitution necessary to free me from sin. Here are three truths regarding His substitutionary atonement for our sins.

Jesus was our sinless substitute.

Jesus was our suffering substitute.
Jesus was our saving substitute.

Theology of the Cross: Penalty Paid! Colossians 2:13-15

2009-04-09T10:59:00.002-05:00

All of us enjoy receiving gifts. I remember as a boy I was often bribed into receiving a gift by making sure my room was clean or doing some specific chore. God has a gift He wants us to receive. However, there is obstacle that keeps us from receiving that gift. We do not do some chore or are not bribed into accepting the gift God has for us; he removed the obstacle for us. John Stott in his classic book, The Cross of Christ, puts it this way: “Our sins were the obstacle preventing us from receiving the gift he wanted to give us. So they had to removed before it could be bestowed.” Jesus took upon Himself the penalty of our sins. This morning as we take a look at the cross we must understand it’s penal affects for humanity. As we do this, it will cause our hearts to truly cry “O Hallelujah, What a Savior!” Here are 4 truths regarding the penalty Christ paid for us.

The Penalty is incurred by our sin. (Col 2:13)

The Penalty of sin is death. (Col 2:13)
The Penalty was removed by Jesus’ death.
The Penalty paid results in justification.

“The Danger of Becoming Doctrine-less” 2 Timothy 4:1-5

2009-04-09T10:55:00.002-05:00

In today’s society it seems that personal experience is valued over doctrine. What I mean is this: we value what we experience and feel more than sound biblical truth. It seems doctrine is often avoided because it is divisive. Paul is clear in telling us that the danger of becoming doctrine-less is far greater than the division it causes; which is why some have problems with denominationalism. However, the history of denominations prove their divisions are cause by doctrinal beliefs. So is the answer to become doctrine-less so we all might be one big happy family? I don’t think the bible teaches that. Of course, at some time Christians of all denominations can come to work together. However, divisions occur because of distinct and serious major theological differences. So, this morning I aim to discuss two main elements of doctrine: What is it, and why do we need it? These elements will guide us into learning the danger of abandoning doctrine altogether.

1. Doctrine is revealed biblical truth.

2. Doctrine is necessary for Christian maturity.

Malachi 3:16-4:3 “Judgment Day: Motivation for Selfless Service!”

2009-02-25T10:42:00.001-06:00

Here is the insert for Sunday's sermon:

As a child the worst day in school for me was awards day. I can remember sitting in that cold, hard, auditorium seat watching intensely as my peers received their rewards. As the event began, I was overcome with great anticipation thinking that somehow I might receive a reward for something. However, I was met with great disappointment. Inside I was crushed, for I knew that my hope was in vain. Although the potential was there to receive rewards, I failed to put forth the effort and did not meet the academic requirements to receive one. As each one was given, my name was never called. That feeling of disappointment still affects me today. Bottom line: everyone likes to be rewarded and despises to be overlooked. However, it is the giving of rewards and failing to receive them that initiates a great motivation to change. God will have His own rewards day where justice will be served and His righteous one’s will be rewarded for their service. Is there a greater motivation for us to serve Him with humility and selflessness? I can think of none. So today, let’s look at three truths that describe God’s judgment day that motivates us to serve God selflessly!

God’s Judgment Day is a motivation for selfless service because:

It is a day of remembering.

It is a day of distinguishing.

It is a day of rewarding.

“Annie: A Cure for Recession Blues”

2009-02-19T09:33:00.000-06:00

Last month my family and I had the privilege of being able to see Annie at the Music Hall in Kansas City. I was not very enthused to the thought of spending an entire Saturday seeing this musical; especially after a friend invited me out for a day of hunting quail. Nevertheless, I went along smiling and seemingly excited about our opportunity. Sarah Grace, my daughter, had already been warming me up by showcasing her vocal skills on every Annie song in the musical. I remembering settling into my seat sarcastically pretending to be extremely excited about Annie.
The three opening numbers got my attention and I thought the show was over; I didn’t think there were anymore songs besides “Maybe”, “It’s a Hard Knock Life”, and “Tomorrow”. Suddenly, I was thrown back in time to the Great Depression. As the characters performed “Thank You Herbert Hoover,” I sensed the bitterness, anger, and resentment of the people. The Great Depression had destroyed so many lives. I could not help but compare that situation to our current economic situation. To be honest, I see the same despair, gloom, bitterness, anger,resentment, and constant griping in the lives of Americans today. In fact, I quite often found myself a little bitter and griping as well; not that it has even affected me. I do not intend to minimize the concern for people losing their jobs or the severity of our current economic situation. However, I did not expect a trip to see Annie would offer great suggestions on how to handle ourselves during these tough economic times; but it did. Allow me to make two suggestions that might cure our recession blues.
The first thing is to change our perspective on what really matters most. All throughout the movie Miss Hannigan, Rooster, and Lily were concerned about one thing; money. The recession had led them to be even more greedy. Annie and Daddy Warbucks were exactly the opposite. Each was concerned about what mattered most; families and friends. Hard times force us to slow down and allow us to spend more time at home, more time with the kids, more time with those we care about. One cure to these recession blues is to allow our perspective to change and truly value what should have been valued and made a priority all along. So take the opportunity to spend more time, not money, with your family and friends. It will help cure those recession blues.
The second cure for recession blues is found in the song, “Tomorrow”. There is a scene toward the end of the musical that occurs with President Roosevelt’s cabinet. The cabinet is arguing and complaining about the economic situation while Roosevelt struggles to find an answer. Hopelessness abounds and optimism flies out of the oval office. Annie runs to the president and says “The sun’ll come out tomorrow, bet your bottom dollar there will be sun” and continues in song. What does she mean the “sun’ll come out tomorrow?” I believe she points us to where true hope really comes from. Psalm 74:16 says “You established the cycle of day and night; you put the moon and sun in place.” Our hope is that the sun will come out tomorrow; God is still faithful and in complete control. It’s not just the promise of another day, or even a better day. It is the promise of trust in God who created and established the rising of the sun that truly gives us fresh hope and a cure for recession blues. Lamentations 3:22-23 says “The LORD’S lovingkindnesses indeed never cease, For His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness.” So laugh often and love more; and let the rising of the sun pour fresh hope in your heart because God is indeed faithful...and the sun’ll come out tomorrow!

"From Backsliding to Blessing" Malachi 3:7-12

2009-02-04T14:07:00.000-06:00

This Sunday's message centers around repentance. Sometimes the need for repentance is watered down by a seeker friendly message. However, repentance is vital part of knowing God. “Repentance may be old-fashioned, but it is not outdated so long as there is sin.” I can remember a time when I was back-slidden, going my own way and not God’s. God finally broke me and I turned back toward Him. I often reflect on the differences of my life in line with God and my life with my back turned to God. In fact, I have experienced moving from backsliding to blessing myself. Yes, I still sin every day. But, I have placed Jesus as Lord of my life and refuse to live in a back-slidden state again. Why? Walking with God day by day brings too many blessings! We find this same scenario in our text this morning. God is showing His people through the prophet Malachi how they can move from backsliding to blessing. The key that unlocks this door is repentance. Share your thoughts on repentance and any personal experiences where you have moved from backsliding to blessing.

God’s Messenger of Judgment Malachi 3:1-6

2009-02-04T10:14:00.000-06:00

We all question God’s justice at one point in time or another. It is actually a questioning of God’s righteousness in the judgments He makes. Usually, it occurs when we think God is acting unjustly and circumstances are not going the way we think they should. I vividly remember questioning God in this way. It was finally the day for Sarah Grace to be born into this world. Early that morning, Heather was induced and soon later labor began. She made no progress. Finally, at about 5 P.M., we decided she had labored long enough without any pain relief at all. We agreed on an emergency c-section. As Heather was rolled out to get prepped, I hid in the bathroom. It was all I could do to keep from ripping the sink out of the wall. I was mad at God. Why was he letting this happen to me? He surely was getting it wrong; He was unjust...I mean I surrendered to the ministry why was I being punished this way? Just couple of weeks prior to this day I had a dream that Heather had to have a c-section; the baby made it but she did not. I was angry! I questioned God’s integrity. As we look in our text this morning, we find Israel questioning the integrity or righteousness of God in His ability to judge. The affliction they were enduring did not reflect the covenantal promises of being His people. They wondered when He was going to act in righteous judgment and fix things. God answered by pointing out what it will be like when justice is served; that is, when His Messenger of Judgment arrives.

A New Blog for New Times

2009-01-15T10:29:00.002-06:00

I don't know how many of you out there are random thinkers. It seems my brain never fully shuts off...even when I am sleeping it is idling. This blog is a place that I will share my random thoughts concerning life, church, and yes hold on....THEOLOGY! As Christians I do not understand why we fail to engage our minds of the things of God. Really, if you are to look at it...nothing challenges our minds and therefore stimulates our spirits like seeking and searching the deep things of God. Please feel free to respond as I am feeling a random blog coming soon. God bless have a great week!

Brad