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One Reason Why We’re Doing VBS in the Evening This Year…

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…is because we are complementarian. Being complementarian simply means that God has hard wired the universe with men and women having unique roles to fulfill in their personhood. Both men and women are made in the image of God and have value in that. However, God has called men and women to different roles. And this calling doesn’t negate or determine value.

So, how does this relate to VBS? In recent years, as we tried to do VBS in the morning, I noticed that it was mainly women doing all the work. The daytime schedule meant that men, by and large, were at work in secular jobs and thus unable to serve in VBS. Couple with this truth the recent statistics on the influence that fathers (read men) can have on learning, and you can see why the need to change happened because we are complementarian.

So, this year, our VBS will be held from 6:30-8:30PM so that men, after working all day in many cases, can come and demonstrate Christ’s love by serving children in VBS. We’ve structured each class so that they have a man present. Each class is not necessarily taught by a man (again showing God’s creative complementarian design) but men are there to give grace to the children by offering an encouraging presence in the class. We are excited about what this might mean for our children and for the men who are serving in a way that God gets the glory.

Hardness of Heart…

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This coming Lord’s Day, we will be looking at Hebrews 3:7-19 and a negative example of what faithfulness to God looks like (from the children of Israel in Numbers 13-14). One of the big warnings is to not have a hard heart. Here’s an excellent definition from William Lane in his book Hebrews: A Call To Commitment:

Hardness of heart signifies treating the Lord with contempt; it is the refusal to believe in the Lord; it is choosing to listen to human voices of despair rather than listening to the voice of God. (p.64)

As you think about your response to God’s Word, are you characterized by a hard heart? Think about your response? Do you treat God with contempt? Are you refusing to believe Him in any area? Are you choosing to listen to human voices over God’s voice? Check your heart and keep it with all diligence, for from it flow the springs of life (Proverbs 4:23).

Weekend Recap – Focus on Faithfulness

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After my week off for vacation, I was back at Crestview today with a sermon Focus on Faithfulness from Hebrews 3:1-6. God’s Word seemed to compel us to continue to focus on Christ as the confidence, boast and hope of our lives. Sad to say, but some strands of evangelicalism place stock in a decision and not in Christ. The writer of Hebrews has timeless truth for them and us: Christ.

Slow Blogging Week…

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Yes, I know it’s been a slow blogging week. Lots of little things happening.

Tuesday I was at Lincoln Elementary for their end of the school year activities.
Wednesday I was supposed to be at Andrew’s school for end of the year activities, but that was postponed due to the rain and ended up getting some good time with a former student who currently ministers in Tulsa.
Thursday was wrapping up lots of little odds and ends including morning coffee date with Meg and lunch with family to celebrate Andrew’s last day of school.

Today, is Gabe’s Birthday – #3.

Tomorrow, we leave for vacation for a few days.

Have a great holiday weekend!

Heading To Lincoln Today

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Heading to Lincoln Elementary today for their end of year party. Should be a fun day and hoping the weather cooperates. Then, this afternoon, get to be a part of a Communities That Care training. All in all, good day to get some relationships cooking.

What You Read and Your Heart…

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Was challenged by Russell Moore’s post yesterday, Can Romance Novels Hurt Your Heart? Here’s the conclusion:

How many disappointed middle-aged women in our congregations are reading these novels as a means of comparing the “strong spiritual leaders” depicted there with what by comparison must seem to be underachieving lumps lying next to them on the couch?

This is not to equate morally “romance novels” with the grave soul destruction of pornography. But it is worth asking, “Is what I’m consuming leading me toward contentment with my spouse (or future spouse) or away from it? Is it pointing me to the other in one-flesh union or to an eroticized embodiment of my own desires? Is this the mystery or a mirage?

You really should read his entire post…

However, I recognize that my heart can easily drift toward self-righteousness when my wife or another Christian woman is reading the “fluff stuff.” Therefore, I think we would do well to ask the question, how does what I read affect my heart? For some, the newspaper might affect your heart. For guys, in particular, it might be that catalog, motorcycle or golf magazine, or sports stuff. Just ask these questions about what you read…am I able to be discerning as I read, or is this holding too much sway or influence over me? Realize that what you ingest into your heart will come out of your mouth. Therefore, be careful what you read!

A Modest Proposal…

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Ladies, there are simple ways you can serve men this summer. In this article, What Not To Wear, by Mary Kassian, she offers 3 questions to ask yourself as you dress:

Is it becoming or unbecoming?
Is it decent or indecent?
Is it moderate or excessive?

Check out this article to see the practical ways you can help serve others around you in the way you dress.