Here’s the email I wrote to Leadership Reno County alums today, 12/9/13: So it’s been a couple of weeks and I thought I’d check back in. First off, I might remind you that I’ve been writing about how there is a huge gap between our current reality and our expectations. Part of my contention was that bridging the gap between those challenges we face and where we’d like them to be takes us acting different. It requires us to engage in an act of leadership, which will help move people to difficult work. We talked a bit about authority and how anyone can lead, anytime, anywhere; it’s not just the most gifted people at the table that can bridge the gaps you see in your reality. We also mentioned how these acts of leadership start with you and engage others. Too often, we’re sitting waiting for someone else to act not realizing that we have the capability to engage. Today, I want us to think about the gap and how a clear purpose helps our way of behaving in the gap. You might recognize that sometimes the gap is a scary place. People of all different political stripes and spectrums think that engaging in the gap requires this or that. In other words, progress may look different to different people. Moving from our current reality to make things better needs a clear purpose. This way, the focus isn’t on the change but on the purpose. This is hard to do. We want to focus in our results and effects. But, if we spent more time thinking purposefully about our engagement, I believe we’d make more progress. So, today, take this idea out for a spin by clearly articulating why you do what you do. And why is that true? And why do you that? And why is that so important? Press those why questions and see if you get at a purpose that isn’t so disagreeable as much as something that must be pursued at all costs. Seeking to be purposeful with you….
Weekend Recap – It’s Christmastime…
My 12/8/13 sermon, Christmas In Revelation, is now online. In it, I try and unpack the meaning of Christmas in the book of Revelation, showing how the eternal GodMan took on flesh, brought salvation to all and is coming again. We had a great morning looking at these things.
I mentioned Jared Wilson’s blogpost Don’t Let Christmas Distract You From Jesus, so go over there and read it…
And, I was encouraged by 2 ladies singing Born Is the King. Here’s the track with lyrics:
Small Group Prep – Saving Grace
Had some time this AM to think about our upcoming small group session which, for my group, will include looking at what has been called “the most important paragraph in the Bible”: Romans 3:21-26.
With Advent on the mind, I read these words:
But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it—22 the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe.For there is no distinction: 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, 25 whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God’s righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins. 26 It was to show his righteousness at the present time, so that he might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.
Also, encouraging, though, were the notes from the Gospel Transformation Bible:
If previous verses might lead to despair, Paul now sets forth grounds for rejoicing. What Abraham set his hope on by faith, so that God granted him a righteous standing (Gen. 15:6), Jesus Christ has accomplished “for all who believe” the gospel promise as Abraham did (Rom. 3:22). Yes, the sinful human condition is universal and terminal (v. 23). But believers “are justified” by God’s “grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus” (v. 24). The term “redemption” suggests a picture of slaves being purchased and freed. God sent his Son to be a “propitiation”: he satisfied the demands of God’s wrath by his death on the cross in the place of sinners. When he “passed over former sins” (v.25) prior to Jesus’ coming, God did not merely dismiss the charges against the guilty. Rather, God’s righteous demands were met in Jesus’ death. God proved to be “just” in not overlooking sin, and he also freely chose to act as “justifier” for “the one who has faith in Jesus” (v.26).
Our hearts are moved as we marvel at the wisdom of God in providing a righteous way of rescue for guilty sinners that does not in any way compromise his justice and holiness. We marvel, too, at God’s great love in sending his own Son to accomplish this salvation.
So, as we prep (at least my group prepares) for Sunday’s Small Group, let’s marvel at God sending His Son to accomplish these things for us. Ask God for a heart that treasures and boasts in this one great focus.
Weekend Recap – Come Lord Jesus
My 12/1/13AM sermon, Come Lord Jesus, from Revelation 22:10-21 wrapped up our church’s formal verse by verse exposition of the book of Revelation. It was a sweet providence that this final message fell on the first Sunday of Advent. I hope this sermon was helpful for the people in engaging with the amazing reality of Christ’s return and living accordingly.
Lord’s Supper As Thanksgiving
Our church took the Lord’s Supper together yesterday, 11/24/13. Taking the Lord’s Supper always seemed like a meaningless add-on in worship to me growing up. I knew it meant something serious spiritually speaking, but couldn’t make the connection to why that rhythm was needed and I feel I’m just getting to a point where I’m starting to understand it.
Having the Lord’s Supper during the week of Thanksgiving is terrific. Some traditions call the Lord’s Supper or Communion the Eucharist, which means to give thanks. This thought originated as Jesus took the bread and gave thanks, then broke it for the disciples. When we come to the Lord’s Supper table together, we should come thankful for all that is ours in the Gospel. Because Jesus gave His life and blood for me, I know forgiveness, grace, hope and am set apart to worship forever.
This week as you gather with your family to give thanks think of the work of Jesus Christ, sinless Godman, who came to earth to seek and save the lost. He came for us and that is something for which we can be forever grateful.
Weekend Recap – Reminders in Revelation
My 11/24/13AM sermon, Important Reminders from Revelation 22:1-9, is now online. It’s an odd sermon in that it brings together many important themes in this book yet packs a powerful punch in giving us truths that are important for our living. Things like our future before God, the trustworthiness of His Word and the priority of worship all are things that needed to be consistently kindled in our walk with God. I hope this sermon helps your walk, then.
LRC Email – The Gap and Others
I sent out my email to Leadership Reno County alumni on 11/20/13. Here’s what I wrote this week:
About a month ago, I wrote about how there is a huge gap between our current reality and our expectations. Part of my contention, as reflected in recent weeks was that bridging the gap between those challenges we face and where we’d like them to be takes us acting different. It requires us to engage in an act of leadership, which will help move people to difficult work. We talked a bit about authority and how anyone can lead, anytime, anywhere, it’s not just the most gifted people at the table that can bridge the gaps you see in your reality.
Today, one further point I want to hold up is how working to bridge this gap starts with you and must engage others. There’s way too much (of the wrong kinds of) action in two extremes, methinks. On the one hand, many of us sit around and make excuses as to why we can’t make progress. Maybe we’re not the authority or the decision maker or how it may be costly and we don’t have time. On the other hand, it’s easy to slip into “expert mode” and give a million reasons why those working for progress aren’t effective. One is kind of a passive critique (I’d do it this way) and one is an active one (what could little ol’ me do). And, our principle today is that making progress in these areas starts with you. You. Not the other person or someone who’s going after it “wrong” but you. And, your engagement is with others. It’s working in collaboration with others for the common good.
So, today, revisit that area that you’d give yourself for. What progress would you like to see made? What are you waiting for? Acts of leadership start with you and must engage others. Let’s move in, then, for the common good and progress of our community.
Dangerous Calling Email – What Now?
On Tuesday, 11/19/13, I wrapped up a year of writing emails to the Elders and Deacons of Crestview on Paul Tripp’s book, Dangerous Calling. Here’s my conclusion:
Today’s our big finish for thinking about Dangerous Callingand all that it’s meant for our lives. The suggested reading that influenced this final session was chapters 7, 8, 12, 14, 15, but particularly the final appeal in the closing pages. Here’s what Tripp gives in reminding us of Peter’s appeal to leaders in 1 Peter 5:6-11…
“Peter has one final punch line. He is eager to remind you that your Savior has dominion forever and ever. The one you look to for hope has absolute rulership over every ministry situation in which you’ll find yourself. It is impossible to ever be in a ministry situation, location, or relationship that is not ruled by King Christ. Here’s why this is so important: all of his promises to you depend on his sovereignty. He is only able to guarantee the delivery of his promises in the places where he has complete control. And since he has complete control over everything, there is no place in ministry where you will be unable to depend on the delivery of everything he has promised you. Also, the hope for your ministry is not the success of your pastoral control or ingenuity but that a sovereign Savior will complete his plan for his church.” (pp.223-224)
I can’t think of a better place to end than by resting in the control of our Savior. Let’s be preaching the Gospel to ourselves then and encouraging others to give it to us. If something’s been exposed in your heart this year, let’s confess it and seek help. Let’s pray for one another and encourage one another in this amazing work, that God may be glorified and enjoyed among our people. Blessings.
Weekend Recap – The Bride’s City
My 11/17/13AM Sermon, The Bride’s City, from Revelation 21:9-27 is online. This sermon sought to “wow people with God and who He is.” I was intrigued of how this city is meant to be a picture of the Lamb’s Bride (read v.9) and sought to press applications in light of this. Specifically, I want my life to show forth the beauty and perfections of the God who can make such a beautiful city. I hope this sermon was helpful to others and you, if you choose to listen.
All This Is Because of the Gospel…
Reflecting on the truth that “in the new earth, we will have unhindered access to the fellowship, goodness and glory of our God (presented here in terms of a new and improved Paradise; Revelation 22:1-5), for all that is unclean is now outside the new Jerusalem (Revelation 21:27; cf. Revelation 22:3, 15)” Jim Hamilton, study note writer for the Gospel Transformation Study Bible writes:
“All this is because of the Gospel. Jesus was the one clean person to every walk the face of the earth, but he went to a cross. There he became ‘unclean’ so that we unclean sinners can be fully and finally cleansed, all by grace (2 Corinthians 5:21).”
Great thought as we prepare for Sunday’s sermon on Revelation 21:9-27.
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