Are We Making Disciples?

Thad has a great post that deals with the issue of the Great Commission. This is a must read for pastors, lay leaders and those who desire to be faithful to the gospel and the Body of Christ. While there are a few churches here and there that are getting it right, many churches have missed the mark on discipleship.

Milestones Along the Road

I stand amazed over and over again at how the Lord works. I preach about it, I read about it, and still when I experience it in my own life it floors me. Today it happened. Just as clear as a bell, God was reminding me of who He is and where I stand because of Christ.

Today it was through the writing of Mr. Spurgeon that I was reminded. I won't give you the pitiful details of my shallow sinfulness. Instead, suffice it to say I was a bit down. Until I opened my copy of Morning and Evening. Here is a brief excerpt of what I read:

"Though thou art gloomy now, canst thou forget that blessed hour when Jesus met thee, and said, "Come unto me"? Canst thou not remember that rapturous moment when He snapped thy fetters, dashed thy chains to the earth, and said, "I came to break thy bonds and set thee free"? Or if the love of thine espousals be forgotten, there must surely be some precious milestone along the road of life not quite grown over with moss, on which thou canst read a happy memorial of His mercy towards thee?"

These words rang so clear in my soul that I wept with joy. There are milestones along the road for me. What about for you? It is often the case that we travel along and find ourselves quite disoriented. (Surely I am not the only one.) As the "Prince of Preachers" points out, we can certainly find our way again when we revisit those places and times when God's presence was so dear and his hand so evident. Still more, when we meditate on the sacrifice made on our behalf and the gracious call that came to our hearts.

Wow, isn't it amazing to be united to such a One as this? May your journey go well this day, and may you unearth a milestone along the road. All to the glory of God.

Reaching Your Unchurched Neighbor

Yesterday in Starbucks I had an interesting conversation with an aquaintance. He has visited our church once, maybe twice. I simply asked him when he was coming to visit again. His response was interesting in that he began to share his view on organized religion. Those are my words, but they reflect his ideas. He said that after a bad experience in a church several years back he decided he could meet with God on his own, outside of the church. He even said that as he spends time outside he often prays in the woods or in a field.

This could have been an opportunity to really set this guy straight. He's not the first person I've encounted with this mindset. Here was my big chance. But, instead of hammering him I made a brief comment about the church being part of God's design for us and letting it go.

This exchange has troubled me. I realize that there are so many folks who hold similar views. How do we reach our unchurched neighbors? If I would have just had my Bible with me, the really big one, I could have smacked him up side his head with it. Surely that would have gotten through to him. [note tone of sarcasm and a wicked smile]

Here's the opening paragraph from a BP article about unchurched Americans:

"A majority of unchurched Americans are turned off by the institutional church and don't have a biblical understanding about God and Jesus, yet they believe Jesus makes a positive difference in a person's life and would enjoy an honest discussion with a friend about spiritual matters."

The last phrase is the most telling and instructive. Believers need to engage in "honest discussion" with their friends and neighbors, not condemning them for being absent at the 11am Sunday service or for specific behavior. Sinners sin you know. Unfortunately many folks outside of the church have a distored understanding of Christianity. They see it mainly as a bunch of do's and don't that really are not appealing to them. We need to talk with them about the big issues of life. Eventually sharing with them the good news of reconciliation and redemption in Christ.

Many unchurched folks will admit that there is a void in their life. There is a very telling interview with Patriots quarterback Tom Brady where he talks about his own emptiness. (I first saw the video here.) Brady admits that even with Superbowl victories, loads of cash and worldwide fame, there is something missing. I pray that Tom has a Christian teammate who will share Christ with him.

It is clear that the church has much work to do. It is also clear that since many of our friends and neighbors will not be joining us on Sundays that we better be going to where they are on Monday - Saturday. Why not have a good cup of coffee at the same time.

Quotable - Accountability

"I charge you, by the concern we bear for one anothers souls, and by the love of God, that you warn and exhort me with patience if you see in me those turnings back of heart which I do not perceive in the blindness of my flesh." Jim Elliot in a letter to a friend, Shadow of the Almighty, pg. 104

These are wise words spoken out of a heart that was tuned towards God. We do not walk this way alone. While we certainly have the guiding hand of God, He has also blessed us with other like minded pilgrims. We need to utilize the counsel, encouragement and exhortation of others on this road. God may use a dear brother or sister to open our eyes to a misstep that is leading us to sin. Loving counsel and encouragement of a partner in ministry can be an invaluable tool, especially in the life of a pastor.

Being Encouraged

On two occasions in the past day and a half I have intentionally gone to visit folks to try and offer them some encouragement. The result: I was encouraged! This is a fascinating situation. One that I am certain is the way God intends it to be.

Yesterday I went to a nearby nursing home to do a Bible study with a few residents. There were about 8 who attended. All but one had to be brought to the room in their wheelchairs. The only one who came on her own power was a little lady who just celebrated her 100th birthday! We sang a few old hymns, read some Scripture and had prayer. It was wonderful. I'm not sure what the residents got out of it, but the Lord really blessed me.

Today I went to visit with a church member who has been sick and unable to come out. She hasn't been to church in nearly a month. She is our oldest member, and also one of our most faithful. Missing church is very hard on her. She told me that not coming to church makes her feel "hollow inside." We talked for a long while, read Scripture, prayed and shed some tears. After I had read from 1 Peter chapter 1 she said, "That just makes you want to say hallelujah!" Wow, what a blessing.

So, that's how God works. I'm going along trying to do a little bit for someone else and wham! He does one of those indescribable God-things. What a joy He is. And, what a real encouragement too. Kind of makes me want to say "hallelujah!"

[The picture above is my favorite lighthouse, Corolla, NC. Doesn't have much to do with the post, I just like it.]

Southern Baptists Respond to Crisis

There has been terrible unrest in Kenya over the past two weeks. Apparently Southern Baptists are responding. You can read some details about this effort at Baptist Press. It sounds like the aid being provided during this crisis is timely and practical.

I have more than a passing interest in this part of the world. I have a friend who is there in Kenya. He is doing some missionary work using sports to reach young people for Christ. You can read his team's first hand account of the situation here.

Please join me in praying for this situation as well as those working in the region. Christ is the answer to any crisis or unrest. May we rest in Him alone.

Barren Wasteland

I have not posted much of anything for several days. The truth of the matter is, my mind is parched. I have nothing to say, nothing to write about. My stomach is turning because of all the political headlines and "talking heads" and debates (this is only going to increase in the coming months). This time of year tends to be a bit of a downer. Dreary and docile after the heightened rush of the holidays.

I am busy as normal in ministry. Although there is a bit of a let down in that area as well following Christmas. I am getting ready to dive into a new sermon series (1 Peter) this week. Much preparation required there.

If you are a frequent visitor, please continue to stop by. I promise to post something of value and inspiration as soon as I find it. For now I leave you with a verse that describes this sort of thing from a spiritual perspective. There are times when these words are my words. Have you ever felt the same?

"O God, You are my God; I shall seek You earnestly; My soul thirsts for You, my flesh yearns for You, In a dry and weary land where there is no water." Ps. 63:1

Great Day To Be A Mountaineer

I must say, today is a great day for those of us who have roots in West Virginia. Big win for the Mountaineers last night against Oklahoma in the Fiesta Bowl. A few hours later, WVU named a new head football coach. Naysayers have expressed disappointment that the university didn't hire a big name or an up-and-coming hot shot. You have to understand, in WV loyalty and integrity are very important. Bill Stewart appears to have both. Those traits plus over 30 years of coaching experience earned him the top job. He also performed very well in the glare of the national spotlight last night. That didn't hurt.

Incidentally, he and I are both graduates of the very prestigious "college on the hill," Fairmont State. No doubt that played a big role in his hire as well.