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The Tears of the Saints

So Shall It Be

Stand and lift your heads
Redemption is drawing near (Luke 21:28)
The armies of heaven
Are riding in the air (Revelations 19:14)

Look into the clouds
Every eye will see
Christ coming down
So shall it be (Revelations 1:7)

Like lightning through the skyEveryone will know (Matthew 24:27)
Jesus is alive
And reigns forevermore

Hallelujah, hallelujah, hallelujah, hallelujah

Praise be to the savior
Praise be to the king
Who conquered death and sorrow
And made our hearts to sing


Thanks Mark for coming to Hope Church. I hope we were able to be a blessing to you. You certainly encouraged me and blessed me.

You Have an Opportunity

My Frustration with Current Youth Ministry

I was at the Gospel Coalition a couple of months back. Lots of pastor's who love the Gospel; the incarnation, the sinless life of Jesus and his obedience to death on a cross as a penal substitution for our sins, His resurrection that triumphed over death and the grave and the fact that He is seated at the right hand of the Father interceding on our behalf and that He will return again as King.That Gospel. Anyway, I met a few youth pastors, this is not a blog about them.

I felt a little bit like an outsider at this conference, although I was in a good percentage of the age bracket of those in attendance. Being in youth ministry and being a Calvinist (yeah I said it), proposes all kinds of challenges. Mainly because deep thinking and theology (of that kind) are not held in high regard within most youth ministry circles and the trendiness of youth ministry things are not looked at favorably among those who run in the "Gospel Coalition" circles. It seems to me that there are not very many Calvinistic/reformed leadership in the area of popular youth ministry. I have trouble bringing the world of Keller, Carson and Piper (for example) into youth ministry. I long for youth ministry to feel the weight of the Glory of God. And at the same time I feel like I don't have time to play around. Am I stretching my calling or do i need to suck it up and play a game or two?

I love to preach God's Word. I purposefully use the word preach because "teach" is not what I mean. I think there is an unspoken expectation in youth ministry to "teach" youth God's Word but don't preach to them. I have been "preaching" angrily on Sunday nights. My wife said that I have been saying, "you should" do this or that more than I have been salting my speech with grace. Some of that I admit was coming from a place of authority to call them to purity and accountability. But I wonder if sometimes I am too hard or bring heat when I should bring light.

This is my frustration: That there is the expectation that youth ministry should be fun and trivial and that young people cannot handle hard truths and commands from Scripture and meanwhile they are leaving our churches.

I am thinking out loud. Any thoughts?

Mission: Jacksonville

Our summer mission team went to Jacksonville, Florida again this year. The green house on 24th and Pearl has housed us for another week. We had a few new faces and some familiar ones on our journey this year. Teresa, Alex, Jacob, Jarred and Abby were all new to the urban exchange.

Expectations were high this year as most were repeat missionaries. However, some things were not as clear as I thought they were. Cultural faux pas aside, we didn't submerge ourselves into the experience as much as I would have liked.

We did have some new tasks put upon us this year. As we took on a week of summer day camp. Learning to sing "Jambo" Swahili for "hello", and be ultra enthusiastic about it was a challenge. All of us were assigned different age groups of kids. Ages were from pre-K to maybe the 4th grade. Kimberly, Zach and Matthew had the youngest and largest group. They were amazing with them. Jessica, Alex and I were assigned the next group which had mostly boys. By day 2 I was ready to switch out with Teresa, who was way better at teaching and dealing with the youngsters than I was. I was a grumpy gus most of the week (more about that later). The next group had Andrew, Abby and our new friend, second mile intern, Harin as the leaders. The next group had Jarred, and another new friend, Nic (intern) as the leaders. The last and oldest group had Jamie and (thanks for praying) Ross as their leaders. Ross had his hands full as his group was made up entirely of pre-pubescent girls. He had his hair "did" differently every day.

We sang songs under the leadership of an intern; John. John did an amazing job with the help of his sound man, Garret and his "Hype-man" Jamal. John lead the songs and bible story times. Our group did a skit and they asked me to share the story of Jesus death and resurrection with the kids. John did a better job relating to the little kids than I did. I am positive that I over complicated the communication. But never the less the Gospel was clear to kids that week.

We had fun with the recreation. After Teresa relieved me from my group, I took her job as snack coordinator, something that is more my expertise. I had a great helper in Bekah. Jacob was on water duty, as he set up coolers of ice water for everyday. He did an excellent job getting the most important thing of the day ready to go.

We had devotional and learning times in the mornings. I am not sure what our students got out of it (as I write this I have not been able to debrief anybody), but I was overwhelmed again at how blind I am at injustice and taking care of the poor. I don't mean giving the poor a hand out, I mean being conscience of how I can help. There are already exsisting agencies that could use my time and my presence.

It was hot. The guys slept upstairs in what some dubbed as Sheol. We had a few fans, but it was just to push the hot air around. I would literally wake up because my pillow was soaked with my sweat. I only say this because I know that there are houses in that neighborhood that do not even have fans. It was difficult to get a good nights sleep. I was usually the first one up because I longed to take a cold shower and was awake from the pool I called a pillow. We made it through though. We really had no complaints. Mostly just jokes surrounding the utter hotness that was the upstairs.

I was angry in the flesh because of the lack of good sleep and I sinned with that anger as I let it corrupt my spirit. I was quickly irritated by some of the students actions and I let it get to me. I said some things I shouldn't. And to not let the devil get another foot hold, just know that I repented and asked specific students for their forgiveness. I don't make excuses, I sinned and needed to repent. 'Nuff said.

Jacksonville was different and the same this year. Familiar friends and yet we had other tasks and different assignments. And yet once again we came believing we were bringing the Gospel and God showed me again that it is I who is in need of the Gospel, still. I need the crucified Christ because I am a sinner. And I need to realize his resurrection has now made me a Saint that has the hope of the world, Jesus, living inside of him. I am more than a conqueror in Christ Jesus.

Vehicles

My good friend Dale recently posted on his blog a quote I sent him by Joshua Harris at the Gospel Coalition. The quote was: "The local church is not to abandon the mission, but it's the vehicle for the mission"

So I asked, "what kind of vehicle are we?" I am not sure that this is even the right question to be asking. However, Dale does an excellent job of answering the question based on the cars in his parking lot at work. I am going to cheat a bit and use google. So here is my response to Dale using some of his categories.

The vehicle I am stuck in a lot:



Notice how it says "Lazy Daze" on the front.

But, Dale is right, I too have a lot going on and maybe I am not stuck in a dumb daze so maybe I am more like this:

Fast and "office" oriented but really just going in circles.

God has not called us to zoom past life or drive in circles. We are designed for so much more. However, this is how I think the world sees my love for God:



A crappy hatchback that you don't want to sit in because you'll get burnt. And it is foreign to people.

At times I wish that people would see me and the church like this:

Trendy, American, Cool, Sleek,on the Cutting Edge.

We spend a lot of time and effort trying to be like this vehicle:




We (I) try to get "Back to the Future"; meaning that I am constantly wanting things about Church to either fast forward, get present or even sometimes get ancient.

However, the truth is that we need to be like these vehicles consistently:







Pray for us. Pray that we will recognize that we need to live an Emergency/War-time lifestyle. We are at war.

So Dale thinks I need to post more

He's right.

Where Did February and March go?

Okay so I have had several blog ideas and have failed to write about them. And I am cautious because I know who actually reads this silly thing. SO I will be bold and try to write some things.

Song that is messing me up:


Scripture that is equally messing me up:

1Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. 2And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. 3And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. 4 He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away."

5And he who was seated on the throne said, "Behold, I am making all things new." Also he said, "Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true." 6And he said to me, "It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. To the thirsty I will give from the spring of the water of life without payment. 7 The one who conquers will have this heritage, and I will be his God and he will be my son. 8 But as for the cowardly, the faithless, the detestable, as for murderers, the sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, their portion will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is the second death."

Revelation 21:1-8

I am cowardly, faithless, detestable, a murderer, sexually immoral, a sorcerer, an idolater, and a liar. But praise Jesus that He is not and He has redeemed me and he sings over me. Jesus saves me from those things and calls me His own. Which is why I am thankful for Paul's words in 1 Corinthians 6:11 - And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.

Amen

Monday is for Music

Youth Ministry

I am a youth pastor. I haven't written about it on my blog. Tonight (January 4th) at youth group, I found myself in an optimistic mood. After all it was the new year. We were light in number but we were a talkative bunch. I love these students as I have loved my former youth. I am excited about this year. I am resolved to study and pray harder for them. It is my hope that the Holy Spirit will infuse them with passion and heart. I am thankful for another year to teach the Scriptures in hope that the Word will change lives. May Jesus ruin our lives again this year!

A good reminder

Even for us in youth ministry...

The Best of 2008

Time magazine has their Best of Everything.

So in the spirit of "Best Of's" Here is my Best of 2008!

Best Hope Youth Picture (Group):


Best Hope Youth Picture (Guys Only):


Best Hope Youth Picture (Girls Only):


Best Albums of 2008
1. Rebel - Lecrae
2. The Showdown - Back breaker
3. House of Heroes - The End is not the End
4. Anberlin - New Surrender
5. Chris Tomlin -Hello Love
6. Underoath - Lost in the Sound of Seperation
7. The Classic Crime - The Silver Cord
8. I Am Terrified - EP
9. relientk - The Bird and Bee Sides
10. Passion: God of This City


10 Best Movies of 2008 (that I have seen):
1. The Dark Knight
2. Iron Man
3. No Country for Old Men
4. Leatherheads
5. There Will Be Blood
6. Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian
7. Kung Fu Panda
8. The Incredible Hulk
9. Gone Baby Gone
10. Be Kind Rewind

Best Books (I read) of 2008:
Vintage Jesus
Ministry Mutiny
Do Hard Things
Young Restless and Reformed
Why We're Not Emergent by Two Guys Who Should Be
The Cross and Christian Ministry
The Irresistible Revolution
Call to Spiritual Reformation

Best YouTube videos I watched:
Butter


BBQ Song:


Done for now...

Merry Christmas, Andy!

to iphone or not to iphone

So I may have the means to get an i phone for Christmas. The problem that I have is that I am torn about it. I will use it, and it is superior. But, I just don't know if I "want" one or "need" one. Any one have any thoughts?

Guest Blogging

For those of you (5 peeps) who actually read my blog, I am guest spotting over at my friend Clint Clifton's blog Dirty Clint. I share a delightful story about Clint and his crazy antics.

Clint Clifton is a friend and brother who inspires me every time I talk with him. He makes me laugh and challenges my low expectations and cynicism. Go check it out and you too might find that you enjoy following the exploits and adventures of Dirty Clint.

Perspective

A nod to Zach over at Take Your Vitamin Z for calling my attention to...
Timmy Brister

At a time when our attention is unnecessarily drawn the continual division over nonessentials in the SBC, I would like to remind us all of what our brothers and sisters are facing around the world, for instance, like in Orissa, India. They don’t wake up to find what the next comment or blogpost has to say; they wake up to discover who lost their lives for the sake of Christ.

Where 300 villages have been pillaged and plundered, 70,000 Christians have been left homeless, many of them forced to live in the jungles.

4,000 homes have been destroyed.

3,000 people are missing and 77 people have been burned or hacked to death.

450 churches have been burned to the ground.

One Christian worker who was attacked by a mob while praying, said, “It’s like a never-ending nightmare . . . we’re living in constant fear of more attacks.”

The violence in Orissa, according to Voice of the Martyrs, is due to the increasing number of Indians converting to Christianity.

At a time when those of us who either write or read blogs, I felt that it is necessary to call us back to Christianity 1.0 where there’s a cross to carry and a price to pay far greater than anyting we have known in front of a computer screen. Let us pray for our persecuted brothers and sisters, and by their lives, determine to have a right perspective about the gospel, the church, and the kingdom of God where the weight of glory conforms our character and characterizes our conduct as we seek to follow Christ.

Volition

I just watched this powerful short film. It is well worth your time.

Volition

What I wanted to say (Part 1.B)

He said it.

What I wanted to say Sunday (Part One)

Preaching was very difficult for me on Sunday. Preaching from Isaiah 6 is one of my favorite texts. It practically preaches itself. The text was not my issue. I love that text. I wanted to encourage our people to catch the vision of a Holy God. However, my aim was to lead our people to turn from legalism and run from being anti-nomians. I really muddled through it though. I chased some rabbits and did not honor my intent. I really desired to show how much we need the grace of God in light of a Holy God. The same God in Isaiah chapter 6 that the prophet sees and proclaims, "Woe is me!" is the same God that came in the flesh and atones for our sin to make us the righteousness of God. My aim was to encourage our people to walk away with a High view of God and a realistic view of themselves, as sinners saved by grace.

I really struggled with being fearful of men this week. I disguised it to myself as wanting to serve our people. But the truth is that my pride of wanting to impress this week put my preaching into shackles. I was humbled this week by my inability to really connect my points and thoughts. I just did not feel confident in my presentation.

Somethings I really wanted to say...

Jonathan Edwards, In his Resolution #8 said,

Resolved, to act, in all respects, both speaking and doing, as if nobody has been as vile as I, as if I had committed the same sins, or had the same infirmities and failings as others; and I will let the knowledge of their failings promote nothing but shame in myself and prove only an occasion of confessing my own sins and misery to God. July 30

Jesus was talking to his disciples and told them how to keep from being arrogant self righteous jerks:

He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and treated others with contempt: "Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee, standing by himself, prayed thus: 'God, I thank you that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I get.'But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, 'God, be merciful to me, a sinner!' I tell you, this man went down to his house justified, rather than the other. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted."

Jesus contrasted the Pharisee who believed himself to be righteous with the tax collector (read sinner, despised) who humbled himself before the One who could take him out, God. How many times do we look down our noses as Christians and thank God that we are no "like" other men. Last time I checked we ALL fall short. We all fall short of the glory of God. Even though I am justified by faith through grace, I have to wake up every day and preach the Gospel to myself. I have to be what I am. In other words, I am righteous in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:21 - For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God)and therefore I have to remind myself that if Christ is my atonement and I am in right standing with the Creator because of the cross of Christ then I have to live in that identity. (Colossians 2:6-15)

Legalism is like thumbing or noses at God. A friend of mine told me that when he was a kid he wanted to help his dad carry in the groceries. He would pick up the heavy bags and because of his pride he would struggle all the way into the house. He would spill the cans out of the bag instead of asking or letting his dad help him. This is us! It's not going to change our Father's love for us if we do or don't do His requirements. But our pride causes us to think that we can do it all on our own. Does God delight in those who obey His laws and keep His commandments? You bet. But we have to know that it is only through the power of the Holy Spirit enabling us to yield and do good works that we are able to anything. Jesus even says that apart from Him we can do nothing. The deeds we do on our own apart from being compelled by love for Him - are filthy, bloody tampons. Gross. But true. When we do things for His glory and from His power we display the great grace of God. When we realize His great mercy on us, the rebels, the enemies of God we acknowledge our inability to do anything good apart from the vine we are given the grace to accomplish his purposes in our life.
Therefore we should also not abuse grace. "May we go on sinning so that grace may abound?" Hell no! (That is the emphatic greek) One of my favorite authors on grace and the disciplines, Jerry Bridges, writes in Transforming Grace, "Those that abuse God's grace for the sake of worldliness has never bore witness to the awesome splendor and majesty that is found in the death of Jesus on the Cross. Grace is never cheap. It is absolutely free to us, but infinitely expensive to God...Anyone who is prone to use grace as a license for irresponsible, sinful behavior, surely does not appreciate the infinite price God paid to give us His grace." When God ceases to be our treasure we are easily inticed by the world and her charms. Consider the famous C.S. Lewis quote:

If there lurks in most modern minds the notion that to desire our own good and earnestly hope for the enjoyment of it is a bad thing, I submit that this notion has crept in from Kant and the Stoics and is no part of the Christian faith. Indeed, if we consider the unblushing promises of reward and the staggering nature of the rewards promised in the Gospels, it would seem that Our Lord finds our desires not too strong, but too weak. We are half-hearted creatures, fooling around with drink and sex and ambition when infinite joy is offered us, like an ignorant child who wants to go on making mud pies in the slum because he cannot imagine what is meant by the offer of a holiday at the sea. We are far too easily pleased.

Or John Piper's admonition;

When you become so blind that the maker of galaxies and ruler of nations and knower of all mysteries and lover of our souls becomes boring (emphasis mine), then only one thing is left - the love of the world. For the heart is always restless. It must have its treasure: if not in heaven, then on earth.

Do we love the world, more than we love Jesus? Do we believe Him when He says, "If you love me you will keep my commandments."? His commandments or yoke is not burdensome. They are light. Delight in Him! Love God! Love Others! However, our pride and the love of self is always there isn't it? Evil is right there with me, as Paul would say. We have a great enemy alive inside of us - Indwelling sin. However we must be reminded that we are now the house of the Holy Spirit and He is fighting on our behalf. Then the external enemies supply the internal enemies with weapons. The world and Satan are constantly bonbarding us with temptation and inclinations to sin - to dishonor our beloved King. How do we fight this enemy? With pea shooter regulations, as Dr. Piper calls them? No, we cling to the promise that greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world. And that when we are the branches and abide in Jesus, He gives us fruit. He enables us to do great things! We must fight along side of our King as well. We must fight! We must kill sin. We must mortify temptation.

“Never let us reckon that our work in contending against sin, in crucifying, mortifying, and subduing of it, is at an end. The place of its habitation is unsearchable; and when we may think that we have thoroughly won the field, there is still some reserve remaining that we saw not, that we knew not of. Many conquerors have been ruined by their carelessness after a victory, and many have been spiritually wounded after great successes against this enemy…There is no way for us to pursue sin in its unsearchable habitation but by being endless in our pursuit.” - John Owen

Look to the cross, and hate your sin, for sin nailed your Well Beloved to the tree. Look up to the cross, and you will kill sin, for the strength of Jesus' love will make you strong to put down your tendencies to sin. - C.H. Spurgeon

So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus. Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, to make you obey its passions. Do not present your members to sin as instruments for unrighteousness, but present yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life, and your members to God as instruments for righteousness. Romans 6:11-13

To be continued...