One of the more compelling and moving and inspiring events in all of Scripture is the Upper Room Discourse. Now, most Christians have no idea what that is, so let me explain. John 13-17 gives us one of the fullest expressions of the heart of Christ as He offers His final teaching to His disciples prior to His arrest, trials, and crucifixion.
As one scholar put it, "If you think of the Scriptures as the Temple of God, this passage would be “the Holy of Holies”... the Inner Sanctuary, where the very presence of God, Himself, dwells." (Net Bible Study) These 4 chapters contain some of the most powerful memory verses to sustain the Christian throughout his life; I counted in my personal study Bible and found that I have 16 verses/groups of verses highlighted in yellow - all of them key memory verses. For example:
"A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." (John 13:34-35)
"Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." (John 14:6)
"Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command." (John 15:13-14)
"But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth." (John 16:13)
"In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." (John 16:33)
"My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you." (John 17:20-21)
My challenge to you this week, as we approach Sunday on which we will study Day 5 - Thursday - The Last Supper - The Lord's Passover, is to read these 4 chapters and take in the very heart of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! His eternal words will convict you, challenge you, and comfort you as you seek to serve Him with all that you are!
Pastor Randy
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Countdown to Passion and Power!
Did you know that of the 89 chapters that comprise the Four Gospels, 30 chapters describe the final week of Christ's 3-1/2 year ministry?
That is staggering! Fully one-third of the first four books of the New Testament is dedicated to His final week on earth. If the amount of time devoted to a particular set of events is any indicator of their significance, then clearly the passion of crucifixion and the power of the resurrection are not only critical but in fact they serve as the very basis for the Christian faith!
Over the next 7 weeks, we will count down the last 7 days of Christ's First Coming, beginning with His Triumphal Entry (historically this took place on Sunday, 10 Nisan). This was the same day on which the lamb was presented prior to the Passover of the Israelites' exodus from Egypt.
I cannot wait for this sermon series and I encourage you to not miss out. Each Sunday will bring us another day closer to the PASSION of Christ and the POWER of His resurrection!
In His Love,
Randy
That is staggering! Fully one-third of the first four books of the New Testament is dedicated to His final week on earth. If the amount of time devoted to a particular set of events is any indicator of their significance, then clearly the passion of crucifixion and the power of the resurrection are not only critical but in fact they serve as the very basis for the Christian faith!
Over the next 7 weeks, we will count down the last 7 days of Christ's First Coming, beginning with His Triumphal Entry (historically this took place on Sunday, 10 Nisan). This was the same day on which the lamb was presented prior to the Passover of the Israelites' exodus from Egypt.
I cannot wait for this sermon series and I encourage you to not miss out. Each Sunday will bring us another day closer to the PASSION of Christ and the POWER of His resurrection!
In His Love,
Randy
Friday, March 4, 2011
Why do People Leave the Church?
A recent article in Churchleaders.com addressed the question, "Why do People Leave the Church?"*
As any church, C3 has its share of members/partners who have left or who have just fallen into an infrequent attendance pattern. As a pastor, and especially as a pastor who has a memory of who attends and when, my heart hurts for those who are not at worship service on Sunday mornings. The reason is simple: God has given me a shepherd's heart.
The article offers the results of survey work done in this area. The top reasons people leave the church are:
1. Change in life situation
2. Disenchantment with the church
3. Don't feel loved by the church
4. Are not really Christian at all
As pastor, it is my job to pray, to preach, and to lead our church to invest and invite into the lives of others, whether they are sinners far from God or whether they are one-time church attenders/members who have stopped coming to church. I pray that C3 is the kind of church where people know and experience the awesome power of corporate worship of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, where people do not become disenchanted with us, and where people feel loved and welcomed.
Now, a delicate balance must be struck between this searching heart and the commands of Christ to not compromise on His Truth. The pastor's paradox is that he wants everyone to love him, but due to his calling from God, he is not always going to make decisions that everyone loves. That said, every pastor is called to love his people and to go after them when they have wandered off from the rest of the flock.
I pray that if you are reading this blog and are not fully connected into a Christ-centered church that you join us for worship this Sunday.
pastor randy
* Reference used: http://www.churchleaders.com/outreach-missions/outreach-missions-articles/138855-coming-home-why-people-leave-the-church-and-how-to-bring-them-back.html?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Daily-Update
As any church, C3 has its share of members/partners who have left or who have just fallen into an infrequent attendance pattern. As a pastor, and especially as a pastor who has a memory of who attends and when, my heart hurts for those who are not at worship service on Sunday mornings. The reason is simple: God has given me a shepherd's heart.
The article offers the results of survey work done in this area. The top reasons people leave the church are:
1. Change in life situation
2. Disenchantment with the church
3. Don't feel loved by the church
4. Are not really Christian at all
As pastor, it is my job to pray, to preach, and to lead our church to invest and invite into the lives of others, whether they are sinners far from God or whether they are one-time church attenders/members who have stopped coming to church. I pray that C3 is the kind of church where people know and experience the awesome power of corporate worship of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, where people do not become disenchanted with us, and where people feel loved and welcomed.
Now, a delicate balance must be struck between this searching heart and the commands of Christ to not compromise on His Truth. The pastor's paradox is that he wants everyone to love him, but due to his calling from God, he is not always going to make decisions that everyone loves. That said, every pastor is called to love his people and to go after them when they have wandered off from the rest of the flock.
I pray that if you are reading this blog and are not fully connected into a Christ-centered church that you join us for worship this Sunday.
pastor randy
* Reference used: http://www.churchleaders.com/outreach-missions/outreach-missions-articles/138855-coming-home-why-people-leave-the-church-and-how-to-bring-them-back.html?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Daily-Update
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Are you in Control?
Some people are "control freaks." Some might even place me in that category. I work very hard not to control EVERYTHING! LOL. That said, some people have no control. They struggle to be in control of their emotions, their attitudes, their behaviors, their relationships, their finances, their future, you name it. They look around for someone, anyone to help them out, to bail them out, to sort them out, but alas, to no avail. Why?
The Bible declares a fruit of the Spirit is self-control. The term is not used very much outside of that one verse from Galatians, but it is implied a lot. The punchline for this topic is found in this truth: Godly self-control comes from God, just like every other fruit of the Spirit. The source of these attributes is God and without a full, vibrant, daily surrender of the flesh to the Spirit's power, no Christian can exercise the fruit of the Spirit.
So, the question remains: How do I exercise self-control? Let Him who is in you BE greater than He that is in the world. Paul challenged himself and all Christians with this word: "I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualifed for the prize." (1 Cor. 9:27)
Just as we engage our bodies in physical discipline in order to remain fit and healthy, so we must also engage our spirits in spiritual fitness...Sound Familiar?
pastor randy
The Bible declares a fruit of the Spirit is self-control. The term is not used very much outside of that one verse from Galatians, but it is implied a lot. The punchline for this topic is found in this truth: Godly self-control comes from God, just like every other fruit of the Spirit. The source of these attributes is God and without a full, vibrant, daily surrender of the flesh to the Spirit's power, no Christian can exercise the fruit of the Spirit.
So, the question remains: How do I exercise self-control? Let Him who is in you BE greater than He that is in the world. Paul challenged himself and all Christians with this word: "I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualifed for the prize." (1 Cor. 9:27)
Just as we engage our bodies in physical discipline in order to remain fit and healthy, so we must also engage our spirits in spiritual fitness...Sound Familiar?
pastor randy
Thursday, February 17, 2011
What does it mean to be meek?
Jesus said, "Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth."
What does that mean? To begin, we have to make sure we know what meekness is not. Meekness is NOT weakness. To be meek is to demonstrate a humility of heart and spirit in the knowledge of one's own inadequacy before the Lord. Jesus was essentially highlighting the stark contrast between the proud self-assessment of the religious leaders of His day with those who understand and acknowledge their own spiritual poverty and hopelessness without the gracious hand of God intervening in the person of Christ.
I am continually amazed at the political correctness adopted by Christians if/when they do present Jesus to others. The problem is that most Christians jump right to a person's need for Jesus, which on the surface sounds right enough. However, unless a person knows AND admits his own sin nature and his sure path to destruction and hell, the idea of trusting Jesus carries little urgency or even importance.
In any given person's life, their journey begins with optimism, hope, and a bright outlook. As they grow older, they begin to witness and experience mortality. This triggers an investigation into the matters concerning the life after this life. Whether they believe in the afterlife or not, they nevertheless wrestle with those questions. As they age even further, the surety of death comes ever closer, challenging them to make decisions.
We read daily of the "premature" death of many young people, whether teenagers or twenty-somethings. Their regular rejection of Christ is sourced from their natural dismissal of death's potential. The American culture has also contributed to this casual refusal of the Christian witness because the Christian faith has been erroneously stereotyped as restrictive and guilt-ridden.
Now we return to how blessed are the meek. The meek Christian has such an intimate and life-transforming knowledge of his own sinful nature, his consequent prior separation from God and destiny to hell, God's amazing grace given in Christ's substitutionary death on the cross, God's re-creation (birthing again) and regeneration of the person, God's consequent justification of that person and adoption into the family of God, with certain eternal life with God in heaven upon departure from this life!
When the Christian comes to a fuller understanding of his "position" in Christ, in spite of his sinful nature, his witness is then so much more compelling and impacting upon the person with whom he shares Christ. When that person "sees" it in the witness, that person then comes to a realization of the freedom truly felt by the Christian and the fullness of life truly experienced by the Christian.
Meekness leads to inheritance - for every genuinely converted follower of Christ is a joint-heir with Him!
Dish out
What does that mean? To begin, we have to make sure we know what meekness is not. Meekness is NOT weakness. To be meek is to demonstrate a humility of heart and spirit in the knowledge of one's own inadequacy before the Lord. Jesus was essentially highlighting the stark contrast between the proud self-assessment of the religious leaders of His day with those who understand and acknowledge their own spiritual poverty and hopelessness without the gracious hand of God intervening in the person of Christ.
I am continually amazed at the political correctness adopted by Christians if/when they do present Jesus to others. The problem is that most Christians jump right to a person's need for Jesus, which on the surface sounds right enough. However, unless a person knows AND admits his own sin nature and his sure path to destruction and hell, the idea of trusting Jesus carries little urgency or even importance.
In any given person's life, their journey begins with optimism, hope, and a bright outlook. As they grow older, they begin to witness and experience mortality. This triggers an investigation into the matters concerning the life after this life. Whether they believe in the afterlife or not, they nevertheless wrestle with those questions. As they age even further, the surety of death comes ever closer, challenging them to make decisions.
We read daily of the "premature" death of many young people, whether teenagers or twenty-somethings. Their regular rejection of Christ is sourced from their natural dismissal of death's potential. The American culture has also contributed to this casual refusal of the Christian witness because the Christian faith has been erroneously stereotyped as restrictive and guilt-ridden.
Now we return to how blessed are the meek. The meek Christian has such an intimate and life-transforming knowledge of his own sinful nature, his consequent prior separation from God and destiny to hell, God's amazing grace given in Christ's substitutionary death on the cross, God's re-creation (birthing again) and regeneration of the person, God's consequent justification of that person and adoption into the family of God, with certain eternal life with God in heaven upon departure from this life!
When the Christian comes to a fuller understanding of his "position" in Christ, in spite of his sinful nature, his witness is then so much more compelling and impacting upon the person with whom he shares Christ. When that person "sees" it in the witness, that person then comes to a realization of the freedom truly felt by the Christian and the fullness of life truly experienced by the Christian.
Meekness leads to inheritance - for every genuinely converted follower of Christ is a joint-heir with Him!
Dish out
Friday, February 11, 2011
Got Faith?
The Bible says that "without faith, it is impossible to please God." We know that God is faithful - faithful to carry out His promises, faithful to renew His mercies every morning, and faithful to providentially care for the universe and all that is in it.
But are YOU faithful? Do you trust God and take Him at His Word? Do your actions everyday sync up with that trust? The Bible defines faith as "the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen."
Jesus said to doubting Thomas, "Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed." Many will refer to faith in Christ as blind faith, but that is not accurate. Blind faith implies that the one we are following does not know where he is going. Faith in Christ is founded on who He is, what He taught, how He acted, what He ultimatley did, and the profound, pervasive and prolonged impact He has had on the world!
No other person in the history of the world has had a greater impact. There isn't even a close second. The fact that Christ is the central figure in the story of mankind is no coincidence - it proves the sovereignty of God. There is no greater demonstration of faithfulness than when Jesus said, "Nevertheless, not my will be done, but Thy will be done."
When we come to the realization that Christ really is who He claimed to be, then there is NOTHING that will stand in our way or prevent us from following Him!
Do you have such faith?
Dish
But are YOU faithful? Do you trust God and take Him at His Word? Do your actions everyday sync up with that trust? The Bible defines faith as "the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen."
Jesus said to doubting Thomas, "Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed." Many will refer to faith in Christ as blind faith, but that is not accurate. Blind faith implies that the one we are following does not know where he is going. Faith in Christ is founded on who He is, what He taught, how He acted, what He ultimatley did, and the profound, pervasive and prolonged impact He has had on the world!
No other person in the history of the world has had a greater impact. There isn't even a close second. The fact that Christ is the central figure in the story of mankind is no coincidence - it proves the sovereignty of God. There is no greater demonstration of faithfulness than when Jesus said, "Nevertheless, not my will be done, but Thy will be done."
When we come to the realization that Christ really is who He claimed to be, then there is NOTHING that will stand in our way or prevent us from following Him!
Do you have such faith?
Dish
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Oak Trees or Pear Trees?
When our family returned from our flight out of Charleston in the wake of Hurricane Floyd, we saw that our neighbor's Bradford Pear tree was completely uprooted and tossed across the yard. Not sure how our trees fared, we pulled into the driveway. The verdict? Our oak tree was still standing strong!
Which is better - the oak tree or the pear tree? Well, most everyone would say the Oak. Why? It's more deeply rooted and therefore stronger. But it takes a long time to grow, so some would say the pear is better. Which one will withstand a storm better? No doubt, the oak would withstand the storms better.
If Christians were trees, what kind of tree would you be? Jesus said we are to "make disciples." Are you a disciple? A disciple is a fully-devoted follower of Christ.
I would say that the fully-devoted followers of Christ are like oak trees. They have strong root systems that have developed over a long period of time. The trunk of an oak tree is stout and sturdy. The branch system is such that it can withstand the strongest winds. The "fruit" - the acorn - is not that beautiful but it is plentiful, but when planted, produces yet another mighty oak!
I am convinced that discipleship is the single greatest need in the church today. In fact, evangelism in America has waned because the average Christian has not been discipled; the average Christian is more like a pear tree. They have a shallow root system, the flowers bloom quickly but then soon wither, and when the storms come, the tree is oftimes uprooted and tossed.
So, why is discipleship not happening in the church? Why are churches producing a considerable number of pear trees but very few oak trees? There are probably a whole list of reasons, but the two that come to my mind are: 1) it is hard, and 2) it takes time.
C3 exists to cultivate the seed sown in the heart of ALL believers - whether they have been a believer for 20 years or 2 months. This cultivation occurs through various "growth" opportunities. These include: consistent intake of the Word of God; persistent prayer time with the "Gardener"; regular worship and digestion of God's Truth through songs, prayers, sermons, and fellowship; systematic "working out" of one's knowledge of the person AND work of Christ; proven endurance through trials and troubles (the storms) that come into one's life; and daily articulation of one's faith both in practice and in witness.
If you were to start today, it may not be for a long time that you begin to bear the fruit or resemblance of the oak tree, but if you persist with steadfast endurance, you will one day become the mighty oak that God desires for you to be.
It all begins with a decision of the heart!
Randy
Which is better - the oak tree or the pear tree? Well, most everyone would say the Oak. Why? It's more deeply rooted and therefore stronger. But it takes a long time to grow, so some would say the pear is better. Which one will withstand a storm better? No doubt, the oak would withstand the storms better.
If Christians were trees, what kind of tree would you be? Jesus said we are to "make disciples." Are you a disciple? A disciple is a fully-devoted follower of Christ.
I would say that the fully-devoted followers of Christ are like oak trees. They have strong root systems that have developed over a long period of time. The trunk of an oak tree is stout and sturdy. The branch system is such that it can withstand the strongest winds. The "fruit" - the acorn - is not that beautiful but it is plentiful, but when planted, produces yet another mighty oak!
I am convinced that discipleship is the single greatest need in the church today. In fact, evangelism in America has waned because the average Christian has not been discipled; the average Christian is more like a pear tree. They have a shallow root system, the flowers bloom quickly but then soon wither, and when the storms come, the tree is oftimes uprooted and tossed.
So, why is discipleship not happening in the church? Why are churches producing a considerable number of pear trees but very few oak trees? There are probably a whole list of reasons, but the two that come to my mind are: 1) it is hard, and 2) it takes time.
C3 exists to cultivate the seed sown in the heart of ALL believers - whether they have been a believer for 20 years or 2 months. This cultivation occurs through various "growth" opportunities. These include: consistent intake of the Word of God; persistent prayer time with the "Gardener"; regular worship and digestion of God's Truth through songs, prayers, sermons, and fellowship; systematic "working out" of one's knowledge of the person AND work of Christ; proven endurance through trials and troubles (the storms) that come into one's life; and daily articulation of one's faith both in practice and in witness.
If you were to start today, it may not be for a long time that you begin to bear the fruit or resemblance of the oak tree, but if you persist with steadfast endurance, you will one day become the mighty oak that God desires for you to be.
It all begins with a decision of the heart!
Randy
Friday, January 28, 2011
The Patience of Job?
Do you have the patience of Job? Most of us would say we don't. Where did that term originate anyway? As I peruse the pages of the book of Job, I see a significant amount of restraint and faithfulness in the midst of suffering, but I don't find the term "patience" as it relates to Job; in fact, the only reference to patience when it comes to Job is his question to his friends, "What strength do I have, that I should still hope? What prospects, that I should be patient?" (Job 6:11)
So then, where does this concept come from, if not from the book of Job? It comes from James, the half-brother of our Lord Jesus Christ. He says, "Take, my brethren, the prophets, who have spoken in the name of the Lord, for an example of suffering affliction, and of patience. Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy." (James 5:10-11, KJV)
The word "patience" in this verse is also translated as perseverance, steadfastness, and endurance in other translations. The distinctions among these terms must be noted. The actual Greek term used by James is hupomone. It carries the idea of a person who is not swerved from his deliberate purpose and his loyalty to his faith in the face of suffering and/or persecution.
Job would not curse God, even in the most dire of sufferings. The very essence of God is His patience..."The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some consider slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance." (2 Peter 3:9)
God is patient. Job displayed patience. Come find out this Sunday how you, too, can foster the fruit of patience!
Randy
So then, where does this concept come from, if not from the book of Job? It comes from James, the half-brother of our Lord Jesus Christ. He says, "Take, my brethren, the prophets, who have spoken in the name of the Lord, for an example of suffering affliction, and of patience. Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy." (James 5:10-11, KJV)
The word "patience" in this verse is also translated as perseverance, steadfastness, and endurance in other translations. The distinctions among these terms must be noted. The actual Greek term used by James is hupomone. It carries the idea of a person who is not swerved from his deliberate purpose and his loyalty to his faith in the face of suffering and/or persecution.
Job would not curse God, even in the most dire of sufferings. The very essence of God is His patience..."The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some consider slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance." (2 Peter 3:9)
God is patient. Job displayed patience. Come find out this Sunday how you, too, can foster the fruit of patience!
Randy
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Got Peace?
The psalmist encourages us to "seek peace and pursue it." (Ps. 34:14) David would also later declare to the Lord, "Great peace have they who love your law." (Ps. 119:165)Solomon would state with confidence, "A heart at peace gives life to the body." (Pr. 14:30)
Isaiah prophesied that the "Prince of Peace" would come from a virgin (Is. 9:6). This prophecy was fulfilled in the birth of Jesus Christ. This same Jesus, as a grown man, would say, "Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword." (Mt. 10:34)
How are we to reconcile this paradox? These scriptures seem to be contradictory, but the Spirit which gives us understanding helps us to see that Christ's first coming brought the sword by which He divides those who fully follow Him versus those who only profess His name. His Second Coming is to usher in everlasting peace. In the meantime, those who are fully-devoted followers of the Prince of Peace find that He IS their peace, both in this life and in the life to follow.
Have you ever noticed how the genuinely converted Christian displays a remarkable CALM in the midst of tragedy, trial and tumult? I have, and it IS quite remarkable.
The question is...do you have peace? Is Jesus YOUR Peace, or are you trying to find peace through some other means. This Sunday, we will learn from God's inerrant, holy, inspired LOVE LETTER to man that we all CAN have the peace of Christ.
See you Sunday!
Pastor Randy
Isaiah prophesied that the "Prince of Peace" would come from a virgin (Is. 9:6). This prophecy was fulfilled in the birth of Jesus Christ. This same Jesus, as a grown man, would say, "Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword." (Mt. 10:34)
How are we to reconcile this paradox? These scriptures seem to be contradictory, but the Spirit which gives us understanding helps us to see that Christ's first coming brought the sword by which He divides those who fully follow Him versus those who only profess His name. His Second Coming is to usher in everlasting peace. In the meantime, those who are fully-devoted followers of the Prince of Peace find that He IS their peace, both in this life and in the life to follow.
Have you ever noticed how the genuinely converted Christian displays a remarkable CALM in the midst of tragedy, trial and tumult? I have, and it IS quite remarkable.
The question is...do you have peace? Is Jesus YOUR Peace, or are you trying to find peace through some other means. This Sunday, we will learn from God's inerrant, holy, inspired LOVE LETTER to man that we all CAN have the peace of Christ.
See you Sunday!
Pastor Randy
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
There's an app for that...
When Apple introduced the new iphone 3, the catchy commercial promoting the new product emphasized all the apps (applications) that came with or could be downloaded onto that phone. It seems that no matter what you want or need, there is an "app" for that.
The Christian is commanded to apply the principles and commandments of Scripture to his/her daily walk. We are commanded to love one another. We are commanded to be patient. We are commanded to be kind. And oftentimes, we find ourselves agreeing with the command but feeling at a loss for the "How."
So, is there an "app" for loving one another? How about being patient? Or showing kindness? The answer is simply, "Yes," "Yes," and "Yes."
Join us as we delve into the fruit of the Spirit each Sunday for the next 8 Sundays. This past Sunday, we looked at the application for love. Join us this Sunday as we discover the secret of JOY!
And yes, there IS an app for THAT!
Pastor Randy
The Christian is commanded to apply the principles and commandments of Scripture to his/her daily walk. We are commanded to love one another. We are commanded to be patient. We are commanded to be kind. And oftentimes, we find ourselves agreeing with the command but feeling at a loss for the "How."
So, is there an "app" for loving one another? How about being patient? Or showing kindness? The answer is simply, "Yes," "Yes," and "Yes."
Join us as we delve into the fruit of the Spirit each Sunday for the next 8 Sundays. This past Sunday, we looked at the application for love. Join us this Sunday as we discover the secret of JOY!
And yes, there IS an app for THAT!
Pastor Randy
Thursday, December 30, 2010
My Prayer for you in 2011
There is something spiritually and emotionally cathartic with beginning anew...a new job, a new school, a new car, a new city, a new year.
There is a liberating feeling and a fresh perspective that comes with beginning anew. Jeremiah wrote, "His compassions fail not; they are new every morning." (Lam. 3:22-23) The beginning of a new year brings great promise and great anticipation. Whatever 2010 was for you, I pray that 2011 will be a year you will never want to forget. Here is my prayer for you:
- that you draw closer to God
- that you drink deeply from His Word
- that you dwell richly with Him in prayer
- that you speak boldly of His love
- that you work diligently for His Kingdom
- that you serve humbly within His church
- that you worship sacrificially His Son
Happy New Year to you and your family!
Pastor Randy
There is a liberating feeling and a fresh perspective that comes with beginning anew. Jeremiah wrote, "His compassions fail not; they are new every morning." (Lam. 3:22-23) The beginning of a new year brings great promise and great anticipation. Whatever 2010 was for you, I pray that 2011 will be a year you will never want to forget. Here is my prayer for you:
- that you draw closer to God
- that you drink deeply from His Word
- that you dwell richly with Him in prayer
- that you speak boldly of His love
- that you work diligently for His Kingdom
- that you serve humbly within His church
- that you worship sacrificially His Son
Happy New Year to you and your family!
Pastor Randy
Monday, December 20, 2010
Big Question...Answered!
So, finally, I have the time to answer the last Big Question:
What are the Nephilim mentioned in Genesis 6?
Great question! There are two plausible explanations offered by scholars. "Nephilim" = fallen ones, tyrants; they were the offspring of sexual relations between the sons of God and the daughters of men.
Explanation 1: The "sons of God" were the god-fearing descendents of Seth and the "daughters of men" were the unholy descendents of Cain. This union created evil men who were renowned for their tyranny and strength.
Explanation 2: The "sons of God" were fallen angels (demons) who had sexual relations with female humans. The offspring were powerful and evil. Why would demons do such a thing? One answer is that they may have been attempting to pollute the human bloodline in order to prevent the coming Promised One - Jesus Christ (reference God's promise in Genesis 3:15).
Whatever your understanding, it is clear from the immediate context of their mention that God was grieved by the wickedness of that generation and thereby determined to judge the world by sending the flood.
The story of the Nephilim demonstrates both the wickedness of man and the holiness of God. We should not be surprised by God's response to the Nephilim but we should be in awe of His sovereign choice to save those 8 persons from the judgment of the flood! What a picture of God's mercy and grace!
Peace to all of you and your families this Christmas Season!
Pastor Randy
What are the Nephilim mentioned in Genesis 6?
Great question! There are two plausible explanations offered by scholars. "Nephilim" = fallen ones, tyrants; they were the offspring of sexual relations between the sons of God and the daughters of men.
Explanation 1: The "sons of God" were the god-fearing descendents of Seth and the "daughters of men" were the unholy descendents of Cain. This union created evil men who were renowned for their tyranny and strength.
Explanation 2: The "sons of God" were fallen angels (demons) who had sexual relations with female humans. The offspring were powerful and evil. Why would demons do such a thing? One answer is that they may have been attempting to pollute the human bloodline in order to prevent the coming Promised One - Jesus Christ (reference God's promise in Genesis 3:15).
Whatever your understanding, it is clear from the immediate context of their mention that God was grieved by the wickedness of that generation and thereby determined to judge the world by sending the flood.
The story of the Nephilim demonstrates both the wickedness of man and the holiness of God. We should not be surprised by God's response to the Nephilim but we should be in awe of His sovereign choice to save those 8 persons from the judgment of the flood! What a picture of God's mercy and grace!
Peace to all of you and your families this Christmas Season!
Pastor Randy
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Open Your Eyes...
When we honestly assess the message of the Bible, we cannot get around the command to "Tell the Good News to Everyone we meet." In fact, we find the Great Commission from Jesus in all four Gospels and also in the book of Acts. There is no doubt what Jesus' marching orders were and are for the church.
On Sunday, we distributed stalks of wheat to everyone. The wheat is representative of the harvest of believers. Jesus said to His disciples, "My food is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work. Do you not say, 'Four months more and then the harvest?' I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest."
The Christmas season is the perfect time of year to have spirtiual conversations with those who do not yet follow Jesus. Please take some time, after reading this blog, to jot down the names of 3 people who you know are NOT saved. If you can't think of three people who are not saved, take some steps to meet some new people!
Once you have those three names, do the following: 1) Pray that God would give you the courage to ask that person to meet for a cup of coffee or lunch or whatever; 2) Ask that person to meet you for a cup of coffee or lunch or whatever; and 3) Tell that person, when you meet with them, that you are nervous but want to be obedient to your faith and ask them if they have ever considered the claims of Christ.
I'll admit, there is a lot that happens between the second and third step. Trust that God will guide you if you are willing. Remember that witnessing is not about you. It's about the Holy Spirit living in you to guide you in what to say, how to say it, and when to say it. Just pray before you meet with that person.
Remember to think of the sin condition of your friend, co-worker, neighbor, or classmate is akin to them having cancer. They may not know it, but they are going to die. If you helped them to see that they have cancer but you know who has the cure, then your motivation will be pure and urgent.
Look at the fields. You have a sphere of influence that God has given you. Use it to lead others into the loving arms of Christ!
Randy
On Sunday, we distributed stalks of wheat to everyone. The wheat is representative of the harvest of believers. Jesus said to His disciples, "My food is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work. Do you not say, 'Four months more and then the harvest?' I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest."
The Christmas season is the perfect time of year to have spirtiual conversations with those who do not yet follow Jesus. Please take some time, after reading this blog, to jot down the names of 3 people who you know are NOT saved. If you can't think of three people who are not saved, take some steps to meet some new people!
Once you have those three names, do the following: 1) Pray that God would give you the courage to ask that person to meet for a cup of coffee or lunch or whatever; 2) Ask that person to meet you for a cup of coffee or lunch or whatever; and 3) Tell that person, when you meet with them, that you are nervous but want to be obedient to your faith and ask them if they have ever considered the claims of Christ.
I'll admit, there is a lot that happens between the second and third step. Trust that God will guide you if you are willing. Remember that witnessing is not about you. It's about the Holy Spirit living in you to guide you in what to say, how to say it, and when to say it. Just pray before you meet with that person.
Remember to think of the sin condition of your friend, co-worker, neighbor, or classmate is akin to them having cancer. They may not know it, but they are going to die. If you helped them to see that they have cancer but you know who has the cure, then your motivation will be pure and urgent.
Look at the fields. You have a sphere of influence that God has given you. Use it to lead others into the loving arms of Christ!
Randy
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Big Questions...Answered!
One question that I did not feel comfortable answering from the pulpit is this one...Is masturbation a sin? Well, it took me a little while to find ANY Scripture that speaks to this taboo topic, but I did!
In Lev. 15:16-18, we read, "When a man has an emission of semen, he must bathe his whole body in water, and he will be unclean till evening." The passage goes on to say, "When a man lies with a woman and there is an emission of semen, both must bathe with water, and they will be unclean till evening."
The first instance seems to imply the man is alone, especially compared to the second instance, where the passage spells out his being with a woman. This could infer that masturbation is the method the man uses. As far as I have read on this topic, there seems to be no physical health consequences to the person who masturbates; in fact, masturbation can be seen as a natural way for a person to be relieved of pent up sexual energy. Furthermore, there is no prohibition mentioned in this passage, and in fact, the method of cleansing is the same as that prescribed for heterosexual union.
The other side of this discussion, however, cannot be ignored. I must point out that lust and impure thoughts are sins according to Scripture. So, when masturbation includes lustful or impure thoughts, then it is a sin. So, now the obvious question: When does masturbation happen sans lusting? Well, lest you repudiate the OT Levitical Law as outdated and obsolete, we must remember that Jesus came to fulfill the law, not abolish it. Therefore, my mind goes to a possible reconciliation of the Yes/No answer of the question.
Could it be that perhaps God created a way for unmarried men and women to release the natural sexual energy that builds in their hormonal impulses to keep them from having sex outside of marriage? Masturbation does not necessarily have to include lustful thinking or fantasy. As we get older and are exposed to ungodly perceptions of sex, this may become more of an issue.
One final element of this question must be addressed. Obsession with masturbation with or without lustful thoughts is a sin. That is to say, masturbation, if at least not expressly prohibited in Scripture, can become a god to the person and a snare used by the devil. Therefore, keep yourself from any and all pornographic materials, no matter the medium.
I hope this helps you better understand this topic. As always, I encourage you to conduct your own self-study on this or any other topic. Be like the Bereans, who searched the Scriptures diligently to learn the Truth!
Randy
In Lev. 15:16-18, we read, "When a man has an emission of semen, he must bathe his whole body in water, and he will be unclean till evening." The passage goes on to say, "When a man lies with a woman and there is an emission of semen, both must bathe with water, and they will be unclean till evening."
The first instance seems to imply the man is alone, especially compared to the second instance, where the passage spells out his being with a woman. This could infer that masturbation is the method the man uses. As far as I have read on this topic, there seems to be no physical health consequences to the person who masturbates; in fact, masturbation can be seen as a natural way for a person to be relieved of pent up sexual energy. Furthermore, there is no prohibition mentioned in this passage, and in fact, the method of cleansing is the same as that prescribed for heterosexual union.
The other side of this discussion, however, cannot be ignored. I must point out that lust and impure thoughts are sins according to Scripture. So, when masturbation includes lustful or impure thoughts, then it is a sin. So, now the obvious question: When does masturbation happen sans lusting? Well, lest you repudiate the OT Levitical Law as outdated and obsolete, we must remember that Jesus came to fulfill the law, not abolish it. Therefore, my mind goes to a possible reconciliation of the Yes/No answer of the question.
Could it be that perhaps God created a way for unmarried men and women to release the natural sexual energy that builds in their hormonal impulses to keep them from having sex outside of marriage? Masturbation does not necessarily have to include lustful thinking or fantasy. As we get older and are exposed to ungodly perceptions of sex, this may become more of an issue.
One final element of this question must be addressed. Obsession with masturbation with or without lustful thoughts is a sin. That is to say, masturbation, if at least not expressly prohibited in Scripture, can become a god to the person and a snare used by the devil. Therefore, keep yourself from any and all pornographic materials, no matter the medium.
I hope this helps you better understand this topic. As always, I encourage you to conduct your own self-study on this or any other topic. Be like the Bereans, who searched the Scriptures diligently to learn the Truth!
Randy
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Master in a Manger
This Advent Season, our church will be taking a very unique approach to the First Coming of Jesus Christ. God came into this world as a baby on the straw in a manger, but His purposed destination would become pierced hands and feet with Roman spikes on a cruel, wooden cross.
As we peer into the life of the most influential man ever to be born on this earth, we learn that His hands would touch the leper's wound, His eyes would weep for the consequences of sin, His mouth would proclaim eternal Truth, His feet would walk the dusty road toward Calvary, and His heart would break under the weight of the world's sin as He hung on the cross.
Jesus never intended to stay in the manger, to stay in safety, to stay in obscurity. His mission was established at the foundation of the world, when God the Father chose to create man in His image. Jesus Christ, the Son of God, would become the atonining sacrifice that would satisfy God's wrath for the sin of mankind. Jesus was born into this world to do for man what man could not do for himself - to be reconciled to God.
This is the Good News of all creation. At its core, Christmas is not about gifts, or lights, or cards, or feasts, or snow, or even family. It's about the greatest expression of love - the giving of a sinless life for all other lives. Jesus came into this world for one reason - to die and then to be raised, thereby putting death to death for all who believe on Him!
Join us this Sunday as we kick off the Advent season!
Pastor Randy
As we peer into the life of the most influential man ever to be born on this earth, we learn that His hands would touch the leper's wound, His eyes would weep for the consequences of sin, His mouth would proclaim eternal Truth, His feet would walk the dusty road toward Calvary, and His heart would break under the weight of the world's sin as He hung on the cross.
Jesus never intended to stay in the manger, to stay in safety, to stay in obscurity. His mission was established at the foundation of the world, when God the Father chose to create man in His image. Jesus Christ, the Son of God, would become the atonining sacrifice that would satisfy God's wrath for the sin of mankind. Jesus was born into this world to do for man what man could not do for himself - to be reconciled to God.
This is the Good News of all creation. At its core, Christmas is not about gifts, or lights, or cards, or feasts, or snow, or even family. It's about the greatest expression of love - the giving of a sinless life for all other lives. Jesus came into this world for one reason - to die and then to be raised, thereby putting death to death for all who believe on Him!
Join us this Sunday as we kick off the Advent season!
Pastor Randy
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Money Money Money
Donald Trump's hit TV show, "The Apprentice" kicks off every week with the song, "Money Money Money...Muh-ney!"
Well, the Bible has over 2,300 references to it. So this Sunday we will delve one more time into this all-important and all-provacative topic of Money. This week we will learn what it means to be a cheerful giver. That is not always easy.
But if you ever did NOT want to miss a worship service, this is the Sunday to NOT miss. Why? Well, as they do in the TV medium so well, I am going to have to put you off a bit and let you tune in to find out! Let me just say that you DON'T WANT TO MISS SERVICE THIS SUNDAY!
On another note, please don't think I have forgotten the remaining BIG Questions. The topics include: Satan and masturbation, to name a few. Taboo topics to be sure, but do know that I will address them in this format.
Satan - The question was, "How was Satan able to sin while he was in heaven? My answer is:
Satan was created by God as a free creature, just like Adam and Eve.
Satan became prideful (Isa. 14:14 and Ezek. 28:14-15)
Adam and Eve were in Eden; it appears from Ezekiel that Satan was in Eden as well, when sin might have first occurred.
We don't know when Satan fell, but Jesus saw it. He says in Luke that He "saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven." (Luke 10:18)
Next blog, I will answer the question, "Is masturbation a sin?"
See you Sunday! Don't miss it, for it is more blessed to give than to receive!
Pastor Randy
Well, the Bible has over 2,300 references to it. So this Sunday we will delve one more time into this all-important and all-provacative topic of Money. This week we will learn what it means to be a cheerful giver. That is not always easy.
But if you ever did NOT want to miss a worship service, this is the Sunday to NOT miss. Why? Well, as they do in the TV medium so well, I am going to have to put you off a bit and let you tune in to find out! Let me just say that you DON'T WANT TO MISS SERVICE THIS SUNDAY!
On another note, please don't think I have forgotten the remaining BIG Questions. The topics include: Satan and masturbation, to name a few. Taboo topics to be sure, but do know that I will address them in this format.
Satan - The question was, "How was Satan able to sin while he was in heaven? My answer is:
Satan was created by God as a free creature, just like Adam and Eve.
Satan became prideful (Isa. 14:14 and Ezek. 28:14-15)
Adam and Eve were in Eden; it appears from Ezekiel that Satan was in Eden as well, when sin might have first occurred.
We don't know when Satan fell, but Jesus saw it. He says in Luke that He "saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven." (Luke 10:18)
Next blog, I will answer the question, "Is masturbation a sin?"
See you Sunday! Don't miss it, for it is more blessed to give than to receive!
Pastor Randy
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Money Matters!
According to the pundits on TV, the election results on Tuesday reflected the collective frustration of the American public regarding our seemingly never-ending economic woes. Whether you have lost your job, foreclosed on your home, had to dicker with collection agents, or just simply had to tighten the belt on discretionary spending, the current economic situation in America has most probably affected you.
Giving in churches has declined by an average 16% in the last year. Many experts agree that the average church member considers the tithe as a discretionary expense on their budgets. If it comes down to paying the electric bill or giving money to the church, the electric bill normally wins out. Oftentimes, church members give to the church a portion of what is left over at the end of each month. Unfortunately, there are many months when there is actually a shortage of money when stacked up against the bills that are owed.
How did America get into such a mess? The politicians, for obvious reasons related to their own job security, will pander to the American public about how they intend to create jobs, crack down on Wall Street, and rein in the lending institutions. That sounds good in theory, but who are they kidding? The government doesn't create jobs - business does. The government can't control Wall Street - investors do. The government can't rein in lenders - consumers do. While it is true that goverment can set policy to facilitate such endeavors, the real culprits in the American economic meltdown are...well, you and me.
The Bible is not silent when it comes to financial stewardship. Over the next three weeks (or should it be twelve weeks?), we will study the time-tested truth of Scripture on the all-important topic of MONEY. Money does matter, and I am diligently preparing for what promises to be a practical application of God's Truth about Money and how you can set a course for you and your family to take control of your financial future!
See you Sunday!
Pastor Randy
Giving in churches has declined by an average 16% in the last year. Many experts agree that the average church member considers the tithe as a discretionary expense on their budgets. If it comes down to paying the electric bill or giving money to the church, the electric bill normally wins out. Oftentimes, church members give to the church a portion of what is left over at the end of each month. Unfortunately, there are many months when there is actually a shortage of money when stacked up against the bills that are owed.
How did America get into such a mess? The politicians, for obvious reasons related to their own job security, will pander to the American public about how they intend to create jobs, crack down on Wall Street, and rein in the lending institutions. That sounds good in theory, but who are they kidding? The government doesn't create jobs - business does. The government can't control Wall Street - investors do. The government can't rein in lenders - consumers do. While it is true that goverment can set policy to facilitate such endeavors, the real culprits in the American economic meltdown are...well, you and me.
The Bible is not silent when it comes to financial stewardship. Over the next three weeks (or should it be twelve weeks?), we will study the time-tested truth of Scripture on the all-important topic of MONEY. Money does matter, and I am diligently preparing for what promises to be a practical application of God's Truth about Money and how you can set a course for you and your family to take control of your financial future!
See you Sunday!
Pastor Randy
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
What is YOUR Big Question?
This Sunday will be very unique at Carolina Christian Church...YOU don't want to miss it!
We will be giving you the chance to text in your Big Question to our church phone and then the team in our sound booth will put the question on the screen for me to answer. We already have a lot of questions, but we will be taking more this week and even during the message. I for one am excited, as I believe this is exactly how Jesus and the apostle Paul dealt with the questions of their day (whether they be the Pharisees or the Sadducees, the gnostics or the judaizers).
When it's all said and done, we will be asking God's question for us: What is keeping YOU from being the FULLY DEVOTED follower of Jesus Christ that He has called you to be?
At the end of the service, we will have an awesome way to tangibly respond to God's question! Again, you don't want to miss this opportunity to worship God if you want to really understand how to grasp the full life promised by the author and perfecter of our faith - Jesus Christ!
Looking forward to seeing ALL of YOU this Sunday!
Pastor Randy
We will be giving you the chance to text in your Big Question to our church phone and then the team in our sound booth will put the question on the screen for me to answer. We already have a lot of questions, but we will be taking more this week and even during the message. I for one am excited, as I believe this is exactly how Jesus and the apostle Paul dealt with the questions of their day (whether they be the Pharisees or the Sadducees, the gnostics or the judaizers).
When it's all said and done, we will be asking God's question for us: What is keeping YOU from being the FULLY DEVOTED follower of Jesus Christ that He has called you to be?
At the end of the service, we will have an awesome way to tangibly respond to God's question! Again, you don't want to miss this opportunity to worship God if you want to really understand how to grasp the full life promised by the author and perfecter of our faith - Jesus Christ!
Looking forward to seeing ALL of YOU this Sunday!
Pastor Randy
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
What will heaven be like?
One of the most misunderstood doctrines of Scritpure is that of heaven. So many misconceptions prevail as to what heaven will be like - everything from humans being transformed into some angelic being, given a harp and sitting on some cloud (maybe cloud 9?) and singing "Hallelujah" forever and ever and ever to meeting St. Peter at the Pearly Gates and once let in, experiencing an immediate floating, blissful existence.
Sometimes I laugh at these ideas, because there is absolutely no biblical support for any of it. Not only do we make Peter so important on earth, but somehow we make him the gatekeeper to heaven too! In fact, if we are not careful, we might even talk ourselves into not looking forward to heaven, since we can't get past the thought of having to sing constantly 24 hours a day for all eternity.
Fortunately, the Bible has a lot to say about heaven - and it's ALL GOOD! There is really no way a person living in this fallen world will fully grasp the awesome experience of heaven until we have been there. Without saying too much, just know that this life on earth is as close to hell as any Christ-follower will ever come and as close to heaven as any non-believer will ever come.
If we have a better understanding of what heaven is like, we will be all the more fueled by the desire to see everyone we know headed that way. The ones who have gone before us are waiting for us, cheering us on, and awaiting the culmination of history with the Second Coming of Christ, when He will once and for all establish His kingdom on new earth, ushering in the eternal heaven where God and man dwell together forever!
I can't wait for that Day!
See you Sunday!
Randy
Sometimes I laugh at these ideas, because there is absolutely no biblical support for any of it. Not only do we make Peter so important on earth, but somehow we make him the gatekeeper to heaven too! In fact, if we are not careful, we might even talk ourselves into not looking forward to heaven, since we can't get past the thought of having to sing constantly 24 hours a day for all eternity.
Fortunately, the Bible has a lot to say about heaven - and it's ALL GOOD! There is really no way a person living in this fallen world will fully grasp the awesome experience of heaven until we have been there. Without saying too much, just know that this life on earth is as close to hell as any Christ-follower will ever come and as close to heaven as any non-believer will ever come.
If we have a better understanding of what heaven is like, we will be all the more fueled by the desire to see everyone we know headed that way. The ones who have gone before us are waiting for us, cheering us on, and awaiting the culmination of history with the Second Coming of Christ, when He will once and for all establish His kingdom on new earth, ushering in the eternal heaven where God and man dwell together forever!
I can't wait for that Day!
See you Sunday!
Randy
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Does Hell Exist?
It sure would be nice to hear the answer "No" to that question. Sadly, the Bible is too clear that a place called "hell" does exist. Furthermore, the Bible graphically portrays hell as separation from God, outer darkness, the place where the worm does not die, a lake of fire and brimstone that is not quenched, and a place of eternal torment and pain. There is no room to dismiss any of these descriptions for hell.
There is also no biblical support for the idea of annihiliation, the immediate or eventual ceasing to exist. This concept flies in the face of the doctrine of justice and judgment so prevalently defined and explained in the Bible.
Even as I type this, I am in anguish over the permanance of people's decisions made in this life. Paul agonized over his people as well: "I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart. For I could wish that I myself were cursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my brothers, those of my own race, the people of Israel." If Christians took more time to contemplate the reality of the fires of hell, our fire for evangelism (telling the Good News to the world) would be both critical and urgent.
We live in a world that would prefer to either put hell away from our thinking altogether or else refuse to believe that an "all-loving" God would condemn any "good" person to an eternity of such unyielding torment. To do either of these is foolishness and speaks to the fact that our world has become so accustomed to man's wickedness that we have lost all sense of God's holiness and justice.
Hell is a topic that no preacher wants to preach but a topic that must be preached in order for revival to happen...
See you this Sunday!
Pastor Randy
There is also no biblical support for the idea of annihiliation, the immediate or eventual ceasing to exist. This concept flies in the face of the doctrine of justice and judgment so prevalently defined and explained in the Bible.
Even as I type this, I am in anguish over the permanance of people's decisions made in this life. Paul agonized over his people as well: "I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart. For I could wish that I myself were cursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my brothers, those of my own race, the people of Israel." If Christians took more time to contemplate the reality of the fires of hell, our fire for evangelism (telling the Good News to the world) would be both critical and urgent.
We live in a world that would prefer to either put hell away from our thinking altogether or else refuse to believe that an "all-loving" God would condemn any "good" person to an eternity of such unyielding torment. To do either of these is foolishness and speaks to the fact that our world has become so accustomed to man's wickedness that we have lost all sense of God's holiness and justice.
Hell is a topic that no preacher wants to preach but a topic that must be preached in order for revival to happen...
See you this Sunday!
Pastor Randy
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