Counting Straws - Part 4

Let’s look at verse 24 again.

He personally carried our sins in his body on the cross so that we can be dead to sin and live for what is right. By his wounds you are healed. 1 Peter 2:24 (NLT)

I’m assuming you have already sought the Kingdom of God by asking Jesus Christ to be your personal Lord and Savior. I’m assuming that you have a personal relationship with Jesus. You are now a citizen of Heaven!

Another aspect of the Kingdom of God is found in the word kingdom. Another word for kingdom is the word realm. A simple definition for realm is “A royal jurisdiction or domain; a region which is under the dominion of a king; a kingdom.” Of course the kingdom we are talking about is the Kingdom of God. In his Kingdom, Jesus rules.

In one of his last conversations with his disciples, Jesus said, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth.” Jesus was saying, “I’m the King and all that there is, is my Kingdom, my realm.” As King, Jesus has the authority and right to tell us what to do as his subjects in his realm!

If indeed Jesus is the King, then it is only right for him to claim that he has all authority. His realm extends from heaven to the earth… and everything in between. And if you are still uncertain of the extent of his realm… it includes everything he made… which is everything that is.

God created everything through him, and nothing was created except through him. John 1:3 (NLT)

Here is the kicker – as His subject, I am responsible to do His bidding, His will. When I am obedient, then He will act in my life and circumstances. When I do things my way, then I forfeit His power in my life.

When I was 12 years old, my Dad sat down with me and shared some important thoughts. He told me what I needed to know as I prepared to enter my teenage years. Little did I know that it would be the last conversation I would ever have with my Dad. But I think he knew. He knew that death was near… that the cancer was winning. If you knew that you were about to have one last conversation with someone you loved very deeply, you would choose your words very carefully.

When Jesus had one of his last conversations with his disciples here on earth, He shared very important words. He told us what we were to do with our lives.

Jesus came and told his disciples, “Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:18-20 (NLT)

Here are a few essential ways by which we live for what is right:

• Seek to please Jesus rather than people. Why is this important? Only Jesus is King.
• Trust Jesus completely to meet all your needs. He has promised to do His part.
• Express your trust and faith in God by praying.
• Study, act upon, and obey the words of Jesus… even when they make no sense to you… even when it goes against “common sense.”

The key phrase in the Great Commission is “make disciples.” That is a command for all believers, not just ministers.

As you develop a Christ-honoring lifestyle, then you will experience the presence and the power of God!

Counting Straws – Part 3

Once again, Jesus said that one of the keys to not worrying is to do something else in its place. He specifically said to “Seek the Kingdom of God above all else and live righteously.”

So how do I live righteously? What does that look like?

Read the following from 1 Peter:

For God called you to do good, even if it means suffering, just as Christ suffered for you. He is your example, and you must follow in his steps. He never sinned, nor ever deceived anyone. He did not retaliate when he was insulted, nor threaten revenge when he suffered. He left his case in the hands of God, who always judges fairly. He personally carried our sins in his body on the cross so that we can be dead to sin and live for what is right. By his wounds you are healed. Once you were like sheep who wandered away. But now you have turned to your Shepherd, the Guardian of your souls. 1 Peter 2:21-25 (NLT)

Jesus lived for what is right. Jesus was obedient to the Father in spite of the personal cost. By doing so, he made it possible for us to live for what is right. Here are the action points for me in this passage:

• I am commanded to live righteously by doing good, no matter the cost.
• I am to follow the example of Christ.
• I am to NOT retaliate when insulted.
• I am to NOT seek revenge when wronged.
• I am to trust God with every aspect of my life.

Along with the commands, God gives us some great promises in these verses. Because of Jesus and who He is:

• I have been given an example that I can trust.
• I have been relieved of all my sins when Jesus took them upon himself.
• I have been declared dead to sin and alive in Christ.
• I have been given the power and ability to live righteously; to do good.
• I have been healed of every wound.
• I have a Shepherd and a Guardian who cares for my soul.

FINALLY! There is someone to whom I can give my straws…

Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28 (NLT)

It’s time to give Jesus ALL of your straws!!

Sunday thoughts

It's always great to be with God's people on Sunday. The message today was crucial to our growth as believers... learning how to forgive others!

One quick observation: In the past few weeks many individuals have asked "how can I get more involved at Gateway?" I love it when a follower of Christ takes the initiative to find their role in the Kingdom!

If you want to take the next step, here are a few thoughts:

• Begin by seeking and committing to the very best God has for you.
• Commit to pray for God's direction.
• Discover your spiritual gift - this is a huge indication of the role God has for you.
• Ask your friends who know you best - "what strengthens do you see in me?" This is not to have an ego trip, but to have an honest assessment of your gifts and abilities.
• Ask one of our pastors what ministries need leadership and volunteers.
• Be willing to give up in order to grow up. In other words, be prepared to set aside good things in your life in order to do the best thing.

Click this link for a free Spiritual Gift analysis: http://www.churchgrowth.org/cgi-cg/gifts.cgi?intro=1

Counting Straws - Part 2

Jesus said that one of the keys to not worrying is to do something else in its place: “Seek the Kingdom of God above all else and live righteously.”

“Seeking the Kingdom of God” first and foremost concerns salvation. That is the first step in “seeking the Kingdom of God.” When you receive salvation from God, you also receive God’s full care and provision. In other words, He gives you the ability to overcome your worries. He gives you the power to stop collecting your straws.

Let’s look at a few things the Bible says I don’t have to worry about now that I am a believer:

1. I don’t have to worry about losing my salvation.

And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. Romans 8:38 (NLT)

Okay… that’s a good thing to no longer worry about. What else?

2. I don’t have to worry about Jesus changing his mind about loving me.

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Hebrews 13:8

Another good one! What else?

3. I don’t have to worry about trying to psyche myself into not worrying. I know, that sounds weird, but read what the Bible says to do with your worries:

Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you. 1 Peter 5:7

That’s a great habit to start. The moment you worry, immediately give it to God by saying “Lord, here’s another straw for you.”

4. I don’t have to worry about God not hearing my prayers.

Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Philippians 4:6

God wants to hear from you… He is waiting for you to tell him all about your worries and your straw collect!

5. I don’t have to worry about my needs being met AND I don’t have to worry about God going bankrupt.

And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19

Are you glad that God will never need a stimulus bailout?

Continue your journey towards the Kingdom of God by living in these promises of His word.

Next week we will talk “living righteously.”

Counting Straws - Part 1

How many straws does it take to break you?

Everyone has heard the saying “the straw that broke the camel's back.” One person said that this “describes a small and seemingly insignificant addition to a burden that renders it too much to bear or a small thing which causes failure, inability, or unwillingness to endure more of something.”

Have you ever been broken by that one last straw? Have you ever over-reacted to a situation? Usually when someone over-reacts, it is a sign of other straws on their back. Have you found yourself overreacting to even the simplest of situations?

• What straws are you collecting?
• When someone speaks a harsh word to you?
• When you feel judged?
• When you feel misunderstood by even your closest friends?
• When you failed at something that was very important to you?
• When your past mistakes continue to follow you?
• When no matter how hard you try, you are unable to win someone over?
• When you have a past sin that still haunts you?
• When you are unable to please a parent; a boss; a teacher?
• When you worry about the “what ifs?”
• When you _________________ (fill in your own list)

You need to know what your straws are. Why? Because Satan knows… and he will continue to throw those straws on your direction!

When I think about this, there is one glaring and obvious question. Why do I collect straws to begin with?

Jesus had something to say about this. In Matthew he gives us part of the formula to stop collecting straws:

“That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life…Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? Why do you have so little faith? So don’t worry about these things…your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today." Matthew 6:25-34 (NLT)

Jesus said to not worry 3 times. How do I do that? He tells me to do 2 things: Seek His Kingdom above everything else in my life and to live righteously.

We will unpack those 2 items tomorrow…

Holy Land 2009

I am taking another group to Israel this coming November 11-20. We had an incredible trip February 2008. If you are interested, shoot me an email for details. If you attend GBC, there are brochures in the foyer of the worship center and in the office.

Sunday thoughts

• Praise God for an awesome day. God’s Spirit was evident.
• Baptisms are always a celebration!!!
• A son baptized his mother
• A father baptized 3 of his children
• A high school student preparing for the Costa Rica Mission trip realized he had never asked Jesus into his life… saved & slam dunked!
• A long time church member and church employee accepted Christ two weeks ago. Baptized Sunday (triple WOW!!!)
• God is good ALL THE TIME
• Worship was wonderful in all three services
• Every Sunday you write notes, send emails, speak to me personally sharing about the newness of God’s Spirit you feel at GBC.
  

One MAJOR sermon correction from the 1st service: My brain kicked into neutral for a moment. I stated that when Jesus told Peter “upon this rock I will build my church,” it was after the resurrection… WRONG. I meant to say that Jesus made this statement to Peter before his denial, even though Jesus already knew that Peter would deny him later. No need to send me an email on that one. Thanks for letting me be human.

One last thing… I love being the pastor of GBC!

What are you afraid of?

If you need a good shot of encouragement, find the verses where the Bible says “Don’t be afraid…” Here is one of my favorite:

Immediately after this, Jesus insisted that his disciples get back into the boat and cross to the other side of the lake, while he sent the people home. After sending them home, he went up into the hills by himself to pray. Night fell while he was there alone. Meanwhile, the disciples were in trouble far away from land, for a strong wind had risen, and they were fighting heavy waves. About three o’clock in the morning Jesus came toward them, walking on the water. When the disciples saw him walking on the water, they were terrified. In their fear, they cried out, “It’s a ghost!” But Jesus spoke to them at once. “Don’t be afraid,” he said. “Take courage. I am here!” Matthew 14:22-27 (NLT)

Jesus first told them what to do. Then he told them why they should do it. He told his disciples to get rid of their fear. Did he tell them that there was no danger? No, the scripture states that they “were in trouble.” Did he tell them safety is not far away? No, they were “far away from land.” Did he tell them the storm was not a big deal? No, it was a big something… strong wind and heavy waves.

The disciples were already doing something. They were in survival mode. They were working the problem – “they were fighting heavy waves.”

Jesus said “Don’t be afraid. Take courage. I am here.”

Jesus told his disciples to let go of their fear and replace it with courage. Courage is not the absence of fear. It is moving forward in spite of the fear.

But here is the key to this passage. Jesus did not tell them “the storm will soon stop.” He did not say, “Land and safety is much closer now.” He told them to take courage. Why? Because of one thing. Himself! “I AM HERE!”

John MacArthur says it well: “We will never find ourselves in a place where Christ cannot find us; and no storm is too severe for Him to save us from it. He protects His own, whom He will never fail or forsake. Life is often stormy and painful, often threatening and frightening. Some believers suffer more than others, but all suffer at some time and in some way. In spite of that, the storm is never so severe, the night never so black, and the boat never so frail that we risk danger beyond our Father’s care.”[1]

For God has said, “I will never fail you. I will never abandon you.” Hebrews 13:5b (NLT)

[1]MacArthur, J. (1989). Matthew (442). Chicago: Moody Press.

Easter @ Gateway #2

My thoughts from Easter Sunday… one of the highest attendance days ever at Gateway (probably the 2nd highest)

I am thankful to…

• Our Lord and Savior for blessing us with his presence… souls were saved and believers were encouraged.
• Those who fasted and prayed last week… God heard and responded.
• The 26 individuals who participated in the Cardboard Testimonies… most powerful part of the service without a word spoken.
• The Choir and worship team in the 1st service… it was majestic and inspiring.
• Tim Vaughn for leading the Choir at the last moment… Barry had a medical emergency but is doing fine.
• Judd and the band in the 2nd and 3rd worship... you were kickin!
• Patty and her team… you kept everything moving smoothly.
• Alan and his tech team… you stayed on top of a lot of changing.
• Dan DeLozier and CIU… the digital video camera made the cardboard testimonies more powerful.
• Barry and Mike… the facilities & property looked sharp.
• Adam and the Middle-School… the landscape work was great.
• The coffee pavilion volunteers… the most loved people at church!
• The greeters and parking lot team… our front line people who demonstrate the heart of Jesus.
• Krispy Kreme doughnuts... enough said!
• Mark Counts who made an amazing cross for the worship center using 150 year old wood… Mark is also the one who connected us to our chapel.
• Ann Sweeney’s banners we used in the 1st service… Ann was not here on Easter because she is on a mission trip in North Africa using her amazing art & craft skills.
• Leona Mixson and Jane Leggett for the dogwood and flowers… little touches make a big difference.
• Lisa and her team of volunteers for caring for our preschoolers… you give our parents a great sense of security in your care of our precious ones.
• Cretia and her team of volunteers in giving us an amazing Children’s Ministry… you show our children the love of Jesus.
• Anyone I may have missed… God knows your deeds!

Jesus made an incredible statement and promise:

“I tell you the truth, anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works, because I am going to be with the Father. You can ask for anything in my name, and I will do it, so that the Son can bring glory to the Father. Yes, ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it!" John 14:12-14 (NLT)

Thank you Jesus for answering our prayers!!!

Easter @ Gateway 1

WOW!!! Praise God!!! That is all I can say about Easter Sunday at Gateway. I will express my feelings tomorrow after I have had time to reflect on the day.

RISEN!

HE IS RISEN INDEED!!!

Because He Loved

Jesus did it all out of love!

Okay… this is for all you church members out there.

In his last hours with his disciples, Jesus made a promise. It’s a promise that still applies to us today because we too are his disciples. Jesus said: “I am leaving you with a gift – peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.” John 14:27

The peace Jesus is talking about is not the peace of forgiven sins, although we certainly have a great peace because our sins have been forgiven. This particular peace comes when a person gives himself/herself fully to Jesus – nothing held back. In other words, the issue of Lordship is settled.

Obviously, this kind of peace is unknown to the unsaved. But sadly, many church members do not know this peace.

So can a person be saved and miss out on this peace? Yes. You see, you may have settled the Savior issue but you have not settled the Lordship issue. Have you truly given it all to him? Are you holding back? Jesus is Lord of all or he is not Lord at all in your life. Which is it for you?

There is a driver’s seat in your heart. There is room for only one person in that seat. So who is sitting in the driver’s seat? You or Jesus?

Now read this part carefully. One day Jesus will speak some very frightening, heart-breaking words. These words will be spoken to many “church members.”

“Not everyone who calls out to me, ‘Lord! Lord!’ will enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Only those who actually do the will of my Father in heaven will enter. On judgment day many will say to me, ‘Lord! Lord! We prophesied in your name and cast out demons in your name and performed many miracles in your name.’ But I will reply, ‘I never knew you. Get away from me, you who break God’s laws.’ Matthew 7:21-23 (NLT)

So do you really have the peace of mind and heart this Easter? I pray that you never hear the words “I never knew you.” Settle it today!

“And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts…” Col. 3:15a

Easter is Coming!

As I have been reading John’s account of the Passion Week, there are some verses that hit me hard.

“Now my soul is deeply troubled. Should I pray, ‘Father, save me from this hour’? But this is the very reason I came! Father, bring glory to your name.” Then a voice spoke from heaven, saying, “I have already brought glory to my name, and I will do so again.” John 12:27-28 (NLT)

When Jesus said “my soul is deeply troubled,” what was troubling him? These are strong words for Jesus, right? Was he troubled by his disciples and their lack of faith? Was he troubled by his one disciple who was helping himself to the disciple’s money purse and would soon have a big pay-day by selling Jesus? Was he troubled by the religious leaders and their intent to kill him? Was he troubled by the large crowds who had just given him a huge parade into Jerusalem but were mostly in attendance out of curiosity? In fact, John would state in 12:37, “But despite all the miraculous signs Jesus had done, most of the people still did not believe in him.” Or was Jesus troubled by the excruciating pain and death through torture and a crucifixion that he would soon experience?

Our souls would certainly be troubled if we were in such a predicament. But Jesus’ thoughts were on something that you and I cannot comprehend. His thoughts were on a deeper issue… sin. He had lived a sinless life. Even though he was God, the Bible tells us, “This High Priest of ours (Jesus) understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin.” (Hebrews 4:15) So he certainly understood temptation, yet was able to avoid yielding to temptation.

Jesus hated sin. Why? Because it marred his ultimate creation – us! Yet, now, even though he hated sin and he lived a sinless life, he was about to become that very thing – sin. It is too simplistic to say that Jesus took my sins to the cross. A more accurate expression would be that Jesus became my sin on the cross. Literally, it would be as if he personally committed every sin in my life. Now that is a huge list. But add to that list your sins. The list grows even bigger. Add the list of every person in South Carolina. It continues to grow. Add to the list every sin of every person who is currently alive on the planet. As of this morning, that number stood at 6,771,965,469!

But you would also need to add every person who has ever lived beginning with Adam and Eve. I read one estimate that there may have been as many as 106 billion people who have lived on this planet.

But you can not stop there. We must include every person who is going to live… only God knows that number.

So you can see the sins of the world are an astounding list. Our country’s current debt would seem like a few pennies (if that much) compared to the debt of the sin of the world.

And now Jesus was preparing to go to the cross and BECOME our sin. Jesus was going to take personal responsibility of our sins.

So what really happened on the cross? Yes, it was physically painful. Yes, crucifixion is the most vicious form of capital punishment ever devised by man. But something more unimaginable took place on the cross. Jesus faced the wrath of God the Father. Jesus faced separation and loneliness.

Wrath is more than just being mad. It is intense anger and judgment. And Jesus willingly received that intense anger and judgment on the cross.

Because God is holy and his son was now sinful, the father actually turned away from Jesus when he was on the cross. That is why Jesus said, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” which means “My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?” Matthew 27:46 (NLT)

Abandoned, forsaken, left alone…

As a man, Jesus felt the physical pain. He felt the heartache. He felt the emotions. But as God, Jesus felt the most intense pain of all – being abandoned from his father. In all eternity, such a separation had never occurred. And praise God, it will never occur again. AND God brought glory to his name!!!

So as you can see, though your salvation is free… it was not cheap.