During our Lenten journey it is so crucial for us to wrap our minds around the incredible journey that led Jesus to the Cross. Our desire in this journey with Jesus is for you to use to be encouraged and inspired. In John 1 we are reminded of how powerful faithful obedience can be. In verse 43 Jesus calls out to Phillip and says, "Follow me." I want to make sure you do not miss what happens. Phillip doesn't question Jesus at all, doesn't ask what he'll get out of it, doesn't ask if it will be easy, doesn't ask if people will think well of him or even if he can bring anything along.
All Phillip does is follow Jesus without question or hesitation. He was so inspired in fact that he tells Nathaniel that Jesus is the real deal and the one who Moses wrote about in the law and prophets. (John 1:45). Please note that all Phillip uses in his message to the others is his experience with Jesus. Going forward can we live like Phillip with unconditional resolve to let Jesus be first place over our entire life and tell others about the difference He has made and is making?
Lord, help me to be a vessel for your light and allow me to be a blessing for you today. AMEN
Thursday, February 19, 2015
Monday, January 26, 2015
on Faith, Hope, and Luck Round 2
If you watched Andy Stanley's first video we learned and saw a good foundation for our faith. The big thing I hope you took away is that our faith needs to be constant, not based on experiences or life's circumstances. Our second lesson dives into a fundamental concept that we as Christians need to wholeheartedly live out in all areas of our lives: our faith is a sure thing. Stanley's teaching dives into the popular ideas and notions of what people think about faith and how it shapes and affects their lives.
1) Faith is a sure thing. Stanley gives great real life examples of ways we misuse the term faith. Faith has been a term as Stanley points that people confuse with hope. Examples being let's have faith he'll come through. Our team might win the game if we have faith in them, and the list can go on and on. The encouragement he uses is to substitute the word hope into the above sentences. The Steelers hopefully will beat the Ravens. Let's hope she'll come home. We are hopeful they can turn things around, etc.
The difference is that faith is a guarantee and hope is more of a good chance. Stanley encourages you to bet on hope and to be hopeful in many areas of joy and struggle in your life. But, the conclusion is that faith is and will always be certain.
2) Faith is certain because of who it is in. The Apostle Paul reminds in Romans 8:31-39 that nothing that could ever happen to us on this earth could ever separate us from the love of Jesus Christ. The biggest challenge many people struggle with in their faith is that they forget they've placed their faith in a living God who loves them even more then they could ever ask for or dream of.
One of the challenges I encourage you to partake is to begin being very open and honest with God about your feelings, your hopes, your dreams, and expectations. God's pretty tough so he can handle some difficult things you may be going through. But, I also urge you to explore why you're feeling the way you are. The biggest mistake you can make is to allow negative feelings and doubt in your heart without working through them. Turn to the word of God and allow the wisdom of scripture to illumine your heart and mind. Ask questions of those around you, learn from their stories, and tell your story to help others understand and work through their feelings. Go with the confidence and knowledge that God is sufficient, and God is enough.
3) Joy is one of the biggest by-products of faith. Stanley was very clear in the message that your faith doesn't grow during your journey, but what your faith does do is produce spiritual fruit. There are many spiritual fruits that will be made manifested in your spiritual life. One of the biggest fruits that will be noticed and admired by others will be joy. Nehemiah reminds in Nehemiah 8:10 that the joy of the Lord will be our strength. So, I want to leave you with this question is the joy of following and being in a relationship permeating from your being? When was the last time you've laughed? Complimented someone out of the blue? Or even smiled?
Your faith in a loving, living God will produce much joy in all areas of your life. People will notice that your life is changing for the better all the time. Step out in faith each and every day of your life with the certainty that God goes with you, God knows you, and your future in Jesus Christ is set. Your joy and happiness will overflow in all areas of your life, and you will be an inspiration as you continue to live out your life with joyfulness during its painful moments. Bet on faith. Not because of how spiritual you are, how many books or Bible studies you've attended, but because of who your faith is placed in.
Feel free to think about and discuss areas where your faith has produced great spiritual fruit how has that made you feel and what did that look like?
1) Faith is a sure thing. Stanley gives great real life examples of ways we misuse the term faith. Faith has been a term as Stanley points that people confuse with hope. Examples being let's have faith he'll come through. Our team might win the game if we have faith in them, and the list can go on and on. The encouragement he uses is to substitute the word hope into the above sentences. The Steelers hopefully will beat the Ravens. Let's hope she'll come home. We are hopeful they can turn things around, etc.
The difference is that faith is a guarantee and hope is more of a good chance. Stanley encourages you to bet on hope and to be hopeful in many areas of joy and struggle in your life. But, the conclusion is that faith is and will always be certain.
2) Faith is certain because of who it is in. The Apostle Paul reminds in Romans 8:31-39 that nothing that could ever happen to us on this earth could ever separate us from the love of Jesus Christ. The biggest challenge many people struggle with in their faith is that they forget they've placed their faith in a living God who loves them even more then they could ever ask for or dream of.
One of the challenges I encourage you to partake is to begin being very open and honest with God about your feelings, your hopes, your dreams, and expectations. God's pretty tough so he can handle some difficult things you may be going through. But, I also urge you to explore why you're feeling the way you are. The biggest mistake you can make is to allow negative feelings and doubt in your heart without working through them. Turn to the word of God and allow the wisdom of scripture to illumine your heart and mind. Ask questions of those around you, learn from their stories, and tell your story to help others understand and work through their feelings. Go with the confidence and knowledge that God is sufficient, and God is enough.
3) Joy is one of the biggest by-products of faith. Stanley was very clear in the message that your faith doesn't grow during your journey, but what your faith does do is produce spiritual fruit. There are many spiritual fruits that will be made manifested in your spiritual life. One of the biggest fruits that will be noticed and admired by others will be joy. Nehemiah reminds in Nehemiah 8:10 that the joy of the Lord will be our strength. So, I want to leave you with this question is the joy of following and being in a relationship permeating from your being? When was the last time you've laughed? Complimented someone out of the blue? Or even smiled?
Your faith in a loving, living God will produce much joy in all areas of your life. People will notice that your life is changing for the better all the time. Step out in faith each and every day of your life with the certainty that God goes with you, God knows you, and your future in Jesus Christ is set. Your joy and happiness will overflow in all areas of your life, and you will be an inspiration as you continue to live out your life with joyfulness during its painful moments. Bet on faith. Not because of how spiritual you are, how many books or Bible studies you've attended, but because of who your faith is placed in.
Feel free to think about and discuss areas where your faith has produced great spiritual fruit how has that made you feel and what did that look like?
Friday, January 9, 2015
Reaction to Faith, Hope, and Luck Round 1
I do apologize that this first reaction from the first video was so long forthcoming. But, we are here and I will say that I'm pretty stoked. Faith, Hope, and Luck is an online study by Pastor Andy Stanley. The first lesson Better Odds contained much spiritual truth about Christians in all areas of life in our country today. Let's dive in a little bit and see what we can learn from this video.
1) Experiential faith vs. Mature Faith
I will say that Andy presented a lot of good ideas and truths in this discussion, so it can be easy to miss something. He described experiential faith as having one's faith changed and altered based on your life experiences. For example your faith could be full of life and energized after you come back from a meaningful, spiritual retreat, but your faith can easily fall away after you receive some terrible health news from your doctor. There are countless other examples of both experiences and events in life that can either strengthen or diminish an experiential faith.
Stanley highlights this classic struggle very well and even suggests that many believers go through this tension almost on a daily basis. Part of the dangers of an experiential faith can be found in Jesus' account of the parable of the sower. A few things to note in this classic parable:
1) This is one of the few parables that Jesus actually explains in great detail. Most of the parables of Jesus are left unexplained, but oddly enough Jesus tells everyone what the meaning behind the sower is. Why does he explain just this one? Well, my view is that the truth and power behind the parable is so powerful that Jesus wanted to make sure no one missed it: in our faith journey we all believe in the same and Lord and Savior, but if our faith falls on rocky soil or we allow weeds to grab our heart then troubles can emerge.
Take the time to develop a regular prayer life and relationships with Christians who are both stronger and weaker than you in the faith. Remember to be patient, because the Christian life is a marathon not a sprint.
2) The word of God should and does travel everywhere! The word travels to those who genuinely want a life change and to grow a deep faith, but it also goes to people who just want a quick fix to be happy. So, my encouragement to you is be an example of a deep mature faith. Be honest in all situations, learn to season your words with grace and love, work hard, love your family, and the list can go on and on. Human beings learn very well from example, and you could be a great example of what God is doing in your life. In the time when many people make new year's resolutions can you or your family make a resolution to more intentionally live out your faith?
Stanley goes on to quote Hebrews 4:14 as the scripture verse of his message.
1) Experiential faith vs. Mature Faith
I will say that Andy presented a lot of good ideas and truths in this discussion, so it can be easy to miss something. He described experiential faith as having one's faith changed and altered based on your life experiences. For example your faith could be full of life and energized after you come back from a meaningful, spiritual retreat, but your faith can easily fall away after you receive some terrible health news from your doctor. There are countless other examples of both experiences and events in life that can either strengthen or diminish an experiential faith.
Stanley highlights this classic struggle very well and even suggests that many believers go through this tension almost on a daily basis. Part of the dangers of an experiential faith can be found in Jesus' account of the parable of the sower. A few things to note in this classic parable:
1) This is one of the few parables that Jesus actually explains in great detail. Most of the parables of Jesus are left unexplained, but oddly enough Jesus tells everyone what the meaning behind the sower is. Why does he explain just this one? Well, my view is that the truth and power behind the parable is so powerful that Jesus wanted to make sure no one missed it: in our faith journey we all believe in the same and Lord and Savior, but if our faith falls on rocky soil or we allow weeds to grab our heart then troubles can emerge.
Take the time to develop a regular prayer life and relationships with Christians who are both stronger and weaker than you in the faith. Remember to be patient, because the Christian life is a marathon not a sprint.
2) The word of God should and does travel everywhere! The word travels to those who genuinely want a life change and to grow a deep faith, but it also goes to people who just want a quick fix to be happy. So, my encouragement to you is be an example of a deep mature faith. Be honest in all situations, learn to season your words with grace and love, work hard, love your family, and the list can go on and on. Human beings learn very well from example, and you could be a great example of what God is doing in your life. In the time when many people make new year's resolutions can you or your family make a resolution to more intentionally live out your faith?
Stanley goes on to quote Hebrews 4:14 as the scripture verse of his message.
Tuesday, January 6, 2015
on Into the Woods
This will be my first of a few movie reviews coming out hot and fresh into 2015. I hope and pray that the holidays were relaxing and blessed for all this past year. One of the great truths that each new year brings is that it brings a fresh start and new beginning to all those who felt down, hurt, and disappointed by the previous year. As we journey together in this year, let us remember that learning and developing the skills to think theologically are absolutely crucial for mature Christians
Movies, music, television, video games, books, and all forms of entertainment and amusement are areas that challenge us to think theologically about the messages that are embedded in them. Into the Woods is a fun, entertaining movie/musical that came out in theaters across the country on Christmas Day.
Without giving too much of the plot away the story centers on a baker and his wife who learn early on in the movie that their neighbor who happens to be a witch has placed a curse on their family line. The curse is that their line will be barren. However, after the witch finishes explaining the curse she informs the baker and his wife there is one way to reverse the curse. They need to find four items: 1) a cow as white as milk, 2) a cape as red as blood, 3) hair as yellow as corn, and 4) slippers as pure as gold. All four items correspond with a different fairy tale: Jack and the Bean Stalk, Little Red Riding Hood, Rapunzel, and Cinderella.
The baker and his wife must find all these items in the woods before the stroke of midnight on the third day. It's a zany, musical adventure that leaves you guessing, laughing, and cheering all the way until the very end. The movie fairly seamlessly combines several fairy tales as it tells a new story for the viewer to enjoy. It does seem a tad long at points, and it doesn't end at the moment you would expect, but overall it was a very satisfying movie. The music was excellent and all the cast is very proficient in their singing abilities. One criticism of the story is that since it combines many fairy tales into one some of the story lines do appear underdeveloped and rushed. The bottom line is that the cast is amazing, the costumes great, special effects are superb, and the music will leave you wanting more. I give it four out of five stars in terms of quality.
Looking at the movie from a theological perspective there are some good truths that we can pull out. One of the main truths of the movie is that our decisions do have real consequences for all of those around us. We do not make our decisions in a vacuum, and the choices we make do affect others in both good and negative ways similar to the decision that the baker's father made to steal the witch's beans. The second truth and there are many more in the movie is the idea that we need to be there for each other in the good and bad times. The characters will have both many good and sad moments during the movie, and I think you will be inspired to see how they respond. We as the church have great opportunities to respond in both good and broken moments to each other as Christ would have responded to us.
In terms of family friendliness the movie is rated PG. This movie has no cursing or sexual innuendos. However, it does have some violent and at times sad moments. I would rate it 4.5 out of 5 in terms of family friendliness.
Movies, music, television, video games, books, and all forms of entertainment and amusement are areas that challenge us to think theologically about the messages that are embedded in them. Into the Woods is a fun, entertaining movie/musical that came out in theaters across the country on Christmas Day.
Without giving too much of the plot away the story centers on a baker and his wife who learn early on in the movie that their neighbor who happens to be a witch has placed a curse on their family line. The curse is that their line will be barren. However, after the witch finishes explaining the curse she informs the baker and his wife there is one way to reverse the curse. They need to find four items: 1) a cow as white as milk, 2) a cape as red as blood, 3) hair as yellow as corn, and 4) slippers as pure as gold. All four items correspond with a different fairy tale: Jack and the Bean Stalk, Little Red Riding Hood, Rapunzel, and Cinderella.
The baker and his wife must find all these items in the woods before the stroke of midnight on the third day. It's a zany, musical adventure that leaves you guessing, laughing, and cheering all the way until the very end. The movie fairly seamlessly combines several fairy tales as it tells a new story for the viewer to enjoy. It does seem a tad long at points, and it doesn't end at the moment you would expect, but overall it was a very satisfying movie. The music was excellent and all the cast is very proficient in their singing abilities. One criticism of the story is that since it combines many fairy tales into one some of the story lines do appear underdeveloped and rushed. The bottom line is that the cast is amazing, the costumes great, special effects are superb, and the music will leave you wanting more. I give it four out of five stars in terms of quality.
Looking at the movie from a theological perspective there are some good truths that we can pull out. One of the main truths of the movie is that our decisions do have real consequences for all of those around us. We do not make our decisions in a vacuum, and the choices we make do affect others in both good and negative ways similar to the decision that the baker's father made to steal the witch's beans. The second truth and there are many more in the movie is the idea that we need to be there for each other in the good and bad times. The characters will have both many good and sad moments during the movie, and I think you will be inspired to see how they respond. We as the church have great opportunities to respond in both good and broken moments to each other as Christ would have responded to us.
In terms of family friendliness the movie is rated PG. This movie has no cursing or sexual innuendos. However, it does have some violent and at times sad moments. I would rate it 4.5 out of 5 in terms of family friendliness.
Tuesday, December 2, 2014
on Ray and Janay Rice
I bet there is no doubt that you have heard of the incident involving Ray and Janay Rice last February and then watched as it resurfaced in September after TMZ released the video from that fateful night. Ray has been cleared to play in the NFL again once he is signed by another team. However, there is much to learn and discuss from Rice's actions that we as Christians can learn from.
1) Peace, love, and unity should rule our actions and our thoughts.
This can be hard at times because during the course of our daily existence we find many people who irritate us, disagree with us, and often flat out wrong us. It is not easy to live this out by any stretch of the imagination, and the even trickier part is that Jesus in the gospels proclaimed that he did not come to bring peace but division. (Luke 12:51) However, Paul goes on to say that Jesus preached peace to those who were far and near (Ephesians 2:17) and we need to keep every effort for the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. (Ephesians 4:3)
The question remains what division is Jesus talking about? Well, my thought which is not dogmatic mind you, is that the division Jesus brought was between those who sought to follow Him with their entire lives and those who would rather stay in their own sin. Jesus' life and teaching is a wonderful example toward what we should all strive to emulate: peace and love toward all. Rice's actions back in February were wrong. I don't know the whole story or the interchange that led up to the punch, but I do know that since then he has married his fiancee, pledged to be a better husband and father, and has been disciplined for his actions. I applaud Rice for his recognition of the wrong and desire to learn and become better. Paul shares these challenging words that the body of Christ needs to remember at all times, "32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you." (Ephesians 4:32)
2) It's an Issue of the Heart: first and foremost.
One of the big things we have seen in Ray Rice in the days and months after the event has been a change of heart. Incidents of violence both in actions and words are indicators of what is already present in our hearts to begin with. Paul reminds us in Philippians 4:8 that whatever is true, right, noble, pure, admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy we need to think of such things. This Advent season take a good hard luck at the games you play on your phone or tablet, take a good look at the music you listen to, the friends you have, the places you visit, etc. And ask yourself are these things excellent and pure? Trustworthy and noble? Now, I'm not about to say that anyone who listens to music that doesn't fall under those categories will strike a spouse or loved one, but what I want you to think about is the ultimate goal of your life: becoming closer to Jesus.
Ask yourself this Advent season is how I'm living bringing myself and others closer or further away from Jesus. We as Christians need to celebrate that Rice has taken steps to seek forgiveness and reconciliation with his wife.
3) Be a voice for the Janay Rices who don't have a voice.
If we learn anything from this situation it's that domestic violence is not an isolated incident there are many women and children in our society who won't be able to get the help or attention because they aren't in a similar position that Janay Rice is in. Christian author and speaker Tony Campolo reminds us that The true measure of whether you are really a Christian or not is whether your heart breaks for the things that break Jesus' heart.
This Advent season look to pray for those less fortunate in your community, donate old clothes to clothing ministries in churches, volunteer at a soup kitchen, ask your pastor or ministry leader how to get involved, raise awareness, and know that there are many people who may not always be hurting from domestic violence, but our hurting from hunger, illness, poverty, and we as Jesus' followers can do something about that. We are reminded powerfully just who God cares about in Deuteronomy 10:18, "18 He defends the cause of the fatherless and the widow, and loves the foreigner residing among you, giving them food and clothing."
Our hearts and prayers continue to go out to the Rice family, and we pray that they would see this past year as an amazing opportunity to raise support and awareness in the ongoing fight to end domestic violence.
1) Peace, love, and unity should rule our actions and our thoughts.
This can be hard at times because during the course of our daily existence we find many people who irritate us, disagree with us, and often flat out wrong us. It is not easy to live this out by any stretch of the imagination, and the even trickier part is that Jesus in the gospels proclaimed that he did not come to bring peace but division. (Luke 12:51) However, Paul goes on to say that Jesus preached peace to those who were far and near (Ephesians 2:17) and we need to keep every effort for the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. (Ephesians 4:3)
The question remains what division is Jesus talking about? Well, my thought which is not dogmatic mind you, is that the division Jesus brought was between those who sought to follow Him with their entire lives and those who would rather stay in their own sin. Jesus' life and teaching is a wonderful example toward what we should all strive to emulate: peace and love toward all. Rice's actions back in February were wrong. I don't know the whole story or the interchange that led up to the punch, but I do know that since then he has married his fiancee, pledged to be a better husband and father, and has been disciplined for his actions. I applaud Rice for his recognition of the wrong and desire to learn and become better. Paul shares these challenging words that the body of Christ needs to remember at all times, "32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you." (Ephesians 4:32)
2) It's an Issue of the Heart: first and foremost.
One of the big things we have seen in Ray Rice in the days and months after the event has been a change of heart. Incidents of violence both in actions and words are indicators of what is already present in our hearts to begin with. Paul reminds us in Philippians 4:8 that whatever is true, right, noble, pure, admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy we need to think of such things. This Advent season take a good hard luck at the games you play on your phone or tablet, take a good look at the music you listen to, the friends you have, the places you visit, etc. And ask yourself are these things excellent and pure? Trustworthy and noble? Now, I'm not about to say that anyone who listens to music that doesn't fall under those categories will strike a spouse or loved one, but what I want you to think about is the ultimate goal of your life: becoming closer to Jesus.
Ask yourself this Advent season is how I'm living bringing myself and others closer or further away from Jesus. We as Christians need to celebrate that Rice has taken steps to seek forgiveness and reconciliation with his wife.
3) Be a voice for the Janay Rices who don't have a voice.
If we learn anything from this situation it's that domestic violence is not an isolated incident there are many women and children in our society who won't be able to get the help or attention because they aren't in a similar position that Janay Rice is in. Christian author and speaker Tony Campolo reminds us that The true measure of whether you are really a Christian or not is whether your heart breaks for the things that break Jesus' heart.
This Advent season look to pray for those less fortunate in your community, donate old clothes to clothing ministries in churches, volunteer at a soup kitchen, ask your pastor or ministry leader how to get involved, raise awareness, and know that there are many people who may not always be hurting from domestic violence, but our hurting from hunger, illness, poverty, and we as Jesus' followers can do something about that. We are reminded powerfully just who God cares about in Deuteronomy 10:18, "18 He defends the cause of the fatherless and the widow, and loves the foreigner residing among you, giving them food and clothing."
Our hearts and prayers continue to go out to the Rice family, and we pray that they would see this past year as an amazing opportunity to raise support and awareness in the ongoing fight to end domestic violence.
Thursday, November 13, 2014
on Millennials
There is an ever increasing number of studies, reports, articles written, and many other publications being put out about how is the church going to reach the millennial generation. So, I thought I'd throw my two cents in and see if anyone has anything to say about this. First, let me say that I am part of the millennial generation. My experience is not typical at all, I've grown up in the church, went to Christian school, Christian college, and so on. My experience has had a lot of perks, but it also has had a few downsides: one of them is not being exposed to many non-Christian friends who I could have learned from and shared the gospel with. I would say those in their mid to late thirties kind of tow the line between being part of Gen X and being a millennial. Since, I am 28 I fall nicely into that camp. My experience and ideas in no way should be considered dogmatic, but the hope is that they will inspire and continue in my mind very meaningful conversations. Here's what I see:
1) Millennials desire genuine relationships with people of all ages.
In an information, technology age there is nothing that will ever be able to replace genuine relationships and friendships with other people. This generation is faced with many issues that previous generations haven't faced to this degree. Good paying jobs are fewer, the cost of living is higher, and college debt grows each and every year. Most millennials desire a church where they can develop genuine friendships with people of all ages and feel that they are a valued part of the life of the church. A big mistake most churches make is asking or seeking the perspective or opinions of its teens and young adults.
One big step of faith we can all take is to seek to develop a friendship with someone brand new that is either older or younger than we are. Be honest and open of your church's current situation, do people of all ages have a chance to make friendships and relationships here? Does our church value the opinions and ideas of the entire congregation? Good preaching and great music should be a goal of every congregation, but from what I've seen what keeps people coming back is a sense of welcoming and a sense they belong at your church.
2) Millennials are very big into social justice issues.
Jesus was the ultimate champion of social justice. His desire was to preach hope to the poor, give sight to the blind, make the lame walk, and always proclaim the Kingdom of God is at hand. Churches when they reach millennials correctly tap into their passion for social justice and connect it to the great commission, properly framing issues of social justice as a way of reaching the lost and broken as Jesus would have. Social justice issues can be dividing in churches and especially among political and conservative lines, but I urge all churches and church leaders to submit their ideas and social justice areas of enthusiasm to the Lordship of Jesus and wisdom of the Holy Spirit, because they are hardly ever wrong in their leading and guiding of churches and church leaders.
3) Freedom of Expression is huge to Millennials
Young adults are very unique as they are exposed to more ideas, thoughts, and expressions with the explosion of the Internet in the past 20 years. They desire a worship experience that lets them be themselves and explore who God is to them. The tough part is that many older folks' worship experience doesn't always line up to millennials desires or expectations in a worship setting. So, the question who is right? Well, the short answer is that both parties are. God is big enough and grand enough to be worshiped in many different ways and in many different styles and formats. It will take creativity, prayer, conversation, and guidance from a variety of sources to allow your worship experience to be a place where millennials and the older generations can feel comfortable and have the ability to express themselves.
One great step leaders can take is to begin the conversation worship at its core and our Christian lives at their core aren't about what we can get but rather in what we can give back to God for all that He has so graciously given us. Unfortunately, there isn't a one size fits all model that works to reach all millennials. My encouragement is to be welcoming, value their opinion, and pray every day that God would allow and guide to be faithful and genuine in all you do.
1) Millennials desire genuine relationships with people of all ages.
In an information, technology age there is nothing that will ever be able to replace genuine relationships and friendships with other people. This generation is faced with many issues that previous generations haven't faced to this degree. Good paying jobs are fewer, the cost of living is higher, and college debt grows each and every year. Most millennials desire a church where they can develop genuine friendships with people of all ages and feel that they are a valued part of the life of the church. A big mistake most churches make is asking or seeking the perspective or opinions of its teens and young adults.
One big step of faith we can all take is to seek to develop a friendship with someone brand new that is either older or younger than we are. Be honest and open of your church's current situation, do people of all ages have a chance to make friendships and relationships here? Does our church value the opinions and ideas of the entire congregation? Good preaching and great music should be a goal of every congregation, but from what I've seen what keeps people coming back is a sense of welcoming and a sense they belong at your church.
2) Millennials are very big into social justice issues.
Jesus was the ultimate champion of social justice. His desire was to preach hope to the poor, give sight to the blind, make the lame walk, and always proclaim the Kingdom of God is at hand. Churches when they reach millennials correctly tap into their passion for social justice and connect it to the great commission, properly framing issues of social justice as a way of reaching the lost and broken as Jesus would have. Social justice issues can be dividing in churches and especially among political and conservative lines, but I urge all churches and church leaders to submit their ideas and social justice areas of enthusiasm to the Lordship of Jesus and wisdom of the Holy Spirit, because they are hardly ever wrong in their leading and guiding of churches and church leaders.
3) Freedom of Expression is huge to Millennials
Young adults are very unique as they are exposed to more ideas, thoughts, and expressions with the explosion of the Internet in the past 20 years. They desire a worship experience that lets them be themselves and explore who God is to them. The tough part is that many older folks' worship experience doesn't always line up to millennials desires or expectations in a worship setting. So, the question who is right? Well, the short answer is that both parties are. God is big enough and grand enough to be worshiped in many different ways and in many different styles and formats. It will take creativity, prayer, conversation, and guidance from a variety of sources to allow your worship experience to be a place where millennials and the older generations can feel comfortable and have the ability to express themselves.
One great step leaders can take is to begin the conversation worship at its core and our Christian lives at their core aren't about what we can get but rather in what we can give back to God for all that He has so graciously given us. Unfortunately, there isn't a one size fits all model that works to reach all millennials. My encouragement is to be welcoming, value their opinion, and pray every day that God would allow and guide to be faithful and genuine in all you do.
Thursday, November 6, 2014
Brittany Maynard
Many of you reading this have come across the story about the Oregon woman, Brittany Maynard, who was diagnosed with terminal brain cancer and chose to end her life this past Saturday. This has been a story that I've been wrestling with for about a month now because of its complex issues and what the Bible says and doesn't say about it. This is an issue I have a feeling will stay with me for quite some time, and I may and probably do differ in my views and beliefs than some of you reading this, but let's take a closer look at some of the issues presented here. As we delve into the issue let me be perfectly clear, when we are in the midst of horrific ordeals such as Ms. Maynard and her family was that can and does change our thinking.
1) Life is an incredible gift from God.
David reminds us in Psalm 139 that God knows us (vs.1), has created our inmost being (vs. 13), knit us together in our mother's womb (vs. 13), and that we are fearfully and wonderfully made (vs. 14). This chapter as well as many others highlights God's high view of human life and the care and time it took to create everything on the planet.
I'm guessing it is not an accident that God placed you on this earth in a specific family, in a specific location, with specific parents, and I think you get the point. Now, I will admit it is not fair that some are born into a life of riches and trust funds while others are born into a family that doesn't know where their next meal is coming from. My best advice if that bothers you is to voice your concerns to God about that and see where he will lead you.
If we carry that thought out that it is no accident that God put you on this earth at a certain time and certain location, we can also be pretty certain that God will take us off this earth into life eternal when it is our time. Now, unfortunately we as human beings can often make many foolish mistakes and sadly end life before our time is up. Even if it is just a few days or moments, I know that every day on this earth is a precious gift that should be cherished. My fear is that God was going to be glorified in some way in Brittany's life before her God chose to take her. But, now God will have to use someone else.
2) Her struggle points to the truth that this world is not as it was intended to be.
Death, pain, disease, hurt, brokenness, disappointment, and shame were not all part of the original creation. Could God wipe all of them out? Of course he could, but then God would also have to wipe and eliminate sin and when that happens we lose our ability to freely choose to love and serve God. So, we're left in a world that is controlled by an all-powerful, compassionate God but also has disease, death, and sin running rampant.
The most crucial lesson of all is not for you to understand the struggle or attempt to rationalize why you are struggling but rather it is for you to know that God hears, feels, walks with you, and loves you no less in your struggles. Our faith needs to always hold on to the incredible truth that the world we live will one day be right and perfect by an all powerful, all mighty God.
3) We can learn to love and disagree all at the same time.
One of the most damaging things that happens in many Christian circles is division over ideas. In the aftermath of Ms. Maynard's decision there will be many conversations in church Sunday school classes, on college campuses, over coffee, and in many other places. It is bound to happen this a big discussion and at times can be a very hot button issue. However, this is not a deal breaker for Christians in being in community with each other. This issue is incredibly difficult, especially for those who are facing a terminal diagnosis. Our prayers and hearts go out to Brittany's family for healing and comfort and for wisdom from the Holy Spirit to properly discern God's will for this complex issue.
1) Life is an incredible gift from God.
David reminds us in Psalm 139 that God knows us (vs.1), has created our inmost being (vs. 13), knit us together in our mother's womb (vs. 13), and that we are fearfully and wonderfully made (vs. 14). This chapter as well as many others highlights God's high view of human life and the care and time it took to create everything on the planet.
I'm guessing it is not an accident that God placed you on this earth in a specific family, in a specific location, with specific parents, and I think you get the point. Now, I will admit it is not fair that some are born into a life of riches and trust funds while others are born into a family that doesn't know where their next meal is coming from. My best advice if that bothers you is to voice your concerns to God about that and see where he will lead you.
If we carry that thought out that it is no accident that God put you on this earth at a certain time and certain location, we can also be pretty certain that God will take us off this earth into life eternal when it is our time. Now, unfortunately we as human beings can often make many foolish mistakes and sadly end life before our time is up. Even if it is just a few days or moments, I know that every day on this earth is a precious gift that should be cherished. My fear is that God was going to be glorified in some way in Brittany's life before her God chose to take her. But, now God will have to use someone else.
2) Her struggle points to the truth that this world is not as it was intended to be.
Death, pain, disease, hurt, brokenness, disappointment, and shame were not all part of the original creation. Could God wipe all of them out? Of course he could, but then God would also have to wipe and eliminate sin and when that happens we lose our ability to freely choose to love and serve God. So, we're left in a world that is controlled by an all-powerful, compassionate God but also has disease, death, and sin running rampant.
The most crucial lesson of all is not for you to understand the struggle or attempt to rationalize why you are struggling but rather it is for you to know that God hears, feels, walks with you, and loves you no less in your struggles. Our faith needs to always hold on to the incredible truth that the world we live will one day be right and perfect by an all powerful, all mighty God.
3) We can learn to love and disagree all at the same time.
One of the most damaging things that happens in many Christian circles is division over ideas. In the aftermath of Ms. Maynard's decision there will be many conversations in church Sunday school classes, on college campuses, over coffee, and in many other places. It is bound to happen this a big discussion and at times can be a very hot button issue. However, this is not a deal breaker for Christians in being in community with each other. This issue is incredibly difficult, especially for those who are facing a terminal diagnosis. Our prayers and hearts go out to Brittany's family for healing and comfort and for wisdom from the Holy Spirit to properly discern God's will for this complex issue.
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