Thoughts, jots, and opinions

New Blog

2008-03-04T10:10:00.002-05:00

I have moved to Word Press. Check it out

http://sammattus.wordpress.com/

Mars Hill Pastor Ditches 'Emerging' Label for Jesus

2008-03-03T09:05:00.001-05:00

Here is a great article for those of us who are just trying to figure out all of the many variations of serving Christ. Click the title and check it out.

Just thinking

2008-02-29T18:18:00.003-05:00

As a pastor, I have noticed that many wonder why there is not more done for those who in need. Plus, some debate from time to time why the church does not grow. Is it because many of us, Christians, focus more on legalism than doing the will of God which is showing true religion by taking care of widows and orphans? Here is what I mean. One issue that makes me tired all over is whether or not churches should switch to contemporary, or stay traditional. It used to be that we were all fighting against dress codes, or versions of the Bible that are not KJV. Now, it is about traditional music or modern music. Or, it is about a production stage instead of a pulpit. I like it all! I just don't understand why these issues have to have anything to do with whether or not someone attends a church. Or, whether or not someone actually places his or her self in a position to help the poor, if this person does not attend church. What ever happened to allowing the Holy Spirit, if you are a Christian, to lead you to the church that He wants you in? Instead, people travel around looking for a place that fits their taste. In other words, people are looking for a culture instead of allowing God to use them to create His culture (Kingdom) on earth. What about the fighting that goes on within the church, at the local level, about the style of worship? I think there are legalists in the tradional worship camp. Likewise, I think there are legalists in the contemporary worship camp. Depending on the church, you may feel that you better think that traditional music is the right way to worship or people will look at you in disgust. The same goes for contemporary. If you don't agree that modern music is the best way to worship then you are looked at as someone who is out of touch with the Spirit. I can't win. Jesus can't win. The whole time that this debate is taking place people are going to bed hungry somewhere, or someone is waiting to hear about Jesus Christ. For example, I just took a grocery store gift card to a lady who didn't have any groceries. All she wanted me to do was pray for her. We don't realize that people just want Jesus. All of this other stuff is a distraction. My question is how many churches, that God wants to use, do not ever get used because of the overwhelming "Me" factor?

The Positives and Negatives of Pure Focus Conference

2008-02-23T18:25:00.003-05:00

We had our Pure Focus Conference Saturday. It was a success! Our youth pastor delivered a quality conference that challenged teenagers to embrace abstinence. Praise the Lord that most made commitments and many were challenged to maintain previous commitments; and many were told about the forgiveness of Jesus Christ and His ability to make all things new. Again, I praise the Lord because He helped our small congregation to step out on faith by praying and giving so that we could minister to the teenagers in our community and district. Pastor Jon hired quality speakers, teachers, and musicians who were used by God to encourage those who attended to live lives focused on purity. Unfortunately, there was a downside to things. We were disapointed that many who were supposed to be there were not. There were verbal commitments made to our youth pastor who promoted this conference in our district. Our church strives to be a part of something bigger, The Wesleyan Church, who strives to be a part of the Universal Church. Yet, attendance was off. I have thought a lot about what could have been more important than rounding up our teenagers for one more Saturday event that was designed with them in mind. So many times church services are not really designed with teenagers in mind, but this conference was. Therefore, where was everybody? My hope is that those who follow Christ are committed to Him and each other. Our church is committed to ministry to young people and all people, but it continues to baffle me why some never consider taking part in this with us.

Finding a way to be fruitful in ministry with God pt. 1

2008-02-22T11:13:00.005-05:00

There are many volunteer ministers and bi-vocational ministers that might identify with my experiences. While working as a youth pastor and working another job, I was continually left asking myself how do the other guys and gals get teenagers to come? How does everyone else connect with teenagers? I asked these questions because nothing was happening for a long time. I should tell you that my wife and I were able to answer these questions later, and that we ended up with a fruitful ministry. Until this point, I felt like a failure and that may be God did not call me to do ministry. If you are in ministry and think this, don't believe it! It took about 4 years to get to what I thought a successful youth ministry should look like. I have been thinking about how we went from point A to point B lately so here it is. One thing was I hung in there. There are times in our lives when we just have to be stubborn and/or tenacious. One night, I was the only one in the room for 40 minutes! Finally, one teenager came in. Boy, he really got preached too. When this happens, this when we should seek God in prayer, but also LISTEN. One thing that led to one teen showing up that night was that I was focused, up to that point, on doing all sorts of ministries in the church. My attention was divided in several different directions. This meant that I was not productive in any those directions. I needed to realize that I am not the Savior, there is One better qualified for that named Jesus. I felt that God revealed to me that if I am going to be His servant that I should focus upon being the best that I could be. Notice, I did not say being the best, but the best that I could be. In other words, reaching my potential. I must point out that I wanted to use the excuse that nobody was helping me and nobody showed me how to do it. After I went through those emotions, I began to read books on how to do youth ministry. Guess what? Most of those books are for people who actually have budget. Instead, I began to read books on how to care for teenagers. Thank God for Josh McDowell. The Lord led to "Disconnected Generation," and instead of finding out how to raise money, God showed me how to raise teenagers up spiritually and emotionally. When you are ready to quit, God will step in if you allow Him. He will salvage a ministry when you are broken. We can run around doing, doing, and doing. We can find many how-to books. We can find a lot of programs. We can raise money; but it won't work until we practice loving and caring the way God has called us to do. I will post more later on this subject.

The Cost of Ministry

2008-02-20T07:53:00.005-05:00

Here are some things that my wife and I learned after I became a youth pastor. In my mid to late twenties I accepted a part-time position at Mecca Wesleyan Church. My wife and I have two children and at that time we were not financially sound. We learned that there was a cost to serving Jesus Christ.

1. As a youth pastor, I found out that ministry cost personal money to do it.

2. Pursuing ordination cost money. Correspondence courses cost just under $200 a class.

3. After doing homework by hand for several classes I realized that I needed to save for a computer which was a great struggle.

4. Youth ministry required a type of committment that was a struggle to give and maintain. There was much spare time put into working with teenagers.

5. While pursuing ordination, Flame classes were developed by the Wesleyan Church. These would cost a couple hundred dollars too. However, vacation time from the my job was required as well as money, when available, for a hotel room.

6. A great amount of friction was experienced between my secular job and my ministry on behalf of the church.

7. Eventually, it was obvious that God wanted me to step-out on faith and be a full-time youth pastor. This was a 6 or 7 thousand dollar pay cut. Plus, it also involved giving up other benefits and scaling back on other benefits.

8. My family, parents, grandparents, and sisters, thought I was crazy. I did too.

9. After ordination, God called me to quit that position and move to SC and attend Southern Wesleyan University to obtain a Bible degree.

10. Attending college at 34, demanded that I give up $21,000. And that I uproot my family too. My wife gave up her job too.

God has always taken care of my family. God rewarded every one of these sacrifices. It has been a journey. Many consider ministry, but there is a cost.

Why must we attend Church?

2008-02-16T10:04:00.003-05:00

This was an email I got back from Rev. Wade Rogers. We have been disgussing the book Revolutionary, by George Barna. It is an insightful book that demonstrates much trouble with today's Church.

There was a lot I liked in Revolution but I totally disagree with his premise that you can be missional and absent from the local church. And my reasons are biblical (imagine that!). First of all, Jesus set the standard: "He [Jesus]?went to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, and on the Sabbath day he went into the synagogue, as was his custom". Luke 4:16 It was Jesus' custom to attend the synagogue service every Sabbath. If Jesus practiced this, He must have thought it was important. Second, Church attendance is a profitable habit, "And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. [25] Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another--and all the more as you see the Day approaching". Hebrews 10:24-25 It sounds to me like the writer of Hebrews was addressing this to some "revolutionaries" in his day. I tell my people all the time that their very presence at the worship service is an encouragement to thier brothers and sisters in Christ. It reminds us that we are not alone and there are people of like mindedness who share our values and faith in Christ. Third, the first day of the week has a multi-faceted significance in Scripture.>>Jesus rose on the first day of the week. (Luke 24:1) Jesus appeared to the disciples in the upper room on the first day of the week (as they were "gathered together"). (John 20:19)>Paul spoke to a gathering of believers on the first day of the week. (Acts 20:7) Paul? instructed the believers to set aside a portion of thier income on (you guessed it) the first day of the week. (1 Corinthians 16:2) Fourth, we cannot forget the issues of mutual accountablity, integrity, and service. "If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, treat him as you would a pagan or a tax collector". Matthew 18:17 Fifth, Paul's mission in life was to plant churches where he met with them regularly for teaching and instruction. Was he not a revolutionary? "So for a whole year Barnabas and Saul met with the church and taught great numbers of people. The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch". Acts 11:26 I could go on and on, but? here's the? thing. The Church was God's idea, not man's. Yes, some of the structures of church today are man-made, but the ideas of meeting together regularly for mutual encouragement, worship?and accountability are God's plan for His Church.

10 Things I would do if I were a mega-church pastor

2008-02-15T22:36:00.004-05:00

1. We would have creative paid staff.
2. We would spend time with helping churches to become turn-arounds.
3. We would seek out small churches who are one staff person away from a breakthrough and pay for their staff person for two years.
4. We would have fund drive that would allow my church to develop an extreme makeover for a small church with a big vision. Imagine the fun that could be had by showing video clips of pastors and lay leaders who would pitch why they deserve the makeover.
5. We would help Hephzibah Children's Home in better ways.
6. We would concentrate on planting churches for the kingdom.
7. We would offer free counseling to the community.
8. We would offer free tutoring to children and teens.
9. We would offer scholarships to our people who want to better than their lives.
10. We would have food and clothing to those who are need.

10 Fears about Summer 08

2008-02-10T14:18:00.000-05:00

Not necessarily in this order

1. People will not keep Jesus Christ the number one priority in their lives.

2. Those who attend church 3 times a month will drop to one or two attendences a month.

3. Those who are struggling to remain committed to church attendence will eventually find reasons why they cannot come and fall out of church. Most will struggle to ever start attending any church again.

4. Some think summer break from school, means summer break from church. Some have actually asked, when I was a youth pastor, "Do you still meet in the summer?"

5. Tithing will drop off because money will be spent to have a good time instead. Some people actually think that the government pays for the church to stay open. While others think that what they give cannot be that big of a deal. Besides, tithing is returning to God what we owe; it is putting Him first. This will turn into a spiritual problem. Many will have to save their tithe money for vacation so giving will have to come from another source.

6. More time will be spent entertaining others than spending time alone with Christ. There will not be any time for spiritual development because cookouts will occur almost every weekend. In addition, there will be weekend getaways every other week.

7. Community activities will increase and that means church will take the backseat to those events. Softball, baseball, and etc. will be more important on Sundays than attending church. As a result, many will be too tired to attend church even though night services are offered.

8. Some will decide to look for a new church since the one they were attending was not able to keep them interested during the summer. Instead, they will fail to realize that lack of interest was a result of failing to remain faithful in attendence because they chose to find something else to do that was more fun.

9. After summer, when fall comes, some will wonder why the pastor did not visit or pursue them since they have not been to church for some time. After all, they were not in church for 3 months and he, and others, should have cared. Naturally, this thought does not include those who are shut-ins.

10. People will say, "I will go to church next week." But next week will never come. Furthermore, others will say, "We need to spend more time with our family instead." As a result, "Jesus who?"

Ash Wednesday and Lent

2008-02-10T13:16:00.000-05:00

I want to point out to everyone that observing Ash Wednesday service and taking part in Lent may be misunderstood. Some may not feel comfortable taking part in an Ash Wednesday service, or taking part in Lent. Likely, this is because these times are just uncomfortable for many. In other posts, Ash Wednesday was written about in regard to its purpose. However, Lent has not been written about; at least on my blog. Lent is a time of observing repentance and suffering for those who follow Christ. It is a time to repent of sin that may be plaguing a Christian. Further, it is a time to reflect upon the suffering of Christ on our behalf. We do this by giving something up during the 40 days prior to Easter; excluding Sundays. When people have trouble participating in this type of observance, I cannot help thinking that it is because most do not want to sacrifice anything from their lives. Consider, that most today, in the Christian ranks, desire to figure out how to use God in a way that He will give us something that we want. Yet, Christianity is based upon giving something up. If we do not ever participate in these observances then how do we participate with the Universal Church? Last time I checked, the Universal Church is the Bride of Christ. I encourage all of you to participate during this season of Lent with us. For those of you in my church, I ask you to participate. Remember, if I did not think it was beneficial to our worship of Christ, I would not have asked everyone to take part. God bless you all.

Ash Wednesday

2008-02-10T13:02:00.000-05:00

Here is another link for everyone to check out in reference to Ash Wednesday. It comes from a blog I like to look at. Enjoy.

More Evangelicals Value Lent Disciplines

2008-02-09T23:54:00.000-05:00

More are recovering the observance of Lent. Here is an article that may interest you all.

The Church should show the way to reconciliation with God

2008-02-06T23:45:00.000-05:00

As a former youth pastor, I still get upset when teenagers make the mistake of falling into the sexual traps that tempt them throughout junior high and high school. This is why I am so excited about our Purity Focus Conference February 23rd. This conference is our opportunity to push back at a society who believes that sex before marriage is ok. You see, I also get upset when Christians consider those teens who have fallen to temptation to be written off. In other words, "You reap what you sow." Some Christians will ignore teens who have messed up; even teen Christians will do this, instead of trying to lead them to restoration. Instead of holding out the olive branch to one who has fallen, a big club is shown to them. What is the job of the Church? It is to spread the gosple; you know, the gosple that says that God is willing to forgive sin. He is willing because Jesus Christ gave His life that we might live. Someone might say that this should not be a concern for me, but I am concerned for the person who has made a mistake, for the Christian who is handing out punishment instead of telling those who are in sin how to be reconciled to God, and for how the Church appears to the world. I want to see Christians fighting for our teens because there is an urgency to see them rescued from Satan's clutches. I want to see our young teens showing someone who blew it how to find forgiveness.

God is stirring our church

2008-02-03T23:31:00.000-05:00

Even though we are up and down in attendence, we are seeing several spiritual victories that I am excited about. It feels like we are at a growth point and that we are becoming more useful in ministry as a church. I am starting to see a heart for ministry from our people. After a couple of years as senior pastor, I am seeing opportunities for our church. Our people are stepping up because their faith compels them. Another praise the Lord is that I recieved a unanimous vote today by our church to remain their pastor. It is an awesome blessing to have that type of a vote. God is good all of the time. I am wondering as we prepare for our Purity Focus Conference for teens what God is going to do. Likely, there will be great victories won in the name of Jesus. It is important that even though we are small that we continue to fight the enemy. We are only the size of a mustard seed compared to other churches, but I know what the Bible says about mustard seeds. I am preparing myself for a great ride with God, and if you go to my church, I hope you are too.

God's people rise to the occasion

2008-01-28T00:11:00.000-05:00

Tonight at church we, Pastor Jon and I, talked about the Purity Focus Conference that our church is going to have. Our church has to do this type of community outreach by faith. In other words, we struggle to have enough money to do these events. Nonetheless, we talked about the importance of ministry to these teens and that life changing opportunities would be available to them. At the end of our service, Pastor Jon said that enough money was pledged to cover the costs of this ministry. Praise the Lord! This shows that God is at work at doing something with our little church. I think that He has a lot for us to experience by faith through His power in the coming months. There were several victories in the Lord today. Praise the Lord! We may not be numerically strong, but we can be strong in faith and service. God is moving. All of us at Smith Chapel will do well not to get bogged down on the negetives, but it will be better if we focus on what He is doing. We are going somewhere and I can't wait.

More Church Research

2008-01-23T22:35:00.000-05:00

Churches' Greatest Critics May be Their Own Followers
By
Lillian Kwon
Christian Post Reporter
Wed, Jan. 23 2008 02:38 PM ET
[-]Text[+]

Criticism from people outside of Christianity toward the Church doesn't surprise many. But when negative viewpoints are being expressed by believers, it raises a red flag for churches across the country.
Enlarge this Image
(Photo: AP Images / Nathan W. Armes, Pool)
People exit the worship center at the New Life Church in Colorado Springs, Colo., Sunday, Feb. 18, 2007.
Related
'unChristian'
How Do Unchurched Americans View Christianity?
Study: Christianity No Longer Looks Like Jesus
In the latest research report by Sam S. Rainer III, who heads Rainer Research, only 39 percent of people who dropped out of the church perceived their church as "caring." Meanwhile, 51 percent of them called their church "judgmental."
Among other unfavorable views from those who quit their church, 41 percent of them said their church was "insincere." Only 20 percent felt their church was "inspirational;" 30 percent said their church was "authentic;" and 36 percent said their church was "welcoming."
The survey was conducted on 18- to 22-year-olds and is featured in Rainer's upcoming book, Essential Church?.
"The churches that do not demonstrate these biblical qualities and rather become insincere and judgmental lose this generation," Rainer, a young Baptist pastor, commented. "They return to the culture that claims churches are not living up to their calling.
"And, for the most part, the culture is correct."
Part of the church's calling is to reach those on the outside and live out what they preach, but these students who are dropping out are hearing one thing in church and seeing another thing in the lives of these churchgoers, Rainer pointed out.
Polls have shown increasing hostility and negativity toward Christianity, mainly from younger non-Christians – a majority of whom have a bad impression of Christianity, according to The Barna Group.
But more reports are indicating that young adults not just outside of the Christian faith, but those in the pews are turned off by believers.
"Yes, we need to be greatly concerned about outside perceptions," said Rainer. "But perhaps more frightening are what our own students are saying about our churches."
National youth leader Greg Stier of Dare 2 Share Ministries believes one of the worst enemies of Christians are Christians.
"When we are known more for what we are against than what we are for what other outcome can we expect?" he said, echoing what many church leaders have expressed.
"If we put down our picket signs and picked up a basin of water and towel to wash feet with then maybe the world would sit up and listen. Or maybe they wouldn't. But either way we would be more like Jesus," Stier noted in a recent interview with The Christian Post.
Young born-again Christians were nearly just as likely as non-Christians (22 vs. 23 percent) to say Christianity in today's society no longer looks like Jesus, according to David Kinnaman of The Barna Group who wrote his findings in unChristian.
Along with perceptions of churches being judgmental, Kinnaman has found that many, including Christians, view the church as full of hypocrites and anti-homosexual.
"If young people view Christianity negatively may it be for the exclusive claims of Christ in the Gospel not because we come off as jerks when we communicate that message," Stier commented.
Despite the bad impressions expressed by those who dropped out of their churches, Rainer found that the churches of young people who did not drop out were viewed very favorably.
A majority of the young people who did not quit described their church as "caring," "welcoming," "authentic" and "inspirational." Only 19 percent of those who stayed said their church was "insincere" and only 24 percent felt their church was "judgmental."
Rainer's Essential Church? releases in the fall.

Theological Beliefs

2008-01-23T00:41:00.001-05:00

What's your theological worldview?
created with QuizFarm.com

You scored as Evangelical Holiness/Wesleyan

You are an evangelical in the Wesleyan tradition. You believe that God's grace enables you to choose to believe in him, even though you yourself are totally depraved. The gift of the Holy Spirit gives you assurance of your salvation, and he also enables you to live the life of obedience to which God has called us. You are influenced heavly by John Wesley and the Methodists.

Evangelical Holiness/Wesleyan

93%

Neo orthodox

79%

Emergent/Postmodern

68%

Roman Catholic

50%

Charismatic/Pentecostal

46%

Reformed Evangelical

43%

Fundamentalist

36%

Modern Liberal

25%

Classical Liberal

25%

Purity for teens

2008-01-22T00:24:00.000-05:00

I have to say that this is one of the most important things that our church can do. We must encourage teens and young adults to pursue abstinence. Maintaining sexual purity is considered by many to be impossible and that teens will never be able to do it. Well, I think that I can speak for our church people when I say we believe in our youth and God's Power to help them overcome temptation. This conference will encourage teens as a group to pursue God's help in seeking purity. This is also a chance for teenagers who may not have waited to seek a second chance in purity. I think we have good speakers lined up. There is a passion in our youth pastor and me to see this become a great moment in time for our teenagers and those who will be attending. While reading this, would you stop and take the time to pray that God will be able to persuade those teens who will attend to pursue Jesus Christ with all of their hearts, and to surrender to Him by making commitments to remain sexually pure for marriage, or to stop any sexual activities that they are taking part in until marriage? Also, pray that they will be able to stay away from all forms of sexual acts too. Pray for our speakers and those who will be working in different areas that they will sense the urgency of this message.

Self-Indulgent Christians

2008-01-20T22:35:00.000-05:00

Erwin McManus comments on why Christian churches are in decline in the United States. Check it out. I think that he is right on.

2008-01-14T18:45:00.000-05:00

We watched End of the Spear at our church last Sunday night. It is a movie based upon the lives of 5 missionaries who gave their lives sharing the gospel with a formerly unknown tribe in Ecuador. These men were martyrs for their faith in Jesus Christ. A strong point is made about what it really means to give your life away for Jesus Christ. Further, it causes one to consider what it means to give your life so that others might live. These men's families picked up the mantle left behind by those men and carried the gospel to those who had murdered their husbands. These women proceeded to show love and forgiveness for those who sinned greatly against them and their children. Many wonder whether or not God is real, or if Jesus is who He says to be, but they cannot argue that people will not lay their lives down for a lie; nor will they choose to love those who have harmed them in such a great way. I cannot help but wonder why people choose to believe that Christ should be cut out of public and personal life and His ways not taught to our children by our educators or their parents. It is something for us all to meditate on while we continue to practice our "cheap grac" and build our own kingdoms. What does Christ expect from us?

Less than a Pundit

2008-01-10T23:44:00.000-05:00

According to Wikipedia.com, "A pundit is someone who offers mass-media opinion, analysis or commentary on a particular subject area (most typically political analysis, the social sciences or sport), on which they are presumed to be knowledgeable." While I am not a real pundit, I will play the part since I do have an opinion about what we should consider during this election season. I think that we should re-elect Jesus Christ King. I remember several years ago while living in Indiana before an election, I was driving along when I read an election sign that said re-elect Jesus Christ King. It seems that this is the most important issue facing America, and the American Church. This is because it is a to elect a president since nobody knows for sure whether or not the person who is elected will do what is best for the people. It is amazing that Americans are seeking safety, having thier needs met, health care, equality for all, laws that will legislate tolerance for all, and etc. I don't think that there is a candidate out there who can acheive this. However, Jesus Christ can. Some may wonder what Christ can do and why is this even an opinion that needs to be heard. It needs to be heard since He can write the law of love upon our hearts. He can give eternal life to those who believe in Him and serve Him. He can intervene when we need Him the most; as He did by giving His life for ous sins. He can help us treat each other properly. This means that He is well qualified to be our leader. As a pundit, I hope that you will think about electing the right leader for your life.

It's time

2007-12-24T23:54:00.000-05:00

It is just a few minutes before Christmas as I write this. As I watch a Christmas service on TV, I think about what it was to celebrate Christmas without Christ. I realize this Christmas that there is a battle the rages over whether or not it is right or wrong to say, "Happy Holidays," or "Season's Greetings," or just "Merry Christmas." I have seen the advertisements that say, "Merry CHRISTmas," and others that remind us not to take Christ out of Christmas. I have stood on the side that believes that Christ should not be compromised at Christmas because it is about Him. Yet, I have a thought this year. What if we, the Church, realized that Christmas is for those who wish to ignore Jesus? Hear me out, don't roll your eyes yet, and think that I am another "liberal." Instead, think about the fact that Christ came into this world to save those who are lost. We celebrate His coming, but we must celebrate why He came. It is ironic that those who want to forget Christ, are those whom He died for; just like He died for us. Also, think about the fact that we, those who follow Christ, are His Church. This means that instead of fighting those who do not believe the way we do, may be, we should start being imitators of Christ to them. This is the time of year that we should get our second wind, reorient, and be reminded that because Jesus came, we there is still hope for those who do not know Him. Christ loves those who do not love Him. This season of peace is a reminder to be in love with, and be at peace with our neighbors. It's time. It's time to get past accusations and judgments; and it's time to extend grace. Christ will never be defeated by those who do not know Him. He will only be hindered by those who do know Him. It's time. Merry Christmas and peace to all.

2007-12-19T23:34:00.000-05:00

While following through on a punishment yesterday, one of my children said that I should be merciful, like Christ, and forget the punishment. We all love God's grace. Yet, sometimes we need to realize that God will allow us to face circumstances, that we caused, instead of waving His magic wand and making it all go away. Does this mean that He does not love us? Certainly not. This means that God is teaching us; we all know that experience is the best teacher. Seems like I have heard that somewhere. It seems that God wants to show us that can help us through those circumstances. Anyway, back to my child. One thing led to another, and finally, as I was talking about how Christ wants to teach us through our consequences, it was said, by my child, that "I don't know Christ like I kn0w you." My children have given their lives to Jesus. I was reminded by that; but it does cause me to wonder how many of us have simply forgot to know Him. I mean really know Christ. We take the grace that only Christ can provide, and then, after a while, we settle for grace, as the ceiling, while losing sight of who Jesus is. What if the children of Israel would have left Egypt and settled for leaving slavery without going with God? They would have been overcome in the wilderness! We need Christians who will follow Christ; not just using Him to avoid punishment. There is life, and there is new life. Do you really know Christ? Or, are you just trying to use Him for Genie who will wave His magic wand when you need Him?

2007-12-06T00:23:00.001-05:00

Check out William Willimon's "The Challenge of Advent."
Great thoughts that challenge us.

http://willimon.blogspot.com/

2007-11-29T20:29:00.000-05:00

Check out an article about the First Advent
Scroll down to

"Good Things Come"
by Scott Bryte

http://www.goodpreacher.com/blog/

2007-11-12T21:12:00.000-05:00

'Anonymous Friend' gives $100 million to town

ERIE, Pennsylvania (AP) -- Mike Batchelor invited the heads of 46 charities into his downtown office for one-on-one meetings to personally deliver the news. Nearby, on a small table, sat a box of tissues. And then he proceeded: A donor had given a staggering $100 million to the Erie Community Foundation, and all of the charities would receive a share.
That was when the tears began to flow -- and the mystery began -- in this struggling old industrial city of 102,000 on Lake Erie, where the donor is known only as "Anonymous Friend."
Batchelor, president of the Erie Community Foundation, has been sworn to secrecy and will allow only that the donor worked with the organization for years to identify deserving recipients before the announcement over the summer. Excepted from an article on cnn.com.
http://www.cnn.com/2007/US/11/12/million.mystery.ap/index.html

Scripture talks about secrecy while giving; another topic for later. As a pastor, who regularly thinks about how nice it would be for someone to give a large sum of money to our church, could it be that God will only give money to those who will use it properly. It looks like in this article that most of the charities had something to do with the "least of these." Here is that outward mission , that churches need to have, that God seems to embrace. I am thankful when I see this kind of thing because this can only be the hand of God taking care of those who cannot take care of themselves. What if churches were given this money? How would it be used? Dare I say it? Is there a reason why the Lord did not use His Church to distribute the money?

2007-11-02T10:53:00.000-04:00

Modern Day Rapture

The Rapture is known as an end times doctrine in most circles of the Christian Church. It is the general belief that Christ will take His Church from the Tribulation that is to come. Further, there are different theories of when that will take place, if it is to take place. Many Christians look forward to the Second Coming of Christ so that they can escape the harshness of this world. Yet, it seems that Christ is counting upon His Church to be those who bring healing to this world. However, the Church seems to be taking part in her own type of Rapture. Let me explain. Many pastors and congregations desire to be successful, in other words, to grow in numbers. This is fine because numbers represent souls saved; at least we hope. Therefore, the solution to many of these churches is to move. Many of these churches desire to move to more affluent areas because there is a target group of people that they are seeking. Could it be that this target group has money? Many of these churches that desire to move are in areas that have a great amount of poverty, broken marriages, troubled people, and crime. Yeah, Jesus probably would not want His Church in a place like that. Besides, He would Rapture His Church from all of that anyway. It seems to me that Christ has a great deal of concern for these people; and these poor people seem to be His target group of people in the Bible. What is more, Jesus seems to want to use His Church to reach these people. The question that all ministers and lay people have to ask is, "Should the Church be trying to relocate to the poor side of town instead of leaving as soon as the money is available?" It might be that the money that God has given to those churches may have been there so that His people can take care of those who need help.

2007-10-19T18:45:00.001-04:00

Associating with the Bride of Christ

Many people today imply that they are able to serve Jesus Christ without attending a church. It is true. Americans are very individualistic and that means there is a go alone attitude. Many have different reasons about why they cannot attend a church. Some say, “Church people are hypocrites!” Others say, “The church only wants money.” Some say, “Sunday is my only time off.” Is there really a good reason, other than health problems, for church attendance not to be a priority? In his book, There Is No I In Church, Keith Drury, professor of religion at Indiana Wesleyan University writes, “Some people refuse to associate with the bride of Christ on earth. What makes them think they’d want to be a part of the bride of Christ in Heaven? If they won’t join the bride, then they won’t get married to the groom” (16). He wrote this in light of the Church, the bride, being engaged to Christ, the Groom. Some people have created busy lives for themselves which causes them to miss Church on a regular basis. Nonetheless, Jesus talked about being too busy to come to a great feast in Matthew 22:1-14; check it out. Finally, if you are not attending church on a regular basis, then it is important that you know that the people of Smith Chapel Wesleyan Church need you; and you might need them too.

2007-10-12T23:52:00.000-04:00

Where is Robin Hood when the American Church needs him?

The story of Robin Hood stealing from the rich and giving to the poor is one of the finest stories ever told. Everyone enjoys the plot of the story. Robin Hood takes from those who do not need and gives to those who are in need. Likely, everyone thinks that this theme demonstrates real justice. So what does this story have to do with American churches? The Christian Church in the United States, this includes all denominations, and all sizes too, are financially well off; or are without financial worries. Yet, while churches seem to have enough financial capabilities to have their needs met, many tend to use their financial status as a measuring stick for success. The issue, then becomes, that God is not needed; except for forgiveness purposes and to cure various illnesses, and may be for some occasional extras. Could it be that the Church does not need her Provider? Likely , it is that because needs are being met, and God is reduced to a Genie in a bottle, instead of the God who is depended upon for all things. Faith in God seems to be less evident today than at other times in history. One might say that is because the churches have the money they need to perform day to day normal functions. What if there was not any money in these churches? It would seem that these churches who were without would need the Hand of God to supply their needs. Being without resources seems to cause a closeness among the congregation and a need for God. Consider, churches would have to start praying again; individually and corporately. People would be wandering around encouraging each other to have faith in Christ. Reminders would be passed back and forth among those in the local church that "God never fails!" If the doors were about to close, then their might even be fasting within the congregation. Scripture memorization would be a favorite past time because it would bring a comfort to those who are struggling. After all, there would be a great need that only God could supply. Then, as God began to supply needs, and since churches would be in tune with Him at that point, there might even be a desire among Christians to go out into the world and share the gospel along with healing to those in need. Wait a minute. This sounds like what the Church of the NT looks like. If financial loss could trigger such a desire for Christ, then would it be good for the Church to be robbed by a modern day Robin Hood? Who knows? But then God's money would go to His people who are in real need.

2007-10-11T10:40:00.000-04:00

Study: What Teens are Looking for, Learning in Church
By
Audrey Barrick
Christian Post Reporter
Tue, Oct. 09 2007 11:35 AM ET
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What teens expect most when it comes to churches is to worship or make a connection with God, a new Barna study showed.
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(Photo: The Country Today / Paul M. Walsh, File)
Yesenia Rodriguez of Garfield, N. J., raises her hands in worship at the RCA Dome, in Indianapolis on Thursday, Aug. 9, 2007. Rodriguez was among the over 12,000 youths who listened to a spiritually motivating message, and a contemporary Christian rock band at the week-long General Council for the denomination, which has drawn over 25,000 registered people to the Indianapolis area.
Forty-five percent of American teens said that was very important to them and 42 percent seek "to better understand what I believe," according to the study released Monday.
Other important things they look for in a church include spending time with close friends (34 percent); getting encouraged or inspired (34 percent); and volunteering to help others (30 percent).
Expectations teens prioritized as less important were learning about prayer (26 percent); listening to religious teaching (26 percent); participating in discussions regarding religion and faith (23 percent); being mentored or coached in spiritual development (21 percent); discovering the traditions of their faith (20 percent); participating in a study class about faith (19 percent); and studying the Bible (18 percent).
Most teens also prefer a church that teaches how their faith should influence everyday decisions and lifestyle rather than one that teaches the traditions and background of their faith (39 percent vs. 16 percent, respectively). At the same time, 45 percent said they would not care for either type of church.
"Just because someone identifies what they want does not necessarily mean they know what they need," said David Kinnaman, lead researcher on the study. "Yet, all of the recent attention on young people gravitating to 'ancient traditions of Christianity' misses the fact that the vast majority of American teenagers do not express much interest in or appreciation for such traditions in the first place. Teenagers are a pinch-of-this-pinch-of-that generation, so without intentional decisions on the part of youth workers, many teenagers ride out their teen years in fruitless experimentation rather than genuine forms of spiritual development."
So what are teens learning in church?
According to the Barna study, 65 percent recalled learning about moral and ethical standards in the last 12 months; 62 percent learned about relationships, 55 percent learned about faith traditions and 50 percent were taught personal evangelism.
Fewer recalled church teachings on media, movies and television within the last year (35 percent); money and finances (30 percent); the supernatural world (28 percent); leisure activities (27 percent); government and law (26 percent); art and music (22 percent); health issues (21 percent); and technology (9 percent).
As a generation that grew up on the Internet, 26 percent of teens and 39 percent of born again Christian teens said they learned something about their faith or spirituality online in the last six months. Moreover, 16 percent of teens and 25 percent of born again teens said they had "a spiritual experience" online where they worshipped or connected with God.
"Born again teens are four times more likely to learn about spirituality online than they are to receive helpful perspective and insight about technology at church," said Kinnaman.
"Moreover, although their world is inundated with choices related to media, movies, television, technology, art, music, leisure, and health, most churchgoing teens tell us they rarely recall learning anything helpful on these topics in church. Perhaps as a result, many teens grow up concluding that Christianity is boring, old-fashioned and out of touch with reality. Rather than simply giving teens dos and don’ts, effective youth ministry should help them become engaged, thoughtful Christ followers who have sophisticated, biblical responses to life."
Another concern is over the prayer life of teens. While the study found that 72 percent teens today say they pray in a typical week, the figure is down from 81 percent a decade ago. Furthermore, less than half (48 percent) say they attend a worship service at a church, down from 53 percent. Even fewer attend Sunday school(35 percent), attend youth group (33 percent), participate in a small group (32 percent), and read the Bible (31 percent).
"Helping them connect with God, learn about their faith, and serve others, in a loving and relational environment are their top desires from a church," Kinnaman highlighted. "Keep in mind that young people are not spiritually transformed merely by attending a church, knowing a few Bible stories or being friends with the youth pastor. It takes addressing teens on a much deeper, personal level – such as developing their intellect and vocational passions as well as cultivating their curiosity for the complexities of life."
The report is based on nationwide surveys conducted on teenagers ages 13 to 18 in April 2005 and July 2006. The first study involved 2,409 teens and the 2006 study included 617 teens

2007-10-07T21:51:00.000-04:00

Disconnected
Each Christian must battle with the feeling of being disconnected from Christ at times. These are better thought of as seasons that each Christian goes through in which Christ seems so distant. It is important to know that these distant times are linked to responsibilities Christians have to themselves. Responsibilities to self include prayer, fasting, and meditation and are more commonly called spiritual disciplines. Nonetheless, these responsibilities may be conveniently swept under the rug by a believer. What is more, these are inward disciplines which are easy to hide from others. It is easy to claim to follow Jesus Christ. However, to follow Christ, one must connect with Him on a daily basis. Further, one cannot be content on a decision that was made to serve Christ years earlier. Instead, it should be an active commitment by the one who has given his or her life to Him. These three disciplines help to regulate a person so that he or she will be in tune with Christ. Moreover, these are what Christians are responsible for in his or her spiritual growth. Consequently, if a Christian is not growing spiritually, then it is likely that these daily exercises are not being performed; for lack of time, or simply consciously neglected. Again, prayer, fasting, and meditation are being swept under the rug by many Christians. In other words, the house may look clean, but it’s really not since the dirt is only hidden. As a result, it is highly recommended that those who desire to know Christ on a personal level should follow this Scriptural roadmap for growth in Christ. These are a means to plug back into Christ.

2007-09-23T14:59:00.000-04:00

Check out "This Side of Somewhere" by Rev. Mark Wilson. If you are discouraged, this is for you. I know I enjoyed reading his words.

http://revitalizeyourchurch.blogspot.com/

2007-09-19T00:05:00.000-04:00

Apostle's Creed

I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth.
And in Jesus Christ his only Son our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried; he descended into hell; the third day he rose again from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Ghost; the holy catholic Church; the communion of saints; the forgiveness of sins; the resurrection of the body; and the life everlasting. AMEN.

http://www.creeds.net/ancient/apostles.htm

2007-08-26T23:36:00.000-04:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Lnt7ZoFrgo

Check it out

2007-08-10T01:18:00.000-04:00

A Church for those who do not like church

While traveling home the other day I saw a church sign that read, "A church for those who don't like church." Since I am a pastor, this statement stirred my mind up a bit. Without stopping to ask what the sign meant, I decided to take it at face value. Therefore, it seemed, to me, to mean that many churches have problems. Then I wondered if this was another example of the endless contemporary vs. the traditional argument. It seems to me that there is a misunderstanding about church presently in some Christian circles. Whatever the case is, here are a few reasons why I believe that a statement like the one I referred to is dangerous: First, Christ gave His life for the Church. The Church is the Body of Christ. In other words, the Church is God in the flesh. The Church is full of ambassadors of the King. The Church is where God's Kingdom meets the physical earth. The Church is where we worship Christ. The Church is the chosen instrument to bring the Good News of Jesus Christ. The Church is where we have our faith built up. The Church is where we receive encouragement. The Church is the New Israel. Finally, the Church is the Bride of Christ. I guess the question should be asked, "Christian, why would you not like Church?" On the other hand, some may reply that the Church has problems which seem to hurt Christ. Yet, I say that the Church is both human and divine. The Church is not an us against them organization. It is a togetherness faith where the individual ends up being identified as a follower of Christ. Churches are to be united in their stand against evil in this world. Therefore, let's not rush to condemn churches. Instead, lest's support the Church as that which is sacred.

2007-02-10T01:10:00.000-05:00

Contemporary or Traditional?

Does it matter? No matter which side of the fence that one lands he or she will say yes. There are those who say they cannot worship during a traditional service. On the other hand, there are traditionalists who say they can't worship with contemporary aids. The question that both sides must ask and eventually answer is whether or not it matters. Are both sides guilty of focusing on the wrong things? It appears that both are; this applies to the 'hardliners' in each category. At some point, worshippers are going to have to get back to worshipping Jesus. The minute someone walks into a church, and judges the congregation according to whether or not there is a video screen, musical instruments or just a piano, this person has lost sight of why it is important to be there. What would happen in the US if people started attending church, not to show that the world and God can get along, but to serve the Bride of Christ? What would happen if these issues were forgotten, and submission to one another was remembered? I don't know; but I bet the Spirit of God would resurface again!

2006-10-02T21:11:00.000-04:00

The Pharisees have gotten a bad rap by many in the Church today. This sect was a righteous group who studied and followed the OT Law and Prophets. Yet, Jesus said that they were hypocritical, and likewise, so are many are today. Many Christians in modern times are apathetic toward pursuing Holiness and discipline. What is more, Christians are not producing a large number of men and women who want to live like Jesus. There is a lack of study when it comes to the Scriptures in the Church today; compare with the Pharisees. Dr. Mark Weeter, professor at OWU, says, “Superficiality is the curse of our age. In Matthew 5:17-20, Jesus said He fulfilled the Law and certainly He clarified it. Yet, He said that His follower's righteousness must exceed that of the Pharisees. To exceed the righteousness of the Pharisees Christians must must place themselves in positions to receive God’s grace that changes the person from within. However, contemporary Christians center on freedom instead of Christ. Christians must seek righteousness of mind and motive. The Church is not taking seriously her responsibility to change the world. Statistically there are many who say they are Christian in America, but they do not attend church regularly, nor do they read Scripture and pray. God has taken a backseat to soccer, shopping, and whatever else type of activity. Therefore, the question is are you making Bible study and worship of God, by attending church, your number one priority?

2006-07-29T22:54:00.000-04:00

A True Leader

It is important to have someone who is a good leader for those who have not yet built up confidence in themselves. Many people today, who have great leadership potential, are victims of being ignored at the key times in their lives. They do not have someone to mentor them so that they might be successful in what they do. This fact alone can be a great loss to those who would have benefitted under these people's leadership. There are three qualities of a great leader: servanthood, thoughtfulness, and compassion. A great leader must be willing to roll up his or her sleaves and join in the work. This person must not be the type who only observes. This person will support those under his or her leadership when the work is tough by serving beside them. Another quality that a great leader has is thoughtfulness. This person will show interest in the subordinates life. The people under this type of leader will sense that this leader is interested in them as a person and not just an employee who is easily replaceable. Finally, a great leader will show compassion to the subordinate. This type of leader truly cares about any problems that someone might be going through. This leader is the person who will do something about it if it is within his or her power. People will respond with a 110% for this leader who has these types of qualities. People will go through the ringer to please this type of individual. This leader is the one who knows what it is like to be in the other's shoes.

2006-07-20T13:32:00.000-04:00

The Purpose of Education

What is the purpose of education after high school? Some say that is to guide one to a better future. Others say that education is the vehicle that helps one to get to a high paying job. Some may look at it as being a way to get out of work. Others only go to college to meet a spouse. Is a college education worth the money that a student pays? There are three categories to look to so that one may decide for himself or herself. Some go to school to be able to achieve opportunities in their career, others enroll in college to meet the person of their dreams, and others go to school to so that they may be better equipped to do their craft. First, there are those who do not want to learn, but they will attend college so that they might be able to make more money than those who do not go. This seems to be a poor reason to go, but nevertheless, many attend for this very reason and do well. Then there are those who are seeking their soulmate for life. These people are those who find what they are looking for and end up with an education and opportunities with it. This is understandable; but is it the best reason? Finally, there are those who truly seek the knowledge that education brings. These people are those who love to learn and apply what they have learned to their field. They simply want to be able to do a good job, and become a must have person for the boss, and be looked at as a hub by those who are around them. This seems to be the right reason to attend college. Since this type of person is interested in not letting any words fall to the ground that are spoken by the teacher. Who would an employer rather have?" Furthermore, is education wasted on the earlier examples?

2006-07-18T15:57:00.000-04:00

There are 3 things a person must have to serve in ministry

I have seen many who were called to be in the ministry. These were good people who loved the Lord Jesus Christ with all of their hearts. These people were people who would do ministry simply for the love of serving. Money was not something that they were thinking about. These people only wanted to show the Lord that they loved Him and His people through servanthood and obedience. Many of these poeple were second career people who did not choose to serve the Lord as a career, but God chose them and they responded. There are three things they needed, but many did not: Faith, a spouse who would pursue their call with them, and encouragement. First, many these people did not really think that the Lord could use them. They felt that they were not worthy to serve God; nor tell others that God wanted them serve. However, this is true humility. Another problem for many was the fact that their spouses did not want to live by faith with them, they only wanted to stay in their comfort zones. It was especially hard for a few because they had such good jobs. Lastly, there was no one who would encourage them. People need to be cheered at the right moments. Most were made fun of by their own families and friends. It is sad that sometimes people shoot the next Billy Graham in the leg before he or she gets out it. But thank God that some find a way to believe even through this type of ostracization. Thank God for faith. Thank God for encouragement from others. Most importantly, thank God for a loving spouse who believes in God and the one he or she is married to.

2006-06-28T09:42:00.000-04:00

Time of Grace

Since we are living in a time of grace, we should recieve it from God and each other. We should also extend grace to others. Grace, when used properly should thwart all of the wiles of evil. Grace does three things: Brings peace with God, promotes peace with others, and purifies everyone's intentions. First, peace through Jesus Christ with God allows people to rest at ease if they are believers. This will give a new start to someone who is struggling with life. Grace will promote peace with others because that is exactly what will come to people who have been at odds with each other. How good it is for the offender and the innocent to recieve and give grace. Finally, grace, if used properly, will purify intentions. Everyone's intentions should not be ill in a time of grace. The one who recieves the grace should know that the one who gives it means it. Likewise, the one who gives it, should do it because he or she loves the person who recieving it. Now that type of grace is real peace. This grace comes from Jesus Christ. He has shown us what we must do to have peace. When will His children, and the rest of the world see this? God help us, each one, to understand this and take part in it.

2006-06-14T16:04:00.000-04:00

Jerry Hill was a man of God who understood self-sacrifice in a day when everyone is out for themselves. A day when most Christians are satisfied simply to show up for church one hour a week then go back home to their comfortable lives. When some would allow the issue of desiring to simply sleep in to deter them from worship. He was a rare man who looked at church as an opportunity to serve God and his neighbors instead of seeking how the church could serve him. He did not worry about what benefit that he recieved from going. He only wanted to be near his brothers and sisters in Christ, and more importantly, in God's Presence. One might ask, can a church, or more specifically, Mecca replace a man like Jerry? There are three things about Jerry that must be mentioned before one can arrive at an answer to this question: He was a man of prayer, He was a servant of God, and He loved his family. First, Jerry was someone who prayed beautiful sounding prayers. But one must understand that these were not showy prayers. These prayers could only come from someone who had an initimate relationship with Jesus Christ. These prayers covered all the bases. If there was a problem, Jerry was one of, if not the, first to pray with whoever needed prayer. He understood the need for intercession. Oh, if only more Christians would understand this concept! He was willing to seek and listen during prayer; it was not just a one-way conversation. Jerry would not be satisfied to sit on the sidelines and let others serve. He was ALWAYS one of the first to get his feet wet by jumping in in support of a ministry. He did not depend on the pastor to do ministry because he understood what it means to be part of the universal priesthood in God's Kingdom. Jerry went on visitation, had prayer groups, taught Sunday school, performed care ministries such as hospital and shut-in visits, encourage his pastors with his faith, led men's groups, and even spoke at other churches. Many realize that he looked at giving as a part of being a servant. He did not let money stand between him and helping someone. Finally, Jerry was a man, with the help of his wife, who led his family into a relationship with Christ. He got up everyday and%2