God cares for each church. In the letters to the churches in Revelation Jesus is walking among the churches and their messengers are in his hands (Rev 2:1). He has intimate knowledge of each church with their strengths and weaknesses. To some of the churches he gives a strong warning. His words pierce to the heart of each church’s issues. This is a profound reminder to pastors and churches that Jesus knows right where you are and continues to speak words of exhortation in hopes of renewing your love and passion for him. We should stop comparing churches to one another and realize God’s direct message to us individually.[1]
In relation to ministry with adoloscents, the message is the same. Jesus is not surprised by the issues you stress over. God knows the anxieties and pressures on every teen, parent and student leaders heart. Even more, he has the solution to every crisis... it's called repentance; the word for every church in Revelation and the word for every church today.
[1] Cross reference article by Ed Stetzer, “You Can’t Love Jesus and Hate His Wife”.
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Saturday, January 19, 2008
The Revelation pt. 1a, O Glorious Day
One day when heaven was filled with His praises
One day when sin was as black as could be
Jesus came forth to be born of a virgin
Dwelt among men my example is he
Living He loved me, dying He saved me
Buried He carried my sins far away
Rising He justified freely forever
One day He’s coming
O glorious day
One day they led Him to Calvary’s mountain
One day they nailed Him to die on a tree
Suffering anguish, despised and rejected
Bearing our sins, my Redeemer is He
One day the grave could conceal Him no longer
One day the stone rolled away from the door
Then He arose, o’er death He had conquered
Now He’s ascended, my Lord forevermore
One day the trumpet will sound for His coming
One day the skies with His glories will shine
Wonderful day my Beloved One’s bringing
Glorious Savior, this Jesus is mine
Music by Michael Bleecker. ©2006 Bleecker Publishing (ASCAP). All Rights Reserved. Used by Permission. Traditional lyrics by John Wilbur Chapman (Public Domain).
One day when sin was as black as could be
Jesus came forth to be born of a virgin
Dwelt among men my example is he
Living He loved me, dying He saved me
Buried He carried my sins far away
Rising He justified freely forever
One day He’s coming
O glorious day
One day they led Him to Calvary’s mountain
One day they nailed Him to die on a tree
Suffering anguish, despised and rejected
Bearing our sins, my Redeemer is He
One day the grave could conceal Him no longer
One day the stone rolled away from the door
Then He arose, o’er death He had conquered
Now He’s ascended, my Lord forevermore
One day the trumpet will sound for His coming
One day the skies with His glories will shine
Wonderful day my Beloved One’s bringing
Glorious Savior, this Jesus is mine
Music by Michael Bleecker. ©2006 Bleecker Publishing (ASCAP). All Rights Reserved. Used by Permission. Traditional lyrics by John Wilbur Chapman (Public Domain).
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
The Revelation, pt. 1
This is the start of an 8-10 part series of insights I am learning and teaching to our students on the book of Revelation. This book is one of the most intriguing in the Bible. While intriguing it also can be difficult to fully understand as well as fairly debatable. All this being said, I have found the entire book can be summarized into 2 great themes:
Jesus is Champion.
This phrase describes Jesus as the main character in the book. On an important side note, Jesus is the main character throughout all of the Bible. In every book, chapter or verse the overall message teaches the reader something about Jesus (His identity, character or some other truth). The opening chapter of Revelation gives a truly breathtaking description of Jesus. This is no weak, pathetic, wimpy picture of Jesus; it pictures Jesus in astonishing presentation, filled with supreme power and glory. This is not your typical Sunday School Jesus. Other words that are used in the Revelation are Alpha & Omega, Almighty, Living One, First and Last, Faithful and True, as well as King of Kings and Lord of Lords, among many others.
Jesus is Coming.
This idea is weaved throughout the book (1:7; 2:5, 16; 3:3, 11; 22:7, 12, 20). It speaks of Jesus' second coming. His first coming was in humility and meekness (born in small town, meager conditions - manger scene with dirty smelly sheepherders). His second coming will be extravagant as every eye will see him and every knee will bow in worship recognizing his holiness and pure beauty.
What does all of this have to do with you and I? This is for the curious and the comfortable. The curious can read this book to see Jesus for who he really is, not for who and how he's presented in pop culture. The comfortable pew sitting Christians can read this book and become energized to be about the purposes of God. The comfortable should not waste resources of energy, time, talents or treasures on peripheral things. The Revelation is a call to live in light of these 2 great themes. Will you join us?
Jesus is Champion.
This phrase describes Jesus as the main character in the book. On an important side note, Jesus is the main character throughout all of the Bible. In every book, chapter or verse the overall message teaches the reader something about Jesus (His identity, character or some other truth). The opening chapter of Revelation gives a truly breathtaking description of Jesus. This is no weak, pathetic, wimpy picture of Jesus; it pictures Jesus in astonishing presentation, filled with supreme power and glory. This is not your typical Sunday School Jesus. Other words that are used in the Revelation are Alpha & Omega, Almighty, Living One, First and Last, Faithful and True, as well as King of Kings and Lord of Lords, among many others.
Jesus is Coming.
This idea is weaved throughout the book (1:7; 2:5, 16; 3:3, 11; 22:7, 12, 20). It speaks of Jesus' second coming. His first coming was in humility and meekness (born in small town, meager conditions - manger scene with dirty smelly sheepherders). His second coming will be extravagant as every eye will see him and every knee will bow in worship recognizing his holiness and pure beauty.
What does all of this have to do with you and I? This is for the curious and the comfortable. The curious can read this book to see Jesus for who he really is, not for who and how he's presented in pop culture. The comfortable pew sitting Christians can read this book and become energized to be about the purposes of God. The comfortable should not waste resources of energy, time, talents or treasures on peripheral things. The Revelation is a call to live in light of these 2 great themes. Will you join us?
Sunday, January 6, 2008
One YP To Another
Words of THANKS and much love go out to the guy who was my youth pastor. He is my hero when it comes to knowing other youth pastors and in some sense modeling my own youth ministry after. My old youth pastor (I say old for 2 reasons: 1. He is old :) 2. It has been over 13 years since he has been my youth pastor) retired from his youth ministry after sixteen years; yes you read that right – in youth ministry for over 16 years!!! That is simply unheard of in contemporary ministry, much less youth ministry.
So, this post is some random “Why I am thankful Steve Howell was my youth pastor”
1) Steve kept it real.
What I mean is that he seldom tried to be someone he was not. Sometimes this was to his downfall but mostly it was to his benefit. You have to know Steve to understand what I mean by that. All in all, I appreciate the fact that he was authentic in his love for God and for students. He cared and everyone knew it.
2) Steve took the right things seriously… and well to say the other things not so serious would be an understatement.
Sometimes you wondered if he could ever hold a meaningful conversation. Then other times your conversation with him left you deep in reflection and wonder of how profound the statements or questions he offered. I think this comes from being a father of five, and more importantly having a dynamic, vital relationship with the Profoundest One.
3) Steve lived with integrity.
This one might replicate the first but it’s worth repeating and closing on. I know his family life has had its ups and downs as any family (especially in the ministry), and through all of it his faith remained strong, his character remained humble and he seemed to be intentional about being selfless. Perhaps his faith and character remained so Christ-like because he was selfless (Philippians 2:5-9). In fact his selflessness showed itself when his going away party lasted about four hours! People couldn’t stop sharing how much he meant to them. Influence and spiritual impact stem from a life of selfless service.
From one YP to another… thanks.
So, this post is some random “Why I am thankful Steve Howell was my youth pastor”
1) Steve kept it real.
What I mean is that he seldom tried to be someone he was not. Sometimes this was to his downfall but mostly it was to his benefit. You have to know Steve to understand what I mean by that. All in all, I appreciate the fact that he was authentic in his love for God and for students. He cared and everyone knew it.
2) Steve took the right things seriously… and well to say the other things not so serious would be an understatement.
Sometimes you wondered if he could ever hold a meaningful conversation. Then other times your conversation with him left you deep in reflection and wonder of how profound the statements or questions he offered. I think this comes from being a father of five, and more importantly having a dynamic, vital relationship with the Profoundest One.
3) Steve lived with integrity.
This one might replicate the first but it’s worth repeating and closing on. I know his family life has had its ups and downs as any family (especially in the ministry), and through all of it his faith remained strong, his character remained humble and he seemed to be intentional about being selfless. Perhaps his faith and character remained so Christ-like because he was selfless (Philippians 2:5-9). In fact his selflessness showed itself when his going away party lasted about four hours! People couldn’t stop sharing how much he meant to them. Influence and spiritual impact stem from a life of selfless service.
From one YP to another… thanks.
Thursday, December 20, 2007
3 Examples and Why is Lottie still on the payroll?
I can remember when I was five or six years old asking my parents some of the most important theological questions that have lingered for centuries. Some of the questions were, “Where does God live? What does God do each day (I played my new Atari system on my 13” black & white t.v. Trust me, Pacman was in!)? Does God eat and sleep? How does God take care of everything that happens all at the same time?” Along with many more such questions. Since my parents did not really know how to answer all my questions they figured they should take my sister and I to church soon. Uncoincidentially, a week or two later, two men knocked on our front door to let us know that a new church was started and meeting a few blocks away. Mom took us the next Sunday.
As I think about those early days of going to church and all the things that happened in each worship service I mostly remember 3 things. I remember that each of our pastors were men passionate about the gospel. Every single week they somehow weaved the message of Jesus and the cross into each sermon. Each Sunday Pastor Sam Catoe would leave his other church to rush over to our church in time to preach at the service. Later there was Pastor George Secrist who stirred the church’s emotions and affections for God. I think he cried almost every week as he spoke about the wonderful love that Jesus has for every boy and girl. Following Pastor Secrist was Pastor Mike King. He was our church’s first full-time pastor. I can remember him visiting my parents one weekday evening to talk with me and my sister to see if we were “ready” to be baptized. He wanted to make sure I understood what it meant to repent of my sin believe in Jesus. His question sticks with me until this day, “Why should Jesus let you into heaven?” I wept knowing that I didn’t deserve to go to heaven. Strange isn’t it, that a young boy knows he is guilty for his sinful actions and heart attitudes? Yet, God gave me the understanding that it was not my own works or actions that get me into heaven but that of Jesus. And believing that Jesus paid the penalty for my sin and then rose from the dead that I too could be forgiven and rise from the dead having eternal life (John 3:16). How marvelous!? Well, after Pastor Mike there was Pastor Doug Myers. Until him I did not know that rednecks could be pastors. From him I also learned what it means to truly love God with my whole heart, soul and mind and to have the same compassion for people that Jesus had. He was bold, courageous and fearless in his walk with God. Literally, I am the man of God I am today because of his discipleship invasion into my life.
A second thing that I remember about my early days of church going was the once a month “snack” in church. Typically we did not get out of church until after 12 and like any growing boy I had a growing appetite. And when it came time in the church service that they passed the grape juice cups and bread I really wanted to alleviate my hunger. However, my mom would never let me take of these elements. She said they meant something and until I understood its purpose I had to sit quiet, without taking the “Lord’s Supper.” This too lingered in my heart and mind. I probably cannot count how many times those elements passed me by and how it bugged me that I could not take them. Viewing those elements and hearing the pastor talk about their meaning time after time enlarged my understanding of the cup and bread; and of course about Jesus. It became more than a snack, it became the taste of love and forgiveness understanding the cup and bread represented Jesus’ sacrifice for me. Even today I treasure the opportunity to share in this experience as I continue to grow in understanding the importance of these elements.
A third thing I remember most about going to church is the names Lottie Moon and Annie Armstrong. It seemed year after year our church always talked about t
hese ladies and people gave money to them. Could we never pay them off or why were they on the church’s payroll if I never saw them around? If you think that is a funny question for only a young child then you may be surprised that even this week an adult asked me, “If I write the check to Lottie Moon will she get it?” All in all, I came to realize Lottie and Annie were both faithful missionaries who lived to share the gospel of Jesus Christ at the cost of personal comfort. The reason our church gave money to Lottie and Annie was so other boys and girls could have some of the similar experiences and opportunities I had to hear the name of Jesus. These mission offerings support thousands of missionaries and ministries around the world so people can know the life-changing love of Jesus Christ and forgiveness of sin. I believe we must continue this legacy in giving to these offerings, otherwise, what is the alternative? Will we not give and go so others may know Jesus? I know I am sure thankful someone gave to the ministry that helped me see Jesus.
Thanks Mom & Dad for ATLEAST those three things I can remember about church and worshiping the Lord Jesus. You set the pattern and rarely compromised and for that I am forever influenced by these three examples.
As I think about those early days of going to church and all the things that happened in each worship service I mostly remember 3 things. I remember that each of our pastors were men passionate about the gospel. Every single week they somehow weaved the message of Jesus and the cross into each sermon. Each Sunday Pastor Sam Catoe would leave his other church to rush over to our church in time to preach at the service. Later there was Pastor George Secrist who stirred the church’s emotions and affections for God. I think he cried almost every week as he spoke about the wonderful love that Jesus has for every boy and girl. Following Pastor Secrist was Pastor Mike King. He was our church’s first full-time pastor. I can remember him visiting my parents one weekday evening to talk with me and my sister to see if we were “ready” to be baptized. He wanted to make sure I understood what it meant to repent of my sin believe in Jesus. His question sticks with me until this day, “Why should Jesus let you into heaven?” I wept knowing that I didn’t deserve to go to heaven. Strange isn’t it, that a young boy knows he is guilty for his sinful actions and heart attitudes? Yet, God gave me the understanding that it was not my own works or actions that get me into heaven but that of Jesus. And believing that Jesus paid the penalty for my sin and then rose from the dead that I too could be forgiven and rise from the dead having eternal life (John 3:16). How marvelous!? Well, after Pastor Mike there was Pastor Doug Myers. Until him I did not know that rednecks could be pastors. From him I also learned what it means to truly love God with my whole heart, soul and mind and to have the same compassion for people that Jesus had. He was bold, courageous and fearless in his walk with God. Literally, I am the man of God I am today because of his discipleship invasion into my life.
A second thing that I remember about my early days of church going was the once a month “snack” in church. Typically we did not get out of church until after 12 and like any growing boy I had a growing appetite. And when it came time in the church service that they passed the grape juice cups and bread I really wanted to alleviate my hunger. However, my mom would never let me take of these elements. She said they meant something and until I understood its purpose I had to sit quiet, without taking the “Lord’s Supper.” This too lingered in my heart and mind. I probably cannot count how many times those elements passed me by and how it bugged me that I could not take them. Viewing those elements and hearing the pastor talk about their meaning time after time enlarged my understanding of the cup and bread; and of course about Jesus. It became more than a snack, it became the taste of love and forgiveness understanding the cup and bread represented Jesus’ sacrifice for me. Even today I treasure the opportunity to share in this experience as I continue to grow in understanding the importance of these elements.
A third thing I remember most about going to church is the names Lottie Moon and Annie Armstrong. It seemed year after year our church always talked about t
hese ladies and people gave money to them. Could we never pay them off or why were they on the church’s payroll if I never saw them around? If you think that is a funny question for only a young child then you may be surprised that even this week an adult asked me, “If I write the check to Lottie Moon will she get it?” All in all, I came to realize Lottie and Annie were both faithful missionaries who lived to share the gospel of Jesus Christ at the cost of personal comfort. The reason our church gave money to Lottie and Annie was so other boys and girls could have some of the similar experiences and opportunities I had to hear the name of Jesus. These mission offerings support thousands of missionaries and ministries around the world so people can know the life-changing love of Jesus Christ and forgiveness of sin. I believe we must continue this legacy in giving to these offerings, otherwise, what is the alternative? Will we not give and go so others may know Jesus? I know I am sure thankful someone gave to the ministry that helped me see Jesus.Thanks Mom & Dad for ATLEAST those three things I can remember about church and worshiping the Lord Jesus. You set the pattern and rarely compromised and for that I am forever influenced by these three examples.
Merry Christmas SCBC Youth
This is a picture of our youth ministry Christmas party. Love these teens,
Sunday, December 16, 2007
Blogging, Time and Prayer
Yep, haven't blogged in a while. Perhaps it's because my pastor described his view of a blogger: "an old man sitting in his basement wearing his pajamas". I am definitely not 2/3rds of that description. I'll leave it to you to figure out if I fit the other third.
In regards to the title, life has been busy. Busyness... it plagues us all, does it not? I don't think it matters whether it is during the holidays or not either. Life is filled with schedules, meetings, events, deadlines, and of course any level of crisis. I am finding that busyness must not become an excuse for distracting my time and priorities. If I am more busy than normal then that means I am either mismanaging my time or God is up to something in my life and I must remember to pause and see what he is saying and where he is leading.
Listen to what Oswald Chambers says, "Prayer does not equip us for greater works— prayer is the greater work. Yet we think of prayer as some commonsense exercise of our higher powers that simply prepares us for God’s work."
In other words, I may have dozens of projects that are consuming my time but these must not crowd out prayer, for prayer is the "work". God does nothing apart from prayer... just read the book of Acts!
In regards to the title, life has been busy. Busyness... it plagues us all, does it not? I don't think it matters whether it is during the holidays or not either. Life is filled with schedules, meetings, events, deadlines, and of course any level of crisis. I am finding that busyness must not become an excuse for distracting my time and priorities. If I am more busy than normal then that means I am either mismanaging my time or God is up to something in my life and I must remember to pause and see what he is saying and where he is leading.
Listen to what Oswald Chambers says, "Prayer does not equip us for greater works— prayer is the greater work. Yet we think of prayer as some commonsense exercise of our higher powers that simply prepares us for God’s work."
In other words, I may have dozens of projects that are consuming my time but these must not crowd out prayer, for prayer is the "work". God does nothing apart from prayer... just read the book of Acts!
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