tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-79348788970351653672024-02-06T20:39:13.182-06:00The Life LineRandom thoughts from Life Spring's PastorPastor Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05220233527479597757noreply@blogger.comBlogger85125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7934878897035165367.post-78441908373936021292018-08-20T15:26:00.000-05:002018-09-28T11:53:52.894-05:00The Real World<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYLMC5bTxhKV9R4Q9JGSYosx5NoPHnH5NaSHIraebYqO9Z-BURVkkjc2bnYNjhyTIJxJLJ4ZaaR-uFZXi3WxM0rIubCRaOTINMBzBFyMS-3zFZNz8LqU_3abSsnu2-wCXeN3diUqWaFpmr/s1600/Porch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYLMC5bTxhKV9R4Q9JGSYosx5NoPHnH5NaSHIraebYqO9Z-BURVkkjc2bnYNjhyTIJxJLJ4ZaaR-uFZXi3WxM0rIubCRaOTINMBzBFyMS-3zFZNz8LqU_3abSsnu2-wCXeN3diUqWaFpmr/s320/Porch.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; margin: 0px;">This is a picture of my “happy
place”. Since we moved into our new home six months ago, it is my favorite room
in the house. Only it’s not in the house. It’s our screened in porch. And I love
it.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; margin: 0px;">Most mornings I come out
here to drink my coffee, read the paper and do my devotions. On the few
occasions we’ve had rain this summer, I enjoy coming out here, protected from
the elements, and watching it rain. When I’m grilling out on the patio, this
offers a more comfortable respite from the scorching sun, especially when I turn
on the ceiling fan.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; margin: 0px;">We have a small backyard,
but there is a large field behind us. I think they use to plant corn there, but
this year it’s just weeds. But I don’t have to take care of it, so I don’t mind
the weeds.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; margin: 0px;">It’s very peaceful. But
just to the west of the field, is 169 Highway. Because of the topography, you
can’t see the highway. Because of the trees, you can’t hear the traffic as well
in the summer as in the fall or spring, but there is still a heavy “hum” as a
reminder that civilization is just on the other side.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; margin: 0px;">So, even as I’m taking it
easy, reading a book or just relaxing, I can hear the rumble of the tires.
People traveling from Paola or points south into “town”, as we call it
(anything north of us is “town”). People making their way south to the country
from the city. Occasionally there’s a car horn or an emergency siren. But
usually it’s just the steady hum of rubber on pavement.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; margin: 0px;">As much as I love that
porch, I know I can only stay here a little while. There is a world that
awaits. There are voicemails to return, meetings to attend, emails to answer
and sermons to write. I’d love to stay out on the porch, but the hum just
beyond the field calls me to engage once again with the world.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; margin: 0px;">Maybe it is just a little
like when Peter, James and John joined Jesus on the Mount of Transfiguration.
There they were allowed to witness Jesus in His divine glory, bookended by
Moses & Elijah. It was such a majestic sight that Peter wanted to stay up
there, on top of that mountain. But Jesus refused, insisting that they return
from the mountain to the valley below—a valley full of selfish, sinful
people. Who could blame Peter for wanting to maintain that mountaintop
experience? But the ministry was not on the mountain, but in the valley.<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"></i></span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; margin: 0px;">I love the porch, but that
is not where the bulk of ministry takes place. It happens in hospital rooms,
and homes, and funeral parlors. It happens in the church and in the office.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; margin: 0px;">So, rather than begrudge
the fact that I must leave the porch in order to go into the world, I should
just be grateful for a porch to which I can retire from time to time. But the
hum on the other side of the field continually reminds me, it is just for a
little while. There is work to be done.</span></div>
<br />Pastor Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05220233527479597757noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7934878897035165367.post-67769681358304806082018-08-06T16:16:00.002-05:002018-08-06T16:17:06.065-05:00Did God Really Say Everything Happens For a Reason<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; margin: 0px;">In an effort to
comfort a grieving friend or loved one, have you ever reassured them by saying <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Everything
happens for a reason?<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></i></b>What is
the basis for that statement? Did God really say <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">everything happens for a reason?</i></span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; margin: 0px;">We’ll explore that
topic on Sunday as we conclude the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Did God Really Say</i></b> sermon series.
Our study will focus on one of the most familiar verses in the Bible, Romans
8:28. Join us as we examine this great—but often misunderstood—promise of God.</span></div>
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike>Pastor Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05220233527479597757noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7934878897035165367.post-61182535198461636192018-07-31T16:04:00.000-05:002018-07-31T16:04:19.238-05:00Did God Really Say 'God Helps Those Who Help Themselves'?
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; margin: 0px;">In a society which
puts a premium on industry and independence, many Christians subscribe to the
idea that God helps those who help themselves. Where is that verse in the Bible
anyway? Sounds like something that might be in the Old Testament. Perhaps it’s
in Proverbs. Or did one of the prophets say it?</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; margin: 0px;"> </span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; margin: 0px;">Did God Really Say
God Helps Those Who Help Themselves?</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; margin: 0px;"> </span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; margin: 0px;">Not to burst any
bubbles, but…no. He did not. Not in the Old Testament. Not in the New
Testament. One pastor suggests maybe it is found in 1 Americanus 17:76.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; margin: 0px;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; margin: 0px;">But in fact,
Scripture teaches us just the opposite. God helps those who cannot help
themselves, and who recognize that fact. We’ll be exploring all this on Sunday,
August 5<sup>th</sup>. We have just one service, at 10:00. Come join us, if you
can.</span></div>
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike>Pastor Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05220233527479597757noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7934878897035165367.post-20964117299336801522018-07-23T14:29:00.000-05:002018-07-23T14:30:11.011-05:00Did God Really Say God Would Never Give You More Than You Can Handle?<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">A
couple sits in the room where for the previous five days their newborn son
fought so valiantly for life, only to see it slip away in the end. Their pastor
holds their hands, seeking to comfort them by saying, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">I know it’s hard, but God would
never give you more than you can handle.</i></b></span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">The wife
of a decorated war veteran watches helplessly as her husband’s struggles with
PTSD cause him to act more erratically as he increasingly becomes a danger to
himself and those around him. She feels so isolated and alone. But her
long-time friend assures her, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">God would never give you more than you can
handle.</i></b></span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Between
the loss of his job, his wife’s passing and the increasing debt as he tries to
keep his kids in college, the man doesn’t really know how he’s going to cope.
He has all of these raging emotions, and no healthy way to express them. But
the guys in his Bible study try to encourage him when they say, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">God
would never give you more than you can handle.</i></b></span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Those
words are designed to bring comfort. If you haven’t spoken them, you’ve probably
heard them spoken by others. By concerned, well-meaning folks. But where in the
Bible are we told <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">God would never give you more than you can handle</i></b>?</span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">You
may have trouble finding that verse. Because it’s not there.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">But
God’s Word does have lots to say about the suffering of trials and tribulation.
And we’ll explore those teachings this Sunday, in our new Sermon Series <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Did
God Really Say…?</i></b> I hope you’ll join us.</span></div>
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike>Pastor Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05220233527479597757noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7934878897035165367.post-92007756812543287302018-07-16T11:30:00.002-05:002018-07-16T11:30:29.786-05:00Did God Really Say...?
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">This
coming Sunday, July 22<sup>nd</sup>, we will begin a brief new series of
messages entitled, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Did God Really Say…?</i></b>, in which we will examine a few common
sayings that people think are in the Bible, but which are not. I am really
excited about this series, as it will help us to distinguish between conventional
wisdom, and the Truth of God’s unchanging Word in some key areas of life.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">The genesis
for this series is rooted in a study I did last year during my Sabbatical.
During that time, I was able to spend an expanded period of study without the
pressures of having to compose a sermon for the next week. Instead, I was able
to go in-depth into the Scriptures, and from those notes, I have put together
the four messages that will make up this new series.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">For
every subject we will study, there are countless other topics that could have
been included, because there is a high degree of biblical illiteracy in our
society. People possess just enough <br />
“knowledge” to be dangerous. So, for example, many people have come to believe
that <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">money
is the root of all evil </i></b>or <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">spare the rod, spoil the child </i></b>are
direct quotes from the Bible. They are not. But that won’t stop some of you
from looking up those phrases to prove me wrong. :-) </span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">In
any event, those are just two examples of the kind of statements that reveal our lack of knowledge and understanding of Scripture. We’ll touch on only four
such subjects this time, but I wouldn’t be surprised to find a sequel sometime
in the near future.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">I hope
you’ll join us over the next four weeks as we look at some other statements
that people attribute, erroneously, to Scripture. We’ll start this week with
the oft-repeated phrase: <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">God Just Wants us to be Happy</i></b>. Did
God really say that? Join us on Sunday and find out.</span></div>
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike>Pastor Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05220233527479597757noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7934878897035165367.post-89355734189816200172017-11-06T14:01:00.002-06:002017-11-06T14:02:50.937-06:00Sutherland Springs, Texas<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; margin: 0px;">A shooting last year
at a night club that catered to the homosexual community resulted in a tragic
loss of life and was rightfully mourned by our nation. But it didn’t have a
personal impact upon me, because I don’t frequent night clubs.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; margin: 0px;">The shooting last
month in Las Vegas at a country-music show was equally tragic. I paused to
think of friends and family members who might attend such a venue from time to
time, but again, it had minimal impact upon me.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; margin: 0px;">And then there was a
shooting at a close-knit Baptist church in a small Texas town. At last report,
26 people in that congregation, ranging in age from 18 months to 72 years,
were killed. It included the Associate Pastor & his wife, and the teenage
daughter of the Lead Pastor. Now this one hits close to home. Painfully close.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; margin: 0px;">This is not a
monologue on guns or mental health issues. These things need to be discussed in a rationale manner which might affect public policy. But that’s not where my
thoughts take me today.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; margin: 0px;">Today, I am
considering how painful this event is for the survivors. For the family
members. For the other church members. I cannot imagine suddenly and
unexpectedly losing 26 members of my church family. I mourn every time one of
our families moves away or decides to attend a different church. Let alone 26
such members. That’s just devastating.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; margin: 0px;">Think about it. On a
day we were celebrating 5 baptisms, singing songs of praise and contemplating
what God’s Word has to say about our tendency to hide from God, our brothers
and sisters in Christ 800 miles to our south were literally fighting for their
lives. They had come to church to worship God and fellowship together. They had
made plans for lunch after church. Some were looking forward to watching a few
football games on TV. Some of them were planning on attending their kids’
soccer games.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; margin: 0px;">And then a man—we can
think of all sorts of adjectives to attach to that word (crazy, deranged,
sinister, etc)—entered the church with evil intent, and carried out a massacre
beyond our capacity to comprehend.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; margin: 0px;">In the span of a few
minutes, lives were taken, and those who survived would be forever changed. A
place of worship became a place of sacrifice, the likes of which none of us can
really imagine.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; margin: 0px;">Much time and
interest will be devoted to trying to figure out the motive for such a
senseless killing. Maybe it was a domestic abuse situation on steroids. Maybe
it was the result of untreated mental illness. But in the end, the shooting in
Sutherland Springs, Texas occurred for the same reason as the killings in
Orlando and Las Vegas. It doesn’t really matter the race or nationality or
religion of the perpetrator. It doesn’t matter his country of origin or his
political agenda. These events—differing in time and distance—all stem from the
same problem. Evil lurks in the hearts of men. They may have different “reasons”
for the outpouring of hatred and malice, but ultimately they spring from hearts
turned against God.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; margin: 0px;">Our prayers rise
upward on behalf of those affected by this tragedy. And they rise upward on our
behalf. Because wherever we go, whatever we do, sin & evil are there. They
may not manifest themselves in mass murder, but they permeate every aspect of
our lives. And while honest people debate the wisdom of laws affecting guns or
mental health issues, the answer—the solution—ultimately lies in Jesus Christ,
and in Jesus Christ alone.</span></div>
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike>Pastor Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05220233527479597757noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7934878897035165367.post-43027924644540878062017-04-25T14:00:00.000-05:002017-04-25T14:17:40.508-05:0025 Years & Counting<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; margin: 0px;">25 years. The “Silver
Anniversary”. Quarter of a century. A Quadranscentennial.</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; margin: 0px;"> </span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; margin: 0px;">That’s how long I’ve
been in pastoral ministry come next month.</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; margin: 0px;"> </span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; margin: 0px;">It doesn’t seem
possible that it was 25 years ago that I loaded up my wife and 18 month old
daughter in a U-Haul making our way to England, Arkansas to begin my first
pastorate at County Line Missionary Baptist Church. It was a relatively small
church, literally in the middle of the cotton fields. It was made up of folks
who knew the meaning of a hard day’s work. Truck drivers and farmers and
laborers and teachers. They loved the Lord. They loved each other. And they
loved on us. From the moment the U-Haul arrived in town, they helped us get
settled and made us feel at home. They somehow came to accept a city-slicker like
me, who had trouble distinguishing a tractor from a combine.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; margin: 0px;">It was the perfect
place for a young man who had never pastored before and who was starting his
seminary education a few months later. They let me make mistakes. They gave me
gentle guidance and firm direction. They modeled the love of Christ in as
genuine and authentic a way as any church I’ve ever known. Best of all, they
loved Kim & Kacie in a way that helped us make the transition pretty
smoothly. I learned much more in the 3 years I was their pastor than in all the
classes and seminars of my seminary education.</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; margin: 0px;"> </span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; margin: 0px;">From there we moved
about 30 miles south to White Hall, Arkansas, just outside of Pine Bluff.
Bethany<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Missionary Baptist Church was a
larger church, and it was my first experience as the Senior Pastor of a church
with a staff. I will always cherish my pastorate at Bethany, in large part
because it allowed me to be a co-laborer with my long-time friend, who was
their Worship Pastor when I went there. I was Best Man in Bill’s wedding in the
early 80’s and he was my Best Man in my 1989 wedding. Bill is probably the most
authentic & Godly man I know, committed to living out his faith in a
sincere manner. We made some great friends at Bethany, and they helped to
instill in me an even deeper affection for the truth of God’s Word.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; margin: 0px;"></span><br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; margin: 0px;"><br />
When we returned to Overland Park in 1997, we thought the Lord was leading us
to help with a new church plant in Overland Park, one sponsored by the church
we had just left in Arkansas. We started helping there, but before long the Lord
led us back to our old home church, which had been without a pastor for a few
months. Through an interesting and unexpected series of events, I agreed to
serve as Pastor of Landmark Missionary Baptist Church, leading them through a time
of transition and relocation from KCK to Bonner Springs. During the time I
served as their pastor, I also worked a full-time job. After 5 years, and
having led in the construction of new facilities, I found myself with nothing
more to give. Leaving that congregation of dear friends was painful. I’d known
most of those folks for more than 20 years. It was in that church that Kim
& I had been married, and it was in that church that I was privileged to
baptize Kacie. But we knew that the time had come for us to move on.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; margin: 0px;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; margin: 0px;">When we left
Landmark, I thought my service as a pastor was over, but I still possessed a
heart for ministry. After the Lord led us to Olathe Bible Church, I was blessed
to be given an opportunity to teach an Adult Bible Fellowship on Sunday
mornings. Teaching that class remains one of the greatest blessings of my
ministry, at any level. In the three years I taught The Connecting Point, we
grew from a class of about 20 people to more than 70 in attendance each week.
It was a multi-generational class, and we loved to study the Word of God
together. We still count some of those folks among our dearest friends.</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; margin: 0px;"> </span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; margin: 0px;">In 2005, we began to
talk about the possibility of my going on staff at OBC as a campus pastor. OBC
has a real heart for church-planting, and had already planted two churches in
suburban Johnson County. They were looking at beginning a new church plant, and
had settled on Spring Hill, on the Johnson County-Miami County border. Over a
period of months of prayerful consideration, I accepted the call to pastor the
Spring Hill Church Plant. I joined the OBC staff as a full time pastor in June,
2006, and we began holding services in Spring Hill that fall at Life Spring
Church.</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; margin: 0px;"> </span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; margin: 0px;">The rest, as they
say, is history. It’s been an incredible journey that has spanned more than 10
years. This is the longest tenure of my 25 year pastorate, and it has been
amazing to see God work in the hearts and lives of this church and this
community. This experience has stretched my faith beyond anything that I ever
imagined. From meeting in a school building, to purchasing land, to buying a
shopping center that housed a grocery store and remodeling it to be a church
campus. We began running the community food pantry a few years ago. We’re known
as the church that “hands out water bottles” in the Fall Festival parade every
September. </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; margin: 0px;"> </span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; margin: 0px;">The one thing that
this journey has taught me is to be open to where God is leading—and don’t ever
think you know where He will lead you next. I never thought I’d be a pastor.
When I did surrender to the ministry, I never thought I’d move to Arkansas.
Once we moved to Arkansas, I never thought we’d come back to Kansas City, and
certainly not to our home church in KCK. When I left Landmark, I never thought
I’d pastor again. And I’d even say that I never thought we’d move to Spring
Hill, but honestly, I didn’t know anything about Spring Hill until we
considered the call to minister here.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; margin: 0px;">So much has changed in
25 years. Different cities. Different states. Different churches. Different
people. Most have been wonderful, Godly, loving people. Some have been…less
wonderful. But I think I’ve learned something from all of them.</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; margin: 0px;"> </span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; margin: 0px;">Kacie has gone from
an 18 month old toddler to a beautiful young married woman. Her husband,
Andrew, is a great young man whom we didn’t even know a few years ago, and he
has become a valued part of our family. Kim is a help-mate in every sense of
the word—my partner in love, in ministry and in life. Over these years, I’ve
put on a few pounds and shed a few hairs.</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; margin: 0px;"> </span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; margin: 0px;">But the one constant:
a God who is the same yesterday, today and forever. He has always been
faithful, even when I have not. He has led us through times of abundance and
through times of struggle. He has comforted us through dark and difficult days,
and He has blessed us beyond anything we could think or imagine.</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; margin: 0px;"> </span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; margin: 0px;">I don’t know what the
future holds. Will I be around for 25 more years? If I am, will I still be a
pastor? Will I still be in Spring Hill? Will I have any hair left at all?</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; margin: 0px;"> </span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; margin: 0px;">I don’t know the
future. But I know who does know the future. He has led me throughout my life,
and particularly throughout my ministry. He’s seen me through all these years.
I think I’ll trust Him to see me through to the end. And I’ll do it with a
sense of wonder—what will He do next?</span></div>
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike>Pastor Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05220233527479597757noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7934878897035165367.post-67218699666686714032016-07-07T13:29:00.000-05:002016-07-07T13:33:44.312-05:00Patriotic Christians<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">This
past Sunday, we had a man leave in the middle of Services because he disagreed
with our reciting the Pledge of Allegiance during our Worship Service on the
Sunday before Independence Day. He didn’t speak to me on this occasion,
although he has previously expressed his concerns on this issue to me and to
others.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">One
of his primary arguments is that we shouldn’t recite the Pledge or participate
in other patriotic displays because of the separation of church and state.
That’s a pretty weighty issue on which there are a wide variety of learned
opinions. But even if you concede that the separation of church and state is a
legitimate issue, here’s the thing: the restriction is on the state, not on the
church. The state (i.e. the federal government) is in fact prohibited from
making laws respecting the establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free
exercise thereof. It’s right there in the 1<sup>st</sup> Amendment. Clear as
day. <br />
<br />
Again, honest people will disagree on how to interpret it, but there is no
honest disagreement on this salient point—the 1<sup>st</sup> Amendment
regulates the government, not the church. The church is free to participate as
much or as little in the promotion of the state as it desires.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">I
consider myself a very patriotic person. I love my country and feel incredibly
blessed to have been put here by God. That’s true regardless of whether
Democrats or Republicans wield power. That’s true no matter whether
conservatives or liberals are in charge. I am not always proud of the things
our government does, but I am proud to be an American, where (to steal the
words of the song) at least I know I’m free.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">It
might surprise some people to know, however, that I do struggle with how far we
should go in the church in our patriotic zeal. I think we have to be careful
not to confuse being an American with being a Christian. They are not the same
thing. I think we have to avoid thinking that the blessings God has
promised to believers apply across the board to our nation, because they don’t.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">So we do have to be cautious in aligning ourselves in the church with the
state. Even a cursory review of Church History makes this very clear: whenever
the church and the state get too closely tied together, the church inevitably loses. Every
time. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">That’s
why the focus in our Worship Services—on Independence Day, Flag Day, Veteran’s
Day or any other day is on Jesus. We may honor our nation, but we worship our
Lord. We may recite the Pledge of Allegiance, but our loyalty is always first
and foremost to our God.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">In
the same Service in which we have one man walk out because of the Pledge of
Allegiance, we may have others who are upset because we didn’t go further in
recognition of Independence Day. We didn’t sing God Bless America or The Battle
Hymn of the Republic. The Sermon was not explicitly a patriotic sermon.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">And
that’s OK. Honest people can and will disagree on such issues. But as long as I
am privileged to pastor Life Spring Church, we will do our best to achieve a
balance in which Jesus Christ remains preeminent.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Pastor Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05220233527479597757noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7934878897035165367.post-80604647602597404642016-06-14T13:41:00.000-05:002016-06-14T13:41:45.030-05:00The Tragedy in Orlando
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"> On Sunday we woke up
to the tragic news of another mass shooting. While merely one of dozens of such
tragedies in recent years, this one was different, in some ways.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"> For one thing, it was the deadliest
mass shooting in the nation’s history, with 49 innocent victims plus the
shooter dying by gunfire. 53 more people were injured, but as of the time of
this writing, the hope is that the death toll will not rise.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"> Another difference is that this one
involved a bar that catered to the homosexual community.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"> It was classified a “hate crime”
because it was directed at a certain segment of society, though I suspect that
most mass killings are motivated largely by hate.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"> It was classified an act of terror,
because reports suggest that the killer had been radicalized by association
with one or more terrorist groups which, while often in conflict with one
another, share one overarching commonality—they hate America.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"> But in the end, this one was pretty
much like all the others. More sons and daughters perished. More friends died.
More neighbors wouldn’t return home at the end of the day. More police, EMTs
and first responders put their lives on the line for complete strangers once again</span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"> What, some have asked, is the proper
Christian response to this horrific tragedy? The fact that the question is
posed at all is sad. It is a testimony to how polarized we are, not only as a
nation, but as a community of believers who profess that Jesus is our Savior
and Lord.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"> The proper response? Sadness. Grief.
Mourning. In Old Testament times, such a tragedy would have led people to “rend
their clothes” and to clothe themselves in sackcloth and ashes.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"> The proper response? Outrage. How
dare someone, for whatever reason, harbor such hatred and malice so as to
unilaterally decide that some human lives aren’t worth living.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"> Let me be clear. The homosexual
lifestyle is sinful in the eyes of God. But those of us who hold to the
Scriptural teaching regarding homosexuality should not in any way view this
criminal act as just or right or acceptable. To do so is to deny that our God
is a God of grace and mercy.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"> I do not hate the homosexual. I hate
the sin.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"> I do not hate the adulterer. Or the
alcoholic. Or the liar, cheater or thief.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"> I cannot hate them, because I am a
sinner just like them. I don’t think that they should be attacked for their sin
any more than I should be attacked for mine. I do not believe that they should
be ostracized from society or banned from the culture.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"> That’s true of most Christians I know.
We are capable of complex thoughts, attitudes and beliefs. We are capable of
believing something is sin just because God’s Word declares it so, while at the
same time being able to associate with and minister to those who practice such
sin. </span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">There
are some on the fringes of Christianity who have gloried in this tragedy. They
use vile and vulgar terminology that adds nothing to the public discourse. They
hold hateful and spiteful attitudes that call into question the legitimacy of
their relationship with the Christ of Scriptures. They do not represent the
heart of Christianity and should not be elevated to such status in the public
eye.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"> My heart breaks for the men and
women who lost loved ones in this affair. I grieve for my country because of
this attack on us. I mourn for the Orlando community as they struggle to deal
with this senseless tragedy.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">My
condolences are not inauthentic nor my sorrow disingenuous because of my
understanding of right and wrong based on the teaching of the Bible. I do not
apologize for my beliefs nor do I yield my right to express sadness in times of
such sorrow. I condemn those who would use this attack as an excuse to score
political or theological points. And the comfort I draw in a time like this is
that the God of the Bible is still on the throne, and the hope—the only hope—we
have is in Him.</span></div>
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike>Pastor Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05220233527479597757noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7934878897035165367.post-15527918737713867532014-10-20T10:32:00.003-05:002014-10-20T10:41:12.885-05:00A Disturbing Development!<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: large;">About this time
every two years, I am asked if I am going to preach on issues surrounding the upcoming
election. Will I speak out on presidential, gubernatorial or legislative
campaigns? Will I share my opinions on
the hot-button issues of the day? The
short answer is “no”.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: large;">I do not share the
perspective of many of my pastor-brethren that the pulpit should be used to
promote politicians or political parties.
Week-in and week-out, I’m given about 40 minutes to address the people
at Life Spring, and I don’t really want to waste it sharing talking points
published by politicians. I won’t shy
away from preaching tough sermons on issues rooted in Scripture, but I won’t
try to make a political speech using the Bible as cover. I’d much rather talk about Jesus.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: large;">Over the years,
there have been numerous warnings of dire consequences that Christians and
churches in America would experience as our nation becomes less tolerant of the
beliefs and practices of people of deeply held faith. I must admit that I have largely dismissed
many of these concerns, chalking them up to a “chicken little” mentality that
exists among many conservative evangelicals. For many of these folks, the sky
is always falling. I have believed—and I
still believe to a large extent—that we focus too much on the temporal to the
exclusion of the eternal.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: large;">But a recent event
has sent shivers up my spine, and it should be a cause of concern among all
Americans, regardless of religious affiliation or political persuasion. Recently, the City of Houston subpoenaed
several pastors’ emails, texts and other communications—including sermons—that
dealt with gender identity, homosexuality and comments regarding Houston’s
first lesbian mayor, in connection with a recently passed Houston city ordinance.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: large;">My primary concern
is not with the ordinance or the efforts to put that ordinance to a public
vote—that is a completely different issue. You can read more about that matter
on several news sites, including at: <a href="http://www.chron.com/default/article/City-subpoenas-pastors-sermons-in-equal-rights-5822403.php">http://www.chron.com/default/article/City-subpoenas-pastors-sermons-in-equal-rights-5822403.php</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: large;">My great concern is
with a governmental entity issuing a broad directive to provide notes and
sermon manuscripts or outlines for some government official to review. What is
the purpose of such a review? How would such material be used by the
government? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: large;">Don’t get me wrong.
I’d be happy to send a few dozen sermons to the Mayor of Houston, with prayers
that they would be read and considered for their effect upon her relationship
with God. I’d love for her to come to know Christ and to turn from sin and
wickedness.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: large;">But I don’t think
that the purpose of such a review is for them to prayerfully consider their
ways. The idea of the government—at any level—having the ability to randomly
and arbitrarily secure the notes, sermons and correspondence of pastors is
extremely troubling. Is government now going to put itself in the place as an
arbiter as to what can and cannot be said from the pulpits in our churches?
Will they decide what is acceptable and unacceptable theology?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: large;">There has been a
strong public backlash against this governmental intrusion, even by many
sympathetic to liberal politics and causes. I hope that this translates into an
immediate effort to stop trying to intimidate pastors and churches from
speaking out on Biblical teaching—however unpopular or politically incorrect it
may be.</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-size: large;">But we who take our
faith seriously must constantly be on guard, and we must make our voices known.
Because whether we admit it or not, maybe the sky really is falling.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Pastor Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05220233527479597757noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7934878897035165367.post-35848357368001970942014-04-14T10:42:00.000-05:002014-04-14T10:42:01.258-05:00Because He Lives<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-size: small;">The emphasis at the
outset of Holy Week is generally on the outpouring of support that Jesus received
from the Jewish people as they contemplated the Messiah’s overthrow of the
oppressive and corrupt Roman government. Although we know how quickly that
support turned on Jesus, those images of palm fronds lining the road to
Jerusalem are the enduring image of what we call “Palm Sunday”.</span></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">However, in our
community, Palm Sunday turned dark this year as the forces of evil reigned
ugliness and violence on a couple of Jewish centers in neighboring Overland
Park. Three people are dead, including a teenage boy, and the entire Kansas City
area is experiencing a collective sense of deep sorrow.</span></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Although it’s early
in the investigation and things are sure to change as more information becomes
available, it appears that the motivation for this senseless violence was the
irrational hatred of the Jewish race, something neither novel nor isolated.</span></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">But even as our
hearts are heavy for those directly affected by this violence, we are reminded
that at its core, Easter is all about such dark & sinful hearts. And while
we may not have fired shots at innocent people or openly spewed such hatred for
our fellow man, we too are guilty of sins for which Jesus had to die. It is every
bit as much our spiteful thoughts, our jealousy & envy, our arrogance,
selfishness and stubbornness that nailed Jesus to that cross. </span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">It is because we
all fall short of God’s standards of righteousness that we need a Savior. Not
to make our tax system fairer or our healthcare system more just, but to pay
the price for our sins and to endure the very wrath of God on our behalf.</span></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">So even as our
celebration of our Savior’s victory over sin, death & the grave is tempered
a bit by our grief for our fellow man, it should also be heightened by the
reminder that such hatred and ugliness will not gain the ultimate victory. The
love, grace & mercy of God will reign, and it is this hope that enables us
to glorify God through our tears and to exalt His Holy Name despite our heavy
hearts.</span></div>
Pastor Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05220233527479597757noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7934878897035165367.post-27230132350093840362014-02-26T14:31:00.000-06:002014-02-26T14:32:26.794-06:00National Tell a Fairy Tale DayI just learned that today, February 26, is National Tell a Fairy Tale Day. It's also National Pistachio Day, but I don't know enough about pistachios to blog about them.<br />
<br /><br />
I love fairy tales. Some of my favorite stories begin, <em>Once Upon a Time...</em><br />
<br /><br />
Whether it's Red Riding Hood, The Three Little Pigs or some other story, they are generally fun and harmless.<br />
<br /><br />
Unfortunately, there are a lot of fairy tales being told these days that are far more serious and sinister. Here are just a few that are quite popular.<br />
<br /><br />
There's the one that says that people can disobey the Word of God and disregard the Word of God with impunity. Those who believe this fairy tale believe that we can thumb our noses at God and do whatever we want without paying a price. <strong>Now, that's a hoot!</strong><br />
<br /><br />
Then there are several variations of this one: There is no absolute right or wrong. AKA All beliefs are equally valid. OR We're all headed in the same direction. OR There's no way to be certain what God really meant when He gave us His Word. <strong>They're all good!</strong><br />
<br /><br />
There's the one about how if our good deeds outweigh our bad deeds at the end of this life, we'll be right with God. <strong>How about that--"good" deeds in the sight of a holy and righteous God--PRICELESS!</strong><br />
<br /><br />
There's also one that says that our relationship with God depends on us (e.g. our church membership, our works, our baptism). <strong>Where do they come up with these things???</strong><br />
<strong><br /></strong><br />
Although I share these with you with a certain level of sarcasm, it's not really very funny. Because as opposed to stories about wicked witches or big bad wolves, these fairy tales are believed by lots of people to their detriment. They would prefer to believe a lie than to believe the truth as contained in Holy Scripture.<br />
<br /><br />
So, enjoy National Tell a Fairy Tale Day, but don't believe everything you hear!Pastor Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05220233527479597757noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7934878897035165367.post-26353350423644969982014-01-06T09:26:00.003-06:002014-01-06T09:26:45.641-06:00New Year's Resolutions<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">As 2014
began anew,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">I
resolved to change a thing or two.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Improve
some things, some changes make.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">All for
a Happy New Year’s sake.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">I’d
start by losing unwanted weight,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Perhaps
4 pounds—or 6 or 8.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">But
then a thought I began to probe:<br />
Less weight would mean a new wardrobe.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Think
of all the money I’d spend.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">I’d end
up broke—though I’d be thin!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">So then
I decided to exercise.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Firm up
my abs, my arms, my thighs.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Lift
weights or jog or mountain climb.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Oh no”,
I thought, “I don’t have the time.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">For I am
busy; I must admit,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Eventually
exercise I’d quit.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">And
then, although I knew it was funny,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">My
thoughts turned to the way I handle my money.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“This
year”, I declared, “I’ll watch what I spend. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">I’ll live on a budget.” </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">But
then, in the end,</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">I knew
it wouldn’t work—it would just be too hard.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">To be
honest with you, I love MasterCard.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">I
considered many others changes to try,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Things
that would help the New Year to go by.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">But
nothing I thought of sounded much fun.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">So, for
a resolution, I’ll stick with just one.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">To do
nothing this year—neither too bold nor too tame.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">In 2014,
I’ll just stay the same.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Pastor Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05220233527479597757noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7934878897035165367.post-68575615822120821212013-08-19T10:50:00.000-05:002013-08-19T10:50:10.907-05:00Using the ESV in Our Services
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">I
recently announced that I will begin using the English Standard Version (ESV)
translation in my preaching. This represents a big change for me, as I have
used the New International Version (NIV) for many years. But over the past year, I find myself gravitating more towards the ESV in my studies, so I decided
to make the switch in my preaching.</span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">I’m
sure some people will wonder why the switch, so I wanted to offer a few
thoughts on it in this forum. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><br />
First of all, I find many translations to be useful in my study of Scripture. Whenever
I prepare a sermon or a lesson, I consult many versions. My favorites are the
ESV, NIV84, New English Translation (NET) and the New Living Translation (NLT).
I also frequently study from the New American Standard Bible (NASB). <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And I usually read from The Message for a more
contemporary paraphrase of the passage.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">But when
I preach or teach, I try to use one primary version, though I often quote other
versions as well (I always try to mention it when I do this, just to be clear).
Now some preachers don’t do this. In any given message, they may quote multiple
versions without ever noting that they’re doing this. That’s their prerogative,
but it’s not my style.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">I find
that preaching from one primary version keeps me theologically honest. I don’t
try to find a version that says it the way I want it said, and it forces me to
do my homework in preparing sermons and preaching the Word of God.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Keep in
mind that almost all of us use a translation of the original Scriptures, since
most of us don’t know Hebrew (the primary language of the Old Testament) or
Greek (the primary language of the New Testament). We are forced to rely on
those who know the languages and have translated them into English.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Even
then, modern translations have updated older translations because the language
changes. The King James Version (KJV) from 1611 is a very hard translation to
read and understand, even though it is in English. The language has changed so
much in 400 years that updated versions are needed. <br />
<br />
This would be a good time for me to tell you that if you are among those people
who believe that the King James Version of the Bible is the <strong><u>only</u></strong> acceptable
English translation of the Scriptures, you can stoppeth reading now. You won’t
liketh anything else that I have to sayeth. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">When it
comes to Bible translations, there are three primary types of translations. The
first is a “word for word” translation. In reality, most of us would never read
a true “word for word” English translation, because it wouldn’t make much sense
to us. Translating the Hebrew Old Testament or Greek New Testament “word for
word” into English would be cumbersome and awkward. But versions considered “word
for word”, including the KJV, the NASB and the ESV, come closest.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">The
second main type of translation is “thought for thought”. Here, the goal is to
convey the “thoughts” or “concepts” of the original languages into English. The
emphasis is to help the reader understand the ideas behind the words. The NIV
and the NLT fall into this category.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Finally,
there are “paraphrases”. These are great resources to help us to put Scripture
into modern terms, but they should never be used as your primary source for Bible
study. They simply take too much liberty with the original languages. The
Message and the Living Bible are popular paraphrases.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">If you
want to debate the merits of various translations, be my guest—just don’t do it
with me. I have my preferences (hence the change to the ESV in my preaching). I don’t
believe that all translations are created equal (I like the older translation
of the NIV—the NIV84—much better than the newer translation—the NIV11, for
example). And I studiously avoid “gender neutral” translations. But I'm not going to debate the subject with you.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">That’s
probably a much longer explanation than you wanted of the planned change to the
ESV in my preaching ministry, but I wanted you to know why I’m making the change.
Of course, you can still follow along pretty well in my sermons even if you use
some other Bible translation. We’ll still display the words on the wall as we
always have. It’s just that now, those words will be coming from a different
translation—but the same Word of God.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
Pastor Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05220233527479597757noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7934878897035165367.post-782560378952122472013-06-27T11:52:00.004-05:002013-06-27T11:58:31.872-05:00A Sacred Institution?<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-size: large;">In action taken
this week by the Supreme Court of the United States of America, we have once
again witnessed assaults on the Biblical, historical and traditional
institution of marriage. These actions will result in further redefining
marriage by our culture in a way that is inconsistent with the Scriptural
perspective of the union of one man and one woman together for a lifetime.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-size: large;">Having said that,
and having consistently expressed strong opposition to the concept and practice
of same sex marriage, I must also point out that no actions taken by the
states, courts, legislative bodies or executive branches of government can
change the fundamental nature of marriage in God’s eyes. While I am highly
disappointed in the continuing degradation of marriage as an institution in our
society, I cannot honestly say that these recent actions by government have
done any more to hurt the institution of marriage than actions and attitudes of
society in general, including, I am sorry to say, self-professing
Christ-followers.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-size: large;">Long before the
concept of same-sex marriage became a realistic possibility in our culture,
heterosexuals were doing more than their fair share to degrade and defile
marriage. If we are outraged by society’s acceptance of same-sex marriage and
view that as a threat to the institution of marriage, we should be equally
offended by other practices that have trivialized marriage as well.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-size: large;">For example, sex
outside of marriage (either pre-marital or extra-marital sex) is a fundamental
threat to the institution of marriage. As our society has become accepting of
sex outside of the confines of the marriage relationship, we have seen a
cheapening of both sexual relations and of marriage. The idea of “saving
yourself” for marriage is quaint and seemingly archaic in our culture, though
God’s standards of confining sex to the marriage relationship has never
changed. Whenever a celebrity or athlete acknowledges he or she is a virgin, it
becomes news (generally mocked and ridiculed).<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-size: large;">I’ve actually heard
supposedly Christian ministers advocate the practice of living together before
marriage. Some suggest that this is the best way to really get to know your
partner before you make a lifetime commitment. If that were true, then the rate
of divorce among those who lived together before marriage would logically be
lower than that of the general population, but multiple studies have indicated
that is not the case. In fact, those who live together before marriage divorce
at the same or perhaps even slightly higher rates than those who don’t live
together before marriage. Of course, this practice of co-habitation has become
so common that it’s increasingly difficult to find a couple who didn’t live
together before they were married. This is even true for many couples within
the evangelical church.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-size: large;">While the practice
of extramarital sex is still ostensibly frowned upon in our society, it really
doesn’t cause many raised eyebrows when someone admits to such a relationship.
Especially among men, there is a sense that “boys will be boys”, and thus a
fact of life to which we must become accustomed.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-size: large;">While divorce rates
for committed Christians (as opposed to those who define themselves as “Christian”
because they’re not Jewish, Muslim, etc) is lower than the general population,
it is still exceedingly high. Many Christians feel no compulsion to save their
marriages through counseling and intense effort. As one man told me a few years
ago (a former pastor, no less), he wasn’t happy in his marriage and simply
wanted out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We grow bored. We grow
restless. We grow weary. We want out. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-size: large;">I was watching a
show recently that is set in the 1960’s, and they referred to the child of a
divorced couple as coming from a “broken home”. When I heard that phrase, I thought
to myself, when was the last time I heard a divorced family referred to as a “broken
home”?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That is exactly what it is, but
we don’t use that terminology any more.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-size: large;">And of course, this
doesn’t even take into account the countless joyless marriages in which people
muddle through for one reason or another, including religious convictions.
Unfortunately, those religious convictions are not strong enough to motivate
them to practice love and submission in accordance with the standards of
Scripture. They’re going through the motions, but in the process, they are
hardly glorifying Christ through their loveless, joyless marriages.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-size: large;">I mention all of
this because I think we Christians need to understand that there are a lot of practices,
beliefs and attitudes that threaten the institution of marriage every bit as
much as same-sex marriage. We get all bent out of shape because of the declining
morals in our society, but we need to acknowledge that these morals go far
beyond just the fairly recent acceptance (“tolerance” as society refers to it)
of homosexual marriage.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: large;">Maybe we shouldn’t get
on our high horses to decry the way “the liberals” are harming marriage until
we take a long hard look at the damage we conservative Christians have already
done to what God intended to be a holy and consecrated institution for the
welfare of mankind.</span></div>
Pastor Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05220233527479597757noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7934878897035165367.post-67451987990446381962013-06-10T10:46:00.000-05:002013-06-10T10:47:57.461-05:00Summer VacationsEvery Summer when I was growing up, I could be sure that I'd hear at least two or three sermons about the heathens who forsook the church for a week or two in order to take a summer vacation. Pastors would rail against these pagans who would abandon God for a little R&R. Of course, I never understood why pastors would take it out on me--I was IN church. Shouldn't they be shouting at those who weren't there?<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
When I became a minister of the Gospel more than 20 years ago, I vowed that I would never take that approach to those who had the good fortune to be able to get some time away to be with family or to enjoy a little down time. I think that I have honored that vow throughout my ministry, because I truly do not begrudge people some time away. As a family, we always made it a priority to take a week or two off for summer vacations. Even now that Kacie is grown and out of the house, Kim & I purpose to take time away together periodically. And with a more flexible schedule, it doesn't always have to be in the Summer.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I don't think there's a thing in the world wrong with getting away for a while, and if that means missing church for a few weeks, so be it. However, what I do have a problem with is taking a vacation from God. That is a recipe for disaster. So while you enjoy your summer and take some time for a change of pace, let me encourage you not to take a vacation from God in five vital areas.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>Don't take a vacation from God's Word</b>. You need to maintain a time each day that you are in God's Word. There are all kinds of devotionals available online, and great resources like <i>The Daily Bread</i>, <i>Table Talk </i> and other daily devotionals to assist you in your study of God's Word.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>Don't take a vacation from prayer.</b> Just as you need to hear from God on a regular basis, He wants to hear from you.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>Don't take a vacation from worship</b>. You don't need to be in a church service to worship. Listen to Christian music and take time each week just to give praise and honor and glory to God. You can listen to sermons from great preachers online. Or you can listen to mine.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>Don't take a vacation from serving. </b>Look for opportunities to serve others, either through church-sponsored service projects or just as you come across needs where you live, work and play.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>Don't take a vacation from giving</b>. The expenses of God's church go on whether you are present or not, so be faithful in your support of the Lord's work. Life Spring offers online giving options that are secure and easy to use. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Enjoy your summer and all that comes with it. Longer daylight hours, warmer days, swimming pools, grilling out and vacations--these all are gifts from above. Enjoy them in a guilt-free manner. But don't take a vacation from your relationship with God.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Pastor Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05220233527479597757noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7934878897035165367.post-15885932505081998832013-04-29T11:25:00.000-05:002013-04-29T11:33:34.341-05:00Journey of Generosity<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">As I sit here on the
Monday before Commitment Sunday, I am overwhelmed by the way that some folks in
our congregation have responded to our focus on generosity over the past four
months. As a pastor, I always brace myself for cynicism and criticism whenever
we talk about money in the church. And while I’m sure that’s happening
somewhere among some people, God has graciously kept that kind of discouraging
talk away from me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Instead, I’ve been
blessed to hear positive feedback about the church-wide Life Group study on generosity.
Many people loved the approach that study took to talking about generosity as a
way of life. Our Life Groups responded in such a positive manner in undertaking
generosity projects, providing financial assistance and meeting physical needs
that otherwise might not have happened without their generosity.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">A number of people,
especially those relatively new to Life Spring, have expressed their appreciation
for the thoughtful and methodical approach to the <b>242 </b>initiative. They appreciate the time we have spent talking
about vision and laying out a challenge for our ministry for the next few years.
One family in particular, who has long been active in church work, expressed
gratitude to be a part of a church with a heart for the community and a vision
for the future.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I’ve even experienced
the rare expression of appreciation for a month long sermon series on giving
and generosity. The folks at Life Spring have always had a profound love of and
respect for the Holy Word of God. And that has proven to be true even as we
have been discussing the sensitive issue of money and giving. Several people
have voiced their support for the approach we have taken on Sunday mornings of
simply but boldly proclaiming the truth of God’s Word on these subjects.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">From the beginning of
our ministry in Spring Hill almost 7 years ago, our leadership has committed to
never coercing, manipulating, guilting or tricking people into giving to our
church. I trust that even as we have had a prolonged emphasis on giving and
generosity, people still believe that to be true. What any person or family
gives to the Lord’s Work at Life Spring is a result of the Holy Spirit of God
prompting them, and not any arm twisting on the part of our leaders.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">As you continue to
prayerfully consider your role in making our vision for ministry a reality, I hope
that you have gained new appreciation for the work we are doing and the
difference Christ is making in the lives of those to whom we have been called
to minister. May our every effort be directed at continuing to lift up His Holy
Name, for He (and He alone) is worthy of our praise and glory.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Pastor Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05220233527479597757noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7934878897035165367.post-29281606997354574302013-02-05T15:50:00.000-06:002013-02-05T15:50:25.250-06:00Style v. Substance<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">I enjoy visiting
the websites of churches. Some are very sophisticated,
with lots of pictures that flash across the screen very quickly. Others are
more antiquated, with lots of words and few graphics.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">But it’s not so
much the designs I am interested in. I like to try to get a “feel” for a church
from its website. Usually, I can tell a lot about a church after spending about
10 minutes on their site.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">I was on a site
today that described their worship experience as “real”. They went on to
explain that they like their music “loud”. I guess the louder you are, the more
authentic you must be, at least by that standard. They also said that sermons
are delivered by a guy in “blue jeans”. A guy in dress slacks, or khakis, or
(God forbid) corduroy just can’t be genuine, I suppose.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Another site I visited
recently emphasized that they used the KJV (King James Version) of the Bible in
their church. That appears to be very important to them. Not the New KJV, on
the NIV or ESV or some other translation, but the good old 1611 KJV. The one
that uses “thou” and “thy”, just like the Apostle Paul did in his original
letters.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">That same site also
mentioned that they sing hymns. From a hymnal. Not choruses. Not words
displayed on a screen or on the wall. And though they didn't say it, I'm sure that they sing verses 1,2 & 4.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">In making these
observations, it’s not my intention to be critical. Those of you who are know
me know that I spend very little time concerning myself with what other
churches or other pastors are doing. I don’t try to build up my ministry or our
church by tearing down other ministries and other preachers.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">But it is
interesting to me to observe the varieties of styles that characterize the Lord’s
church today. In the two examples I cited above, the doctrinal statements were
very similar. I think that those two churches would be very comparable in what they
believe, but they wouldn’t be at all comfortable in how they each carry out
ministry. I’m pretty sure that members
of neither church would want to spend much time in the other.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">This may be, at
least in part, what the Apostle Paul had in mind as he said, “…<span class="text">I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I
might save some.</span></span> <span class="text"><sup><span id="en-NIV1984-28548"> </span></sup>I do all this for the sake of the
gospel, that I may share in its blessings.</span>” (1 Corinthians 9:22-23)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span class="text"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Paul
never suggested that we compromise the Scriptures or water down the truth. He
didn’t indicate we should put doctrinal distinctions aside for the sake of
unity. But even as he affirmed the essence of the message, he said that we
should not get too wrapped up in our methods.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span class="text"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Those
things that are considered “cutting edge” today will be “old-fashioned”
tomorrow. The style of worship that our kids rave about today will be the
things their grandkids groan against 50 years from now. But the strength of the
Gospel is the message—whether delivered by a guy in a three piece suit &
wingtips or by a guy in jeans and tennis shoes.</span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Pastor Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05220233527479597757noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7934878897035165367.post-66297759127623668192012-10-23T13:17:00.000-05:002012-10-23T13:20:39.803-05:00Politics & Preaching<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Some people have
asked me if I intend to preach a message about the upcoming election prior to
November 6<sup>th</sup>. The quick and
easy answer is “no”. I have never preached politics from the pulpit. I have
never, in my role as a minister of the Gospel, advocated the candidacy of any
person for any public office. And while I believe the stakes are high and our
votes are important, your decision should be based upon prayerful consideration
and Biblical standards, not on what your pastor thinks or says.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">My refusal to
preach on politics is not based on a lack of interest in political issues. I
have long found politics interesting (I was captivated by the televised
Watergate hearings in the mid 70s—when I was a young teenager!). I have run for
and served in public office. I closely follow politics, and I think that it is
extremely important that we participate in the political process.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">It also does not
stem from a lack of opinions. Believe me, I have some very strong opinions on
political issues. I read a great deal on the issues we face as a nation, and
the truth be told, I probably think I know more than the average person about
many of those issues. I used to find great enjoyment in debating the finer
points of public policy with friends and adversaries.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">And while I believe
there are some areas of life where moral/Biblical issues overlap political
issues, they are not always the same. Moral/Biblical issues remain constant,
regardless of which political party is in power or whose political philosophy prevails.
God’s Word is true whether in a democracy or a dictatorship. God’s Word is
sure, no matter whether a nation adheres to a capitalist, socialist or
communist economic model.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">But as important as
the political issues are that face our nation and our world, they pale in
comparison to the spiritual issues that we face. The answer to poverty, prosperity
or depravity will not be found in any political party’s platform. No politician
will fix broken homes or mend broken hearts. The answer to our deepest, most
serious needs is Jesus.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Week after week, I have
the privilege of preaching Jesus to more
than 200 people who have come to hear the Word of the Lord. They are men
looking for work. They are women struggling with loneliness. They are teenagers
facing tremendous pressures to rebel against the values they’ve been taught. They
are couples dealing with competing dreams and conflicting desires. They are
parents trying to figure out when to pick their battles and where to draw the
lines.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">In all honesty,
neither Mitt Romney nor Barack Obama will help them deal with most of the
pressures they will face in life. They can’t pick up the phone to ask Mitt what
to do or email Barack for suggestions as to how to proceed. But they can go to
Jesus. They can pour out their hearts to a Savior who loves them so much that
He clothed Himself in human flesh to dwell among them. A God who promises to
never leave us or forsake us. A Lord who shows Himself to us through His Word.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">I never have
understood pastors who give up the pulpit for a role in the political world. It
seems like a huge demotion to me. To go from leading people in a thriving
relationship with Jesus to trying to make one sinner sound superior to another sinner
in order to garner our votes—well, I just don’t understand it. While I’m glad
for Christians who participate in the political process, I can’t see ever
giving up the opportunity to preach God’s unsearchable riches to get down in
the mud of partisan politics.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Anyone who knows me
or who is acquainted with my ministry knows that I am not afraid to preach
tough messages on issues that are addressed in Scripture. When God’s Word
speaks to the sanctity of human life, the sacredness of marriage or our
responsibilities to the poor and disadvantaged among us, I do not shy away from preaching the Truth. And if God’s
Word said “Thou shouldest vote for Obama” or “Thou shalt not cast your ballot
in opposition to Romney”, then I’d preach that message with boldness and
confidence.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">But I will not
pretend that God’s Word says something when it is silent. I will not try to
manipulate God’s Word to justify my own political persuasion. And I will not
take precious time to advocate for any man (or woman) when that takes away from the
time for me to preach Jesus.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">I challenge you, read
your Bible—particularly the New Testament. Underline every phrase in which the
writers advocated or opposed the political leaders of their day. In a time and
place far more hostile to Christianity than our own, these men, writing under
the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, refused to condone or condemn the
politicians of their era. But they made much of Jesus.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">We are blessed to
live in a society where we get a voice as to who will be our political leaders.
As good citizens, I think we should participate in the process. So, if I were
to give you any advice at all about the upcoming election, it would be:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.75in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Know
the issues. Study the various positions. Don’t form opinions based on knee-jerk
reactions of the politicians or parties.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.75in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Study
your Bible and seek God’s direction through His Word on the choices you have to
make. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.75in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Pray.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 1.25in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Pray
about who you should vote for.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 1.25in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Pray
for the candidates and their families.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 1.25in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Pray
for God’s Will to be accomplished.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.75in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Vote.
Election Day is Tuesday, November 6<sup>th</sup>. In Kansas, early voting has
already begun. For more information, go to <a href="http://www.jocoelection.org/voters/Advancevoting.htm">http://www.jocoelection.org/voters/Advancevoting.htm</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.75in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Pray
some more. Because while you can only vote once, you can pray without ceasing.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">At the risk of
taking Scripture out of context, let me close with this parting advice when it
comes to your politics: <b><i>Whether
you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you,
saying, “This is the way; walk in it.” (Isaiah 30:21)</i></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Pastor Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05220233527479597757noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7934878897035165367.post-53476494549937653722012-08-02T18:16:00.000-05:002012-08-02T18:16:45.737-05:00A Friend Request<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">I have to admit
that I’m not the biggest fan of Facebook. </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">As much as you may think those
pictures of your children playing with a bunch of cats are cute, I’ve been
there and done that. I rarely take up people on their challenges to “repost” a
clever saying or a heart-warming story, so I guess I don’t “really love Jesus”.
I’m as patriotic as anyone, but I don’t
have to change my Facebook picture (it was hard enough finding one that would
fit in that postage stamp-sized box without cutting off my head) to prove that
I am proud to be an American.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Recently, I was
chastised for failing to visit someone associated with our church in the
hospital. When I talked to a family member about it, advising her that I didn’t
know about the hospitalization, she replied, “Well, I posted it on Facebook.”
Yeah, well, I’ll tweet you in the hospital and we’ll call it even.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">I also grow a bit
discouraged when I see status postings by people who claim to be
Christ-followers, but who use the same foul language or crude humor as the
world. I’ve taken to “hiding” most of those “friends”, because I hear enough of
that talk in society—I don’t need to be confronted with it on my Facebook page.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">And the closer we
get to the election this fall, the more I dread reading everyone’s political
commentary. If Facebook is any barometer, then Christians are no different than
non-Christians in posting mean, ugly and even vulgar things about our national
leaders. You can’t tell me that you pray for our President when you are at the
same time posting vile and mean-spirited things about him. You won’t convince
me that you take the Republican nominee to God’s throne of grace at the same
time that you post demeaning and crude statements about him. If I read my Bible
correctly, we are to show respect for our leaders, even when we strongly
disagree with them. I know, I know, why
am I bringing the Bible into all this.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">So by now you
probably wonder why I have anything to do with Facebook. And sometimes I ask
myself the same thing. I’ve been tempted
to just close my account. I have lots of other ways to waste time—that’s what
Words with Friends is for, right?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">But there are a few
people that I really enjoy keeping up with via Facebook. There’s the guy I go
to church with who posts things about his favorite college & pro football
teams, and the only hope I have to change his mind (and maybe save his soul!)
is through needling him on Facebook. There’s a young man I’ve known since he
was born who is now in college, and I like to keep up with what he’s doing.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">And lately, God has
used Facebook to provide me some tremendous words of encouragement. One was
from a man, about my age, who was in a church I pastored in Arkansas. It wasn’t
the easiest pastorate, for a lot of reasons—including some of my own making—but
he posted one day, “You were my favorite pastor ever.” While I always liked
this man and his family (he obviously has good taste), I had no idea he felt that way about me. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">And then recently a
lady from that same church sent me a “friend request”. I was surprised, because we weren’t
particularly close when I was her pastor. But then she also sent me a direct
message, telling me that I had made a difference in her heart and life. She
cited a particular conversation we had in which I had provided counsel that she
said helped her to come to terms with and resolve some issues she had been
dealing with for a long time up to then. I haven't seen her in 15 years, but she
shared this word of encouragement with me and blessed my soul. I never knew
that I had ministered to her in any significant way, and I am incredibly
grateful that she shared that with me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">So I’m going to
keep my Facebook account. I won’t post many cute pictures. I won’t often
challenge you to post or re-post something to prove you’re a true Christian.
And you’ll likely not hear me comment much on politics. But I’ll still give my
friend a hard time about his poor choices for sports teams, and I’ll keep up on
what friends are doing. And I think I’ll even begin to make a concerted effort
to let some people know how they have touched my life. If it blesses them as it
has blessed me, they will be blessed indeed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>Pastor Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05220233527479597757noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7934878897035165367.post-43319922222860014282012-06-04T11:00:00.000-05:002012-06-04T11:03:05.917-05:00Monday Morning Perspective<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">I think I speak for
a lot of pastors by saying that Mondays are often a bittersweet day.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">On the one hand, we’re
physically & emotionally exhausted from Sunday. I know all the jokes about
how it must be nice to be a preacher because you only have to work one day a
week. (At least I think they’re jokes!) But anyone who has ever preached the Word
of God knows that it is a tremendous burden to proclaim the Holy Scriptures. I
do so each Sunday with fear and trembling. And when my morning is over, I feel
the pressures lifted for a few hours, before I have to begin preparing for
another message just 7 days hence.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">On the other hand,
we are blessed so richly at Life Spring, that I normally look forward to coming
in to the office on Monday to get a start on the next week. Dennis and I
generally debrief on the previous day’s services—going over what went well and
where we can improve the worship experience for our attendees. There are
meetings to attend, phone calls to make, emails to handle and, and sometimes—before
the day ends—I even get to spend some time in the Word. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">But then there are
some days like today. The day starts off well enough, but it very quickly goes
downhill. It is at times like this that I am reminded that ministry sometimes
requires us to get dirty. It cannot be accomplished from the ivory towers or
from the sidelines. We’ve got to roll up our sleeves and immerse ourselves in a
society filled with selfishness, greed, anger and a whole host of other
sinfulness. And occasionally that society is very close to home.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">The sermon I preach
on Sunday needs to work for us—it needs to work for ME—on Monday. Especially
Mondays like this. Because it is easy to grow discouraged. Because it is easy
to question whether what we do is really worth anything. After all, we make no
widgets. We sell no products. We cannot measure our success in terms of
customers served or profits earned. We do not measure our worth in dollars and
cents. And when it seems that the world is crashing down around us, it is easy
to think that there must be other ways to live your life.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">And then the phone
rings. It’s from someone who attended Sunday’s service. “Thanks”, she says. “I
needed to hear that message. It helps me to know I’m not alone.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">The email comes in—different
from some of the other emails I’ve read today with spiteful comments and
mean-spirited intentions. This one says, “I thought you’d be encouraged to see
what my son posted on Facebook.” It included a Scripture quoted in Sunday’s
sermon.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">And then I turn to
the Word for comfort. I know that I am not the first to have a rough patch, so I
turn to the Psalms of David and read <b>Commit
your way to the LORD; trust in him and he will do this; He will make your
righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of your cause like the noonday
sun. Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him; do not fret when men
succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes. (Psalm 37:5-7)<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">Through His people,
through His Word and through His Spirit, God affirms and comforts. He reminds
me, as He once had to remind Elijah, that I am not alone. There are many, many
others who love the Lord, who cherish His church and who value His will. And I
am blessed to be among them.<o:p></o:p></span></div>Pastor Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05220233527479597757noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7934878897035165367.post-65808975311708111622012-05-23T16:47:00.001-05:002012-05-23T16:47:52.919-05:00A Time For Change<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">This Sunday (May
27) marks a big change in our ministry at Life Spring. Barring unforeseen circumstances,
this is the last time that we will worship in just one service on our Spring
Hill Campus at 10:15. For almost 6 years, we’ve met each Sunday at 10:15 for
worship & the study of God’s Word (except for snow days or special
services). But as our congregation has experienced significant growth since
moving into our new facilities last Fall, it is time for us to add a second
service to accommodate our new worshipers. Starting June 3<sup>rd</sup>, we’ll
have Worship Services at 8:00 & 10:45, and Bible Study Classes at 9:30.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">While this will
significantly change the way we worship and serve, it is really a good thing,
and our people seem to understand this. We realize that it will stretch our
resources. We know that it means that we might not always get to worship with
our friends or family. For many people, it will mean being at church for almost
5 hours on Sunday mornings. <br />
<br />
But I’ve heard no negative feedback. That’s not to say that everyone is happy
about it, but I think everyone “gets it”. We see what God is doing in so many
lives, and we are excited to be a part of it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">I’ve been in church
all my life. I’ve served in all kinds of volunteer positions—youth director,
Sunday School superintendant, Children’s Church Director, Missions Treasurer, Adult
Bible Fellowship teacher, Elder, and for most of the past 20 years, Pastor. I’ve
been in small churches—averaging fewer than 100 in attendance—as well as large
churches running 1500 or more on Sundays. But I have never been privileged to
be a part of a movement in which God is so clearly and unmistakably at work.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">It’s not just
numbers, though it is gratifying to see new people walk through our doors every
week. But it is the stories of the ways that God is moving in the hearts and
lives of people who desperately want to walk in an intimate way with the Master.
It is people confessing their sins and accepting Christ as Savior. It is people
who have strayed from the Truth who seek to return to the Father. It is men
desiring to be Godly husbands and women wanting to become more deeply immersed
in God’s Word. It is young people willing to take a stand for righteousness
even though that puts them at odds with their peers. It is families committed to
putting God first.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">We’ve experienced
some rough patches as a young church, and we’ll experience more. But I sure am
enjoying this season of life where God’s people willingly submit to His Word
and anxiously seek out His will. I am thrilled to be the Pastor at Life Spring,
and I can’t wait to see what He’ll do next with us and in us and for us and
through us. <o:p></o:p></span></div>Pastor Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05220233527479597757noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7934878897035165367.post-37782139220423656612012-03-18T14:20:00.001-05:002012-03-18T14:21:21.046-05:00I'm Kind of HomesickToday is the third Sunday in a row that I have not worshiped with my home church. I’m not sick, and I’m not mad at anyone (and as far as I know, no one is mad at me)—I’m on Sabbatical. In fact, I’m at about the half-way point of my 5 weeks away from Life Spring.<br /><br />As I write this, I am in the part of the Sabbatical focused on personal spiritual renewal. I have spent most of the past two days sitting in a screened-in porch at a condo in Branson. I’m not taking in any shows, and other than walking around this beautiful property a couple of times, I haven’t ventured far from the condo.<br /><br />I’ve read a couple of books, and I’ve spent several hours listening to sermons. I’m going to do some sermon planning for the rest of year, but mostly I’m trying to focus on hearing from God through His Word and through prayer, eliminating as many distractions as possible.<br /><br />As much as I feel I am benefitting from this time away, I have to say that it is really hard to be away from my church family for this long. Each of the past three Sundays, I’ve looked at my watch all morning long. Around 8:30, I think “This is about the time I’d be arriving at church.” Then around 9:00 I’ll say, “It’s time for Sunday School.” I’ll start praying for the services—for Pastor Dennis as he leads the worship and those men who are filling in for me—as it gets closer to 10:00. I just can’t get Life Spring off my mind.<br /><br />I’ve enjoyed some incredible times of worship in other venues, getting to visit three churches that I have long wanted to visit, including Grace Community Church, where John MacArthur pastors; Shadow Mountain Community Church, the home of David Jermiah; and Saddleback’s Lake Forest campus. I’ve heard some great preaching, both live & online. But nothing compares with worshiping & fellowshipping with the people I have come to know and love so dearly.<br /><br />Frankly, I don’t know why anyone would ever voluntarily absent themselves from church on a continual basis. Some people go weeks—even months—without gracing the doors of a church. I feel sorry for them. Not only because that is a sign of some deeper spiritual issues, but because it must contribute to a sense of loneliness and isolation. No matter how many friends you have or how active your social life is, being a part of a vibrant and thriving Church of the living God is as good as it gets.<br /><br />I am getting some much needed rest. I am connecting with God on a real and intimate level. I am doing some long range planning that I simply wouldn’t have the time or energy to do if I were home with the everyday pressures of ministry facing me. I am trying to take advantage of this time away to prepare my heart to be a better pastor and teacher when I return.<br /><br />But while I am away, I am missing my church family and praying for them. And I am looking forward to being back with them very soon.Pastor Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05220233527479597757noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7934878897035165367.post-48576197717499353642012-03-01T05:59:00.002-06:002012-03-01T06:02:02.107-06:00Happy Leap DayWell, it’s over. You plan for it for months. You do the decorating and the shopping and the baking, and almost before it starts, it’s over. Now, we’ll suffer the blues as we wait for next time.<br /><br />Yes, I’m talking about Leap Day.<br /><br />It only happens once every four years. And unlike Presidential election day, this day doesn’t bombard you with negative commercials or unrealistic promises.<br /><br />In fact, if you’re not careful, you’ll miss it altogether. One day it’s February 28, and the next it’s March 1. But once every four years, in a magical—perhaps mystical—manner, we are blessed with one more day in our year. 24 more hours.1440 more minutes. I hope you used them wisely.<br /><br />Also known as an intercalary year, a leap year contains one additional day so that our calendar year remains properly synchronized with the astronomical or seasonal year. But I bet you already knew that.<br /><br />Now maybe Leap Day doesn’t seem like that big a deal to you, but to some people, it ranks right up there with the best of the special days—like “Take Your Daughter to Work Day”. If you were born on February 29, then it is a very big day, because your birthday only rolls around once every four years. That’s a bummer when you’re younger, but by the time you hit 40 (or “10” as Leaplings like to say), it’s not a bad deal.<br /><br />Although it is commonly said that leap years occur every four years (I’ve said it at least twice already!), that’s technically not true. A Leap Year occurs in a year whose date is exactly divisible by 4 except those that are divisible by 100 but not 400. Got that? It’s not as easy as you thought, now is it? That’s why we have Wikipedia.<br /><br />Throughout history, people have come up with some crazy ideas associated with Leap Years. For example, folk lore was that children born on Leap Day had a rebellious streak or could be hard to raise. Well, if you only got a birthday card, cake and gifts every 4 years, you might develop a stubborn streak too.<br /><br />Farmers believed that beans and peas planted in a Leap Year would grow the wrong way—whatever that means. And in Scotland they used to say, “A Leap Year is never a good Sheep Year”. I hate it when we have bad sheep years.<br /><br />Perhaps the best known “tradition” associated with Leap Year is that February 29th is the day that women can ask men to marry them. Of course, modern women-folk have no respect for the traditions of the elders (like cleaning house and cooking supper), so today you’ll find loose-women asking men to marry them just about any day of the year. But for those who know their place, they’ll confine their marriage proposals to the proper time.<br /><br />I started this blog entry on February 29th, but I took too long to finish it, and now it’s March 1st. Well, there’s a lesson there somewhere, but I’ve started my Sabbatical, so I’ll have to wait a while to see what it was. Maybe I’ll come up with something before the Ides of March.Pastor Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05220233527479597757noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7934878897035165367.post-65660940138754117232012-01-09T12:58:00.003-06:002012-01-11T10:24:03.958-06:00Lies Christians BelieveWow! I just realized that it has been a really LOOOONG time since I blogged. It is crazy how busy the last few months have been. Crazy in a good way, I mean. We moved into our new building, celebrated Thanksgiving and Christmas in our new church home and now it's a new year. Before long we'll be planning our Easter services and getting ready for Memorial Day!<br /><br />I recently read an article where the author shared "The Top 5 Lies Too Many Christians Believe". I found it an interesting perspective. Though I'm not sure I agree with her list, it got me thinking about the things I would include on such a list. As I try to get back in the swing of things, here's my go at it:<br /><br /><strong>1. Church is unnecessary.</strong><br />A lot of people who have made professions of faith seem to have little regard for the church of Jesus Christ. They'll use any excuse at their disposal to miss services. Company is coming. Got the sniffles. Kids' extracurricular activities. I even heard one parent say that she "punished" her kids by not letting them come to church.<br /><br />The Bible calls the church the "body" of Christ and the "bride" of Christ. We're told that Jesus gets glory "through the church". It seems like the church is pretty important to God, so if we love Him and desire to follow Him, it should be pretty important to us, too.<br /><br /><strong>2. A Christian just needs to be "good" and act "nice".</strong><br />Christians certainly should seek to live moral lives, and we should be nice to others, but that is not the sum total of being a Christian. We'll never please God simply through our external behavior. It is by faith alone in Christ alone that we enter a right relationship with God. Once we have accepted Jesus as our Savior, and as we allow Him to live through us, we will be "good" and "nice" in a way we never could in our own strength alone.<br /><br /><strong>3. We should expect unbelievers to behave like Christians.</strong><br />Why is it that Christians are often so offended when unbelievers lie, cheat, cuss, lose their tempers and in many other ways act like...unbelievers? Why in the world would we ever expect non-Christians to live like Christians? We need to be much quicker to show grace to those who have never trusted Christ as their Savior. After all, consider how hard it is for us as believers to act righteously, and WE have the Holy Spirit living in us.<br /><br /><strong>4. We should leave the teaching of Scripture to Pastors & Ministers.</strong><br />I count it a real privilege to preach and teach God's Word to the Life Spring congregation. But it is not my privilege or responsibility to do it alone. God has not entrusted His precious Word to just a few special people. He has made it available to all who will listen with their ears and see with their eyes.<br /><br />We're really blessed at Life Spring to have a number of gifted teachers, and we should take full advantage of the opportunities to study the Bible with them.<br /><br /><strong>5. My spiritual life has nothing to do with my "real" life.</strong><br />Maybe this should be the #1 lie, because it is really the root of the others. When we begin to separate our "spiritual life" from our "real life", we make it incredibly easy to live in disobedience and rebellion towards God. When we fail to draw a connection between what we experience on Sunday morning and what happens the rest of the week, we end up living lives of hypocrisy and duplicity.<br /><br />I'm not sure these are really the "top 5 lies", but they certainly are prevalent among many who claim Christ as their Savior. Let's be quick to look at our own lives and ask God to reveal areas where we might be buying into such lies. After all, there really is no deception as dangerous as self-deception.Pastor Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05220233527479597757noreply@blogger.com0