tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55953262024-03-13T10:49:38.270-06:00A Copernican RevolutionThe personal website of pastor, author, historian, and all around nerd, Luke HolmesLuke Holmeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04856356591526587908noreply@blogger.comBlogger239125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5595326.post-54672968579745251502022-10-04T11:10:00.001-05:002022-10-04T11:10:06.859-05:00Burn Long, not just bright<div class="separator"><div class="separator" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Centennial Light - Wikipedia" class="n3VNCb KAlRDb" data-noaft="1" jsaction="load:XAeZkd;" jsname="HiaYvf" src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/a1/Livermore_Centennial_Light_Bulb.jpg" style="height: 676px; margin: 0px; width: 450.667px;" /></div><div class="separator"><br /></div><div class="separator"><br /></div><div class="separator">In 2015 in Livermore, CA there was a party like no other as the Livermore-Pleasonton Fire Department celebrated the “Million Hours Party.” This was in celebration of a single light bulb that had been burning for over 100 years. Visitors come from all over the world to see this oddity and take pictures of it. You can even go online and view a dedicated webcam that will let you see the miracle bulb for itself. People are amazed that something made to be temporary has lasted now for over 117 years. The handblown, carbon fiber filament bulb was probably manufactured in the 1890’s, was recognized by Guinness as the longest lasting bulb known in existence in 1972, and has been burning for over 100 years now. </div><div class="separator"><br /></div><div class="separator">What makes it so remarkable is that the bulb wasn’t made to last that long. For whatever reason it simply has managed to hang on. It doesn’t burn as bright as it used to, but it still serves it’s purpose by putting out light. Since 1901 this bulb has been steadily giving light without hardly missing a beat. When people come from all over to visit it I imagine that they are somewhat underwhelmed. Even if you just go watch the webcam it’s not much to see either. It’s just a lightbulb, doing what it was made to do. What makes the bulb stand out is how long it’s been burning, not how bright it shines.</div><div class="separator"><br /></div><div class="separator"><br /></div><div class="separator">This feels opposite the way most of the world works. People love to see something that burns brightly, whether it’s a musician, athlete, actor, or even a preacher. People can’t get enough of something that burns bright, and the truth is that’s what many preachers aspire too. We want to be someone that the world comes to see, who is known for our amazing oratory and leadership skills. But those things that burn the brightest often burn out the fastest. The Livermore bulb can’t shine as bright as it did when it first lit up, but it is still doing what it is made to do.</div><div class="separator"><br /></div><div class="separator"><br /></div><div class="separator">If given the option, I’m afraid that many pastors would choose to burn bright and short rather than long and steady. We know what the right answer is of course, but learning to simply do what God has called us to do is one of the most important things we can do as pastors. We have to learn to be content with the place and time that God has us, and quit yearning for somewhere we can shine brighter.</div><div class="separator"><br /></div><div class="separator"><br /></div><div class="separator">I’ve found in my own life that the pastors I have benefited the most from are those that burn long. These men have learned the secret of being content wherever God has them, and they have often given their lives to a place and community. Sometimes that is a big town and sometimes a small town. Godly pastors learn to shine where ever God has plugged them in at. It’s tempting to think that if we had a bigger stage to shine on, or more power to pull from then we could do better. But the fact is that we must learn to shine where God puts us. </div><div class="separator"><br /></div><div class="separator"><br /></div><div class="separator">The amazing thing is that pastors who burn long seem to get brighter with time. There’s something about the passing of time in faithful ministry that causes these men of God to become a great light to those around them. It is God’s design that faithfulness in ministry shines a brighter light than talent, skill, or gifting. God has placed you in the place you are, it is now your job to go out and shine as best you can. Don’t just pray that God would make your light bright, pray that God would give you the ability to burn long, faithfully bringing light in the place he has you. </div></div>Luke Holmeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04856356591526587908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5595326.post-5810989063888536452022-10-04T08:54:00.002-05:002022-10-04T08:54:45.527-05:00Listening to the Experts<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiDiDCsJ4qYzd6oj5nAM5gNBgI606bDNbVBOAojNE_v0VPJc1xNqDdNuU7Ju4621OXJbkL-aTn08G-bdpewG8MbTx4iduzjtS-WiLnizNFVTdJ_5MuX_BmQU0DiYY-jEchqdi7SRi3A9nmDKsc6kuICXdqOCtAd1o8CsQZ_uIgTZmQHBotlCmM" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="412" data-original-width="600" height="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiDiDCsJ4qYzd6oj5nAM5gNBgI606bDNbVBOAojNE_v0VPJc1xNqDdNuU7Ju4621OXJbkL-aTn08G-bdpewG8MbTx4iduzjtS-WiLnizNFVTdJ_5MuX_BmQU0DiYY-jEchqdi7SRi3A9nmDKsc6kuICXdqOCtAd1o8CsQZ_uIgTZmQHBotlCmM" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">Bob was a pretty unassuming guy. The first time I met him he was getting over cancer and I sat with him on his back porch as we talked and I prayed for him. He soon became a favorite person to visit as he had good stories and was always willing to help in anything I needed. I soon found out Bob was a car expert. More than an expert, he sold them, ran a mechanics shop, and built race cars that held national records. If you were in the drag racing circle, then you knew of Bob and his cars. One day while visiting he casually mentioned to me that Honda had called him to build a dragster. I replied “Doesn’t Honda build cars themselves?” With a big smile and laugh he simply replied “Not like mine. “</span><p></p><span id="docs-internal-guid-135d9a7b-7fff-e592-8a46-c1497742f72c"><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">All of that to say, Bob was an expert when it came to anything mechanical. Often I would go to him with maintenance issues with our old church buildings I’d been thinking about for months or even years. He would sit and listen, and before long he’d show me a drawing on the back of napkin that solved the problem no one else could. I soon learned that Bob was an expert, and I should listen to him. He even worked on my old truck, listening intently as the engine idled. His years of experience helped him hear the slightest difference in an engine running. When Bob said it needed something, I believed him and followed his instructions. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Everyone knows the person they can go to for help with cars, plumbing, framing, farming, computers, or any number of things. When it comes to leading a church, there are many people who call themselves experts and are more than willing to offer help. They might have credentials themselves such as ministry experience, or they might just think the have cracked the code. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">How do you know which expert to listen to? Some say the key is to be organic, others say it’s to be structured and formulaic. Everyone has advice, and all are willing to share it. Many of them promise they can unlock your church for only a small monthly fee if you subscribe to their program. There are as many experts as there are methods, and almost all of them promise to fix what is ailing your church. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The truth is there is only on expert on church growth, and that is Jesus Christ. That feels like a bit of a Jesus juke even as I write it, but the fact remains that Jesus promised in Matthew 16 that He will build his church. Jesus does not say that he will help us build his church, or that we can learn from him about how to build the church. He will build his church. It’s not complex or confusing, but we try to make it so. Jesus is the only expert we should listen to, and his instructions are simple. Preach the gospel faithfully, take the gospel to the nations, remember our first love, and trust Jesus to do the building. </span></p><br /></span>Luke Holmeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04856356591526587908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5595326.post-54548878806723396782022-09-18T16:18:00.000-05:002022-09-18T16:18:56.088-05:00Faithful<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg0VJbS27hcf8OmZakyowXTt16pVCTNqjDx0cPQD9AXfIpbgy-GqBlQCOIYJXBkUpCANDOx4OfU3Len8cyRG9LfKm3eEz2lcon7xq0GksgHb3pAf2CxHkoE6n7t5oY7lyn8sfBQy_qC71tQSX8hcaV_6s1wfDty89mj71K7Qw9AaW_5u3ghtKA" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg0VJbS27hcf8OmZakyowXTt16pVCTNqjDx0cPQD9AXfIpbgy-GqBlQCOIYJXBkUpCANDOx4OfU3Len8cyRG9LfKm3eEz2lcon7xq0GksgHb3pAf2CxHkoE6n7t5oY7lyn8sfBQy_qC71tQSX8hcaV_6s1wfDty89mj71K7Qw9AaW_5u3ghtKA" width="135" /></a></div><p></p><p>This past Sunday we had baptisms at church as part of the worship service. That's always a special time, but this was extra special as one of them was my youngest daughter. I've been blessed to baptize all three of my children at FBC Tishomingo. Each time has been moving and special for me, but this one felt a little bit different. </p><p>By no means is our work raising children done, or is ever really done, but I felt a sense of closure at her profession of faith. I have prayed regularly for their salvation, and to see the Lord work in their lives over the years has been beyond words. I sleep easier knowing that each of my children has professed faith in God, and the words of I John become more true to me every day. "I have no greater joy than to hear my children are walking in the truth." </p><p>What also makes it special is that I have been able to baptize all three of my daughters in this church. When we came here we had only two, ages 4 and 1. Now we have three, ages 15, 13, and 7. It's an incredible blessing for us to be in a church this long, as the national average for pastoral tenure is only 3 years or so. We love Tishomingo and it has become our home, and the only church that our daughters have known or remembered. More than a physical home, it has become their spiritual home, a place that has formed, shaped, and grown them. I'm so thankful for the Sunday School teachers, VBS workers, youth leaders, and church family that has poured into them. </p><p>I have no way of knowing what God has in store for us, let alone their future. But I'm beyond thankful that from now on First Baptist Tishomingo will always be remembered as a place where they confessed their need for Christ and were raise to walk in a newness of life. </p>Luke Holmeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04856356591526587908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5595326.post-71382811740431016072022-06-13T21:27:00.005-05:002022-06-17T15:40:11.506-05:00On the Mission Field in Rural America<h1 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"> <span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-size-adjust: auto; white-space: pre-wrap;">ON THE MISSION FIELD IN RURAL AMERICA</span></span></h1><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; text-size-adjust: auto;" /><span style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT;">WHEREAS, Scripture declares that Christ commands his church to make
disciples of all nations and that we are called to be witnesses to the ends
of the earth (Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 1:8); and</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT;">WHEREAS, Southern Baptists have endeavored since 1845 to spread the
gospel across North America and around the globe; and<br /></span><span style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT;">WHEREAS, Jesus regularly identified himself with rural and small places
like Nazareth (Matthew 2:23); and<br /></span><span style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT;">WHEREAS, Over 75 percent of all towns and cities in the United States
are small nonurban communities of no more than 25,000 people; and<br /></span><span style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT;">WHEREAS, Approximately 19 percent (or 60 million people) of the
population in the United States resides in rural areas; and<br /></span><span style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT;">WHEREAS, Rural church pastors often suffer from isolation and
loneliness, lacking ministry partnerships and resources; and<br /></span><span style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT;">WHEREAS, Every person in a rural community is made in the image of
God and needs to hear the gospel; now, therefore, be it<br /></span><span style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT;">RESOLVED, That the messengers to the Southern Baptist Convention
meeting in Anaheim, California, June 14-15, 2022, express our
commitment to and recognition of the mission field in rural places; and
be it further<br /></span><span style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT;">RESOLVED, That we pledge to continue to support the work of the
Cooperative Program to help spread the gospel in rural places; and be it
further<br /></span><span style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT;">RESOLVED, That we encourage our churches to look for opportunities to
establish, help, and revitalize churches in rural communities; and be it further<br /></span><span style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT;">RESOLVED, That we state our support for the work rural churches do to
spread the gospel; and be it further<br /></span><span style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT;">RESOLVED, That we pledge to remember that all of mankind is made
in the image of God and deserving of our love and gospel outreach,
regardless of the size of their community; and be it further<br /></span><span style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT;">RESOLVED, That we encourage and celebrate the work of the North
American Mission Board, state conventions, local associations, rural
churches, and their ministry leaders in their ongoing efforts to spread the
gospel, plant new churches, and revitalize established ones in rural places;
and be it finally<br /></span><span style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT;">RESOLVED, That we urge all Southern Baptists to dedicate our time,
money, and lives to the furtherance of the good news of Jesus Christ
across every area of the world, home and abroad, in city centers, suburbs,
small towns, and rural places. </span></span></div><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-size-adjust: auto;">
</p><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; text-size-adjust: auto;" /><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; text-size-adjust: auto;" />Luke Holmeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04856356591526587908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5595326.post-13976001300924377802022-02-18T10:45:00.001-06:002022-02-18T10:45:26.801-06:00What makes your church move? <p><span style="font-family: arial;"><i> </i></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg3LxiH3xSTtQbi8eWvEfoPgSSJapzjwihNWbZnWGDBURR17kyFOclELJy2rgAcxnwOcqizpZMJMujHEe-mbu6Ri8jRJifHNIyZpNkQZ43s2WusS3VNXzPoDtXR9e34weR0Dkd0rGZdWGZB20oamJvUO1IluDkSFQujqDYtV3igR-AUZRqWTPc" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="432" data-original-width="768" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg3LxiH3xSTtQbi8eWvEfoPgSSJapzjwihNWbZnWGDBURR17kyFOclELJy2rgAcxnwOcqizpZMJMujHEe-mbu6Ri8jRJifHNIyZpNkQZ43s2WusS3VNXzPoDtXR9e34weR0Dkd0rGZdWGZB20oamJvUO1IluDkSFQujqDYtV3igR-AUZRqWTPc=w400-h225" width="400" /></a></i></span></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><i><br />"</i><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>It can’t be done." </i>That’s what they told John Ericsson when he first began working on a new way to propel boats over the water in 1835. Boats had moved on wind for centuries, and lately steam powered paddle boats had taken over. Not many saw the need for Ericsson’s invention, a screw turned propeller. And even fewer than that believed that it would work on large boats. </span></span><p></p><span id="docs-internal-guid-75ca284e-7fff-e107-5ecc-4ef58f07d08a"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial;">By 1839 Ericsson had come a long way with his new invention, and soon gained fame as the designer of the US Navy’s first screw propelled warship, the USS Princeton. It defied belief that the Princeton could beat other ships in a race. At over 160 feet long it seemed incredible that such a small propeller could move that fast. Now almost every boat from little fishing dinghies with trolling motors, big fancy bass boats, Cruise ships, and battleships all are propelled the same way. The internal engine turns the rods which in turn moves the propeller, and that motion moves the boat almost effortlessly across the water. </span></span></p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial;">No matter how big the boat is, the propeller is always small in comparison to it. But this small piece of machinery becomes the means by which the ship moves forward. It doesn’t matter how deep the water or what kind of storm the boat finds itself in, if the propeller is working correctly then the boat will be moving. </span></span></p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial;">We know of course that small things make a difference in the lives of Christians and churches. James makes this point when comparing the power of the tongue to a rudder that steers a boat. Yet there is something more powerful that can not only steer your church but serve as the power to help it move forward: the dreams of your church. </span></span></p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Although it goes by all sorts of names, like vision, dreams, goals, or ideas, the basic principle is the same. Your church is driven forward by what it believes it can become. Some churches dream of having the best buildings in town, others about the best ministries. Some churches only dream of making it to another week, while others dream of making a difference in the community and helping others. Whatever the dream or vision of your church is, it serves as the propeller for moving it forward. In his classic book on church revitalization Robert Dale writes that “No church can minister effectively until it identifies it’s unique ministry dream, a possible dream, and lives it out!”</span></span></p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial;">When a church has a dream of being a comfortable place for it’s members, it will structure it’s committees, budget, and staff around doing just that. That church will make sure that members are always at ease and have things just the way they want them, even if it leads to the decline of the church. The church that dreams of comfort will always find a way to have it, and the lost community around them will not stand in their way. Their dream of having things how they please will always move them forward, even if it moves them right into the grave. In the same way a church that dreams of reaching their community, funding ministries, and seeing the lost saved will find a way to do it as well. </span></span></p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial;">A quick way to find out your church’s dream is to look at what they are on their way to becoming. A church’s dream can be seen by what they do, not what they say. A godly dream that focuses on what a church can be in it’s community will be the propeller that moves a church forward in it’s ministry and mission. It doesn’t have to be a big grand dream to be the next Antioch that sends out Paul and Barnabas. To have a dream for the future a church only needs to look to become something more than what it is. </span></span></p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial;">That could mean starting a bus ministry to reach kids in the community, adjusting the way they do things in order to reach more families, or changing the budget to spend more on missions and evangelism. If a church has a dream to be more than it is now, that dream will be the propeller that moves it forward. No matter how big or small, that dream can push a church forward to grow in salvations, baptisms, and kingdom impact. </span></span></p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial;">But if a church’s dream is not about what it can be in the future but what it used to be in the past, then that dream becomes an anchor weighing them down, not a propeller moving them forward. Every church has a dream, but many churches only dream of returning to the glory days of the past and to what they once were. The dreams of the past become so heavy that a church is weighed down by them, unable to move forward to their future because they are burdened by the past.</span></span></p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial;">When a church can get a dream for the future and what God might do in them and through them, that dream will always move them forward. Much like a ship moved forward by a propeller engine, the dream of a church should move them forward slowly and methodically towards achieving that dream. Make sure and note that a propeller is not a jet engine. Many pastors at churches in need of revitalization want a church to grow quick and fast. Stories abound of quick turnarounds, of leaders and churches who promise that if you follow their methods your church can do the same thing. Just because a church has a dream does not mean everything will change overnight. </span></span></p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Once a church finds their dream, they must do the work of putting it into action. Dreams move the church forward when a committee changes the budget to fund missions more, when the church votes to remodel facilities to better reach the community, and when members consistently read their bible, pray for the lost, and volunteer to serve where needed. Achieving the dream happens in big ways and small ways, but each of them moves the church forward towards it’s goals. </span></span></p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial;">A church is always moving, even if it seems stuck in a rut. You might think your church hasn’t changed in years, but a church is always moving towards life or towards death through its choices and actions. When a pastor gives a church a vision of God and the gospel, and when a church then shapes their dream to be more than what they are, any church can start moving towards health. Make sure that your church’s dream is moving them forward to what God wants them to be. When a church has a dream big enough to see what God wants them to be, not only what they were in the past, any church can find new life again. When the members dream of expanding God’s kingdom in the future and not just maintaining the present, the church will always continue to move forward to be just what God wants them to be. </span></span></p><div><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div></span>Luke Holmeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04856356591526587908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5595326.post-44088451279047445782021-12-21T20:17:00.006-06:002021-12-21T20:17:52.295-06:00Stop living for the moment<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgxs0zZXziQOC0n3OtYVEa651yP7nh1QsaoXT_wyTIE73KY0su8Gy2ZNnHezODpFpluztJJCYKITWwgY7yea4ZHiPXKa8-0PtNx8GBoe9I-Sz6gI5b6AsNpaI3kYpxPeGmGB-42gs3VZCs3yk6ULPojeQGiUErKB0MuqjTFPvZq6lpDM15jjPQ=s750" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgxs0zZXziQOC0n3OtYVEa651yP7nh1QsaoXT_wyTIE73KY0su8Gy2ZNnHezODpFpluztJJCYKITWwgY7yea4ZHiPXKa8-0PtNx8GBoe9I-Sz6gI5b6AsNpaI3kYpxPeGmGB-42gs3VZCs3yk6ULPojeQGiUErKB0MuqjTFPvZq6lpDM15jjPQ=s320" width="213" /></a></div><br /> <span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">“A date that will live in infamy forever. “ </span><p></p><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">That’s how President Roosevelt described the horrific attack on Pearl Harbor to the US Congress and to millions more on the radio one day after the attack. Today, long after almost all those involved have passed on, the words of FDR have proven to be true. That moment shaped countries, economies, and the lives of millions of people. The events of that date didn’t just change life for those on the base, but for people all over the world. </span></p><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Much of our study of history is made up of these events, these dates and places that impact world history. They have names like “the shot heard around the world” or “Custer’s Last Stand,” or the simple “9/11”. Going back to World War II, events like V-Day or D-Day are still remembered and celebrated long after most of the participants have passed. For centuries students have had to memorize names, places, and dates of the most famous events in history. </span></p><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">There’s something about these types of events that draws me in. If we went back with a time machine we could actually see a day that the world changed. We could see Luther nailing his theses to the door, or be in the crowd as Constantine marched under the cross for the first time. The Bible is full of those events too. Moses and the Ten Commandments, Noah and the Ark, Eve and the fruit, Paul on the road to Damascus, and of course Jesus on the cross. The birth of Jesus was so important that it divides human history. Those events are important because history was headed one way before that, then something happened, and now history would be different. That seminal moment in time changed everything after it. The history of revival and missions is marked by those moments too. </span></p><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Carey told Fuller that “I will go down if you hold the rope,” Edwards preached “Sinners in the hands of an angry God,” and Billy Graham was saved at a meeting led by Mordecai Ham, before later preaching to thousands in NYC and Los Angeles. </span></p><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I love these moments because they serve as a lens that helps us understand the present world we live in. The world is shaped by these pivotal moments, often led by people who turn out to be influential leaders known the world over who leave their mark in history. </span></p><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">When I surrendered to ministry, I thought subconsciously I would end up in one of those moments someday. I’d be one of those leaders I read about and children would remember my name. One of my favorite passages in the Bible supported this belief, or at least I thought. In 1 Kings 18 Elijah prayed on top of Mt Carmel, and the nation of Israel turned back to God after fire fell heaven. I’ve preached on this passage more times than I can count, a few of those times in front of pulpit committees. It even got me a job or two! </span></p><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">That passage shaped me in more ways than I knew though. Almost every Sunday morning, Sunday night, prayer meeting, and youth camp I pray for one of those moments. I’ve often prayed that years later the church or individuals could look back on that date and know that was the day it all changed. </span></p><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Having come of ministry age along with the movements like Vineyard, Passion, and the ilk I was assured that my generation was going to create a movement, do something great for Christ, and be history makers. The worship was loud, the sermons passionate, and all signs pointed to seeing God do amazing things. </span></p><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">One of the songs of the band Delirious said this plainly: </span></p><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Well, it's true today that when people stand</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">With the fire of God, and the truth in hand</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">We'll see miracles, we'll see angels sing</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">We'll see broken hearts making history</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Yes, it's true and I believe it</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">We're living for you</span></p><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I'm gonna be a history maker in this land</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I'm gonna be a speaker of truth to all mankind</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I'm gonna stand, I'm gonna run</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Into your arms, into your arms again</span></p><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I spent so much of my time trying to make one of those moments. If I picked out the right songs, preached the right passage, had the perfect illustration, gave a moving invitation, then that would finally get God moving into one of those moments. It is true that when God’s people pray amazing things happen, both scripture and history testify to that fact. And there are more than a few who are willing to tell me just how to do it. I was told to get alone with God for a week, pray for a while, wait for a vision, cast it before the church, fast and pray, have the service go just right, read the right books, pray the right prayers, preach the right sermons. If I do all that then it’s guaranteed that revival will come, the heavens will part, and as an added bonus my name will go down in history as being the humble leader of it all. </span></p><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I finally began to realize that I wasn’t living in the moment so much as I was living for the moment. Everything centered around seeing God work in mighty ways. When the service was over and it was just another ordinary Sunday, part of me was disappointed. Yes I knew that God works in small things and all that stuff that we tell ourselves when no one responds at an invitation, but I still really wanted one of those moments that changed everything.</span></p><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I shouldn’t use the past tense, since to be honest I still want it now. I want revival to break out on Sunday and I want this to be the day that changes me and changes everything. I know it’s possible because I see those dates in history. My shelves are full of books that explore those moments and entire college courses are taught about those moments even. But still I’m waiting for a moment of my own. </span></p><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Living for the moment drives us to madness as the moments never live up to what we want them to be. And each event or moment then has to be bigger than the last or it becomes a let down. Living for the big moments of God makes us miss the quiet ways He is constantly working all around us. When we spend all of our time living for the moment, we are constantly measuring and comparing, wondering if this time will be better than the last time. We are too worried about what this moment is to enjoy what it is. We become disappointed in the moment we are in because it’s not the moment we imagined.</span></p><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">It’s undeniable that there are those moments in the Bible and in wider history. And even still today people promise that their next event, book, or program will be “life changing” or “momentum shifting,” just like how I want my sermons to be something that people remember forever. The truth is that most of my sermons won’t be that moment. A sermon might be God honoring, Christ exalting, passionate, and encouraging, and then forgotten after a few weeks. That Sunday might give a person enough to make it through the next day or week. But few people remember what I preached about months ago, and even then only a few heard it in the first place! It’s not something that will go down in infamy. </span></p><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">So I’ve resolved to quit living for the moment. It’s not that I don’t believe God can do something like that, I know he can. But I also know that the tender mercies God supplies every morning can change lives too. My life is marked by milestone events, just like everyone else’s. But in between those few large moments are millions of small ones, and the cumulative impact of those small moments often ends up greater than the singular impact of the large ones. Instead of pleading with God to be a part of a singular big moment, I’m believing that God is present in all the cumulative small moments, trusting His power to make an impact that shapes my path each day. </span></p><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">But even as I write that, and even as I desperately believe it to be true, I still hold out hope for one of those large moments. I still think that I can be a part of something that changes everyone forever. I hate that I become so focused on what God might do in the large and impactful moments that I miss what God is doing in the small and quiet places of my heart and mind, and become so focused on what God might do in the future that I lose sight of what God is doing already at this moment. </span></p><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">So this year I’m not praying for heaven to come down with fire and consume the offering. This year I’m not praying for revival. Instead of worrying about how God isn’t working in the big moments like I want, I’m praying for God to make me aware of how he is working in the small moments already. My prayer is that I stop living for the moment where God might be, and that I start living in the moments that God has promised to be and already is. </span></p><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" />Luke Holmeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04856356591526587908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5595326.post-76548458335644446932021-12-21T19:17:00.002-06:002021-12-21T19:17:19.665-06:00Farming in tainted soil<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj_psIj6yzQqPxXIYFH6OaPAg46SmJOeAequjItUxXSEoFrgiXLBjRFAVR6nSJqIHdbPh5HJK3dgLiK-oYMmlWe7YeUP1Ku2kM7ohQddebEFdMt7i3LkRehmkQBLXDkHOBB75uv9Pc5PsatBbARphl74Pm5zqxJszYqoIPzk8-C37R8AxekxeY=s6000" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj_psIj6yzQqPxXIYFH6OaPAg46SmJOeAequjItUxXSEoFrgiXLBjRFAVR6nSJqIHdbPh5HJK3dgLiK-oYMmlWe7YeUP1Ku2kM7ohQddebEFdMt7i3LkRehmkQBLXDkHOBB75uv9Pc5PsatBbARphl74Pm5zqxJszYqoIPzk8-C37R8AxekxeY=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Recently the EPA announced a plan to find and counteract what they called PFAS, or “forever chemicals. “ These are often by products of industrial processes, and so far scientists have found them everywhere they have looked. These synthetic chemicals “</span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2021/oct/24/pfas-forever-chemicals-epa-pollution" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-decoration-skip: none; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">glide through air and water with ease, evade all natural processes of decay, and inflict debilitating injuries even at exceedingly low levels of exposure. “</span></a><p></p><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">These chemicals can be traced back to big companies and even governments, but for decades most of them turned a blind eye to the problem. Finally the EPA has a plan to address the problem, but at this stage it feels impossible to overcome. Almost everything in our world is tainted with these chemicals, and we won’t know the final results for a long time. These spills can happen or by accident, like a an oil spill or nuclear accident. Everything that is touched by those chemicals is changed forever. </span></p><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">There are few things that have the power to change everything they touch. But the truth is that you and I just lived through several of those things at once. The worldwide pandemic</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />almost every person on the face of the planet. And the fall out of the 2020 election seems to have touched every church in America. Whatever you think about both of those events, our worlds will never be the same after them. <p></p><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Like an industrial spill that seeps chemicals into the water and the air, the effects of the global pandemic could be felt in almost every home across the world. People lost loved ones, friendships, jobs, careers, financial security, and so much more. Since the rollout of the vaccine it seems like the stress and anxiety has only gotten worse. In the same way the fallout of the 2020 election, as well as the events before and after it, have affected almost every church and family in America. </span></p><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Simply put, the soil in the families and communities that we live in, work, and seek to share the gospel in has been tainted by the events of the last few years. Just like scientists find those “forever chemicals” everywhere they look, there is not a place in our lives that has not been touched by the events of the last few years. In fact the world is a completely different place than it was just a few years ago.</span></p><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">So how do we adjust to living in this new and different world? The first thing we must do is acknowledge that it’s there. There is no use in pretending like we can go back to the way things were. Of course we know things are different, but it’s foolish to not face the reality. The soil has been tainted, and it’s impossible to get it all out. As much as I’d like to return to a time when things were a bit easier, they aren’t coming back. And the sooner we admit that we are planting in tainted soil the better off we will be. </span></p><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The second thing we must do is adjust to this new reality. Just because you have acknowledged the world has changed doesn’t mean you have adjusted to it. Many people refuse to acknowledge that the world has changed and try to live in the past, and that error is often easy to spot. But just because we admit that things are different now doesn’t mean that we have adjusted the way we lead, teach, pray, and share the gospel. At some point every church leader, no matter how forward thinking, will be tempted to just return to methods that worked in the past. Learning to adjust to this new reality is the first step we have to take acknowledging that it’s there. Make sure that you are doing both. </span></p><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The third thing we must do is trust the power of Christ to do what we can’t. I’ll be the first to admit that it’s hard to minister in this current world. But even the ingrained stains of the the sin of this world are no match for the power of the gospel to make all things new. Even when dealing with tainted soil, we should rest in the fact that greater is He who is in us than whatever is in this world. Our ways and methods will often come up short, but the gospel always hits it’s mark. </span></p><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">When dealing with tainted soil, it’s tempting to think that we don’t have what it takes anymore and want to walk away, but that feeling is only half right. We don’t have what it takes, but instead of giving up we should learn to let Christ do the work we can’t. </span></p><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Dear church leader, Christ has overcome greater difficulties than what you face today. Even as the world seems to be completely changed, and farming in tainted soil feels foolish, we must learn to trust in God to what we can’t. The cure for our tainted soil is not found in working harder or in better methods. The cure for this present age is found only in Christ and the gospel. The seed of the gospel has the power to always sprout, no matter where it finds itself. </span></p><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" />Luke Holmeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04856356591526587908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5595326.post-91952600973640387962021-08-24T09:14:00.004-05:002021-08-24T09:14:28.687-05:00Waiting for things to get back to normal<p class="p1" style="font-family: Arial; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YRjzj8J3g7g/YST-qfQYSVI/AAAAAAAA_QI/jBhRUHwWvL4iGg_BtODGkhn7UlloAYK2ACLcBGAsYHQ/Wait.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" height="240" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YRjzj8J3g7g/YST-qfQYSVI/AAAAAAAA_QI/jBhRUHwWvL4iGg_BtODGkhn7UlloAYK2ACLcBGAsYHQ/Wait.jpeg" width="160" /></a></div>“Maybe you just have a good baby.”<p></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: Arial; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><br /></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: Arial; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Those were the words the doctor said to us as we took our first child back for her month checkup. I asked him what was wrong with her, because I anticipated having a baby in the house to be harder than it was.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>All we had heard about was babies with colic, or sleep problems, or having trouble feeding.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Our first born slept through the night the first night at hospital, didn’t cry that much, and was a delight to be around. It was still a lot of work of course. But honestly I anticipated it being harder than this.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>So he told me that perhaps we just had a good baby.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: Arial; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><br /><br /></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: Arial; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">I remember leaving the hospital thinking “I must just be really good at this.” I assumed I was simply crushing this first time father thing, and that’s why the baby was so good. Then after our second child was born I found out that wasn’t the truth. This time I anticipated things differently than the first time around.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>I thought they would be like they were before, but this child cried, talked, wouldn’t sleep, and was generally as noisy as she could be. For the record, she still is over a decade later. I anticipated that things would go just like they did the first time around. But this time, and the third child after that, was completely different. That’s when I began to learn that just because we anticipate something doesn’t mean that our future will match our reality.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: Arial; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><br /></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: Arial; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">I was pleasantly surprised the first time that my expectation didn’t match the reality that came to be. Then when I thought I knew just what to expect, something completely different happened. Over the past year everyone has lived in the constant tension between anticipation and reality. Everytime we think we know what to expect, it all changes again. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: Arial; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><br /></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: Arial; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">I don’t know how many times I’ve heard it. “I can’t wait for things to get back to normal.” In the crazy world that we live in the idea of a return to normal is a rest for our weary souls.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Of course it’s hard to know when normal will return, or even if it ever will.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>But for now most of the world lives in some sort of anticipation of things going back to the way they were. We think that our future will in some way match our past.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>But the truth is the future will probably look like nothing we’ve ever seen before.</p><p class="p2" style="font-family: Arial; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><br /></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: Arial; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Christians should know how to live with anticipation, but often we are some of the worst at it. For people who claim to live for another day, another time, and another world, we spend most of our lives figuring out how to be comfortable where we are now.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Of course there is nothing wrong with living in the moment, but much of the Christian life is centered around that idea of anticipation. God promised a son to Eve that would crush the head of the serpent. Then with her first son she thought her wait was over, naming him Cain and saying “I have gotten a manchild with the help of the Lord.”<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: Arial; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><br /></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: Arial; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>The wait was not over for Eve of course, but only just beginning for all of mankind.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>The season of advent celebrates the waiting for the coming of the Messiah the first time, and the three days between Good Friday and Easter Sunday can help us learn to trust the promises of God. Then after His resurrection Christ promised his disciples “you will be my witnesses,” meaning in part they had to wait for that moment Christ promised. The book of Revelation also gives us an anticipation of the promises of Christ, but the words of John sum up the feelings of many Christians about waiting: “Even so, come quickly Lord Jesus.”<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>We trust, believe, and live for the coming of Christ. But we wish Jesus would hurry up about it. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: Arial; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><br /></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: Arial; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">It’s natural that we desire for things to return to normal after a global pandemic, but sometimes that longing is only a means to an end.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>We anticipate a return to a time when we knew what would happen, when we felt in control, and when we had the answers.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Every leader I know is tired of saying “I don’t know” and would just like to be able to feel sure and confident of something. In this way our anticipation is more about ourselves and our own feelings and less about the current state of the world. Of course we want suffering to end and all that. But most often what we really mean is that we want our suffering to end. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: Arial; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><br /></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: Arial; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">In the same way we often anticipate the return of Christ as a means to an end. Of course we want to live eternally in heaven, but we would really like to be rid of the difficulties and problems of this world. Our anticipation for the return of Christ is more about the ending of our problems than it is the presence of Christ. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: Arial; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><br /></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: Arial; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">On some level this is understandable. We only see through a glass rather dimly right now, so it’s hard for us to imagine what living in the presence of Christ will really look like. But we can easily envision a world where we don’t have to struggle with cancer, war, pandemics, conflict, bills, heartache, and all the other problems of this world. When we say we long for the return of Christ, we need to make sure our hearts are set on seeing Christ and not just on ending suffering.</p><p class="p2" style="font-family: Arial; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><br /></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: Arial; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">It’s hard to separate out those things of course. The return of Christ is the end of suffering, and the Christian knows the only way to end suffering is for Christ to return. It can be a fine line in our hearts and minds, but we need to always be turning our hearts back to the person of Christ and not just the blessings of Christ. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: Arial; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><br /></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: Arial; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">As we live in a world right now that anticipates the end of Covid and a return to normal, Christians should be the ones who demonstrate how to live with anticipation of the future while at the same time being grounded in the present. Throughout the centuries the church has done just this, as they established orphanages, hospitals, cared for the unwanted, and made the world a better place. But all of that work in the present was born out of their hope for the future.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>This is the way of the Christian life, from Adam and Eve to Mary and the Apostles to us today.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>We work so hard to make the world better today because we believe that Christ will make it all new tomorrow.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Our attempts to “improve” this world is not about making our lives better but our way of joining in the work that He will fully and finally complete someday.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: Arial; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><br /></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: Arial; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">In this way our anticipation of the future should shape the way we live in the present. What we want to see tomorrow dictates the decisions we make today.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>This makes sense for most any future we want to see. My anticipation of a future where I’m skinny means that I watch what I eat in the present. The future should shape the present, but too often it’s the other way around. The decisions we make in the moment end up shaping our future. I eat what I want because I’m hungry now and I never get to that skinny future self. Instead of working to shape the future we only hope for something better tomorrow and often end up settling for making the most out of today.</p><p class="p2" style="font-family: Arial; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><br /></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: Arial; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">The Christian is not living in anticipation of merely a hoped-for future though. We have more than hope, we have faith that God will do what He promised too. Faith is more than anticipation of the future. Anticipation is waiting for an expected future, based on facts from the past and applying that to the future. Faith is being certain of the future even when you can't see how it’s possible.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>We can be certain that Christ will return, that His kingdom will come and His will will be done on earth. The certainty of the future means that it shapes our present. We make choices and live the way we do because we are sure of His return. Since I am sure of Christ’s return to take all believers home with Him and condemn others to eternity without Him, it shapes the conversations I have, the way I spend my money, and the way I raise my children.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: Arial; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><br /></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: Arial; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">The more confidence we have in the promises of God for the future the more we will be willing to trust God in the difficulties of the present.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Since we are sure that to be absent in the body is to be present with the Lord, we can face whatever hardships come our way today.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>The old hymn says that “because He lives, I can face tomorrow, because He lives, all fear is gone, because I know He holds the future.”<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>This doesn’t mean we don’t do everything we can to make today as good as it can be. It means that we know even if today isn’t good, tomorrow will be, because He holds the future.</p><p class="p2" style="font-family: Arial; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><br /></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: Arial; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">As we live in a world who can’t wait for the return to the way things used to be, Christians should be models of how to live with an uncertain future.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Our hope is not in the next election, the next test result, or the rise of the stock market. Our hope is in Christ and nothing less. The world anticipates returning to times we felt in control, but the Christian is certain that God is in control already.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Because we are certain about our future in Christ we can live with confidence in the present.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: Arial; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><br /></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: Arial; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">It’s impossible to know if things will ever be “normal” again.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Right now even small decisions are hard to make because of masks, contract tracing, shut downs, and so much more. I anticipate a day when we can make a plan to do something and then go and do it. We are all living in a time of anticipation of an expected future.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: Arial; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><br /></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: Arial; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">But no matter how bright you think the future looks, you still have to live in the darkness of today. Thankfully as Christians we have the Word of God that is a light unto our feet and a light for our paths.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>It’s natural to anticipate where the next step might take us, and we even try to get a glimpse ahead of what the whole path looks like. We have to learn to live with the fact that while we can't see the full path of our future, we can be certain of it’s ending.</p><p class="p2" style="font-family: Arial; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><br /></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: Arial; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>The past year has taught us that while we can’t always anticipate where our next step might take us, we can be certain of where the end of the road is.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>For the Christian, the road always ends up at the throne of Jesus, no matter what it looks like along the way.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p>Luke Holmeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04856356591526587908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5595326.post-35186810519185890202021-08-19T17:06:00.001-05:002021-08-19T17:06:08.758-05:00Why do we need rest? <div class="kvgmc6g5 cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, system-ui, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">The last two weeks have been crazy at our house. And the next two weeks look like they will be too. But today is Sunday. The day that we stop and rest as God has commanded us. Why do we have to rest? So much of God’s creation continues in motion without a rest. The sun rises every day and never gets a break. The flowing river never stops to catch it’s breath.The waves beat on the shore without ceasing. God did not command the flowers to sleep, or the animals to lay down and rest. But he did for man. </div></div><div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, system-ui, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">Why is that? The rest that God prescribes us is not just a physical rest, but a spiritual and emotional rest. You might be able to physically keep going today, to accomplish whatever you need to do. But God has designed us in such a way that we need rest. Not just rest for our bodies, but rest for our hearts and minds. We were refresh our bodies by ceasing from work. And we refresh our minds and hearts by worshiping God. This is the way God has made us. </div></div><div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, system-ui, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">And we are to do this worship with the church body together. Church on Sunday is not just another thing to do, it is God’s gift to us and to be a place where we rest in Him. Just as you might feel renewed after an evening with good friends, so your heart and mind will be refreshed to face the battles of the week ahead after worshiping with the body of Christ. You cannot stay at home and say that you are honoring the Sabbath. God has commanded us to be together. He has commanded us to worship together, so that I might encourage you, and you might encourage me. When we neglect the assembling of the saints, we miss the chance to honor God, and to gather strength for what lies ahead. </div></div><div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, system-ui, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">What good does it do you if you stay home and rest but your heart is weak? What good is a man or woman who had a strong body but a heart that is far from God?</div></div><div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, system-ui, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">We all like to talk about how busy we are, but rest is a choice. God commanded us to rest, and when we don't it is direct disobedience. Not only that, we are fools to ignore the one who created us. </div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">Where ever this post finds you today, take some time to rest and be renewed. If you start to feel guilty or start thinking about all you have to do, just remember that you are following your Maker's orders. </div></div>Luke Holmeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04856356591526587908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5595326.post-56925549216889182512021-05-11T16:35:00.003-05:002023-02-21T15:02:44.044-06:00Reflection over 1,000 sermons, or 10 years at FBC Tishomingo<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVlqPHyHF65khSMXxLUj2ETfaXVOMfcV5pVJxnQ6Zl_-OvaFUN_Zv7XRxQRJIzISjEiOZIRpk-6Yt5OCx3esaTVH95oYmveWDPCQsHwJXFfmnEM5TYpzjyNdulwCo6J2uoD50_rOiqDZQz0IYV7enPnN0A3VkWdcFxP41WbUBXCupxnS2SIdc/s5472/_MG_5633.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3648" data-original-width="5472" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVlqPHyHF65khSMXxLUj2ETfaXVOMfcV5pVJxnQ6Zl_-OvaFUN_Zv7XRxQRJIzISjEiOZIRpk-6Yt5OCx3esaTVH95oYmveWDPCQsHwJXFfmnEM5TYpzjyNdulwCo6J2uoD50_rOiqDZQz0IYV7enPnN0A3VkWdcFxP41WbUBXCupxnS2SIdc/s320/_MG_5633.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />It was sometime in the spring of 2011 that I received a phone call from the search committee at FBC Tishomingo, wondering if I would be able to come down and speak with them. I replied that I would be glad to, right as soon as I figured out where Tishomingo was. Even after spending most of my life in Oklahoma, I don't think I had ever been here before. I found that Tishomingo was not on the way to anywhere, and that you had to be going here to get here. I guess that's why once I came I just decided to stay. I came in view of call and my first official Sunday was Easter, April 24, 2011. <p></p><p>God has been good to me and my family and blessed our time here immensely. I didn't know how hard it would be to stay here this long, and I didn't know how much of a blessing it would be either. It's only by God's grace that I have been able to stay here and continue to minister. As I reflected over the last 10 years I also put together a few statistics about my time here. Although most of the stats revolve around Sunday morning, there are so many other things that I get to do as pastor. </p><p>For most of my 10 years I preached Sunday morning, Sunday night, and Wednesday night. When we take weather, summer breaks, and vacations into consideration I'm positive I've preached over 1k sermons at FBC Tishomingo.</p><p>In those 1,000+ sermons we have covered completely the books of: </p><p></p><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>Genesis</li><li>Nehemiah</li><li>Ruth</li><li>Esther</li><li>Jonah</li><li>Habakkuk</li><li>Matthew</li><li>Acts</li><li>Ephesians </li><li>Philippians</li><li>James</li><li>1 Peter</li><li>1 John</li></ol><div>And covered in part the books most of the other books including:</div><div><br /></div><div><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>Exodus</li><li>Deuteronomy</li><li>Joshua</li><li>1 and 2 Kings</li><li>Job</li><li>Psalms</li><li>Song of Songs</li><li>Daniel</li><li>Lamentations</li><li>Proverbs</li><li>Malachi</li><li>Romans</li><li>Mark</li><li>Luke</li><li>John</li><li>Revelation</li><li>1 Corinthians</li><li>1 Timothy </li></ol><div>I have spent about 3 full months of those 10 years at camps, almost 90 days. I have spent over 10 weeks in VBS, been to countless Noonday meals at the BCM, and been a part of too many fellowships to count. I wish I had kept track of the funerals and hospital visits more closely, but by my count it's over 4 dozen funerals and a dozen or so weddings. There have been almost four dozen baptisms, and too many birthdays, school plays, football games, FCA, and so many other events. We have given almost $20k to the Lottie Moon Missions offering, over $50k to the SBC Cooperative Program, and supported the Food Bank, the BCM, the Ministerial Alliance, and many other local ministries. We have fed the teachers, fed the football team, fed many sports teams at Murray State, fed students from over 2 dozen different countries, and so much more. We like to feed people it seems! </div></div><div><br /></div><div>My family has grown and shrank in that time. At least three of those funerals were for my own grandparents. When I came I had two daughters and now I have three. The Lord gives and takes away. I've shed tears with members in hospitals, celebrated at new births, buried spouses married 70 years and renewed vows for another couple on their 50th. I have shared meals, visited at houses, hospitals, ball fields, and grave yard. I have counseled, encouraged, rebuked, and exhorted. Sometimes all in the same visit! I started and finished a masters degree, led the Ministerial Alliance and local Association, and led the church on mission trips near and far. </div><div><br /></div><div> If there is a season for everything under the sun, then over these 10 years I feel like I have seen all the seasons. I have even lived and pastored through one pandemic. That number is not the largest but it feels like the biggest of them all! </div><div><br /></div><div>Too much reflection can be dangerous for the soul, but in the right amounts like this it reminds me over and over of how good God has been to me. Praise God for his mercies that are new every morning. <br /><br /></div><div>I can't wait to see what God has in store next. Tishomingo is home to my family. Hannah started pre-k when we came and now she's a varsity cheerleader. Elizabeth was barely on year old and starts 6th grade next fall. Miah makes our life and church full of joy and laughter. </div><div><br /></div><div>Through all of these things, one thing has remained the same. I have had one wife, one partner, one person to cry with, laugh with, and get mad with. Sara has been at my side through all of these things, and I couldn't have done it without her. </div><div><br /></div><div>Praise God for his wonderful gifts. Praise God for allowing me to be pastor here and for this flock he has given me care of. I know I have failed in so many ways, but by God's grace we can look to the future together. I can't wait. </div><p></p>Luke Holmeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04856356591526587908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5595326.post-30048101950899508562021-05-11T14:28:00.002-05:002021-05-11T14:28:49.587-05:00Only the impeded river sings<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 15pt; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8Q7AcokNaD8/YJra13OZWmI/AAAAAAAA_Fc/rKdQCEiYThA1_EWaZaLZZECAP3jscJCrwCLcBGAsYHQ/pexels-avery-nielsenwebb-2406395.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1638" height="400" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8Q7AcokNaD8/YJra13OZWmI/AAAAAAAA_Fc/rKdQCEiYThA1_EWaZaLZZECAP3jscJCrwCLcBGAsYHQ/w320-h400/pexels-avery-nielsenwebb-2406395.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /> <span style="color: #535f66; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">“Just listen.” That was some of the wise advice I got from an older pastor about talking to someone who was suffering. No matter if it is sickness, tragedy, trials, or worse, no one really feels like listening when they are facing tough times. That’s what makes the words from Peter stand out at the end of 1 Peter 4 as he begins to close his letter. He tells his readers, and by extension us, to “not be surprised” when suffering comes.</span></div><div style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 15pt; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #535f66; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #535f66; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">We spend most of our lives trying to avoid suffering, even though the pages of the Bible clearly teach that suffering will come to all of us. As a pastor, I can’t imagine sitting with someone in the hospital and telling them as they face a tragedy “well don’t be surprised.” It feels callous at best, but the words of Peter stand as a stark reminder to us that no one will escape suffering. Right now as you read this you are probably facing difficulties of some kind. Thankfully the Bible also teaches that the suffering we face on earth produces good in our lives too. Peter goes right on to tell us that this suffering that we endure is for our testing, for the purpose of sharing in the sufferings of Christ and keeping our hearts close to God. </span></div><div style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 15pt; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #535f66; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #535f66; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Peter’s words come as a shock to us, but deep down we know he is right. Thankfully we can also know that even though we all face suffering in our lives, it is often this very suffering that allows our lives to be a witness to others. The obstructions and difficulties in our lives are the very things that allow us to point others toward God. </span></div><div style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 15pt; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #535f66; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #535f66; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">If you travel out to any flowing body of water, you can hear that distinct sound. People pay good money for sound machines to hear that sound, and you can listen to it for hours on YouTube. The roar of the water seems so calming and soothing to us, much like standing and listening to waves on the beach. The sound of a river is different though, because as it bends and moves across the countryside, the river encounters boulders, streams, bridges, trees, and more that obstruct it’s flow. At the point of the biggest obstruction the river makes the biggest sound. But if you get to a quiet spot, the river is flowing but you can’t hear it as well.</span></div><div style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 15pt; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #535f66; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #535f66; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The obstacles in the water are what makes that sound that we all find so attractive. When the moving water rushes past the rocks and over the falls, it’s only then that the river starts to warble. It might be a trickling brook working it’s way over a few small stones, or it might be a big river pulsing over giant boulders. The sound might be big or small depending on the flow of the water and the size of the obstacle. But the obstacles in the water are what makes that sound that we love to sit and listen to. </span></div><div style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 15pt; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #535f66; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #535f66; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Wendell Berry said it more simply when he said “only the impeded stream sings.” <br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #535f66; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">In the same way when our hearts push up against the troubles of this world, they start to sing. They make noise, they grab attention. The small boulders might not be much of a hassle as we flow right over them. But at other times our lives just seem to beat up against the biggest rocks in the world. At times they seem so great that it doesn’t seem like we can get around them at all. The larger the boulder the greater disruption on the flow of the river. When our hearts beat up against those rocks and boulders is the moment that our rivers seem to sing the loudest. And at that moment, when suffering comes, is right when we can glorify God the most. The obstacle in the water is what makes the river sing. In the same way the very act of suffering in our lives is what makes our lives sing the glory of God. We could remove all the stones from the river, but we would remove much of what gives it beauty. If we removed all the suffering from our lives we would rightly give God the glory, but we would also find that our hearts wouldn’t regularly turn to God like they do in suffering. By removing the obstacles in the river you would remove what makes it sing. And by removing suffering in your life you would remove much of your witness to God. </span></div><div style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 15pt; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #535f66; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #535f66; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Everyone's life is going to send a message as they suffer. As you watch someone endure tragedy and heartache, don’t be surprised when you hear their life start to sing. Make sure that the song your life sings as you suffer is one of glory to God and not focus on self. You will find that people will want to be near you, even as you suffer, as the obstacles in your life push them towards God. Don’t be surprised, like Peter said. As the waters of your life flow around the obstacles, make sure that you always point to Christ. </span><span id="docs-internal-guid-4b58c204-7fff-7968-021b-20413174093f"><br /></span></div><span id="docs-internal-guid-4b58c204-7fff-7968-021b-20413174093f"><br /></span>Luke Holmeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04856356591526587908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5595326.post-84533105452491127132021-05-11T12:47:00.003-05:002021-05-11T12:47:28.137-05:00Holy Mornings<p><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, system-ui, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vlPBmAoICQs/YJrDJOrcAkI/AAAAAAAA_FU/iaqEHEDAFuYLCpe5VSJo-LwvjVshCkrAgCLcBGAsYHQ/178187862_10158606206705353_2177433736629525650_n.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vlPBmAoICQs/YJrDJOrcAkI/AAAAAAAA_FU/iaqEHEDAFuYLCpe5VSJo-LwvjVshCkrAgCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/178187862_10158606206705353_2177433736629525650_n.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br />Sunday morning is one of the most sacred moments of the week for me. Not just when we gather to worship. Although I love that of course. But I’ve also come to love so much the quiet moments when Sunday first starts. I walk through an empty church, turn the lights on, adjust the thermostat. I look at the pews and anticipate who will be here. I look at the empty spots of the people who have already passed on and are worshipping in glory today. The click of the lock, silent footsteps in the sanctuary, the hum of the lights as they warm up. Looking at the old pictures we put up of people who worship here decades ago. All of that has become so special to me. Each Sunday I wait in eager anticipation to see what God is going to do that week. I pray for people I hope to see here this morning. I pray that God would bring salvation, that God would restore marriages, bring wayward children back home, that God would bring life where it seems there is none. The past year has really taught me not to take anything for granted. This Sunday morning ritual feels like one of the holiest moments of my week for me. God’s great mercy he allows me to serve as an under-shepherd to this flock. Each week this reminds me that I am not the savior of this place. But all I can do is point people to the one who is. And I can’t wait to do that each week.<p></p>Luke Holmeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04856356591526587908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5595326.post-41366488104723984532021-05-11T12:44:00.000-05:002021-05-11T12:44:03.023-05:00How Long Will Your Steps Last?<p> </p><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-N3ckkrmPiLE/YJrCSGleW6I/AAAAAAAA_FM/9_SDj-_5rWcLyhoOnNQH8BEBKkisCvMMwCLcBGAsYHQ/179397703_10158608090780353_4340107076090222705_n.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="516" height="400" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-N3ckkrmPiLE/YJrCSGleW6I/AAAAAAAA_FM/9_SDj-_5rWcLyhoOnNQH8BEBKkisCvMMwCLcBGAsYHQ/w287-h400/179397703_10158608090780353_4340107076090222705_n.jpeg" width="287" /></a></div><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Yesterday morning in the early hours at church I walked through some grass and left my foot prints in the dew. For a while someone could tell I had been there, but before long the sun came up and erased all evidence of me being there. As my footprints faded I realized that for most of us the legacies will leave behind us fade quickly like the dew. In a few generations most of the memories of us will fade except in a few family members. Like dew evaporates so does our memory of other people. But there is one way to make sure something we does lasts. By spending our lives on eternal things, Godly things, then we can be sure our work won’t fade. It’s an old saying but full of truth. </span><p></p><div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, system-ui, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">“Only one life, will soon be past. Only what’s done for Christ will last.”</div></div>Luke Holmeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04856356591526587908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5595326.post-68922392330453288902021-05-11T12:42:00.007-05:002021-05-11T12:44:39.548-05:00The Gifts of God<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-pZ1e-nKE4eA/YJrB6Pie-RI/AAAAAAAA_FE/wYn0ZT5HneoxDe_Pgk2TXL0u_Aj1m17pQCLcBGAsYHQ/181406909_10158619384580353_6919557754414300350_n.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="701" data-original-width="526" height="240" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-pZ1e-nKE4eA/YJrB6Pie-RI/AAAAAAAA_FE/wYn0ZT5HneoxDe_Pgk2TXL0u_Aj1m17pQCLcBGAsYHQ/181406909_10158619384580353_6919557754414300350_n.jpeg" width="180" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Almost every Sunday morning I start the day by driving through our local refuge. There’s some thing about the stillness and beauty of God’s nature that helps get my heart and mind in the right place to be with God’s people. Today several of the roads around the refuge were closed because of flooding from heavy rain the last week. </span></span></div><p></p><div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">The rains always remind me that we cannot predict God‘s goodness to us. We might have a pretty good idea, especially now with our advanced technology, of when the rain will come. But there’s still so much uncertainty about exactly where and how much rain will fall. In the same way we might generally think that if we live in active certain way that God will be good to us. But there are times in our life that God‘s rain falls on us, in times in ways we never saw coming. His goodness and mercy comes to us, even when we don’t deserve it. The Bible promises that the rain falls on the just and the unjust. God continually gives us gifts that we do not deserve, graces that we have not earned, blessings that should not belong to us. God’s rain is just one of those mercies. Gods rain is part of his plan for sustaining and upholding the world as it is.</span></div></div><div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Today (April 24th) at church marks 10 years for me as pastor of First Baptist Tishomingo. Or at least at marks the day we are celebrating with a lunch and fellowship. It is the Baptist way. I didn’t know it when I started, but it has been one of God‘s mercies to me and my family to be able to pastor here. I could not have predicted how God‘s mercy would come to us in so many multitudes of ways over the past decade. I certainly have not earned this blessing, and do not deserve it. But the promise of God‘s mercy, the newness of life the rain brings, the testimony of God‘s goodness as seen through nature reminds me that God is always in control. Thank goodness for that. I can’t say with certainty that 10 years ago I would’ve asked for things to turn out this way.</span></div></div><div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">But just as He does, just in His right time, God gives us what we need. He always does, and He always will.</span></div></div>Luke Holmeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04856356591526587908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5595326.post-3461864787746353192021-04-28T15:27:00.006-05:002021-04-28T15:27:58.868-05:00 A Review of The Multi-Directional Leader, by Trevin Wax<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8aGvuEeZAqE/YInEsl7HzdI/AAAAAAAA_Do/qGhAEW_JM3cDW5fJMiHhtBxLA9twh2hPQCLcBGAsYHQ/s940/9d45cb8a08d3bea14c3b1e671cdd73c0.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="940" data-original-width="631" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8aGvuEeZAqE/YInEsl7HzdI/AAAAAAAA_Do/qGhAEW_JM3cDW5fJMiHhtBxLA9twh2hPQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/9d45cb8a08d3bea14c3b1e671cdd73c0.jpeg" /></a></div>Every pastor probably knows the feeling of facing attacks from all sides. In our current political and religious climate it seems like extremes are more popular than ever. In his new book "<a href="https://www.10ofthose.com/us/products/9417/the-multi-directional-leader" target="_blank">The Multi-Directional Leader"</a> Trevin Wax demonstrates that this is precisely why the church needs leaders who are willing and able to lead on multiple fronts at the same time. Wax argues that pastors and church leaders shouldn't only guard from the right or the left side of the spectrum, but be on the constant lookout for any belief that takes us away from the Gospel. These threats can come from within the church just as well as outside the church, so we need leadership that consistently stands for the truth, no matter which side it offends.<p></p><p>Simply put, Wax defines multi-directional leadership as "the ability to recognize and oppose threats from multiple directions." Each of those words in that definition are key to his understanding of the task before church leaders and Christians. This is not ability that comes naturally to us, but is rather a way of viewing the world that is honed through careful study of God's word and attention to how the world tries to pull us away from it. </p><p>The opposite of multi-directional leader is what Wax calls a "one-directional pastor" who "diagnoses a narrow set of spiritual sicknesses, mixes a narrow set of prescriptions, and stays alert to a narrow set of potential dangers." But the the truth that is "different problems require different remedies." As an example he describes a church that focuses on the Christians responsibility to be salt and light in the world, but puts little emphasis on calling people to faith in Jesus. Wax contrasts that with a church that regularly urges their people to pursue personal holiness, but pay little to zero attention to the Christians social responsibility to the poor or oppressed. </p><p>Wax helpfully reminds us in chapter two that most of us are naturally drawn to one end of the political or social spectrum or another. But we must learn to pay careful attention to anything that takes us away from the gospel and towards relying on ourselves. "Leaders on the right are more attuned to the problems of progressivism and liberalism, while leaders on the left are more alert to the dangers of fundamentalism and isolationism." Learning to guard our hearts against our natural impulses is of the main duties of a multi-directional leader. Chapter three also demonstrates how to develop this ability, which to me implies it is not a skill that comes naturally. By learning to rely on scripture, be aware of our tendencies, and embracing scripture that challenges our assumptions we can hone the skills of a multi-directional leader.<br /><br /></p><p>Throughout the book Wax gives several examples of those who employ this type of leadership. One such example is John Stott, who both stood up liberalism in the Church of England but also warned them against falling back into fundamentalism and neglecting social ministry. In perhaps the most helpful chapters, Wax gives a demonstration of these principles in practice. Wax is not afraid to tackle hard topics as he explores how the multi-directional leader could address race, social justice, gender roles, and Biblical authority. He demonstrates a careful and nuanced approach as shows that both sides of those debates have beliefs that need to be challenged by scripture, even (especially?) those who call themselves Bible believing Christians. </p><p>He also explores some of the obstacles to multi-directional leadership. I think the main obstacle could be summed up by simply saying "it's hard and not easy." It takes discernment to lead on multiple fronts, and it would be much easier to pick a side and just blast those opposite you. Nuance is a difficult work, and can cause you to lose credibility amongst your own tribe. Still, Wax shows that being multi-directional is a biblical work and especially needed in todays world. </p><p>As a single staff pastor in a small rural community, I'll admit to being skeptical about another leadership book. It feels to me like I am already pulled in enough directions, so the need to "multi-directional" feels like another added burden. The good news is that Wax does not write with a heavy hand but a pastoral heart, demonstrating that being this kind of leader is simply part of being a biblically faithful Christian. Becoming a multi-directional leader is less of a thing to do more than a person to be. </p><p> I noticed several phrases that pop up regularly that could be seen as the tell-tale signs of someone who is thinking like a multi-directional leader. Terms like "on the other hand", "but", and even simply "first of all" implies that a leader like this needs to be to look at something from all sides. </p><p>In many ways as a local church pastor, this feels like a relief. No longer do I have worry if I am toeing the right line on the provocative issue of the day. I know that I will always step too far for some in my church, and not far enough for others. As a multi-directional leader I have the freedom to walk between the two extremes and stand for the truth of the Bible as God has stated it. More than that, I have a responsibility to my flock to make sure that they have the tools to defend themselves from all attacks. A multi-directional leader no longer sees the people with different views as the enemy. As Wax states, truth can come from one directional leaders, because we now understand the truth is not only found on one side or the other. As we find the truth that lines up with God's Word we can apply it to our lives and be the leaders that God has called us to be.</p><p>Wax's focus was on responding to challenges in the church, but I think there is an applicable lesson for other types of leadership challenges as well. A pastor who leads a church in evangelism but not discipleship is not taking the multi-directional approach as mandated to us in the Great Commission. The same principle applies when leading a church to grow in spiritual disciplines, evangelism, or addressing needs in the community. Multi-directional leadership is not about picking sides but about staying close to God's word and making sure you stay close as the church grows and carries on God's work. </p><p>I would recommend "The Multi-Directional Leader" to any Christian who is a leader in any position. It has a particular relevance for pastors, but it's core message is applicable to leaders from all walks of life. Anyone who desires to be faithful and biblical would benefit from this book. </p>Luke Holmeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04856356591526587908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5595326.post-45999862829534333942021-04-20T14:51:00.000-05:002021-04-20T14:51:06.318-05:00Historical Theology for the Church, Edited by Duesing and Finn<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8ZmBRyKPrsg/YH8wRIpCfaI/AAAAAAAA_Cw/dxfsmWOsAIs3yllTTdEphOblBWh5ev4-wCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/649154.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="265" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8ZmBRyKPrsg/YH8wRIpCfaI/AAAAAAAA_Cw/dxfsmWOsAIs3yllTTdEphOblBWh5ev4-wCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/649154.jpeg" /></a></div><br />Historical Theology is not a new field of study by any stretch. Almost ever since the beginning of the church pastors and leaders have been learning from those who came before them. In their new book to an old field, editors Jason Duesing and Nathan Finn make a substantial contribution to those who want to learn from the faithful before us. "<a href="https://www.bhacademic.com/products/historical-theology-for-the-church" target="_blank">Historical Theology for the Church</a>" published by B&H Academic is a needed and helpful resource for church leaders of all types.<div><br /></div><div>In each chapter a different author follows an area of study in theology, as it relates to that time and location. The book is broken up into four units, detailing different areas of theology in the Patristic Era, Medieval Era, Reformation Era, and the Modern Era. Within those era's the chapters focus on different areas like the Trinity, the Church, Salvation, and Scripture. </div><div><br /></div><div>As a local church pastor, I found this book helpful as it traced the developments of different schools of thought in the church. Many church members assume that what their church believes has been handed down to them from the disciples. But this book shows that what the practices and even beliefs of the church are shaped by culture, government, tradition, and so much more. Understanding how views evolved in response to larger cultural events like Romanticism or the Great Awakening can help us make sure that our beliefs are grounded in Scripture and not just in tradition. </div><div><br /></div><div>While there are many books that cover the views from the past, I am perhaps most appreciative for the way that they sought to cover the development of theology even into the modern era. In the chapter on the Church in the Modern Era, Jeremy Kimble addresses movement that affect the church today like The Gospel Coalition, Together for the Gospel, and 9 Marks Ministries. The study on these current issues is a good reminder that the way the church addresses challenges today will affect the shape of the church tomorrow. </div><div><br /></div><div>Nathan Finn makes this point clear in the conclusion where he writes "Today's theology is tomorrow's historical theology." It's important that we understand how the church overcame the challenges of the past while holding tightly to scripture in order that we can do the same today. </div>Luke Holmeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04856356591526587908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5595326.post-12860978546272805242021-02-18T14:58:00.002-06:002021-02-18T14:58:44.957-06:00Take a look at your own footprints<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a4pW83MHL40/YC7SvTgjKwI/AAAAAAAA-9M/I2LjPNdoBCYd6AEFdV9tJiQZA7Pk2jiOgCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/328A2B02-87B2-4D39-BC67-3DC15B0863C6.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a4pW83MHL40/YC7SvTgjKwI/AAAAAAAA-9M/I2LjPNdoBCYd6AEFdV9tJiQZA7Pk2jiOgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/328A2B02-87B2-4D39-BC67-3DC15B0863C6.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br />One of the my favorite things about the recent snowstorm was watching my kids play. My youngest is 6 years old and had never seen real snow, and she loved every minute of it. We have been doing all we can to take advantage of it, as it doesn’t snow much in our part of Oklahoma. <p></p><p>More than once I told my daughter to walk in my footsteps, as the snow was deep and she’s not very tall. The snow would have been over her boots in spots, and I did what I could to lead the way. But as she followed me she asked me “why do you walk so funny, Daddy?” </p><p>I turned around to look, and you could clearly see my big boot prints in the snow. My right foot tends to turn outwards for some reason. I’ve known I walked that way for some time due to a knee injury and other issues, but the snow made it very easy to see just what kind of footprints I was leaving. There was no mistaking those footprints for anyone else’s. </p><p>As I watched my daughter walk in my steps I realized that she was following in more than my physical footsteps. My children learn to live in the world by following my footsteps, by walking on the path that I walked before them. All three of my daughters are following in my footsteps in many ways, just like I have with my parents. Many times we make an effort to go off the path and blaze our own trail, but for those blessed with godly parents or leaders we already have footprints to follow that will lead us towards God. </p><p>We need to turn around and look at the foot prints that we are leaving for those behind us. These are not physical footprints of course, but a lifetime of habits, patterns, and ways of living that serve as a trail to those behind us. My foot prints with my wonky leg are pretty recognizable. But without the snow I wouldn’t have been to see it as clearly. It’s easy to walk along on our own path, never thinking about the foot prints we leave behind. But when we turn around and look we might be surprise to know that our children and others are following in our steps.</p><p>Since I knew my young daughter was following me, I made sure to walk in a safe place, away from danger, and in a way that would protect her. In the same way I need to live my life in such a way that anyone who follows in my footsteps would stay close to God, be daily in the Bible, and connected to a local church. </p><p>Someone is following in your footprints. Make sure that they don’t fall in any drifts, step on the ice, or get in any other danger. The footprints we leave behind are our legacy, and our children and others will follow in them. Live in such a way that anyone who follows your footsteps will be led straight to the throne of Jesus. </p><p><br /></p>Luke Holmeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04856356591526587908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5595326.post-62387810965955302852021-02-05T12:08:00.003-06:002021-02-05T12:08:57.510-06:00Don't Make The Gospel An Addition To Your Church<div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iXEbD5NXQ3I/YB2JiOLo6QI/AAAAAAAA-8Q/e3DlBRSWu341BG_4NwR57ckgsFReePV7ACLcBGAsYHQ/s768/Addition_c98f963ef2e2494148f6fbfc86116f22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="575" data-original-width="768" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iXEbD5NXQ3I/YB2JiOLo6QI/AAAAAAAA-8Q/e3DlBRSWu341BG_4NwR57ckgsFReePV7ACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Addition_c98f963ef2e2494148f6fbfc86116f22.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />Recently I wandered through a church that closed down. The building was old and worn down, it’s newness wore off after decades of ministry. They sold their building to another ministry, and that group had begun removing leftover junk and preparing it for a new life. Stripped of it’s possession and people, the church was uncomfortably bare. </span></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The original building was quite small, but had been added on to over the years as time and need made it necessary. The classrooms on the left were a step down from the sanctuary, and the fellowship hall in the back had been added after that. Each addition had it’s own construction style, and when you looked close you could obviously see where the original building had been added to. You’ve undoubtedly seen a building or home like this. More space is needed so an addition is made to the back or the side, or even up top. When you look closely it’s easy to see that one part is new or older, or tacked on the back. A window is covered up or a doorway closed off. It’s not unusual for these additions to pull apart after years, causing problems with roofs or floors. When everything isn’t united, cracks will eventually show.</span><br /><br />In the same way you can visit many churches and see that programs and ministries have been added onto them over the years. In this case the additions are not physical, but values, ideas, or programs tacked onto the sides of the main work of the church. This is unavoidable in many ways of course. Last spring almost every church suddenly developed an online ministry. You could tell at first that things were thrown together to get this off the ground. Over time things got better I hope as we learned how to move online. But when you look at kid’s ministry, evangelism, or outreach in many churches you can tell that these are just an add on to the rest of the church. Sometimes they get added in a way that shows their value, and other times they just feel tacked on to a Sunday morning.</span></div><div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br />What does this look like in practice? Every church I know would say prayer is important, but many treat it like an addition to church and the christian life. The pastor only gives obligatory references to it, or they might have a place for prayer requests in the back. There is often a prayer meeting just because they feel like it’s something they can do, but prayer is more often used for transitions in the service than the lifeblood of the church.</span></div><div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">Contrast this with a church that really values prayer as the lifeblood of the church. You can tell when you are in a church if prayer is just something they do or if it’s what they are. The values of the church are clear by what they promote, attend, and give money towards. The real values of the church might be comfort, fellowship, ease, familiarity, or any number of things. The identity of the church might be found in their denominational name, the songs they sing, or the style of dress in the church. And over time those added on values creep farther and farther away from the original foundations of the church.</span></div><div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br />Churches do this with all types of ministries. It could be a bus ministry, youth ministry, after school program, outreach, prayer, evangelism, or anything else. You can quickly tell when something feels added onto a church, like when you walk through a building that has additions built on. The right things might be said from the pulpit, but when those additions push against the core values of the church they are always first to go.</span></div><div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"> <br />Sadly, many churches even turn the foundational parts of the gospel into additions for the church. Even the glorious message of the grace of Christ becomes a tacky addition to a church’s programs and services. What should be the focus of every church, the gospel of Jesus Christ, becomes nothing more than a poorly built addition to the kids, youth, or adult ministries. You see this when churches teach morality to the kids but not the gospel, when youth groups are just a place to hang out and have fun, or when church is seen as another place to make business sales and meet new people.</span></div><div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br />The gospel of Jesus Christ is not addition to the ministries of your church, it is the ministry of your church. Every biblical church must have the message of the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ as the central part of all it does. When it becomes an addition to the church it’s far to easy to take off and remove. But when the gospel becomes the standard of foundation of your church, the thing that everything else is built on, then that church will stand firm no matter what happens.</span></div><div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br />We must make sure that the gospel is always at the center of everything we do. To make it an addition is to cheapen the most valuable thing in the world. Christ did not give us His glorious riches in Christ Jesus so that we could make it an addition to our social clubs. Make sure in your church and your life that we don’t let the cross of Christ become merely ornamental in our churches. Keep the gospel center, and then build everything else around it. </span></div>Luke Holmeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04856356591526587908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5595326.post-30270968717096898732020-12-18T09:55:00.000-06:002020-12-18T09:55:30.542-06:00Hallmark Movies and the church<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XMyuNQ_V_TE/X9zQHaZe85I/AAAAAAAA-rU/yH5WPRTOZdAuJeiVQJCveHXw6HJbYSWggCLcBGAsYHQ/00-story-hallmark-movies.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XMyuNQ_V_TE/X9zQHaZe85I/AAAAAAAA-rU/yH5WPRTOZdAuJeiVQJCveHXw6HJbYSWggCLcBGAsYHQ/00-story-hallmark-movies.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /> <span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">There are many traditions around Christmas time. Caroling, presents, families, and so much more are just a few of them. But if your house is like mine then a new holiday tradition has emerged: watching as many Hallmark Channel Christmas movies as a sane person can handle. Each Christmas since 2011 the Hallmark Channel runs a string of holiday films in a row, and they have become an important tradition for many people. Oftentimes the same people appear in multiple movies, and they always follow a predictable script. A big city person comes to the small town and learns the true meaning of the holiday. It also works when a small town person goes to the big city to teach others about Christmas. Another common theme is an overworked man/woman who is too busy for love and they find it at Christmas time. Each year it seems like hundreds of new movies are made, but they all follow the same dozen plot lines.</span></span><p></p><span id="docs-internal-guid-ae1e591c-7fff-192b-ac02-c9ec2eb1f43c"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial;">It’s exceedingly easy to mock these movies, and I am more or less banned from commenting on them while my wife and three daughters watch. But there is something we can learn from these movies about what people are looking for during the holiday season. As pastors and church leaders who are interested in sharing the greatest story ever told each Christmas, there is something to learn from these cliched movies and stories. More to the point, there are several truths that the popularity of Hallmark movies makes clear. </span></span></p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><ol style="margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 0; padding-inline-start: 48px;"><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; list-style-type: decimal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial;">People want an escape. Any film buff would sneer at these movies, but the people who watch them don’t seem to care. The formulaic plots and predictability of the films are rewarding to those who watch. They know just what to expect and they get it every time. People are more than ready to suspend disbelief, overlook the poor production values, and excuse the fact this person was someone different in the movie just before. The stress and hardships of the holiday season means that people just want to sit down and have an escape that doesn’t require them to make choices or think about anything. </span></span></p></li><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; list-style-type: decimal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial;">People like when things wrap up nice and neat. At the end of each movie the good guy gets the girl, the family comes together, and things all end up just like we want. People want to avoid the hardships of life where things never end up like they do in the movies. Real life is messy and difficult, and it’s nice to sometimes see things that end up like we think they should. </span></span></p></li><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; list-style-type: decimal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial;">People find comfort in predictable stories. There are no surprises in these movies, each time two people meet unexpectedly, and despite their differences they eventually fall in love. Then they break up for about five minutes before coming back together and living happily ever after. Even when you know what is about to happen, it’s satisfying to see it all play out just like you predicted. </span></span></p></li></ol><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial;">I don’t think it’s an overstatement to say that real life is nothing at all like Hallmark Movies. Real life is full of surprises, and not many of them are good. You never see any cancer, tragedy, or suffering in Hallmark movies, but we can’t escape them in real life. Even the holiday season doesn’t allow us to escape the difficulties in our lives. For many in our churches, the holiday’s only seem to amplify the hardships that they face. </span></span></p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial;">It’s tempting as church leaders to try to provide people with just what they want. The world that we live in is full of difficulty and tragedy, and people want to escape from that. In fact that might be just what people think they are getting at Christmas time when they hear the old familiar story and songs. But the Christmas story is far from neat, orderly, and predictable. A virgin gives birth, angels appear to shepherds, the young family flees to Egypt, and Herod tries to protect himself at the cost of innocent lives. We have heard the story so much that we forget how incredible it is. The story of Christ’s birth is about as far from a Hallmark movie as you can get. We need to embrace the radical nature of God come to earth, and quit trying to make it part of the nice and predictable season.</span></span></p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial;">At Christmastime we need to remind people that our hope is not that someday things will work out nice and neat. Our hope is in the baby in manger, in God who has come to earth to save mankind from their sins. What the world needs most is a Savior, not a season. Even if we fully embrace the Christmas season it only lasts for a month or so, and then it’s back to regular life. But the story of Christmas reminds us that because of Christ we have hope for those moments when life is hard, chaotic, and it seems like there is no way out. </span></span></p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Everyone needs an escape now and then, there is nothing wrong with that. But when the movie is over and we have to turn back to our messy lives, don’t forget that God is working among us. God sent His only begotten Son right into the middle of our messy and tragic world, and Christ is working to make all things new. Someday He will return and reign over the new heaven and the new earth. One day everything will be wrapped up nice and neat, not under the Christmas tree but at the throne of God, when every tribe and tongue gather to worship. And that will be better than anything we could ever think of. This Christmas don’t get too wrapped up in the way things could be if life was like a movie. Instead let’s find peace in the present because of the promise of the future, and the presence of Immanuel, God with us. </span></span></p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><br /></span>Luke Holmeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04856356591526587908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5595326.post-8780991868371851212020-11-11T17:28:00.003-06:002020-11-11T17:28:54.229-06:00Hand Tools and the Kingdom of God<p> <span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">In 1892 in Clayton County Iowa John Froelich invented something that would soon become a staple of farms across the world. It didn’t have a name yet but what it did was something incredible. It was the first successful gasoline powered engine that could maneuver forwards and backwards. Froelich had invented what came to be known as the tractor.</span></p><span id="docs-internal-guid-2b4b7bc1-7fff-3ca4-67a7-2a71555567f4"><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Before this many farmers relied on steam powered engines and back breaking work to thresh wheat. Those engines were heavy and hard to maneuver, so Froelich wanted something smaller but with more power. That first fall with his new engine his crew was able to thresh 72,000 bushels of wheat, making the new equipment a roaring success. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">As long as man has had to work, he has been looking for a way to make that work easier. Everything from the first wheel, to the horse drawn plow, to the biggest satellite driven combine tractors today are an extension of that desire to make the job easier. “Work smarter, not harder” is the mantra of many people in all walks of life. No matter what your job is we all employ tools to make life easier. It’s true in churches too. The advances of technology has helped those who work in the field and those who work in the flocks of God’s sheep too. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Like almost all churches we transitioned online in March and maintain a strong digital presence. I’m thankful for these tools that didn’t exist when I started in ministry twenty years ago. Through these tools churches are able to reach more people than then ever before. A simple broadcast on facebook allows the church to reach a large section of their community and even those across the world. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">When we use these tools with such a large reach it makes us feel important and powerful. We love seeing the big numbers of viewers and shares. There’s nothing wrong with using tools like facebook, blogs, and articles like this one to try to reach as many people as possible. There is wealths of information out there about how to best use these tools for large impact acros wide swaths of the country. I believe that these tools are part of God’s grace that allow us to have an impact far larger than we could by ourselves. But as </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">It’s fun to use big tools that can accomplish big jobs. A man who is skilled with a big tractor or backhoe can accomplish in 1 hour what would take a team of men a month to do by hand. Moreover sometimes only a piece of heavy equipment like a tractor or bulldozer can get the job done. It’s tempting to think that way in the church too. We think that we have to use these big tools to make a big impact. But we have to remember that most of the pastor's work is done with hand tools, not heavy equipment. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">If someone offered a free class on how to drive a bulldozer many people would show up. But a class teaching you how to use a shovel likely wouldn’t garner many attendees. While a pastor uses many big tools to reach large sections of people, even like a sermon, the most important work that a pastor or ministry leader does is accomplished with small tools in small moments.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">These small tools are varied and wide, from a handwritten card to a family, a meal with someone to disciple them, a text to a discouraged member, or a visit to a family in the hospital. All of these things are done behind the scenes, off the stage, and often only reach one or two people. But it’s important to remember that all of these things are some of the most important things a pastor or ministry leader can do. They don’t have the glamor or mass impact of the large scale events, but they often have a much longer lasting impact. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">We see this principle laid out for us all over the Bible. The great men and women of the Bible often reached out and made an impact on a small number of people. Moses led the whole nation but took time to lead and disciple Joshua. Elijah taught Elisha, and even Jesus spent most of his time in small groups. The example of Jesus teaches us that we can have a big impact even if we spend the majority of our ministry in small groups. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The tools that the pastor uses are more like those of a master carpenter building a small table than an architect building a skyscraper. Pastors are to use simple and time tested tools to lead churches and help build people into followers of Christ. Don’t be ashamed of doing the small daily things that will make an impact for generations to come. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">We can know this method works from our own lives. Undoubtedly we remember a big camp, conference, or retreat that helped us grow in the faith. But those who made the biggest impact in my spiritual walk were those who regularly and consistently worked to mold me into a man after God’s own heart. This includes my parents who consistently guided me, pastors who gently corrected me, and friends who encouraged me when I needed it. None of these things were done before great crowds or with heavy equipment, but they all made a difference.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">In the same way the pastor must learn to use his hand tools to guide, nurture, encourage, and feed the sheep of his flock. The big tools like video or Facebook might cast a larger net, but the small tools of scripture reading, prayer for church members, and care for the sick allows us to have a much larger impact.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The small tools will get the job done, pastor or ministry leader. They might take longer and require some skill, and no one will line up to watch you do it. But at the end of the day you will have been used by Christ to do the work He has called us to do. The most important ministry we can do is done in small and quiet moments, when we point one or two weary souls to Jesus. If you have a big tool like facebook then use it as best you can, but also learn to use the small moments and tools too. Don’t despise the hand tools that God has given you. They can change lives too. </span></p><div><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div></span>Luke Holmeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04856356591526587908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5595326.post-21800142202596197502020-11-11T17:14:00.003-06:002020-11-11T17:14:22.374-06:00It's time to hit the gas! <p> <span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">Even major accidents are caused by minor things. The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration estimates that every year 16,000 car crashes occur because of what they call “pedal errors.” This is when a driver’s foot slips off the brake and presses the accelerator, when they hit the gas pedal by mistake, or when the driver accidentally steps on both the brake and gas at the same time. This happens more often to very young drivers or very old ones, but the truth is anyone is capable of a mistake like this. When you hit the wrong pedal at the wrong time you risk running into something or someone. At the very least you might do big damage to the vehicle you are driving.</span></p><span id="docs-internal-guid-c6c7b2a5-7fff-ebbd-2f78-41ecf1fac7d1"><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Leaders of churches and organizations often make these same kinds of mistakes. As the pastor or leader it’s our job to know when to hit the gas or when to hit the brakes, and messing them up can cause quite the spectacular crash. There are too many stories to tell of pastors that came into a church and tried to change too fast only for it to end in a wreckage of the church or his ministry. Hitting the wrong pedal at the wrong time in ministry can cause great damage to a pastor and his church. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">In the same way there are many examples of pastors and churches who seem to love to “ride the brake pedal,” that are unwilling to move forward in ways that honor God and help the church stay on the path it needs to be. Those who hit the brakes too soon can hurt the church too. Everyone knows a leader whose favorite tool seems to be the brake pedal, and everyone seems to know a leader who loves to hit the gas. How can we learn when it’s the right time to use those pedals and avoid the “pedal error” that ends in a crash?</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">If you are like most people who drive a car, you don’t actively think about which pedal to push and when. It’s more of an instinct, something you have learned over thousands of hours spent behind the wheel. In this way it’s hard to teach someone to drive as they have to learn to “feel the pedals.” It’s the same way with leadership. It’s hard to set hard fast rules about when to push the gas when leading a church because the situations are so different. Every pastor has to develop a feel for when to move forward, when to ride the brake, and when to shift gears to a higher speed. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Even though learning to hit the gas is sometimes a matter of feeling, there are principles that can help us “drive safely” no matter how nice, new, old, or broken down your vehicle might be. Each pedal is the right one at different times of the church. Every leader must learn to pay attention to the clues of the church culture, the time of year, the finances, the past problems, and the future possibilities in order to know when to hit the gas and brake.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The problem is that while living in the middle of a global pandemic it’s hard to know when to move forward and when to stand still. Every pastor I know right now has had to start and stop more times than they can count. We have scheduled events only to have them canceled, have rethought the way we did worship services, and had to rethink almost every single part of what we do. It’s harder than ever to know when to hit the gas and the brakes in our ministries and churches. But there are some things that it is always the right time to do. </span></p><br /><ol style="margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 0;"><li dir="ltr" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; list-style-type: decimal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">It’s time to hit the gas on sharing the hope of the gospel. Now more than ever people need to know that there is hope in Jesus Christ. The world seems darker than ever at the moment, but that only means the light of the cross will be that much brighter. Whatever is happening at your church, continue everyone to share the good news of Jesus Christ. Our world needs it now more than ever.</span></p></li><li dir="ltr" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; list-style-type: decimal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">It’s time to hit the brakes on division and disagreement. The world is more divided than it ever has been. Politics and recent events have given room for people to argue and fight. But the church needs to be the place that stands as a beacon of unity in a world of dissent. We can be sure that in the cross we have the things that unites all of us, no matter our politics or beliefs. </span></p></li><li dir="ltr" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; list-style-type: decimal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">It’s time to hit the brakes on being afraid of change. The bright side of the pandemic is that I haven’t heard “that’s not the way we do it” for six months of more. Now more than ever we need to embrace the fact that we are able to adjust in ways that we weren’t able to before. We can try new things and experiment in different ways because the world is a different place than it ever has been. </span></p></li><li dir="ltr" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; list-style-type: decimal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">It’s time to hit the gas on staying on mission. Just because the church is not able to do some of the things they could before doesn’t mean that the mission of the church is on hold. The way we work as a church might change due to pandemics or time, but what we do as a church should never change. The how of our mission changes, but the why and what never do. </span></p></li><li dir="ltr" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; list-style-type: decimal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">It’s time to hit the gas on working together. It’s tempting to see churches as competing with one another, but now more than ever we need to work to support each other. We need to share resources, give support, and encourage one another as we work together in the Kingdom of God.</span></p></li></ol><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">It’s a confusing time and it can be hard to know which pedal we need to step on. And as soon as we get it figured out it seems to change! Every leader and pastor I know needs wisdom more than ever. Instinct seems to have gone out the window when the pandemic hit, but we can be sure that the Kingdom of God will always overcome. Hit the gas on sharing the gospel, and watch God work around you.</span></p><div><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div></span>Luke Holmeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04856356591526587908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5595326.post-31769588315929168902020-09-15T10:33:00.002-05:002020-09-15T10:33:46.496-05:00A review of "Baptists and the Christian Tradition"<p><br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.bhacademic.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/9781433650611-scaled-1000x1500.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="533" height="320" src="https://www.bhacademic.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/9781433650611-scaled-1000x1500.png" width="213" /></a></div><br />I was finally able to finish the recent book from B&H Academic <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Baptists-Christian-Tradition-Evangelical-Catholicity/dp/1433650614" target="_blank">"Baptists and the Christian Tradition: Towards an Evangelical Baptist Catholicity."</a> The book is a collection of essays edited by Matthew Emerson, Christopher Morgan, and R. Lucas Stamps. <p></p><p>The goal of the book is to promote "retrieval for the sake of renewal" by exploring the connection between Baptists and the greater Christian traditions. Through a series of 16 essays different authors explore various parts of the church and how Baptists are connected to them. The topics include unity, Trinitarianism, Christology, Ecclesiology, and many others. The essays guide the reader to see the connection that Baptist's have to christian tradition, why some Baptists try to deny that, and the benefit of understanding our shared history. </p><p>It stands to reason that since the book is from the academic arm of the B&H Publishers it is aimed towards higher education. I read the book as a non-professional student of history and local church pastor. I found the book immensely helpful and useful for understanding the traditions in my own church and background as well. Far from being just an academic tome the essays help the reader see clearly how Baptists are connected to the past through it's exploration of the doctrines of the early church, among others. But the book is not just history either. The stated goal of the book is "retrieval for the sake of renewal" and I believe it accomplishes that goal. As a local church pastor the book not only informed me about the past but explored ways that the local church might connect with that past. By helping the local church explore her foundations helps the church see that the lessons from the past can help guide us in the present. </p><p>A particular chapter I found helpful was Walter Stricklands essay "Racial Tension, the Baptist Tradition, and Christian Unity." Strickland explores the history of racial tension in the baptist church and the rise of a denomination specifically for black churches. He was not afraid to point out the terrible roots of racism in the founding of the SBC, but he also discussed the disadvantages of the two separate conventions. By pointing out the potential problems in having conventions largely based on race Strickland helps us see how we can gather together to overcome those issues. </p><p>Another helpful chapter was by Jason Duesing called "Baptist Contributions to the Christian Tradition." He explores not just the ways that Baptists have been shaped by church history, but the ways that they have shaped the church at large themselves. The emphasis by Baptist's on religious liberty and cooperation has been beneficial for both baptists and churches outside their own walls. It's incredibly easy to beat up on Baptists but Duesing does a good job of celebrating the good work that they have done. </p><p>I would recommend this book to any pastor who wants to better understand the origins of baptists beliefs and practice. They might be surprised to find out that we have more in common with other churches than we think. Pastors are constantly being pulled in two directions. Some people desire for the church to return to the "good old days" when things were better. Still others are not satisfied with the way the church is now and want to change the church to better reflect culture and embrace new methods and beliefs. The idea that if we can go back to the ways of the past to be more pure is nothing more than nostalgia. Still others only want to renew the church, throwing out the past to embrace new and exiting methods and theology. This book helps to walk the balance between nostalgia and regeneration. By walking this balance this book can help the church be what it needs to be to take the gospel to a lost world. "Retrieval for the sake of renewal" will help the church be biblical, faithful, and relevant in order to the wisdom of God made manifest in the world. </p>Luke Holmeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04856356591526587908noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5595326.post-47447533040982420792020-05-06T17:00:00.000-05:002020-05-06T17:00:55.318-05:00Don't Miss What God is Doing<div class="p1" style="font-family: Arial; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;">When the sermon was over the old deacon stood up and said he had something to say. People shifted nervously in their seats as the packed church began to listen. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div>
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<span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;">“There is such a thing as a church duty when the whole church must act… it is my deep conviction, and yours for we have talked much with one another, that this church has a church duty to perform, and that we have waited long enough to perform it.”</span></div>
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<span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>At the close of his speech he motioned for the country church to ordain a young man to the gospel and to do it the next day.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Despite his protests, FBC Whitewright ordained a young GW Truett to ministry the very next day at the church. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div>
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<span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;">It was clear to this old deacon that God was working and the church had better get with it.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>He was proven right as Truett led a storied career and pastored FBC Dallas for 47 years in the first half of the 20th century. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>It can be very clear when God is working, but sometimes we get so caught up in what we want God to do that we miss what God IS doing among us. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div>
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<span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;">Nehemiah felt the burden of God to go back to his homeland and rebuild the walls of Jerusalem.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>The book is a master class in leadership. Every move he makes seems to be carefully orchestrated and planned out in order to do what God has called him too. He cares about the people and the city and is moved to prayer over their plight. That prayer leads to action when he asks the King for permission and resources to rebuild Jerusalem.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>He inspects the problems, formulates a plan, and involves people from all walks of life to help rebuild. There is much to learn from Nehemiah as he lives with a singular focus to see Jerusalem restored to glory.</span></div>
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<span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;">There does seem to be one time that he takes a break from this focus, though.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>At the beginning of chapter 3 the first gate is built, it’s doors hung, and the walls around it.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>It’s only a beginning, but Nehemiah takes this moment to stop and thank God for what he has done.</span></div>
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<span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;">It’s strange because at first glance not much has been accomplished yet. A small portion of the wall and one gate has been rebuilt, but if you walk down far enough you could probably walk around the end of the wall. The city was not safe yet and there was still much work to be done. Still Nehemiah stops to consecrate the first part of the wall and give thanks.</span></div>
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<span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;">No matter what type of ministry you are in, there is a lot to be done.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>If you are a pastor, youth pastor, lay leader, volunteer, or anything else, the work of ministry is always ongoing. We have been commissioned to take the gospel to the nations, to every tribe and tongue.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>It can be so easy to be focused on what still needs to happen that we miss the work God has already done.</span></div>
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<span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;">Don’t be so focused on what God MIGHT do through you that<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>you miss what God IS doing through you.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Every serious Christian I have known longs for God to do more work through them and among them.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>A healthy church and healthy leaders are always looking to see what is coming next. What’s needed for the next stage, how can we get over the next burden, how do we move forward to the next stage of ministry. Church leaders are inundated with ideas about how to move past “the next barrier,” be it attendance of 100, 250, 500, or one thousand.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div>
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<span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;">When we put all of our focus on the possibility of what God could do through us, then we miss the work that God has done to bring us to the spot we are.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>There is always more to do. But there is already so much that God has done. Part of the particular burden of a leader is always having to look forward in order to see what needs to come next. But don’t miss the present or past because you are so focused on the future. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div>
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<span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;">It’s easy to never be satisfied, always looking for the next obstacle, the next challenge, the next part of the wall to be built. The task ahead almost always feels greater and bigger than the one behind us.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>But there are no such things as small victories with God. Every victory is God’s victory.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Even the things that we might consider mundane or small, like half a wall being built, are the result of God working in and through his people. We need to recognize and celebrate every work of God among us.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Leaders don’t just cast vision for the future, they celebrate the many ways that God has already worked through them. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div>
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<span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;"><br />Nehemiah didn’t lose his focus on the task at hand. But when he led the people to stop and consecrate the first part of the work he reminded them that they could only accomplish that task through the power of God.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>When we celebrate these small victories we are teaching the church that God is moving among us now and will be the source of power as we continue to work towards the bigger goal. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div>
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<span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;">These victories will look different in every church.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>It might just be that you make through a meeting without anyone yelling!<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>It might be as simple as the continued faithfulness of a ministry leader over decades of the church.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>As you plan for what comes next, don’t forget to look and see what God has done to bring you to where you are. More than that, don’t forget to stop and consecrate the work God has already done in your midst. No matter how big or small your ministry is, no matter how long or short you have been a Christian, I am confident that God is working in you.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Be sure that He who began the good work in you will carry out to completion<span style="font-size: 11px;">. </span><span class="Apple-converted-space" style="font-size: 11px;"> </span></span></div>
Luke Holmeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04856356591526587908noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5595326.post-62149567612470097802020-02-20T16:44:00.003-06:002020-02-20T16:44:37.008-06:00Herschel Hobbs and a statment for all Baptists<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">Controversy is not new to Baptist life. More than sixty years ago many promised fireworks at the annual meeting if their issues were not addressed, others predicted a convention divided, and everyone was grumbling about supposed problems with professors. I’m not talking about our most recent controversy though. Those issues and more were at stake in the early 1960’s. In 1961 doctrinal controversy was set off by the release of the book “Message in Genesis” by Ralph Elliot. The release of the book merely brought to the surface tensions which had long been simmering. There was a concern among many that parts of the convention were becoming more “liberal” in their theology and the book was just the proof they were looking for. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">The leaders of the SBC were aware of the crisis at hand. So early in 1962 Porter Routh and Albert McClellan met in the office of Herschel Hobbs to discuss how to avoid division. Routh was Executive Secretary of the Executive Committee. McClellan was a long time employee of the EC, then serving as director of programming planning. At that time Hobbs, the long time pastor of FBC OKC, was president of the SBC, and as they discussed things they came to an agreement. At the next meeting in 1962 a plan would be put forward for a study and review of the 1925 statement of the Baptist Faith and Message. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">Discussion ensued about just who should serve on the committee. They wanted to stay as close to the grassroots as possible and so it was decided that the president from each state convention would serve on the committee, along with Hobbs as president of the SBC. It naturally followed that in order to have representation from the theological community the presidents of the six seminaries should serve as well. A group was put together to make a presentation to the annual meeting to accomplish their goals. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">When Hobbs arrived for the meeting in San Francisco in 1962, a group of state paper editors convinced Hobbs and the others to leave the presidents of the seminaries off the proposed committee. Days later at the annual meeting the messengers approved the motion that a group be formed to “present to the Convention in KC (in 63) some similar statement which shall serve as information to the churches, and which may serve as guidelines to the various agencies of the Southern Baptist Convention.” </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">Over the next year the committee went through the 1925 statement, word by word according to Hobbs, often spending several days together at a time to accomplish the task. The committee reduced the 25 articles of 1925 to 17, adding scripture references under each article to prove their biblical basis. They added words, clarified others, and sought to make the statement applicable across the diversity of the SBC. In the book “Fibers Of Our Faith,” a collection of the Hobbs lectures at Oklahoma Baptist University, Hobbs expressed some of the challenges they faced.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">The committee was ever mindful of the unity in diversity of Southern Baptists with respect to various sections of the Convention territory. A good example of this is the statement on the Lord’s Supper. About 11:00 o’clock one night, we had completed the statement on “Baptism.” Since we were physically, mentally, and emotionally exhausted, I suggested that we wait until the next morning to take up the statement on the “Lord’s Supper.” When we assembled the next morning, one member asked if he might read a prepared statement on that ordinance. It was closed communion of the most rigid sort. After a moment of silence another member spoke: “That statement pleases me very much. It will please the people of my state, for that is exactly what we practice. But we must remember that we are not drawing up a statement for the Baptists of one state or section. This is to be a statement for all Southern Baptists. And it must be flexible enough that all of them may be comfortable with it.” After much discussion, such a statement met with agreement.” </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">Over the year the committee continued their work, sending drafts to seminaries, newspaper editors, and more. At the 1963 Annual Meeting the newly revised Baptist Faith and Message was adopted by an overwhelming majority with no change whatsoever. In both 1969 and 1970 the Convention voted against efforts to make the BF&M mandatory on agencies and their employees. Of course we know that in 2000 it was revised again to more clearly state the core beliefs of solid Baptists. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">Hobbs was adamantly against making the Message mandatory for any church or agency, stating that would make it a creed and not a confession. To Hobbs, the preamble to the 1963 statement that defended is one of the most vital parts of the whole statement which says that confessions are to have no authority over the conscience. He stated that the ‘63 convention would not have adopted the statement without the preamble defending the individual conscience. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;"> His belief in the sufficiency of God’s word allowed him to welcome those who might see some small things differently than him. Hobbs and the committee wanted to make sure that they maintained the “unity in diversity” within the SBC. To Hobbs the Baptist Faith and Message was the balance between the two warring factions in the SBC. He called the statement the anchor “amid the swirling waters of liberalism and conservatism.” In a time of great pressures on the convention Hobbs and the committee purposefully kept the statement simple enough for all baptists to agree with. </span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">Still today the Baptist Faith and Message is a statement for all Southern Baptists who want to take the gospel across the street and across the world. To make others conform to our political or cultural beliefs is to go against some of the very foundational values of Baptist belief. It’s clear that our convention faces challenges still today, from many of the same pressures that it faced in the 1960’s. It’s also clear that our world needs the saving grace of Jesus Christ. The reason that Baptist’s cooperate together in the SBC is not because we all see things the same way. Uniformity is boring. It’s the unity in diversity that makes the SBC strong. When we lose diversity in the SBC we lose part of the very thing that Hobbs and others sought to maintain. We partner together because we are stronger together than we are apart. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">Story and other notes pulled from</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">Fibers Of Our Faith: The Herschel H. and Frances J. Hobbs Lectureship in Baptist Faith and Heritage at Oklahoma Baptist University, Providence House Publishers, 1995</span></div>
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Luke Holmeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04856356591526587908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5595326.post-74230926502532940772019-12-20T10:25:00.003-06:002019-12-20T10:25:41.832-06:00From and Before God by Sugel Michelen<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zfIoEymhtgI/Xfz14XxABLI/AAAAAAAA8wU/hp7sAURE-Rckn1CdfQ21mkiGnZsu1Y4kwCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/9781535971010_01-1024x743.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="232" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zfIoEymhtgI/Xfz14XxABLI/AAAAAAAA8wU/hp7sAURE-Rckn1CdfQ21mkiGnZsu1Y4kwCK4BGAYYCw/s320/9781535971010_01-1024x743.png" width="320" /></a><br />
I tend to read batches of books on themes, and this year one of my themes was preaching/speaking. I read several books by prominent pastors and professors about how to prepare and preach a Biblical sermon. The most popular books on preaching are often those by famous preachers, men that we want to be like and imitate. Often these pastors have large platforms and impressive ministries, with a built in base to sell books. Their public ministry seems to make them an expert in their field.<div>
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That being said, I must admit that I had never heard of Sugel Michelen before I got his recent book about preaching. That is probably due to my own ignorance. Michelen is a pastor in the Dominican Republic and is called by some the best preacher in Latin America. It only took a few pages, however, until it was clear that Michelen has a clear grasp on the ministry of the pulpit as well as being able to impart that wisdom to others. </div>
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The book is divided into three sections, each of increasing length. The book starts broad and becomes increasingly narrow as it shows us why we preach, what a good sermon does, and how to prepare a Biblically based expository sermon. </div>
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The first section starts off broad, explaining that we preach because God speaks. The very first words in the Bible are the words of God, a sermon that is full of such power and force that it creates light itself. He points out that <i>our relationship to God is defined by our relationship to His Word. </i>Before God spoke through prophets, but now through the Word Jesus Christ. We no longer have to wonder what God is saying as Jesus is the perfect expression of His Word.</div>
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In the second section he lays out what a good sermon looks like, both through historical examples and examples from scripture. A sermon cannot be considered good without a good biblical foundation, and Michelen gives us one. Christ must the center of every sermon that we preach as He is the center of all of scripture. He also explains the difference in types of sermons, but makes clear that an expository sermon is the best method of preaching. In this method the point of the sermon is the point of the passage. </div>
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Michelen does much more than give us a book of theory, however. In the last section he lays out plainly how to prepare an expositional sermon, covering each stage from picking a text to delivering it. While he is adamant about the benefits of exposition, I found the section where he describes the dangers of exposition most helpful. Many pastors are quick to point out all the good things without acknowledging the difficult things, but Michelen points out that when exposition is done poorly, it can be damaging to a church and to Christians. All the more reason for a book that explains how to do it well, like this one. Another section that was helpful was on application. Even for a seasoned preacher like myself it's helpful to think not just what we are doing, but how we are doing it. There were several diagnostic questions that I printed out in order to paste near my desk as I type sermons. These questions will remind me to distill and focus the message in order to get the Word straight to the heart of hearers. </div>
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The book closes with an expository sermon, written along the way using the techniques presented in the book. Michelen goes out of his way to be immensely practical, which is helpful and necessary when talking about one of the most important things in the world.</div>
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I think that any one who preaches would benefit from this book, both seasoned preachers and young men just starting ministry. There are tools, tricks, application, and more that everyone will benefit from. </div>
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Luke Holmeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04856356591526587908noreply@blogger.com0