A Study of God...
June 1, 2010 - 10:29am
Instruct a wise man and he will be wiser still; teach a righteous man and he will add to his learning. The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. For through me your days will be many, and years will be added to your life. – Proverbs 9:9-11
Students are out of school (or soon will be) for the summer and as a parent, I know one of the most difficult jobs is to allow them time to rest but still be learning. Gratefully, Northside Christian School has a summer reading program that helps and we have assigned each kid in our family 10 places on our family vacation for them to investigate. We will all be challenged by the various Sunday School classes and Wednesday night studies we are in to get to know God’s Word even better.
Believing the truth of Proverbs 9, as well as the six other times wisdom is linked to our fear of the Lord in Scripture, the pastoral staff is going to present A Study of God in our summer sermon series. Here is our plan for the series:
June 5/6 – The One Living and True God
June 12/13 – God the Father
June 19/20 – God the Son
June 26/27 – God the Holy Spirit
July 3/4 – Fourth of July Weekend and Communion
July 10/11 – God’s Revelation
July 17/18 – God’s Messengers
July 24/25 – God’s Image
July 31/August 1 – God’s Standard
August 7/8 – God’s Salvation
August 14/15 – God’s People
August 21-22 – God’s Plan
August 28/29 – Fifth Sunday Weekend
So, plan on being with us this Summer for A Study of God and see what learning more about Him will do for your life ahead. Take some time to enjoy the Summer (whether you get a “real” vacation or not) but don’t waste your time (without your life and faith being enriched in the next 3 months). Use the Summer to get a good jump on what He wants of and from you in the Fall.
Pastor Tim
Stump the Pastor (Sun Standing Still)...
January 25, 2010 - 12:39pm
Question (Received from a Youth Pastor friend of mine): This was sent to me by one of the teens and I need some help answering it...my history professor said that the reason the church officials were so upset with Copernicus and Galileo and the Heliocentric view was because if that was true it disproved Joshua 10:12-14 in which Joshua asks God to make the sun stand still and he does. Do you know what the original hebrew said or if there is anything that I could use to explain this, respectfully, to my professor?
My Answer: As for Joshua 10:12-14, the word spoken by Joshua (verse 12) and used by Joshua to record the events (verse 13) is a word that literally means "to be silent", but can in its configuration also mean "to be motionless or to be still." It causes no problem for the passage for the universe to be heliocentric any more than to talk of sunrise or sunset (which every weatherman I know talks about) or to talk about the sun moving across the sky. The movement of the earth is unobservable to those of us on the earth, but the results of our movement can be observed in the "perceived" motion of other entities (like the sun, moon or stars). It's like driving in a car and saying "That sign went by so quick I couldn't read it." The sign wasn't moving even though we ascribe our own motion to the sign.
It's not that the church was afraid of what Galileo and Copernicus' findings would do to Scripture, they were afraid what it would do to their teaching of Scripture and in the end to their position of authority. The problem is not with what Scripture says but, in this case, what some have said Scripture says.
Pastor Tim
Stump the Pastor (End Times)...
January 11, 2010 - 9:56am
Question (Received from services on January 3): 1.) Will the rapture occur before or after the 7 year war? 2.) Will it happen before the end of days? 3.) What types of Christians get saved? 4.) Who determines if you are at that level of Christianity - whom determines if you are savable by God? 5.) How come or why will God save only 144,000 believers?
My Answer: Wow, some good questions. 1.) I believe that the rapture will occur before the 7 year Tribulation based on 1 Thessalonians 4 (and in comparison to Matthew 24-25) and Revelation 2-3 (and the absence of the church, except in heaven, in Revelation 4 and following). 2.) I'm not sure to what you are referring as the "end of days" so an asnwer is difficult. If you mean the time of the Tribulation and God's great outpouring of judgment on the earth, then I would say yes it is before that. 3.) All those who put their faith (alone) in the work of Jesus on the cross, accepting God's salvation (by grace alone). 4.) First, I beleive that all Christians are equal in the position of their salvation - all are equally saved, all are equally the children of God. Second, while I beleive there is great difference in the practical growth of many Christians (from new in Christ with little growth to very mature in Christ) that difference does not include or exclude someone from the rapture. Third, God alone determines who has genuinely responded in faith to His gift of salvation. 5.) He won't. Those 144,000 are Jewish individuals saved in the Tribulation as a special sign of God's work, but they are not the only individuals saved, other believers/martyrs are mentioned throughout Revelation including other Jewish believers (the Two Witnesses at least).
Pastor Tim
Stump the Pastor (Revelation 8:1)...
December 21, 2009 - 1:23pm
Question (Received this after services a couple of weeks ago): When the Lamb had broken the 7th seal there was silence throughout Heaven for about a half an hour. 1.) If it is mentioned it must be significant. 2.) A significant 1/2 hour could go by unnoticed, but if we use the Heaven/earth time difference then it becomes about 20 years. 3.) Is the Heavenly 1/2 hour the reason why the tribulation is divided into two 3 1/2 year segments?
My Answer: Yes, I think since it is mentioned it is significant. I think the significance is found in what follows - Revelation 8:2-6 specifically and Revelation 8:7-11:19 generally. The silence is in awe and respect to the work of God which is both dreadful and necessary. I don't think there is a Heaven/earth time difference (2 Peter 3:8, "With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day."). I think that passage is a simile showing that God is above time. He is not bound by time, but He certainly interacts with those of us who are. As for the half hour and the division of the tribulation, I think this half hour may well occur at the middle of the tribulation. It's occurrence at the middle of the tribulation is not what causes the tribulation to have a middle point, but may mark the middle point of the tribulation. With the second half of the tribulation being worse than the first, it fits that this silence is, again, one of awe and respect for the work of God to come during that second half. Thanks for the great question!
Pastor Tim
Trip to Oberammergau
November 24, 2009 - 1:35pm
This past weekend, I mentioned that Lisa and I were helping to organize a trip to Oberammergau in 2010 for those interested in attending the Passion Play there. First, let me say, if this is of interest to you, then great, and you really should consider it for next year (since it only happens every 10 years). Second, I recognize that the cost will not make it possible for everyone to go. I have worked with Maranatha Tours (the agency my dad has used for 20+ years) to help organize the trip and to keep the cost as reasonable as possible. I make no money for the trip and any benefit given to me will be shared with those that go on the trip.
If you are not familiar with the Oberammergau Passion Play, then you can start by looking at the write up on Maranatha Tours website - http://maranathatours.3dcartstores.com/OBERAMMERGAU-2010_c_35.html. Lisa and I were blessed by someone who took us to the perfromance in 2000. It was incredible!
So far, we have about 10-15 people from Northside interested in going, but we would love to see a group of 25-35 go on the trip. So, if you are looking for a Christmas gift for yourself or your spouse, or a way to really celebrate an anniversary next year or an opportunity to experience one of the world's great cultural events, then please come with us.
Brochures are available at the church; you can view one here.
Pastor Tim
Stump the Pastor (Divorce and Heb. 16:18)...
November 9, 2009 - 11:03am
First, a confession. I have a lot on my mind and heart, contrary to the activity of this blog. My difficulty is finding the time or taking the time to update this blog regularly. I appreciate each one that reads it, but never seem to have something I consider worth sharing when I sit down to write it. I had an idea the other day and decided to puruse it in regards to this blog. Every weekend at Northside I get asked one or two questions regarding different passages of Scripture. I try to answer those questions as best I can and figured others might have the same questions. So, I will use this blog to answer such questions as they come to me (without the names of those asking the questions).
In our weekend services, as part of our Families series, I preached on Divorce from the Old Testament. I was asked the following question: "I was wondering if you had ever heard of that interpretation of scripture – that is - a woman may NEVER initiate a divorce, but it is okay for a man with 'biblical' grounds."
My answer is: Yes, I have heard of it. While it is true that this is how Scripture presents the cases (only a man), it is not true that a woman had no recourse. A Jewish woman whose husband was not living to his obligations (short of adultery) could be pressured by the local Jewish court to live to those obligations or lose some of his wife’s dowry/ketubah (they financially penalized him, over and over if necessary, until he lived as he should). If a man still refused, then the court would make him initiate the divorce. The difficulty we have with applying the divorce laws of Scripture in our time is that we do not also have the other “protective” laws active in our society. While it was rarely practiced, the threat of capital punishment for adultery kept many a person (husband or wife) from those actions that would violate their marriage agreement and thus, lead to a divorce. Besides this, there were strict punishments for violence, injuries, lack of support, etc. in the other laws which worked together with the laws regarding divorce and marriage.
I was also asked a question about Hebrews 6:18: "I'm confused by the "two unchangeable things" the author is referring to. Is he referring to (1) the unchanging nature of his purpose and (2) it is impossible for God to lie? Are those the two unchangeable things that give us "hope as an anchor?"
My answer is: I think the two unchangeable things are God’s promise (Heb. 6:13-17a; Genesis 12:1-3) and His oath (Heb. 6:17b; Genesis 15:7-21). I know they are closely related, but they are distinct – God promises and then makes an oath that He will fulfill what He has promised. In these two things, He cannot lie and does not lie. These unchangeable things allow us to hold onto the hope He has offered us, knowing that He cannot and has not lied.
Pastor Tim
Call to Prayer...
October 22, 2009 - 2:25pm
In our weekend services on October 17-18, I concluded the service with a call to prayer for our members and regular attendees. We need to be in prayer because of the current difficulties many of those in our congregation are facing –marriages and families struggling, people unemployed or under-employed, people facing major health challenges, and the continued attack of the Evil One against each of us.
Besides our current situations, I am calling Northside to prayer regarding our Fall outreach ministries – specifically, our Thanksgiving and Christmas baskets to those in need in our community, and the gifts to our missionaries through our annual Christmas offering. Please be in prayer for those who would hear or understand for the first time what great love the Father has for them in sending His Son to be their Savior.
I am calling Northsiders to prayer in regards to several major projects we are stepping forward with after the first of the year. Following the adoption of the revision to our Constitution in June 2009, we are working to bring to the congregation at the semi-annual business meeting in January, the first slate of men to be voted on for our Board of Elders.
The leadership of the church has been working for almost a year on coming to a definition of what a disciple is and how they are made. We have been working on this through a thorough investigation of the New Testament and all that God asks a disciple to be, to know and to do.
We are also going to be launching a stewardship emphasis after the first of the year entitled “Greater Investment…Greatest Return” in order to promote the spiritual growth of our congregation, to eliminate the 30+ years of debt of the church and to begin to make necessary renovations to the Lord’s house. Mark Meier is heading up the leadership team assembled for this emphasis. Other team leaders include Brian Baker, Carol Balduf, Tim Hoelle, Bryan Schrag, Rita Smith, Larry Webster, and some of our church staff (Cindy Bintz, Devalin Drennon, Jim Hester).
I am asking every person to pray every day, every group to pray every time they meet, everyone to pray for our efforts to bring glory to the Father, to share the sacrifice of the Son, and to be under the control of the Spirit.
Pastor Tim
I know, I know...
September 23, 2009 - 11:55am
Since this blog is supposed to be things on my heart or mind, I know many of you must be thinking there is little on either if I haven't "blogged" in almost two months. Well, there has been, but I haven't made my way to the blog to get you an update. So, I will try better in the future...
I just got back (last night) from a short trip to Russia. I went with many others (see picture) to celebrate the 20th Anniversary of Zelenograd Baptist Church. On Saturday (September 19), ZBC hosted their first Missions Conference - what a blessing! Besides challenges by those involved in the church and missions from Russia and the US, they had a Ukrainian missionary serving in India who shared. ZBC helps support him and his family and has already taken a short-term trip to India to help him. The 20th Anniversary celebration was a just over four hour service with people being recognized for their service to the Lord and a rejoicing over the Lord's blessings over the last 20 years.
One of the highlights of my trip was the blessing of God delivered through a young man named Vanya. I met Vanya five or six years ago. He is a young man that God has blessed with incredible talent. Several of us prayed over and for Vanya that God would continue to use him and bless him. Well, Vanya finished high school, got a scholarship to Art school, finished Art school in three years instead of four, and took the Silver Medal for his graduating class. He presented me with a new picture for my office. What a blessing - thank you Vanya and thank you Lord!
Pastor Tim
"I Love You" in other words
July 28, 2009 - 11:44am
In reflecting on my weekend, I realized how many people told me, "I love you!" Now, I'm not sure anyone actually said those words to me other than my wife as she left for New York on Friday afternoon (she got home early this morning), but I realized that a lot of people said it - in other words. Many people asked me on Sunday, "So, how was your trip?" Many people said to me, "It's good to have you back!" or "Welcome home!" or "We were praying for you." Genuine concern and genuine interest expressed for another are ways of saying "I love you" in other words.
To the many of you at Northside who expressed such things, "Thank you for loving me and my family!" We would like to share some of our love (and experiences) back to you. So, this Sunday evening (August 2) @ 6:00pm in East Hall, the Kroll family will tell you all about and show you pictures from our trip. Please join us so we can share some of the wonder and awe of God we saw on the trip, as well as the joy and goodness of God we experienced on the trip. Let us say "I love you" back! If you would like a preview and haven't read our blog, check it out at http://krolls2west.blogpsot.com.
Pastor Tim
Family Vacation
June 28, 2009 - 9:03pm
We are leaving soon for a family vacation. Some at the church have asked if we would blog our trip so they could enjoy it with us. Well, we will try. If you want to check it out, go to http://krolls2west.blogspot.com. We will see you all when we get back and I'm sure I will have many new sermon illustrations.
Pastor Tim
Good People Gone before We Want to Say Goodbye
June 4, 2009 - 1:03pm
I know...it's been a month since I wrote something and some of you must be wondering if I have anything on my mind or heart (as the blog states). Well, I do and have had things over the past month, but was either out of the country (a week in the Ukraine) or consumed with other things.
We, Northside, have already had one funeral this week (Wednesday). It was for Phyllis Beatty a long time member of Northside and a great servant of the Lord (having spent several terms of missionary service in Africa). We also learned on Wednesday morning that Mickie Boelsche has passed on to glory following her struggle with cancer. We will soon be having her funeral service. We have several others in the church who are close to ending their physical struggles here on Earth and entering into their rest with their Savior.
We recognize the sovereignty of the Lord and His responsibility in giving us life and in seeing us move into the next life. To us, it may seem that people "go" too soon, but I think for myself, and most other believers, the real struggle is not that going to Heaven is too soon for them, but saying goodbye is too soon for us. We just are not ready, or wanting to be ready to say goodbye to those good people in our lives. We recognize that it is not a final goodbye, it's a goodbye for now, but without knowing how long the "for now" is, we find the goodbye part difficult.
The best we can do for those we love is to make sure what lies ahead of them is God's reward and not judgment and to make the most of the moments we have with them until our temporary separation from them. The best we can do for ourselves is to make sure we are ready for God's reward (if you are not sure, check-out the "Would you like a fresh start?" on our website) and prioritize those we love over the distractions and complications of life.
As you are reading this, I am sure the Lord has placed someone on your heart or mind that it's been awhile since you talked to them and you just need to. Finish reading and then contact them. Let them know what they mean to you before they are gone; before you want to say goodbye.
Pastor Tim
Walk as Wise
May 5, 2009 - 4:19pm
This past weekend, I preached through Ephesians 5:15-17 and the admonition to walk as wise. I know that, sometimes, I get a bit excited and talk even faster than normal and several have asked for some of the resources and Scriptures I mentioned in the sermon.
The two books I shared from were Leland Ryken's Redeeming the Time (or Work and Leisure in a Christian Perspective = same book different title) and J. Sidlow Baxter's Does God Still Guide?
The review I read was by Greg Gilbert on the book Guidance and the Voice of God and you can read the article at http://www.9marks.org/CC/article/0,,PTID314526%7CCHID598026%7CCIID1562228,00.html.
As for knowing God's will for your life, I shared these verses that tell us clearly what God's will is:
John 1:12-13 = Salvation
Ephesians 1:9-10 = Salvation
1 Peter 2:15; 3:17; 4:19 = Doing good (even in suffering)
1 Thessalonians 4:3-6 = Being holy, sexually moral and not wronging your brother
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 = Being joyful, prayerful, thankful
Romans 12:1-2 = Mind renewed (service, love, honor, joy, patience, prayer, sharing, hospitality, blessing, living in harmony, overcoming evil)
2 Corinthians 8:1-5 = Giving generously to God and His work
Matthew 28:19-20 = Obedience
For matters of good judgment, read the book of Proverbs which deals with all areas of life (marriage, parenting, friendships, finances, business, etc.)
Pastor Tim
Administrative Assistant Day
April 22, 2009 - 11:02am
Today, April 22, the 4th Wednesday of April, is Administrative Assistant Day. I know there are some who think this is a "made up" holiday to sell more greeting cards or increase the business of local restaurants, but even if it is, does that mean we shouldn't show our gratitude to those individuals that the Lord has brought into our lives as His blessing to us?
On a church staff, it is easy to recognize and show your appreciation to the church pastors - they are visible in ministry and usually have some public identification. But for most churches, like our's, there are a whole host of other individuals that work regularly and faithfully to see the ministry accomplish what God has asked of us. These include administrative assistants, secretaries (and there is a difference), receptionists, bookkeepers, accountants, maintenance or facility workers, technical support individiuals, and so on.
In general, I think it is appropriate that we show gratitutde for God's blessings and that we recognize others in ministry with thanksgiving - 2 Corinthians 9:11-12; Romans 1:8. Take some time, wherever you are, and thank someone for their service or ministry to you today. (If you have an administrative assistant, you better make sure you thank them today or there could be trouble!)
Specifically, to those of you associated with Northside, would you take some time, today or in the next couple of days and show your appreciation for the administrative assistants serving on our staff (and others helping in our ministry). Drop them a card or a note (send to church address), or send them an email or electronic card (addresses are on our staff page - http://www.nbcstpete.com/guests/article145220.htm), or stop by and just take a minute or two (I am the boss and still need them to work) to tell them how much you appreciate them.
Pastor Tim
Godspell by NCS at NBC
April 16, 2009 - 2:42pm
The Fine Arts Department of Northside Christian School will be presenting “Godspell” the musical on April 30 – May 3. The performance will be held at Northside Baptist Church, as we are the parent organization for the School and as we have the only venue, our Sanctuary, large enough for their performance.
This week, I received my first piece of “is our church going to Hell in a hand basket” mail from someone concerned that we were allowing such a musical to be performed at the church. The mail was sent anonymously. I can only assume, given their concern, that they are sharing their information with other people. While I would prefer to deal with this personally, they have not given me that option and for the integrity of the ministry, to prevent discord and disunity among the brethren, as a shepherd of this flock, I need to deal with it publicly.
First, let me say, if you have a concern or an issue with something at the church – do not send an anonymous letter. That is in violation of Biblical standards and principles. If you are concerned for God’s church, then at least be equally concerned with His word and your obligation to it.
Second, if you have a concern – please do not take advice or information from a website with false doctrine, a twisting of Scriptures and rife with false evidence and lies. What was sent to me was from such a website. (General rule: in regards to theology and Biblical truth, don’t trust anything you read on the Internet from people who are not published in print media or that you do not know personally.)
Third, in regards to Godspell, you need to understand that Godspell is based on the book of Matthew and is a retelling of that gospel in a contemporary form. It is not ungodly or blasphemous to tell the story of Jesus through another story. If that were so, then I hope those who object to it also object to the Chronicles of Narnia. Also, while the original, or at least the most popular of the first presentations was done with a hippie motif, that is not necessary and, in fact, has not been the motif of most presentations of Godspell.
There are two important aspects of any retelling of a story – the truth and foundations of the story, and the treatment and presentation of the retelling. The treatment and/or presentation are where, I will grant, things can go awry. Take for example the “Jesus” film and “The Last Temptation of Christ.” Both take their story from the Bible, but their treatment of the story and the presentation are radically different. One is reverent and respectful the other slanderous and derogatory. I will grant that Godspell can be either – it depends on the director.
For the NCS presentation of Godspell, Nathan Farrell, the Director of the Fine Arts Department, will be overseeing the play and Heather Cusmano, the Choral and drama director, will be the director. Nathan and Heather are godly people – believers in Jesus Christ, saved by faith in Christ. They are overseeing the songs and lyrics, the characters and actions, the set and setting, and the story. They chose Godspell, rather then a non-religious musical, specifically to share the gospel with our own students and those who will come to the performance. When selecting Godspell, they knew immediately they would have to add a resurrection scene to the musical because the original did not include it. They also knew that we could not and would not want anything done to disrespect our Lord (and their Lord). They have already done a full run for various parents, administrators and faculty to gather opinions regarding tone and theology making sure they did not do anything that might be construed as offensive.
Can Godspell be done in such a way that would be distasteful or sacrilegious? Yes. Has it been done that way before? Yes. Will it ever be presented in that way again? Yes.
Can it be done in such a way that the truth and beauty of the Gospel of Matthew is presented respectfully? Yes. Has it been done that way before? Yes. Will it ever be presented in that way again? Yes – April 30 to May 3 by Northside Christian School.
Pastor Tim
Looking for a Bible?
April 13, 2009 - 5:48pm
We had a great Good Friday service (April 10 at 7:00 pm) - we also had a wonderful sunrise baptism in the Gulf of Mexico and great Easter services. For the Good Friday service, we read through the Gospel accounts of those incidents leading up to and including the death and burial of Jesus Christ. We concluded the service with a benediction from Isaiah 53.
On Easter Sunday, I had someone in the congregation ask me what version of the Bible we used on Friday evening. To their credit, they had gone home and looked through their different Bibles to figure it out. We had used the New Living Translation for the Gospel readings and the Contemporary English Version for Isaiah 53.
If you are looking to read the Bible in a different way, perhaps you should try a different version than the one you normally read. Well, before you spend your money (or any money), take a look at www.biblegateway.com. This great website has 20 English versions (and 42 foreign versions) that you can search through, read and print for your own study. It's one of my favorite websites and I think would be helpful to every disciple of Jesus.
Pastor Tim
Knowing the Future
April 6, 2009 - 8:53am
We, or perhaps I, often think life would be easier if we could know the future - the person who loses their job could know when and what job they would eventually get, the parent could know that their child makes it safely through the teenage years, the child could know what they would be when they grew up. We think, if we knew the future we could live the present better or at least make better choices in the present to insure a better future - the road not to take to avoid the accident, the words not to say to damage a friendship, etc.
Coming into the Holy Week, I am struck by the thought that knowing the future may be worse than not knowing what was next. Jesus knew the cross was before Him. He had spoke of it often in the time before coming to Jerusalem. He had understood the significance of the raising of Lazarus, the Triumphal Entry and the time of Passover. But, I think knowing that the cross was at the end of the week must have made the week more difficult. (At least it would have for me even if it didn't for my Savior.)
How do you enjoy the dinner in Bethany earlier in the week when you know it is the last before the cross, or the conversation with friends in Jerusalem at the beginning of the week when you know the pain awaiting them? How do you even accept the praises of "Palm Sunday" knowing that many will later that week be shouting somthing very different from "Hosanna" as they shout for your execution.
For me, I guess not knowing the future allows me to really be a part of the present, except for when I worry about the future. For my Savior, I have a greater love and appreciation for His actions and words of this final week before the crucifixion. He knew the future and He even prepared (Himself and His disciples) for the future, but He lived in the present and continued His ministry to those He loved. Could I have been as loving and caring to Judas or Peter that last week? Could I have continued to teach and shepherd the people of Jerusalem? Could I have enjoyed the fellowship of friends? Could I have faced my mother and the heartache that she would face? I couldn't, but He could. He knew the future and I'm so glad I don't.
Pastor Tim
The Goodness of God
March 30, 2009 - 9:16am
I am about to head out for a funeral this morning for a man dearly loved by his family. Later today I meet with another family to talk about the memorial service for their mother in the next couple of days. Both families are in the swirling storm of loss and grief. Both are tossed by the waves of heartache, but also anchored by the hope of resurrction and eternal life through Jesus Christ.
When you are going through times of loss, it is difficult to always appreciate the goodness of God. But, as an outsider to each family, I can see the goodness of God. I see it in the love that each family expresses for their family member that has died. I see it in the love they recount from their family member to them. I see it in the joy of many fond and sweet memories. I see it in the hope and peace of eternal life.
I continue to grow in understanding that some of the greatest blessings that God has given to us, apart from our salvation and spiritual growth, are found in the people that He fills our lives with. Granted, we might want and wish for them to be in our lives much longer than they are, but for the time that they are, they are the blessing of God's goodness to us. We love and appreciate them, in the end, not for what they did for us, but for who they were to us - love, joy, kindness, gentleness, etc.
I see the goodness of God in the people He has given into our lives. O that I would do well in being God's goodness into the lives of others! Grief comes not because God is not good, but in that His goodness, through that person, is no longer a part of our lives. But, rest assured, His goodness will continue to come to our lives - just in a new and different way!
Pastor Tim
When or who was the last...
March 24, 2009 - 8:59am
I had many people ask me if I would publish the list of questions that I asked in the sermon ("State of the Church") this past weekend (March 21-22). The questions are not exhaustive of our Christian experience but certainly are some good markers of how we are doing in becoming like Jesus Christ, our Master. The questions, generally, fall into the four main disciplines that Jesus taught His disciples - God's Word, prayer, fellowship and witnessing.
1. When and what was the last thing you learned from the Bible in your own personal study?
2. When and what was the last passage of Scripture you memorized?
3. When and what was the last passage of Scripture you shared with someone else?
4. Who was the last person you invited someone to you ABF class? When was that?
5. When was the last time you followed up on someone missing from church or your ABF class?
6. Who was the last person you individually, specifically, helped grow? When was that? What did you help them grow in - specific knowledge, skill, discipline, or character?
7. Who was the last visitor you talked to? Invited to a group (ABF, small group)? Invited for hospitality?
8. When was the last time you met and got to know a new church member?
9. When was the last hospital visit you made to someone who was sick?
10. When was the last time you spent more than 5 minutes in prayer?
11. When was the last time you fasted?
12. Who was the last missionary you prayed for?
13. Who was the last people (group) you prayed for? When was the last time you prayer for the homeless, the hungry or the hurting?
14. When was the last time you gave as much to God as you spent on your own luxury and pleasure (TV, cable, satellite, DVDs, CDs, MP3s, Pets, Books, Magazines, Vacations, Candy, Gourmet Coffee, Hobbies, Collections)?
15. Who was the last person you shared your faith or the gospel with? When was that?
16. Who was the last person you invited to church? When was that?
My challenge was - our church will only be as healthy as we the congregation are. If we have answers, recent answers, to these kind of questions, then as a church we are doing well - regardless of attendance, offerings or facilities. But...if we are not doing well then neither is our church even if we had a growing attendance, abundant offerings and grand facilities.
Pastor Tim
March Madness
March 16, 2009 - 1:45pm
No...I do not have my brackets filled out yet. Do you? Are you going with the sure things (#1 and #2 seeds) or are you a cinderalla picker (#12 and #13 seeds for upsets). How many hours will you get to watch of the first couple of rounds?
Who did you pick last year? You know what, I can't remember. I had to be reminded who actually won the Tournament (Kansas). I don't remember who was in my pool (still don't). I didn't even remember how I did (came in 4th out of 29).
I'm still going to fill out a bracket this year, but isn't it amazing how much time and effort we spend on the things that don't last and aren't even really that important to us. If our team wins or we win our pool (for fun not money, of course), we are happy, but life doesn't change and in a year we will probably have forgotten anyway.
So, have fun if you fill out a bracket, but remember...the madness will soon pass and in the end, only what is done for God will last!
Pastor Tim
The Blessings of God or the Blessing of God
February 23, 2009 - 9:36am
We are certainly going through some challenging times – in our country…in our world…in our church. The stock market is down again, business is poor, jobs are lost, cancer strikes, AIDS ravages, wars rage, life continues.
In the midst of the challenges and difficulties, what do we want? How would we like things to change? How do we pray? Does it seem like God is far from us or gives little attention to our prayers? Are we looking for God to make it all better? If we only focus on the problems, we will be discouraged. If we only focus on the difficulties, we will miss the work of God that He intends to accomplish in this time.
Have we become too distracted by the blessings of God, or their absence, that we fail to remember that the blessing of God is greater? Do we pray for His blessings (financial stability, job, health, etc.) but fail to realize that He is trying to lead us into a greater appreciation of Him? As great and comforting as the blessings of God are, coming to an understanding and appreciation of God as our greatest blessing is far greater, of greater comfort and, in the end, of far greater importance.
I have been challenged by an old prayer of Thomas Aquinas – so challenged I have tried to memorize it. Consider these lines from For Ordering a Life Wisely:
Grant to me, O Lord my God, that I may not falter in times of prosperity or adversity, so that I may not be exalted in the former, nor dejected in the latter.
May I not rejoice in anything unless it leads me to You; may I not be saddened by anything unless it turns me from You.
May I desire to please no one, nor fear to displease anyone, but You.
May all transitory things, O Lord, be worthless to me and may all things eternal be ever cherished by me.
May any joy without You be burdensome for me and may I not desire anything else besides You.
To paraphrase the second stanza, may I find joy in difficult times if I am drawn closer to God and may I find only sorrow in those things that lead me away from Him. May I seek God as my blessing and not merely the blessings from my God.
Pastor Tim
