The Gospel of Man

There is a growing theme in some “Christian” circles today that causes me great concern. The theme centers on man, and his purpose, rather than on God and His will. No longer do we hear prolific messages on the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Instead, the modern message today is the Gospel of Man.

Some of the buzzwords words associated with this man-centered gospel include, but are not limited to:

• success
• achievement
• accomplishment
• prosperity
• wealth
• goals
• health
• happiness
• objectives
• fulfillment
• satisfaction
• destiny
• affluence
• victory
• ambition

Scores of books, sermons and songs of our day focus on man, center on human beings, and concentrate on what we want to do and what we want to become with God’s help. Note that last phrase…with God’s help. That is the heart cry of many messages today. You can do it...with God’s help. You can succeed…if you will let God help you. Your destiny awaits you…if God is your guide. You will be rich…when you plant the right seed in the right ministry (which just so happens to be their ministry).

Various teachers and preachers of the church in America propagate the message that God is here to help us. The widespread followers of these preachers are convinced that God is our servant, and that He exists to make us happy, healthy, wealthy and wise.

Countless have reduced the Bible to a book of principles about success. Some have so humanized God that He has become nothing more than a benevolent grandfather who exists to help us prosper. The Gospel is no longer a message of sin; it is now a talk about self-fulfillment. Perhaps I am just super sensitive to the subject, but the more I read and listen to the modern day “preacher” the more I am repulsed by his message.

I have read the Bible through several times. I have studied several different books of the Bible through my years of preaching and teaching. If I have gained anything from reading and studying the Scripture it is this—the Bible is not about us, the Bible is about God.

How did we move so far away from the truth?

Allow me to take some space to bring to light some common biblical misrepresentations:

• The Bible does not say God sent His Son to make me successful. The Bible says, “For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost” (Luke 19:10).

  God’s Word does not teach that those who follow Christ will live a trouble-free, self-satisfying life. Instead, God’s Word says, “all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted” (2 Timothy 3:13).

  The Bible does not teach man’s purpose is to fulfill his destiny. The Bible teaches. “but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct…” (1 Peter 1:15).

  God’s Word does not teach that God is my spiritual advisor, available to guide me through life. God’s Word teaches, “Thus says the Lord: ‘Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches, but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the Lord who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight, declares the Lord’” (Jeremiah 9:23-24).

  The Bible does not teach that every human is basically good and desires to be spiritual. The Bible teaches, “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God…” (Romans 3:23).
  

There are countless other spurious examples that could be sighted. Surely by now you get the point.

And what is the point?

For those of you who still do not get it, perhaps this will help:

• The Bible is not about us, the Bible is about God.

  The Bible is not about goals, the Bible is about faithfulness.

  The Gospel is not God’s plan for success; the Gospel is God’s plan of salvation.

  Jesus did not die for our destiny, Jesus died for our sins.
  

I just do not get it. And what amazes more than the false messengers preaching false messages, is the great numbers of misguided people falling for the counterfeit messages. What are these people thinking?

Ah, I may have just answered my own question by asking, “What are they thinking?” They are not thinking. Neither are they reading, praying and studying God’s Word. For if they were practicing these disciplines they would see the error of this heresy.

Recently I have had more than a few people tell me they like the way CrossPoint uses the Bible in worship and the way in which I refer to it so much in my preaching. The question I want to ask is, “What else is there to use?”

I dare you to do something extremely novel today. I dare you to read and study God’s Word to learn what it actually says, rather than listening to someone’s preconceived notions about what they think the Bible says. Perhaps if more people would do just that, less people would buy the next book or listen to the next sermon or sing the next song or attend the next seminar which glorifies man.

CrossPoint’s Missionaries

I received the following email update from one of my favorite people, Kristen Seay. CrossPointers should recognize her name as one of the missionaries the Lord has called out from our family of faith.

I thought you would be inspired by her email. Kristen is an amazing young woman.

Dear family and friends,

Finally! I am in Peru and able to send you all an update. First, I want to give you all an update as to why it has been so long since I have written. My original departure date as most of you know was August 23rd. However, the Lord had different plans. I became sick with some type of unknown stomach sickness the day before I was supposed to leave which kept me in the States for an extra two weeks. It was a difficult time for me because I felt so sick, but it was even more difficult knowing that I was "supposed" to be in South America. However, the Lord was simply trying to teach me that His plansand timing for me are perfect and that I was not supposed to be in Peru yet. He used that time to teach me some very important things about Himself that I needed to know before coming to Peru. So, I was initially frustrated with the situation, but I know now that it was all for His perfect purpose and for His glory. Praise be to Him for having control of my life!

After those two weeks in the States, I left for South America on September 6th. The Lord provided the opportunity for me to fly into Ecuador and then travel from there to Peru. This opportunity allowed me to spend some time with the Ecuador family that I lived with for a few months last year. This time with this family was so special because of the work the Lord has done in their family over the past year. When I arrived in Ecuador the first time a year ago, the family did not believe in the Lord. After 3 months of sharing the Gospel with them, daily Bible studies and sharing the love of Christ with them, the entire family accepted Christ the week before I left their home last year. So this visit was a time of rejoicing because it was the first time I could be with them as a Christian family. The Lord has definitely changed their lives as individuals and their lives as a family. Please pray for continual growth in their lives as believers in the Lord.

I then arrived here in Lima on September 11th. The Lord has been so good and faithful during my time here so far. He has developed an incredible spirit of unity among my team members which has been a HUGE answer to prayer. But please continue to pray for a stronger sense of unity among our team that we may be even more effective for the Lord. Also, please be praying for the people of Peru. The Lord has used me to share the Gospel with several people so far, and it is so interesting to me to see just how thirsty and desperate the people are for His truth and salvation.

I am leaving Lima today for my first research trip. I am on a traveling team with two other people (Brad Borggren and Lane Brown), and we will be going on a 10 day journey to research three unreached villages. Our main purpose is to research the logistics of these areas (population, food, lodging, fuel, etc.) in order to have accurate information for future stateside churches that would be interested in adopting these people groups. Please pray that we would be able to establish relationships with some of the people in order to start a connection with these areas. The three villages are Chavin, San Juan de Yanac and San Pedro de Huacarpana, and the population of these areas combined is approximately 300 people. Please be praying for the people of these three villages, and that the Lord would give our team opportunities to establish relationships and share His Gospel.

I know the Lord is using your prayers to keep me strong in my weakness. Please continue to pray that above all the Lord would receive glory from my life and work for Him. I will be emailing again when I return from our research trip to update the Lord's work there. Thank you all so much for your prayers.

Because of HIM,

Kristen Seay

Please keep Kristen near the top of your daily prayer list. I know her parents Chris and Joellen Seay would welcome your prayers as well. If you would like to be added to her email list you may contact Kristen at kristenmseay@gmail.com.

Speaking of CrossPoint missionaries, we have another missionary about to leave CrossPoint and head to the same part of the world. Sandy Stone and her husband Alan will be heading to Richmond, Virginia, in October for their mission training. Then, early in January 2008 they leave for Peru. We plan to commission Sandy and Alan on Sunday, October 7.

It’s exciting to watch the Lord call and appoint missionaries from our family of faith. I am praying today for JUST ONE MORE to be called to the ends of the earth to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

JUST ONE MORE Goes Nationwide

I absolutely love the spirit of CrossPoint. This past weekend the CrossPoint way was modeled for millions to see on ESPN’s College Game Day in Tuscaloosa.

Take a look at this first photo and see if you can identify what I am referring to:

Look closely. Did you see it?

You will not be able to see the CrossPointer, but in the next photo you will be able to see the result of the CrossPointer’s effort. You can see how they worked their way through the crowd.

If you did not identify it in the first photo, then see if you can identify what I am talking about in this slide:

Don’t you love it? That is so pure.

Thanks to Jeff and Jo Cook, CrossPoint received some free national publicity this past weekend. Who knows how people responded to that poster. I wonder if anyone asked their friends, “What does JUST 1 MORE mean?” Perhaps the poster prompted others to Google “CrossPoint, Just One More”. I Googled it and guess what I found? The first web address listed was hyperlinked to our web site.

Way to go Jeff and Jo. You make us proud.

The early word is that ESPN’s College Game Day may be at the Florida State and Alabama game this next weekend. Jeff and Jo plan to be there, and they have already informed me this week’s sign will be bigger and better.

This is just another reason why I love this choice church.

42 Redeemed!!

The Lord Jesus did an amazing thing yesterday at CrossPoint. During our third worship celebration more than 650 people watched in wonder as 42 redeemed students followed through with the biblical command to be baptized.

We had enough seats for 605 worshippers. Within minutes of the worship encounter beginning we were adding chairs to the worship center. Several students were sitting on the floor near the front of the room. People were standing in the back doorway entrances. It was an incredible sight.

I attended two PROJECT ONE Fellowships last night, and the center of everyone’s conversation were the 42 baptisms.

I was particularly impressed with two elements associated with the baptisms. First, I was impressed with the confessions of faith our students made. I know Jason and his team of counselors worked overtime counseling each student. I think the counseling combined with the commitment our students made showed as they professed why they were coming to be baptized. Another impression from the day came from the great number of guest attending. I estimate that 50% of our worship crowd included guests. It was significant watching each family gather around the baptistery to watch the baptism of their child. I am so glad we started that tradition.

Speaking of starting traditions, I think we are going to use the REDEEMED t-shirts as our normal mode of operations when it comes to baptism from now on. I really liked the message. Plus I think the person being baptized in the shirt can wear it from then on as a symbol of their faith and as a tool of witnessing. (I wonder how many students are wearing their REDEEMED t-shirt today at school!).

Wow, what a day. I cannot find the words adequate enough to describe it for the rest of you who were not there. For those who were there, I would like to hear your thoughts.

Two True Heroes

Okay, I cannot think of a better way for you to spend your time on a Saturday than by watching this video. This is one of many video links to Patrick Henry Hughes on YouTube. My friend Ron Ethridge sent me the video Wednesday morning. After viewing it, I remember seeing the clip on ESPN.

I would be curious to read your reactions.

Most Blessed

I do not know if you realize what is going on at CrossPoint, but God is moving and He is moving in a mighty way. There are countless items I could refer to that would help you see the mighty hand of God. Allow me to point out a few.

• This weekend we are presently scheduled to baptize 30+ students and children in the third worship hour. Needless to say, the third worship will be rockin’!
• In addition to baptizing so many people, our student ministry will present a human video in all three worship celebrations next Sunday. My son wanted me to watch the human video two weeks ago in Sublime and immediately after seeing it I asked Jason Motte if his team would present it in worship. GET READY. THE STUDENTS ARE GOING TO SHAKE YOU UP!
• Our Children’s Ministry is bursting at the seams as well. Beth Howe informed us in staff meeting this week (yes, can you believe the woman was already back in staff meeting after giving birth to her baby three weeks ago!) that our WWAM (Children’s Worship—Worship With A Mission) at 8:15 AM has nearly doubled in size the last few weeks.
• Bryan Haskins tells me the next time the choir sings, which is October 14, that he will have 48 or more strong voices lifting praise to the Lord. He also told me, “CrossPoint better get ready. It’s going to be our best worship yet!” I can’t wait to see what that looks like.
• In staff meeting Tuesday morning Steve Parr made 51 outreach assignments from our weekly guest list. It is my responsibility to contact each of the FIRST-TIME guests. Thus, I was responsible for 17 contacts this week. Make note—that is 17 FIRST-TIME guests!
• Speaking of 17 first-time guests on my outreach list, more than half of those families expressed a favorable response to CrossPoint, saying they will be returning again this next weekend. Several of them asked me questions about how to CONNECT with a small group Bible study.
• On Sunday, September 30 we kick off PROJECT ONE—ONE mission, ONE fellowship, ONE commitment with the observance of the Lord’s Supper. For those of you who do not know what PROJECT ONE is you will soon find out when you attend your Bible study fellowship. It is my desire to attend every Bible study fellowship. During the fellowship I want to share with each CrossPointer the extended vision the Lord has given me in what I believe is the next step in fulfilling our vision to reach JUST ONE MORE.
• As if that were not enough, I hear we will be opening our new building sometime very, very soon. I estimate that 90% of CrossPoint has no idea the impact this building will make in the fulfillment of our vision. I took a walk through the building on Wednesday. IT IS AWESOME! As I have said before. This building will change CrossPoint—for the good.
  
  

There is so much more I want to share with you. I am saving some of the choicest stories and news for the PROJECT ONE fellowships. I look forward to spending that time with you.

If this list should cause you to do anything, I think it would trigger two responses. First, it should cause you to give a mighty shout of praise to God. Second, it should cause you to drop to your knees in gratitude.

CrossPoint, we are among many churches, most blessed!

To Rob Thee of God

E. M. Bounds wrote a book years ago entitled Preacher and Prayer. My good friend, Ron Ethridge sent me this quote from chapter 8 of that book:

Dr. Judson’s success in prayer is attributable to the fact that he gave much time to prayer. He says on this point:

“Arrange thy affairs, if possible, so that thou canst leisurely devote two or three hours every day not merely to devotional exercises but to the very act of secret prayer and communion with God. Endeavor seven times a day to withdraw from business and company and lift up thy soul to God in private retirement. Begin the day by rising after midnight and devoting some time amid the silence and darkness of the night to this sacred work. Let the hour of opening dawn find thee at the same work. Let the hours of nine, twelve, three, six, and nine at night witness the same. Be resolute in his cause. Make all practicable sacrifices to maintain it. Consider that thy time is short, and that business and company must not be allowed to rob thee of thy God.”

Wow! I realize Judson lived in a different age in which I live. He lived without many of the modern conveniences I enjoy and that also distract me. Perhaps that is why he was able to give so much of his time and energy to devotional exercises. Yet, in contrast, his way of life was much more arduous than mine, which leads me back to the useless argument that conveniences cannot be an excuse for lack of prayer, devotion and solitude in my life.

If there is anything I have to work at, it is my time alone with the Lord. So many things—even good things—distract me from my time alone with my Savior. Yet I realize I must devote more time to Him if I ever plan to be the man He has called me to be.

I have written about this subject countless times. And so I should. A pastor can never spend enough time alone with the Lord in prayer, meditation, study, and in sweet communion. And, I might add, if it is good enough for every pastor then it is surely good enough for every parishioner.

I don’t know what kind of day you have scheduled. I don’t know when you plan to stop to catch your breath. For some it may be late this evening when you return home from CrossPoint University. For others it may be this afternoon during lunch. Whenever that time is, use it wisely. Spend 30 minutes or an hour alone with your Father in Heaven. Enjoy sweet fellowship with Him. Read and study His Word. Call out to Him. Be patient. Wait. Listen. Then rest in His love. You do not want anything—business or company—to rob thee of God.

$20 Violin

Many years ago a famous violinist died. Leaving behind no family members, there was no one to whom he could bequeath his Stradivarius. An auction was summarily convened, in part, to sell the instrument. It was eventually purchased by another violinist. He paid twenty thousand dollars for the violin, a sizeable sum in its day.

Shortly thereafter the new owner of the Stradivarius announced that he would play a concert on his new violin. When the evening arrived the concert hall was filled to capacity. People were waiting in breathless anticipation. At just the right moment he walked out on stage with nothing but his violin and he began to play a composition of Paganini. He held the audience spell-bound. His technique was flawless. His tone was exquisite. At the conclusion of the final note, the audience instantaneously jumped to their feet and roared with applause. He bowed, simply, and walked off stage. A few seconds later, with the applause still thundering, he walked back on stage, took his violin by its neck, raised it over his head and smashed it on a nearby piano bench, shattering it into a thousand pieces. Hen then walked off the stage. The audience was horrified. They were stunned. A moment later a second man walked out on stage and stood before the people. They became very quiet as he spoke these words: ‘The violin on which the maestro has just performed his first selection, the same violin that he has just destroyed, was but a twenty dollar violin. He will now perform the rest of the concert on the twenty-thousand dollar Stradivarius.’

What was the point he was attempting to make? The genius is never in the violin. It is always in the violinist. And the same is true for every believer and follower of Jesus Christ. At best, we are but a twenty dollar violin. But music can be heard when he is taken up in the hands of the Heavenly Violinist.

We do not worship the rod of Moses, the trumpet of Gideon, or the slingshot of David. Such would be grievous expressions of misdirected worship. But such is also the case when the Christ follower rests his or her confidence in the power of his or her own abilities. As Paul so eloquently stated, “What then is Apollos? And what is Paul? Servants though whom you believed, even as the Lord gave opportunity to each one” (1 Corinthians 3:5).

Man is nothing; God is everything.

Arturo G. Azurdia III, Spirit Empowered Preaching (Great Britain, Christian Focus Publications, 1998), 146-147.

Instant Getification

Have you seen the new ASK.COM television commercial? The purpose of the commercial is to illustrate the difference between the web search engines ASK and GOOGLE. Apparently ASK wants you to realize it has more available features than GOOGLE. I saw the commercial for the first time last weekend during a football game.

More than illustrating the difference from GOOGLE, I believe the ASK advertisement is a commentary on society.

Much of the commercial is spent in silence as the viewer watches a cursor move across the computer screen of the ASK search engine. Toward the end of the announcement the phrase “instant getification” appears on the screen. Then the announcer explains how ASK has more detail than its chief competitor GOOGLE.

Why do I think the ASK commercial is more of a commentary on society than it is on the search engine?

I think it is a commentary on our age because we live in a time of instant getification. The phrase is an obvious play on the words “instant GRATIFICATION.” It does not matter what you call it – getification or gratification – we are an impatient people. What we want we want now. Most people are not willing to wait or to work for what they want.

A prime example of INSTANT GETIFICATION is the new poverty initiative in New York City called “Opportunity NYC”. Have you read about this project?

The Mayor of New York, along with several other business leaders, raised $27 million for “Opportunity NYC”. “Opportunity NYC” rewards impoverished people for doing what is right.

If your 7th grade passes all tehir exit exams you get money. If you take your child to the dentist—cha ching! If you have an annual physical exam—off to the bank you go to cash your check.

I appreciate what one commentator said about “Opportunity NYC”. The spokesperson for the Manhattan Institute said, “We should have a real problem for rewarding people for doing what is moral.” I share her burden.

What is the result of “Opportunity NYC”? The answer is obvious. This project, along with so many other initiatives, feeds our society’s already voracious desire for instant getification. We live in an age of immediate indulgence.

And what is the answer? Be careful. There may not be an immediate solution to our dilemma.

But If I Cannot Win, Let Me Be Brave in the Attempt

I attended the Special Olympics this morning at the Hewitt Trussville High School football stadium. Thankfully I arrived in time for the opening ceremony, which included a parade of athletes from many area-wide schools. The motto for the Special Olympics says, “Let me win, but if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.”

I witnessed a lot of winning today. I also observed much bravery. Every competitor in the games was a winner, and every competitor displayed moxie.

One fellow really impressed me in the 50 yard dash. He won the race by at least 30 yards and then he kept running past the finish line. Steve Parr, Officer Mac and I were cheering for him as he continued around the track. Steve commented, “Now that is my kind of runner.” A high school student had to run full speed to stop him. The young special needs runner turned a 50 yard race into a 200 yard dash. Now that’s competitive!

CrossPoint is an annual sponsor of this event, as well as many other events for the special needs students of the Hewitt Trussville School system. We have many CrossPoint children in the special needs class. The class also includes some CrossPoint teachers, leaders, and volunteers.

While leaving the stadium a mother of a special needs child approached me and asked if I was the pastor of CrossPoint. After introducing herself, she told me how much she appreciated our monthly respite care offered to the families of special needs students. She bragged about how much her daughter enjoyed the day. The mother uses our Respite Care in order to attend a monthly Down Syndrome Small Group. She said, “I invite other families every month to use this special ministry. I tell them how trustworthy your ministry is, and that their children will enjoy it.”

While listening to this mother’s unsolicited testimony, I could not help but give thanks for CrossPoint’s ministry to the families of special needs children. I also expressed gratitude in my mind to the Lord for the Special Olympics. We should be thankful for the opportunity to serve these families. To learn more about CrossPoint’s Respite Care ministry you may contact Mandi Logan at mandi.logan@trussvillecityschools.com. Mandi will be glad to hear from you.

I've Been Sublimed!!

My Wednesday night schedule is busy from the time we start serving supper until the time I head home, which is usually around 10:00 PM. If you have not been to CrossPoint for Wednesday night lately, I encourage you to show up next week. What you will find may surprise you. Wednesday nights at CrossPoint are almost as big as Sunday mornings.

The Wednesday night fellowship meal is over-the-top. Of course, CrossPoint University is offering a great line-up of classes and courses devoted toward helping each CrossPointer become a more fully devoted follower of Jesus Christ for His glory. Yet the biggest movement on Wednesday night is in our Student Ministry mid-week worship called Sublime.

Sublime has grown so rapidly that we had to move it to the worship center in order to accommodate the crowd. That meant we had to move our worship ministry’s rehearsals to another part of the building. Yet I have heard no one complain, because whining, carping, moaning and groaning is not in our DNA, especially when it comes to reaching JUST ONE MORE student for Christ.

Last night, my scheduled allowed me to drop in on Sublime in order to catch a few minutes of worship. I do not know the total number of students present, but from where I was standing it was easily 500 or more. Also, when I exited the building, CrossPoint’s parking lot, drive-thru and main entrance was crammed full of parents and automobiles waiting to pick up their kids. It was an awesome sight, indeed. Although the sheer numbers impressed me, it was the worship that impressed me more. To put it bluntly, I was SUBLIMED!

If you are a parent of a student, I beg you to get your kid to Sublime next week. If your student is already in Sublime, then I encourage you to drop in on the worship, if you have not already. I encourage anyone else interested in seeing a God-thing on this scale to drop in there next week as well.

Sublime is a movement of God. Our students are hearing the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The message is straight from God’s Word. The worship is…well, how can I say this gently…it is what the students respond to best. Most importantly, the results are eternal.

Jesus said this would happen if we lifted Him up. I say to our students, “Keep lifting Him up!”

If you have not been SUBLIMED, then I encourage you to try it next week.

What’s Wrong with the World

Years ago a newspaper editor asked his daily readers:

“What’s wrong with the world?”

To that editorial inquiry G. K. Chesterton (1874 – 1936) responded with the following:

Dear Sir,

In regard to your question, “what’s wrong with the world” I AM.

Yours truly,

G.K. Chesterton

That is a good reminder for us. We are the problem. The problem with the world begins with me.

Our parents are not the problem.
Our past is not the problem.
Drugs are not the problem.
Alcohol is not the problem.
Illiteracy is not the problem.
Poverty is not the problem.
Your spouse is not the problem.
The media is not the problem.
We are the problem.

I am the problem. You are the problem. We are the problem.

My greatest problem is me. It is not my spouse or my kids or my church or my boss or my finances. I am my greatest problem.

Since I am the problem, what is the solution?

God is the solution. The Gospel is not the solution. The plan of salvation is not the solution. The Bible is not the solution. The church is not the solution. God is the solution. That is why Paul said this in Romans 5:16,

More than that, we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.
Romans 5:11

Notice his rejoicing is in God—not God’s plan or God’s purpose or God’s program or God’s word. The rejoicing is in God.

And why do we rejoice in God? We rejoice in God because He came to us in the flesh. He lived the only perfect life among us. He died in our place to pay the punishment for our sins. And He came back to life to save us, to set us free and to give us power of sin, death and the devil.

Now back to the original question: what’s wrong with the world?

Chesterton nailed it when he replied, “I am.”

Yet thanks to God, the Lord Jesus Christ is the solution.

But They Know Who Jesus Christ Is

With the Gospel so readily on my mind these days, I am reminded of a story I heard from the life and ministry of evangelist Leighton Ford, Billy Graham’s brother-in-law. The story includes an encounter with an elderly woman on an airplane.

Leighton was already positioned comfortably in his seat when a flight attendant approached him about assisting a 96-year old woman who would be sitting next to him. Desiring to be hospitable and helpful, Ford opened up the conversation by asking if it was true she was 96 years old.

The woman replied, “Yep.”

Ford asked if she traveled much, and the woman replied again with, “Yep.”

Then Ford said, “I bet since you’ve lived all these years you know quite a bit.”

Again the woman said, “Yep.”

To instigate more than a “yep” and to turn the conversation toward Jesus, Ford then asked, “Tell me the best thing that you know.”

She said, “The best thing that I knows is that I knows Jesus Christ.”

The evangelist wanted to see how well the woman knew Jesus, so he said, “And what’s the big deal about knowing Jesus.”That is when the 96-year old starting preaching. She lit up as she explained how Jesus made the sun, the moon and the stars. She talked about Jesus making everything. Then she concluded her sermon by saying, “If it weren’t for Jesus I wouldn’t be here right now riding on this plane.”

Inspired by her faith, Leighton told the woman who he was and why he was asking her all the many questions. He told her he was interested in her faith. Then he educated the woman he was an evangelist as well as the brother-in-law to Billy Graham.

“Do you know who Billy Graham is?” inquired Ford.

“Nope,” said the woman.

“You don’t know Billy Graham, the world-wide evangelist. He is the man who has preached to millions in crusades and on television,” replied Ford. “Surely you have seen him on TV,” said the evangelist.

The woman retorted, “Maybe I’s out the night he’s on!”

A few days later Ford was able to share the story with Dr. Graham. Graham’s response is most notable. Graham said, “Leighton Ford isn’t it wonderful to know there are millions and millions who do not know who we are but they know who Jesus Christ is!”

What a story! And that is the way it should be. Billions will never know about CrossPoint. Billions more will never know who I am or who you are, but as long as we continue to propagate the Gospel they will know who Jesus is. Please continue to work and pray with me as we reach JUST ONE MORE to become a fully devoted follower of Jesus Christ.

Communicating the Gospel

It was my turn to lead the devotion in staff meeting this week. During my few minutes of speaking, I reminded the staff that our top priority is to continually communicate the Gospel of Jesus Christ in everything we do. Our purpose for constantly sharing the Gospel is to bring glory to God.

Paul expressed his understanding of publicizing the Gospel this way:

And I, when I came to you, brothers, did not come proclaiming to you the testimony of God with lofty speech or wisdom. For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. And I was with you in weakness and in fear and much trembling, and my speech and my message were not in plausible words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, that your faith might not rest in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.
1 Corinthians 2:1-5

Consider the breadth of content contained in that simple phrase—Jesus Christ and him crucified.

The name “Jesus” carries implications related to His humanity. The name also carries the mysteries attached to His coming to us in the flesh.

The title “Christ” recognizes His office as Messianic King; addressing among other things, the fulfillment of the many Old Testament prophecies.

The perfect participle “crucified” has reference to His redemptive accomplishments.

Thus, in one simple phrase Paul reached into the depths of the person, office and work of the Son of God.

Finally, notice that Paul wanted his audience to place their attention on the power of God and not the wisdom of men. Thus, that is why he constantly proclaimed “Jesus Christ and him crucified.”

Spreading the Gospel was a priority for Paul. Spreading the Gospel should also be a high priority for every believer and follower of Jesus Christ.

Allow me to break it down as to how we actuate that call at CrossPoint:

It is my job as pastor to communicate the Gospel every time I preach.

It is Bryan Haskin’s job to spread the Gospel when we sing in worship.
It is Steve Parr’s job to share the Gospel in the administration of CrossPoint ministries.

It is Chris Howell’s job to disseminate the Gospel in the Adult Bible Study ministry.

It is Jason Motte’s job to communicate the Gospel in the Student Ministry.

It is Beth Howe’s job to propagate the Gospel in the Children’s Ministry.

It is Cathy Owen’s job to teach the Gospel in the Pre-School Ministry.
It is Brian Harris’ job to impart the Gospel in the Recreation Ministry.
And, it is every CrossPointer’s job to convey the Gospel with everyone they meet.

Do you see it? Do you get it? Do you understand what we are supposed to be doing?

To break it down even into simpler terms, allow me to express our priority this way: CrossPoint is in the God-glorifying, Jesus-proclaiming, and Holy Spirit-honoring business. And the highest form of doing that comes when we intentionally disseminate the Gospel in everything we do. We must speak the Gospel, live the Gospel, pray the Gospel, sing the Gospel, share the Gospel, provide the Gospel, proclaim the Gospel, honor the Gospel, and ….surely at this point you get the picture.

Get busy communicating the Gospel.

Five Questions

If you have not already noticed, I have been keeping an unrealistic and hectic pace these last 10 days. The chaotic days began with CrossPoint’s annual staff planning retreat on Sunday, August 26. We returned on Tuesday, August 28. I spent the next day preparing for my CrossPoint University Class, and then on Thursday, August 30, I departed for a family wedding in Granville, Ohio. My family and I did not return from the trip until late Sunday, September 2. I used Labor Day to catch my breath, and yesterday I returned to the fast-paced grind.

Part of my frantic movement involves a class I am teaching for New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary at The Church at Brook Hills. The class meets every Tuesday evening from 5 to 7 PM. I am teaching personal evangelism to about 30 graduate students. Even though the class has added to my frenetic schedule, I am so glad I was invited to teach. The practice of preparing for the class and presenting the lecture notes each week is a great exercise for me, and one I believe will ultimately benefit CrossPoint.

I entitled last night’s lecture “Evangelism for the Glory of God”. For those of you interested, provided below is the outline to my lecture.

There are five basic questions each person must ask pertaining to their existence on this earth[1]:

Where did I come from?
Why am I here?
What is wrong?

What is the solution?

What time is it?

Question #1: WHERE DID I COME FROM?

This question deals with man’s true origin.

There are basically two answers to the question of origin. You can say you either evolved or you were created. Evolving into existence is the result of matter plus time plus chance. Being created into existence is the result of being fearfully and wonderfully made by the Sovereign, Loving Creator, God Almighty.

Colossians 1:16 says I was made by God,

For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him.

Question #2: WHY AM I HERE?

This question deals with man’s purpose.

The Bible says very clearly why we exist. The Bible says I exist for the glory of God.

1 Corinthians 10:31 teaches,

So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.

Question #3: WHAT’S WRONG?

This question deals with man’s dilemma.

There is something wrong in this world. Man’s problem has to do with his basic human nature. Man, by nature, is a sinner and who has sinned against a Holy God.

The Bible says,

The soul who sins shall die.
Ezekiel 18:20

for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,
Romans 3:23

For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 6:23

Our problem is not that we are wrong or that we are bad or that we make mistakes or that we are imperfect. Our problem is that we are sinners. We are born sinners. As a result of being a natural born sinner we sin against God. Our sinful nature and behavior offends God’s holy character. As a result God must judge us. He must hold us accountable for our sin.

Question #4: WHAT’S THE SOLUTION?

This question deals with man’s remedy.

The solution to our problem is not education.
The solution to our problem is not government.
The solution to our problem is not money.
The solution to our problem is not counseling.
The solution to our problem is not religion.
The solution to our problem is not random acts of kindness.

The solution to our problem is found only and entirely and wholly and completely and thoroughly through the Savior of all mankind, Jesus Christ.

In John 14:1-7 Jesus said,

"Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. And you know the way to where I am going." Thomas said to him, "Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?" Jesus said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you had known me, you would have known my Father also. From now on you do know him and have seen him."

In John 6:35 Jesus said,

Jesus said to them, "I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst.

In John 8:12 Jesus said,

Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life."

In John 10:10-11 Jesus said,

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. 11 I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.

In John 11:25-26 Jesus said,

Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, 26 and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?"

Acts 4:12 gives a perfect summary to the previously mentioned passages, when it says,

And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved."

Question #5: WHAT TIME IS IT?

This question deals with man’s destiny.

This question determines why God left us here on this earth after saving us.

Have you ever questioned why God would create us and save us, and then not take us to heaven immediately to live with Him and for us to enjoy His presence for all eternity?

Some of us might say, "The reason God has left us here on the earth after He saved us is to win souls."

This statement, although sincere, is misleading.

Perhaps a better way of saying it would be to say, "One of the reasons God has left us here on the earth after He saved us is to win souls,"

To say, “The reasons God has left us here on the earth after He saved us is to win souls” implies that the number one reason we are here is for the purpose of soul winning, and that soul winning is the one thing that God is concerned about more than anything else.

Question: Is this really true?

We would certainly agree that the salvation of the lost is of utmost concern to our blessed Lord whose own blood was shed to redeem lost sinners. In the Great Commission we are commanded to preach the Gospel to every creature and to make disciples of all nations. The salvation of the lost is very high on God's priority list because He is a God who desires all men to be saved and to come to a full-knowledge of the truth (1 Tim. 2:4). The Lord Jesus is very much concerned for the salvation of the lost because He Himself said, "I am come to seek and to save that which was lost" (Luke 19:10). The Savior of sinners is more concerned about the salvation of souls than we will ever be. May God help us to share HIS COMPASSION for the sheep that are scattered, having no Shepherd (Matt. 9:36). May the Lord of the harvest be pleased to send workers into His harvest (Matt. 9:38)!

As important as soul winning is, it is not the number one reason why God has saved us and allowed us to remain on the earth.

Ultimately and fundamentally there is but one reason why we are here and that reason is to GLORIFY the God who saved us.

1 Peter 2:9-10 says,

But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. Once you were not a people, but now you are God's people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.

One of the ways—one of the more significant ways—I can glorify my God and my Savior is by allowing Him to use me as a channel in reaching lost men and women with the glorious Gospel of a crucified and risen Savior.

In Romans 11:33-36, Paul concludes an incredible section of biblical theology by stating,

Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways!
"For who has known the mind of the Lord,
or who has been his counselor?"
"Or who has given a gift to him
that he might be repaid?"
For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen.

for of Him [He is the SOURCE],
and through Him [He is the CHANNEL],
and to Him [He is the GOAL], are ALL THINGS: to whom be GLORY for ever. Amen" (Rom. 11:36).

This is, in my opinion, the most important piece of the Gospel puzzle. The entire puzzle of God's purpose and program fits together only when the piece representing God's glory is placed into its rightful position of preeminence.

We share the Good News of Jesus Christ for God’s glory.

[1] Adapted from the preface of The Drama of Scripture: Finding our Place in the Biblical Story by Greg G. Bartholomew and Michael W. Goheen.