justonemore.info

We've Moved!!

2008-01-23T14:33:00.000-08:00

Just in case you read this blog via crosspointchurch.blogspot.com, we have made the move to Wordpress as our platform for reaching the blogosphere. So.... please redirect yourself to www.justonemore.info .

Thanks,

Web Management
www.justonemore.info

Another Big Day at CrossPoint

2008-01-23T07:13:00.000-08:00

Oh, what a day!

I know I have written about this before, yet the Sundays at CrossPoint are increasingly better and better each weekend.

I emailed Bryan Haskins this morning to tell him that worship was over the top. He did a great job selecting the music, preparing the choir and leading the congregation. I loved “All About Your Glory”. I hear us singing that glorious song a few more times this year, don’t you?

It was fun introducing the many new members, and asking them to stand across the front of the room. For those of you who were there, what did you think about the new tradition we started in the third worship celebration? At the coffee bar I had potential new member ask me when the next membership class would be available so they could join. Now that is good stuff.

Speaking of the coffee bar—watch out Starbucks! I really like all the space we have to mix and mingle. I also like the changes we made to the front entrance. We have more space for traffic flow now. Plus, I think the new coffee bar area will be a better place for me to meet and greet guests.

Our open house was a great add on to the day. I was surprised with the number of people who attended. It was good to see so many Center Pointers come to take a tour. We were equally surprised to meet a number of guests who came in response to the advertisements we placed in the area newspapers. CBS 42 surprised us as well by recording a segment for the Sunday evening news. Did any of you see the segment during the 5:30 PM broadcast?

Next weekend we turn our attention to the final message of our introductory series on God’s Glory. The message title is “Do All to the Glory of God” from 1 Corinthians 10:31. We will also participate in the Lord’s Supper at the conclusion of each worship celebration. I want God’s glory to consume us. If the remaining 49 Sundays are like the first three Sundays of the year, I think God’s glory will fill us.

That’s enough about Sunday. It is my desire to return to a daily routine of writing blogs this week. I plan to do that as soon as I turn the corner on my jet lag. Now there’s a blog—overcoming jet lag. Whew! I’m tired. Is it time for bed? It sure feels like it.

This Can’t be What It’s all Cracked up to Be

2008-01-16T04:27:00.000-08:00

Tom Brady is the quarterback of the New England Patriots. His team is currently on a 16-0 winning streak, with the possibility of going 19-0 if they win the Super Bowl. Brady was recently interviewed by Steve Kroft on 60 Minutes.

The interview took a serious twist when Brady made this vulnearable comment:

"Why do I have three Super Bowl rings and still think there's something greater out there for me? I mean, maybe a lot of people would say, 'Hey man, this is what is.' I reached my goal, my dream, my life. Me, I think, 'God, it's got to be more than this.' I mean this isn't, this can't be what it's all cracked up to be."

When the Kroft asked him, "What's the answer?"

Brady responded, "I wish I knew. I wish I knew. I love playing football and I love being quarterback for this team. But at the same time, I think there are a lot of other parts about me that I'm trying to find."

Wow! This guy has it all—according to the world’s standards. He dates actresses. He makes big money. He owns three super bowl rings. Again, by what the world says, this guy is the epitome of success, and he still says, “This can’t be what it’s all cracked up to be.” Even though Brady is surrounded by all the accouterments of success, it is apparent his life is empty.

If you had 60 minutes with Brady, what would you say to him?

First I would commend Brady for his honesty. I appreciate his transparency. Brady is more forthright than most people in his shoes. I would encourage Brady to remain open. His openness will lead to his answers.

Next, I would let Brady know that God has the answers to his questions in the Bible. For starters, the Bible has something to say about this thirst in Brady’s heart. This emptiness in his heart is there for a reason—it’s a desire God placed there. The Bible says,

He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also, he has put eternity into man's heart, yet so that he cannot find out what God has done from the beginning to the end.
Ecclesiastes 3:11

The Bible is clear; every human has a God-given desire for eternity in his heart. Yet man’s biggest problem is that he cannot quench that desire on his own. God must fill that void.

Obviously, I would communicate with the All-Pro Quarterback everything Jesus says about life, death and eternal life. I would begin with these truths:

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.”
John 10:10

“For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost."
Luke 19:10

“For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."
Mark 10:45

"Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. 2 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? 3 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. 4 And you know the way to where I am going." 5 Thomas said to him, "Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?" 6 Jesus said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
John 14:1-7

Then, I would inform Brady that a heart filled with faith in the Lord Jesus Christ is the answer. The thirst in everyone’s heart is a thirst for meaning and significance. Super Bowl rings, dates with super models, endless wealth and everything else the world says we need is not the answer. The answer to life’s quest is a life filled with faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.

The Apostle Paul said,

12 Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. 13 Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 3:12-14

Finally, I would inform Tom that he is not much different from anyone else. Sure, Brady is mega-wealthy and extremeley famous, yet his struggles are the same as everyone else’s. Brady’s answer is found in God’s Word. And God’s Word will tell Brady that someone who has faith in the Lord Jesus Christ finds meaning and purpose in life. That is when I will give Tom the opportunity to repent of his life of sin and place his full confidence in the Lord Jesus Christ. Until then, Tom will continue to say, “This can’t be what it’s all cracked up to be.”

Chelsea Lee's Story

2008-01-14T08:55:00.000-08:00

Three years ago I shared a powerful a story in one of my messages of a very brave girl. Her name was Chelsea Lee. Perhaps some of you will recall her story.

My mentor Harry Lucenay was Chelsea’s pastor. Chelsea was a courageous young girl who fought a long and arduous battle with cancer. The Lord took Chelsea home to be with him after living on this earth only 7 years.

Chelsea was the first one in her family to be born again. Soon after receiving Christ she requested Dr. Lucenay to come to her hospital room to talk about being baptized. She was too sick to follow through with that biblical command of immersion by water. That is when my friend, Harry, used his creative gifts to ensure the young girl’s heart’s desire was fulfilled.

Harry went to her home just days before she died to “baptize” her. The baptism was unconventional, yet meaningful. Harry anointed Chelsea’s forehead and face with peppermint oil as a symbol of her death, burial and resurrection in Jesus Christ.

Chelsea said to Harry during her baptism, that “the smell of my baptism in Christ is sweet.”

Soon after, Chelsea went home to be with the Lord.

My family had the distinct honor of sharing a meal with Chelsea’s parents, James and Melissa Lee before departing Hong Kong. As a result of Chelsea’s faith, her mother, Melissa was born again. Six months later, her father repented of his sins and placed his faith in Jesus Christ. One of Chelsea's aunts, received Christ in the automobile with Dr. Lucenay on the way to Chelsea’s graveside. An uncle, one of James's brothers made his profession of faith soon after driving home from the graveside.

James informed me that more than half of his family has come to a saving faith in Jesus Christ as a result of Chelsea’s faith and subsequent death. He has requested we pray for his eldest brother who has not yet been born again.

If you want to experience a very real blessing, then I encourage you to click here and learn more about Chelsea’s testimony:

http://www.chelsealee.com/

Take a moment to listen to her radio interview by clicking the Audio Clip from ‘RTHK’.

Only the Lord Jesus Christ can use the battle of a brave child, and her faith in Him to introduce so many others to their own salvation.

Trust In the Lord

2008-01-13T08:35:00.000-08:00

Psalm 115:4-9

4 Their idols are silver and gold,
the work of human hands.

5 They have mouths, but do not speak;
eyes, but do not see.

6 They have ears, but do not hear;
noses, but do not smell.

7 They have hands but do not feel;
feet, but do not walk.
and they do not make a sound in their throat.

8 Those who make them become like them;
so do all who trust in them.

9 O Israel, trust in the Lord!
He is their help and shield.

A Report From Some of Our Missionaries

2008-01-11T06:41:00.000-08:00

Alan and Melissa are really special people. They are missionaries of the Southern Baptist Convention. Fifty percent of our World Missions Offering goes to support more than 5000 mission personnel like these dear people. Alan and Melissa have been on mission in Asia for 14 years, and have spent the last four years in Hong Kong, where Alan is the Property Manager and Treasurer of the Hong Kong Baptist Mission.

During a meal with these folks, they recounted for us some recent stories and statistics about Southern Baptists’ efforts in mainland China.

More than 700 mainland Chinese students each year study at Hong Kong Baptist University. The IMB along with Kowloon International Baptist Church is targeting these students during their four years of study, and we are successfully reaching many of them for Christ before they return home upon graduation.
Taylor has befriended a new convert from the mainland. His name is Edward. Edward was recently baptized at KIBC. He participated in his first Lord’s Supper last Sunday, and he could not thank me enough for what he learned. It was refreshing watching him participate and learn from the Bible.

Brian spent the day with us the other day while we toured Lamma Island. Brian is a Chinese national who is not a believer and follower of the Lord Jesus Christ, but he is a seeker. Maik, the student minister for Kowloon International Baptist Church, brought him along on our excursion so he could hear more about Christ. Brian is the President of the Chinese Student Union of HKBU. Imagine what the Lord will do through him once he repents of his sin and believes in the Lord Jesus Christ.

I am so thankful CrossPoint is part of the Southern Baptist Convention, where we are making a difference for the kingdom of God. Please pray for our mission efforts in this part of the world.

Another Photo Blog

2008-01-09T06:25:00.000-08:00

Enjoy!!

Taylor dropping to a knee and praying for me after he found out I spent the day shopping with my girls at the Ladies Market

Kelsey and her new boyfriend

people praying at the Temple of 10,000 Buddhas

Taylor and Kelsey at Temple of 10,000 Buddhas

My family atop Victoria Peak

Family at Victoria Peak, overlooking Victoria Harbor

Thank the Lord for His Protection

2008-01-08T06:20:00.000-08:00

Okay, I am glad I did not know last week what I know this week about Beijing.

Last week I knew the communist party controlled many things in China. However, I did not know the government monitors everything that goes on in many central areas like Tiananmen Square with spies, secret police and video monitors. For example, I learned last night from some of our IMB missionaries that even street sweepers in the Square are government spies. Their job is to listen for fools like me who spread the gospel or who try to usurp the government.

Can we all just take a moment to thank the Lord for protecting your boisterous and obtrusive pastor who asked more questions than he should have the day his family toured the Square?

I now know why so many people were staring at me the morning I stopped to take a break from my run through Tiananmen Square. Additionally, no wonder our tour guide was not interested in disclosing much information about the June, 1989 student uprising where more than 7000 students were killed by the government.

For those of you too young to know or for those who have forgotten this horrible event, check out this video on youtube:

My children were appalled when they viewed this and many other videos.

It is my understanding that many of the Chinese nationals who have relocated to Hong Kong believe this videos are staged and that this event never happened. One recent convert cried as he watched the video. After watching it he said, “I used to live around the corner from Tiananmen Square and no one ever told me this happened.” And that is exactly what the Chinese government does; they treat this incident as if it never happened.

Once again, now I know why our tour guide would not divulge much about the uprising.

Perhaps he did not know about it.

Speaking of government control, when television reports from other parts of the world tell something about democracy or free elections, the Chinese government interrupts the segment with a commercial, with music or most of the time with a blank screen. It is also my understanding that not too long ago, Google agreed to let the government monitor web the citizen’s web searches so that too can be controlled. Once again, no wonder I could not connect to my blog. So, believe it or not, the Chinese people really do not have much flow of information from the outside world.

The Whitleys in China Photo Blog

2008-01-07T18:48:00.000-08:00

If a picture's worth 1,000 words, then this could be the longest blog yet. You can click on each picture to enlarge and get more details of each photo. Enjoy!

Taylor and Kelsey at Tiananmen Square

The only part of a new suit I could afford

Vonda, Kelsey and me at a beautiful village off the coast of the Pacific

Kelsey holding a building at the Forbidden City

Me with the kids on a frozen lake at the Summer Palace

Family at Great Wall (20 degrees with 40 MPH wind). Don't you love Vonda's new hat!

Taylor picking up our "rental car" in Hong Kong

Taylor's new girlfriend

Has She Ever Heard of Jesus Christ?

2008-01-07T07:26:00.000-08:00

The last day of our stay in Beijing included a tour of a personal home in the Hutong Village. We met a woman and spent about twenty minutes with her in her home. During the conversation my family experienced something we had never before encountered.

As we did in all of our conversations, we asked the interpreter to inquire if this woman had ever heard of Jesus Christ.

The interpreter was puzzled by my question, wrinkling his brow and shrugging his shoulders. At first I thought he did not understand my inquiry, so I explained it with a few more detail. Yet when I probed, I realized the interpreter himself did not know who Jesus Christ was.

This was a moment of sheer amazement for my family.

I said, “Jesus Christ, God’s son.” Still the interpreter looked puzzled.

Then I said, “God sent His Son, Jesus Christ to die for our sins.” Again, the man was confused.

That is when I went into a full blown explanation of the gospel. It was not until I said the word “church” did the man have a clue. Additionally, when the woman responded she said she did “go to church.” There was no mention of Jesus Christ.

I probed deeper by asking if she believed in God.

As many people in this part of the world do when asked that question, the woman talked about her parents belief in Buddha, yet she said she did not believe in God.

This is the same answer our daily tour guide gave us when we talked to him about Jesus.

Jacky said his parents worshipped Buddha, and they believed in good luck, but that he did not have time to think about God because he was so busy working. Jacky said people in their 50's and 60's usually think about God, and that maybe when he reached that age he too would think about God.

When I asked him what would happen if he died before he reached that age he said he did not know. My family spent the remainder of the week discussing the Gospel of Jesus Chris with him. The message of eternal life through Jesus Chris was obviously something Jacky never before heard or considered. Each conversation we had with him was a challenge.

Please join me in praying for Jacky, and many of the 1.4 billion people in China who have not heard of Jesus Christ.

Catching Up

2008-01-06T05:06:00.000-08:00

It has been a while since I have written my blog. Beijing was a 24/7 trip. Anyone traveling on this side of the earth must go to Beijing. It was an unforgettable experience.

Okay, so where do I begin?In three hours I will lead HKIBC in the Lord’s Supper during both morning worship celebrations. I am excited about that awesome privilege.

While in Beijing, my Internet connection was limited. I could not connect to my blog, or to any other Christian websites. I was informed last night from some Hong Kong residents that the government monitors and literally controls the web. How chilling is that?Speaking of the Communist Government, one night a maid knocked on our hotel room door to tell us to close our curtains. What did I do? You guessed it; I opened those puppies in democratic defiance.

The Beijing people were just as gracious as the people of Hong Kong.

It took us 24 hours to get adjusted to the culture. After that we soon found our way around our part of Beijing.

Having a guide with us each day helped immensely. There would be no other way to see Beijing, than with an English-speaking guide.

As for historical sites, you name it we experienced it. Each day was better than the previous day. We experienced many different venues.

The Temple of Heaven was fascinating. This is the place where the emperor would offer sacrifices for the fall harvest. It is now a park where the retired people of Beijing spend their days. There were hundreds, if not thousands, of retired people gathering there that morning. They were singing, dancing, playing games, exercising all over the place. That was really neat.

Included in our final day was a tour of private home in Hutong Village. We met a woman who lived in 300 square foot flat with her husband and daughter. Now that was interesting.

During the visit I encountered something I have never witnessed before in my years of ministry. I will try to post that story, along with a few others later this week.

Before leaving Saturday morning I decided to take a run through Beijing, and I am so glad I did. I think I ran about five miles; I am not sure because I stopped so many times to watch what was happening in front of me.

My goal was to run around Tiananmen Square, which I did. The Square was about a mile from our hotel. The closer I approached the Square, the larger the crowd continued to grow. People were flocking to the northern end. I ran down to that end to see what was happening. I estimate at least 3000 people gathered that morning to watch the military raise the Chinese flag. I stood along the street’s edge.

For some goofy reason people were staring at me just as much as they were staring at the flag-raising ceremony. I think it may have had something do with my goofy running attire. By the way, did I mention it was about 22 degrees that morning? When I arrived back at the hotel and saw what I looked like I realized why they were staring at me.

We have more pictures to post. Taylor and I will do that later today, when we have time to work through all the photos.

Thank you for praying for us. We are experiencing the power of your prayers firsthand. We look forward to our return, and to sharing with you what we experienced.

OK, Beijing Is Awesome!

2008-01-02T05:00:00.000-08:00

I think we have finally adjusted to the time change for the other side of the world. We went to bed last night (Tuesday) at 7:30 and woke only once around 1:00 AM and then slept a little longer until 5:00 AM. That is a good night’s sleep.

We spent the day at Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City and Summer Palace. All three experiences were just too much to handle in one day. The history behind each location is so comprehensive. Tiananmen Square is a great symbol of communism. I will write more on that later. The Summer Palace puts Biltmore in the ground. The Forbidden City is 600 years old and looks like it was constructed last year.

We should be sending photos in a day or two. Believe it or not, Internet connection in Beijing is not too swift, plus it is expensive to access from our hotel. Taylor and I are looking for an Internet Café each time we venture out.

By the way, my kids are treated like rock stars around here. At Tiananmen Square a family approached us to have their photo made with us. Of course, we had our photo made with them.

Okay, it’s time now for a few insights:

Who is telling all these people about Jesus?
Always take an extra potty break before you leave your hotel.
I find it humorous that it takes the sun so long to rise here in the East. Ha!
Seriously, the sun does not rise in Beijing until 7:30 or later.
If you grew up in Beijing you would be used to the restroom facilities.
Chinese children are precious.
Be sure to carry toilet paper with you, wherever you go.
Who is telling these people about Jesus?
Who is responsible for telling these people about Jesus?
Who has accepted responsibility for telling these people about Jesus?

There is so much more I could write. I must stop for now. We are heading out to eat, and then we go to a martial arts show at 7:30 PM.

Below, you'll find a few pictures of our journey so far.

Grace always.

29 hours later, we arrive in Hong Kong

the chapel where Taylor preached last Sunday. See if you can spot my 3 blondes.

Whitleys at Victoria Harbor on New Year's Eve

We're in Beijing

2008-01-01T19:57:00.000-08:00

I have no idea where to begin with today’s entry. We are wide open. We have not stopped since we left Birmingham. This is a 24-7 venture for my family.

As I posted earlier, where are we? What day is it? What time is it? Time, distance and location have no meaning in a trip like this.

We departed Hong Kong early this morning for Beijing. The difference between Hong Kong and Beijing is much like the difference between New York City and Remlap. Hong Kong is more westernized, while Beijing looks and feels like a third world country. Do not get me wrong, however, Beijing is unique, and it is beautiful in its own way. More than beautiful, this place is matchless in its history.

After checking into the hotel, Kelsey requested some real food. We have already had our fair share of Chinese and Thai food the last three days. So we asked the hotel concierge where we could find some western food. She sent us to the Beijing Hard Rock Café. Yes, we splurged. The bill was $721!!!—that’s RBMs.

Our hotel is just blocks away from Tiananmen Square. We head there in the morning, followed by a visit to Temple Paradise and several other places.

Speaking of Tiananmen Square, it is extremely unsettling seeing the numerous Peoples Liberation Army soldiers posted throughout the city. I think our hotel is near a PLA base. Speaking of the PLA, just about every other block has a government building in place.

In addition to the old buildings, you also find new construction every where. Buildings and stadiums are going up in many areas due to the 2008 Summer Olympics being hosted here. We caught a glimpse of the Olympic Stadium while driving down an 8-lane boulevard.

One more note and I am off to bed.

Please pray for Josh. He came to Hong Kong International Baptist Sunday morning. I met his father first. His father is a believer and about my age. Josh is 19 years-old. He confided in me that he is now seeking God in his life. He’s home from school in the UK for the holidays. He told me he came to church that morning to find out more about God. How awesome is it that the Lord inspired me to preach Jesus Christ and Him crucified.

Please pray for Josh.

He wants to meet Taylor next weekend, and I am excited about that meeting since I know Taylor will explain the gospel to him in an easy-to-understand manner. So remember to pray for Taylor as well.

Okay, it’s late (6:30 PM!) and I am exhausted.

Day One, Hong Kong

2007-12-30T05:56:00.000-08:00

We’re Here!

We here, although I am not sure where here is! Where are we? Who knows! What time is it? I have no clue. Better yet, who am I?

Twenty nine hours is a loooooooong time to travel! We are soooooooo tired!

We finally made it to Hong Kong, at 11:00 PM on Saturday, December 28. We landed here purely by the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, especially since it involved three different flights. It is my understanding that Chicago shut down for two or three hours soon after we departed. We breezed through there in a matter of minutes. We were the last to board our flight. Apparently United knew we had just landed, so they held the plane for us.

After arriving in Hong Kong safely we made it to our apartment around 12:30 AM, and we were in bed one hour later. Every one in my family slept well, except me. My motor was running in overdrive. I have had about four hours sleep since Friday morning. I am intentionally staying awake until 9:00 PM tonight (Sunday) so I can sleep through the night.

Busy Day, Today

Today was exciting, and very busy.

Taylor preached at a Filipino Chapel. Vonda says he did a great job. He’s already asking when he can return to Hong Kong. He left us about three hours ago to hang out with some students. I can tell he loves this place. He just called to tell me he was going to see a Chinese movie. My kids are treated like rock stars with their fair skin and blonde hair.

I preached for Dr. Lucenay this morning at Hong Kong International Baptist Church. They have two worship celebrations—a contemporary worship at 9:30, followed by a traditional worship at 11:00 AM. Both worship celebrations were meaningful. Of course, I preached 1 Corinthians 2:1-5. What better message is there to communicate than Jesus Christ and him crucified?

The people here are very magnanimous. They have a very friendly congregation. Their worship will inspire you. Everyone sang so loud. A friend of mine says you can tell much about a church by their singing. He says a singing church is a sign that it is a healthy church. If that is true, and I think it is, then this is a very healthy congregation.

I Know Where Your Church Is

Here is a wild story.

When I arrived for the first worship a woman from India approached me and said, “I know where your church is. I have driven by it before.” I laughingly said, “Are you sure you know where my church is?” She retorted, “I sure do. It is on 1-59 South coming into Birmingham, just outside of Trussville, in an area called Argo.” Only God! Only God would have her to be the first person I met in worship.

Thank You for Praying for Us

Tomorrow we spend the day in Hong Kong, and then we head to Beijing on Tuesday. I plan to post more each day. Thank you for praying for us. This is already a memorable experience just from the first few hours. We cannot wait to see what the Lord has in store for us next.

I promise to pray for you. When I lay my head down on a pillow for the first time in about three days, you will be starting worship. Please know that I am praying for you.

Speaking of praying for you; I left my CrossPoint prayer journal at home. So, this morning when I could not sleep, I jumped up to read my Bible and pray. When I came to praying for you—as I do every morning—I started praying for you by name. Although my journal was not handy, I started with the families whose names began with an A and prayed for them. I was surprised how many of your family names came to mind. That was really neat.

Pray for us while we travel to Beijing. Dr. Lucenay’s Student Minister, Mike, has arranged for us to meet with a brand new convert they baptized less than a month ago. He wants us to minister and witness to his family. Of course we said yes.

We are on Our Way to Asia

2007-12-28T11:09:00.000-08:00

By the time you read this, my family will be on our way to Hong Kong. It is my desire to post several blogs, and try to post a few videos while we are away. So, check back each day to see what we are doing.

I am posting our itinerary for those of you who would like to pray for us.

December 27 Atlanta

December 28 Atlanta to Chicago
Chicago to Tokyo Narita, Japan
Tokyo Narita, Japan to Hong Kong

December 29-31 Hong Kong

January 1-5 Beijing, China

January 6 –10 Hong Kong

January 11 Hong Kong to Los Angeles
Los Angeles to Washington, DC (Dulles)
Washington, DC (Dulles) to Atlanta

January 12 Return to Birmingham

If you are wondering how you can pray for us, I will list a few specific needs:

Pray for our safety
Pray for good health
Pray for specifically for Vonda on our 16 hour flight to and from Tokyo. (She does not do well on airplanes)
Please pray for my son, Taylor. He has been invited to preach in a small chapel service of Filipina maids on one side of the island our first Sunday there. His mother and sister plan to worship with him. (I guess they have heard me preach enough through the years.)
Pray for me as I preach at Hong Kong International Baptist Church on December 30 and January 6
Pray for doors of opportunity to open for us as we are given opportunities to share the gospel
Pray for our physical stamina since our schedule will be full of non-stop activity
Pray for anything else the Holy Spirit leads you to pray
Pray for Steve Holloman, Harry Lucenay and Tim Tidwell, who will be preaching in my absence at CrossPoint

To the CrossPoint family of faith, I want to thank you for allowing me the opportunity to experience this kind of venture with my family. You know me; I will have plenty of stories to share upon my return.

Birmingham Past

2007-12-27T05:32:00.000-08:00

Although I was born in Jefferson City, Tennessee, I grew up in Birmingham, Alabama. My family moved to the Iron City in June of 1970. My extended family has lived here ever since. So when my dad sent me the following website link, I reflected on parts of Birmingham I remember.

For those of you interested in the Birmingham of yesterday, click here.

For those who have lived here for more than a few years, I would be curious to know what part of the webpage you remembered most.

The Twelve Days of Christmas

2007-12-24T06:03:00.000-08:00

This is great!!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

Jesus: Living His Life Backwards

2007-12-20T19:59:00.000-08:00

Today I am thinking about Christmas. While doing so, I am reminded of an A. W. Tozer quote about Jesus:

“Jesus is the only man who lived his life backwards. Your life runs from birth to death. But Jesus’ lifeline runs from his death to his birth. The only reason there was a Bethlehem is that there might be a Calvary. At Bethlehem, he was surrounded by beasts so at Calvary he might be surrounded by beastly men. At Bethlehem, he was wrapped in swaddling clothes, at Calvary, he was wrapped in his own blood. He was laid in a wooden manger so that one day he would be laid on a wooden cross. He is the Lamb of God, slain from the foundation of the world.”

Some Alarming Data about Abortion

2007-12-19T09:29:00.000-08:00

A month or two ago I sat down to write something about abortion for an upcoming blog, yet each attempt was incomplete. Abortion is a broad and painful subject. It is so broad that I was too exacerbated to complete the blog.

I am confident more than a few people who attend CrossPoint each weekend have had or have been associated with someone who has had an abortion. Thus, it should be noted that before you read this blog, I want you to know that ABORTION IS NOT THE UNPARDONABLE SIN. Anyone who has had an abortion or who has been associated with an abortion can be forgiven of that sin. And that is why I am so glad CrossPoint is a WHOSOEVER church. CrossPoint preaches and teaches the gospel truth that Jesus paid the price and absorbed God’s wrath for every sin of the sinner who acknowledges Jesus is Lord when they repent and place their full faith in Him.

Now back to my subject.

Like so many of you, I am appalled by abortion. Abortion is terrible. It is a horrible practice. We should be convulsed by the mere thought of it, and even more shaken by the practice of it.

My approach to abortion goes beyond protesting it, however. I have never been one to carry a sign during a public protest. I believe if we are going to be pro-life, then we should think of all of human life—not only birth, but also life after birth and even through death. By the way, I think the abortion movement has done much to help the euthanasia movement—something else that I am against. Now, that’s another topic for another day.

While thinking about abortion again today, someone did me a huge favor and sent me this enewsletter by Thomas Euteneuer from Human Life International. After reading his remarks I knew this was right for my blog.

If you are like me, you will be shocked and saddened by what you read. I think it is fitting to post this blog as we center on the birth of a baby in the next few days.

How Many Heisman Winners Has Abortion Killed?
The sports world recently greeted the news that this year's Heisman Trophy Winner, Tim Tebow from the University of Florida, was almost a casualty of abortion. Twenty-some years ago he was not the strapping 6'3", 235 lb. beloved sports hero that he is today. At that time he was a one-inch-long unborn child whose existence, because of an amoebic infection, was defined as threat to his mother's health. Pam Tebow, his mother, was told by a doctor that it would be in her best interests to abort this baby, and she refused. Her husband backed her up on that generous decision, and seven months later they gave birth to a perfectly healthy boy. Little did they know that twenty years later they would be standing on a national stage with a Heisman Trophy winner giving that magnificent witness to life. The world thanks you, Mr. and Mrs. Tebow! There cannot be a more touching Advent story than this. I wonder if anyone has ever asked how many potential Heisman Trophy winners abortion has actually killed. The answer is, twelve. Reflect on that a bit as you read further because there is a larger lesson in the Tebows' witness. Dr. Brian Clowes, HLI researcher, has examined the data from the 2007 Statistical Abstract of the United States (most recent census data) and extrapolated the numbers of the various professions and categories of Americans who have been eliminated in the wake of nearly 49 million legalized abortions, one third of all Americans conceived since 1973. The following numbers are based on the actual government estimates of the professions represented in America. So then, who have we lost to abortion?
2 US Presidents
7 Supreme Court Justices
102 US Senators and 589 Congressmen
8,123 Federal, district and local court judges
31 Nobel Prize laureates
328 Olympic medalists including 123 Gold medalists
6,092 professional athletes
134,841 physicians and surgeons
392,500 registered nurses
70,669 priests, ministers, rabbis and imams including 6,852 priests and 11,010 nuns (vocations "shortage"?)
1,102,443 teachers (K-12)
553,821 truck drivers
224,518 maids and housekeepers
336,939 janitors
134,028 farmers and ranchers
109,984 police officers and sheriff's deputies
39,477 firefighters
17,221 barbers
24,450,000... women (the gender of roughly half of all children aborted).
These numbers of course are only the tip of the iceberg. Keep in mind that we get our statistics about abortion from the abortion industry itself which has a vested interest in under-reporting the numbers. Likewise, these categories are only a few of the professions that Americans actually work in and are by no means a full portrayal of the total American workforce. What they represent, however, is the immense human toll that abortion takes on a society. Abortion-promoters present abortion as an exclusively private choice, but thirty-five years of abortion exposes the perniciousness of that lie. There is a social toll that comes from abortion which cannot easily be corrected. For three and a half decades the feminists have reveled in a misleading "freedom to choose," and on the basis of that false "right" have eliminated their children and done immense damage to the family as the basic unit of society. Those who respect these sacred realities, on the other hand, have their wives and husbands to grow old with, their children to enjoy and their grandkids to play with and spoil. The love of life, marriage and family never leaves its adherents penniless, lonely or abandoned, and every now and then God throws in a Heisman Trophy just to show the rest of us that it's all worth it.

More about God’s Glory

2007-12-18T09:24:00.000-08:00

I concluded yesterday’s by wrestling with why I am preaching God’s glory for all of 2008.

The short answer is I firmly believe this is where God wants to take CrossPoint in the coming year.

Can the people of God ever know enough about God? Can the people of God ever know enough about the glory of God? I don’t think so.

I like what A. W. Tozer says about knowing God, in The Knowledge of the Holy:
"It is impossible to keep our moral practices sound and our inward attitudes right while our idea of God is erroneous and inadequate. If we would bring back spiritual power to our lives, we must begin to think of God more nearly as He is. ...What comes to mind when we think of God is the most important thing about us."
One of my pastor friends interprets the Tozer quote this way: The most important thing about you is your concept of God. Your concept of God determines everything about you.

I agree with Tozer as well as with my pastor friend.

It is my desire in 2008 to talk about God and His glory and nothing else. During the year we will refer to several basic Scripture passages. We will quote Romans 11:35 each week, which reads,
For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen.
Get that passage memorized. We will refer to it often.

Another passage we will refer to in the year will be 1 Corinthians 10:31. Paul teaches,
So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.
Our goal is simple: we want to know God better by knowing more about God’s glory. I want us to see God’s glory, to enjoy God’s glory, to know God’s glory, to live for God’s glory, and to share God’s glory. In doing this, I am convinced we will definitely learn to live for God’s glory.

Centuries ago the Puritan preachers would say to their people, “If you pray me full, I will preach you full.” This is my request as well as we seek to learn more about God’s glory.

God alone be the glory!

Glory to God Alone

2007-12-17T05:54:00.000-08:00

I am in trouble. I have bitten off more than I can chew. I am in water over my head. I have out-kicked my punt coverage. My mouth is writing checks my brain cannot cash.

What’s all the fuss, you ask.

For those of you who do not know, if the Lord is willing, my plan is to preach the glory of God throughout 2008. I made this decision a few months ago, thinking I had more than enough inspiration at my disposal to preach all year. At the time I thought preaching on this subject was a good move. A few months later, however, I am not so sure it is something I should do. Or should I say, I am not so sure it is something I am capable of doing.

And what is my dilemma? My dilemma is the more I study the glory of God the less I understand the glory of God. Or, to put it another way, my brain is incapable of processing everything the Bible says about God’s glory.

The glory of God is a voluminous subject. In a very practical sense, God’s glory is humanly incomprehensible. And, whatever is humanly incomprehensible is usually, ten times out of ten, humanly incommunicable.

Preaching is already an arduous task. What makes preaching for me more laborious is speaking on a subject beyond my level of comprehension. Now some of you know why I stick to the simple subjects. Anything beyond salvation through Jesus Christ is out of my league, way out of my league.

Yes, I know the Lord will help me. It is His job to equip me to preach His word. The problem I am encountering has nothing to do with God, however, but with me. The hard drive of my brain is so small I am not sure there is anymore room for ram space.

My understanding of God is weak, very weak. And what makes that statement so ironic is that I earnestly believe I know and understand more about God than I have ever known or understood before. Perhaps the more we think we know about God, the less we realize we really do know about God.

Does the preceding statement even make sense?

To put it bluntly, I am overwhelmed by the task of preaching the glory of God in 2008. What was an enthusiastic interest two months ago is now a heavy burden. I am all over the Bible. The glory of God is noted on every page. Let me give you an example. It is a small, yet profound, example.

Complete this sentence, “The glory of God is…”

If you were to study the word glory, this is a small tidbit of what you would discover. The actual word glory means to describe anything that is heavy, such as a man (1 Samuel 4:18) or a rock (Isaiah 32:2), but it can also be used figuratively to describe blindness (eyes that are “heavy”; Genesis 48:10), or unbelief (a heavy or hardened heart; Exodus 9:7), or wealth (“heavy” with silver and gold; Genesis 13:2). I also know there is a related meaning, “important” (i.e., throwing ones weight around). A derived meaning is “to treat as important, to honor” Get this, the word for “liver” in the Hebrew language is a related noun to the word glory, for the liver is the heaviest organ and therefore thought to be the most important, or at least at the center of human life. [Source: Recalling the Hope of Glory: Biblical Worship from the Garden to the New Creation, Allen P. Ross, (Grand Rapids, Michigan: Kregel Publications, 2006), pp. 46-47]. And this is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to understanding ONLY the word glory, much less how word glory applies to God!

So why print all the fuss about God’s glory? Why all the explanation about not comprehending God’s glory? Why not just change topics and move on to something more manageable, more palatable?

I will save my answers to those questions for tomorrow’s blog.

Shocking Statistics

2007-12-12T20:42:00.000-08:00

Did you know that in the USA…

Over 50% of people over age 16 are functionally illiterate.

A person who is functionally illiterate lacks a sufficient foundation of basic reading and writing skills to function successfully in our society. A functionally illiterate person..

Can read some – signs, food labels, advertisements and parts of a newspaper.
Cannot locate two pieces of information in a news article.
Can locate the expiration date on their driver’s license.
Cannot successfully fill out a social security card application by themselves.
Forms opinions from conversations with friends, the radio and TV.
Learns through stories, anecdotes, proverbs, songs, and practical experience.

58% of the U.S. adult population never reads another book after high school.
42% of college graduates never read another book.
80% of U.S. families did not buy or read a book in 2002.
57% of new books are not read to completion. Most readers do not get past page 18 in a book they have purchased.
Each day, people in the US spend 4 hours watching TV, 3 hours listening to the radio and 14 minutes reading magazines.
65% of American children have television sets in their bedrooms.
It is estimated that people spend as much as 80% (38 hours per week) of their non-working, non-sleeping time in front of a television or computer screen.
Nearly 70% of the world’s people (4+ billion) are oral communicators.
That means... only 20% to 30% of the world’s people are print or literate communicators.
Researchers believe that 70% or more of the people in North America prefer non-literate means of communication.

Source: www.echothestory.com

Shocking, isn’t it?

Worship

2007-12-11T14:08:00.001-08:00

Worship.
Worship is a huge thing.
We look forward to worship every week.
When the worship includes one of our favorites we say, “The worship was great.”
When the music stinks we yawn and wonder why the worship wasn’t very good.
We leave churches because of the “styles of worship”.
Worship is a huge thing.
Have you ever wondered if we are more concerned with what worship does for us… and less with the Object of worship?
It seems like it’s more about what we GET not what we GIVE.
It would be like taking a gift to a friend’s birthday party, but keeping it for ourselves.
Worship is all about giving our lives – again – to God.
Worship is NOT about the feelings we receive.
Worship is NOT about convincing God to bless us.
Worship is NOT about whether or not the guitar was too loud.
Worship is NOT about what’s happening on the stage.
Worship is NOT about lighting, entertaining or sound.
Worship is NOT about us at all.
It’s NOT about us.
Worship is about Him.
It’s about Him.
We enter worship through the gateway of the cross.
At the cross
We kneel
We surrender
We confess
We cry
We repent
We gaze
We respond
We cling
We wait
We worship
Worship is about looking at God and placing Him above all things.
-copied

The Painful Reality of Death

2007-12-06T05:01:00.000-08:00

My dear cousin, Danny, called me this morning. His heart is so full of grief. You could hear the deep sorrow in his voice.

Danny and I spent several minutes on the phone talking about his son’s funeral and graveside service. Danny was calling to ask permission to read part of yesterday’s blog in the service. Of course I said yes. My prayer is that anything and everything that is read or said in Timmy’s funeral service would be used for God’s glory as well as for the salvation for all those who need to repent.

I could tell from his weary voice that Danny was exhausted. I am not sure Danny has had too many hours of sleep or rest since receiving that fateful phone call Saturday evening. And, I am sure he will not get much rest in the days to come.

When I asked Danny how he was holding up he said, “It feels Christ is breathing for me.” Wow, what a powerful image—Christ breathes for you!

In many respects, I think that is exactly what Christ wants to do for us. Christ wants to breathe for us. Christ also wants to think for us, love through us, serve through us, provide for us, and meet all of our needs for us.

While talking to Danny I kept running Philippians 4:19 through my mind. Paul writes,
And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory
in Christ Jesus.
It is “according to the riches in glory in Christ Jesus” that all of our needs are met. Christ Jesus wants to and is completely able to meet all of our needs. Before hanging up the phone, Danny and I spent time praying together over the phone.

After talking to Danny I called on Christ to meet my needs. I, too, am weary today. The news of Timmy’s death has also saddened my heart. I can only imagine the despair his parents feel today.

The painful reality of death reaches deep into one’s soul. And, it is in times like these the only relief we can ever received will be found in calling on Christ to meet all of our needs according to His glorious riches.

Are You an Organ Donor?

2007-12-05T08:59:00.000-08:00

My extended family received some terrible news Sunday afternoon. My first cousin’s son, Timmy Henley, was shot and killed during a drug deal in Atlanta Saturday night.

Timmy was only 33 years old. His life was marked by drugs, prison and many other problems. However, the last two or three years of his life were noted by a continual effort to overcome his addictions.

I last visited with Timmy on the night of October 15, the date of his grandfather’s (and my uncle) 80th birthday. Timmy visited with us for about three hours that night. I commented the next morning to my uncle how proud I was to see and hear of Timmy’s great progress. He had been drug free for almost a year, had a job and it seemed like he had turned a major corner in his battle against the demons of drug addiction. Little did I realize then that would be the last time I would see Timmy alive.

The authorities believe the execution-style murder was due to a major debt Timmy owed a local drug dealer. They believe Timmy’s friend was also set up for her execution as well. She, too, owed the drug dealer money. How tragic it is to think two lives were taken because of debt for drugs.

My uncle and cousin’s families are devastated. His funeral service will be this Thursday night in Knoxville, followed by a graveside on Friday morning. My mother and I will be heading that way very early Friday morning.

I called Timmy’s father and my first cousin, Danny Henley last night. Danny was so grief stricken he could hardly speak. Danny expressed a wide range of emotions throughout the call. He was so full of despair. He was also angry, angry enough to take revenge into his own hands. Thankfully his older brother helped him leave the murders in the Lord’s hands.

Even in the midst of tragedy, there are some glimmers of hope.

One shining ray of faith all of us share is that Timmy was born again a few years ago during his drug rehab treatment in Atlanta. He told his father and grandfather that one day during his rehab he got on his knees before God, admitted that he was a sinner and submitted to the Lordship of Jesus Christ. For that decision we are all eternally thankful. Now, rather than just saying Timmy is gone, we can say Timmy is gone home to be with the Lord.

Another spark of hope that has encouraged us was that Timmy was an organ donor. Even though Timmy was pronounced brain dead upon arriving at the hospital, his heart continued to beat for several hours. Thus, the medical team was able to put his body on life support in order to harvest some of his organs for transplant patients across the country. The medical team honored a request Timmy made years ago after a terrible traffic accident where 30% of his body was badly burned. Soon after that wreck he noted on his driver’s license he wanted his organs donated.

Even in the midst of tragedy Timmy’s family can rejoice because…

a 16-year old girl in Georgia was given a new hear
a 30-year old man in Tennessee was given a new lease on life
his stomach was given to a man in another part of the country
Timmy’s large intestines were given to a grandmother battling cancer
His corneas were donated to an 18-month old baby who could not see
His bones, ligaments, tissue and skin were donated to various hospitals across the country.
The only organs the transplant team could not use were his lungs because they had already started to fill with fluid

My cousin tells me an entire team of doctors, surgeons and nurses were on hand with airplanes waiting as they received each of these organs. Additionally, a nurse from the organ transplant group in Atlanta remained with Timmy’s body through the autopsy performed by the police coroner. She wanted the family to know that someone was with Timmy’s body at all times during this life-giving process. Danny said it was ironic how thankful he was even in the midst of all this tragedy.

I apologize for the graphic nature of today’s blog. I was compelled, however, to write this story in memory of Timmy and in honor of his life-giving donation to so many people. Yes, Timmy had his faults, foibles and sins. Don’t we all, though? The only difference between Timmy’s sins and many others was that they were so public.

Are you an organ donor? Many years ago I noted on my driver’s license that I wanted to be an organ donor. It is easy to do. Organ donors are live-savers. Timmy wasted many years of his life on drugs. Those years can never be taken back, yet nothing about his life was wasted in his death. Even in his death, Timmy was a life-saver.

To learn more about being an organ donor, click here.

International Mission Board Report of the Southern Baptist Convention

2007-12-04T06:45:00.000-08:00

Many of you know Gene and Margorie Dykes. For those of you who do not know them, Gene and Margorie have been on this journey with some of us now since the conception of CrossPoint. Both of them have labored sacrificially to see CrossPoint become a reality. They were the couple who extended the welcome during the ONE BIG WORSHIP.

For several years Gene served on the Board of the International Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention. It is through Gene’s tenure I befriended Dr. Jerry Rankin, Executive Director of the IMB. And, it is through Gene Dykes I have learned to appreciate the worldwide mission efforts of the Southern Baptist Convention.

On Monday Margorie gave me a letter Gene received from Dr. Rankin. The letter was sent to all the former trustees of the IMB. Provided below are a few highlights from that letter:

During the Illinois Baptist State Convention, the IMB appointed 82 new missionaries.
One hundred people groups were newly engaged during 2006, with 83 of those classified as unreached groups.
New churches started totaled 25,497, for a total of 157,890 churches related to IMB work at the end of 2006.
Baptisms totaled 609,968—far more than any previous year.
More than 220,000 people were involved in leadership training around the world.
The adoption of the 2008 budget of $304,800,000 reflects continuing support by Southern Baptists of the work of the IMB.
That budget includes this December’s goal for a Lottie Moon Christmas Offering (AKA, World Mission Offering at CrossPoint) of $165,000,000.

Southern Baptists continue to remain on the cutting edge of missions throughout the world. CrossPoint is an active participant in that cutting edge mission endeavor through its World Missions Offering. This year’s goal for CrossPoint is $75,000. Next weekend we expect the Lord to exceed that goal through us as each of us give. I trust you are preparing to give and give generously to the worldwide mission offering of CrossPoint. I give generously the World Missions Offering because I know each dollar goes directly to missions.

Begin Your Week

2007-12-03T08:00:00.000-08:00

Here is a great way to begin your week by praying the following prayer:

Lord, I am WILLING
To RECEIVE what You GIVE
To LACK what You WITHHOLD
To RELINQUISH what You TAKE
To SUFFER what You INFLICT
To PRAISE what You ORDAIN
To CHERISH what You CREATED
To BE what You REQUIRE
Lord, I AM WILLING to HEAR and HEED
ALL that YOU have to SAY.

Kudos to Tim Tidwell.

Knowing You Are Forgiven – Part Two

2007-12-01T19:59:00.000-08:00

I realize even after the extensive lesson on forgiveness in yesterday’s blog, some might still be struggling with forgiveness. Many struggle so much with the guilt associated with sin that they never FEEL forgiven. You know the FACT of God’s forgiveness, yet you never FEEL the act of God’s forgiveness.

The more I study 1 John 1:9 the more I understand the impact of God’s forgiveness. It is the FACT of God’s forgiveness that helps me FEEL the emotion of God’s forgiveness.

I still cannot escape the last part of verse 9:
…to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
As I recorded yesterday, when we confess our sins, God sets us free from two things. First, he sets us free from the penalty of sin—“to forgive us our sins”. Second, he sets us free from its contamination—“and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness”. What a great God! What a loving God.

Yet the Bible has more, so much more, to say about forgiveness.

Psalm 51 is an excellent Old Testament application of 1 John 1:9. If you want to learn how to apply 1 John 1:9 then study Psalm 51.

First, consider the introductory remarks prior to the opening verse:

To the choirmaster. A Psalm of David, when Nathan the prophet went to him,
after he had gone in to Bathsheba.

This is a song—To the choirmaster. It is a song about sin, confession and forgiveness.

Note the situation which produced this song—A Psalm of David when Nathan the prophet went to him, after he had gone in to Bathsheba. A painfully sinful situation gave birth to this song. This is some kind of song, isn’t it?

Next, let us read the first two verses:
Have mercy on me, O God,
according to your steadfast love;
according to your abundant mercy
blot out my transgressions.
Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity,
and cleanse me from my sin!
Psalm 51:1-2

I am not sure there is a sweeter plea in the Bible than in these two sentences.

Have mercy on me, O God,
according to your steadfast love…

David calls on the mercy God, according to God’s steadfast love and not according to David’s deeds or goodness.

…according to your abundant mercy
blot out my transgressions.

Again, David refers to who God is—according to your abundant mercy. Note yesterday’s blog that we must know something about God in order to understand forgiveness.

Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity,
and cleanse me from my sin!

Finally, David pleads for the result of 1 John 1:9—to be set free from the penalty of his sin and to be set free from the contamination.

For those of you struggling with the forgiveness of your sin, I beg you to confess your sin to God. When you confess it, use the first two verses of Psalm 51 to make your plea.

After voicing his opening plea, David teaches two lessons about sin.

First, David admits is a cognitive decision:
3 For I know my transgressions,
and my sin is ever before me.
4 Against you, you only, have I sinned
and done what is evil in your sight,
so that you may be justified in your words
and blameless in your judgment.
Psalm 51:3-4

Second, David admits that he was born inherently evil:

5 Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity,
and in sin did my mother conceive me.
6 Behold, you delight in truth in the inward being,
and you teach me wisdom in the secret heart.
Psalm 51:5-6

Finally, David admits that his heart needs cleansing:

7 Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean;
wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.
8 Let me hear joy and gladness;
let the bones that you have broken rejoice.
9 Hide your face from my sins,
and blot out all my iniquities.
10 Create in me a clean heart, O God,
and renew a right spirit within me.
11 Cast me not away from your presence,
and take not your Holy Spirit from me.
12 Restore to me the joy of your salvation,
and uphold me with a willing spirit.
Psalm 51:7-12

David's sins had affected his whole person: his eyes (v. 3), mind (v. 6), ears and bones, heart and spirit (v. 10), hands (v. 14), and lips (vv. 13-15). Such is the high cost of committing sin. David knew this, so he asked for more than cleansing, as important as that is; he wanted his entire being to be restored so he could serve the Lord acceptably. He wanted the joy of the Lord within him (v. 12) David asked the Lord to create a new heart within him and to give him a steadfast spirit that would not vacillate.

Verse 10 is the central verse of the psalm and it expresses the heart of David's concern. David knew that the inner person — the heart — was the source of his trouble as well as the seat of his joy and blessing, and he was incapable of changing his own heart. Only God could work the miracle. Only God could work the miracle of David’s emotions. In other words, David desired to FEEL God’s forgiveness.

It is my prayer that you learn two valuable lessons about God’s forgiveness. First, I pray you learn from 1 John 1:9 the FACT of God’s forgiveness. From Psalm 51, I pray you learn to FEEL God’s forgiveness.

Know this: when we confess our sins God forgives us our sin, that is a FACT, whether we FEEL it or not.

Knowing You are Forgiven - Part One

2007-11-30T09:16:00.000-08:00

How do you know when you are forgiven?

One of the Bible’s clearest explanations of forgiveness says,

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
1 John 1:9

Let us break down the sentence in order to better understand forgiveness.

If we confess our sins…

One need not be a biblical theologian to recognize forgiveness is conditional. Forgiveness is conditioned upon our confession. Conversely, until one confesses their sin, they will not be forgiven.

According to Vine’s Expository Dictionary of Biblical Words the word “confess” in this sentence means "to confess by way of admitting oneself guilty of what one is accused of, the result of inward conviction.” Thus, confession is the result of conviction.

Of course, for conviction to come, one must be sensitive to the leadership of the Holy Spirit. Jesus said this about the role of the Holy Spirit in convicting us of our sin:

Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you. And when he comes, he will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment…
John 16:7-8

One of the Holy Spirit’s jobs is to convict. So, when the Holy Spirit convicts us of our sin we must confess our sin. Admitting your wrongdoing before God is a result of conviction. Therefore, confession, genuine confession, must be the result of the Holy Spirit working in your heart to admit your guilt before God.

…he is faithful and just…

Next, in order to comprehend forgiveness, you must know something about God. In this short phrase John teaches two things about God.

First, John teaches that God is faithful. To admit God is faithful is to say God is reliable. God is so reliable he made this pledge to all who place their full confidence in Him: "I will never leave you nor forsake you” (Hebrews 13:6b).

Next, John teaches that God is just. In this case, the word “just” is interchangeable for the word “righteous”. To say God is “just” is to say God is always “right”. Again, Vine’s helps us by describing God being “just” as “it designates the perfect agreement between His nature and His acts (in which He is the standard for all men).”

It is one thing to say that God is “faithful and just”. Yet when you know God personally through Jesus Christ, you know that He is not only “faithful and just” in His character, but that it is in His character to express His faithfulness and righteousness to us. So, to experience forgiveness you must understand the faithfulness and justice of God. To understand God’s faithfulness and justice is to realize He keeps every promise He makes. One of the biggest promises God makes is that He will forgive us when we confess our sin to Him.

…to forgive us our sins…

Returning to the Vine’s Expository Dictionary of Biblical Words we learn two great truths about the word “forgive”. Vine’s teaches forgiveness “firstly signifies the remission of the punishment due to sinful conduct, the deliverance of the sinner from the penalty divinely, and therefore righteously, imposed; secondly, it involves the complete removal of the cause of offense; such remission is based upon the vicarious and propitiatory sacrifice of Christ.” Thus, the word “forgive” is a powerful biblical word. More importantly, the act of forgiveness is a merciful and benevolent act of God entirely through Jesus Christ.

So, according to 1 John 1:9, forgiveness is a fact. Here is the process by which forgiveness works. First, the Holy Spirit convicts me of my sin. Next, as a result of that conviction I must confess my sin. Because God is faithful and always right, when I confess my sin God forgives that sin. In short, forgiveness comes when sin is confessed.

Yet there is more.

…and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

When we confess our sin, God does more than just forgive us our sin. The Bible adds, “and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

“To cleanse us from all unrighteous” is to make us holy. It is to free us from the contamination of sin. The phrase means to venerate us, to consecrate us, to sanctify us.

So, when we confess our sins, God sets us free from two things. First, he sets us free from the penalty of sin—“to forgive us our sins”. Second, he sets us free from its contamination—“and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness”. What a great God! What a loving God.

Here is my biblical understanding of 1 John 1:9,

When the Holy Spirit convicts us of our sin, we must confess to God our sin. Because God is reliable and always right, He will deliver us from the penalty our sin and completely remove our guilt of that sin through Jesus Christ.

For those of you who are still struggling with forgiveness, I will continue our lesson in tomorrow’s blog.

Three THEREFORES You Need to Know

2007-11-28T19:14:00.000-08:00

While reading my Bible this morning, I was reminded of three THEREFORES I have noted in my Bible. I found these THEREFORES during a personal Bible study years ago. I am so glad I made note of them, because each time I see my notes I am reminded of the process necessary for the victorious life I live in Christ. These are three THEREFORES you need to know.

First, there is the THEREFORE OF MORAL PURITY.

James records,
Therefore put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls (underline and emphasis added).
James 1:21
To live the victorious life in Christ, one must first rid themselves of “filthiness and rampant wickedness”. The Bible teaches that every human is inherently evil (Romans 3:23). We are born sinners. Even though we are sinful by nature, our sinful potential is increased by learned sinful tendencies. Whether inherited or learned, our sinful behavior must be put away. By the way, I don’t know about the rest of you who read this blog, putting “away all filthiness and rampant wickedness” is a full time job for me. That is why this first THEREFORE is central to my delivered life in Christ.

Next, there is the THEREFORE OF MORAL CLARITY.

The writer of Hebrews teaches,

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God (underline and emphasis added).
Hebrews 12:1-2

We are told, once again, to do away with our sin, we are told to “lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely.” That reminds us to rid ourselves of our sinful ways. And we are taught to do this by “looking to Jesus”. We must fix our eyes on Jesus. We look to Jesus as our example for moral clarity. Jesus is our example of moral clarity because the Bible says of Jesus, “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.”
Hebrews 4:15
Finally, there is the THEREFORE OF MORAL CONFORMITY.
I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect (underline and emphasis added).
Romans 12:1-2
This THEREFORE teaches us, a third time, not to conform to the sinful standard of the world, but to “be transformed by the renewal of your mind.” Isn’t it interesting to note each passage reminds us to reject the sinful ways of the world? The world desires to squeeze us into its mold. We must rise above the standards of the world by allowing God’s Word to conform us into genuinely devoted followers of Christ.

These are three THEREFORE everyone needs to know. I challenge you this week to being your morning by re-reading and reminding yourself of these THEREFORES.

A True Sports Superstar

2007-11-27T08:41:00.000-08:00

In a day when so called “sports superstars” are in and out of jail, on and off steroids, or up and down contracts, the following story will inspire you.

I saw the video first on Fox News. I later searched the web for the video in its entirety.

LET ME WARN YOU, THE FOLLOWING VIDEO IS NOT FOR THE FAINT AT HEART.

click here for video

Apparently Claire had injured her leg a few weeks prior to the race. Claire’s coach limited her practice two weeks prior to Ohio’s High School State Cross Country Championship due to the soreness. Perhaps she should have had the leg x-rayed. I understand, however; most athletes believe they can work their way through an injury.

In the race, Claire heard her leg crack. She thought it was a muscle strain, and determined she could finish the race. Her goal was to catch a rival runner in front of her. A few steps later, she heard the crack again, and again. Then another, louder crack brought her to her knees.

A teammate passing her encouraged her to her feet again. When she finally stood on both legs, this time her leg gave way with the loudest crack.

"At that point, I knew what had happened. I knew my leg was broken pretty badly. And I knew I couldn't get up again. So I started crawling," she said.

Claire said she did not think of her coach or her parents. She did not even think of anyone else encouraging her to finish. Instead and here is one of the big reasons why I think Claire gets it, she thought of the countless stories she had heard about runners who collapsed before the end of the race and yet still finished. Claire said she still would have crawled across the finish line even if her leg had given out at the 400-meter mark. No matter what, Claire was going to finish.

"They may not have let me, and it might not have been pretty, but I would have tried," she said.

And, now, here is the biggest reason I believe Claire crawled across the finish line. She said, "I had come so far. Our team had come so far. All season, we had been working for state, and now we were there. I was almost done, and there was no way I was going to let the team down."

There it is; this is how I know Claire gets it—“There was no way I was going to let the team down.”

So, she finished the race in a time of 20:24.07, only 18 seconds slower than her personal best (20:06), despite crawling for the last 45 feet. The finish was good for 67th place, helping her school to a fourth-place finish in the Ohio High School Athletic Association Division III championship.

Claire Markwardt, in my opinion, is a real sport star. Claire is the epitome of an authentic athlete. She understands the purpose of physical competition. She knows the meaning of being the member of a team. Sure, Claire was competing for a personal best, but the bigger picture forced her to crawl across the line. Claire did not want to disappoint her team. The team was first. Many of our “sports heroes” of the day would benefit from Claire’s story. Claire Markwardt embodies the purpose of genuine athletic competition and being the member of a team.

Try Thanksgiving

2007-11-26T08:30:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving is now my favorite holiday. I enjoy Thanksgiving because I pig out on a lot of delicious food. That is why I was able to run an extra few miles during the Thanksgiving weekend. That way I can eat all I want and not feel guilty or gain weight. I also like the time Thanksgiving gives me with my family. Additionally, I enjoy watching three or four football games five days in a row. Furthermore, Thanksgiving lets me catch my breath before the end-of-the-year activities swing into motion. So now do you see now why I like Thanksgiving so much?

This Thanksgiving weekend I spent time reminiscing about some previous holiday experiences.

One Thanksgiving my mother’s house caught on fire. This is not to be confused with the fire of December 2005 that gutted her house. This fire was sometime around 1988 or 1989. The grandkids came running in the house yelling, “The house is on fire! The house is on fire!” Actually, the house was not on fire. The smoke billowing out the eave was due to the chimney overheating. Thank goodness the smoke alerted us, and the fire department arrived in time to “cool off the fire” without any damage to the house.

Another memorable Thanksgiving occurred when my sister-in-law, Martha Jo accidentally cut her hand with the carving knife. Mom had recently purchased a new set of carving knives. As we Whitley kids can do, we made a big deal out of the knives. Mom told us to be careful. We were not, and Martha Jo took a large piece of flesh out of her finger. My brother, Chuck, and I spent the evening in the emergency room with his wife. The rest of the family enjoyed the good food and fellowship without us. By the time we arrived back at mom’s house everyone was leaving.

Perhaps the most memorable Thanksgiving was the first one Vonda and I celebrated as parents. The year was 1989. Taylor was three months old, and I was in my first pastorate at South 28th Avenue Baptist Church in Hattiesburg, MS.

Instead of traveling home for the weekend we decided to celebrate Thanksgiving on our own. (Make mental note—this was not a good idea for any young father, especially when your wife has just given birth to a newborn and is homesick for her family.)

The night before, I placed a turkey in the smoker. That was a good plan, I thought, until the next morning at 10 AM I discovered my fire was extinguished in the middle of the night. The turkey looked exactly the same as it did when I placed it on the grill the night before at 10 PM. Additionally, Vonda experimented with three new recipes on three basic staples—stuffing, sweet potato casserole and congealed salad. I was not going to say anything, but the dishes were horrible. Moreover, I had already manned up and was eating what she prepared. After her first bite of each dish she said, “This is disgusting!” I agreed and quickly dumped my food in the trash. To put it bluntly, that was a BAD, BAD Thanksgiving.

Thankfully, the next day her mom and dad were on their way to Hattiesburg to rescue the day. Vonda still blames me for that one. Her mom worked magic in our kitchen, while I stayed out of the way. By Friday afternoon we were enjoying our Thanksgiving meal. I still don’t think that turkey was fully cooked.

Three more thoughts about Thanksgiving popped into my head this morning. One thought centered on Scripture. When I think of Thanksgiving, I often think of these words from 1 Thessalonians:
Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-19

For the Christian, Thanksgiving is more than a holiday; it is a way of life.

Another reflection pertained to a Chinese Proverb, which says,
When you are drinking the water, don’t forget who dug the well.

Thanksgiving should remind us of those who made our life possible.

My third and final contemplation focused on a missionary story from China.

Henry Frost served for many years as a missionary to China. In his journal he wrote of a very difficult time in his life. He says, "I had received sad news from home, and deep shadows had covered my soul. I prayed BUT the darkness did not vanish. I summoned myself to endure, BUT the darkness only deepened. Then I went to an inland station and saw on the wall of the mission home these words: ’TRY THANKSGIVING.’ I did, and in a moment every shadow was gone, not to return.

That story is a good word for us as this Thanksgiving weekend comes to a close: try thanksgiving!

You Supply The Caption

2007-11-25T04:03:00.001-08:00

Okay, I asked you last Monday what WORD you would use to describe the ONE BIG WORSHIP from November 18. I am impressed with your responses.

I was especially fond of Mr. DQ’s response. Ubiquitous—what an erudite word! How incredible, the man who makes cool treats also possesses a recondite vocabulary.

Now for a photo that will make you speechless. This photo is sent to me from Ben Chandler, the Director of Missions from our St. Clair County Baptist Association.

Now for some more blog fun, I want you to send me what caption you think would best fit this photo.

Let’s Talk about Our Future

2007-11-20T05:13:00.000-08:00

I had several conversations last Sunday at the conclusion of the ONE BIG WORSHIP that made the entire day worth all the effort and expense.

I met one couple that arrived at 10:45, expecting to participate in our third worship. So, they came in a little late. However, the husband said something I really liked. He said, “We heard enough to know we want to come back to this church again next weekend.”

That’s a good word, isn’t it?

I like what someone told me one of our senior adults said. When asked about all the things that had happened in the past to get us to this point, the woman responded, “There is no need to talk about where we have been; let’s talk about where we are going.” Amen! Let’s not talk about our past. Let’s talk about our future.

My dad said his favorite part of the ONE BIG WORSHIP was when I asked all those who were present the day we opened CrossPoint in 2003 and then when I asked the others who had come since then to stand. He said that was the highlight of worship. I would almost agree, although I think Latoya Cathey’s solo was over the top.

For those of you who did not respond yesterday, take a moment to respond today. I want to hear what you thought of the day.

ONE BIG WORSHIP Experiment

2007-11-19T09:32:00.000-08:00

I have an experiment I want to conduct in today’s blog. Your participation is greatly needed and appreciated to make this experiment work.

If you could only use one word, what word would you use to describe the ONE BIG WORSHIP we had yesterday at CrossPoint? Respond now. Give me a comment. Provide your word, and then tell me why you used that word.

My word for any move of God is WOW. I guess that shows how limited my vocabulary is, doesn’t it, if that is the only word I can think of to describe worship.

My brother, Rhett, used a great word to describe not only the ONE BIG WORSHIP, but also CrossPoint. He used the word GRACE. Rhett said CrossPoint is a grace-church. He said he could sense God’s grace when he walked into the room. He said he heard about God’s grace in our music and in my message. He said he saw people of grace serving God at the end of worship by carrying their chair back to the worship center. I like that description, don’t you? Grace would be a good word to describe the day we had yesterday.

Another word that comes to mind is IMAGINE. I derive that word from Ephesians 3:20-21, where Paul, under the leadership of the Holy Spirit records,

20 Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. (NIV)

What word would you use? Take a moment to respond to the comment section and let me know.

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CrossPoint, Are You Ready?

2007-11-16T17:32:00.000-08:00

CrossPoint are you ready?

Are you ready to worship the Lord Jesus Christ?

Are you ready to give praise to Him who makes all things possible?

Are you ready to see the handiwork of God?
Are you ready to experience what it is like to worship as one congregation?
Again, CrossPoint are you ready?

My children and I visited The Point last night after supper. We went there to see what The Point looks like with 1400 seats in the gymnasium. To use one of my well-worn words—WOW!

You are not going to believe what The Point looks like when you arrive Sunday morning. It is a beautiful sight to see that many chairs in one room. The next best thing will be seeing the seats full of people.

Sunday is going to be an incredible day. The sound team is working overtime today to ensure everyone will be able to see and hear properly. Israel will be putting the final touches on cleaning the building. Of course, our office suite is still in disarray as we continue to move in our new offices. What’s really important, however, is that we will worship the Lord together as ONE CONGREGATION in ONE ROOM for ONE BIG WORSHIP.

I believe two things are necessary for CrossPoint to prepare for Sunday.

One, we must maintain the right perspective. Here is a little reminder that I think will help us do that—INAM! When we walk into The Point Sunday morning we must remember, this building IS NOT ABOUT ME! We did not build The Point for ourselves; we built The Point for the people we have not yet introduced to Christ.

Two, we must come to worship expecting the Lord to do something great. Just to be real honest with you, I do not think Sunday will be any different than most other Sundays we encounter at CrossPoint. Sure, there will be a certain level of excitement in the room because we will all be together for the first time. However, I expect the worship to be much like it always is—Spirit-led, Christ-centered and God-glorifying!

Yes, Sunday will be special. It will be memorable and meaningful. I see a day in our future when someone will say, “Do you remember when…” I trust you have your COMMITMENT ONE card is already filled out, signed and ready to turn in. I trust also you are praying for everything we do Sunday morning to glorify God. And, I hope you are excited about the enormous potential this building affords CrossPoint. So, I conclude today’s blog the same way I began it: CROSSPOINT ARE YOU READY?

Reaching Just One More!

2007-11-16T10:51:00.000-08:00

Every week, CrossPoint is in the middle of some mission field, serving, witnessing, ministering and caring in the name of Christ. The last week of October we were given this huge assignment:

They did the Mash!
What happens when you get over 200 people together for a Monster Mash/Halloween Dance? You get a whole lot of fun and excitement! Recently Crosspoint Church partnered with Trussville City Schools’ Exceptional Education Department to host a great event to benefit students from Trussville City Schools, as well as, surrounding metro area schools.
Hewitt-Trussville High School Exceptional Education teacher, Carrie Jones said, “The Monster Mash was planned as an engaging activity that allowed students to interact with peers, develop friendships, allow for a sense of group identity, and increase self esteem and confidence.” Students from the Life Skills Class at Hewitt-Trussville High School spent a lot of time planning and preparing for every detail of the event. “It is my hope that people, not involved in this type of program, will recognize the importance of these events as teaching activities and the impact they have on the lives of those involved.”

Participating Schools:
• Mountain Brook High School
• Mountain Brook Jr. High
• Hoover High School
• Hoover High Freshman Center
• Hewitt High School
• Spain Park High School
• Pell City High School
• Springville High School
• Moody High School
• Vestavia High School
• Simmons Middle School
• Berry Middle School
• Springville Middle School
• Pizitz Middle School

Special thanks go to:
• Crosspoint Church for providing the facility, volunteering staff to assist with decorating, take down, and welcoming attending schools
• Blake Advertising – Cindy Stewart for providing favors
• Jim N Nicks, Dominoes, Papa John’s Pizza, Publix, Food World for providing food for the meal
• First American Bank –monetary contribution to assist with providing the entertainment
• Student Services Exceptional Education Department for handling all the behind the scenes details
It is my understanding we are also hosting the Valentine Dance and first-ever prom for the Trussville City School’s Exceptional Education Class. What an honor!

CrossPoint exist to honor God by reaching JUST ONE MORE to become a fully devoted follower of Christ. One part of that vision includes opening the doors to our facilities to deserving groups like this one.

CrossPoint you make me proud!

The Gospel in Six Minutes

2007-11-14T05:55:00.000-08:00

I absolutely love it when I hear people preach the Gospel. Moreover, I love to preach the Gospel.

One of my favorite preachers, because he unashamedly preaches the Gospel, is John Piper. Embedded in the page below is one of the most powerful conclusions to a message I have ever heard. The video is titled The Gospel in Six Minutes. My only complaint with the video is that it is not longer.

CrossPoint that is the clearest explanation of the Gospel you will ever hear from a modern-day preacher. If only other preachers would preach the same.

Remember: the Gospel is not only intended to lead someone to salvation in Jesus Christ; it is also intended to lead someone to sanctification in Christ.

Preconceived Notions about the Gospel

2007-11-13T10:51:00.000-08:00

What comes to your mind when you hear the word “gospel”?

Since my early days as a Christian, I have lived with the preconceived notion that the GOSPEL was primarily three things. First, I understood the GOSPEL to be Jesus Christ dying for our sins and coming back to life save us. Next, I was convinced that the GOSPEL was found only in the first four books of the New Testament—Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. Finally, I lived under the notion that the GOSPEL was intended only for lost people.

I attended seminary under with those same basic impressions. Perhaps my understanding of the three components was much deeper, but for the most part, those three points were still my way of explaining the GOSPEL. I admit the first decade or so of my vocational ministry I limited God’s GOSPEL to that same three-point, fixed perception.

Over the last few years I have grown in my understanding of the GOSPEL. And during this time of growth, I have learned so much more about the GOSPEL. Provided below are a few of my new understandings about the GOSPEL.

1. The GOSPEL begins with God creating man, rather than with Jesus dying for our sins.

When we begin the gospel with Jesus dying for our sins, we are leaving out several major components to God’s Good News. God’s GOSPEL begins with God creating man. You must believe God is Creator of all mankind in order to comprehend why He sent His Son to be our Savior.

After God created us, the Gospel teaches that man sinned against God. Adam and Eve set into motion the crippling consequence of sin on the human race. As a result of their sin, every human bring is born inherently evil and is an offender of God’s holy character. As a result of offending God’s holy character, we are all objects of God’s wrath. Thus, God sent His Son to die in our place in order to absorb God’s wrath that is spilled out against our sin.

There are several other components I could insert at this juncture, yet for brevity sake I will not. Just know this—the GOSPEL must begin with God creating man. It must also include man sinning against God before we even begin to talk about Jesus dying for our sins.

2. The Gospel of Jesus Christ is the entire Bible; it cannot be limited to just the first four books of the New Testament.

The gospel of Jesus Christ is the entire Bible—all sixty-six books. If we limit the GOSPEL to just the first four books of the New Testament, then we rule out all the other things God says to us through His word.

To put it another way, the entire Bible is about Jesus. You can read about Jesus in Genesis as well as in Revelation. He is mentioned in Malachi and in Matthew. The Bible is about Jesus.

3. The Gospel is not only for lost people; it is also for saved people.

For the longest time, I thought the Gospel was something a preacher preached to lost people only. Now I realize the Gospel is for both the lost and the saved.

Look at what Paul says about the Gospel in 1 Corinthians 1:18:
For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.
The “word of the cross”, which is the Gospel, is folly to the lost and it is the power of God to the saved. I believe the Gospel is for both the lost and the saved. For the lost the Gospel tells them how to be saved, for the saved the Gospel tells them how to live the saved life. Thus, the gospel is not just for lost people; it is also for saved people.

These are but three fixed thoughts I have had about the gospel. I would be curious to hear your thoughts.

Worship & the Alabama WW II Special

2007-11-12T05:28:00.000-08:00

Okay, so what did you think of worship yesterday? Is it just me or is CrossPoint’s worship rockin? I am enamored by the way God continues to work in and through our worship. I know we used several different components to worship, but I think every one of them was important.

I knew it was going to be over-the-top yesterday morning when the Lord awakened me at 3:40 AM. That makes for a long, long day. That is why I took a long, long nap later that afternoon. It’s worth it, however. It’s worth waking so early to hear from God.

Another sign it was going to be an incredible day was what the Lord used in my person quiet time. While praying through the morning I was reminded of a passage from Isaiah 26:8, which says,
In the path of your judgments,
O Lord, we wait for you;
your name and remembrance
are the desire of our soul.
It was at that point, I declared for CrossPoint that we wanted to do nothing but wait for Him in worship. Then, when we He made His presence known we wanted to make the Lord known in our expression of worship. I asked God to be glorified in everything—every single element—no matter how many of elements we used. And I am convinced the Lord answered that prayer. I realized God was with us when Frank and Jill Schefano started sharing why they love CrossPoint in the first worship. And, as they say, it was all over but for the singing soon after that.

If you thought this Sunday was over the top, then can you imagine what next weekend will be like? What will it be like when CrossPoint gathers in ONE ROOM as ONE CONGREGATION for ONE BIG WORSHIP? My heart is already pumping with adrenaline. The anticipation is high, isn’t it?

Will you start praying with me for God to be glorified this next weekend? CrossPoint, next weekend’s worship is all about the Lord Jesus Christ. It will not be about us or the grand opening of The Point or anything we have accomplished. It will be about the Lord God Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth!

On another note, did any of you watch the PBS special: WWII Alabama Remembers? WOW!

I am such a patriotic admirer, it does not take much for me to tear up when I hear the testimonies of the men and women who defended the freedoms this nation holds so dear. What made this patriotic piece so meaningful was the people being interviewed were all Alabamians. Even though I did not recognize a single name, I felt like I knew each of them.

One soldier commented,
What is America? It is not the land we live on or the water we drink. America is the mothers and sisters of this nation. Now it is my wife and daughters.

Another solider returning to the States, met his daughter for the first time. She was born after he departed overseas. At his arrival, the little girl’s mother told her to hug her daddy. The child replied, “That man is not my daddy!” The family affirmed he was her daddy and encouraged her to hug him. Confused the child ran into the house, retrieve a framed photo from the mantle, came running back out of the house, pointing to the photo, saying, “This is my daddy!”

Another soldier, Doug Garner, said it best when he said in the final few minutes of the tribute:

On behalf of the men and women who served in World War II, both living and dead, I hope someday when we are all dead, you will remember us and be glad we came.

I am not sure when PBS will broadcast the special again. When they do, be sure to watch it. You will be proud.

Bible Reading Plan

2007-11-08T09:23:00.000-08:00

A few days ago I mentioned that CrossPoint will soon make available a new Bible Reading Plan for 2008. This morning I woke up extra early to catch up on my reading for 2007. Last week I had fallen behind a few days. Little did I realize how much of a blessing I would receive this morning catching up on my reading through God’s Word. Actually, that should not surprise me.

The reading plan for today required us to read Haggai. I had forgotten how crammed full of truth the book of Haggai really is, although it is only three brief chapters in length.

The first portion of God’s Word that caught my eye was Haggai 1:7-11, where the Bible records:

7 "Thus says the Lord of hosts: Consider your ways. 8 Go up to the hills and bring wood and build the house, that I may take pleasure in it and that I may be glorified, says the Lord. 9 You looked for much, and behold, it came to little. And when you brought it home, I blew it away. Why? declares the Lord of hosts. Because of my house that lies in ruins, while each of you busies himself with his own house. 10 Therefore the heavens above you have withheld the dew, and the earth has withheld its produce. 11 And I have called for a drought on the land and the hills, on the grain, the new wine, the oil, on what the ground brings forth, on man and beast, and on all their labors."

Check out the last part of verse 7—Consider your ways.

That was a good reminder for me this morning. We should consider our ways each day. We should examine ourselves to see if we are walking in the ways of the Lord.

Soon thereafter, Haggai added these words:

12 Then Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and Joshua the son of Jehozadak, the high priest, with all the remnant of the people, obeyed the voice of the Lord their God, and the words of Haggai the prophet, as the Lord their God had sent him. And the people feared the Lord. 13 Then Haggai, the messenger of the Lord, spoke to the people with the Lord's message, "I am with you, declares the Lord."
Haggai 1:12-14

Next, my attention was drawn to the quote in verse 13 – I am with you.

That should be a real comfort to each of us; that the Lord is with us. We may not always sense He is present, yet He is always present.

As if that were not enough, the Lord spoke to me clearly in chapter 2, when He said through the prophet Haggai:

2 In the seventh month, on the twenty-first day of the month, the word of the Lord came by the hand of Haggai the prophet, 2 "Speak now to Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and to Joshua the son of Jehozadak, the high priest, and to all the remnant of the people, and say, 3 'Who is left among you who saw this house in its former glory? How do you see it now? Is it not as nothing in your eyes? 4 Yet now be strong, O Zerubbabel, declares the Lord. Be strong, O Joshua, son of Jehozadak, the high priest. Be strong, all you people of the land, declares the Lord. Work, for I am with you, declares the Lord of hosts, 5 according to the covenant that I made with you when you came out of Egypt. My Spirit remains in your midst. Fear not. 6 For thus says the Lord of hosts: Yet once more, in a little while, I will shake the heavens and the earth and the sea and the dry land. 7 And I will shake all nations, so that the treasures of all nations shall come in, and I will fill this house with glory, says the Lord of hosts. 8 The silver is mine, and the gold is mine, declares the Lord of hosts. 9 The latter glory of this house shall be greater than the former, says the Lord of hosts. And in this place I will give peace, declares the Lord of hosts.'"
Haggai 2:1-9

God wanted to restore His temple, and He said the “latter glory of this house shall be greater than the former”; that is, if the people let Him do it His way.

So what is the bottom line? The bottom line from Haggai for me this morning was three-fold:

I should CONSIDER my ways.
I must remember the Lord is always WITH ME.
The Lord desires to do a GREAT WORK in me, if I will only let Him.

That is a great way to start the day.

It’s People Like You That Make This World A Better Place

2007-11-07T08:44:00.000-08:00

As many of you know, CrossPoint is in the middle of an incredible endeavor. We are just days away from our ONE BIG WORSHIP on November 18. A few days after that, we open THE POINT – God’s brand new, multi-million dollar recreation facility for Jefferson and St. Clair County.

PROJECT ONE is a tool God gave us to keep us focused on our passion and purpose during these groundbreaking days. PROJECT ONE includes three components—one fellowship, one mission, one commitment.

Today I want to share with you something that happened as a result of our ONE MISSION of PROJECT ONE.

Each Bible Study group at CrossPoint was asked to participate in one MISSION venture during the PROJECT ONE emphasis. Each small group developed some really creative projects.

The Open Door Class, led by Gerald Blankenship decided to take their mission project to the ICU Waiting Rooms at St. Vincent’s East Hospital. Their plan included stocking each room with a goody basket for those sitting and waiting. Just like the other classes mission efforts, this class helped Open Door to think outward.

On Tuesday we received a letter addressed to CrossPoint. The letter reads:

Dear Church:

I want to thank you for your thoughtfulness of placing snacks, pens and paper in the CICU waiting room of St. Vincent’s East Hospital. My mother was a patient there October 14th thru 17th in a life-threatening situation and I spent many hours in the waiting room. Your generosity was most appreciated by my family and other families as well.

May God continue to bless you as you minister to those in need. It’s people like you that make this world a better place.

Your friend in Christ,

Ruby Weaver
Oneonta, AL

CrossPoint you make me proud. This is nothing more than the personalization of JUST ONE MORE! Way to go Open Door. Way to go CrossPoint. Better yet, go Jesus!

Salt Out of the Box

2007-11-06T07:18:00.000-08:00

I want to take a moment to apologize for not keeping my blog up-to-date during the last few weeks. My excuses continue to fall under the category of extreme busyness. It is not a bad busyness, however. It is all good. However, it is bad in that it has limited me spending time in front of my computer writing for you and to you. I enjoy writing these blogs.

Part of the busyness is due to CrossPoint’s staff recently moving into the new office suite. We moved our “stuff” in here last week. This week we are trying to find a way to organize it. Since my office is not yet complete, it is hard for me to get situated. Yet I can already tell I am going to love working in this environment.

The office suite is huge! And, for the first time, your staff members are together in one location. That is a major blessing.

Speaking of major blessings, didn’t Walter and Judy Johnson do a great job welcoming CrossPoint to worship Sunday morning? In addition to their welcome to worshipers, wasn’t the worship incredible? If you thought last Sunday was over the top, just watch what happens next weekend when we participate in the Lord’s Supper. Then there is Sunday, November 18. CrossPoint are you ready to worship in ONE ROOM at ONE TIME during ONE BIG WORSHIP as ONE CHURCH. Get prayed up folks, because I plan to preach you up.

One more thing, and then I am done.

Let’s go back to what Judy Johnson said Sunday morning about being salt and the way she CONNECTED it to our process. Her thought was a great word picture.
We are MADE INTO SALT when we CONNECT WITH GOD.
We are SALT IN A BOX when we CONNECT WITH GOD’S PEOPLE.
We are SALT OUT OF THE BOX when we CONNECT WITH GOD’S PLAN.
As the greatest saxophonist in the world, Mark Dunn, would say, “That is huge!”

Let me express many thanks to Walter and Judy for the welcome to worship last weekend. We give thanks today for our new offices. Moreover, thanks be to God for what He is doing in, with, for and through CrossPoint.

A Rebound Bible

2007-11-02T02:58:00.000-07:00

A CrossPointer gave me the following quote Sunday morning. They said a friend of theirs had their Bible rebound and the company that did the work placed this paragraph in it for them:
This Book contains the mind of God, the state of man, the way of salvation, the doom of sinners, and the happiness of believers. Its doctrines are holy, its precepts are binding, its histories are true, and its decisions immutable. Read it to be wise, believe it to be safe, and practice it to be holy. It contains light to direct you, and comfort to cheer you. It is the traveler’s map, the pilgrim’s staff, the pilot’s compass, the soldier’s sword, and the Christian’s charter. Christ is its subject, our good is it’s design, and the glory of God its end. It should fill the memory, rule the heart and guide the feet. Read it slowly, frequently and prayerfully. It is given to you in life, will be open in judgment, and be remembered forever. It involves the highest responsibility, rewards the greatest labor and condemns all who trifle with its holy precepts.
I know many of you accepted the challenge to read through the Bible this year. As we come to the end of the year we are on the final leg of the race. For those of you still competing, I encourage you to finish strong. For those of you who started but did not complete it, and for those who have never attempted to read through the Word of God, I want you to start preparing to read through the entire Bible in 2008.

There are six things every believer and follower of Christ should do with the Word of God. We should HEAR it, READ it, STUDY it, MEMORIZE it, MEDITATE on it, and APPLY it. And why should we do these things with God’s Word? The Bible answers that question:
How can a young man keep his way pure?
By guarding it according to your word.
With my whole heart I seek you;
let me not wander from your commandments!
I have stored up your word in my heart,
that I might not sin against you.
Blessed are you, O Lord;
teach me your statutes!
With my lips I declare
all the rules of your mouth.
In the way of your testimonies I delight
as much as in all riches.
I will meditate on your precepts
and fix my eyes on your ways.
I will delight in your statutes;
I will not forget your word.
Psalm 119:9-16

Did you notice the recurring theme of this passage? Look closely. You will see it. Here is a hint…
How can a young man keep his way pure?
… your word.
… your commandments!
… your word…
… your statutes…
…all the rules of your mouth
… your testimonies
… your precepts
… your ways.
… your statutes;
… your word.
The power to life is found in the Word of God. Begin now to set your heart on reading through God’s Word in 2008. Buy a new Bible. Purchase a pen you will use to record your thoughts and insights in the margins. Get ready. We want to go through God’s Word so His Word will go through us.

Please, Don’t Waste Your Life

2007-11-01T07:03:00.000-07:00

Last night my CrossPoint University Class completed John Piper’s book, Don’t Waste Your Life (Crossway Books, 2007). It is funny how tonight—after 10 weeks of study—was perhaps the defining moment for the class.

The final chapter of Piper’s book will surprise you. It is a six-page written prayer; a profound written prayer. Additionally, the study guide did not provide questions for discussion this week. So much of tonight’s class was spontaneous. And, as I expected, the discussion was enlightening.

For me, and for many others, the greatest challenge of reading the book was measuring up to the call to live a life making much of our love for Christ. We are called to glory in Christ, to magnify Him, to make much of Him by treasuring His supremacy in our life. And the result of living such a life would be to cause others to live a life of love and joy for God. Rather than desiring to be admired by God, we are called to admire God. Rather than thinking of ways God loves us, we should think of ways we should love and honor God for the way He loved us.

Janice Powers enabled the CPU class conclude the study by referring to a paragraph on page 45 of the study guide. Piper writes:
You may not be sure that you want your life to make a difference. Maybe you don’t care very much whether you make a lasting difference for the sake of something great. You just want people to like you. If people would just like being around you, you’d be satisfied. Or if you could just have a good job with a good wife, or husband, and a couple of good kids and a nice car and long weekends and a few good friends, a fun retirement, and a quick and easy death, and no hell—if you could have all that (even without God)—you would be satisfied. That is a tragedy in the making. A wasted life.

If that paragraph did not slap you across the face, then take the time to read it again. How many of those who call themselves “born-again” live this kind of life? How many of us live for comfort and convenience. Instead of reading the paragraph again, I suggest you purchase the book and read it.

Upon concluding this study, I am convinced I am not living up to the standard of making much about Christ in my life. Much of my preaching is man-centered and Ryan-saturated. Instead, my preaching should be Christ-centered and cross-saturated. Much of my day is spent dwelling on myself. Instead, my day should be spent dwelling on Christ. Much of my preoccupation with life centers on comfort, security and pleasure. Instead, I should be preoccupied with taking risks, giving my all and pleasing the Lord in order to glorify Him.

I don’t know if you can catch the general idea of what I writing today. I am awestruck by what I learned during this study. It is my desire to provide the class again during the next semester of CrossPoint University. My purpose for doing so would be to expose many more CrossPointers to the challenge TO NOT WASTE YOUR LIFE.

Preaching to Preachers

2007-10-26T06:35:00.000-07:00

Monday and Tuesday of this week were incredible days of opportunity and ministry for me. I thoroughly enjoyed spending time with the pastors of the Idaho/Utah Baptist Convention. One of the great joys about preaching to preachers is that you can get right to the point of your message without much explanation. Additionally, it is good preaching to preachers because most of them are rooting for you, encouraging you with an “amen” or “preach it.”

Last Monday I preached from 1 Corinthians 2:1-5, where Paul said:

1 And I, when I came to you, brothers, did not come proclaiming to you the testimony of God with lofty speech or wisdom. 2 For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. 3 And I was with you in weakness and in fear and much trembling, 4 and my speech and my message were not in plausible words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, 5 that your faith might not rest in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.
1 Corinthians 2:1-5

As with everything else Paul recorded under the leadership of the Holy Spirit, this passage preaches itself.

I pointed out three insights from the text.

First, Paul tells us WHAT he came to them preaching.

For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified.
1 Corinthians 2:2

Imagine the wealth of material a preacher can preach from just from this one statement. Jesus speaks of the HUMANITY of the Son of God. Christ addresses the OFFICE of the Son of God. Him crucified refers to the REDEMPTIVE WORK of God’s Son. You know I had a ball preaching that part of the message.

Next, Paul tells us HOW he came to them preaching.

Paul said first, how he DID NOT come preaching:

1 And I, when I came to you, brothers, did not come proclaiming to you the testimony of God with lofty speech or wisdom… 4 and my speech and my message were not in plausible words of wisdom…
1 Corinthians 2:1, 4

Paul followed that description by telling us how he DID come preaching:

3 And I was with you in weakness and in fear and much trembling, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power…
1 Corinthians 2:3

Paul did not try to impress his audience with his own oratory skill or knowledge. In Corinth that was the measure of a man’s message. Did he walk with bravado? Did he speak persuasively? No. Could he? Sure. Paul could have very easily impressed his audience with his eloquence, but he decided not to so they would be impressed with God, not with him.

Finally, Paul tells us WHY he came to them preaching.

Paul said,

5 that your faith might not rest in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.
1 Corinthians 2:5

Paul wanted their faith to rest in the power of God because if it rested in Paul, then their conversions would not have been genuine or real. Besides, Paul knew that his audience only had two kinds of people present—those who were perishing and those who were being saved.

Note what he said in 1 Corinthians 1:18:

For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.

Thus, that is why Paul preached Jesus Christ and him crucified. Paul knew the people in his audience were either perishing or being saved. The Gospel of Jesus Christ applies to both audiences. For those who are perishing the gospel leads to salvation. For those who are being saved the gospel leads to sanctification. The gospel is for both the lost and the saved.

I thoroughly enjoyed preaching this message. Perhaps the Lord will afford me the opportunity to preach it someday at CrossPoint.

I’ve Been Praying 30 Years

2007-10-25T08:07:00.001-07:00

I really do not know where to begin today’s blog, or for that matter, the next several blogs I intend to write. For the last three weeks I have been in the middle of a whirlwind of activity for the kingdom of God. As I shared with a CrossPointer last night, I feel like a quarterback running a two minute drill in order to win the biggest game of the season.

Don’t get me wrong, I am not so busy that I cannot enjoy the ride. I am enjoying every minute. Perhaps a better way to describe the last few weeks would be to describe them as a flurry of kingdom activity.

The flurry of goings-on started when we kicked off Project One. Since the first day of Project One I have participated in 11 Bible study class fellowships. I believe I have six more to attend. Thanks to those opportunities, I have been wide open, especially when you add my normal routine to that mix every week. I can’t think of the last time I took off a Friday. But that’s okay, I am not complaining; actually I am celebrating.

God, it seems, is working overtime in and through CrossPoint. Our family of faith is abuzz with adrenaline. In addition to Project One, I think some other factors contribute to this flurry of God-ordained activity. For example, the time of year is always a major momentum gaining time for CrossPoint. The mo hits an all-time high this weekend with our annual 5K race and Fall Festival. Another example is the opening of the Point—the new recreation facility. The building is causing quite a buzz among our people as well as in our community. Beyond all that, however, I think the Holy Spirit of God is working overtime in our church and it shows.

As if that were not enough, I want to take a few days to communicate to you some of the incredible things God did while I ministered to the pastors of Idaho and Utah. I am so glad my friend Scott Hanberry called me months ago to invite me to preach for those dear pastors. In addition to taking in all the beauty of the area, I was also blessed with the commitment of the pastors from that part of the country. Some men pastor churches two or three hours away from a Wal-mart, yet they do so willingly.

I knew my trip to Idaho was going to be special when I called on CrossPoint to pray for me last Sunday. Wow, that was an amazing experience. I am not sure I realized how powerful of a moment it is in the life of our church when I call us to lay hands on and pray over someone. Unless you have been in the center of that circle, having throngs of people gather around you to pray, you have no idea how intense that moment really is. Now that you have done that for me, I can tell you it is a God-moment, and I plan on us doing it more and more as a church.

I want to thank you for praying for me last Sunday. You sent me on my way full of enthusiasm and motivation. Thank you, also, for praying for me last Monday and Tuesday. It was evident from the time I arrived until I departed the Lord was responding to the prayers of his saints.

After the last session on Tuesday a woman about my mother’s age approached me. Tears were streaming down her face. She was a member of the church hosting the Pastors’ Conference and Convention. She had attended each session, even though she was not a pastor.

With her voice trembling, this dear saint said, “Ryan, I pray every year for the pastors’ conference. When I heard you and Tony (Lambert) were coming I started praying for both of you. Whether you know it or not, you are an answer to a prayer. For 30 years I have watched pastors in this area deal with discouragement and depression. This week’s conference is the first time I have seen these men walk away built up rather than beat down. I have been praying for something like this to happen for 30 years.”

Apparently God revealed to this faithful soul a particular need all these pastors share. So for 30 years she has been praying for the pastors of Idaho and Utah.

You know me, at this juncture, I started crying. Then she asked, “How did you know these dear pastors were struggling so much?”

To her inquiry, I responded, “I cannot truthfully say I did know, but God knew and so He directed me to preach what I did. And that is the power of God’s word. God’s Word is living and active, and if we would just preach it and teach it then we would see His power at work among us.”

At that, she hugged my neck and thanked me for coming to Idaho. I hugged her neck and thanked her for praying for the dear pastors. There many people who said many things to me during the week. Every comment was encouraging, yet it was this woman’s comments that inspired me the most.

Thanks to your prayers, CrossPoint you went with me. Your prayers were in response to a woman’s prayer of 30 years; and God answered both.

Please Pray For Me

2007-10-22T10:13:00.000-07:00

By the time you read today’s blog, I will be in Burley, Idaho, preaching for the Idaho/Utah Pastors’ Conference. I flew out here last night, and arrived in Twin Falls, Idaho, sometime around 10:00 PM.

My friend, Scott Hanberry, invited me to this event. Some of you will remember Scott from last summer when he preached during WOW the second Wednesday in June. Scott is the president of the Idaho/Utah Pastors’ Conference. I consider this one of the highest privileges of my ministry. For a preacher to preach to preachers is an awesome invitation.

If the Lord is willing, I plan to preach tonight from 1 Corinthians 1:18-2:5. Tomorrow night I will preach either from 2 Timothy 4:1-5 or 1 Peter 5:1-11. Both passages are specifically targeted for preachers.

A preacher who knew a lot about preaching once gave this admonition to pastors. W. A. Criswell once said:

When a man goes to church he often hears a preacher in the pulpit rehash everything that he has read in the editorials, the newspapers, and the magazines. On the TV commentaries he hears that same stuff over again, yawns, and goes out and plays golf on Sunday. When a man comes to church, actually what he is saying to you is this, 'Preacher, I know what the TV commentator has to say; I hear him every day. I know what the editorial writer has to say; I read it every day. I know what the magazines have to say; I read them every week. Preacher, what I want to know is, does God have anything to say? If God has anything to say, tell us what it is.’

Pow! That’s on the money, isn’t it?

If the Lord places my name on your mind this week, please pray for me. You can pray for me in at least four ways:

Pray I get out of the way. You know me; I can get in God’s way. Pray I humble myself before the Lord every day I am with these preachers.
Pray the Lord uses me to minister. I want to be an encouragement to these pastors. Many of them are bi-vocational. All of them are involved in some type of frontier work in this part of the country. I want them to leave encouraged and challenged by the Word of God.
Pray for the Lord to have His way. If I will get out of His way and stay out of His way, the Lord will have His way. Pray I remain sensitive to the leadership of the Holy Spirit, and that I do only as He instructs me to do.
Pray I proclaim and explain the Word of God clearly. Pray I remain faithful to the text, and that what I say makes sense. I want the pastors to understand what I am saying so much that when they leave they want to study the Word of God more thoroughly themselves.

Thank you for allowing me this privilege to preach the Word of God to a church full of men of God. Whenever I go somewhere to preach I take CrossPoint with me in heart. Please pray for me to represent you, and more importantly, our Savior in an honorable manner.

Hurray, I am Back on Track!

2007-10-20T11:28:00.000-07:00

Thank the Lord I have returned to some type of a regular running routine today.

Five weeks ago today I injured my left knee (again!). I hurt it while running a 15-miler with my friend, Dr. John Thweatt. We were both pushing a great run, when around mile 5 I felt my knee twinge. I knew immediately what I had done. I slowed down to complete the run, but by the time I finished I knew I had strained it the same way I did two years ago.

The next Monday I was in Dr. Bailey’s office at Alabama Orthopedics. Soon thereafter I was at the mercy of Wendy, my knee therapist at Performance Fitness. Since then I have been working strenuously in physical therapy to get my knee back in shape.

Thursday morning I decided to see what I could do after taking so much time off. I walked a quarter mile, then I jogged a quarter mile. After four laps, I jogged a complete mile with no problems. Then I concluded with a half-mile walk and a half-mile jog. This morning I decided, no matter what happened I would jog at least three miles.

Mile one was a bit laborious. Mile two I felt stronger. I could sense me knee was getting back in running shape as I completed mile three.

After my run (actually it was a fast-paced walk that built into a slow jog) I returned to my study to spend time praying. While giving thanks for my progress I recalled how I have injured some part of my body during each marathon training plan the last six years. You name it, I have injured it—from my sciatic nerve to my Achilles tendon to my left knee to my big toes to my left knee again to my hamstring and now back to my left knee. Injuries are a part of running. If you run, especially at my age, you are bound to damage something. Pain is a normal part of training.

Thanks to my recent pain I have had to rethink my goals for 2007. Here are a few changes:

Instead of running 1200 miles, I retrofitted my goal to 1000 miles. Today I completed mile 860. With ten weeks remaining in the year, surely I can average 14 miles a week. Who knows, I may do well enough to ratchet my goal back to 1200. For now it is 1000 miles, however.
Instead of running the St. Jude Marathon in Memphis on December 1, I may run the half-marathon.
Instead of running three marathons this year (Georgia, Nashville and Memphis), I may shoot for two marathons (done) and one half-marathon (see aforementioned goal).
Instead of competing for a personal best at this year’s CrossPoint 5K, I am looking forward to just finishing with a decent time and feeling strong.
Instead of running a race a weekend between now and December 1, I plan to run a race every other weekend or every two or three weekends. Next weekend is the CrossPoint 5K. The next weekend includes the Vulcan 10K. Thanksgiving Day I will run the Jewish Community Center 10K. Hopefully after that I can attempt to run something in Memphis.

You might be wondering why I put so much effort into my running. If you knew what it did for me mentally and spiritually, you would understand. For those who run, they know what I am talking about.

Not everything I am writing about today has to do with running, either. Injuries that come with marathon training are a natural part of the experience (especially at my age). In the same way, setbacks that come with life are a natural part of life as well.

Thinking of the problems of life reminds me of one of my mom’s sayings. She is known to say periodically, “If you live long enough you are going to die.” I would add, “If you run long enough you are going to face injuries, and if you live long enough you are going to face setbacks.”

If there is anything I know about injuries in running and setbacks in life it is this:

God uses every hardship in life and even injuries in running for our good. Romans 8:28 proves that. Speaking of Romans 8, have you ever noticed what Paul says in verse 37. He says, “No, IN all these things (tribulation, distress, persecution, etc.)…we are more than conquerors.” It is IN the injuries and setbacks we conquer life.
Very few setbacks and injuries are permanent. Those that are permanent, I have learned, serve a real purpose. Sometimes that purpose includes protection from our selves, from others, or from other more serious problems.
Setbacks in life as well as injuries in running enable us to appreciate the many ways God has blessed us. To be quite honest, my injury has forced me not to take so many things for granted; to be more grateful.

I could write more, but I will stop there for the time being. I trust you see the picture I am trying to paint. Life is going to have its mountains, its problems, its setbacks. When they come, you don’t quit. You wait. You pray. You press on. You do what you are supposed to do. With time, things will balance out, even though you may have to make some adjustments. It is the adjustments, however, that force us to grow.

Same Message, Second Verse

2007-10-18T16:24:00.000-07:00

This morning I continued to wrestle with John the Baptist’s message from Luke 3. We learned yesterday that John’s theme in preaching was that of repentance. During my study, I also took time to read Mark’s accounting of John’s preaching and imprisonment, and found this inaugural message Jesus preached soon after John’s arrest:

14 Now after John was arrested, Jesus came into Galilee, proclaiming the gospel of God, 15 and saying, "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel."
Mark 1:14-15
Let’s review a few passages from Luke 3 to notice how John’s preaching on repentance set the stage for Jesus’ message:

And he went into all the region around the Jordan, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.
Luke 3:3
So with many other exhortations he preached good news to the people.
Luke 3:18
That is not by accident. John was preaching a message repentance because he was preparing the way for Jesus to preach His message, which is also a message of repentance.

Now to get to the meat of the matter let’s break down Jesus’ message much like a football coach breaks down an opposing team’s offense or defense.

Now after John was arrested…

Jesus’ first recorded message comes soon after what we read in Luke 3:18-20. The timing is paramount in that it shows Jesus picks up right were John the Baptist left off preparing the way for Him.

…Jesus came into Galilee…

Matthew records why Jesus started His ministry in Galilee:

12 Now when he heard that John had been arrested, he withdrew into Galilee. 13 And leaving Nazareth he went and lived in Capernaum by the sea, in the territory of Zebulun and Naphtali, 14 so that what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled: 15 "The land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, the way of the sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles— 16 the people dwelling in darkness have seen a great light, and for those dwelling in the region and shadow of death, on them a light has dawned."
Matthew 4:12-16
Jesus started His ministry in Galilee to prove, once again, He was the Promised Messiah by fulfilling Old Testament prophecy as recorded in Isaiah.

…proclaiming the gospel of God…

Jesus’ message was the gospel. In short, the gospel means good news.

The word for gospel in the New Testament is “euangelion”. It is built out of prefix that means good or joyful and a root word that means message or news. The word was used widely in the New Testament world to mean “the message of victory, but also used of political and private messages bringing joy” (Ulrich Becker, “Gospel, Evangelize Evangelist,” in The New International Dictionary of New Testament Theology, 3 vols., ed. Colin Brown (Grand Rapids, Michigan: Zondervan, 2986), 2:107).

So, Jesus arrives in Galilee proclaiming His message. And what is that message?

…and saying, "The time is fulfilled,

What time is it? Mark explains. Jesus has been introduced by John the Baptist (Mark 1:1-8). He’s been inaugurated by His baptism (Mark 1:9-13). He was tested and proven by His wilderness temptation experience (Mark 1:12-13). It is now time for Jesus to start telling His story, and His story if the Gospel.

Jesus makes reference His time being fulfilled through John’s Gospel account of His life (see John 2:4; 7:30; 12:23; 13:1; 17:1). We learn from this simple phrase, and from His statement in Mark that the earthly ministry of Jesus is all about timing. That is why this section begins with a time statement, “After John was put in prison.”

“…and the kingdom of God is at hand…”

What does this mean? It means that God’s rule in the hearts of man begins now! It means that God has come to man to establish His Sovereign way in humans.

“…repent…”

The word repent is a well-worn, often misunderstood word. It means a radical change of heart, a complete turnabout of life. Repentance is more than feeling sorry for your sin. To repent is to not only have sorrow for the consequences, but it is also to have sorrow for the sin. Most people would not repent if they knew they could escape the consequences of their sin. That is why true repentance is a complete turnabout of your life.

“…and believe…”

To believe is to accept Jesus’ message and to act on it. Belief encompasses more than just accepting His message. Jesus wants us to accept His message and act on it. James 2:19 illustrates how belief is more than just believing facts. Jesus’ half brother wrote, “You believe there is one God. Good! Even demons believe that—and shudder.” The kind of belief Jesus is speaking of is a matter of accepting and believing into Him.

“…in the gospel."

What is the gospel? Once again, it is the good news of God. And the good news of God is that God gave the complete sacrifice for our salvation. To word it another way, the gospel is the free gift of salvation to all mankind, which begins and ends with Christ. Our salvation is found only in Christ. Acts 4:12 states, “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.”

Do you see now why this “rabbit” I started chasing last Monday is becoming a great study in God’s Word?

The Gospel messengers may change. The Gospel messengers’ methods may change as well. Yet the Gospel message continues to remain the same, whether it was preached by Jesus, by John the Baptist or by any man who claims to be a minister of the Gospel.

A Message I Must Preach and CrossPoint Must Hear

2007-10-17T09:49:00.000-07:00

I was in both the Old and New Testaments during my personal Bible study time this morning. Part of the scattered reading was due in large part to CrossPoint’s Daily Bible Reading Plan. Each day we read from a different book of the Bible. Although reading this way creates a different story line, this plan enables the reader to see how the entire Word of God is interconnected.

Speaking of its interconnectedness, how many of you noticed how this week’s reading from Hebrews and Numbers corresponded with one another? It is remarkable to see how Jesus became the once-for-all sacrifice (Hebrews 10) to the sacrificial system Moses instituted (Numbers 28-30). I do not know about any of you, but I am glad we now live under the Law of Grace and no longer under the Law of Works.

Now back to why I was all over the Bible this morning.

In the time I spent reading and studying God’s Word I wanted to chase a rabbit that had been running circles in my mind since late Monday evening. The rabbit I chased pertained to the preaching theme of John the Baptist. The central theme of John’s preaching was REPENTANCE.

The opening words of Luke 3:1-8 illustrates my point specifically:

3 In the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, Pontius Pilate being governor of Judea, and Herod being tetrarch of Galilee, and his brother Philip tetrarch of the region of Ituraea and Trachonitis, and Lysanias tetrarch of Abilene, 2 during the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of God came to John the son of Zechariah in the wilderness. 3 And he went into all the region around the Jordan, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. 4 As it is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet,
"The voice of one crying in the wilderness:
'Prepare the way of the Lord,
make his paths straight.
5 Every valley shall be filled,
and every mountain and hill shall be made low,
and the crooked shall become straight,
and the rough places shall become level ways,
6 and all flesh shall see the salvation of God.'"
Let there be no doubt, John’s message was forceful and clear:

7 He said therefore to the crowds that came out to be baptized by him, "You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? 8 Bear fruits in keeping with repentance. And do not begin to say to yourselves, 'We have Abraham as our father.' For I tell you, God is able from these stones to raise up children for Abraham. 9 Even now the axe is laid to the root of the trees. Every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire."
Luke 3:7-9
Next, we read how John’s preaching of repentance was applied to his audience:

10 And the crowds asked him, "What then shall we do?" 11 And he answered them, "Whoever has two tunics is to share with him who has none, and whoever has food is to do likewise." 12 Tax collectors also came to be baptized and said to him, "Teacher, what shall we do?" 13 And he said to them, "Collect no more than you are authorized to do." 14 Soldiers also asked him, "And we, what shall we do?" And he said to them, "Do not extort money from anyone by threats or by false accusation, and be content with your wages."
Luke 3:10-14
John’s message of repentance was reinforced by his total humility of service to Christ:

15 As the people were in expectation, and all were questioning in their hearts concerning John, whether he might be the Christ, 16 John answered them all, saying, "I baptize you with water, but he who is mightier than I is coming, the strap of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire. 17 His winnowing fork is in his hand, to clear his threshing floor and to gather the wheat into his barn, but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire."
Luke 3:15-20

Then Luke adds this commentary:

18 So with many other exhortations he preached good news to the people.
Luke 3:18
Although John’s message was strong, forceful and certainly direct, it was still considered “good news” because it was the message of Christ.

I find some people are offended by the Word of God. Some people think the Bible is only about the good things—beauty, reconciliation, life and forgiveness. Yes, the Bible does teach and preach about those things, but it also teaches and preaches about blood, depravity, death and repentance. And, if you study the entire Bible you realize you cannot have one without the other. Combined together – blood and beauty, depravity and reconciliation, death and life, repentance and forgiveness – really is the good news of Jesus Christ.

Finally, if there is any question what this kind of preaching cost the person who preaches it, note what is said in the last few sentences:

19 But Herod the tetrarch, who had been reproved by him for Herodias, his brother's wife, and for all the evil things that Herod had done, 20 added this to them all, that he locked up John in prison.
Luke 3:19-20

If there is a day where this kind of preaching is needed, it is today. Where are the preachers who call for repentance? Where are the men of God who are willing to stand up before a body of people to say, “Humble your selves before the Lord God in contrition”? The more I study God’s word, the more I read through God’s Bible, the more I am convinced there is only one response to a Holy, Just, Infinite God and that is in brokenness, humility and repentance.

Yet I also know this: repentance is not a popular message. Brokenness before God is not readily accepted. Few people get excited about contrition. Books about remorse, regret and compunction are not big sellers. Yet it is the message of the Bible and it must be proclaimed and explained.

CrossPoint, the message is clear: I must preach a message of repentance and belief and we must humble ourselves before the Lord God Almighty and trust in Him.

Project One

2007-10-16T05:00:00.000-07:00

CrossPoint is currently in the middle of one its greatest, most influential campaigns to date. It is called PROJECT ONE. The underlying premise of PROJECT ONE is built on each Bible Study Small Group at CrossPoint participating in one MISSION, one FELLOWSHIP, and one COMMITMENT between now and November 18. The campaign concludes with ONE BIG WORSHIP on Sunday, November 18 in the brand new recreation facility.

Steve Parr, our Executive Pastor, Pat Patterson, our Stewardship Team Leader and I have the profound privilege of visiting the PROJECT ONE FELLOWSHIP for each class. This past weekend we visited 7 class fellowships in two days. Wow, what a ride!

We have several more fellowships to attend, yet I can already see the impact PROJECT ONE is having on CrossPoint. I am particularly proud of the mission endeavors I hear each class is implementing. One class has adopted a single mom. Another class is using an ICU waiting room at one our area hospitals as their outreach post. One of our younger groups sponsored a meal for the families of Miracle League Ballpark. Every class is doing something unique. I am blown away by the effort, creativity and sacrifice each group is making.

For those of you who have already had your PROJECT ONE FELLOWSHIP, you know what God is doing. For those who have not yet experienced it, prepare yourself. God wants to work in us and through us for His glory.

I am really curious as to what PROJECT ONE means to you. Please give me your feedback by leaving a response.

Four Truths that Will Change Your Life

2007-10-15T07:10:00.000-07:00

Wow, yesterday was over the top, was it not? What can I say about our choir? The new arrangement of Fannie Crosby’s “Near the Cross” was so beautiful. Of course anything Bryan’s worship leaders sing is excellent.

For some reason I am compelled to print the manuscript to yesterday’s message. This is the version I used when speaking to the Mortimer Jordan football team. You can also listen to an audio version of this message by clicking here.

Four Truths that Will Change Your Life

Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to speak to your football team this afternoon. I consider it a privilege that your coach will afford me the benefit to speak to his team.

Instead of talking to you about football, I want to speak about something of greater importance, something of lasting importance. I realize football is the central part of your life right now, yet some day football will not always be there for you. So, what I want to speak about something that will be there for you always, no matter what, long after your football days are complete.

Let’s begin with two central sentences from the Bible—the first sentence in the Bible and the last two sentences in the Bible.

The first sentence in the Bible is Genesis 1:1, which says, “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.”

The last two sentences in the Bible read, “He who testifies to these things says, "Surely I am coming soon." Amen. Come, Lord Jesus! The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you all. Amen” (Revelation 22:20-21).

It is between these fundamental statements at the beginning of the Bible and at the end of the Bible I have learned four powerful truths about life:

Truth #1: There is a God.
Truth #2: God’s Son, Jesus Christ is coming soon.
Truth #3: There is a place called heaven, and it is real.
Truth #4: It is my privilege as a born-again follower of the Lord Jesus Christ to help as many people as possible hear the good news that they can spend eternity in heaven with Christ.

Let’s talk about each of those truths.

Truth #1: There is a God.

God created you. He created every one of you. Every person in this room, every athlete on this team, every student in this school, every person in Alabama, every citizen of this country, every human on this planet and every being born of human history, was created by God.

God created you. You did not create yourself, and you did not bring yourself into existence. Someone beyond you, someone above you, and someone bigger than you created you and place you on this planet. That someone is God.

Every human is a part of God’s creation. We are all created by God. As a result of being created by God, we are all creatures of God. As creatures of our Creator, He is not bound or obligated to give us anything—not life or health or anything. He gives, he takes and he does no injustice. Why? Because He is God and we are not; we are His creatures.

That is why the Bible says, “Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked shall I return. The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord” (Job 1:21).

Truth #2: God’s Son Jesus Christ, is coming soon.

Two thousand years ago, God sent His only Son, Jesus Christ, to this earth. Jesus came to us in the flesh, the Bible says, to die for the sins of those who would repent of their sin and believe in Him to be their Lord and Savior. The first time Jesus came, He came to us as Savior.

He was conceived by the Holy Spirit, and He was born of the Virgin Mary. While on this earth Jesus lived a perfect, sinless life. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried. Three days later He was resurrected from the dead. After that, He ascended back to heaven were He is presently seated at the right hand of God, the Father.

Sometime soon, and I suspect it to be very soon, this same Jesus will return again a second time to this earth. The first coming of Christ, He came as Savior. The second coming of Christ He will come as Judge. And when Jesus comes again, He will come again to judge the living and the dead.

Are you ready for His return? He is coming and coming soon. And when He comes, He will come to judge the living and the dead.

Truth #3: There is a place called heaven, and it is real.

There is a place called heaven, and it is real. Jesus spoke of this place many times. Heaven is a real place, where real people reside and where they do real things.

Heaven is not a fallacy. It is not some place of misleading notion. Heaven is not something concocted by fairy tales. It is not a fantasy land imagined in the small, finite minds of humans. Heaven is a real place, with a real name, where real people live, worship, serve and learn more about God Almighty.

The dimensions and dynamics of this real place called heaven are precise.

The Bible says heaven is laid out like a cube. Its length is the same as its width and its height is the same as its length. It is 1500 miles wide—approximately the distance from New York City to Dallas, Texas. It is 1500 mile high and 1500 miles long.

There is a wall surrounding this city that is 216 feet thick (Revelation 21:17).
Heaven itself is made of pure gold (21:18).
The walls surrounding the city are made of priceless jewels (21:19).
Within this place called heaven are twelve gates. Each gate is 300 miles apart. There are three gates to the north, three to the south, three to the east and three to west. What makes these gates so phenomenal is that they are each made of one singular pearl (21:21). And what makes that fact even more interesting is to realize the size pearl necessary to create an oyster that size.
There is a street running through heaven called the great street (21:21b). It is made of pure gold (21:21b).
There is no temple in the heaven, because the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb is its temple (21:22).
There is no sun in heaven, because the Father and the Son are the source of its light (21:23).
Heaven is always open, the gates are never shut (21:25).
Only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life will be allowed in there (21:27).
There is river flowing from the throne of God called the River of Life which flows through the city (22:1).
On each side of the river stands a tree called the Tree of Life which will bear twelve different kinds of fruits, for every month of the year (22:2).
The curse of sin will be lifted in heaven (22:3).
In heaven there will be no more death, mourning, crying or pain (22:4).
In heaven everyone there will see God face to face (22:4).
In heaven there will be no more night (22:5).
In heaven truth will be found there (22:6).

I could say so much more about heaven. What is important from all that I said is this—heaven is a real place, where real people live and where real things take place.

Truth #4: It is my privilege as a born-again follower of Jesus Christ to help as many people as possible hear the good news of God’s salvation so that they can spend eternity in heaven with Christ.

And what is the good news? In order to hear the good news we must know the bad news.

The bad news is that every human being has sinned against God (Romans 3:23).

The bad news is that the soul that sins shall die (Ezekiel 18:20).
The bad news is that every soul that sins is by nature children of God’s wrath (Ephesians 2:3).
As a result of being objects of God’s wrath, we deserve death and hell (Romans 1:18).
Additionally, and perhaps the worst news of all, there is nothing we can do to save ourselves from God’s judgment (Ephesians 2:8-9).

You will agree with me that is bad news, really bad news.

And now I want to share with you the good news.

The good news is that God did something for us that we could not do for ourselves. God sent His Son to die in our place, to pay the penalty for our sins, to absorb His wrath on our behalf so that we are no longer objects of His wrath and judgment.

The Bible says, “…but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Since, therefore, we have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God” (Romans 5:8-9).

Through Jesus Christ, God did something for us we could not do for ourselves; He justified us by His blood and saved us from His wrath.

A few pages later in the Bible we read what is necessary for someone to be saved from their sins, to be delivered from God’s wrath, to be born-again so they will spend eternity in heaven with Jesus Christ:

…because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved.
Romans 10:9 – 10

The Bible is explicitly clear, we must confess with our mouths Jesus is Lord and believer in our heart that God has raised him from the dead, then and only then are we saved.

We are not saved because we are good (Romans 3:12).
We are not saved because we sound like a Christian (Matthew 7:21).
We are not saved because we do Christian things (Matthew 7:22).
We are not saved because we asked Jesus into our heart.
We are not saved because we are baptized.
We are not saved because we walked an aisle.
We are not saved because we prayed a prayer.

We are saved because we obeyed the will of God by repenting of our sin and humbling before God so as to acknowledge Jesus is Lord.

Conclusion

For simplicity sake let me repeat the four truths I have been building on throughout this talk:

Truth #1: There is a God.
Truth #2: God’s Son, Jesus Christ is coming soon.
Truth #3: There is a place called heaven, and it is real.
Truth #4: It is my privilege as a born-again follower of Jesus Christ to help as many people as possible hear this good news so that they can spend eternity in heaven with Christ.

I am curious, who is this room senses God working in their mind and speaking to their heart? I am curious who in this room is compelled by God’s Holy Spirit to repent of their sin and place their faith in Jesus so that they can have their sins forgiven and spend eternity in heaven?

I am speaking only to those who are dead serious about submitting to the Lordship of Jesus Christ. I am calling only on those who are willing to reject the world and its way, to repent of their sin and to place their abiding faith in Jesus Christ. If you sense God doing that great and mighty work in your heart, then I want you to call out to Him know and surrender to Him as your lifelong Lord and Savior.

Will each of you join me on your knees as we call out to God? Those of you who are already redeemed and regenerated in Christ, I ask you to pray for those who are now calling out to God for their salvation. As we pray, we want to give anyone in this room the opportunity to call on the Lord God for their salvation.

Pay Attention to Yourselves

2007-10-13T04:56:00.000-07:00

On Thursday of this week CrossPoint hosted the St. Clair Baptist Association’s Pastor’s Appreciation Luncheon. My assistant, Tina Wiles, asked me to share a devotional thought at the end of the luncheon. While praying through what to say, the Lord gave me this devotional thought.

I provide this devotion for you for two reasons. One, I provide it so you may glean some insight from it for your self. Two, I provide it to let you in on what pastors deal with and face in leading their flocks.

For those of you who are members of another church other than CrossPoint, take the time today to drop your pastor a note of gratitude. You may even want to give him a copy of this devotional. If you do, include a gift certificate in it. Your encouragement will go a long way in ministering to him.

To all the CrossPointers who read this blog, let me thank you for the many ways you encourage me and your busy staff every week. It is a privilege to serve such a choice church.

The following is my devotion I shared with the pastors of the St. Clair Baptist Association.

Pay Attention to Yourselves

Men, we pastors live incredibly busy lives. Our time is dominated by meetings, appointments, schedules, agendas, outlines, sermons, criticisms, complaints, arguments, opportunities and so much more.

We must do something to help ourselves. I know that concept may sound foreign to you, but we must pay attention to ourselves, our health, our mental and spiritual wellbeing or we will be no good to God or to God’s people.

Paul communicated this concept of “paying attention to yourself” when he addressed the elders of Ephesus in Acts 20:28. Paul instructed them:

Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood.
Pastors, we know you pay attention to your flock, yet today I want to indulge you to pay attention to yourself.

The Lord has given me five tools to help me pay attention myself. I share these tools with you, hoping the Lord will use one or two or all five of them in your on life.

Tool #1: Pastor, pay attention to your self by WAITING.

I call this first tool waiting, because if I called it praying or studying you might associate it with praying for your flock or studying for your message. Instead, I call it waiting, because this discipline has nothing to do with your flock, and everything to do with you.

God wants us to wait for Him. The Bible says that so often. Two passages about waiting on God come to my mind this morning:

Isaiah 40:31 says,
…but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength;
they shall mount up with wings like eagles;
they shall run and not be weary;
they shall walk and not faint.

Psalm 46:10 declares,
"Be still, and know that I am God.
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth!"

We pastors do not have too many people to minister to us. We are often the ones to do the ministering. Occasionally, someone will thoughtfully and unexpectedly find a way to minister to us. Yet, rarely do we have people consciously ministering to us. So, where do we turn for ministry? We should turn to God, by waiting on Him, allowing Him to minister to us.

Allow me to ask you a very personal and pointed question: when was the last time you waited on God your Father long enough for Him to minister to you?You do know He wants to minister to us daily. I do not know when you wait on God, but I implore you now to practice waiting on Him daily. You will be amazed how waiting on God will help you pay attention to yourself.

Tool #2: Pastor, pay attention to your self by EXERCISING.

The Bible says something about exercising.

1 Tim 4:8 says, “…bodily training is of some value…”

As the shepherd of God’s flock you must find a way to remain physically fit. Whether it is running or walking or cycling or swimming or playing tennis or basketball or racquetball, you must find a way to exercise to keep your body fit.

What good are you to God and to God’s people, if you are sick, frail or unfit physically to produce under the extremes of ministry?

I personally like to run. Running clears my thinking. Running helps me remain fit. I like to run because it helps me sweat. I like to sweat, because it helps me forget.

Men pay attention to your self by exercising.

Tool #3: Pastor, pay attention to your self by READING.

Surely by now in your ministry you have realized to be an effective and productive pastor, you must be a continual, lifelong learner. One of the best ways to continue to learn is by reading.

I pay attention to myself by reading. I read to learn. I read to grow.

If a man or woman is willing to spend a year or two researching a particular subject and then produce their knowledge in a book form, then I am willing to give them $10, 20 or 30 to learn from their experience.

There are some great books on the market you can read each week. Some of the books I have read or am reading or are my list to read include:

George Washington and Benedict Arnold: A Tale of Two Patriots by David Palmer
The Barbarian Way by Erwin McManus
The Expository Genius of John Calvin by Steven J. Lawson
The Servant Leader by Ken Blanchard & Phil Hodges
God is the Gospel by John Piper

I have found reading as a great way of paying attention to myself.

Tool #4 Pastor, pay attention to your self by FELLOWSHIPING.

Early in my ministry I was interested in growing, leading and developing a church. Today I am still interested in those areas of church ministry, but now fellowshipping is rising closer to the top of my priority list.

I believe fellowshipping with other believers both inside our church and outside our church is an important way for pastor to pay attention to himself.

Last Tuesday night I ate supper with six men in my church I am personally developing. I love these men. I love spending time with them. They add joy to my life. They encourage me, and I trust I encourage them. They encourage one another, also. They talk about how much better they know each other because we have fellowshipped with one another so much over the last several months.

Pastor, find someone you fellowship with and fellowship with them. Laugh with them. Cry with them. Eat with them. Pray with them.

Tool #5: Pastor, pay attention to your self by RESTING.

Like so many of you, I keep an incredibly busy schedule. Last weekend my schedule included extensive yard work in both my mother’s yard and my yard. The weekend also included a funeral on Friday afternoon, a football game on Friday night, and a wedding on Saturday evening. This weekend does not look much better.

I have found, that in order to pay attention to myself, I must rest. Resting is not necessarily sleeping. Besides, many times one can sleep and never rest. Resting, instead, is taking a Sabbath.

My Sabbath day is Friday. As you well know, Sunday is not a Sabbath day for pastors. So, I take Friday to be my day off. I reserve Friday as a time for me to rest. Sometimes I rest by playing golf. Other times I rest by doing nothing for a few hours.

I do not know what you do to rest. Whatever it is, I encourage you to practice resting each week.

How do you pay attention to yourself? I do it by waiting, exercising, reading, fellowship and resting. Whatever it is you do to pay attention to yourself, please keep doing it because we need you. And, if you are not paying attention to yourself, then I beg you start doing so today.

In review, on this day we honor you as pastors, I remind you of these words from the Apostle Paul:

Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood.
Acts 20:28

Christ

2007-10-11T14:48:00.000-07:00

Christ with me, Christ before me, Christ behind me;
Christ within me, Christ beneath me, Christ above me;
Christ to right of me, Christ to left of me;
Christ in my lying, Christ in my sitting, Christ in my rising;
Christ in the heart of all who think of me,
Christ on the tongue of all who speak of me,
Christ in the eye of all who see me,
Christ in the ear of all who hear me.
-- Saint Patrick

Taking the Lord’s Supper

2007-10-10T12:00:00.000-07:00

Perhaps some of you have noticed how we have increased the number of times we observed the Lord’s Supper at CrossPoint in 2007. Prior to this year we have typically offered the sacred meal three or four times a year—primarily around special events like Easter and Christmas. By the end of this year we will have taken the Lord’s Supper six times. It is our objective to contemplate Christ’s great sacrifice through this meal at least nine or ten times in 2008.

Earlier this year I met with several of my pastor friends for our annual pastor’s retreat. During the week of praying, laughing, reading and studying together, we discussed the importance of the Lord’s Supper. Each of us came to the conclusion that we are not allowing our people to experience the full effect of the meal by offering it so randomly and rarely. By the week’s end each one of us made a commitment to place the Lord’s Supper in its sacred place.

When I take the Lord’s Supper my heart is flooded with all sorts of emotions. I experience grief over Christ’s death. I encounter remorse over my sins. I feel supremely joyful about my salvation. Most of all, I sense a real “spiritual refreshing” that comes when I take the bread and drink the juice.

Two weeks ago a friend of mine recommended I read Steven J. Lawson’s book, The Expository Genius of John Calvin. Although the book is only 133 pages in length, it is crammed full of inspiration and conviction for any preacher who reads it. This particular preacher plans to read it one more time in order to glean other kernels of truth I may have missed in my first reading.

Early in the book, Lawson describes Calvin’s devotion to the Lord in the face of adversity. The example the writer used centers on an event pertaining to the abuse of the Lord’s Supper.

Lawson writes,

For Calvin, these prolific years in Geneva were anything but an “ivory tower” experience. While ascending his pulpit regularly, he met much difficulty on every side. Frail in stature, Calvin suffered many ailments. He also endured physical threats to his life. Yet Calvin never ceased his exposition.

Further, groups of Geneva’s citizens cause him much pain, not the least being the Libertines, who boasted in sinful licentiousness. Sexual immorality was permissible, they claimed, arguing that “communion of the saints” meant that their bodies should be joined to the wives of others. The Libertines openly practiced adultery and yet desired to come to the Lord’s Table. But Calvin would have none of it.

In an epic encounter, Philibert Berthelier, a prominent Libertine, was excommunicated because of his known sexual promiscuity. Consequently, he was forbidden from partaking of the Lord’s Supper. Through the underhanded influence of the Libertines, the City Council overrode the church decision, and Berthelier and his associates came to the church to take the Lord’s Supper with swords drawn, ready to fight. With bold audacity, Calvin descended from the pulpit, stood in front of the Communion table, and said, “These hands you may crush, these arms you may lop off, my life you may take, my blood is yours, you may shed it; but you shall never force me to give holy things to the profaned and dishonor the table of my God.” Berthelier and the Libertines withdrew, no match for such unflinching convictions.
Oh my! What conviction. I am not sure one could find that conviction about the Lord’s Supper in the local church today, since few people understand its meaning, purpose and place in the church and in Christian history. If the Lord is willing, we will raise the level of understanding about this meal in CrossPoint’s community of faith throughout 2008.

Begin preparing your heart now for the next time we eat the bread and drink the juice in memory of Christ on November 11.

Get Out of God’s Way

2007-10-09T08:05:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I mentioned that I am praying two specific prayers for CrossPoint. The first prayer is for God’s glory to reign supreme in this choice church. I am convinced God wants to consume CrossPoint with His glory. Actually, the Bible says “the whole earth is full of His glory” (Isaiah 6:3)

Along the lines of praying for God’s glory, the next prayer I pray, very simply, is for CrossPoint to get out of God’s way.

You have heard me mention this request before, in that we must never be an obstacle to God. God has a plan and purpose for CrossPoint. His divine plan and purpose can only be accomplished when the people of God get out of the way of God.

That does not mean that God will not use us. Indeed, God wants to use us. Yet when He uses us, God has one goal in mind—that He receives all the credit, fame, glory and honor. Remember, God is consumed with one thing, His glory. And the people of God must be consumed with His glory as well. Whenever a CrossPointer takes the credit or receives claim for the work of God, that individual automatically robs God of His one passion—His glory. That is why I pray for us to get out of the way.

Perhaps getting out of God’s way was on the mind of the writer who recorded this prayer:

O Lord, my heart is not lifted up;
my eyes are not raised too high;
I do not occupy myself with things
too great and too marvelous for me.
But I have calmed and quieted my soul,
like a weaned child with its mother;
like a weaned child is my soul within me.
Psalm 131:1-2
Here is the way John the Baptist talked about getting out of God’s way:

“He must increase, but I must decrease."
John 3:30

This is what Peter said in this regard:

Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble." Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.
1 Peter 5:5-8
The Bible is replete with many more examples of people praying they do not want to get in God’s way.

Remember this CrossPoint God is doing a great and mighty work in us and through us. He is doing this work for one purpose—His glory. We must remind ourselves to do one thing in pursuit of His glory—get out of His way.

I trust you will join me in praying for God to be glorified and for CrossPoint to get out of God’s way.

The Glory of God

2007-10-08T12:00:00.000-07:00

It has taken me longer than usual to write today’s blog. Part of my labor is due to the fatigue I feel after a weekend of preaching and leading. The combination of a funeral on Friday and a wedding on Saturday, accentuates my weariness. More than lack of energy, however, part of the emotion I am wrestling with is the great sense of awe surrounding me.

I am humbled by the mighty presence of God in our family of faith. God is doing a great work at CrossPoint, and I am genuinely awestruck by what I see.

Last night during Leadership Community, I shared with our leaders two items of specific prayer that remain near the top of my list. I mentioned these two prayer requests so that the leaders of this choice church will join me in praying through them. I share these prayers with you today so every CrossPointer will pray with me.

First, I have been praying for God’s glory literally to consume this sweet church.

As I read through the Bible, I see more and more that God is concerned with one thing—His Glory.

There are many passages in the Bible that teach us about the glory of God. Three particular passages of Scripture that speak directly to me with regard to glory of God include the following.

Psalm 46:10 reads,

“Be still, and know that I am God.
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in all the earth.”

We learn more about God’s glory from Isaiah 48:11:

For my own sake, for my own sake, I do it, for how should my name be profaned? My glory I will not give to another.

These and many other passages teach us about God’s glory. However, it is 2 Chronicles 7:1-3, that is the root of my prayer for CrossPoint:

As soon as Solomon finished his prayer, fire came down from heaven and consumed the burnt offering and the sacrifices and the glory of the Lord filled the temple. And the priests could not enter the house of the Lord, because the glory of the Lord filled the Lord’s house. When all the people of Israel saw the fire come down and the glory of the Lord on the temple, they bowed down with their faces to the ground on the pavement and worshiped and gave thanks to the Lord, saying, “For he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever.”

I want God’s glory to consume us so much that we would be found speechless in our service and enthralled in our worship. I have been praying for God’s glory to consume this campus so much, that people are drawn here for no specific reason other than God’s Spirit drawing them to this place. Additionally, I have been praying for the glory and majesty of God to be so prevalent, that people sense God’s presence the moment they drive into our entrance or set foot in our parking lot or walk into our worship center.

I am humbled today because I see God answering that prayer. I am humbled because if God does answer that prayer, we will not be able to control what happens next in this choice church.

I know buildings are not our focus at CrossPoint. However, I do think anything we build should point others to God. In my opinion, the new recreation we are about to open, is a God-pointing kind of facility.

Every time I walk through the building, I am in awe of what God has done. This building, like everything else we do or build at CrossPoint is so much beyond and above us as a church. Our church is not capable of building something this incredible. The only possible way this could happen would be if God built it. And, if God is in it, then He wants to use it for His glory; which brings me back to my original prayer for CrossPoint.

There was a time when I prayed for CrossPoint to grow. There was a time also when I prayed for other secondary matters of interest. Instead, today I am praying for CrossPoint to be God-glorifying, Christ-exalting, Holy Spirit-praising place of worship. When that happens, then the church will grow. And until then, the church is only spinning its wheels.

Tomorrow I will take time to share with you my other prayer for CrossPoint.

Wednesday Nights at CrossPoint

2007-10-04T08:24:00.000-07:00

Several years ago, when CrossPoint was in its infancy, we did not offer any mid-week activities. We could not do so because we thought it would spread our staff and our congregation too thin. Actually, the first six months the campus was in operation we did not schedule any Wednesday events. It was not until the fall of that first year we opened for ministry in the middle of the week.

My, my how things have changed!

Here are just a few things you will see at CrossPoint on Wednesday nights:

First, you will have difficulty finding a choice parking spot. That’s right the parking lot is almost full on Wednesday nights! Someone said it looks like a school line when classes dismiss.
The campus is brimming with excitement as hundreds of parents, students and children gather for ministry.
The new dining hall is overflowing with people laughing, fellowshipping and conversing.
Children are meeting in their mission organizations during the fall, with plans of preparing for their spring musical in the winter.
Students are filling the worship center to capacity during Sublime. They are raising the roof with awesome praise and worship as well as great testimonies and preaching from God’s word.
Adults are participating in CrossPoint University in record numbers. CPU offers a wide variety of classes including Divorce Care, Heaven, Stories from the Bible, Don’t Waste Your Life, Prayer, Financial Fitness, Grief Care and so much more.
The choir, praise team and praise band are preparing for Sunday.
More importantly, the Spirit of God is present and working among us.

In summary, CrossPoint is ablaze with ministry and opportunity on Wednesday nights, with hundreds of people participating. Wednesday nights are quite a sight to see at CrossPoint.

If you are looking for a way to grow in your faith, to become more like Christ, to be a truly devoted follower of Jesus Christ, then I suggest you put Wednesday nights at CrossPoint on your schedule. When you do your week will be rightly divided between two highlights—Wednesday nights and Sunday mornings at CrossPoint. I invite you to join in on the excitement.
For those who already participate, I am curious to hear your thoughts about Wednesday nights at CrossPoint.

Rebel and Repent

2007-10-03T12:58:00.000-07:00

How much does God love us?

I believe the depth of God’s love for us inestimable.

Many answer that question by saying God loved us enough to send His Son to die for us. And that is a theologically correct and biblically sound answer. But do we really understand the full extent of His love in the death of His Son? I do not think we do.

I have often heard more than a few preachers say God loves us so much that if you or I were the only person alive on the earth, He would have still sent His Son to die for you or me.

So, I ask, once again, how much does God love us?

I have two answers to that question that may surprise.

First, I think we can measure God’s love for us by the degree in which He allows us to REBEL against Him. God made man, and then God gave man the freedom to rebel. And have we ever rebelled?

I think God limiting Himself shows how much He loves us. God gives every man the choice to live the way he chooses to live. Every human has the choice and the freedom to sin against the Holy God. That is love—God limiting Himself by allowing us to sin against Him.

Another way we can measure God’s love for us is by the way He allows us to REPENT before Him.

I am not one to go public with the confession of my sin. And, I do not plan to change that part of me in this blog. Even though I will not confess my sin to you, I can attest to this—God forgiving me of my sin against Him when I repent is an amazing display of His love. I know what I have done to sin against God. I know the depths of my rebellion, and for God to forgive me when I repent is an awe-inspiring display of His love.

Perhaps another way to describe God’s love through the theme of REBEL & REPENT is to know this—no matter the degree to which we have sinned against God, if we confess our sin and repent, God will not hold that sin against us. Actually, God loves us so much He releases us from the penalty of sin and pronounces us innocent before Him through Jesus Christ. Now that is love, scandalous love.

Sunday's Worship

2007-10-02T16:14:00.000-07:00

Sunday was another incredible day of worship for the CrossPoint family of faith. Several parts of the worship celebration affected me.

First, I was moved to tears—once again—during the video of last Sunday’s baptism celebration. If you did not see the video, please watch it below. Look for the expressions on each face as they come out of the water.

The observance of the Lord’s Supper was also a special part of our worship. Every time I participate in that sacred feast I am reminded that I am a great sinner and that Jesus is a great Savior.

Every weekend is a great weekend of worship for CrossPoint. It is only Tuesday, and I am already looking forward to next Sunday.

What about you? What did you get out of worship last weekend? Let me know.

The Gospel of Man

2007-09-28T05:00:00.000-07:00

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

2007-09-27T04:21:00.000-07:00

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

2007-09-25T10:06:00.000-07:00

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!!

2007-09-24T08:26:00.000-07:00

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

2007-09-22T06:55:00.000-07:00

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

2007-09-21T06:48:00.000-07:00

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

2007-09-20T17:34:00.000-07:00

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

2007-09-18T08:07:00.000-07:00

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

2007-09-17T06:22:00.001-07:00

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

2007-09-14T09:58:00.000-07:00

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!!

2007-09-13T10:29:00.000-07:00

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

2007-09-10T06:38:00.000-07:00

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

2007-09-07T13:51:00.000-07:00

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

2007-09-06T06:51:00.000-07:00

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

2007-09-05T07:41:00.000-07:00

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.

530 and Counting!!

2007-08-30T07:12:00.000-07:00

The Student Ministry of CrossPoint is literally soaring to new heights. Last night, a record-setting crowd of 530 students were in Sublime.

Make sure you note that number—530!

That is unprecedented.

This growth spurt has been building for some time. Jason informed me back at the beginning of the summer he could see this coming. Boy was he right.

Jason Motte and his team of leaders are making a huge impact for the kingdom of God in our area. What makes this record-setting night so special is not so much the number, although that is exceedingly great. What makes this night so important is how much the truth of God’s Word is being communicated to these students.

Many of you heard Jason preach for me last July while I was on vacation. Thus you know how solid he is in his preaching and his theology. When Jason speaks, he speaks from God’s Word. Jason is a fun guy and he enjoys laughing and cutting up with students. However, when it comes time to preach Jason preaches the truth. He does not water down his message with cute little stories. Neither does he weaken the truth with high-powered emotionalism. Jason, in many respects, is a theologian who knows how to relate the truth of God’s Word to the life of a teenager.

I am in awe with what God is doing in our student ministry and within our church. We expect to open the second building of Phase II in a very short period of time. The Student Worship Center, which has an estimated capacity of 450 is already too small. This makes me wonder if the rest of the building we think is so big is also getting smaller.

That’s a good problem to have, isn’t it?

Please pray for Jason Motte, his team of leaders and the students in our community who are being exposed to the good news of Jesus Christ.

Lessons from my Son (and Daughter)

2007-08-23T18:26:00.000-07:00

Wednesday was a significant day for Vonda and me. It was our son’s first day of college. Although he has not moved out of the house and into a dorm, yet, we were still melancholy this morning. (We think the dorm thing will come next spring or fall. He has to show us more maturity before we give him that much freedom. I will write more on that later, much later).

I know you have heard or read something like this before, but it seems just like yesterday we were at Forest General Hospital in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, celebrating his arrival. Taylor was born on a Tuesday at 3:22 PM. He was 21 inches long, and he weighed eight pounds and five ounces.

That was an incredible day for me. What his arrival did was set into motion a new and unexpected journey for me. You see, prior to his birth I had never before been a father. Sure, I knew something about being a brother, and a few things about being a son and a grandson. I also knew what it meant to be a friend. And, I had picked up a few insights into being a husband, yet prior to August 22, 1989, I knew nothing about being a father.

Since that day, my knowledge in parenting has increased exponentially. And what have I learned? Here are just a few lessons Taylor (and Kelsey) have taught me:

Don’t sweat the small stuff, and there is plenty of small stuff. Don’t sweat it when the kids marched through the house with mud on their shoes, or when they spill their drink or when they tear their new shorts or when they draw on the wall or when they… Most stuff is small stuff, so don’t sweat it.
Learn what makes your child tick. Trent and Smalley call this their “love language”. Taylor’s love language is TIME. He needs time with me and with his mother. That is why we took him to lunch today after his first full day of classes. We knew he would want time with us. I could always tell when I was not spending enough time with Taylor because he would become irritable, rude or disobedient. It was at those moments Vonda would suggest, “Why don’t you spend some time with Taylor.” And when I did his attitude and behavior would improve.
Let your child know who is in charge. Children love to test authority. I think they test authority for two reasons. One, because they are born reprobates with a sinful behavior. The second reason is less forceful. Two, because they want someone to be in charge and they act out to see who it is. Taylor never really had a problem with me being in charge. Sure, he’d pitch a fit every now and then, but for the most part Taylor was and is a compliant child.
Have fun. I enjoyed a fun childhood filled with many great memories. I wanted my kids to do the same. When he was about two or three, Taylor and I started a tradition called “Daddy Day.” He thought it was a day designed just for him, and in many ways it was. What he doesn’t know was that it actually served as a day for his mother, so she could get some things done around the house. I am so glad we started those “Daddy Days.” He is not too fond of them now because he is so busy, but I think some day he will return to those days perhaps when I need him to care for me.
Always admit when you are wrong. There have been some times in my parenting when I was wrong. Thank goodness a friend taught me to admit to my children when I was wrong. That is not easy, but by doing so you model for your children how they should admit their faults or mistakes. In the last few years I have been amazed at how much Taylor confesses to his mother and me when he has made a mistake.
Pray they get caught in every sin they commit. Years ago a friend of ours saw Taylor doing something that was wrong. He was totally surprised we knew about it. When he asked how we found out, we told him we started praying he would get caught in every sin he committed. That is a great prayer to pray for your kids. It is called accountability.

Do what you can with what you have. There are times I have failed miserably as a father, and there are times I have succeeded. All I have tried to do with both my children is the best I could do with what was available to me at the time.

Some day my children will be parents. And when they are, I trust they look back on their childhood days with fond memories and practice some of what they taught me to do.

The Ceremony of the Jersey

2007-08-22T05:46:00.000-07:00

I have been focusing on the subject of football lately. I guess it has to do with the fact that college football kicks off in less than two weeks.

Vonda dreads this time of year because I literally get consumed with watching football five nights a week—Thursday thru Monday! Ah, what bliss.

Speaking of football, a very good friend alerted me to the following illustration from Notre Dame’s storied tradition. I am NOT a big fan of Notre Dame. However, I am a big fan of tradition like the one you are about to read. Enjoy.

For generations the Notre Dame name has been synonymous with college football success. The Fighting Irish have stockpiled more national championships, more Heisman Trophies, and more all-Americans than any other school in America. It’s the Fort Knox of college sports. The school’s legendary past is a story Hollywood loves to tell. Only at Notre Dame could Knute Rockne become famous by coaxing his team to “win one for the Gipper.” And through the years they’ve won. But with all that success came high expectations too.

To reinforce those expectations, each spring the Notre Dame coaches gather the team together for The Ceremony of the Jersey. It’s an annual event where each new recruit is presented with the football jersey he’ll be wearing in the upcoming season. At any other school this may have little meaning but at Notre Dame it’s like a visit to a museum. As each player is brought forward, he’s presented with his new jersey as a scroll is read naming each of the legends who’ve worn that number before - their names, achievements, and degrees. The final name on the scroll belongs to the new recruit who’ll be wearing it. The implication is obvious; wear the jersey with distinction, carry on the proud tradition, be worthy of the honor.

In many ways, you and I have been handed a jersey as well. It may not have a number, but it has some blood stains. People like Paul and Timothy, maybe a mom or a dad, maybe a youth pastor or a maybe college friend have worn that jersey. As those who have received God’s grace and are being strengthened by it, our calling today is to pass that jersey on to the next generation.
The jersey of faith that was handed to me has been worn by some incredible individuals. Many of those heroes I only know of by photos or stories shared with me by family. Many others have gone on to the heaven to receive their reward in heaven. Still others serve the Lord here with me on earth.

The blood stained jersey of grace I received includes my grandparents, Charlie and Alice Henley; my parents, Bob Whitley and Alice Rickerson; my brothers, Rhett and Chuck, and my sister, Mona. That list also includes my father and mother-in-law, Wayne and Doris Goodwin, and my wife, Vonda. More members of this elite group include my mentors Bob Barnes and Harry Lucenay; many seminary professors like Joe Cothen, Chuck Kelley, Macklyn Hubbell, Lewis Drummond, Jim Minton, John Harris, and Calvin Miller. There is a list of coaches and teachers who passed on their jersey of faith to me. Then there are my dear friends Buddy Gray, Jimmy Stewart, John Thweatt, & Ron Ethridge. Wow, the list goes on and on and on.

Take a moment to think of those who passed on their jerseys of faith and grace to you. Give thanks for their witness and example. If you would, like take a minute to share the name of one or two people who passed their blood-soaked jersey of faith to you for you to experience.

Now that’s a REAL Coach

2007-08-20T08:03:00.000-07:00

Someone called me last week to say that my blog about Coach Bob Finley had been downloaded to the www.hooverforum.com blog. I am not sure who posted it, but apparently they felt like others needed to read my remarks.

While surfing the Hoover Forum blog I discovered Joe Erhman’s webpage, www.buildingmen.org. For those of you who do not know, Joe Erhman is the coach Jeffrey Marx wrote about in the book Season of Life: A Football Story, a Boy, a Journey to Manhood.

Many of you will recognize this book as a Father’s Day gift suggestion I made two or three years ago.

For those of you interested, take a look at this video clip and compare Joe Erhman to what is coming out of some of out area high schools, and then you tell me who you would want coaching your son:

(click here for video)

Now that is a real coach.

There is no question in my mind who I would want my son play for. Joe Erhman is a special man, and I am confident the boys he coaching will become successful men in life.

JUST ONE MORE at a Funeral

2007-08-19T06:31:00.000-07:00

I had something especially memorable happen Thursday at a funeral I was leading.

Peggy Branham’s mother, Thelma Dougherty, went home to be with the Lord last Monday. Peggy & Bob asked me to conduct the funeral, and, of course, I honored their request.
As I have in so many times past, I presented the Gospel during the funeral service. I personally believe the best news people can hear at a funeral is that Jesus Christ is the only way to heaven and that they can be saved through Him. That is why I present the Gospel at nearly every funeral.
Yesterday’s presentation was significant, in that an individual received Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. What made the decision even more meaningful was that it was an employee of Bob and Peggy’s at East Lake Electric.

The employee came to express his condolences. Bob and Peggy asked him to stay for the service because they knew I would present the Good News of Jesus Christ. He decided to stay, and God placed His “effective call” on the young man and he was born again.

As I concluded the gospel presentation I asked anyone in the crowd who had received Christ to let Peggy know before they left the funeral home. Within minutes after the service, the young man confided in Bob and Peggy of his decision. As you would expect, Bob and Peggy’s family was so excited. They were crying when I entered the room. When I asked what happened, Peggy said, “Just as one dies today another one is born into the family of God.” Then as CrossPointers have a tendency to do, we all pointed one finger to heaven and said in unison, “Just one more!”

Wow, what a story.
There is another part of the story worth sharing.

Teri Lee, Peggy’s daughter called me early Sunday morning to say her grandmother had suffered a severe stroke, and they were wondering if I could come and pray with them. I arrived at St. Vincent’s hospital soon thereafter.
Since I knew Thelma, I walked in the room and leaned over her bed to speak with her. I said, “Thelma, this is Ryan. I don’t know if you can hear me or not.” To that she nodded her head yes.

This is where the story gets really good.

“Thelma,” I said, “Are you ready to go to heaven?” She smiled and shook her head in the affirmative once again.

Well, it’s all over but the shouting at that part.

Then I said, “Well, Thelma, since you can hear all our voices, just start listening for the voice of Jesus above all others. He is going to call your name; and when He does, go running toward Him. We are all okay. We do not want you to hang on for us. It is time for you to go to Jesus”

That is when Thelma whispered to all of us in the room, “I love you!”
Thelma remained stable another 24 hours. Bryan Haskins, our worship leader, visited her Monday morning. Before leaving he sang “Amazing Grace” for her. Two hours later, Thelma heard the voice of Jesus and left this world to spend the rest of eternity in His presence.

It was a glorious experience for all us involved.

Now can you see why her funeral was so memorable? Her death gave birth to another soul for Jesus Christ. We, at CrossPoint, call that JUST ONE MORE!

Why Pray?

2007-08-16T19:59:00.000-07:00

While working through the Sermon on the Mount, we spent a few moments a few Sundays ago wrestling with this sentence:

"And when you pray, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard for their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.
Matthew 6:7-8

The first reading of that sentence would cause some to ask: “If God already knows what I need, then why pray?”

I can think of three basic answers to that question.

First, we should pray because Jesus prayed.

The Bible is replete with example of Jesus praying. The greatest example, perhaps, is when He was in the Garden of Gethsemane, on the night of his arrest, and He prayed:

And going a little farther he fell on his face and prayed, saying, "My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will."
Matthew 26:39

There are many other examples of Jesus praying in the New Testament. Another favorite of mine is found in Mark’s gospel, where Mark records:

And rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark, he departed and went out to a desolate place, and there he prayed.
Mark 1:35

Thus, the first answer to the “why pray” question is because Jesus prayed.

The second answer to the “why pray” question is because apparently Jesus thinks we should pray.

Go back and look at the first four words of Matthew 6:7. Jesus says, “And when you pray…”

Obviously Jesus thinks we should pray, because He instructs us to pray.

So, there are the first two answers to the question as to why to pray even though our Father knows what we need before we ask Him.

There is a third answer to that question. This answer comes less from empirical evidence of the Word of God, and more from experience. Another reason to pray, even though our Father knows what we need before we ask Him, is to know God better. I think we should pray because prayer teaches us more about God.

Andrew Murray worded the third point this way:

“Some people pray just to pray and some people pray to know God.”
Oswald Chambers nails the third point with this quote:

“Our ordinary views of prayer are not found in the New Testament. We look upon prayer as a means for getting something for ourselves; the Bible’s idea of prayer is that we may get to know God Himself.”

So what is the bottom line? Or, as I often ask myself when I am preparing a message for you, “So, what is the big deal?” The bottom line or the big deal is this: prayer draws me into deeper intimacy with God Almighty, the Creator of heaven and earth; the Father of all who call Him Lord and the Sustainer of all who trust in Him as Savior.

In summary, I pray because Jesus prayed. I pray because apparently Jesus expects us to pray. I pray because I need God, because I want more intimacy with Him, and because I cannot live without Him.

So, why do you pray?

JUST ONE MORE SUNDAY!

2007-08-15T20:03:00.000-07:00

Yesterday’s post from Scott Hanberry in Couer d’Alene, Idaho, caused me to do some deep thinking.

(I know the idea of me involved in deep thinking scares many of you, so I will be brief.)

In summary, yesterday’s blog says we should measure our church growth by the number of people the members of the church bring with them each weekend. Thus, instead of asking how many we had in Bible study or worship, we should ask how many guests were present in Bible study or worship.

So here is my idea.

In a matter of weeks we will open the second building of our Phase II building project. The second building is enormous. I walked through the complex Monday evening and I was blown away by its size. Instead of getting smaller with the addition of paint, walls and fixtures, the building is getting bigger. It is actually growing.

A staff member escorted one of his cousins through the building Monday also, and during the tour the cousin asked a great question. He queried, “Where will you put all the people that will come to this church as a result of using this building for ministry?”

I do not know if you have considered it or not, but CrossPoint as we know it today will change dramatically and immediately the moment we open the doors to the new gymnasium. We will never be the same. And that is a good thing.
And now for my idea I have been considering.

What if we were to require every CrossPointer to bring JUST ONE MORE with them the Sunday we have ONE BIG WORSHIP in the new building? Would that be over the top or what? That would mean we would have approximately 2400 people on our campus at one time.
For those of you wondering, if the Lord is willing, we plan to celebrate the grand opening of Phase II with two big events. The first big event will be a ONE BIG WORSHIP experience a few weeks after the building is opened for operation. The other big event will be an open house for the entire community in January, 2008 when we celebrate our third birthday.

So, what do you think of my JUST ONE MORE DAY idea?

I like it. I like it, a lot. Actually, when you think about our vision and all that God is doing to make the vision a reality, every Sunday is a JUST ONE MORE SUNDAY for CrossPoint.

JUST ONE MORE Illustrated

2007-08-14T07:29:00.000-07:00

One of my heroes of the faith is Scott Hanberry, pastor of NorthStar Church in Couer d’ Alene, Idaho. Click here to learn more about NorthStar.

Many of you will remember Scott from last June when he was a guest speaker during WOW while I was away on the Construction Mission Trip in Pilot Knob, Kentucky. So many of you told me how good a job he did that night, I have invited him back to CrossPoint to be our guest as our World Missions Offering speaker on December 2.

I admire Scott for many reasons. Scott is a godly man. He is also a family man. My highest admiration for him, however, is that Scott is a risk-taker for the kingdom of God. It requires great faith for Scott to do what he is doing. Yet he knows that the greater the risk, the greater the reward.

I received an email from Scott on Monday. The email contained a word of encouragement for his people in Coure d’Alene. The story he related to their work caused me to think of CrossPoint’s vision of JUST ONE MORE. Read what he sent provided below, and then you tell me if this is not another way of expressing the power and simplicity of CrossPoint’s vision.

A question heard often by pastors in America is: “How big is your church?” The answer most pastors want to give is “bigger than yours!” An appropriate answer would be “big enough to keep me busy 24/7!”

Truthfully, most pastors and church leaders are quick to state the most recent and largest worship attendance figure in memory. Does this honor God?

In a recent conversation, I was told that there are only two attendance figures which really count…..Sunday school and baptism. The wisdom is clear but a third category is gaining momentum in my mind. The third and possibly only attendance category that really matters for all of eternity is found in the following.

Question: “How many did you have last Sunday?”

Answer: “TWO! That’s how many guests I brought with me.”

The only attendance figure that the Lord cares about is the number YOU and I brought to Him last week! How would it change the Christian culture in America today if we only reported our guests and if an individual only stated the number of guests that he brought?

“THERE WILL BE MORE JOY IN HEAVEN OVER ONE SINNER WHO REPENTS THAN OVER NINETY-NINE RIGHTEOUS PERSONS WHO NEED NO REPENTENCE.”

Luke 15:7

Okay, so what do you think? Do you think that story illustrates the vision of CrossPoint? I do. So, tell me, who are you bringing with you to worship next weekend? Imagine what would happen if each CrossPoint decided to bring JUST ONE MORE to worship.

Winning, Coaching & Character

2007-08-13T11:57:00.000-07:00

Almost every week The Birmingham News posts an article about the Hoover School System and their storied athletic program. Much of the dark cloud of accusation is on their infamous football coach, Rush Propst.

I do not know Rush Propst personally. However, I did watch enough of his television debut on MTV – “Two-A-Days” – to learn that he would not be coaching my son.

The stories are replete. The rumors are many. Sure, Propst has won several state championships. Yes, his team is a perennial powerhouse in high school football; but at what cost.

I know winning is important. I know championships make champions. But is it necessary for a coach to compromise his character to win games?

For those of you who do not know, I am a 1980 graduate of W. A. Berry High School. Berry High is now Hoover High.

While at Berry I played for one of the finest coaches to ever coach—Bob Finley. Coach Finley was the only head football coach in Berry High School history. He was loved by athletes and students alike. He was respected by his peers. He was a man among men, a coach among coaches, and a winner among winners.

Recently I was cleaning out a corner of my study when I came across a printed copy of the “Game Maxims” Coach Finley would repeat before each football game. For those who played football, you will recognize some of the lingo. Provided below are his maxims.

Game Maxims

If at first the breaks go against us, don’t slow down or panic, put on steam.

If somebody makes a mistake, don’t criticize him,

pat him on the back, he will do better next time.

Never have a breakdown in four major categories of sound defense:

1. Contain

2. Explosion and release

3. Pursuit and agility

4. Tackling, “gangstyle”

Offensively, the key is execution:

1. Know the formation, play called, the snap count.

2. Make your block six seconds, then get up and block someone else.

During the course of this game

the lead may change hands.

If we fall behind, we don’t give up.

When we get ahead, we don’t let up.

Make the big play; make something happen:

1. Block a punt.

2. “Bingo” a pass.

3. Cause or recover a fumble.

Carry the fight to your opponent 48 minutes, overtime when necessary.

Protect our passer, protect our punter, protect our lead

And in the end, protect our ballgame.

The previous words may not sound like much to you, but they still ring true in my ears all these years later. I can recall hearing coach Finley, in his quiet-monotone voice, running through each line. He repeated the maxims week after week.

There are many other things Coach Finley did that made a huge impression on me and so many others. I will never forget the time he called timeout in the middle of the summer scrimmage for all of us to take a knee and refresh ourselves with water. Knowing I was struggling with heat and exhaustion, he calmly walked over, patted the side of my helmet and then handed me a towel to wipe my face. It was Coach Finley’s way of saying, “I am counting on you.”

Coach Finley’s mark on us was so great, that a handful of years ago many former players contributed to the Bob Finely Character Award, which is awarded each year to four deserving Hoover football players. The award is so big today the senior who wins the award receives a full paid tuition scholarship to college.

Bob Finley was a great man, yet he was not perfect. Coach Finley readily admitted his flaws to his players, and often shared the gospel on the practice field or in the weight room. All of the traits I admired in the man, the one that stands out the greatest was that he never allowed anyone to cuss on the practice or game field. And if a player or coach ever did cuss, well, let’s just say it would be something they would regret for a long, long time.

Coach Finley died on the afternoon of July 31, 1994, while cutting the grass at the practice field of Hoover High School. My oldest brother, Chuck, who at the time was Hoover’s Athletic Director, found him lying in the grass. He and several other men tried to resuscitate Coach Finley, but to no avail. On that day, Berry High School (a.k.a. Hoover High) lost a great man.

It is a shame that coach Finley is not alive today. For if he were alive today, Rush Propst could learn a thing or two from him with regard to winning, character and coaching. I think the first thing Rush would learn is that a man’s name, his character, and his conduct, is more important than his winning and losing record. I think he would also learn that cussing never wins championships. Perhaps the greatest lesson Rush could learn from Coach Finley would be to walk humbly before the Lord, the players, the other coaches, the parents and the fans. Coach Finley walked humbly, but his walk also created a big wake for others to follow.

The Fellowship of the Unashamed

2007-08-10T14:59:00.000-07:00

For those of you who have never seen this, you will be blessed by reading it:

I am part of the "Fellowship of the Unashamed."
The die has been cast.
I have stepped over the line.
The decision has been made.
I am a disciple of Jesus Christ.
I won't look back, let up, slow down, back away, or be still.
My past is redeemed, my present makes sense, and my future is secure.
I am finished and done with low living, sight walking, small planning, smooth knees, colorless dreams, chintzy giving, and dwarfed goals.

I no longer need pre-eminence, prosperity, position, promotions, plaudits, or popularity.
I now live by presence, lean by faith, love by patience, lift by prayer, and labor by power.
My pace is set, my gait is fast, my goal is Heaven, my road is narrow, my way is rough, my companions few, my Guide reliable, my mission clear.
I cannot be bought, compromised, deterred, lured away, turned back, diluted, or delayed.

I will not flinch in the face of sacrifice, hesitate in the presence of adversity, negotiate at the table of the enemy, ponder at the pool of popularity, or meander in the maze of mediocrity.

I am a disciple of Jesus Christ. I must go until Heaven returns, give until I drop, preach until all know, and work until He comes. And when He comes to get His own, He will have no problem recognizing me. My colors will be clear.

I am not ashamed of the gospel . . . Romans 1:16

by Dr. Bob Moorehead

God is Perfect. Explain.

2007-08-09T12:38:00.000-07:00

I am huge fan of Ravi Zacharias. For those of who do not know him, click here (www.rzim.org).

In a 2004 message on Creation and Post-Modernism, Zacharias shared with his audience a question presented on his doctoral examination. The first question, on a five-page questionnaire stated, “God is perfect. Explain.”

Zacharias commented to his wife that he was glad the professor allowed only enough space for a one paragraph answer. “That tiny space allowed me less room for doctrinal error,” he told her.

Zacharias’ answer was one sentence in length. He responded:

God is the only entity in existence, the reason for whose existence is in Himself; all other entities or quantities exist by virtue of something else and in that sense He alone is perfect, uncaused, infinite and an independent being in essence.

Before you give that statement only cursory attention, return and read it again.

Last night during WOW – Worship on Wednesday – at CrossPoint we studied Psalm 46, in particular Psalm 46:10, which reads, “Be still and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in all the earth.”

During the message I presented two fundamental truths from the text:

Truth #1: God wants us to be still.

Truth #2: God wants us to know Him.

In discussing what it means to know God I said, “The biggest problem most of have with knowing God is that we do not know God.”

Do you know who God is? I am not talking about the God of your parents or the God of your own making. Neither am I talking about a white, middle class, Southern Baptist God who speaks English. Nor I am particularly referring to the God you learned about in Vacation Bible School or at summer camp. When I ask do you know who God is, I am talking about the God of the Bible, the God of the universe, the God who “alone is perfect, uncaused, infinite and an independent being in essence.”

Sometime today do what God wants all of us to do—be still (cease striving, cease hurrying) and know that He is God.

Faster World

2007-08-08T09:45:00.000-07:00

This morning a Sprint radio commercial wanted to sell me a new phone plan. The advertiser asked, “Would you like to make your world a little bit faster.”

How does that sales pitch strike you?

When I heard the by-line I chuckled, out loud. “Faster world,” I responded, “I don’t need a faster world.”

(For those of you who do not know, I often talk back to my television and/or radio. And there is no need to tell me the people on the radio or television airwaves do not hear me. My family tells me that weekly. Responding verbally is a cathartic release for me. Now back to my blog.)

“I don’t need a faster world,” I thought out loud.

It was at that moment I turned off the radio and decided to return to my fast from the media. I only broke the fast this morning to hear if Barry Bonds broke Hank Aaron’s homerun record. (That is different blog for another day).

After powering off my radio I started thinking if I don’t need a faster world, then what is it I really need.

Here are a few things I think I need instead of more speed in my life.

I need more CONSISTENCY.

I work on my consistency every day. Even though I never want to get in a rut, a consistent routine is good for me. I begin and end my days the same way. When I do that, what I live in between the beginning and the end is more consistent. I have found beginning my day with God and ending my day with God helps me live my day for the Lord.

I need more FAITH.

The one sentence about faith in the Bible I most identify with is the one the father of the demon-possessed boy made when he said to Jesus, “I do believe; help my unbelief.”

When I say I need more faith, it is not that I do not already have faith. Sure, I believe. I just need more faith for the things that nag at me most.

I need to be more LOVING.

I like to think I am a loving individual. I trust my wife and kids know that I love them. I hope my family of faith knows that I love them. Yet sometimes, I do not act in a very loving way. I need to be more loving toward others.

I need more TIME.

Time is my greatest commodity. If I can find an extra hour here and a few minutes later in my day, I can get many more things accomplished. I have found by watching less television, I have more time. I crave more time. More time, I have noticed, helps me have more consistency, more faith, and to be more loving.

I would be curious to hear what you need MORE of. Let me know.

True Treasures

2007-08-06T10:05:00.000-07:00

In my message Sunday morning we defined a “treasure” as anything that means everything to you. Thus, a treasure could be a collection of albums, a house, your income, a relationship, an automobile, a memory, a vacation, and so on.

Today I want you to continue to wrestle with what you treasure. In doing so, I want you to consider, once again, the five questions I posed toward the end of my message.

Ask yourself these questions, and I think you will know what you treasure most:

What occupies your thoughts when we have nothing else to do?
What is that you fret most?
Apart from your family and loved ones, what or whom do you dread most losing?
What are the things that you measure others by?
What is that you know you cannot be happy without?

When you finally get a grip on what really matters in life, you soon learn that the things on earth that matter most are not things.

Learning to Pray

2007-08-04T07:06:00.000-07:00

I have been increasing my faithfulness to prayer lately. I attribute this increase in communication with my Father to several things.

First, preaching through the Sermon on the Mount challenges me to take the “righteous acts” of giving, praying and fasting more seriously.

Also, I have been reading much about prayer during my summer reading schedule. Hopefully this weekend I will conclude Philip Yancey’s new book Prayer: Does It Really Make a Difference (Grand Rapids, Michigan: Zondervan, 2006). I strongly recommend the book for anyone wanting to learn more about prayer.

Additionally, I have been praying more because more of you are asking me to pray for you. I do not know why, but many more of you email me your concerns or mention them to me in the hallway on Sunday, asking me to pray for you. As a result, I spend more time in prayer each day than I have in a long time.

Another reason I find myself devoted more to prayer is simply because the more I pray, the more I want to pray or the more I realize I need to pray. When you pray long enough, you learn you cannot pray enough.

The Bible is replete with examples of people praying. A singular statement in Mark’s gospel helps me understand the importance of spending more time in prayer. Mark records,

And rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark, he (Jesus) departed and went out to a desolate place, and there he prayed.
Mark 1:35-36

If Jesus made prayer a priority as the Son of the Living God and Savior of the World, then how much more should I make prayer a priority?

Perhaps the greatest reason why my prayer life has increased in time and intensity is due to my commitment to pray for the entire CrossPoint family a little each day of the week.

I made a commitment to pray for each of you by name last May. Sure, I have always prayed for CrossPoint in general terms, and only in specific terms when it felt necessary. However, after reading Mark Dever’s book The Deliberate Church (Wheaton, Illinois: CrossWay Books, 2005), I was convicted to pray for each of you by name.

The first week I prayed for you was wildly exhilarating. I was so charged by the experience I challenged our staff to do the same. By the fourth or fifth week, my prayer for you became a burden. For several weeks I struggled. The more I prayed for you, the bigger the burden would grow. At times the burden was debilitating. After realizing the burden was self-inflicted, I returned to amazing moments of intercession.

For those of you wondering how or what I pray, let me explain my last three or four prayer cycles. A prayer cycle is when I pray through the entire roll of names before I start back over, usually in the opposite direction.

As you know, I have an alphabetical listing of every CrossPoint member in my daily prayer journal. It usually takes me an average of 15 days to work through the 47-page list. That typically translates into praying for 25 – 30 people per day.

When I pray for you, I work on a particular theme throughout the cycle.

One of my favorite themes is to quietly call out your name before the Lord. I usually do not have a particular request. Sometimes when I do this the Lord will impress me with what to pray and sometimes He will not. Whichever the case I audibly call out your name, wait a moment, and if nothing comes to mind I move on.

Another theme I have recently worked through is what I call my “repent and believe” prayer. This is where I ask the Lord to call each CrossPointer I name to live a life marked by repentance and faith. I like that prayer because I see it being answered in such a dramatic way each week.

Another way I pray for you is by noting the needs I am aware by your name. Some of you are awaiting a new job. Others are awaiting the arrival of a new baby. Some are praying for the opportunity to have a new baby. Some are depressed. Others are going off to school. A few are battling a terminal disease. Whatever your need, I usually list it beside your name and ask the Lord to meet that specific need.

This week I am building my prayer for you based on a simple passage in Proverbs 15:33, which reads,

The fear of the Lord is instruction in wisdom, and humility comes before honor.

All the rest of this week and the next, I will pray that passage over every CrossPointer who calls CrossPoint home. Can you imagine what will happen to a church when the people adhere to that simple sentence? Imagine what would happen if only the pastor would practice that kind of humility?

We might have revival. I think we are already having revival, what about you?

In closing I wanted you to let me know how I can pray for you. I consider it an honor to love this congregation and to shepherd it in faith and prayer.

Indoor Baptisms

2007-08-03T08:13:00.000-07:00

I am so stoked about the baptism video provided below. The video last approximately 13 minutes, but if you are like me, you will watch every second with anticipation. This video epitomizes the existence of CrossPoint. We exist to bring glory to God by reaching JUST ONE MORE to become a fully devoted follower of Jesus Christ. The baptisms in this video represent a small portion of what God is doing through us.

Video courtesy of Ron NeSmith

Spread the word. God is doing great things through CrossPoint!

Humility Comes Before Honor

2007-08-02T12:07:00.000-07:00

How many of you read this article (or one similar to it) surrounding Ruth Graham’s death? If not, this is an awesome story everyone should read:

NEW ORLEANS - Shortly before he died, convicted murderer Richard Liggett was asked to make two of the simple plywood coffins he meticulously crafted for fellow prisoners. Except the caskets would be for Billy and Ruth Graham.
"Humbled? He was honored, he was honored," said Burl Cain, warden of the Louisiana State Penitentiary. "He told me, of everything that ever happened in his life, the most profound thing was to build this coffin for Billy Graham and his family."
Graham's son Franklin made the request after seeing the coffins on a visit to the Angola prison and being struck by their simplicity, according to a statement from the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association.
Ruth Graham was to be buried in one Sunday at a private ceremony at the Billy Graham Library in Charlotte, N.C. She died Thursday at age 87 after a lengthy illness.
"I wish you could look in that casket because she's so beautiful," Billy Graham told mourners who gathered Saturday to remember his beloved wife. "She was a wonderful woman."
Sold for $215 each
The coffins are made of birch plywood and lined with a foam mattress pad covered with fabric. Brass handles are on the sides, while a cross adorns the top. The price: $215 each.
Liggett, who was serving a life sentence for second-degree murder, led a team of prisoners who built the coffins for the Graham family. He had found God in prison, Cain said.
"You would never think he'd be a prisoner. He wasn't all marked up," Cain said. "He just did a terrible thing, one time in New Orleans."
The prison has a Bible college and chapel near death row funded largely by the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association and Samaritan's Purse.
Cain said many of its 5,108 prisoners are Christian and were spending the weekend "preaching and praying and remembering the Graham family."
But Liggett won't be among them: He died of cancer in March, nearly 31 years into his sentence. He was buried in one of the last coffins he built, Cain said.

While reading this story I was reminded of Proverbs 15:33, which says, “The fear of the Lord is instruction in wisdom, and humility comes before honor.”

Ruth Graham was truly a humble woman. Billy Graham is equally humble himself. The church would be in much better shape today, if more pastors and parishioners took on the Graham mantle of humility.

Wouldn’t you like to know how many requests have been made to Angola Prison for similar caskets? I would love to be buried in something that simple, wouldn’t you?

Wow, what a story! Wow, what a woman (and man) of God!

CrossPointers Getting in Shape!

2007-08-01T14:55:00.000-07:00

While on vacation I heard through my grapevine that members of Nathan Poe‘s Bible Study class—Real Life, Real Marriage—were planning to compete in the Trak Shak Retro 5K Run on Saturday, July 28. My sources also informed me the competitors wanted me to run in the race with them. Since I always look for an opportunity to run with people I love, I told them I would be there.

Ten CrossPointers competed in the race last Saturday evening. This is what we looked like before the gun sounded.

(Pictured left to right are: Shane St. John, Eric Hays, Lee Hooie, Les Smith, John Wiles, Nathan Poe, Ryan Whitley, Jessica Welch, Christy Harper, Brian Updike).

I am so proud of this group. I am particularly proud of Nathan Poe, the class leader. As of this week Nathan has lost 87 pounds in one year. He is 13 pounds away from his goal of 100! Can you believe that?

How did Nathan do it? He says it is a matter of eating the right foods, exercising and deciding in advance you are going to get in shape. That sounds like a good plan to me. I have asked Nathan to share his story with us after he reaches his goal.

Nathan’s group has a class goal that I really like. Real Life, Real Marriage wants to run one 5K a month for the remainder of the year. I like that goal. I also like it that other CrossPointers are beginning to catch the vision that physical training is of some value.

I have blogged about running numerous times. Many of you know my passion for running.

I am not a fast runner. For those of you who have run with me, you will readily testify that I run more like a rhinoceros than a gazelle. Yet I plod away, and each step I take is another step toward being in peak physical condition. I will never compete for the winner’s trophy in any race. However, I do not race against others. I always compete against myself.

For instance, this morning I competed against myself by running 5 miles with negative splits. Negative splits are when you run each succeeding mile faster than the previous one. Today I set out to run each mile 15 seconds faster than the last. When I hit mile five this morning, I beat my expected time by 6 seconds. Thus, I won!

I look at running two ways.

First, I see running as a MEANS TO AN END. The end for me is to stay in shape and physically fit. I like the result of running. I sleep better. I feel better. I have more energy. I am more effective when I am in shape because I feel like I am in a healthier position for the Lord to use me whenever, wherever or however He desires.

I also see running as AN END TO A MEANS. The process of running is just as good as the result of running. Many mornings I begin with the same mantra: Enjoy thyself! I enjoy running in the early morning hours. I get pleasure from being outside. Just the other day I decided to count the number of squirrels I encountered along the way. (By the way, Trussville may be on the brink of a squirrel pandemic. I counted 27 squirrels in less than an hour!).

In just a few months CrossPoint will host her sixth annual 5K and 1 mile Fun Run. Last year we had a breakout crowd participate. Additionally, through that run we raised enough money for the CrossPoint Foundation to donate a refrigerated truck to a homeless feeding ministry in the inner city of Birmingham. This year we expect another better-than-ever crowd as well as a record-setting money raising effort for our foundation.

On Saturday, October 27, I want to see YOU competing. I do not want you to compete against each other (unless you are one of the more competitive runners I know of) but against yourself for a new personal best. Who knows, one of you may be the next Nathan Poe and let this challenge make a dramatic difference in your life with regard to weight loss and better physical fitness.

We are thirteen weeks away from race day. Right now is the best time to start training. Watch in the weeks to come for a Walker’s Training Guide and a Runner’s Training Guide to this year’s event. We will post both on the home webpage, in my blog and in the worship guide.

In closing, here is a photo of the CrossPoint running team after the race. If you ask me, I think we all look rather refreshed considering how hot it was in Homewood last Saturday evening.

Vacation Thanks

2007-07-30T13:22:00.000-07:00

Wow, I have so much to write about and many people to thank as I return from vacation.

First, I want to thank the choice people of CrossPoint for allowing me some much needed time off. I needed the break, and now I am ready to return to the weekly routine of preaching God’s Word and casting God’s vision for CrossPoint.

I want to express gratitude to Mandi Logan and Jason Motte for writing my blog in my absence. I knew they would do an excellent job. Well done. You inspired us.

As for John Thweatt, I have issued a LIFETIME BAN from JUSTONEMORE.INFO as well as from the CrossPoint campus. He will never be allowed, ever again, to write in my absence or to preach for my people. He is a reprobate, and we should pray for him to some day be saved.

As for Vaughn Harris, his blogs were most insightful. I especially appreciated his video from John Piper. We are both big Piper fans. However, when he used his pastor’s blog to write sweet, syrupy, and mushy things about his wife, then that is where I had to draw the line. I have no problem with a man bragging about his wife; other men would be wise to follow Vaughn’s example. His using my blog to do that kind of thing got me in some hot water with my wife, nonetheless. Immediately, she inquired why I have never written about her. Vonda said, “You’ve written about your kids, about your church, and I think even about your mother, but you have never written anything about me on your blog.”

Thanks a lot, Vaughn.

Indoor Picnic

What did you think about the indoor picnic? CrossPoint showed her true colors when she kicked into Plan B and moved the picnic indoors. Aren’t you thankful we have the new dining hall to accommodate our growing family?

Wasn’t it awesome to witness 10 new believers professed their faith in Christ through baptism?

And, for those who took the tour, what did you think about the second building in our Phase II project?

The building is awesome, isn’t it? The more I tour the facility, the more I see it’s potential. Get ready CrossPoint, the moment we open the building we will never be the same.

Poem

I promised to provide you the poem from yesterday’s message yesterday. Every time I read it, I am reminded of how God used those thoughts in my life in 1998. I trust it influences you as well.

When God Wants to Drill a Man
Author Unknown

When God wants to drill a man,
and thrill a man;
When God wants to mold a man
to the play the noblest part;
when He yearns with all His heart
to create so great and bold a man
that all the world should be amazed
Watch His methods, watch His ways!

How He ruthlessly perfects
whom He royally elects!

How He hammers him and hurts him
and with mighty blows converts him
into trial shapes of clay which
only God understands;
while his tortured heart is crying
And he lifts beseeching hands!

How He bends but never breaks
when His good he undertakes;
how He uses who He chooses;
and with every purpose fuses him;
by every act induces him
to try His splendor out—
God knows what He’s about.

And, finally…

I am curious. Who is going to fast this week? And, what are you fasting? I want to hear from you AFTER your fast, so that it may be done in secret. Remember, the reward is MORE…not less.

Hugs For Everyone!!

2007-07-28T15:26:00.000-07:00

posted by Vaughn Harris, webmaster for justonemore.info and member of CrossPoint Church in Argo, AL

Based on our site report from the past 24-48 hours, people have visited this site from Florida, Arizona, Missouri, South Carolina, Illinois, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Georgia, and, of course, Alabama. Please don't let this scare you. We do not spy on you. We only use this meter to track the locations of our readers so we can better serve you and so that we don't fall into a rut of writing about things from which people outside of CrossPoint could not benefit.

So, to everyone, wherever you are, I leave you with a big hug and a video by one of my favorite music groups, The Dave Matthews Band.

You Never, Never, Never, Never, Never, Never, Never, Never Outgrow Your Need for the Gospel!!

2007-07-27T13:54:00.000-07:00

posted by Vaughn Harris, webmaster for justonemore.info and member of CrossPoint Church in Argo, AL

On my last day as guest blogger(actually I have a surprise for you tomorrow), I wanted to share with you a great video of one of my heroes. John Piper is the Preaching Pastor of Bethlehem Baptist Church in Minneapolis, MN. He has a little website at desiringGod.org but is more well known for writing a book or fifty. I love this guy. I hope you enjoy this. Check back tomorrow for a Saturday fun blog.

You can never outgrow your need for the gospel. Get it through your head!!!

About My Wife

2007-07-26T13:33:00.000-07:00

posted by Vaughn Harris, webmaster for justonemore.info and member of CrossPoint Church in Argo, AL

My beautiful wife, Ambre, and I will be celebrating our 5th wedding anniversary on December 7. I am reminded on a daily basis how much of a great responsibility being a parent is. Since I started working from my home office, I see my wife and what she does day in and day out. We are truly blessed that Ambre, my beautiful wife, has been able to stay home with our three children. If you don't yet know, our third child is due on February 5, 2008. I'll be the first to say that our finances would be much better if Ambre could work. But, knowing that every little advancement and growth spurt Bryant and Gavin have, Ambre is the first to see it. That is awesome to me. There's no price tag you can put on watching first-hand the development of your child. I believe that God has blessed our efforts and commitment and will continue doing so.

I wanted to take a moment to profess my love for my wife to everyone who reads this blog. As I hear all too often of men walking out on their wife and family, I want my wife to know that I am more in love with her today than I ever have been. I am fully and most affectionately committed to our friendship, relationship, and marriage until death separates us. I will be drastic as necessary so I never put myself into a situation where my fidelity, loyalty, and faithfulness to her could ever be questioned or compromised. I want my relationship with my wife to be a firm example to my boys of how Christ loves the church and how to treat a woman. I am committed to displaying such a Godly example to them that they won't settle for just any girl, but a Godly woman that is radically in love with Jesus. I want my wife's life to be the example of the type of woman that my boys will desire in a mate. I am committed to being the spiritual leader in my home. Never will my wife be put in the situation where she is "dragging" me to church. I want my wife to know that I am committed to her happiness and well-being. Although we now have roles as parents, I am committed to not forgetting our role as husband and wife. I don't want our last child to move out of the house then look at my wife and say, "Who are you?" I am committed to continuing to pursue her as I did when dating her. I am committed to dating her through our marriage. (Guys, your wife will love it if you call her and ask her out on a date just like when you were pursuing her before you got married. They dig that!!!) I have bought into the philosophy that spending money on babysitters now is cheaper than spending money on divorce attorneys later.

So, Ambre, I love you with all my heart and I'm looking forward to growing old with you. I want the only thing that can separate us to be death. And even when it tries, it will have a fight on its hands!”

I just wanted to brag a little bit on my wife and how much I appreciate her and what she is doing for our family. She is a true blessing that I am honored to spend my life with her. By the way, if God ever tells you to donate your vacation cottage for weekend getaway for a young couple, please email me. :-)

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