The Journey

The Cross in View

Easter is approaching.  It seems reasonable to think about Jesus and the Cross and empty tomb.  This next Sunday I am preparing to share about the Cost of the Cross--a three part series of messages centering on the cost of redemption, salvation, restoration, and the gift of eternal life.  As I reflect on this subject personally, I am humbled at what Jesus did for me.  And, I am amazed that so many in our community find no need for Christ.  But, I shouldn't be amazed.  The Apostle Paul said that the cross and its message is foolishness to the world--but, it isn't foolishness to me. 

I never what to forget what Jesus did for me.  His action on the Cross gave me true victory over sin.  He gave me assurance of my relationship with Him.  I am no longer trying to survive--I am thriving as a follower of Christ.  So, I always want to keep the Cross in view--never allowing Christ's death to become a mere after-thought.  In everything I do, in everything I say, and in everything I think, I always want Christ's work to be front and center. 

What do you think?

Priorities

I have four priorities in my life right now.  First, to keep Christ and His purpose in my life in view.  Second, to build a strong marriage and family, especially in our new environment here in Manhattan.  Third, to connect well with the people of Manhattan First Assembly of God.  And, fourth, to develop a clear approach to communicating the timeless truths of God's Word (both in the pulpit and in personal evangelism). 

In view of the fourth priority--God's Word--I have centered my thinking on how we can truly embrace Biblical principles, especially in light of the challenge we face in our culture--a culture that sees the Christian message as a dangerous mythological proposition.  Tomorrow I am going to explore the thought of how a believer can approach our world with confidence and courage.  We do not need to live in shame or huddled behind closed doors--afraid and uncertain.  But, we do need to take on responsibility--responsibility clearly laid before us in God's Word.

There is a phrase in the New Testament this is interesting: "redeem the time."  This phrase, located in Ephesians 5:16 means that we are to make "the most of every opportunity."  We are to engage our world with the life-changing message of Christ.  But, how?  That is the question that I will be focusing on tomorrow (this will be a two-part message, with the second part given on Sunday, March 2nd, in the evening service).

I look forward to your thoughts.

Powerful Religious Leaders

I came across an on-line article from the London Times that is interesting.  The Assemblies of God General Superintendent is considered one of the fifteen most powerful religious leaders in the world.  If you want to see the article for yourself, here is the link: Times of London Article

Connecting

Well, I have been here in Manhattan for about four weeks now.  The family has been fighting sickness off and on since we arrived in Kansas.  The challenge, as with any move, is to acclimate--to connect with people and understand the context of our environment.  The staff of the church has done a great job in helping me discover the elements that make up Manhattan First Assembly of God.  Today I met with Pastor Marvin and Pastor Ken.  Their perspective and knowledge of our church is encouraging to me--especially as I begin to make important decisions. 

One of the events that happened in our life today is that some of our new furniture arrived.  This is important because we want to begin inviting people in the church to come over and connect with us.  I am looking at ways to learn about people and their hopes and dreams.

What do you think?

Vision Amidst the Fog

The fog--I don't like it.  It is difficult to drive, to see, to navigate in the fog.  The fog also describes the day in which we live in.  My library is filled with books on how the church can survive the difficult days of our present culture.  And yet, I have determined that the church in America is still falling behind and is facing a struggle that is difficult to overcome.  There is the struggle to be relevant in a culture that has nothing but contempt for the Body of Christ.  There is the struggle to maintain the disciplines of Christianity among people that see less need to read God's Word or to pray.  There is the struggle to hold on to our influence in our political institutions without yielding our faith due to an alignment with politicians or political parties.  There is the struggle of not knowing what to do.

Tomorrow night, I will preach a message that hits head-on these issues.  God addresses this challenge through the Apostle Paul in 2 Timothy 3-4.  In this message, there will be the formation of a vision for Manhattan First Assembly of God.  This will be the framework that methods of church ministry will be expressed.  Knowing what God clearly wants us to do will go a long way in providing direction for the church in the coming months and years.

The Learning Curve

I know that it has been a week since my last entry.  I was gone for a couple of days getting the rest of our stuff from Illinois.  Now comes the fun of unpacking. 

One of the issues that I am facing is the high learning curve.  Entering a new environment with a whole new set of rules and rituals can be an overwhelming proposition.  I remind myself everyday that learning can be an exciting journey--learning new names, new programs and procedures, new approaches to ministry--all of this can be quite fun.  Fortunately I have a great staff of people that go out of their way to assist me and point me in the right direction.

The next Sunday I will be formally installed as the Senior Pastor of First Assembly of God.  My parents and Angela's parents and sister will be in town for the event.  I am always in awe that God would choose me to shepherd His church.  The learning curve my be high, but I am glad that God's grace makes it possible to learn, understand, and apply the wisdom He gives us.

My First Week

Well, I have been in Manhattan, Kansas, for a week now.  What do I think?  I love it!  Even though the  learning curve at the church is high, I have a wonderful staff that are keeping me in line.  Now, those of you that know me know that I love the snow.  Well, it snowed last night--about seven or nine inches.  It is incredibly beautiful.   I also shoveled my first driveway--ever.  It was a lot harder than I though it would be.  I just learned that a family in the church have invited Angela and the kids to go sledding.  I think they will have a great time. 

God's Plan for Success

Tomorrow I will begin my new ministry assignment as the Senior Pastor of First Assembly of God in Manhattan, Kansas.  Through the last several weeks, I have been asking God what He would have me preach for my first message as pastor of this church.  I thought of topics ranging from faith to vision.  But, through times of prayer I sensed that God was leading me to a well-known passage of Scripture--to Jeremiah 29:11-13. 

During this experience of seeking God for my messages, there was a clear thought running through my mind and heart: God has a plan for me and for the people of First Assembly.  The plan will bring peace, hope, and an incredible future.  But, to implement this plan requires me and the church to passionately seek God with all our heart.  Seeking God, seeking His heart, His will, His plan--this will require effort, energy, and commitment (and surrender).

My prayer for me and the congregation of First Assembly is that we, together would seek God--not our plans or agendas--but seek God.  For His plan, and purpose, and vision will advance His Kingdom.  And, that is why we exist and have our reason for being.

What do you think?