The Journey

The Easy, Feel-good Church

The other day I received a magazine in the mail--a publication entitled "Unchained."  There was an article that I read that caused me to pause and reflect.  The article was entitled: "Cross-less Christianity"--an adaptation from Steve Gallagher's book "Standing Firm Through the Great Apostasy."

There is a quotation in this article that gripped my heart.  Mr. Gallagher quotes our former General Superintendent, Tom Trask: "What many churches are offering America is a new religion that guarantees no hell and requires no holiness.  It is a limp, spineless Christianity that does not confront sin for fear of being judgmental.  It is an impotent gospel that tells people everything is okay.  We are more concerned with acceptance of men, than we are about pleasing God."

I will admit to you a serious concern I have that there is a tremendous pressure to conceal the Full-Gospel--to hide the truth of holiness and righteousness for fear that others may get mad.  The result is a disaster for the church in America.  This is the disaster--that it can be reasonably assumed that the majority of people attending and leading churches do not have a saving relationship with God through Christ (although they think everything is fine).  The alarm needs to be sounded.  The perversion of the Gospel needs to be exposed.  And, the church needs to fall on their collective faces and repent before God.

For some (maybe many), I might be considered an alarmist.  But, I am deeply concerned that the Cross of Christ is being replaced by a desire for many to feel good about their sin.

What do you think?

We're Back

Well, Angela and I just arrived back from District Council in Lenexa, Kansas.  We had a wonderful time reacquainting ourselves with many friends and associates from years past.  I was so amazed at our church's impact throughout Kansas.  First Assembly is that second highest American Missions giving church in the district.  Chi Alpha at K-State was well represented.  The highlight was having three members of our church (Pastor JD, Brian, and Wes) receiving their Ordination--and Danny Welch receiving his License to Preach. 

On a side note--what really is a very important note--is that God is birthing in me a powerful vision for our church.  I believe without any doubt or reservation that First Assembly of God is poised to accomplish incredible things as we pray like everything depends on God and work as if everything depended on us.  Over the coming months at appropriate times as God gives the leading, I will share with you what I know God will confirm in your hearts as to the aim and efforts of our ministry and purpose.

Happy Birthday

Well, on Wednesday, April 16th, the Walker Household reached a milestone.  Matthew, our youngest, turned one year old.  Angela and I were a bit sad--no more babies.  Matthew is a walking and talking toddler now.  As I look at my family I consider myself so blessed of God.  I have a beautiful wife, and four healthy children. 

The only hick-up to the days event--we are all sick--allergies I think.  Fortunately, my mother-in-law is in town and several people in the church have helped us through all this "fun."  Even with all the sniffling noses, it is a good day at the Walker's.

What do you do when you Fail?

I am thrilled when a plan comes together--when everything works.  But, reality tells me that I have had my fair share of crash-and-burn failures.  Failing in life happens.  Although we can be quick to point the finger at others that fall short, an honest evaluation of our life shows that we are just as susceptible to failing ourselves, others, and most of all, God.

Oftentimes pride, impatience, frustration, or people problems encourage us to take a detour, and depart the path that God has laid out for us to follow.  Frequently we find ourselves thinking we know more than God--or at least God needs are help.  The result is failure. 

As a follower of Christ I know full well that there will be times in my life that I will fall short of God's glory.  What do I do what that happens?  First, I stop and try to listen to what God wants me to do.  Second, I repent of my sins and attempting to do life without His leading.  And third, I worship Him--acknowledging that God is in control and that I will submit to His plans for my life.

This Sunday Morning, I will share a message about failure--what happens when we fail, and what do we need to do to overcome failure. 

Morning Thoughts

On Monday mornings, my energies usually center on the previous days events (the Sunday services).  I typically review and critique my sermons and evaluate the general "feel" of the worship experience.  Well, this morning, I decided to center my thoughts on my personal relationship with God.  I am cognizant of the fact that as a pastor, personal spiritual issues can easily be neglected or ignored.

In my personal devotions this morning, I read Acts 8 and 9.  It centered on two conversions--the conversion of the Ethiopian eunuch and Saul of Tarsus.  I thought about my own conversion and how God has sustained me over the years.  There have been many opportunities for me to get distracted, but God seemed to always pull me back into the center of His purpose and will.  My thoughts this morning drifted to the mercy and grace of God on my life.  I know full well that I do not deserve His great pleasure.  But, God has demonstrated His love for me, and I am compelled to love Him to the fullest.

As I do the church "things" this week, my hope and effort will be to continue to center my thoughts on God's great love for me.  If I am going to be a good pastor I need to be a good follower of Jesus Christ.

What do you think?

The Holy Spirit and the Church

Last night my wife and I began a new Bible Study series on the Holy Spirit and His work in the church and individual believers.  Angela led the women and I the men.  In the men's group we talked about how the culture has adversely affected the church and us as followers of Christ.  We are "me" generation.  What feels good, well, it must be right.  But, as we looked at God's Word, we discovered that truth is not based upon feelings or even traditions or the culture.  Truth must be based on God's written revelation, the Bible.  The Bible is our all-sufficient rule of faith and conduct.

In God's Word we discover that the church and every true believer has been given a responsibility--to make disciples and teach them (evangelism and discipleship).  However, most professing Christians do not share their faith.  Why?  Fear? Unbelief?  Why?  One reason can be found indirectly in Acts 1.  Jesus tells His followers to wait for the Promise of the Father--a promise to be Baptized with the Holy Spirit.  Furthermore, Jesus said in Acts 1:8 that this promise is for power to be His witnesses--power for evangelism.  There it is--we need to be empowered.  We need the Baptism with the Holy Spirit.

This next Sunday night and next Wednesday night we are going to look at Jesus' words concerning the person and work of the Holy Spirit (found in John 14 and 16).  I hope to see you then.