I love Misty Edwards music. I haven’t heard one of her songs, that I didn’t want to listen to over and over. Her free way of worship is amazing!

…just for me?

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Hebrews 9:15 - 15 And for this reason He is the Mediator of the new covenant, by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions under the first covenant, that those who are called may receive the promise of the eternal inheritance.

The Struggle

I’ve gone to church since I was nine…  I’ve read just about every book recommended to me about God and the Church…  I’ve listened to powerful testimony…  And it wasn’t until about nine years ago that I was actually impacted by any of it.  It was then, once God had stripped me of everything else, that I realized that it was for “me”.  Since that time till this, I’ve struggled greatly with the ability to dissever the narcissistic mentality that was blocking my ability to understand that Christ simply wanted a personal relationship with me.  I still struggle with why He die for me.  It’s coming to me.  Frankly, I’m not my biggest fan.  Oh, I have tons of bravado with people;  which is mostly a defense or self preservation, but I still don’t like “me”.  I love what God has blessed me with, but I desire to be more like Him…more what He utlimatly designed me to be.

The Passion for Others

You see, it wasn’t until Christ found me face down and begging for Him, that He could do a work in me.  That work is far from done, but it was the beginning and only the first of many stages.  I’ve recently been undergoing the next stage of the metamorphosis, and that is the desire to love others more.  When you’re not satisfied with yourself, when you don’t see the value in yourself that Christ sees; it’s difficult to not find fault with others.  I’ve found some of the angriest and unforgiving people are those who are truly miserable, themselves.  These people are hurting so badly on the inside, that they look for any reason to be better than someone else.  I’ve been denouncing that tendency in myself.  I’ve been crying out to God for months now to work with me in that area.

Forgiveness and Understanding

I’ve been blessed with a heart for people all my life – I know that sounds contradictory to what I just said – but follow this.  I love a good story, I get upset at tragic outcomes, I sense hurts in others more than most – but I had denied the impulse to act or to show concern.  I didn’t wish to seem soft, or weak, or whatever…. the list goes on.  However, once my spirit had begin to develop and mature,I realized more and more that it was the fear of people that set me out.  No offense – but I could care less what people say.  ”People” are mean, trivial, unforgiving, judgemental and deprived of passion.  I know – it’s a tough reality, but its reality none-the-less.  Romans 3:23 says: for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.  That means everyone…  My sin is no greater than yours and vice-versa, as Christ died to save the world – not just you and not just me.  

Once I was able to see this spiritually, it makes me respond differently.  I awoke this morning with this mantra that kept going on in my head.  Each time that I found someone who had irritated me today or something that I would normally judge – I would follow that negative thought with “…and He gave His life for them, as He did for you”.   Its hard to express in words how powerful that has been today.  To think of every puncture, assault, bruising, whipping and pain that Christ endured was for “me” and for “you” is an overwhelming thought.

In need of a Body

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The Question

Recently I was asked, “Does the Bible actually say that I people have to go to church?”

My Answer

There are numerous edicts to participate in the “Body” of Christ. I’ve never stumbled on one New Testament scripture that commanded us to attend church.  However, we can see by reading the Word that we are to participate in the Body.  As I’ve said before, you cannot take one solitary scripture and make a theology based on it.

1 John 1:7 (New Living Translation) 7 But if we are living in the light, as God is in the light, then we have fellowship with each other, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, cleanses us from all sin.

1 Corinthians 12:12-31 (New Living Translation) One Body with Many Parts 12 The human body has many parts, but the many parts make up one whole body. So it is with the body of Christ. 13 Some of us are Jews, some are Gentiles,[a] some are slaves, and some are free. But we have all been baptized into one body by one Spirit, and we all share the same Spirit.[b] 14 Yes, the body has many different parts, not just one part. 15 If the foot says, “I am not a part of the body because I am not a hand,” that does not make it any less a part of the body. 16 And if the ear says, “I am not part of the body because I am not an eye,” would that make it any less a part of the body? 17 If the whole body were an eye, how would you hear? Or if your whole body were an ear, how would you smell anything? 18 But our bodies have many parts, and God has put each part just where he wants it. 19 How strange a body would be if it had only one part! 20 Yes, there are many parts, but only one body. 21 The eye can never say to the hand, “I don’t need you.” The head can’t say to the feet, “I don’t need you.” 22 In fact, some parts of the body that seem weakest and least important are actually the most necessary. 23 And the parts we regard as less honorable are those we clothe with the greatest care. So we carefully protect those parts that should not be seen, 24 while the more honorable parts do not require this special care. So God has put the body together such that extra honor and care are given to those parts that have less dignity. 25 This makes for harmony among the members, so that all the members care for each other. 26 If one part suffers, all the parts suffer with it, and if one part is honored, all the parts are glad. 27 All of you together are Christ’s body, and each of you is a part of it. 28 Here are some of the parts God has appointed for the church: first are apostles, second are prophets, third are teachers, then those who do miracles, those who have the gift of healing, those who can help others, those who have the gift of leadership, those who speak in unknown languages. 29 Are we all apostles? Are we all prophets? Are we all teachers? Do we all have the power to do miracles? 30 Do we all have the gift of healing? Do we all have the ability to speak in unknown languages? Do we all have the ability to interpret unknown languages? Of course not! 31 So you should earnestly desire the most helpful gifts. But now let me show you a way of life that is best of all.

“Matthew 18:20 For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them”

Those of just some of many that come to mind. Christianity in a bubble (as in just you and Christ in your living room by yourself) isn’t benefiting the Body.  That isn’t to say that we shuoldn’t strive for and take advantage of quiet time.

 We are commanded to live by Christ’s example. You can see that in the New Testament there are MANY references to Him attending the Sabbath. He healed on it, prayed on it and was experiencing face offs with those religious Pharisees on the Sabbath. Well, He couldn’t exactly face off with them, if He wasn’t in the church on the Saturday mornings when the Pharisees were.  (note that the church met on Saturdays until yeasr after Christ’s death, at which point they move the services to Sundays, as reportedly Christ rose form the dead on the first day of the week, which would be Sunday.)

I’ve struggled with this question in the past. Each time that I see someone who is trying to living out their Christianity in their living room, I’ve found that its because they were challenged by church leadership. Church leadership is VERY much a requirement in the scriptures and being submitted to a church is VERY much a requirement. There is typically a certain level of  rebellion against God that is a common thread in the believers that refuse to go to a church. I don’t necessarily believe that non-church goers are not Christians, but I do believe the Bible is clear that it’s we are to be engaged with the Body of Believers. Iron sharpens iron….

Lastly, I also feel that its a level of laziness for those who haven’t fervently prayed and sought out God’s desire in which church they are to attend. Going to a church where one feels “comfortable” or able to “blend in” isn’t finding the fullness of the Body.

If you aren’t challenged by God’s word and His Being than you simply aren’t reaching the fullness of of His relationship. Biblically every revelation, every Word from God, every encounter is suppose to be edified by another believer – it’s the only way to truly know that we’re in God’s will.

I am fairly self reliant, but I don’t depend on just mine or my wife’s confirmation that my beliefs or actions are right. I need someone who also hears from God to confirm it.

Resting Place

 

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My people will dwell in a peaceful habitation, In secure dwellings, and in quiet resting places,         ~Isiah 32:18    

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In the past year I have been blessed in that I am just beginning to understand the pure value of time with just God and I.  It’s been a large paradigm shift for me.  In a world of constant communication and with my near addiction to social media; it’s difficult to remember to purposefully find quiet resting places.  However, I’ve begun to find great strength in the time which I am working out, listening to worship music, driving to the office and yes, even getting ready for work.    

There are a number of ways in which one can engage Christ in an effort to press into Him.  For me, its listening to sermons from some contemporary pastors from podcasts, listening to worship music and above all – simply quite time with nothing else to do but listen.

The promise in Isiah 32:18 is a  promise of spiritual rest and security in dwelling in Christ.  So many Christians get confused about this issue, thinking that if their physical life isn’t peaceful than they must be in wrong standing with Christ.  This simply isn’t the truth.

Life is difficult, we live in a fallen world that is full of challenges.  Our belief system doesn’t somehow alleviate the stress of the world from us, but it gives us the knowledge that Christ is Sovereign and that in all things He is King!

We keep striving for peace and know that God is always with us and will always love us.  There is great solace in knowing that He is always in control.  I pray that we all put our hope and trust in Him and not in our own strength or that of other people.  Resting in Him is the way to peace.

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The Tribe Comes to Ladysmith, Virginia

Beginning Saturday February 7, 2009 at 7:00 pm and then every 1st Saturday thereafter, Grace Community Church of Caroline will host a time of ministry open to everyone. We will be meeting in Ladysmith, near I-95. You can get more information HERE.

It’s a Slow Fade

Casting Crowns is unquestionably my favorite group out there. Their real-life direct approach is refreshing in this day of watered down Christianity. This latest video “Slow Fade” is so incredibly true:

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The Focus

Asking the Right Question

I’ve referenced before while preaching, that Jennifer and I have been trained by Christian friends to make sure that we are “asking the right question.” This means that when we’re praying or talking to other believers we need to make sure that the “right” questions are asked. For example, when asking for God to show you what company will be best for you; perhaps you are asking the wrong questions and you should ask ‘what company do You want me to work at?’ The focus is very important.

Luke 7:36-39; 44-49

36 Then one of the Pharisees asked Him to eat with him. And He went to the Pharisee’s house, and sat down to eat. 37 And behold, a woman in the city who was a sinner, when she knew that Jesus sat at the table in the Pharisee’s house, brought an alabaster flask of fragrant oil, 38 and stood at His feet behind Him weeping; and she began to wash His feet with her tears, and wiped them with the hair of her head; and she kissed His feet and anointed them with the fragrant oil. 39 Now when the Pharisee who had invited Him saw this, he spoke to himself, saying, “This Man, if He were a prophet, would know who and what manner of woman this is who is touching Him, for she is a sinner.”

44 Then He turned to the woman and said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? I entered your house; you gave Me no water for My feet, but she has washed My feet with her tears and wiped them with the hair of her head. 45 You gave Me no kiss, but this woman has not ceased to kiss My feet since the time I came in. 46 You did not anoint My head with oil, but this woman has anointed My feet with fragrant oil. 47 Therefore I say to you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven, for she loved much. But to whom little is forgiven, the same loves little.”
48 Then He said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.”
49 And those who sat at the table with Him began to say to themselves, “Who is this who even forgives sins?”

Traditional View

Traditionally I see Pastors talking about this scripture reference from the aspect of the woman’s convictions and faith saving her. But what if the focus is wrong, and the focus is not on the relationship of Christ and the woman?

We’ve seen over and over the “marketable” Christ. The Christ where it’s easy for everyone to accept, the Christ that is easy to approach as a buddy and runs about blessing the little children. However, we miss the ubiquitous instances where Christ is stressing his masculinity and authority.

The Authority

See, when I read this scripture, I see Christ standing boldly before the religious leaders of the time, the rulers who can and will eventually kill Christ – but only in His time – and only because He ordained it. I see Christ standing and telling this religious leaders “You say that only God can forgive sins – I say that I am God and this woman’s sins are forgiven.”

Imagine the scene! Do you think that this was a soft spoken cowering man, that whispered these words? These words were His death penalty! No, I see a strong man, with an ability to command an audience just by His presence. I see Him looking each Pharisee in the eye; ensuring that He had their direct attention and then with the same voice that commanded the creation of the earth, speaking forgiveness to a prostitute; and using that instant to stand in for her penalty. Understand, that in order for Him to forgive that sin; He would have to go to the cross and die. His blood washed those sins away.

We glance through this scripture with an almost casual respect for what we believe to be a predictable story. We get shivers with the rousing speeches of man; yet when we read the actual words of God we scan over them. Why!?! Because the focus is on us and not Him.

I pray that our focus will be on Him, I pray that our vision of Christ is refelctive of who He is and now who we want Him to be.

A Foolish Optimist

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Misconceptions

On March 4th, 1933 President Franklin Roosevelt delivered his infamous “The only thing we have to fear is fear itself” speech. One of the sentences from that oratory, that has always stuck with me is “Only a foolish optimist can deny the dark realities of the moment.” I’ve remembered it, because many a time, in life I’ve heard Christian speakers deliver messages about how the darkness can not overtake the believer. This message, as with many others, simply isn’t true. Christians can be overtaken by a moment – we’re human; and our faith even as strong as it maybe, still does not take away our humanity. I’ve experienced both the despair of darkness and the depression of feeling I’ve failed my Lord, by being in despair. It’s taken me years to realize that bad things do happen to people, and not because we’re in bad relationship with God. It’s life and because of the depravity of man, it has times of sorrow. How we respond is the real question.

Philippians 3:8
8 Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ

I wish that I could reach this level of consciousness. I strive to reach a juncture where the knowledge of Christ is so overwhelming that no matter the circumstance I have peace.

My Confession

In Graham Green’s book “The Legend of Peguy”; a Priest responds to a Frenchman with “You can’t conceive, my child, nor can I or anyone — the . . . appalling . . . strangeness of the mercy of God.” I’ve been part of great debates about pre-destination or not. I’ve heard convincing rhetoric about why God allows things to happen. None of these diatribes have greatly influenced me, when the nightmares occur. But this one point, has brought me great understanding: There is always someone worse off…there is always a situation worse than my own. Typically speaking, my difficult times are my own doing. For those remote times when difficult times occur, I am forced to remember that I have never been stoned for my beliefs, I have not had to watch my children executed in front of me, I have not had a child die in my arms because of hunger. I have not had to live in a box, or beg for money on a street corner. I have no idea how I will respond if those situations were to occur, but I know that in my pampered state in this civilization; I’ll be sure to blame someone else….maybe even God. This is my confession – I am striving, but have not obtained the faith of those who sang in the prison before their execution and rejoiced in death. I desire that, I do. I know that I can stand against peers, but that has been the height of my test. My convictions are stronger than most, but God doesn’t judge our hearts against others – does He?

I am Thankful

I am ever thankful that He has not challenged me with more than I’ve been able to bare. I am thankful for amazing family, the blessing He has given and the knowledge of who He is. I am frustrated that so many Christians are made to feel inadequate for failing in this area. God has more than enough grace to cover our fret and fear.

Matthew 6:25 and 26

25 “Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? 26 Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?

I love this scripture. The same grace that comforts us, died for us and forgives us. I’ll keep striving for peace while giving grace for those who are also continuing in the same struggles.

The Vision

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Foundation

The World changes, but God does not change. Our techniques and venues for communication changes, but God does not change. The traditions and theology of man sometimes fails and changes, but God does not change.

Purpose

The Vision of the Tribe is to be able to share Christ’s word in a meaningful way, using today’s technology. The plan is to use social media to communicate with individuals using today’s tools. We desire to be practical in our approach of sharing The Word. We want to bring together Men and Women of God with a heart to learn and share. Its the hope that the Tribe will grow a cadre of writers and readers with similar passions to write, read and create open dialogue about beliefs and the changing world.

Direction

God is alive and has not changed; but the altered and evolving World-View has continued to find it’s way into the Christian culture. It has allowed varied interpretations of scripture to make people feel warm, happy and entertained; without really challenging us. Christ is passionate about going after our hearts, there’s a battle for that ground and thus the Christian walk is not always easy.

Deuteronomy 12 is God’s Vision; that is casted to create the idea of where His people should be dwelling within the promised land.

Deuteronomy 12:5 “But you shall seek the place where the Lord your God chooses, out of all tribes, to put His name for His dwelling place.

This scripture encompasses our desire to seek God in the place where He chooses as a central location. The gift of Christ isn’t limited to an individual tribe; but for whomever He chooses. The emerging generation of believers desire to answer call of Christ. Christ is a warrior fighting for our hearts. He is passionate to the point of death. My desire is to answer that passion and allow Him to dwell where He wishes!