A Shepherd's Thoughts

A Shepherd's Thoughts http://www.harvestaustin.org/blog.aspx?site_id=10410&blog_id=181156 This is a conglomeration of my thoughts about things I am learning while planting HBC Austin. EN-US Copyright © 2012 Harvest Bible Chapel - Austin http://www.triplePixel.com Sun, 22 Apr 2012 15:00:00 GMT On Planting a Church Bryan Payne This is a conglomeration of my thoughts about things I am learning while planting HBC Austin. Bryan Paynebryan@harvestaustin.com no Sons & Slaves http://www.harvestaustin.org/blogentry.aspx?site_id=10410&entry_id=296217http://www.harvestaustin.org/blogentry.aspx?site_id=10410&entry_id=296217 Sun, 22 Apr 2012 20:00:00 GMT <img alt="" src="http://www.harvestaustin.org/Content/10410/doulus_thumb.jpg" style="width: 800px; height: 240px;" /> If you are a child of God then you are a slave to Christ. What an amazing truth to sit in. The fact that we were slaves to sin, completely unwilling and unable to turn from sin to God & following the prince of the power of the air only causes this next truth to be even that more glorious. "But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved—and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus.." (Ephesians 2:4-6 ESV) <div style="text-align: center;">The only begotten Son of God took on the form of a slave (Phil.2:7), so that the slaves of sin might become both slaves of righteousness and sons of God! -John MacArthus, <a href="http://www.gty.org/products/Books/451170/Slave-The-Hidden-Truth-About-Your-Identity-in-Christ-Hardcover" target="blank">Slave</a> <div style="text-align: left;">There is no man more free than a slave of Christ. There is no Master more loving, kind, gracious & merciful than the King of Glory. But not only are we slaves to the One who saves, but we are now children of God. No longer children of wrath (Ephesians 2:2) but are now children of righteousness. Heirs with Christ.  Now we have even more reason to worship, more reason to sing, more reason to find our joy in Him alone! Now we have more reason to, with joy, serve our local church to the glory of God! We're not volunteers, but slaves to the One who came not to be served but to serve (Mark 10:45). So I encourage you to right now worship our King by thanking Him for what He's done! Hallelujah! What A Savior! Resource: if you would like to read more about being a slave to Christ, I highly recommend <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1400202078/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=harbibchaaus-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1400202078" style="font-style: italic;" target="blank">Slave: The Hidden Truth About Your Identity in Christ</a><img alt="" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=harbibchaaus-20&l=as2&o=1&a=1400202078" width="1" height="1" style="font-style: italic; border-width: initial !important; border-color: initial !important; margin-top: 0px !important; margin-right: 0px !important; margin-bottom: 0px !important; margin-left: 0px !important;border-style: none !important;" />. It will greatly challenge the way you think about your life! </div> </div> If you are a child of God then you are a slave to Christ. What an amazing truth to sit in. The fact that we were slaves to sin, completely unwilling and unable to turn from sin to God & following the prince of the power of the air only causes this next truth to be even that more glorious. "But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved—and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus.." (Ephesians 2:4-6 ESV) The only begotten Son of God took on the form of a slave (Phil.2:7), so that the slaves of sin might become both slaves of righteousness and sons of God! -John MacArthus, Slave There is no man more free than a slave of Christ. There is no Master more loving, kind, gracious & merciful than the King of Glory. But not only are we slaves to the One who saves, but we are now children of God. No longer children of wrath (Ephesians 2:2) but are now children of righteousness. Heirs with Christ. Now we have even more reason to worship, more reason to sing, more reason to find our joy in Him alone! Now we have more reason to, with joy, serve our local church to the glory of God! We're not volunteers, but slaves to the One who came not to be served but to serve (Mark 10:45). So I encourage you to right now worship our King by thanking Him for what He's done! Hallelujah! What A Savior! Resource: if you would like to read more about being a slave to Christ, I highly recommend Slave: The Hidden Truth About Your Identity in Christ . It will greatly challenge the way you think about your life! SPURGEON A New Biography by Arnold Dallimore http://www.harvestaustin.org/blogentry.aspx?site_id=10410&entry_id=285007http://www.harvestaustin.org/blogentry.aspx?site_id=10410&entry_id=285007 Thu, 02 Feb 2012 20:00:00 GMT You can’t help being inspired by Charles Spurgeon.  He seems to have been a lion in barely human form.  The secret to Spurgeon’s boldness is obvious – despite being gifted with extraordinary speaking skills and intellectual power – his wholehearted love of Jesus Christ and clear understanding of His Word provided the power and the heading for everything he said and did. If you read Dallimore’s biography of Spurgeon (<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0851514510/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=harbibchaaus-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0851514510">Spurgeon: A New Biography</a><img alt="" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=harbibchaaus-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0851514510" width="1" height="1" style="border-width: initial !important; border-color: initial !important; margin-top: 0px !important; margin-right: 0px !important; margin-bottom: 0px !important; margin-left: 0px !important;border-style: none !important;" />) you will instantly give yourself to the work of more fervent and consistent prayer.  Charles Spurgeon was a man of ceaseless, ferocious prayer.  He also shamelessly begged for the prayers of others.  The success of his preaching and ministry enterprises (scores of “Spurgeonic enterprises” were launched during the height of his ministry) he attributed to the faithful and “real” praying of his congregation.  An appreciation of that mode of living would alone be enough reason to read this book. But you will come away also with a great appreciation of the power of great preaching.  Spurgeon was known as the Prince of Preachers – not because of eloquence (it was said he spoke in plain terms for plain people) but because of this ability to explain the doctrines of Scripture and so doing exalt Jesus Christ in the imaginations of the hearers.  To them suddenly Jesus of Nazareth was seen clearly to be the Lord of Lords and the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.  In the pulpit, Spurgeon was a man who made Christ visible.  But you already knew this. You may be struck, like I was, by a different aspect to Spurgeon’s life work.  That is the work of a true shepherd of people.  Spurgeon worked tirelessly – with warmth and wit – to care for the souls in his path one by one.  And he threw himself into training other shepherds, understanding that he could only reach so many.  The Pastor’s College he founded trained hundreds of men in preaching the Word.  He founded orphanages, almshouses, and other institutions – and picked and trained men to lead them.  He met with hundreds of “inquirers” each month who wished to know how to be saved – and always gave them his fullest energy.  Not that his energy was boundless.  He suffered health problems which kept him bedridden and sometimes depressed for weeks or months.  He was attacked by theological opponents, even those who should have been friends – especially when he separated himself from the Baptist Union over its growing abandonment of core doctrines.  Spurgeon knew how to make and keep friends, but he would not “under the colour of begging the friendship of the servant…rob The Master.”                                          <img alt="" src="http://www.harvestaustin.org/Content/10410/41RAKKDRHQL_thumb.jpeg" style="width: 300px; height: 300px;" /> You should read this book and let it do to you what it has to me – lit the desire for prayer, promote “sacred merriment” in relationships, and open the throttle of life in pursuit of the only worthy goal: Jesus Christ the Lord of Lords – may the Lamb make lions of us all! You can’t help being inspired by Charles Spurgeon. He seems to have been a lion in barely human form. The secret to Spurgeon’s boldness is obvious – despite being gifted with extraordinary speaking skills and intellectual power – his wholehearted love of Jesus Christ and clear understanding of His Word provided the power and the heading for everything he said and did. If you read Dallimore’s biography of Spurgeon ( Spurgeon: A New Biography ) you will instantly give yourself to the work of more fervent and consistent prayer. Charles Spurgeon was a man of ceaseless, ferocious prayer. He also shamelessly begged for the prayers of others. The success of his preaching and ministry enterprises (scores of “Spurgeonic enterprises” were launched during the height of his ministry) he attributed to the faithful and “real” praying of his congregation. An appreciation of that mode of living would alone be enough reason to read this book. But you will come away also with a great appreciation of the power of great preaching. Spurgeon was known as the Prince of Preachers – not because of eloquence (it was said he spoke in plain terms for plain people) but because of this ability to explain the doctrines of Scripture and so doing exalt Jesus Christ in the imaginations of the hearers. To them suddenly Jesus of Nazareth was seen clearly to be the Lord of Lords and the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. In the pulpit, Spurgeon was a man who made Christ visible. But you already knew this. You may be struck, like I was, by a different aspect to Spurgeon’s life work. That is the work of a true shepherd of people. Spurgeon worked tirelessly – with warmth and wit – to care for the souls in his path one by one. And he threw himself into training other shepherds, understanding that he could only reach so many. The Pastor’s College he founded trained hundreds of men in preaching the Word. He founded orphanages, almshouses, and other institutions – and picked and trained men to lead them. He met with hundreds of “inquirers” each month who wished to know how to be saved – and always gave them his fullest energy. Not that his energy was boundless. He suffered health problems which kept him bedridden and sometimes depressed for weeks or months. He was attacked by theological opponents, even those who should have been friends – especially when he separated himself from the Baptist Union over its growing abandonment of core doctrines. Spurgeon knew how to make and keep friends, but he would not “under the colour of begging the friendship of the servant…rob The Master.” You should read this book and let it do to you what it has to me – lit the desire for prayer, promote “sacred merriment” in relationships, and open the throttle of life in pursuit of the only worthy goal: Jesus Christ the Lord of Lords – may the Lamb make lions of us all! Outdated Book With A Timeless Message http://www.harvestaustin.org/blogentry.aspx?site_id=10410&entry_id=283373http://www.harvestaustin.org/blogentry.aspx?site_id=10410&entry_id=283373 Fri, 27 Jan 2012 23:00:00 GMT While I have been preaching through Titus, I have been thinking a lot about something that goes largely ignored in many churches today--making disciples. Let me be clear, I believe "making disciples" is two-fold: 1) making converts 2) maturing converts. But to obey the Great Commission, we must do BOTH!    <img alt="" src="http://www.harvestaustin.org/Content/10410/Old%20Mac_thumb.jpeg" style="float: left; margin-top: 0px;" />The first book I decided to read for my "read a book a week challenge" was "<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0802484085/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=harbibchaaus-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0802484085">Successful Discipling</a>" by Allen Hadidian. This book is out of print but worth trying to find a copy. The book's age can be seen in the picture of Hadidian and John MacArthur on the back cover (personally, that alone is worth the price of the book). <div> I'm very thankful for this book. It is a practical tool for equipping people in "how to" disciple. Too many Christians view discipleship as another "program" that they just don't have time for. The problem is that discipleship should NOT be a program and it is part of our MISSION! If we are not faithful to train up young men and women in the wisdom and knowledge of Christ then we will be very limited in our effectiveness to reach the lost. It is just like the mission statement of our church says, "Lost people saved...saved people matured...mature people multiplied...all to the glory of God." For weeks I have had a passage brewing in my mind. 1 Thessalonians 2:8 "So, being affectionately desirous of you, we were ready to share with you not only the gospel of God V</a>)" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: text-top;">but also our own selves, because you had become very dear to us." [emphasis mine] Paul was faithfully preaching and applying the gospel to people's lives, but he was also giving them his very own life! This is why I believe we cannot afford to view discipleship as a "program". Programs are by nature rigid and programmatic. Discipleship is about sharing your life with someone. As the platitude goes, "Some things are better caught than taught." Hadidian says it this way, "Discipling someone is not a listing of steps to follow. It is not simply the transference of information, but rather the imparting of one's life to another." I have found that very few things in the Christian life are as discouraging and yet abundantly encouraging as discipling someone. If you have spent much time trying to mature a fellow brother/sister, you know this to be true. I believe Howard Hendricks statement is spot on, "If you want your disciple to bleed, then you must hemorrhage." Wow, sounds really inviting, doesn't it? So what actually motivates us to hemorrhage for someone else? I believe we could give many biblical reasons. Ultimately, we desire to make more and better worshippers of Jesus Christ. It is about the glory of His name, right? But there are two reasons that I want to discuss briefly. Both of these reasons are actually benefits that are provided to the discipler. First, there is nothing that stimulates your own personal growth more than knowing that someone is learning from your every move and looking to eat out of your hand. As with anything in life, you can't give what you don't have. If I truly desire to fill a brother with blessed truths about our awesome God, then I better be personally overflowing in my own understanding. As you disciple someone else, "You will become that visible expression of the invisible God to your disciple." What motivation that is! If I'm going to tell you as Paul told the Philippians, "Join in imitating me, (Phil. 3:17)" then I better make sure that I'm following Christ. Discipling makes you a better disciple.  The second benefit that a discipler receives is the satisfaction that he/she is giving themselves to an endeavor with eternal significance. When I look around at all of the things in the world begging for my attention, it's easy to settle for trivial things. The supposed "American Dream" is to work a good job, save up a large retirement, and finish the rest of my life on a yacht, golfing, or watching grandkids' sporting events. But I believe, with an eternal perspective on life as a steward of every breath given to me by God, such "dream" is really a nightmare! Sure, I want to see my grandkids' events one day, but I will not be satisfied with that. I want to help fashion grandkids that go on to live radical lives for Jesus! In the end every Christian ought to know that there are at least a few people who are thanking God for them. People who will say to you, "You showed me Jesus!" </div> While I have been preaching through Titus, I have been thinking a lot about something that goes largely ignored in many churches today--making disciples. Let me be clear, I believe "making disciples" is two-fold: 1) making converts 2) maturing converts. But to obey the Great Commission, we must do BOTH! The first book I decided to read for my "read a book a week challenge" was " Successful Discipling " by Allen Hadidian. This book is out of print but worth trying to find a copy. The book's age can be seen in the picture of Hadidian and John MacArthur on the back cover (personally, that alone is worth the price of the book). I'm very thankful for this book. It is a practical tool for equipping people in "how to" disciple. Too many Christians view discipleship as another "program" that they just don't have time for. The problem is that discipleship should NOT be a program and it is part of our MISSION! If we are not faithful to train up young men and women in the wisdom and knowledge of Christ then we will be very limited in our effectiveness to reach the lost. It is just like the mission statement of our church says, "Lost people saved...saved people matured...mature people multiplied...all to the glory of God." For weeks I have had a passage brewing in my mind. 1 Thessalonians 2:8 "So, being affectionately desirous of you, we were ready to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves , because you had become very dear to us." [emphasis mine] Paul was faithfully preaching and applying the gospel to people's lives, but he was also giving them his very own life! This is why I believe we cannot afford to view discipleship as a "program". Programs are by nature rigid and programmatic. Discipleship is about sharing your life with someone. As the platitude goes, "Some things are better caught than taught." Hadidian says it this way, "Discipling someone is not a listing of steps to follow. It is not simply the transference of information, but rather the imparting of one's life to another." I have found that very few things in the Christian life are as discouraging and yet abundantly encouraging as discipling someone. If you have spent much time trying to mature a fellow brother/sister, you know this to be true. I believe Howard Hendricks statement is spot on, "If you want your disciple to bleed, then you must hemorrhage." Wow, sounds really inviting, doesn't it? So what actually motivates us to hemorrhage for someone else? I believe we could give many biblical reasons. Ultimately, we desire to make more and better worshippers of Jesus Christ. It is about the glory of His name, right? But there are two reasons that I want to discuss briefly. Both of these reasons are actually benefits that are provided to the discipler. First, there is nothing that stimulates your own personal growth more than knowing that someone is learning from your every move and looking to eat out of your hand. As with anything in life, you can't give what you don't have. If I truly desire to fill a brother with blessed truths about our awesome God, then I better be personally overflowing in my own understanding. As you disciple someone else, "You will become that visible expression of the invisible God to your disciple." What motivation that is! If I'm going to tell you as Paul told the Philippians, "Join in imitating me, (Phil. 3:17)" then I better make sure that I'm following Christ. Discipling makes you a better disciple. The second benefit that a... Resurrected Blog http://www.harvestaustin.org/blogentry.aspx?site_id=10410&entry_id=282519http://www.harvestaustin.org/blogentry.aspx?site_id=10410&entry_id=282519 Sat, 14 Jan 2012 01:00:00 GMT It has been over a year since I last posted on this blog. The irony is that the blog is titled "A Shepherd's Thoughts." That should have you concerned about the sparsity of my thoughts... Actually, if you know me, you know I'm not short on thoughts. But the last year of my life pastoring a new church has been consumed with one thought, "Just keep your head above water and don't drown!" Praise the Lord that 16 months after the birth of Harvest Bible Chapel Austin, we are not just surviving but THRIVING! Now it's time to start blogging again. This time the blog is going to go a little different direction. The blog is going to be for the purpose of protecting you from one of the most dangerous places on earth. If you have been at our church long, you know what place I'm about to say--THE "Christian" BOOKSTORE. That's right. I believe the "Christian" bookstore is a scary place for most people to venture into. No, I'm not scared of porcelain angels or cliche t-shirts. I'm scared of the books. When you go into a bookstore and see <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1400202078/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=harbibchaaus-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1400202078">Slave: The Hidden Truth About Your Identity in Christ</a> on the same shelf as  <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0892969911/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=harbibchaaus-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0892969911">Every Day a Friday: How to Be Happier 7 Days a Week</a> or <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1581346689/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=harbibchaaus-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1581346689">Father, Son, and Holy Spirit: Relationships, Roles, and Relevance</a><img alt="" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=harbibchaaus-20&l=as2&o=1&a=1581346689" width="1" height="1" style="border-width: initial !important; border-color: initial !important; margin-top: 0px !important; margin-right: 0px !important; margin-bottom: 0px !important; margin-left: 0px !important;border-style: none !important;" /> next to <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/160941411X/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=harbibchaaus-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=160941411X">The Shack</a>--BEWARE<img alt="" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=harbibchaaus-20&l=as2&o=1&a=160941411X" width="1" height="1" style="border-width: initial !important; border-color: initial !important; margin-top: 0px !important; margin-right: 0px !important; margin-bottom: 0px !important; margin-left: 0px !important;border-style: none !important;" />! Most of the books on the shelf are, at best, a waste of money. But many of the books are full blown heretical. Paul says that anyone who preaches another gospel should be accursed (Gal. 1:8). And a different gospel is exactly what most are writing about. For the foreseeable future, this blog will be dedicated to talking about books that the leadership of this church are reading and what we are learning from them. The goal is threefold. First, I desire to encourage you with wonderful truths about Christ that are being mined from great books. There is nothing better than sitting down with a nice cup of coffee and reading words that stimulate you to think about the person and work of Christ or what it means to follow Him. I am personally indebted to men throughout the centuries that have allowed me to grow from the wisdom God blessed them with. Only a book allows me to sit in the classroom of C.H. Spurgeon and have a private lecture (<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1598565176/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=harbibchaaus-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1598565176">Lectures to My Students</a>) or lap up the words of John Owen as he explains how to mortify sin that wants to kill me (<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1619490986/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=harbibchaaus-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1619490986">The Mortification of Sin</a>). Second, I want to whet your appetite for good the books we discuss so that you will purchase them and read for yourself. I do believe that anyone serious about making and leading disciples must be a reader. In the words of Spurgeon, "As the Apostle said to Timothy, so he says to every one of us, 'Give yourself to reading.' He who will not use the thoughts of other men's brains, proves that he has no brains of his own. You need to read. Renounce as much as you will all light literature. But study as much as possible sound theological works, especially the puritanical works and expositions of the Bible. The best way for you to spend your time in leisure is either in reading or praying." I can't expand on that... Third, I hope that you will grow in your own discernment of what is a good book and what is junk. Life is too short to read worthless books. And life is too important to read books that lead you away from the ultimate truth and greatest book we have--the Bible! There are only a limited amount of books you can read before you die. Make each one count. I hope that this endeavor will serve each of you well. May your soul be richly nourished as you read from the living Word of God and overflow as you glean from those who have grown to know our Savior so deeply. In the end as we are about to die, I hope you and I will ask for the same thing the Apostle Paul did before his departure from earth, "When you come, bring the cloak that I left with Carpus at Troas, also the books, and above all the parchments. (2Tim. 4:13) [emphasis mine]" Oh, and so that I don't blow the whole point of the blog, I guess I should clarify that the "Every Day is a Friday" and "Shack" books are the examples of dangerous "Christian" books.    It has been over a year since I last posted on this blog. The irony is that the blog is titled "A Shepherd's Thoughts." That should have you concerned about the sparsity of my thoughts... Actually, if you know me, you know I'm not short on thoughts. But the last year of my life pastoring a new church has been consumed with one thought, "Just keep your head above water and don't drown!" Praise the Lord that 16 months after the birth of Harvest Bible Chapel Austin, we are not just surviving but THRIVING! Now it's time to start blogging again. This time the blog is going to go a little different direction. The blog is going to be for the purpose of protecting you from one of the most dangerous places on earth. If you have been at our church long, you know what place I'm about to say--THE "Christian" BOOKSTORE. That's right. I believe the "Christian" bookstore is a scary place for most people to venture into. No, I'm not scared of porcelain angels or cliche t-shirts. I'm scared of the books. When you go into a bookstore and see Slave: The Hidden Truth About Your Identity in Christ on the same shelf as Every Day a Friday: How to Be Happier 7 Days a Week or Father, Son, and Holy Spirit: Relationships, Roles, and Relevance next to The Shack --BEWARE ! Most of the books on the shelf are, at best, a waste of money. But many of the books are full blown heretical. Paul says that anyone who preaches another gospel should be accursed (Gal. 1:8). And a different gospel is exactly what most are writing about. For the foreseeable future, this blog will be dedicated to talking about books that the leadership of this church are reading and what we are learning from them. The goal is threefold. First, I desire to encourage you with wonderful truths about Christ that are being mined from great books. There is nothing better than sitting down with a nice cup of coffee and reading words that stimulate you to think about the person and work of Christ or what it means to follow Him. I am personally indebted to men throughout the centuries that have allowed me to grow from the wisdom God blessed them with. Only a book allows me to sit in the classroom of C.H. Spurgeon and have a private lecture ( Lectures to My Students ) or lap up the words of John Owen as he explains how to mortify sin that wants to kill me ( The Mortification of Sin ). Second, I want to whet your appetite for good the books we discuss so that you will purchase them and read for yourself. I do believe that anyone serious about making and leading disciples must be a reader. In the words of Spurgeon, "As the Apostle said to Timothy, so he says to every one of us, 'Give yourself to reading.' He who will not use the thoughts of other men's brains, proves that he has no brains of his own. You need to read. Renounce as much as you will all light literature. But study as much as possible sound theological works, especially the puritanical works and expositions of the Bible. The best way for you to spend your time in leisure is either in reading or praying." I can't expand on that... Third, I hope that you will grow in your own discernment of what is a good book and what is junk. Life is too short to read worthless books. And life is too important to read books that lead you away from the ultimate truth and greatest book we have--the Bible! There are only a limited amount of books you can read before you die. Make each one count. I hope that this endeavor will serve each of you well. May your soul... The Forgotten City http://www.harvestaustin.org/blogentry.aspx?site_id=10410&entry_id=206686http://www.harvestaustin.org/blogentry.aspx?site_id=10410&entry_id=206686 Sat, 09 Oct 2010 16:00:00 GMT http://www.sovereigngraceministries.com/Blog/post/Lessons-from-an-urban-church-planting-dude.aspx http://www.sovereigngraceministries.com/Blog/post/Lessons-from-an-urban-church-planting-dude-2.aspx http://www.sovereigngraceministries.com/Blog/post/Lessons-from-an-urban-church-planting-dude.aspx http://www.sovereigngraceministries.com/Blog/post/Lessons-from-an-urban-church-planting-dude-2.aspx GUILTY, GUILTY, GUILTY http://www.harvestaustin.org/blogentry.aspx?site_id=10410&entry_id=206684http://www.harvestaustin.org/blogentry.aspx?site_id=10410&entry_id=206684 Sat, 09 Oct 2010 16:00:00 GMT Sleepless in the Gospel http://www.harvestaustin.org/blogentry.aspx?site_id=10410&entry_id=222713http://www.harvestaustin.org/blogentry.aspx?site_id=10410&entry_id=222713 Tue, 14 Sep 2010 15:00:00 GMT I couldn’t sleep tonight. My wife will tell you this is extremely rare. Planting a church doesn't allow for much sleep, so it is never a problem to make the most of every minute...but not tonight. My mind is stuck on the question I gave our Launch Team last night--"Where do you think a church gets its power?" Our study of Romans 1:15-17 provoked this question. There Paul clearly tells us the power of God is in His glorious gospel. It seem simple, but let me expound. Not a second chance, but a living power Paul realized that the gospel is not just Christ paying your entry fee to get into the race. The gospel, "good news", is also that Christ has already run the race for us and will give us the prize of an eternal inheritance one day soon! The power of the gospel is not that you get a "second chance." (a common cliché) A second chance at living a perfect life would not be good news at all. In fact, a 1,248,394th chance would still be bad news because I'd screw it up every time. The good news of Jesus Christ’s perfect life, death, and resurrection is powerful because it contains the truth that the righteousness God requires is given to me through Christ Jesus our Lord. However, we see in Romans 1:15 that Paul is eager to proclaim the gospel to those in Rome who are already Christians (Rom. 1:7). So, why do they need the gospel if they are already Christians? Because the gospel in not just for non-Christians. Sanctification through the gospel – we walk in Christ the same way we came to Christ Though Christians have been made right positionally before Christ (our justification), we will not be perfect in practice until we are given our new bodies in Heaven (our glorification). But between our justification and our glorification, we find an important piece of the story of salvation--our sanctification. Sanctification is the process of becoming in practice who we have already become in position through Christ. Unfortunately this is where many people start thinking they no longer need the gospel. But this can't be further from the truth. We need the grace and power of the gospel from start to finish (from faith to/for faith Rom. 1:17). Christ is not only the author of our faith, but He is also the perfecter of our faith (Heb. 12:2). Attempting to "walk in Christ" (Col. 2:6) by having enough personal fortitude is like trying to water-ski behind a boat without a rope. But do I believe it? That brings me back to the question I asked last night – which is keeping me from sleeping: "Where do you think a church gets its power?" Like a good Sunday School kid, I can shout out the answer, "THROUGH THE GOSPEL." But does my heart say that? Right now I don't think I can say "yes." See, planting a church is exposing every false power I believe in. God is making it so evident that His power is not in a sound system, a great worship team, an exciting children's ministry, my ability to speak, bright lights, excellent promotion, lots of people, accurate signage, etc. All of these things can be great tools, but none of them have the power of God to salvation. Only the gospel has that power! And only a church that proclaims and believes the gospel in everything it does can sing, serve, suffer, sacrifice, and be sanctified with that power to the glory of God. The gift of sleeplessness (and other weaknesses) I'm extremely thankful for the opportunity to plant a church – and lose sleep tonight – because the Holy Spirit is using this to remind me of my personal need for the grace of Christ every day. Only then can I truthfully say to the sheep the Father has entrusted to me, "[I] 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 Cor. 2:1–5) What is your faith in today? Where does your heart really say the power of God lies? I couldn’t sleep tonight. My wife will tell you this is extremely rare. Planting a church doesn't allow for much sleep, so it is never a problem to make the most of every minute... but not tonight . My mind is stuck on the question I gave our Launch Team last night--"Where do you think a church gets its power?" Our study of Romans 1:15-17 provoked this question. There Paul clearly tells us the power of God is in His glorious gospel. It seem simple, but let me expound. Not a second chance, but a living power Paul realized that the gospel is not just Christ paying your entry fee to get into the race. The gospel, "good news", is also that Christ has already run the race for us and will give us the prize of an eternal inheritance one day soon! The power of the gospel is not that you get a "second chance." (a common cliché) A second chance at living a perfect life would not be good news at all. In fact, a 1,248,394th chance would still be bad news because I'd screw it up every time. The good news of Jesus Christ’s perfect life, death, and resurrection is powerful because it contains the truth that the righteousness God requires is given to me through Christ Jesus our Lord. However, we see in Romans 1:15 that Paul is eager to proclaim the gospel to those in Rome who are already Christians (Rom. 1:7). So, why do they need the gospel if they are already Christians? Because the gospel in not just for non-Christians . Sanctification through the gospel – we walk in Christ the same way we came to Christ Though Christians have been made right positionally before Christ (our justification), we will not be perfect in practice until we are given our new bodies in Heaven (our glorification). But between our justification and our glorification, we find an important piece of the story of salvation--our sanctification. Sanctification is the process of becoming in practice who we have already become in position through Christ. Unfortunately this is where many people start thinking they no longer need the gospel. But this can't be further from the truth. We need the grace and power of the gospel from start to finish (from faith to/for faith Rom. 1:17). Christ is not only the author of our faith, but He is also the perfecter of our faith (Heb. 12:2). Attempting to "walk in Christ" (Col. 2:6) by having enough personal fortitude is like trying to water-ski behind a boat without a rope. But do I believe it? That brings me back to the question I asked last night – which is keeping me from sleeping: "Where do you think a church gets its power?" Like a good Sunday School kid, I can shout out the answer, "THROUGH THE GOSPEL." But does my heart say that? Right now I don't think I can say "yes." See, planting a church is exposing every false power I believe in. God is making it so evident that His power is not in a sound system, a great worship team, an exciting children's ministry, my ability to speak, bright lights, excellent promotion, lots of people, accurate signage, etc. All of these things can be great tools, but none of them have the power of God to salvation. Only the gospel has that power! And only a church that proclaims and believes the gospel in everything it does can sing, serve, suffer, sacrifice, and be sanctified with that power to the glory of God. The gift of sleeplessness (and other weaknesses) I'm extremely thankful for the opportunity to plant a church – and lose sleep tonight – because the Holy Spirit is using this to remind me of my personal... Why will we sing in simultaneous, multi-lingual worship? http://www.harvestaustin.org/blogentry.aspx?site_id=10410&entry_id=221323http://www.harvestaustin.org/blogentry.aspx?site_id=10410&entry_id=221323 Wed, 01 Sep 2010 19:00:00 GMT At Harvest Bible Chapel in Austin, Texas we expect our congregation to sing in more than one language – the one you know best will do just fine. You may be singing in English and the person next to you may be singing in Spanish (the words to the song will be on the screen in both of those languages). If you have never experienced this before, you might wonder why we will do it. Here are a few reasons. Our present world calls for it. In Austin, Texas (and many other cities around the globe) our world is multi-lingual. And here, to restrict your community to only one language is to shut off a large chunk of the city – to refuse community with brothers and sisters. But when we worship together, we speak to God in the language of our hearts. He is the God who makes us brothers. And it is worth the effort to worship Him side by side. Someone once said “Sunday morning is the most racially segregated time of the week in America.” But if the Apostle Paul (Ephesians 2) says Jews and Gentiles are no longer strangers but are, in Christ, all together members of the household of God – being joined together like stones in a building, then certainly this is true of us too regardless of our languages. Austin has many languages keeping her separated – but one Lord bringing her together. Our glorious hope pictures it. We aren’t just thrown together by chance – or simply current circumstances. We are being placed together for the future. When the Bible (Revelation 5) portrays the culmination of the gospel, it shows us as men and women from every tribe and nation and language redeemed together – coronated together – by the death of Christ. If we have been redeemed together, and if we will reign together, how can we keep from raising our voices together? After all, if we will worship with one another for all eternity, shouldn’t we start practicing? We can do it. Singing next to someone who is singing the same song in a different language isn’t that hard. I’ve done it several times – and always been overwhelmed by the power of it. My favorite recent experience was near Chicago at the Harvest Bible Chapel in Elgin, Illinois. We were led by a beautiful Romanian voice while most of us sung in English (at the top of our lungs). It was spectacular in its portrayal of the gospel. We knew the song; the words were displayed; it was natural. Mars Hill, based in Seattle – is already doing this in their Albuquerque location. Spanish and English worshippers side by side. Check out the link to their site: <h1><a href="http://albuquerque.marshillchurch.org/2010/03/29/first-bilingual-service-at-mars-hill-albuquerque/" title="Permanent Link: First Bilingual Service at Mars Hill Albuquerque" rel="bookmark">First Bilingual Service at Mars Hill Albuquerque</a><a href="http://albuquerque.marshillchurch.org/2010/03/29/first-bilingual-service-at-mars-hill-albuquerque/" title="Permanent Link: First Bilingual Service at Mars Hill Albuquerque" rel="bookmark"></a></h1> <a href="http://albuquerque.marshillchurch.org/2010/03/29/first-bilingual-service-at-mars-hill-albuquerque/"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://www.harvestaustin.org/Content/10410/MarsHillBilingual.bmp" /></a> At Harvest Bible Chapel in Austin, Texas we expect our congregation to sing in more than one language – the one you know best will do just fine. You may be singing in English and the person next to you may be singing in Spanish (the words to the song will be on the screen in both of those languages). If you have never experienced this before, you might wonder why we will do it. Here are a few reasons. Our present world calls for it. In Austin, Texas (and many other cities around the globe) our world is multi-lingual. And here, to restrict your community to only one language is to shut off a large chunk of the city – to refuse community with brothers and sisters. But when we worship together, we speak to God in the language of our hearts. He is the God who makes us brothers. And it is worth the effort to worship Him side by side. Someone once said “Sunday morning is the most racially segregated time of the week in America.” But if the Apostle Paul (Ephesians 2) says Jews and Gentiles are no longer strangers but are, in Christ, all together members of the household of God – being joined together like stones in a building, then certainly this is true of us too regardless of our languages. Austin has many languages keeping her separated – but one Lord bringing her together. Our glorious hope pictures it. We aren’t just thrown together by chance – or simply current circumstances. We are being placed together for the future. When the Bible (Revelation 5) portrays the culmination of the gospel, it shows us as men and women from every tribe and nation and language redeemed together – coronated together – by the death of Christ. If we have been redeemed together, and if we will reign together, how can we keep from raising our voices together? After all, if we will worship with one another for all eternity, shouldn’t we start practicing? We can do it. Singing next to someone who is singing the same song in a different language isn’t that hard. I’ve done it several times – and always been overwhelmed by the power of it. My favorite recent experience was near Chicago at the Harvest Bible Chapel in Elgin, Illinois. We were led by a beautiful Romanian voice while most of us sung in English (at the top of our lungs). It was spectacular in its portrayal of the gospel. We knew the song; the words were displayed; it was natural. Mars Hill, based in Seattle – is already doing this in their Albuquerque location. Spanish and English worshippers side by side. Check out the link to their site: First Bilingual Service at Mars Hill Albuquerque Fajitas or Fellowship http://www.harvestaustin.org/blogentry.aspx?site_id=10410&entry_id=215580http://www.harvestaustin.org/blogentry.aspx?site_id=10410&entry_id=215580 Tue, 06 Jul 2010 01:00:00 GMT <div align="center"> <img width="97" height="97" src="http://www.harvestaustin.org/../Content/10410/beef-fajitas-ck-222256-l-2.jpg" /> </div> I was on the phone with a friend from seminary the other day, and we were discussing how to create a diverse church. Though HBC Austin seeks to be diverse in every way, I was specifically talking with my friend about ethnic diversity, since he is from Mexico City and has experienced what it feels like to be an "outsider" in the U.S. During the conversation, he said something to me that has been ringing in my ear ever since. He said, "Bryan, we have to stop merely loving each other's food and start loving each other." At first it made me laugh, until I understood how right he was. There are many people who claim to have been transformed by the gospel of Jesus Christ but do not have any desire to minister with or to someone unlike themselves. We will happily drive to the local restaurant to enjoy some sizzling fajitas after church, but the idea of signs at the church in English and Spanish is WAY TOO MUCH TO ASK! Sadly, all around us there are people claiming to be followers of Christ and yet harboring supremacist ideals. Sure, they are not members of the KKK or any such group. But don't ask them to sacrifice their way of "worshiping" on Sunday in order to accommodate another ethnicity. Maybe it's all just in the in the name of comfort and there is no issue of prejudice; regardless, the result is the same--homogeneous "churches." I'm not pointing a finger at any particular church or ethnicity. I believe it's a problem across the board. For me, growing up, it was no different. Our family attended, for the most part, churches that would fall under this title "The Church of Middle-class White Republicans." Let's be clear. The gospel has NO room for this kind of "comfort" or segregated thinking! Paul tells the Galatians, "For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus" (Gal. 3:27-28). Praise God that Jesus didn't think the way many Christians do today. If Jesus had decided to stay comfortable, there would be no redemption because He would have never left the glory of Heaven (Phil. 2:5-8). If Jesus decided to segregate, those of us that are Gentiles would be left out (Acts 11:17-18). Either way we would be without hope. What Jesus did is remarkable. Peter 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" (1 Peter 2:9-10). His sacrifice made a new chosen "genos" (family, race, kind) and holy "ethnos" (nation or people) of all who believe in Him. Hallelujah!! What a Savior! All who have been transformed through Jesus Christ are now a new family. We are a holy (set apart) people. And I, for one, want to have a church that celebrates this reality--we are ONE in Christ! When our earthly ethnicities get in the way of us worshiping and living life together, we have forgotten who we are. I am not a White American with Indian and Scotch Irish blood. I am a citizen of a Kingdom that was purchased by blood. That is why HBC Austin aims to start a church that looks like eternity. A place where every tongue, tribe, and nation can "cry out with a loud voice, 'Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!" (Rev. 7:9-10). This goal is not without its complications. But we believe its worth it. And if you think it's worth it, we'd love to have you join us. So what about you? Do you love your brother or just his food? Will it be fajitas or fellowship? I know my answer, "I want BOTH!" I was on the phone with a friend from seminary the other day, and we were discussing how to create a diverse church. Though HBC Austin seeks to be diverse in every way, I was specifically talking with my friend about ethnic diversity, since he is from Mexico City and has experienced what it feels like to be an "outsider" in the U.S. During the conversation, he said something to me that has been ringing in my ear ever since. He said, "Bryan, we have to stop merely loving each other's food and start loving each other." At first it made me laugh, until I understood how right he was. There are many people who claim to have been transformed by the gospel of Jesus Christ but do not have any desire to minister with or to someone unlike themselves. We will happily drive to the local restaurant to enjoy some sizzling fajitas after church, but the idea of signs at the church in English and Spanish is WAY TOO MUCH TO ASK! Sadly, all around us there are people claiming to be followers of Christ and yet harboring supremacist ideals. Sure, they are not members of the KKK or any such group. But don't ask them to sacrifice their way of "worshiping" on Sunday in order to accommodate another ethnicity. Maybe it's all just in the in the name of comfort and there is no issue of prejudice; regardless, the result is the same--homogeneous "churches." I'm not pointing a finger at any particular church or ethnicity. I believe it's a problem across the board. For me, growing up, it was no different. Our family attended, for the most part, churches that would fall under this title "The Church of Middle-class White Republicans." Let's be clear. The gospel has NO room for this kind of "comfort" or segregated thinking! Paul tells the Galatians, "For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus" (Gal. 3:27-28). Praise God that Jesus didn't think the way many Christians do today. If Jesus had decided to stay comfortable, there would be no redemption because He would have never left the glory of Heaven (Phil. 2:5-8). If Jesus decided to segregate, those of us that are Gentiles would be left out (Acts 11:17-18). Either way we would be without hope. What Jesus did is remarkable. Peter 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" (1 Peter 2:9-10). His sacrifice made a new chosen "genos" (family, race, kind) and holy "ethnos" (nation or people) of all who believe in Him. Hallelujah!! What a Savior! All who have been transformed through Jesus Christ are now a new family. We are a holy (set apart) people. And I, for one, want to have a church that celebrates this reality--we are ONE in Christ! When our earthly ethnicities get in the way of us worshiping and living life together, we have forgotten who we are. I am not a White American with Indian and Scotch Irish blood. I am a citizen of a Kingdom that was purchased by blood. That is why HBC Austin aims to start a church that looks like eternity. A place where every tongue, tribe, and nation can "cry out with a loud voice, 'Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!" (Rev.... Every Day Is Father's Day http://www.harvestaustin.org/blogentry.aspx?site_id=10410&entry_id=214024http://www.harvestaustin.org/blogentry.aspx?site_id=10410&entry_id=214024 Mon, 21 Jun 2010 17:00:00 GMT (Chrome and Safari are not posting the entire entry. Please try another browser.) Here is a song written by Angel Taylor, a young lady that Lindsey discipled while we were in L.A. The song is a testimony of God being "The Best Father Around." I hope you find it to be a blessing. <object height="300" width="400"> <param name="allowfullscreen" value="true" /> <param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always" /> <param name="movie" value="http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=12740280&server=vimeo.com&show_title=1&show_byline=1&show_portrait=0&color=&fullscreen=1" /></object> <a href="http://vimeo.com/12740280"> </a> </embed></object> (Chrome and Safari are not posting the entire entry. Please try another browser.) Here is a song written by Angel Taylor, a young lady that Lindsey discipled while we were in L.A. The song is a testimony of God being "The Best Father Around." I hope you find it to be a blessing. The Gospel in an Airport http://www.harvestaustin.org/blogentry.aspx?site_id=10410&entry_id=208686http://www.harvestaustin.org/blogentry.aspx?site_id=10410&entry_id=208686 Tue, 27 Apr 2010 04:00:00 GMT Last weekend many of the Launch Team members of Harvest Bible Chapel Austin traveled to Chicago for training. A couple of the members stayed a few hours after the last session to help Lindsey and I pack our house to move to Austin. Because they stayed as long as possible to help us pack, they ended up hitting some serious Chicago traffic. But that traffic, and the following events, led to a great opportunity to reflect on the gospel. The following is from an email from Starsky as he retells the event and what it taught him. <div align="left">"Thanks to bumper to bumper traffic, it took us almost two hours to get to the airport last night. Once we arrived we had 50 minutes before our flight left which I assumed was plenty of time. Well, I was wrong! The ticket counter line was outrageous and the security line was even worse. As Jeremy and I were trying to get through security, our names were announced over the intercom. Once we finally made it through, we grabbed our things and ran like sprinters through the airport with our shoes untied and belts in hand. As we completed our 400 yard sprint, we rushed up to the desk only to be received by a shaking head and an 'I’m sorry, it’s too late.' The lady told us that the doors were locked and they can’t open them again. While gasping for air, I exclaimed, 'but this is the last flight out until tomorrow.' She said in her yankee accent, 'I know, I’m sorry, IT’S NOT GOING TO HAPPEN.' I looked at Jeremy, who was still trying to recover from our dash across the airport, with a helpless look of despair. As we were both still trying to process the fact that we were about to spend the night in the airport, the pilot walks up to the counter and says, 'let them on, they’re with me. I was locked out too.' Jeremy and I looked at each other and shouted out praises to God. After a couple of minutes, the doors open and we were allowed on the plane. Our bags didn’t make it, but we did. On the drive home last night, it hit me, that’s what Jesus did for us on the cross. Because of our sin, we should be turned away at the gates of Heaven. We should hear, 'IT’S NOT GOING TO HAPPEN.' But then Jesus appears out of nowhere and says, 'let them in, they’re with me.' What a great reminder of the glorious gospel that has saved us! Every Christian can quickly relate to this illustration because we have all come to a place in our lives where we stood hopeless and in despair. BUT God rescued us when there seemed to be NO hope! In reflecting on Starsky's encounter with the gospel at the airport a little further, I started to play out the illustration a little bit. Here are a few things that hit me. First, the gate men will desire to enter is Heaven, but the alternative is not a night in the airport. It isn't even an eternity in the airport (although that seems awful in itself). The alternative is an eternity in Hell, a place where the full wrath of God will be poured out and all of God's common grace withheld. Second, Jesus Christ is not a good-hearted pilot who wants to help a few late-comers on board. Rather, Jesus is a Savior who arrived exactly on time in order to DIE for people who need more than a little help (Ephesians 2:1-10). Starsky and Jeremy were left in an inconvenient situation, but all of us as sinners are in a much worse condition. Jonathan Edwards speaks of the condition of sinners well: "Your wickedness makes you as heavy as lead, and adds a downwards tendency with great weight and pressure towards hell; and if God should let you go, you would immediately sink and swiftly descend and plunge into the bottomless gulf; and your good health, and your own care and prudence, and best plans for salvation, and all your righteousness, would have no more influence to uphold you and keep you out of hell, than a spider's web would have to stop a falling rock." Third, we have lives that sing the praises of the Good News of Jesus Christ everyday, if we will just open our eyes. Every good thing that happens to us is a reminder of God's grace on the cross. At the same time, difficulties remind us of the gospel as well. They remind us that we live in a fallen world that is hopeless without Christ. Trials remind us of our need to be refined into the people God has already declared us to be in Christ. Regardless of what is happening in your life, the gospel is present. But do you stop long enough to see it? Pray and ask God to keep the person and work of Christ in the forefront of your mind today. Look for situations, illustrations, and other ways to be reminded of the riches you have in Jesus (Ephesians 1:7-10). And when you find these "gospel moments," don't keep them to yourself. Use them as opportunities to make disciples! </div> Last weekend many of the Launch Team members of Harvest Bible Chapel Austin traveled to Chicago for training. A couple of the members stayed a few hours after the last session to help Lindsey and I pack our house to move to Austin. Because they stayed as long as possible to help us pack, they ended up hitting some serious Chicago traffic. But that traffic, and the following events, led to a great opportunity to reflect on the gospel. The following is from an email from Starsky as he retells the event and what it taught him. "Thanks to bumper to bumper traffic, it took us almost two hours to get to the airport last night. Once we arrived we had 50 minutes before our flight left which I assumed was plenty of time. Well, I was wrong! The ticket counter line was outrageous and the security line was even worse. As Jeremy and I were trying to get through security, our names were announced over the intercom. Once we finally made it through, we grabbed our things and ran like sprinters through the airport with our shoes untied and belts in hand. As we completed our 400 yard sprint, we rushed up to the desk only to be received by a shaking head and an 'I’m sorry, it’s too late.' The lady told us that the doors were locked and they can’t open them again. While gasping for air, I exclaimed, 'but this is the last flight out until tomorrow.' She said in her yankee accent, 'I know, I’m sorry, IT’S NOT GOING TO HAPPEN.' I looked at Jeremy, who was still trying to recover from our dash across the airport, with a helpless look of despair. As we were both still trying to process the fact that we were about to spend the night in the airport, the pilot walks up to the counter and says, 'let them on, they’re with me. I was locked out too.' Jeremy and I looked at each other and shouted out praises to God. After a couple of minutes, the doors open and we were allowed on the plane. Our bags didn’t make it, but we did. On the drive home last night, it hit me, that’s what Jesus did for us on the cross. Because of our sin, we should be turned away at the gates of Heaven. We should hear, 'IT’S NOT GOING TO HAPPEN.' But then Jesus appears out of nowhere and says, 'let them in, they’re with me.' What a great reminder of the glorious gospel that has saved us! Every Christian can quickly relate to this illustration because we have all come to a place in our lives where we stood hopeless and in despair. BUT God rescued us when there seemed to be NO hope! In reflecting on Starsky's encounter with the gospel at the airport a little further, I started to play out the illustration a little bit. Here are a few things that hit me. First, the gate men will desire to enter is Heaven, but the alternative is not a night in the airport. It isn't even an eternity in the airport (although that seems awful in itself). The alternative is an eternity in Hell, a place where the full wrath of God will be poured out and all of God's common grace withheld. Second, Jesus Christ is not a good-hearted pilot who wants to help a few late-comers on board. Rather, Jesus is a Savior who arrived exactly on time in order to DIE for people who need more than a little help (Ephesians 2:1-10). Starsky and Jeremy were left in an inconvenient situation, but all of us as sinners are in a much worse condition. Jonathan Edwards speaks of the condition of sinners well: "Your wickedness makes you as heavy as lead, and adds a downwards tendency with great weight and pressure towards hell; and if God should... Fire Is Not a Bad Thing http://www.harvestaustin.org/blogentry.aspx?site_id=10410&entry_id=192144http://www.harvestaustin.org/blogentry.aspx?site_id=10410&entry_id=192144 Tue, 15 Dec 2009 03:00:00 GMT <img width="232" height="173" align="left" src="http://www.harvestaustin.org/Content/10410/forest_fires_desktop_screen_savers-237.jpg" _moz_resizing="true" />James MacDonald often says, “God’s love is not a pampering love—it’s a perfecting love.” Since God loves His children, He breaks sins hold on their lives, even if the process is painful, because He knows that’s what’s best for them. "FOR THOSE WHOM THE LORD LOVES HE DISCIPLINES, AND HE SCOURGES EVERY SON WHOM HE RECEIVES. (Heb. 12:6)" Of course, it’s tough to see God’s love in the middle of a trial. Questioning God on the other hand … that’s easy. Ever find yourself demanding answers from God, "Lord, how can You allow this fiery trial to happen to me? I’m seeking to honor You, but this situation is too difficult. I don’t deserve it and it hurts!" As I think about the connection between God’s love and life’s trials, my four years in Los Angeles come to mind. Not because God used seminary, family, ministry, and running a business to refine me by fire (though that is true), but because I witnessed many literal fires. Every year, thousands of acres were destroyed by raging wild fires. Why talk about wildfires? What does God’s refining love and wild fires have in common? I’m glad you asked… For hundreds of years, men have tried to prevent wild fires from burning. They “loved” their forests and wanted the “best” for them. Ironically, they were hurting the forest. Fires actually benefit a forest’s health. In fact, our government conducts “prescribed fires” to avoid the negative impact of preventing wild fires. According to The University of Georgia, “Thick vegetation, excessive dead material, and vegetation modification all caused by fire suppression, have caused forest managers to turn to a technique known as prescribed fire.” God’s love is like that prescribed fire. Just as the fire burns the thick vegetation, God’s refining love removes all the busyness and activity in our lives that distract us from pursuing God and choke the growth He wants. And as the flames destroy the dead and eroding branches that hid on the forest floor for so long, God’s refining love exposes our secret sin, transgression that lay hidden in our hearts for too long. Finally, just as the prescribed fire goes after any “vegetation modification caused by fire suppression”, God’s love removes any sinful desires, ambitions, and aspirations that try to replace our godly desires. Of course, experiencing God’s refining love can be painful --- often excruciating. Trials will seem like they’re all around when God is refining you. After all, fire burns. But to idealize a life without trials is to desire a life without God’s love. Without the trials of life, we would actually be in worse condition. You may have heard it said, “It’s not ‘if’ you will face another trial in your life—it’s‘when.’” I pray God will transform my thinking about life’s difficulties. I want to see each trial as something that will further conform me to the image of Christ by “burning” away anything that hinders my growth. Here are a few reasons God’s Word gives for God’s refining fire: <ol type="1" start="1"> <li class="MsoNormal">To prove my faith—1 Peter 1:7 “so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” </li> <li class="MsoNormal">To test my heart—Proverbs 17:3 “The crucible is for silver, and the furnace is for gold, and the Lord tests hearts." </li> <li class="MsoNormal">To break my patterns of sin—Isaiah 1:25 “I will turn my hand against you and will smelt away your dross as with lye and remove all your alloy.” </li> <li class="MsoNormal">To glorify my God—Isaiah 48:10-11 “Behold, I have refined you, but not as silver; I have tried you in the furnace of affliction. 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.” </li> </ol> How has God used His refining fire in your life? James MacDonald often says, “God’s love is not a pampering love—it’s a perfecting love.” Since God loves His children, He breaks sins hold on their lives, even if the process is painful, because He knows that’s what’s best for them. "FOR THOSE WHOM THE LORD LOVES HE DISCIPLINES, AND HE SCOURGES EVERY SON WHOM HE RECEIVES. (Heb. 12:6)" Of course, it’s tough to see God’s love in the middle of a trial. Questioning God on the other hand … that’s easy. Ever find yourself demanding answers from God, "Lord, how can You allow this fiery trial to happen to me? I’m seeking to honor You, but this situation is too difficult. I don’t deserve it and it hurts!" As I think about the connection between God’s love and life’s trials, my four years in Los Angeles come to mind. Not because God used seminary, family, ministry, and running a business to refine me by fire (though that is true), but because I witnessed many literal fires. Every year, thousands of acres were destroyed by raging wild fires. Why talk about wildfires? What does God’s refining love and wild fires have in common? I’m glad you asked… For hundreds of years, men have tried to prevent wild fires from burning. They “loved” their forests and wanted the “best” for them. Ironically, they were hurting the forest. Fires actually benefit a forest’s health. In fact, our government conducts “prescribed fires” to avoid the negative impact of preventing wild fires. According to The University of Georgia, “Thick vegetation, excessive dead material, and vegetation modification all caused by fire suppression, have caused forest managers to turn to a technique known as prescribed fire.” God’s love is like that prescribed fire. Just as the fire burns the thick vegetation, God’s refining love removes all the busyness and activity in our lives that distract us from pursuing God and choke the growth He wants. And as the flames destroy the dead and eroding branches that hid on the forest floor for so long, God’s refining love exposes our secret sin, transgression that lay hidden in our hearts for too long. Finally, just as the prescribed fire goes after any “vegetation modification caused by fire suppression”, God’s love removes any sinful desires, ambitions, and aspirations that try to replace our godly desires. Of course, experiencing God’s refining love can be painful --- often excruciating. Trials will seem like they’re all around when God is refining you. After all, fire burns. But to idealize a life without trials is to desire a life without God’s love. Without the trials of life, we would actually be in worse condition. You may have heard it said, “It’s not ‘if’ you will face another trial in your life—it’s‘when.’” I pray God will transform my thinking about life’s difficulties. I want to see each trial as something that will further conform me to the image of Christ by “burning” away anything that hinders my growth. Here are a few reasons God’s Word gives for God’s refining fire: To prove my faith—1 Peter 1:7 “so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” To test my heart—Proverbs 17:3 “The crucible is for silver, and the furnace is for gold, and the Lord tests hearts." To break my patterns of sin—Isaiah 1:25 “I will turn my hand against you and will smelt away your dross as with lye and remove all your alloy.” To glorify my God—Isaiah 48:10-11... A Communion to Remember http://www.harvestaustin.org/blogentry.aspx?site_id=10410&entry_id=186629http://www.harvestaustin.org/blogentry.aspx?site_id=10410&entry_id=186629 Mon, 30 Nov 2009 17:00:00 GMT <img width="103" height="156" align="left" style="width: 103px; height: 156px;" src="http://www.harvestaustin.org/Content/10410/DSC_0055.jpg" />During last weekend’s church service, I experienced something for the first time – communion with my 18 month old son Nathanael. He was sick and unable to go to the nursery so I took him into worship with me. As I held Nathanael in my lap, I prayed and meditated on the person and work of Jesus Christ. I was thanking the Father for crucifying His Son on my behalf when it HIT me, "Who would I be willing to kill Nathanael for!?" My mind began to race, I thought and I thought. But there was no one that I would kill Nathanael to save. As I hugged my son in my arms, my heart grieved at the thought of killing him. I pictured Nathanael beaten, bloodied, and gasping for breath. And then it hit me like a freight train running head-on into a bicycle. The Father didn’t look around the world to find people with enough value for Christ to die for. Rather, the Father sent His Son to the cross for those who were His ENEMIES… My heart was crushed! I sat in my chair dumbfounded. I couldn’t think of a single person that I would give my son’s life for. But the thought of killing him for someone who hated me—repulsive! Yet that is exactly what the Father did. He gave His one and only Son’s life for you and me—the very people that hated Him. I will never forget that communion. God used my deep love for Nathanael to illustrate the deepest love imaginable – His love for me. I don’t ever want to forget that lesson. Thank you, God, for your love. Thank you for crucifying Jesus Christ on my behalf, an unworthy sinner. Do you have any communions that stand out to you? What truth did the Lord drive home in your heart? "But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. (Rom. 5:8)" During last weekend’s church service, I experienced something for the first time – communion with my 18 month old son Nathanael. He was sick and unable to go to the nursery so I took him into worship with me. As I held Nathanael in my lap, I prayed and meditated on the person and work of Jesus Christ. I was thanking the Father for crucifying His Son on my behalf when it HIT me, "Who would I be willing to kill Nathanael for!?" My mind began to race, I thought and I thought. But there was no one that I would kill Nathanael to save. As I hugged my son in my arms, my heart grieved at the thought of killing him. I pictured Nathanael beaten, bloodied, and gasping for breath. And then it hit me like a freight train running head-on into a bicycle. The Father didn’t look around the world to find people with enough value for Christ to die for. Rather, the Father sent His Son to the cross for those who were His ENEMIES… My heart was crushed! I sat in my chair dumbfounded. I couldn’t think of a single person that I would give my son’s life for. But the thought of killing him for someone who hated me—repulsive! Yet that is exactly what the Father did. He gave His one and only Son’s life for you and me—the very people that hated Him. I will never forget that communion. God used my deep love for Nathanael to illustrate the deepest love imaginable – His love for me. I don’t ever want to forget that lesson. Thank you, God, for your love. Thank you for crucifying Jesus Christ on my behalf, an unworthy sinner. Do you have any communions that stand out to you? What truth did the Lord drive home in your heart? "But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. (Rom. 5:8)" HBC Davenport 5th Anniversary http://www.harvestaustin.org/blogentry.aspx?site_id=10410&entry_id=186069http://www.harvestaustin.org/blogentry.aspx?site_id=10410&entry_id=186069 Tue, 24 Nov 2009 04:00:00 GMT <div align="justify">We had the opportunity to visit Harvest Bible Chapel of Davenport this weekend. It was such an encouragement to see what the Lord is doing through a church that is committed to preaching the Word of God, growing disciples, and reaching the lost. Last Sunday HBC Davenport celebrated 5 years of ministry. Since their launch many people have been transformed by the gospel of Jesus Christ. Watch this video. I hope it will grow the excitement you have about your involvement is HBC Austin! </div> <object width="400" height="265"> <param name="allowfullscreen" value="true" /> <param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always" /> <param name="movie" value="http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=7666522&server=vimeo.com&show_title=1&show_byline=1&show_portrait=0&color=&fullscreen=1" /></object> <div align="center"></div> <object width="400" height="265"> <param name="allowfullscreen" value="true" /> <param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always" /> <param name="movie" value="http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=7666522&server=vimeo.com&show_title=1&show_byline=1&show_portrait=0&color=&fullscreen=1" /></object> <div align="center"> </object></div> We had the opportunity to visit Harvest Bible Chapel of Davenport this weekend. It was such an encouragement to see what the Lord is doing through a church that is committed to preaching the Word of God, growing disciples, and reaching the lost. Last Sunday HBC Davenport celebrated 5 years of ministry. Since their launch many people have been transformed by the gospel of Jesus Christ. Watch this video. I hope it will grow the excitement you have about your involvement is HBC Austin! My Job or HIS Job? http://www.harvestaustin.org/blogentry.aspx?site_id=10410&entry_id=184876http://www.harvestaustin.org/blogentry.aspx?site_id=10410&entry_id=184876 Wed, 11 Nov 2009 04:00:00 GMT <img align="left" src="http://www.harvestaustin.org/Content/10410/Work.png" _moz_resizing="true" style="width: 187px; height: 140px;" />How does the work of the ministry go forward? Do people do all the work, or does God make sure ministry happens — meaning we do nothing but trust Him? As I begin the work of planting a church in Austin, it would be easy to rely on my own strength. After all, I’m the one reading books, soaking in wonderful training at Harvest Bible Fellowship, interviewing other church planters in order to have the right programs, and making contacts in Austin to establish a core group. While that kind of self-dependence is not what Scripture commands, neither is the opposite approach — abandoning my ministry responsibilities and assuming God will do the work of the ministry without me. Trusting in God's sovereignty and power to build His church is important, but “trusting God” can be a mask for laziness. This is the "let go and let God" mentality. So what is the answer for us at HBC Austin? How should we approach working for Christ? How should we go about planting a church? Do we do the work or does God? My answer is..."YES"! I believe Scripture teaches both. In Proverbs 21:31, King Solomon describes what this tension looked like in his day. "The horse is prepared for the day of battle, but victory belongs to the LORD." I’ve often found myself meditating on that verse — applying Solomon’s wisdom to the foundation we’re building in Austin. We are called to prepare for our work in Austin while knowing the any success in ministry is FULLY the LORD's. Paul had this tension in mind when he wrote, "For this purpose also I labor, striving according to His power, which mightily works within me” (Col. 1:29). Even as Paul worked to the point of exhaustion, he understood it was only God's power that accomplished everything! What are your thoughts? How do you find yourself battling this in your life? How does the work of the ministry go forward? Do people do all the work, or does God make sure ministry happens — meaning we do nothing but trust Him? As I begin the work of planting a church in Austin, it would be easy to rely on my own strength. After all, I’m the one reading books, soaking in wonderful training at Harvest Bible Fellowship, interviewing other church planters in order to have the right programs, and making contacts in Austin to establish a core group. While that kind of self-dependence is not what Scripture commands, neither is the opposite approach — abandoning my ministry responsibilities and assuming God will do the work of the ministry without me. Trusting in God's sovereignty and power to build His church is important, but “trusting God” can be a mask for laziness. This is the "let go and let God" mentality. So what is the answer for us at HBC Austin? How should we approach working for Christ? How should we go about planting a church? Do we do the work or does God? My answer is..."YES"! I believe Scripture teaches both. In Proverbs 21:31, King Solomon describes what this tension looked like in his day. "The horse is prepared for the day of battle, but victory belongs to the LORD." I’ve often found myself meditating on that verse — applying Solomon’s wisdom to the foundation we’re building in Austin. We are called to prepare for our work in Austin while knowing the any success in ministry is FULLY the LORD's. Paul had this tension in mind when he wrote, "For this purpose also I labor, striving according to His power, which mightily works within me” (Col. 1:29). Even as Paul worked to the point of exhaustion, he understood it was only God's power that accomplished everything! What are your thoughts? How do you find yourself battling this in your life?