Christian Theology & College Ministry Thoughts

Responding to: "Why I Hate Religion, But Love Jesus" You Tube Video

2012-01-27T17:11:00.000-08:00

A recent you tube video went viral a couple weeks ago getting almost 15 million hits in one week alone entitled, “Why I Hate Religion, But Love Jesus”

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1IAhDGYlpqY

Needless to say, this video had it’s supporters as well as critics. It also sparked backlash videos with some entitled, “Why I Love Religion, and Love Jesus”

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ru_tC4fv6FE

I’m not here to pick apart any video, that would take too long, but I do think there’s a notable difference in each video's definition of the word “religion”. This issue can get more theological when you examine the soteriological views of Christianity. “ie. Sola fide vs. sacramental” However, I will focus on the definitions of religion here.

The term religion can have two primary meanings:

1. A body of person’s adhering to a particular set of beliefs.

2. Ritual observances of faith.

One could easily see how these definitions could spell out extra-biblical components of grace. Ephesians 2:8-9 says "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God not by works, so that no one can boast."

Jesus didn't hate religion because he was a good Jew who established a church and instituted specific ordinances. (ie. Baptism, Lords Supper) If the definition of religion has to do with a set of beliefs, then Jesus surly doesn't hate religion; but, if religion means self righteousness, then Jesus hates it just as much as any other sin.

Romans 8:1-2 says "Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus (not for those who "do good"), because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death."

According to Romans 8, the greatest part about Christianity is not necessarily what goes on around us, but what goes on inside of us. Therefore, behavioral modification is not the means to grace, but the natural result of grace.

Doctor Alvin Reid alluded in a recent blog that many American churches have taught todays youth a therapeutic moralistic deism instead of biblical Christianity. He uses this quote from the National Study of Youth and Religion:

“The National Study of Youth and Religion reveals a theological fault line running underneath American churches: an adherence to a do-good, feel-good spirituality that has little to do with the Triune God of Christian tradition and even less to do with loving Jesus Christ enough to follow him into the world.”

May we be overwhelmed by grace through faith pursuing not grace through legalistic performance.

While I don't think there's biblical grounds to say Jesus hated religion, I do think it's important that we trust in the scandalous grace of Christ and not in our self-righteousness as the video suggests.

Living Outside the Zone of Mediocrity

2012-01-25T19:18:00.001-08:00

Whether individually or corporately, there’s a tendency to gravitate toward the zone of mediocrity. People or organizations that live in the zone of mediocrity are ironically the busiest because they are constantly playing catch up with life rather than looking at life's bigger picture. Those who try and make everyone happy live in the zone of mediocrity because they aren't making decisions strategically. Put differently, people or organizations that live outside the zone of mediocrity oftentimes are criticized because they aren't afraid to tell people "no". People criticize ministries with statements such as: “They are too radical” “They don’t play the right music” “They use culture too much” "That decision didn't make sense" "That's not they way it used to be" etc.…

It’s pretty obvious in scripture that God doesn’t like the zone of mediocrity in any form. He desires that His Word drive us with conviction and strategic planning. So, how far will you go to avoid the zone of mediocrity in your life or in your organization? Turn off the disbelief switch and begin to dream.

Streamlining Ministry

2012-01-21T08:22:00.000-08:00

There’s a tendency in churches and/or other ministries to offer such a wide variety of opportunities that it exhausts people to the point of burnout. In many instances, these opportunities (programs. projects etc.) are merely “good” ideas that don’t fit the vision and values of the organization. There is value in saying "no" to good ideas for the sake of teaching the strategy and mission of your organization.

So, how do you get the value of a wide variety of opportunities without the burnout? I believe the answer is strategic streamlining. Organizational streamlining creates synergistic cooperation and inherently teaches the strategy of the organization.

Examples of ministry streamlining:

1. Coupling large group worship with small group Bible study.

a. The BCM with one of the highest percentage of students in a small group meets on campus immediately after large group worship.

2. Any form of family based or intergenerational ministry.

a. My brother’s church has a mentorship retreat for men & youth. This retreat marks the beginning of a Disciple-making relationship.

3. Attaching a fun event to a serious event for group bonding.

a. This past week after our first semester College Worship, we had a jousting contest. This is a bonding opportunity for students.

4. Strategic event planning to move people in a purposeful direction.

a. Weeks prior to our spring break mission trips, we will talk about the importance of missions and relational evangelism.

What are some other examples of Ministry Streamlining?

5 Questions Every Minister Should Ask

2012-01-09T21:38:00.001-08:00

1. Do our activities align with scripture? Put differently, is our focus on anything other than Jesus? (1 Cor. 2:2) If we are not careful, we can major on the minors and minor on the majors.

2. What is the perception of this ministry with outsiders not participating in this ministry? Asking what outsiders know about your ministry may be more telling than evaluating your ministry with insiders.

3. Is this ministry growing? Healthy ministries are not necessarily small or big, but disciple-making ministries grow both spiritually and numerically.

4. Do people understand the answer to the question “What Next” in regards to participating in your ministry? A simple strategic path should facilitate your goal to make disciples of all nations…

5. Are you communicating the vision to each person in your ministry effectively? Simply put, do people know why your ministry exists? If not, what’s the purpose of existing in the first place? Communication may be the hardest component of leadership.

4 Core Values That Make Eternal Impact on Campus

2012-01-04T09:14:00.000-08:00

1. Frangelism: Cultivate friendship while intentionally sharing the gospel.

2. Connect to The Church: Partner with churches to reach students and encourage students to become active church members.

3. Discipleship: Equip students through teaching, sharing, and showing God's Word for the purpose of making disciples.

4. Missions: engage the culture with the gospel both locally and globally through sacrificial giving, praying, and going to the nations.

Red Wolf Challenge: 55 Days of Physical & Spiritual Exercise

2012-01-02T13:38:00.000-08:00

This program will take you through the New Testament, a condensed form of p90x, and memorize at least 10 verses. We will start this program on Jan. 23rd which will go up to spring break.

Day #/Day of Week/ Scripture/ P90x Workout

1. Monday, Jan. 23, Matthew 1-4, Chest & Back

2. Tuesday, 24, Matthew 5-8, Plyometrics

3. Wednesday 25, Matthew 9-12, Shoulders & Arms

4. Thursday 26, Matthew 13-16,

5. Friday 27, Matthew 17-20, Stretch X

6. Saturday 28, Matthew 21-24

7. Sunday 29, Matthew 25-28

Week 1 Memory Verses:

Week 2 Memory Verses:

8. Monday 30, Romans 1-4, Chest & Back

9. Tuesday 31, Romans 5-8 Plyometrics

10. Wednesday 1, Romans 9-12, Shoulders & Arms

11. Thursday 2, Romans 13-16

12. Friday 3, 1 Cor. 1-5, Kenpo

13. Saturday 4, 1 Cor. 6-10

14. Sunday 5, 1 Cor. 11-16

Week 3 Memory Verses:

15. Monday 6, 2 Cor, 1-6, Core Synergistics

16. Tuesday 7, 2 Cor. 7-13, Plyometrics

17. Wednesday 8, Mark 1-5, Kenpo

18. Thursday 9, Mark 6-10

19. Friday 10, Mark 11-16, Stretch

20. Saturday 11, Galatians

21. Sunday 12, Philippians

Week 4 Memory Verse:

22. Monday 13, Colossians, Core Synergistics

23. Tuesday 14, 1 Thessalonians, Kenpo

24. Wednesday 15, 2 Thessalonians, Plyometrics

25. Thursday 16, Luke 1-4

26. Friday 17, Luke 5-8, Stretch X

27. Saturday 18, Luke 9-12

28. Sunday 19. Luke 13-16

Week 5 Memory Verse:

29. Monday 20, Luke 17-20, Chest , Shoulders, & Triceps

30. Tuesday 21, Luke 21-24, Plyometrics

31. Wednesday 22, Acts 1-4, Back & Biceps

32. Thursday 23, Acts 5-8

33. Friday 24, Acts 9-12, Legs & Back

34. Saturday 25, Acts 13-16

35. Sunday 26, Acts 17-20

Week 6 Memory Verse:

36. Monday 27, Acts 21-24, Chest, Shoulders & Triceps

37. Tuesday 28, Acts 25-28, Plyometrics

38. Wednesday 29, 1 Timothy, Back & Biceps

39. Thursday March 1, 2 Timothy

40. Friday 2, Titus-Philemon, Legs & Back

41. Saturday 3, Hebrews 10-13

42. Sunday 4, James

Week 7 Memory Verse:

43. Monday 5, 1 Peter, Chest, Shoulders & Triceps

44. Tuesday 6, 2 Peter, Plyometrics

45. Wednesday 7, John 1-4, Back & Biceps

46. Thursday 8, John 5-8

47. Friday 9, John 9-13, Legs & Back

48. Saturday 10, John 14-17

49. Sunday 11, John 18-21

Week 8 Memory Verse:

50. Monday 12, 1 John-Ephesians, Chest & Back

51. Tuesday 13, 2 John-Jude-Rev. 1-3, Plyometrics

52. Wednesday 14, Rev. 4-11, Shoulders & Arms

53. Thursday 15, Rev. 12-14

54. Friday 16, Rev. 15-18, Legs & Back

55. Saturday 17, Rev. 19-22

My 10 Rules, Suggestions, or Commandments for Using Twitter

2011-12-26T13:01:00.000-08:00

1. Know your audience on twitter. Anyone has access to your tweets unless you have locked your account. Consider how your behavior will be viewed before you speak. Remember, if it’s rude to your mother, it’s rude on twitter.

2. Don’t be negative or cryptic to stir up attention. People react better to positive messages on social media platforms that encourage not discouraging.

3. Be a helpful resource. Discover your passion and become the twitter expert that everyone follows for a specific topic. This may really compliment your vocation.

4. It’s best to respond to tweets by retweeting them using // after their tweet in response. This will not only help others understand your response, but the person you responded to as well.

5. Ask the most important question. “Does everyone need to read my comment or is this personal?” If not, it’s best to either withhold your thoughts or Direct Message your thoughts without others having to read it. There’s nothing worse than 2 people taking up a twitter feed with extraneous conversation.

6. Use Hashtags on major subjects so that people can join in on subject conversation and find new people to follow who discuss that particular subject regularly.

7. Be selfless not selfish. Tweeting constantly about extraneous life activities will eventually alienate your followers.

8. Don’t tweet too much or too little. A rule of thumb may be no more than 15 times per day. However, if you haven’t updated in months, I’ll unfollow you.

9. Don’t be afraid to use your sense of humor. People like to know that you are real people and have more than a one-dimensional life.

10. Block the Sketchy people. It’s a good idea to look at your followship sporadically to make sure no sketchy people are following you.

Redeeming Relationships: A Biblical Strategy Culminating In the Cross

2011-12-19T10:19:00.000-08:00

What is a redemptive relationship? Redemptive relationships are “no strings attached” relationships that are cultivated to be, show, and share Christ. Christianity is fundamentally relational and interactive, not a transactional product to be sold. Jesus was the perfect model of redemptive relationships, which led him to the cross. Throughout the gospel accounts, He met temporal needs in order to fulfill spiritual needs.

Why pursue redemptive relationships? The primary factor that makes Christianity a radical faith is that the heart of the message is “relationship”. The cross is a picture of our vertical relationship with God and the horizontal relationship with others. First, God desires for us to be in a redemptive relationship with Him. Second, He wants us to be in redemptive relationships with others. These two desires are at the heart of the biblical narrative and the apex of the crucifixion; all Christians have the opportunity to be a part of the grand narrative of redemption through relationships. Needless to say, both vertical and horizontal relationships grow over time. Not only that, but evangelism is most effective in the context of relationships. Bill Bright said “85% of believers came to faith in Christ because of a family member or a friend. Put differently, evangelism is more effective being relational than transactional. Fundamentally, the gospel is transformational more than informational.

If we call ourselves Christians, or more effectively, disciple makers, then all of our relationships should be redemptive in nature. Therefore, we must see all relationships as eternal investments. Everyone on earth is someone for whom Jesus died. Consequently, we have the opportunity to share Christ and Him crucified. However, this means walking in the proximity of those who need Jesus the most.

The backdrop for pursuing redemptive relationships is personal holiness because lordship speaks loudly and earns credibility.

There are seven stages in a redemptive relationship

1. person is aware of messenger

2. person genuinely likes the messenger

3. person is aware messenger is Christian

4. person has a positive outlook towards Bible

5. person hears and understands the Gospel

6. person recognizes a personal need for Christ

7. Person places faith in Christ

These seven stages become the testimony of all Christians. As people who seek redemptive relationships, we must be sensitively aware to where people are in this process and carry people through these stages. Cultivation may take as much as years or as little as seconds. God is inviting us into his activity; we are a tool that he uses to paint the masterpiece of redemption in people’s lives.

Relational Tools to cultivate redemptive relationships:

1. Serve Others- Jesus didn’t come to be serve, but to serve

2. Culturally converse- Common ground conversations helps to relate to others.

3. Do things together that aren’t religious- people want to know that you don’t have an agenda relationship with them

4. Ask spiritual questions- People tend to be open to talk about spiritual things over religious things.

5. Listen before speaking- People want to be heard over being told.

Look for opportunities to transition conversations towards spiritual things.

Questions to answer:

1. What are some transitional statements we can use to discuss spiritual matters?

2. Which person in your life do you have a burden for?

3. How are you cultivating relationships?

4. What steps should you take to love people redemptively?

5. Are we ignoring the command to “make disciples?” If so, Why?

Speaking to Students' Wants or Needs?

2011-12-16T17:11:00.000-08:00

It would be an arrogant error to assume what students “need” and “want” is mutually exclusive. It would be unbiblical to say a student’s “need” and “want” is always synonymous. Our hearts are deceitful according to scripture and we shouldn’t treat Bible study like a fast food drive through. However, what students want does point to an inadequate need that ought to be met through the lens of the gospel. Key phrase: “lens of the gospel” Students certainly know themselves and their wants/needs more than I do.

What students need is the life changing truth of the gospel in order to affect every component of their lives. Period… I assume many students want practical/topical advice such as dating etc. Should we talk about dating? Absolutely! Why? You can’t Christian date without knowing the gospel, therefore, you cant discuss Christian dating without the foundation of the gospel message. Put differently, all topics should be harnessed by the gospel. Paul is quick to say 1 Corinthians 2:2 “I am resolved to say nothing except Jesus Christ and Him crucified”

We live in an environment of Christianity where some communicators provide a 5 step prescriptive plan for every practical life situation while other preachers rehash the roman road in a ritualistic and predictable way. I will refer to these distinctions as the pragmatic vs. dogmatic approaches. Unfortunately, some pragmatic speakers never actually share the Gospel making them no different than any nonreligious life coach. Dogmatic approaches may fail to help parishioners flesh out their faith.

A deeper question may be, who is our audience? Christian or non-Christian? Either way, communicators must first communicate the heart of the gospel. (orthodoxy) Secondly, we communicate what our lives ought to look like in light of the gospel. (orthopraxy)

Everything we teach should be through the paradigm of the gospel and how it affects every component of our lives.

Campus Ministry & End of The Semester Evaluation

2011-12-06T19:09:00.000-08:00

I’m a big component of continual assessment, but I believe it’s very important to meet once a semester with students to get feedback on the health and vitality of ministry. This morning, I invited around 20 students to our semester evaluation meeting and we talked specifically about 3 key factors.

1. Where are we?

2. How are we doing?

3. Where do we need to go from here?

We primarily talked about the main components of the BCM ministry. Here are some of the important questions.

1. What do college students look for in a speaker/preacher/communicator?

2. Do college students prefer exegetical or topical approach to bible study?

3. How can our ministry more effectively align with our mission statement?

4. What creative elements should we emphasize more?

5. How can we focus more on relational evangelism?

6. How can we better connect students to church?

7. How can BCM help remedy college student church shopping?

8. Is BCM too staff driven or too student driven?

9. What’s the one thing we did this year that we shouldn’t have done?

10. What the one thing we did we should do again?

11. What are some key relationships and partnerships on and off campus that we need to be invested in?

12. How should we reconsider promoting our ministry?

We discussed these questions and more for around 2 hours. 3 General takeaways that I learned from students today:

1. Today’s collegians want/need to learn about biblical man and womanhood

2. Students enjoy hearing testimonies especially video testimonies.

3. Students prefer a dialogical speaker who makes scripture applicable to collegians.

College Students & Postmodernism

2011-12-02T16:46:00.000-08:00

There’s no question that post modernity has influenced collegians in a number of ways; namely, the interpretation of faith. What should be the response to this pandemic? Is it possible to leverage this worldview through dialogical Bible study? I believe it is possible if handled correctly. For example, delivering biblical truths in order to interactively discuss how to embody those truths would be an orthodox approach. A heterodox approach would be a subjectively interpreting scripture in dialogue.

Post Modernism has finagled its way into every conversational environent. For instance, in the middle of our bible study, students will make obvious contradictory statements without any glimmer of concern. Post modernism's influence has also led younger generations to a cynical view of the church. For example, one criticism collegians have towards the church is the overly authoritative pastoral role as if he were an OT prophet. “Mouthpiece of God” However, biblically, his mouthpiece should only go as far as scripture confirms.

I personally take an approach to deliver biblical truths in order to discuss with students how those truths should embody our lives. Simply put, the authoritative truth of scripture should drive our lifestyle and experiences, not vice versa. Truth doesn’t mystically originate from preachers or any other opinionated individual; it comes from scripture alone.

"Thus saith the Lord" comes from the Living Word not through experiences and opinions.

Here are some statements where post modernism rears it's ugly head in 21st century spiritual conversations...

1. This is what that scripture means to me.

2. I know what the bible says, but it doesn't feel that way.

3. It doesn't really matter what you believe about Christianity as long as you are good and sincere.

4. You are a legalitic fundamentalist if you have a propositional, objective & systematic approach to spirituality.

5. You take the bible too literally.

6. There's no difference between the faith of Christianity and other world religions.

Reaching Mosaics (18-29 Year Olds)

2011-11-28T20:08:00.000-08:00

According to Dave Kinnaman, mosaics are the black hole of church attendance. They are MIA…

If 59% of former churched mosaics have dropped out of church, why are they leaving?

Top 5 reasons mosaics say they are leaving the church:

1. Christianity is too political and quota driven

2. Church is a boring obligation

3. Christianity was forced on Mosaics by their parents

4. Older people seem more important than younger people in churches

5. Minister sex and money scandals cause cynicism and skepticism

Accurate or not, these are real sentiments that act as barriers not only to church, but to the Christian faith.

How do we respond to these reasons?

1. Teach the Centrality of the Cross-Shaped Gospel

The Bible belt is seen by mosaics as an ecclesiological society where consumeristic pragmatic Christianese is sold like a cheap marketing strategy that is as transactional as the McDonalds drive through leaving people hungry for the Gospel only moments later. Their cynicism and skepticism may carry some weight. Simply put, what has to be communicated is the simple Gospel that Paul reiterated time and time again. (1 Corinthians 15:1-5) The Cross Shaped Gospel has both vertical and horizontal beams that represent our relationship with God (vertical) and man (horizontal) (Luke 10:27) The Cross is about dual reconciliation: conservatives are stereotyped to neglect the horizontal beam while liberals are stereotyped to neglect the vertical beam. You cannot reach out without first reaching up. Put differently, the highest proof of reaching up is reaching out. Mosaics understand the importance of reaching out as proof of reaching up.

2. Embrace Messy Discipleship

The Great Commission cannot fit into a neat package and bar coded like a product to be sold. Institutional systems and ritualistic programming are parts of the establishment Mosaics are against. Mosaics desire relationship over programming.

3. Understand Mosaic Worldview (1 Cor. 9:20)

Mosaics are sensing, perceiving, and interpreting their world through screens (TV, Computer, smart phone, tablet, etc); 90% of all mosaic information is perceived through screens. Mosaics have a tall protective guard due to the lack of trust in their lives. 41% of children are born without a father and some don’t remember a time when our country hasn’t been at war. Consequently, adolescence is stretching well into the 30’s. 9-11 fundamentally changed how Mosaics view religion; relativism and the lack of authority has left us with a pluralistic society with essentially no propositional truth. How does ministry leverage culture for the sake of the Gospel? Great prayer, patience, and perseverance...

Re-Marketing the Gospel: How we Communicate Matters

2011-11-18T07:00:00.000-08:00

Contextualization is always a difficult task because you have to discern what is culturally amoral and how world views can be harnessed for the advancement of the Gospel. Studies show that lingo such as "saved" "sin" "repeat this prayer to go to heaven" "eschatological""political" Christianity carries negative connotations for today's culture. In order to be "all things to all people, should we re-market these culturally harassed words to erase unbeliever stereotypes or go to bat for traditional evangelical approaches to Christianity in the name of orthodox persecution? Our goal is to land on the continuum of relevance allthewhile being proponerantly biblical. Many Christian circles merely use replacement words to erase negative stereotypes. For instance, missional for evangelism, movement for revival, Story of God for spiritual laws, and the list goes on and on...However, are these merely a fadish way to make Christianity sexy that will fade faster than a blockbuster movie? I think so, but that is not necessarily bad. I like blockbuster movies, and when they get old, I watch a new one. Christian lingo will continue to morph in order to harness culture and advance the Gospel, but the centrality of the Gospel message is of most importance. We must have the non negotiables of Christianity front and center... Relevance + propositional biblical truth= orthodoxy...Relevance + emphasis on man over God = heterodoxy

Ministry & Politics: A Biblical Paradigm

2011-11-15T15:53:00.000-08:00

How should politics influence ministry? Or should it? Inversely, how should ministry influence politics? Early in my ministry career, I attempted to cultivate a middle-ground culture, where Fox and MSNBC news supporters could dialogue in a Biblical fashion. However, my conviction now is much larger because cultivating a gospel-centered worldview is most important. In other words, we should view politics from a biblical worldview, not vice versa.

There is no objectivity among the paradigms of political parties. Both sides have their own opinions and their agendas revolve over the issue of power in order to pass law. Put differently, politics and power go hand in hand just like the Pharisee and Herodian regimes found in Matthew 22.

A fundamental question to ask….

What is your agenda? Some believe the government should help the poor, offer healthcare for the disadvantaged, and open national borders through increased taxation on the wealthy. Others believe that government should not “bite the hand that feeds you” and advocates small government.

We all have our own agenda, even if it’s indifference, but an agenda nonetheless.

Why did Jesus call the Pharisees and Herodians hypocrites?...because they had the wrong agenda; they wanted power.

Modern Day Translation

Dear Democrats,

If I looked at your tax statement, would I see a genuine commitment to the poor, or like the Pharisees, talk a big game and not living out your political convictions?

Dear Republicans,

It’s one thing to speak out against abortion, but it’s completely different to come alongside young pregnant women and offer to adopt. Do you just vote and speak out or offer biblical solutions?

It’s Easy to Vote, but it’s Messy to Make a Difference. The politics of Jesus seen through the Gospel is counterintuitive to human government because government only changes laws, it cannot change hearts.

If we only change laws and not hearts, we may be doing more harm to the advancement of the Gospel than help. For instance, whenever our opposition to an issue becomes louder than our concern and love for people, the advancement of the gospel is not only damaged, we dishonor Christ.;we are hypocrites.

The Government is not the hope of the world… The Church is!

3 Types of Collegians: What Thumbprint are You Leaving?

2011-11-06T14:25:00.000-08:00

Defaulter

The collegian who hits the default button is the student who casts their life responsibilities on other people. The defaulters only purpose in college is to graduate. Consequently, they have a difficult experience finding a job because the lack of experience and purpose.

Egomaniac

These students lust for leadership and social status. These students are often too heavily involved on campus in order to know people and be known. While these students are widely known on campus, they often deal with depression and self confidence issues. Friendships are surface level because the egomaniac collegian doesn’t want others to know what’s really going on beneath the surface.

Influencer

Influencers have a balanced social and academic life because they live for both tomorrow and today. Influencers understand what hangs in the balance if they make the right choice versus the wrong choice. Influencers have the ability to lead through humility not manipulation. Influencers harness kindness, empathy, and love in order to share Biblical Truth.

What thumbprint are you leaving in College?

Everything You Need to Know on God's Take on Calvinism...

2011-11-05T14:05:00.000-07:00

This thoughtful illustration was provided by Charles Ryrie from God's perspective.Do I know the day you will die? Yes...Have I appointed that day? Yes...Can you do anything to change that day? No...Then why do you eat if I'm in control? To live you say...What happens when you don't eat? You die... Then, if you don't eat and die, is that the day I appointed you to die?.... Quit asking stupid questions and just eat... Because eating is the preordained way I appointed for living... It shouldn't be a mystery that the more you share, the more people are elected... There's a reason I don't fit into your neat syllogisms and paradigms... I wouldn't be God if I did...

Top 10 Reasons You Should Go To BCM Lunch Tomorrow

2011-10-04T17:53:00.000-07:00

10. Invite someone who’s never been before and it’s FREE!

9. You get to see which one of my parents I look like most “Mom & Dad will be there!”

8. You get to meet a real life motivational speaker “My Dad” who will motivate you to "Run the Race" ...*disclaimer: He doesn't live in a van down by the river...

7....YES it is true that we have the Best Sweet Tea Ever!

6. You get the Best food for the Best Price on Campus with a Biblical Life Lesson

5. You will make new friends to connect with on campus!

4. You will get to meet the lady from church everybody loves

3. You will eat the best homemade dessert of your life.

2. It’s the best opportunity to invite that person in class you always wanted to invite to “lunch” but never had the reason or courage.

and...#1. You get to Hear Allie Mac Sing!

Why Church?

2011-09-29T08:48:00.000-07:00

Of of our main objectives as the BCM is to connect students to the local church. The BCM is a student led ministry, so tonight we will have a panel of students answering these 9 questions about college students and the local church. I'm excited to hear their responses and may blog about it in the future. I will also look at scripture's view of these essential questions in light of the cultural trends of college students.

1. Why do so many college students NOT go to church?
2. Why is the local church important to you?
3. What advice would you give the college student who says I can worship God in my dorm?
4. What does it mean for a college student to be INVOLVED in church?
5. Why be a church member? Can't i just participate?
6. What are good reasons to look for another church?
7. What are some WRONG reasons to go to church?
8. What is the most important quality you look for in a church?
9. How can we balance BCM and Church life?

So invite a friend and come experience an incredible time tonight! I know I'm really looking forward to hearing collegians respond to these questions!

Your First 100 Days As BCM Director: Via Linda Osborne

2011-09-18T18:34:00.000-07:00

1. Pierce the culture of your campus

2. Develop a specialized freshmen ministry

3. Help connect the church to the campus and the campus to the church

4. Strengthen your students as leaders

5. Emphasize strong weekly programs that develop students spiritually

6. Meet the needs of specific students on campus

7. Assist students in making life decisions

8 Guide students to live a missional life

What Determines If Students Will Connect? Just One Word

2011-09-16T14:57:00.000-07:00

The end of the first month of the Fall semester is upon us and there is lots of evaluation to do. Lots of names and info cards to follow up on; however, evaluating ministry efforts can be frustrating because we have 3-4 times the info cards than actual students who come to any given event. That’s a retention rate of 25-35%. I’m not here to diagnose the reasons for that retention or point out the variety of factors; that may be a later post. However, I do want to address the one thing that inevitably connects students. To make it simple, it’s only one word…ACCEPTANCE… Simply put, glitzy promotional tools and a cool atmosphere may be inviting, but what connects students is whether or not they feel accepted once they experience a particular ministry. Accepting students is the most important component for a ministry committed to the Great Commission because acceptance leads to influence. And we don’t want students to be accepted by those who will influence them negatively.

I told our inner circle of BCM leaders yesterday that we, as leadership, exist to accept those who have not yet been accepted so we can harness acceptance for influence. Namely, influence for the sake of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

All throughout Scripture, Jesus accepted to influence... Why shouldn't we?

If we don't accept you, we aren't being faithful to our fundamental beliefs. No matter who you are are where you've been, we have a place for you!

As I write this, I'm listening to 50 or so Chinese students singing in Mandarin in our building... and the Moon Festival doesn't start till 6:00. I don't know what they are saying, singing, eating, or dancing (I've never seen anyone breakdance like that)... All I know is that they are ACCEPTED!

Praying for influence...

9/11 and The 5 Life Truths I Learned That Day

2011-09-11T19:34:00.000-07:00

Security can’t be found in a Nation, but in God:

If I am real honest, the morning I woke up in Senatobia, Ms on September 11, 2001, I felt like America, myself, and my world was indestructible; A 19 year old kid had no reason to think otherwise. However, after watching the towers fall, I realized that America is not as safe as the America I had previously experienced. My Hope could not be in a nation; but in God. He has promised the only security we can find in this world.

What provides humanity a sense of morality “religion”, can be held hostage and leveraged for evil:

This is one of the first paradoxes I experienced. I can remember studying a proof of God’s existence through innate morality in philosophy 101 in the fall of 2001. Little did I know the greatest tool evil uses is religion itself. September 11, 2001 taught me that man was capable of evil more that I could ever think or imagine; the depravity of man was inarguably evident in this new world.

The only Hope we have during uncertain and difficult time is in God through prayer:

While I was struggling with all of the “why” questions for God, I knew that He was the only person to provide humanity with Hope and Healing. The evening of 9.11.01, our campus called for a campus-wide prayer. It was in those moments of prayer that I felt comfort, community, and hope for the future. Where else can this be found? It felt Good to be huddled praying together on a public campus in America; we were unified with a common purpose. And completely trusting in the only hope we had that night...Divine guidance.

The worlds problems are much larger than the ones we experience:

This truth is hauntingly comforting because we are not alone in our suffering; someone else is experiencing just as much or more pain than we are. My greatest concern on September 11, 2001 was worrying about failing my chemistry class. Little did I know the battery operated radio my professor pulled out of her desk would deliver news that would change America forever. The world’s problems were much larger than the world I experienced at that time. I finally realized that God had a specific plan for me to make a difference in the world that He has created for me.

1. If the eternity you envision is wrong, you will be shocked when you die.

a. Much like the terrorists believed, i believe everyone spends forever somewhere. Unlike the terrorists, I don't believe they are experiencing the women of paradise right now; eternity is too long to get religion and spirituality wrong.

Campus Ministry: Week One Take Away

2011-08-27T07:34:00.000-07:00

Campus ministers understand the importance of the first three weeks of school because students typically set their trek for the semester within those few weeks. So, how can we interrupt that trek, making sure ministry is on student’s radar?

We just finished week one at ASU and here are six takeaways from our week one.

1. Students are more forgiving week one so they are willing to participate in longer programming, especially at the beginning of the week. Longer programming facilitates community and helps students feel embraced.

2. Week one programming should be highly interactive and relational if you want students to connect and come back. The larger the crowd, the harder it is to connect relationally. Put differently, the smaller the crowd, the easier it is to connect relationally. Does this mean you don't want a large crowd? No, but if you do have a large crowd, it may be advantageous to break it into smaller groups or play a game that would enforce students to participate and get to know others.

3. By the end of the week, you will see fatigue in students because all campus organizations have so much to offer that week. What does this mean for ministry? If other organizations will not continue their activities, then it would be to your advantage to continue your week 1 activities the entire semester. CONSITENCY IS KEY DURING THE SEMESTER. (This is why we don’t have activities EVERY night during week)

4. Tailor make week one programming for first timers. Many students will give your ministry one shot during week one, so make sure you don’t mess it up by focusing most of your attention to insiders. After a first timer’s first impression, they will decide if it fits their campus identity. Therefore, make sure your leadership team serves and ensures first timers have a good experience.

   5.  Make sure your environments are clean, cool, and comfortable. We make sure our building is just as modern as our student center because we want students to feel like they are at home on campus, not in an antiquated center with 1980’s furniture that smells like a nursing home.

   6. Make sure everything you do week one is strategically linked to other semester events and most importantly, your mission statement.

Do you find this the case on your campus or is this just a takeaway from my campus?

For His Glory

Partnership: BCM and Our Relationship with Churches and Campus Ministries

2011-08-21T18:47:00.000-07:00

A common false understanding is that the Baptist Collegiate Ministry is a para ”extra”-church organization; it is not. BCM is an extension of all Southern Baptist churches. Consequently, we represent the beautiful representation of The Church working synergistically connecting to students and making wholehearted followers of Christ. Southern Baptists are cooperative; this is why college campuses tend to have one campus ministry on campus. We have always been associational; I pray we always will. The BCM desires to partner with all gospel-centered organizations and point students to Jesus, not just our organization. However, I believe there are 2 primary partnerships.

Partnership 1 is a partnership with all Southern Baptist Churches that support a BCM paradigm: These churches funnel students to the BCM and the BCM funnels students to them; it’s a two way street. Put differently, it’s a complementary relationship. I thank God for our churches who entrust their students with our BCM. This is a picture of Biblical unity. The BCM should utilize the help of SBC churches and vice versa in order to maximize ministry.

Partnership 2 is a partnership with “para” church organizations and other gospel centered ministries. The BCM Prays for them and works ecumenically with them for many projects. However, students aren't funneled to and from these ministries: in other words, we don't promote each others events. In fact, at ASU, we encourage students to commit to one campus ministry and invest there rather than “shop around all semester”, leading to an altogether shallow experience. I am good friends with most of our campus ministry leaders and we talk regularly about the importance of leadership and commitment vs. campus ministry shoppers. Each campus ministry has it’s own identity and we should celebrate the diversity and point students to organizations that fit their personality and beliefs.

In conclusion, to maximize the advancement of the Gospel, we must understand the importance of Biblical unity and partnership while teaching commitment and leadership.

ASU BCM Welcome Week Activities

2011-08-20T15:23:00.000-07:00

Monday: Freshmen i survival 4:30-8:30

Survival is a “Freshmen only” event that helps acclimate students to ASU life. Get ready for fun games, videos, breakouts, pizza, small groups, and ultimate Frisbee afterdark. Haven’t registered? Don’t worry, we are accepting up to 80 walk-ins this year.

Tuesday: Freshmen Leadership Team

The Freshmen Leadership team is a pre-selected group of freshmen leaders that meet weekly for discipleship and leadership training. These students were chosen by leaders in the community. However, if you would like to apply, we do have slots for a couple more students.

Wednesday Lunch: 12:00-12:45

Wednesday lunch this week is free to all. Stephen Durven “Wayne” from the movie “Fireproof” will speak and special music by Noland Gilmore and Klayton Seylor. Drop in after class and we will make sure you get to your 1:00. We promise.

Thursday: BCM College Worship: 6:15-7:30

Every Thursday we have a college worship service at the BCM Center beside the parking garage at ASU. This week, the Christian Baxter Band will be leading worship and there will be a Sumo wrestling contest and ice cream afterwards.

International Conversation Club and Freshmen Night starts the following Monday on August 29^th at 6:15.

Lots of opportunities this semester at the BCM. These listed above are weekly activities; we have other activities planned as well!

Old Testament Law, Holy Spirit, Miracles, Inclusivism, and other Tough Questions College Students Have about Faith

2011-08-16T11:15:00.000-07:00

I had a college student recently ask me these four questions and this is my brief response. Who says collegians don't think theologically?

1. How relevant are the commands and ideas presented in the Old Testament?

Many people ask the question "should we as Christians obey all 600 Old Testament commands?" The answer depends on which commandment. Let me explain. The OT is a covenant between God and His People. Many OT commandments were stipulations God had for this covenant with His people. After Jesus, we entered a New covenant. Now, this New covenant (New Testament) has only renewed some of these Old Testament laws. For instance, civil law and ritual law provided in Leviticus, parts of Exodus, Deuteronomy, and Numbers are not binding for us today. However, some parts of the OT were renewed by the NT including the Ten Commandments. Differentiating scripture doesn’t mean it isn’t the Word of God even thought some of it isn’t commanded for us today.

Simply Put, don't see the OT binding unless it was renewed in the NT.

2. Who is the Holy Spirit to you, and how does He work through you?

The right question is not “who is the Holy Spirit to me?” but rather “who is the Holy Spirit presented in scripture?” God is one in three persons in scripture. However, The Father is not the Holy Spirit and Christ is not the Holy Spirit. It’s important to note the Holy Spirit is not a “force” or “power” or “it”. He has a mind, will, and a feeling. The biblical names of the Holy Spirit such as counselor, comforter, etc., gives us indications to the purpose of the Holy Spirit. Other biblical activities of the Spirit include teaching, hearing, commanding, knowing, searching, convicting, bestowing gifts, interceding, helping, sanctifying, and applying salvation to the believer.

3. Do you believe in miracles in today's society?

Some biblical scholars argue that miracles were restricted to the days of the apostles (they misinterpret 2 Corinthians 12:12). Side note: This is why apostolic churches are typically churches that focus on the gifts of the apostles. However, because a concentration of miracles happened with the apostles doesn’t mean they can’t happen through others who weren’t apostles. At any rate, it is not right for Christians to seek miracles today in order to advance one’s status or be entertained by the Spirit. Do I believe in modern day miracles? Yes, but I am extremely cautious due to the abuse of this topic by many of today’s televangelists. So the two-word answer for your question is that I am “openly cautious”

4. Given the idea that you must know Jesus to be saved, do you believe that the unsaved that have never heard the name or anything of Jesus will be sent to heaven or hell?

Saying that John Doe who lives among a people group who has never of Jesus, but will be saved is called inclusivism. Inclusivism confuses Common Grace between Saving Grace. Common grace is the grace God provides everyone regardless of hearing the gospel, (Romans 1:18-20) but doesn’t have eternally salvific power. Saving grace is found only in the person of Christ by grace through faith of the hearer. Inclusivism has no biblical grounds if we rightly differentiate common and saving grace. My main objection to inclusivism other than biblical is practical; If inclusivism were true and God wanted everyone to be saved, it would make the most missional sense not to share Christ, but rather, be silent in order for many to be saved . This idea is certainly not biblical.

Dear ASU Incoming Freshmen: What I Wished Someone Would've Shared With Me Before College

2011-08-13T07:50:00.000-07:00

Dear College Freshmen,

Your world is about to change dramatically next Saturday when your parents move you into your new dorm-room and drive back home. It will be good for you to be on your own, making tons of new friends, and experiencing some of the best memories of your life. However, here are some things I wish I would’ve known in your shoes.

It may not seem like it, but the choices you make the first week of college will affect the rest of your life. You will meet a new circle of friends, walk in new paths, and find new passions. It may seem like hanging our with the “cool people circe” is a huge deal, but it’s not at the expense of your morality. Many college students lose a sense of morality in college. At the end of your career, the “cool people circle will evaporate and only lasting friendships will remain. Put differently, don't sacrifice your morality for social acceptance. Some psychologists say that pursuing social acceptance at the expense of morality in college is oftentimes the result of poor self-confidence.

If all you do is party, then when you leave college, you will find out the party will end… and so will those so-called friendships. So, find a wide variety of friends and be the influencer not the influenced. Don’t miss great opportunities to meet new people that will make your college experience great. Also, find a balance between social time and study time. Social time is an essential component of a college education, but avoid the extreme position of just hanging out all of the time.

Wanna meet around 200 incoming freshmen on the first day of class at a Christian event called "Survival" at the Baptist Collegiate Ministry at ASU?

You can still sign up here: www.astatebcm.com

21st Century Judaizers: Making it difficult for people to turn to God

2011-08-10T06:03:00.000-07:00

There was a tendency in early Christendom to retreat back under the Mosaic legislation, which was a very long list of do’s and don’ts. Put differently, Christianity became a legalistic driven religion rather than grace driven; some priests were telling men they would have to be circumcised before becoming a Christian. These Christians were called the Judaizers.

There are 21^st century legalists or Judaizers that make it “difficult for Gentiles to turn to God” Oftentimes, we try to impose morality on a people as a means of grace; Biblical morality is a result of grace, not a condition for grace. There will always be a mysterious tension between grace and truth.

Watching mainstream media is one of many indications that Christianity is a sub-culture. This is why many people get burned by churches who force religious morality without creating a biblical community. To turn Christianity into a sub-culture is to create God in your own image; this is idolatry. Christianity is applicable to all cultures; leveraging culture to share the gospel is called contextualization. Paul's missionary journeys in Acts is a great explanation of contextualizing the gospel.

Jesus never asked people to subscribe to a list of prerequisites before following him. In fact, the people that turned to him in the gospel accounts met none of the religious pre-requisites of the day.

If we are going to take grace seriously…

If we are going to take the great commission seriously…

“It is my judgment, therefore, that we should not make it difficult for the Gentiles who are turning to God.”

Acts 15:19

The Best Advice Incoming Freshmen Receive: 10 Suggestions

2011-08-08T07:39:00.000-07:00

Two weeks from today, most of you will begin your first day of College!! Here’s ten suggestions to make the best of your first week of class.

1. Don’t be afraid to ask for help and get to know your professors.

2. Start your college career off the same way you want to end your career.

3. Get some sleep and stay healthy.

4. Be open to meet lots of new friends

5. Take lots of pictures.

6. Be smart with your money

7. Call your parents… just not all the time.

8. Start building your resume even now.

9. Turn over a new leaf and discover a new passion

10. Get involved on campus and stay involved.

Freshmen Survival is a way all incoming freshmen can start off on the right foot the very first day of Class.

http://www.astatebcm.com/Arkansas_State_University_BCM/Home_files/isurvivalbackcard.pdf

Metro Atlanta Churches say "First Impressions" Count

2011-07-27T13:26:00.000-07:00

While Kelly and her mom got pedicures and manicures today in Atlanta, I went to some of the fastest growing churches in America for a “first impressions” visit. The staff were very nice escorting me around their facilities. Many of these churches have a core value to focus on new people that come through their door. Consequently, they create environments that are conducive for new comers to feel welcome. However, how can we maintain customer satisfaction principles without losing the heart of the gospel? Are we focusing on wrong matters in the church? Should environmental design be fundamental for ministries? Especially, in light of the more pressing physical and spiritual issues around the globe. At any rate, environmental cosmetics must not be at the heart of our budget, but it can be harnessed for the glory of Christ, even on a budget. Here are some of the pics from today.

Buckhead Church

Buckhead Church is a branch of Andy Stanley's NorthPoint Community Church in Alpharetta. It is a 6 story business building in the heart of the business district in Buckhead. They used lots of corrugated plastic for design especially in the kids departments. Their flooring was a mix of tile and carpet tile with lots of attitude. Versatility seemed to be the architectural motto.

Passion City Church

Passion City Church is a newer church led by Louie Giglio that meets in an old Warehouse building between Buckhead and Downtown Atlanta off Piedmont at 515 Garson. It looks like Apple's headquarters with white everything. It's design is modern and simple.

RiverStone Church, Marietta

This is Mac Powell's (Third Day) church in Marietta. This is a picture of the student ministry department. Of all the churches, this church had the most creative ideas on a smaller budget.

Cheap Takeaways:

1. Flat paint

2. accent walls

3. Open, Tall rooms

4. Ceramic, Carpet mix with "loud" designs

5. Welcome/Visitor Center is Easy to find

6. Accessible informational packets

7. Signage with easy to follow directions

The 7 Stages of A Redemptive Relationship

2011-07-26T19:30:00.000-07:00

Redemptive relationships are “no strings attached” relationships that are cultivated to be, show, and share Christ. Christianity is fundamentally relational and interactive, not a product to be sold. Jesus was the perfect model of redemptive relationships. Throughout the gospel accounts, He met temporal needs in order to fulfill spiritual and eternal needs

The backdrop for pursuing redemptive relationships is personal holiness because lordship speaks loudly and earns credibility.

At any rater, there are seven stages in a redemptive relationships

1. person is aware of messenger

2. person genuinely likes the messenger

3. person is aware messenger is Christian

4. person has a positive outlook towards Bible

5. person hears and understands the Gospel

6. person recognizes a personal need for Christ

7. Person places faith in Christ

These seven stages become the testimony of all Christians.

Christians Are Losers: They Really Are

2011-07-19T17:17:00.000-07:00

Christians are confused about what it means to surrender to God. There are books and sermons entitled, “5 easy steps to Christian Maturity”, but this is not what the bible says about spiritual maturity. Christians mature through suffering and obedience to Christ. We must never forget the importance of losing and surrender.

One of my favorite U2 songs is “Moment of Surrender’’ one verse says this:

I was speeding on the subway

Through the Stations of the Cross

Every eye looking every other way

Counting down ‘til the pain would stop

My prayer is that all of us have moments of surrender and by God’s grace, may they come sooner than later. Surrender implies losing, and no one wants to be a loser, yet Jesus calls Christians to be losers. We must lose our life in order to find him. (Matt. 16:25-28)

Being surrendered to Jesus costs us in the same way it cost him… his life…

This paradigm shift of faith will never produce thoughts like “I’ll get back to you, Jesus, just as soon as I finish my other priorities.”

God has a habit of picking losers, so join the movement and “lose your life” in order to find the life that matters most.

Starbucks and Accountability: The Fabric of What We Do

2011-07-16T16:29:00.000-07:00

A couple students have recently brought to my attention that we should program missions and accountability more into BCM programming. I don’t believe Missions and Accountability should be another program in ministry; rather, it should undergird the fabric of everything we do in ministry. We should not fabricate it through programming.

What comes to mind when you think of Starbucks? Coffee... Why? Coffee is in the fabric of everything Starbucks does. Likewise, Missions and Accountability should be in the fabric of everything we do in ministry because they are essential for Gospel-centered ministries.

The Leadership Principle of Paul

2011-07-10T11:45:00.000-07:00

If ministries are not careful, they can adopt a shotgun approach to evangelism leaving behind immature and impressionable believers susceptible to false doctrines much like Paul did in Galatia. Paul learned his lesson later by staying Corinth and Ephesus much longer to preach the gospel to ALL and empower leadership responsibilities to discipled believers. Put differently, when he left those cities, he was confident the work of the gospel could be done without him. In many of our ministries today, the vast majority of leadership comes from paid professsionals. Paul teaches us to do less in order to accomplish more for the Gospel.

Less is Oftentimes More when you train leaders effectively.

What would happen if we train our leaders rather than hire professionals?

Blogging 101: My 4 Rules of Blogging

2011-07-08T18:33:00.000-07:00

1 Share what inspires you

Discussing issues that matter most to you will not only make blogging exciting for you, it will connect you to people who are inspired by the same topics.

2. 2. Share through Search Engines, Twitter and Facebook

Some people ask, “Why utilize different social networks such as Twitter & Facebook?” Twitter and Facebook are social networking tools that have different audiences. A good way to explain the difference is this: Facebook is a network for people you already know and Twitter is a network of people you want to know better. In my experience, most blog traffic typically comes from Twitter.

3. 3. People Like Hot Topics

Each time I look at which article gets the most hits, it’s always hot topic blogs. However, be very careful of emotionally charged statements, because a very wide variety of people who think differently will read it. Therefore, keep it respectful.

4. 4. Be Concise over Complete

If you are anything like me, you look how long the blog is before you read it. People want you to communicate efficiently so don’t use long, verbose paragraphs. It’s ok to end without answering all the tension you create in your blog.

College Minister's Roundtable: Tailor Made For College Ministers

2011-07-06T19:52:00.000-07:00

Do you feel like you are the only expert in your college ministry field? In a ministry world that is driven by famous communicators, rocking bands, moving lights, and New York Times best beller authors: what else should we think the most widely known conferences would be made up of? Unfortunately, most conferences are a one sided street and we have lost the most crucial element of conferencing... Dialogue. I choose not to attend most “popular” conferences because I can live stream them to my computer or buy the CD's later.

But what if there was a conference that was different? What if a conference was tailor made for college ministers who were doing the same things you are around the country? But with much more wisdom, experience, and direction? Share frustrations, find solutions, and pray for this generation.

The good news is that this conference does exist! It’s called “The College Minister’s Roundtable” in Fayetteville, Arkansas at the BCM and will begin Monday July 11^th at 11:00 am to July 13^th at 3:00 pm. Some of the most well known BCM Minister's and Church-based Ministers will be attending from across the country. So bring your good ideas and we will fill up the blackboard with discussions that only college ministers understand. We want to learn from YOU!!!

FYI, this will be the last time I ever post a HOG pic so…. Enjoy.

You can contact me for more info or check out the Facebook Page here:

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=183356571709189

Books I Want To Write Before I Die

2011-07-05T22:07:00.000-07:00

Jesus Didn’t Ride Into Jerusalem On An Elephant Or A Donkey

Common Misconceptions Christians Have About God

How Not To Preach: 10 Keys To The 8 Steps To The 9 Paths To The 1 Way To God With An Inspirational Poem

The Compatibility Of Free Will And Sovereignty

The Great Commission And The College Campus

College Students Don’t Wash Their Clothes, But They Will Change the World

What Makes the Bible Different From Other Ancient Literature?

Adoption Is Sexy... Even In America

Why Majoring on the Minors Is A Major Mess Up

A Book About College Ministry By A Person Who Is Actually A College Minister

Contextualizing the Gospel For A Diverse Audience

Honorariums: Why Tipping Your Minister Is More Important Than Your DJ

Right Behind: The Apocalyptic Chronicles

I’m Not Saying He’s A Heretic… But He Is: A Response to N.T. Wright’s Response to John Piper’s Response to N.T. Wright

Why Campus Ministry Is More Important Now More Than Ever

The Real GCR: Goading College Revivals

Is America A Christian Nation? Make a Difference Not A Point

2011-07-04T09:28:00.000-07:00

This question prompts an overflow of emotion for all Americans. However, there is a major problem with this loaded question.

Before determining the answer, we must construct the criteria for determining what makes a country “Christian”.

77% of our country call themselves Christian while only 35% attend church regularly. Some would answer that America must establish Christianity as a state religion to be a Christian nation. So you see, answering this question is very difficult based on the definition you provide to the question “Is America a Christian Nation?” Based on your definition, I would answer it differently.

We could discuss at great length the faith of our forefathers who signed the Declaration of Independence, which is the foundational fabric of our government. Andrew Jackson said “The Bible is the rock on which our republic rests” We didn’t merely separate from Great Britain because of economic reasons, but rather, 26 fundamentally Christian reasons provided in the Declaration of Independence. A three-hour prayer session opened the first session of congress in 1774 and many were weeping to God on behalf of our great nation. They studied four chapters of Psalms and called the people of our nation to fast. The first American Bible was printed by the congress to use in school. John Adams said, “The general principles on which the fathers achieved independence were the general principles of Christianity” After all, 29 0f the 56 men who signed the Declaration of Independence had seminary degrees from Christian Universities.

Am I constructing a case for Christian Exceptionalism? Not if your interpretation of exceptionalism connotes superiority and pride. No one will deny that any document and democracy that stands for 235 years is not exceptional.

However, the mission of the church is not to return to 18^th century American colonialism; I don't know anyone who takes the Bible seriously would argue for this return. If we return to our historical roots, women wouldn’t have a vote and certain types of discrimination would be legal. The mission of the church is to advance the gospel not a political agenda.

A Christian nation is a nation by which all other religions are allowed to practice. As a Christian, I want other religions to be my neighbor, because I am called to minister to them, befriend them, for the sake of the gospel

I question the faith of the Christian who is scared of other religions.

The unfortunate reality is that people use this question “Is America A Christian Nation?” to make a point rather than make a difference. It’s much easier to make a point than to make a difference. Making points causes dissention and polarization. Making a difference causes unity. The time is now to stop arguing red vs. blue, left vs. right, and neighbor vs. neighbor.

Unfortunately, Southern Baptists “my denomination” can be known more for what they are against than what they are for. If we are not careful, we can portray a pharisaic principle to “become like us then you can join our club.” However, the church is NOT a club.

It’s interesting to see those is scripture that made the most difference actually befriended those they disagreed the most. Paul became all things to all people. They were constantly at odds with the religious right of the day and not concerned about guilt by association. Jesus was the friend of tax collectors and sinners. These were people he disagreed with the most. Those we deem as biblical heroes refused to be dragged into debates that distracted them from primary issues. More importantly, they didn’t judge non-Christians for behaving like non-Christians.

The church shines the brightest when Christians live like Christians not when they force others into subscribing with her morality. Scripture says to be a light on a hill so they will see your good deeds. It doesn’t say place a billboard on a hill to force non-Christians into your religious morality.

Remember Rome? Rome became Christian nation not because people made points, but because people made differences. They took care of the poor, orphans, and widows. The government saw this.

Christians aren’t called to police the behavior of people who don’t believe like us. However, when political and cultural issues conflicts with scripture, Christians should not shy away with the issues, but talk about them in an open dialogue.

Living out the gospel daily may be more effective than plastering on billboards telling Non Christians how they ought to live.

Today is a day of Freedom. Abraham Lincoln said “Those who deny freedom to others deserve it not for themselves”

What would happen to our country if you became a difference maker instead of a point maker?

Happy 4th! God bless America and America bless God

4 Myths About Successful College Ministry

2011-06-28T17:55:00.000-07:00

Myth 1: Money=Ministry.

Truth: It takes prayer, commitment, partnership, and submission to the Gospel Money doesn’t raise itself, but people oftentimes give where God is moving.

Myth 2: If you want to grow a ministry, you have to attract the popular crowd.

Truth: If we want to be Biblical, we have to reach more than just popular people. We are called to “make disciples” of All Nations, not just with Greeks and athletes.

Myth 3: We have to have a cool band and a great communicator.

Truth: Cool bands and great communicators may be an immediate appeal, but what keeps people connected is ownership. This includes creating a leadership structure and getting people connected.

Myth 4: creative, trendy, and "coffee house" environments alongside strong leadership personalities are essential.

Truth: Spirit driven, prayerful direction, and sensitivity to the Holy Spirit is essential.

This is What the Bible Means to Me

2011-06-22T20:31:00.000-07:00

We’ve all heard this statement in Bible study and in everyday conversations. But is this statement true? Can the Bible be subjective to each individual? Some would say this statement is a result of a relativistic and postmodern philosophy. However, both interpretations can’t be right can they? They are as right as a person being both Hindu and Christian at the same time. Both can be authentically sincere, but one is sincerely wrong. The text can Never mean today what it didn't mean when it was written.

So how can you best understand what the Bible means?
1. Use Hebrew/Greek Language resources

     2. Understand the passage contextually (history/culture
     3. Know the literary style
   4. Understand the Bible is a redemptive meta-narrative pointing to Christ.
   5. Compile a basic library of interpretation (commentaries, Word Studies, dictionary, concordance, study bible, etc.)

It’s not enough to just read the Bible, but to understand what it means.

The 4 P's That Make My Father Great

2011-06-19T13:39:00.000-07:00

Priest: My dad wasn’t Catholic, but there wasn’t the slightest doubt whether or not he was praying on behalf of our family. Before he went into remission with lymphoma in the mid 90’s, I remember him crying out to God on his bedside as I was listening in the room next door.

Prophet: My dad took every opportunity for my brother and I to provide teachable moments. From a very early age, he implanted in us a biblical worldview through every life situation. I can remember him filling the margins of his Bible full of notes during church and leading our family with the harness of scripture. He was truly a mouthpiece of God for his family.

Provider: We always had enough and we were never in need. Both of my parents were schoolteachers so we had to get pretty creative to go on summer vacations and get state of the art resources. Every summer, the Logan family went on vacation in a Ford Econoline van with a CB radio and an air conditioner window unit in the back: I think we’ve stayed at every KOA campground in the Southeast. I remember waking up in Pigeon Forge one morning soaking wet after the air conditioner leaked on me all nigh. However, those times were some of the greatest memories of my childhood.

In the mid 80’s, The Encyclopedia World Book was “The Thing” to have, but they were pretty expensive. So, one summer, dad went to work with Encyclopedia and sold just enough sets that we were able get a free set at home. Brad and I were so excited: especially about the “goofy” children’s version.

Protector: Every child thinks his dad is an immortal superhero. I didn’t think any differently. He was the epitome of masculinity: after all, he was a football coach with a mustache who drank his coffee black. After seeing the fear in the eyes of his football players after he chewed em out, I knew he deserved respect from me. The only thing my teachers had to do to control my behavior was threaten me to call my dad: nothing else required. Consequently, I knew he was there to protect me from any situation anywhere as long as I made biblically wise decisions. There was nothing cowardice about him: he protected me many times even when I didn’t know I was in danger.

The list could go on and on because he is truly a great father.

Ministry Graphic Design Secrets Revealed

2011-06-18T19:31:00.000-07:00

Campus ministers and students are always surprised to learn that we create all of our graphics using Adobe Creative Suite, but there is a secret that mega churches have I will reveal here.

My suggestion for every business or church is to buy the latest creative suite no matter how computer literate you are because you can go to http://www.creationswap.com/free and download free photoshop files, ai, psi, jpg. to use as a template for advertising, message series, etc.

You don't have to know the technicalities of graphic design. If there's something you need to learn, there's typically a you tube video that will teach you. So, if you want to save thousands of dollars outsourcing, you need to buy photoshop or photoshop elements, which is the much cheaper younger brother. I've attached some of the recent pics i've created using Illustrator and Photoshop. I'm still learning alot, but creative myk is the lifesaver.

I Prefer Roses Over Tulips: A Biblical Understanding in the Doctrines of Grace

2011-06-07T15:32:00.000-07:00

I get asked pretty often in theological circles if I am a Calvinist. From now on I will direct them to this blog.

I typically have two answers when I answer whether or not I'm a Calvinist.

1. Short version without deep theological thoughts: “I’m a four pointer, so I don’t accept limited atonement” Even though I believe if you define T-U-L-I-P properly, you can’t accept one point without the other. Put differently, you can embrace one without the other.

2. Long answer: The answer lies within the definition of what you mean by the five points of Calvinism. So how do you define them, and I will explain if I accept those definitions. Unfortunately, most people don’t define them by their historical meanings.

Grace is the theme of the Bible from first to last. Sola gratia or “Grace Alone” is the most fundamental affirmation of evangelical Christianity. But what are the doctrines of grace? One of the most popular paradigms comes from a post reformation controversy in Holland called T-U-L-I-P

It may be better to stop talking about points at all. The main point is grace…

However, I would like to recommend a new acrostic entitled R-O-S-E-S which is taken from Timothy George’s book “Amazing Grace” :

R- Radical Depravity

O- Overcoming Grace

S- Sovereign Election

E- Eternal Life

S- Singular (Particular) Atonement

Radical Depravity

Humans are in a mess, inheriting a corrupted nature. However, Total depravity suggests there is no good whatsoever in humans. Put differently, Total depravity teaches God’s image has been erased from humanity. I would say God’s image was defaced in humanity through our sin not completely erased. Radical depravity says we are condemned before the righteousness of God and can do nothing to save ourselves; consequently, we are spiritually dead without Christ, as Total Depravity believes. Total Depravity was one of the reasons why infant baptisms took place in reformed churches.

Overcoming Grace

The term Irresistible grace can be misleading because it suggests that humans are drawn to God is a mechanical, impersonal way much like metal to a magnet. Consequently, Irresistible grace eliminates any moral responsibility and leads to determinism. Overcoming grace or effectual calling explains God’s pursuit of humanity through wooing them in spite their stubbornness and rebellion. God doesn’t violate the free moral agent through his act of regeneration.

Sovereign Election

Unconditional election is misleading because it suggests that God’s election does not involve a genuine response. Worse, it suggests that God elects some to go to hell. The Bible is clear that no one will come before God and blame his condemnation on the fact he or she wasn’t elected. The Bible speaks of the reprobate’s (Rom. 9:14-32; 1 Peter 2:8) hearts hardening as a result of their own disobedience and rebellion to God. The grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all persons, and each will be held responsible for the light he or she has received (Titus 2:11)

Eternal Life

The word perseverance is misleading because it suggests persisting, continuing, and being steadfast as though we are kept by our strenuous efforts. Words are not a condition for eternal life, but rather, a consequence of eternal life. The gospel of “easy believism” is a distortion of perseverance. Eternal Life is not only life that lasts eternally; it is the very life of God. It can never be extinguished any more than God can commit suicide. Eternal security does not negate free will. After new birth, the freedom from the power and penalty of sin becomes a reality.

Singular Redemption

Limited atonement is misleading because it suggests there is a deficiency in Christ’s work on the cross. Christ’s work on the cross is sufficient to save everyone who ever lived in the entire history of the world, however, efficient only to those who repent and believe in the gospel. C.H. Spurgeon believed “Whosoever will” may come to Christ.

And that is my understanding of the doctrines of grace and it’s why I am denominationally Baptist. However, I have Christian friends all throughout the mysterious spectrum of grace. The paradoxes of the faith should unite us who think differently and we should celebrate grace, not argue in the the detail of the minutia. On the other hand, God has called us to Love him with all of our minds.

What Do I Teach College Students in A Corporate Setting? The Bible?

2011-06-04T07:35:00.000-07:00

Many of my friends would rightly say “why ask that question, just teach the Bible.” Simply Put, that's what all communicators of the gospel should do. However, I am not here to argue expository preaching vs. topical preaching, but rather, marry both techniques into a taxonomy that resembles a 21st century liturgical method of planning. All scripture is equally God-breathed, but not equally applicable to collegians. Therefore, a strict expository method may not be the most conducive. Put differently, spending 2 semesters on the book of Leviticus may not be the best idea. So, what type of taxonomy is most conducive for collegians? I would suggest a method that is strategic to the timing of specific situations that collegians deal with in light of the vision of ministry juxtaposed with doctrine and practical teaching. While planning a series of semester messages, I will always start with a series on what the vision of ministry is really about which should always stem from the great commission. I like teaching a series, however, my rule of thumb is that a series shouldn’t be over three weeks because they can get long winded.

Here are the 7 goals for my teaching:

1. Gospel centered
2. Exegetical
3. Practical
4. Life change
5. Doctrinal
6. Dialogical
7. Creative

8 Reasons Why College Students Should Be in Church Leadership

2011-05-31T14:33:00.000-07:00

1. They will change the world for the gospel, why not let them change the church for the sake of the gospel.
2. Collegians have teachable hearts and willing spirits.
3. If the church is called to reach the world, that means the college campus and training it's leaders.
4. Empowering collegians with leadership encourages them to tap into their God given potential.
5. Noone else in your church has the energy & enthusiasm alongside availability & ability like a college student.
6. College students aren’t power hungry and don't have anything to prove.
7. They aren’t as flaky as most people believe.
8. Collegians want to be themselves and no one else: they are honest...

College Ministers: What Legacy are You Leaving?

2011-05-16T14:33:00.000-07:00

This past Saturday, well over 400 friends, family, alumni, and college ministers gathered at the ASU fowler Center to celebrate 40 years of service and retirement for Arliss and Sue Dickerson. After receiving two standing ovations, 8 powerful testimonies, and 3 moving videos, Arliss and Sue shared a simple but life changing truth; "College Ministry wasn't work for us, it was just what we were called to do."

It is evident that the same God from whom BIG things happened in scripture used Arliss and Sue for BIG things at ASU and throughout the world. This celebratory event caused collegiate ministers from around the country to be sobered and humbled to the simple truth that college ministry is a calling that is bigger than ourselves and we are continually leaving a legacy to the countless number of students that we meet annually. Arliss and Sue's 40 year legacy will continue to live on as they provide national BCM consulting and as the lives they impacted will continue to minister as they were influenced by them.

Do College Ministers Work in the Summer?

2011-05-11T20:04:00.000-07:00

I was reading a college ministry blog yesterday and one writer asked what do campus ministers do in the summer? The sad part about it, he was a campus minister. The key to a successful fall is the preparation in the summer. For lack of a better example, the campus minister is comparable to that of the football coach; there’s alot going on including implementing vision, strategy, planning, recruiting, and networking. The advantage of lower ministry activity can lead to greater productivity if time is used wisely. So what do you do in the summer. Here’s a list that I’m working on

1. Have a weekly summer Bible Study
2. Plan weekly Fall & Spring Bible Studies
3. Create graphics, promo tools, videos, and all programming elements for fall/spring events
4. plan weekly fall freshmen ministry activities
5. plan fall/spring International ministry activities
6. Calendarize Fall and Spring Dates
7. Plan Lunch program and speaker
8. Attend freshmen orientation to meet new students
9. Add incoming freshmen to our Facebook fan page
10. Mail invitations to incoming freshmen
11. Mail promo to upperclassmen
12. Send handwritten invitations to incoming Freshmen
13. Meet with influential campus staff and/or faculty
14. Meet with pastors, college ministers, and associational missionaries
15. Send an alumni newsletter to keep alumni in the loop.
16. Clean/fix/update/maintain building
17. Go to college minister conventions
18. Read those books you never got to read in the school year
19. Pray for the school year
20. Stay connected to the upperclassmen, namely leadership.
21. Hang out with students away from campus.
22. It’s never too early to think about mission trip opportunities and start making phone calls
23. Invite incoming Freshmen to participate in a Freshmen Leadership Team
24. Create Freshmen Leadership Team Curriculum.
25. Speak in Churches, youth rallies, and to incoming freshmen
26. possible summer mission trip
27. go to conferences for fresh ideas
... Oh and maybe blog...

There's much more that can be done too.. any other immediate thoughts?

Making The Most of College

2011-05-10T20:06:00.000-07:00

1. With freedom comes responsibility so be responsible and you will grow emotionally and spiritually.
2. Don’t pack up your faith with all the other high school memories; start owning it
3. You are not alone in anonymity and insecurities so get involved.
4. Major in the best profs and get to know them beyond the classroom environment
5. Ask a senior “What would you do different?”
6. Get involved on campus with people you want to be like and student organizations that appeal to you
7. Join a church that fits you, and form mentor relationships with older individuals
involved in your future vocation
8. Study in small daily doses, not in all nighters before the test.
9. Don’t let your mistakes keep you from God; Let them draw you closer to God.
10. Take out the garbage at least once a month so your dorm won't stink

Thoughts on College Ministry By College Students

2011-04-30T21:36:00.001-07:00

Last week, i met with a wide variety of college students from different churches and tried to pick their brain about what college ministry should look like. These findings may be surprising.

Relational Connection is the most important reason students are involved in a particular ministry. However, community may look like exclusivism; therefore, pursue Biblical community that is inclusive. Students understand this tension will always exist.

College students don't prefer the professional branding of a ministry such as a cool logo, name, or t-shirt. In the past at BCM, one student said that we promote BCM over Jesus. For all the many reasons branding is good, it may feed that type of negative thinking. Collegians still prefer a grassroots approach.

Do college students want Topical or Expository messages? They prefer an and/both approach to messages. Students want to hear from a book of the Bible with a practical theme.

The top choices of study students picked out were affiliated with 1. Lordship of Christ. 2. Ways Not to drift from God 3. Apologetics in light of other religions... I would've never guessed these.

What would be the area of ministry that needs improvement? It’s not the sound system and not better communicators etc… Year in and year out, the best way to improve is to stay connected to those who have been disconnected.

Do students want to be energetic or reflective in worship? Yet again, the answer is both, but they prefer a cohesive worship experience that flows appropriately.

Praise and Worship music style is also beginning to shift towards a mellow coffee house feel. The large bands are sending rock star vibes and students are now preferring a stripped down experience that allows them to be reflective.

Interestingly, students don’t see campus based ministry more or less "spiritual" than church based ministry. However, because of location, students prefer to bring unchurched friends to campus based ministries.

Finding your niche empowers your ministry to reach students no one else is reaching.

The most essential characteristic college students prefer about their ministries is OWNERSHIP. Student ownership should be indicative in every facet of ministry.

Evaluating College Worship Services

2011-04-25T17:27:00.000-07:00

Assessment is important for every component of ministry so every year we evaluate the main BCM events in order to make sure they are achieving our end goal of life transformation. There’s no perfect evaluation form to show whether or not the goal is being reached, but here are some questions to ask your students that may help you tweak programming in order to be more effective. Here are some questions we ask in evaluating our college worship.

College Worship Evaluation

If someone said, “Why should I go to that ministry? What would you say?”
What is one area of our College Worship you would change and why?
What are some good Bible study ideas for the future?
How can there be a good balance between celebration & reflection during worship?
What worship elements can be improved?
How do we better monitor number of salvation experiences?
What is the goal of our weekly worship service and how do we align every element to that goal?
What is the best music style to connect to students?
How can Bible study better relate to those “far from God?”
In light of the changing college campus and church-based ministries, what areas of ministry need to be strategically tweaked?
How can every element of worship seamlessly fit together as one?
what are some distinct niches that differentiate our ministry from others?

Dear Graduating Senior

2011-04-17T13:02:00.001-07:00

Many of you just had your senior prom and you are on top of the world. Some of you are burned out on high school life and anxiously awaiting college this fall. Be careful not to wish your life away too quickly. Now is the time to sit back and be proud of your high school accomplishments because life will change drastically in the fall when you become a freshmen all over again. However, this time is different because many of you will be leaving home. Leaving home will be one of the hardest experiences of your life and even harder on your parents. However, it will grow you immeasurably because you will be planted into a life of new responsibilities. The safe-haven of youth group, home, and faithful teachers will shift to roommates, classmates, and professors who may all be unbelievers. No feel defeated because God will use you in great ways if you allow Him. This is why you need to discover your faith before you are tempted like so many others to lay your faith aside for 4 years. Mindless Christianity (Christianity that is accepted on blind faith and handed down from family) will not be sufficient for standing up for your faith in college. The Christian faith is a faith based on the historical reliability of the scriptures and the resurrection of Christ; It’s gravely important to know why you believe during this time in your life.

You will show up on a college campus very soon and feel seemingly anonymous and insignificant, but that is far from the truth; there are student organizations and strong Christian collegians that can support you and will partner with you in growing your faith and making Christ known on your campus. But there’s one small stipulation; you have to be willing to get involved. There will be a natural temptation to run back to the safe-haven of home and high school friends, but I challenge all of you to make new friends and take ownership of your faith, get involved with a Christian organization, a local church, and “make disciples” of all nations on your campus this fall.

Chad

College Students & Their Helicopter Parents

2011-04-12T16:05:00.000-07:00

Among the variety of “rites of passages” for adolescents, going away to college is arguably the most important. What phenomenon is belittling this all important rite of passage?

Helicopter parenting...

Helicopter parenting is a form of micromanaging, over-involving, and overprotective parenting techniques. A recent survey said as many as 60% of all college freshmen parents are admittedly overly involved in the lives of their children. This may be the generational results of a number of both positive and negative social factors. Some parents have been deceived into believing that hovering is an act of love; hovering may stifle social, emotional, and spiritual growth and delay adolescence well into the 30’s. Put differently, individual responsibility is directly related to social, emotional, and spiritual growth.

One move-in day a few years ago, a father asked a minister friend of mine who was responsible for making sure his son got to his church every Sunday. Before he could answer (my reply would have been “that’s your son’s responsibility”), the dad felt the need to clarify that he meant his church, in his hometown, some 90 minutes away from campus.

One of the reasons Freshmen are unchurched is because their parents want them tied to "the mothership” church. (the church they grew up in regardless how far away it is) We should teach students the value of finding and joining a church independent of parental force. I can't tell you how many times students tell me they didn't take ownership of their faith until they took the initiative to plug into church etc...

I tell incoming freshmen that going to class is only a small part of college education. Students will miss out on a complete college education if they isolate themselves from campus life and maintain the same circle of friends.

One of the goals for higher education is social acclimation, not academic. USA Today reports this real scenerio:

“When Peter entered the University of Evansville (Mom's choice), he did fine academically but struggled to make decisions, speak up in class, and form relationships with faculty members and classmates. "It got to the point where because I had been so enclosed, I didn't know how to talk to people," says Peter, who requested that his last name not be published. "I was depressed. I had to learn how to break out of that shell; How could I when my circle of friends were still in high school."

The most critical time for new students to get involved are the first 3 weeks on campus. Students should expect stress and homesickness, but the remedy is not to go home, but rather, get involved and become independently responsible.

Northeastern University administrators at orientation provide guidelines for parents of incoming freshmen. The 49-year-old incoming freshmen from Albany, N.Y., has committed them to memory: Do not call your student, let her call you; do not e-mail in lieu of calling; do not call the university president when a roommate situation flares.

If that little voice in your head is asking the question “am I being a helicopter parent?”, you don’t need to wait for an answer. If you’re asking that question, you have your answer

A better question to ask is this. Are you coaching your students from the sidelines or running the plays for them?

Easter: Why did Jesus Die? The Old/New Debate on Substitutionary vs. Moral Influence Atonement?

2011-04-04T17:04:00.000-07:00

The evangelical/theological world is unbiblically vicious & vitrolic when it comes to arguing for their theological system of choice. This is the result of theological elitism that is found in every systematic camp from fundamentalism to liberalism. Judgement day will leave many dumbfounded when many find that God’s bigger and wiser than their man made system;

What I would say about atonement is this. Theories of atonement rightly focus on the attributes of God. Noone argues that. However, different views focus on different attributes of God. Substitutionary atonement focuses more on majesty, holiness, and justice: whereas Moral Influencer focuses merely on Love.

The biggest problem I have with Moral Influencer is that God is perceived as essentially love to the virtual exclusion of His justice and holiness. Tell me if I’m wrong, but is this not the case? Love is NOT mutually exclusive to holiness and justice. We can't allow language to confuse our perception of God. For instance, anytime we overemphasize one attribute of God over another attribute of God equally as true, a misconception of God can often happen, which is true of all theological camps.

While Paul’s soteriology surly was culturally influenced, we can’t negate his conclusions on propitiation and label them restrictive rather than universal. I'm confused about the moral influencer's view of sin. If sin doesn’t deserve punishment, then is there a reality of sin or just a spiritual sickness? What is a spiritual sickness? This begs a question about the nature and condition of man etc. At this point, our theological systems determine our hermeneutic which becomes dangerous.

The death of Christ was more than mere bad fortune of God’s mission to love. Is there no need for retribution? The crucifixion is more profound than Christ being a trophy of Love.

I simply can’t get past the innumerable scriptures that discuss Christ dying for our sin, bearing our sin, and dying as a propitiation. If Christ didn’t pay for our sins, how do we trust him to forgive our sins?

I may be wrong in labeling Bell as a moral influencer as I alluded to friend earlier; someone said he is Schleiermacher 2.0? They may be right; I'm not sure about labeling Rob Bell as anything, but his view of atonement may be more mystical. That is if he’s willing to admit. At any rate, these "new" evangelical views are nothing new, but rather, a repackaging of late 19th and early 20th century protestant liberalism.

It is certainly true that Christ is an example for us in his death, but I’m not convinced atonement ends there.

The more I read scripture, the more I agree with the old hymn that reads "what can wash away my sin? what can make me whole again? Nothing but the blood of Jesus."

Now, I would add that some Christians can overly fixate on asceticism, self flagellation, and the brutal passion of our Lord to the point of an R rated movie. But His passion is a reality and there is worship spiritual growth found in it.

BTW, sorry you found me on a day that I’m brutally honest & non-ecumenical. Hope this finds you well.

This post was created from a friend in Atlanta who supports a moral influence view of atonement and asked me my brief thoughts on substitutionary vs. moral influence.

"This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins" (1 John 4:10)

Special Announcement To Friends

2011-03-21T18:31:00.000-07:00

I am both honored and humbled to announce that I will be the new BCM Minister at Arkansas State University as of June 1, 2011. I will be replacing my boss and mentor, Arliss Dickerson, who is retiring after over forty years of BCM ministry service. After working alongside Arliss for almost two years now at ASU BCM, my wife, Kelly, and I feel like our time here has been a providential experience ordained by God to prepare us for this juncture in our lives. Consequently, through fervent prayer and affirmation, I feel the timing is right to humbly accept this position. Thank you for your continued love and support during these exciting days. Pray that God will continue to use the BCM to make Himself known at ASU and among the nations.

In Christ,

Chad

Being A Small Part of The Grand Narrative

2011-03-21T18:17:00.001-07:00

I wanted to take time before we leave for Mission Miami Tomorrow to breath and write a blog about the past week or so because it is a picture of how God uses us to be a small part of His Grand Narrative. When at MGCCC (Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College), I was desperate for new ideas, so I began reading a workbook entitled “10 Commandments of College Ministry” by Arliss Dickerson. That day, Arliss called and asked me to interview for an assistant position at ASU; little did I know that March 17, 2011, I would be selected to replace him after his retirement at ASU.

Before I knew Thursday's ASU BCM Minister's hiring meeting was happening the same day as the BCM Spring Fling, I made previous plans to fly to Atlanta to preach at a Disciple Now. What was I thinking? I was answering phone calls, emails, Facebooks, Twitters, and texts while running through the Memphis airport. Looking back, it didn’t matter what I was thinking because God knew what He was doing. God moved in a revivalistic way last night in my heart and the hearts of approximately 10 church’s students ministries, collegians, and young adults in Cherokee County, Ga at an associational D-Now. This morning, my new friend, Shawn Finch at FBC Canton, wrote me and said that he is baptizing 15 youth next week!!! I pray that I get more messages from more youth pastors from the Disciple Now this weekend in Ga. God is alive and it feels good to be a small part of His Grand Narrative!

2011-03-09T17:24:00.001-08:00

So You Think You Can Lead Like Jesus?

1. Share Ownership in Decision Making
2. Exemplify Character to earn Credibility
3. Utilize appropriate emotions in the appropriate setting
4. Personally Care for team members
5. Committed to progression and well being of team members
6. No Alarms & No Surprises: Be honest and upfront
7. Ask thought provoking questions and receive feedback
8. Balance Confidence & Humility
9. Pray, Pray, Pray
10. Act with the bigger picture in mind

Generation Z and Their Parents’ Misconception

2011-03-05T13:27:00.001-08:00

Evangelical Christianity has been angry long enough at the lack of spirituality from Generation X to Y. The story we hear at BCM from the “typical” Gen. Y & Z Christian goes something like this. “I grew up in church with Christian parents, made an early profession of faith, then I struggled with some major issues in my teen years; for the most part these students kept the issues “under the table” during those dark days because of embarrassment, guilt etc...

Is there a reason that most Gen. Z Christians struggle with such serious issues?

Parents have contracted their children’s spirituality out to the local church through hiring “Christian professionals) and sending them to youth camp to find spirituality. Many times, parents take their children to church every time the doors open for youth choir, bible drill, etc. The misconception is that every ritual makes them more spiritual. We can’t compartmentalize discipleship. Discipleship should be the context of our life not a compartment. Unfortunately, parents can often focus on the externals (do’s and don’ts) and not the internals (namely, the hearts of their children). Could this be the reason Gen. Y is leaving the church?

My parents understood the spiritual value of modeling familial discipleship in the home. This example taught me that Christianity is about relationship not rituals.

We have a great opportunity at our disposal to teach this generation a different way of holistic discipleship.

Should Collegians Lead Your Ministry?

2011-03-01T19:01:00.000-08:00

Our BCM staff just ended a long but invaluable week of student interviews for our BCM leadership team.

Questions across the collegiate world have been asked...

Should college students spearhead various components in your campus ministry or paid professionals? Some say collegians should not lead ministry because they are already spread so thin with other responsibilities and there is always an opportunity cost of excellence when "pro bono" responsibility is given to students.

The grim and sad reality is that students haven’t been given much leadership responsibility by the time they get to college. Consequently, giving them responsibility is a learning opportunity for them most have never had before. How do we raise a new generation of leaders without giving them leadership responsibility? We don't...

We are doing them an invaluable service by giving empowering them with leadership opportunities.

During the fall semester at ASU, we enlist a Freshmen Leadership Team: this provides an opportunity for students to hone and utilize God given gifts from the moment they step onto a college campus.

Are students stretched too far in too many different directions to be given leadership responsibility?... That could be the case, but students must determine themselves what matters most and prioritize accordingly. Time management is just as much of an issue after college than during college.

The most productive post-collegians are those that lead in college.

If we expect this generation to lead, we must empower them even at the expense of excellent quality because empowering leadership is more about the student than the ministry they are serving (students are the ministry).

Placing students on Leadership Teams helps them in a number of ways.

1. Ability think Critically & Evaluate Ministry Results
2. Innovation and Technology
3. Team Work experience
4. Organization
5. Group Trust, Accountability, and Friendship
6. Celebrate Success
7. Ownership & Sense of Accomplishment
8. Life Coaching and Mentorships
9. Sacrificial Giving and Mission
10. ETC....

Our leadership is the lifeblood of our ministry and this is why we are unapologetically student led.

More college students are graduating and not finding jobs more than ever before. May one factor be the lack of leadership experience?

1 Peter 4:10 “As each has received a gift, employ it in serving one another, as good managers of the grace of God in its various forms.”

College Priorities

2011-02-26T10:28:00.001-08:00

According to collegetimes.us, collegians are easily distracted from priorities through being consumed by a mix of media, internet, competition, and pop culture. But how should college students prioritize? Collegetimes says most collegians see meaningful priorities in this particular order.

1. Health: mind & body-This includes recreational sports, a balanced diet, yoga, and holistic wellness.
2. Relationships: Family, friends, and people you care about.
3. Career and Purpose: this includes long term goals and identity in mind.
4. Fun & Satisfaction: Don’t live for tomorrow, live for today. A recent graduate couple said on TV last night they were in reverse retirement. Put differently, they were gonna wait and work later because they wanted to experience most out of life when they are the most healthy.

There isn’t much room for spirituality or religion in this list except maybe number three. Some collegians would argue that spirituality pervades all 4 meaningful priorities. I see this list playing out here at ASU, however, I would swap #3 with #4.

Should Christians Be Tolerant?

2011-02-12T08:16:00.001-08:00

Tolerance is the topic of debate for every religious person and every sect within each religion. Whatever religion you subscribe to, you will fall into the continuum of tolerance.

Here are some questions to consider. What does secular media say about tolerance and should we agree? Where should we fall in the tolerance continuum? Should Christians be tolerant? What is a good tolerance paradigm? Was Jesus tolerant? What does the Bible say about tolerance? Much time could be spent discussing this issue, but I will keep it brief.

My Christian paradigm of tolerance is differentiating between politically correct tolerance from biblically correct tolerance. Politically correct tolerance essentially declares that all beliefs are equally true and right; put differently, what is true and right to one person is not necessarily true and right for another. Are both beliefs true and right? No; this view is fundamentally self defeating and would lead to anarchy. Biblically correct tolerance declares that all beliefs aren’t equally true but each person accepting that belief should be accepted and respected as a person created in the image of God regardless of their belief. Biblically Correct tolerance values the person not the belief because they are made in the image of God. (Gen. 1:26-27)

Romans 12:16-18 “ Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”

We are commanded as Christians to be peace makers; this was the response of Jesus. He loved people regardless of their belief. Jesus always seemed to be around people with different beliefs; in fact, the people with different beliefs, or ungodly people, seemed to be the people that liked him the most. Ironically, the people that Jesus didn’t get along with were the most religious.

Jesus came to restore the brokenhearted and the lost; If we (the Church) are going to be the hands and feet of Jesus, we have to take Jesus’ version of tolerance seriously.

10 Questions: An Interview with A Campus-Based College Minister

2011-02-07T19:25:00.000-08:00

A seminary friend asked me 10 interview questions earlier today about life as a campus based college minister. Here are my responses.

1. What do you see as the most important task and/or role of your job?

There is no 1 task/role that is MOST important. The different hats each collegiate minister wears complement each other; However, the natural ability to cultivate relationships with ALL (international, athletes, geeks, greeks etc.) students for the sake of the gospel is the biblical mandate for every Christian. Leading by example is the most contagious method for other Christian students or leaders in the ministry. Redemptive conversations happen best in the cafeteria and on campus where it feels more natural than a religious building.

2. What are some character trait, abilities, and gifts that all campus ministers need?

Collegiate ministers must be able to balance a variety of responsibilities at the same time. Administration, Counseling, interpersonal relationship skills, and the ability to communicate effectively are all essential traits; however, only focusing on one or the other will stifle other vital components of the ministry. Put differently, the collegiate minister is a jack of all ministerial trades. Fundamentally, leadership and the ability to empower leadership skills to others is the most advantageous skill of the college minister.

3. What were some of the experiences that you feel best prepared you to be a campus minister?

Working for a well seasoned veteran will prove to be the best form of preparation for any newcomer. Such residency will dodge you years of trial and error. No one, even seasoned veterans, have it all figured out; but, they sure do have a lot to offer. Any experience is good and versatility is important.

4. What 3 pieces of advice would you give a first year campus minister?

1. You can’t do it all by yourself so don’t try.
2. Connect to the University, church, and local associational staff in a positive and useful way.
3. Be a strong presence on campus and always be intentional about meeting students on campus and NOT be in your office all day. People Work NOT just paper work.

5. How do you spot potential leaders and invest in them?

I spot prospective leaders in a variety of ways. The most effective way is simply asking students about other students. Without asking students perspective of each other, you may easily be deceived. Seeing how students interact in a large group is an easy way to spot potential leaders. I normally give students who exhibit potential leadership skills different responsibilities to see how well they are able to carry it out. Unfortunately, students with the most ability don’t always have the most availability. So, availability is another characteristic that is essential.

6.. How much of your time during the week is spent on things other than investing directly in students (administration, budgeting, communicating with associations/state convention, etc.)?

This is a difficult question because every week varies. It would be hard to categorize specific amounts of time to this area because the effective collegiate minister balances these responsibilities with others.

7. What is the most rewarding part of your job?

The most rewarding part of my job is hearing students tell me how God has changed their life; It will always be the most rewarding part!

8. What is the most difficult part of your job?

The most difficult part of this job is prioritizing what is MOST important. Job duties can be endless, but discerning the most important task is vital to the lifeblood of the ministry. Finding the heart of what is most important will continually be a struggle for all ministers.

9. How do you measure success in your ministry?

Ministry success is never objective and easy to assess; It is weighted according to a number of different gauges including: number of students who have been involved, accepted Christ, shared Christ, or involved in missions, church etc. There’s no magic formula for success.

10. How do you stay fresh year after year?

Staying fresh requires honest dialogue with colleagues and always tweaking the status quo to align it with your vision. Reading books, blogs, Twitter, and Facebook always keep you on the cutting edge of culture, generational worldview, and effective ministry. Read everything you can get your hands on that you have time to read...even from those you disagree. Being a collegiate minister, you ought to have the ability to sift the wheat from the chaff. Simply put, always be a learner before a criticizer.

Is Online Church A Biblical Church?

2011-02-03T20:18:00.000-08:00

It seems that most major denominational and all major religious traditions have an online church these days.

Flying back from Atlanta a couple months ago, I logged into a church website, listened to a preacher, downloaded the message guide, and chatted with an internet pastor on the message board who told me 20 states were watching with me. What a crazy world we live in to be involved in an internet church 20,000 feet in the air.

Where two or more are logged online, there I am with them...? (my 21st century version of Matthew 18:20.) Can a Biblically faithful church (Ekklesia) gathering take place online? Put differently, was this a picture of what Christ envisioned the New Testament church? Surely, this is an advantageous outlet for those who are home bound and physically unable to attend church; but, does this model translate for all people?

The simple reality is that ekklesia (found 90 times in the NT) refers to an actual physical assembly. The Universal Ekklesia is referred to only 13 times. However, can that definition be placed under the congruency of online church? Some say yes, but must treat the definition rather loosely. Another difficulty for online churches is the administration of the ordinances (Baptism and Lord’s Supper) At the very least, we must agree that online church is not the optimal level of biblical community.

What do you think about this matter?

Ministries are Creating the Best Product for Ministry Shoppers. Wrong Vision

2011-01-26T20:18:00.001-08:00

After being in ministry for over 10 years now, I can honestly say that ministry can eerily mimic business strategies that compete with one another. In my earlier ministry years as a youth pastor, I can remember comparing my speaking abilities to other speakers and feeling miserably defeated. While in college, I measured the quality of worship experiences among collegiate gatherings in Oxford, Ms.

Should certain standards of excellence measure up? What should programming measure up to? Who sets the standard of excellence? Or maybe the better question is, who should set the standard? Hillsong Church, church camp, Northpoint Community Church, 12 Stone, Fellowship Church, or Breakaway Ministries? You fill in the blank according to what ministry fits your standard of excellence. But is this the biblical mentality? Surly excellence and creativity are biblical.

From videos, skits, music, sound, preaching, and even lighting, worship gatherings are obviously compared. My hunch is that "qualitative" comparisons may dangerously encourage ministry shopping; this is fundamentally dangerous. As all ministers know, ministry shoppers never really find contentment, but always have an appetite to fill a felt need and oftentimes become ministry leaches. In other words, these people treat ministries like a fast food restaurant soon to drive by another ministry and never experience the community of "dining" in and leveraging their own gifts to serve. Those who are ministry leaches often drain the ministry's passion which will soon change the trajectory of its vision; namely, the Great Commission becomes antiquated and substituted with a management of programming.

The most effective way to reach people is to feverishly pursue the unchurched who have no real standard of church or ministry to compare to; alongside with believers who are bought into the vision of ministry to serve, lead, and help according to their giftedness. People need a quality relational experience more than a quality programming experience. Put differently, if the experiential element doesn’t facilitate relationships, it may be the wrong median to use experientially.

Therefore, there should be no competition with ministries because the programming should NOT be the attractive element, but rather, Biblical community. If Biblical community were ministry's goals, then ministry's would be compatible not competitive.

I'm NOT convinced our goal should be to create a "better" experiential "product" than our Christian ministry next door, but rather, create an experiential product that fosters relationships while exalting the gospel.

in Summary, are we attracting people merely to what we are doing or are we attracting people to the gospel itself?

Facebook: Be Cautious about Possible Negatives

2011-01-19T20:45:00.000-08:00

How would you feel if there was no more Facebook tomorrow? No new notifications, group invitations, photo tags, or friend requests? Some of you would be happy but many of you would have to find another hobby with all of your spare time.

Facebook has inarguably altered the facade of the social landscape. While Facebook has quite a number of communicative advantages, I want to discuss a few of its disadvantages.

The most important disadvantage is the reduction in person to person interaction. Facebook could potentially shape a generation’s social skills. Simple interpersonal relationship skills may become a lost art due to this still new phenomenon. We are social creatures created for “real” social interaction.

We have already seen all of the news reports discussing Facebook privacy issues. Facebook is just as private as the front page newspaper; except it's immediate. One newscaster reported, Facebook knows more about you than your credit card company. After looking at the way they advertise towards me, I would have to agree. We are utterly exposed to the world through Facebook.

I have known some students to delete Facebook because of plummeting grades due to its addictive nature and its conflicts with other people. If you check your Status Updates regularly, you are well aware that immature people share inappropriate and embarrassing quotes and pictures.

Spending an unhealthy time on Facebook may also come at the cost of the people that matter most in your life.

Politics: Unity For The Sake of The Gospel

2011-01-14T20:58:00.000-08:00

1 Corinthians 1:10
“I appeal to you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another so that there may be no divisions among you and that you may be perfectly united in mind and thought.”

Call me idealistic or ecumenical, but I truly believe in a biblical appeal for unity in the gospel is something worthy to be sought after. Unfortunately, the so-called “Christian” United States of America looks anything but unified in many different arenas of life. The most apparent is the arena of politics. Politics stirs up emotions that cause division at the expense of and conviction to many Christian beliefs.

Of course I have many political convictions... Why do I not have political bumper stickers and support candidates?...namely, because my reputation will be attached to those candidates who will inevitably be fallible in some form or another. So, I’m gonna continue to campaign for the infallible. For the sake of the Gospel, Why do I want to jeopardize my credibility?

Christians should guard themselves against radical partisan alignment because any form of radicalism comes at the expense of the gospel. Put differently, we must recognize biblical truth even if the truth comes from a fallible source, or a member of the “other” party. Truth is truth regardless of the source it comes from.

If I quote George W. Bush and someone assumes I align with Bush and gets angry because of this quote, it becomes a form of unbiblical favoritism. The same is true if I use an Obama quote... of which I will use below...not because I do or do not support him, but because his quote works perfectly for this blog post.

President Obama delivered a gripping speech in Arizona this week discussing the politically motivated shootings. The President’s words were non-partisan, pastoral, and appropriately unifying. His words should convict the heart of every political activist.

“But at a time when our discourse has become so sharply polarized – at a time when we are far too eager to lay the blame for all that ails the world at the feet of those who happen to think differently than we do – it’s important for us to pause for a moment and make sure that we're talking with each other in a way that heals, not a way that wounds. But what we can’t do is use this tragedy as one more occasion to turn on each other. That we cannot do. As we discuss these issues, let each of us do so with a good dose of humility. Rather than pointing fingers or assigning blame, let's use this occasion to expand our moral imaginations, to listen to each other more carefully, to sharpen our instincts for empathy, and remind ourselves of all the ways that our hopes and dreams are bound together.”
-President Obama

There are Christian members of the so-called left/right seem to spend much more time interpreting the gospel through their political worldview than they do preaching the gospel itself. Is Jesus a conservative Republican who wears a Sean Hannity T-shirt? Or is Jesus a social liberal who promotes equality even at the expense of Biblical doctrine?

There’s no gospel to a gospel that attaches itself to a political agenda. It’s heart-wrenching to see people leveraging the gospel to promote partisan politics.

Why do we spend so much time polarizing America arguing about politics? The decisions our government makes will soon be in the history books which will gather dust and fade away. However, Jesus will outlast every political figure and this is the fundamental reason I don’t make much of partisan politics.

So before you make a political statement on Twitter, Facebook, around the dinner table, or in class, make sure it’s in the pursuit of biblical humility, unity, and sound doctrine.

Don’t sell out Christ for an elephant or a donkey!

William Wilber-force committed to pray for social change. If you are arguing for social change more than you are praying for it, you are at the very least being unbiblical...

Gauging Success In College Ministry (Deep & Wide)

2011-01-14T11:56:00.001-08:00

The real temptation in leading a college ministry is to imitate some of the larger collegiate ministries in the country in pursuit of success. The simple reality is that numbers don’t measure biblical discipleship. Consequently, holistic discipleship should be our goal, not numbers. In fact, larger ministries often attract smaller church congregants who focus more on depth; sometimes causing smaller churches to closed their doors. However, larger ministries don’t necessarily mean shallow. Put differently, deep & wide ministries aren’t mutually exclusive.

Why is the temptation “bigger is better”?

There are a variety of factor’s in this mentality, but the simple answer is “larger ministries are spotlighted the most in media” Louie Giglio may be the most famous college minister in the country. He is known for drawing tens of thousand collegians from all over the country. While Choice Ministries (the ministry he started at Baylor University) is doing impactful ministry for kingdom building, it has led to copycat ministries all over the country. What Louie is doing at Passion and large conferences is not intended to translate to every college campus; He has been known to say this. In other words, a cool band and a top notch communicator does not equal a healthy college ministry. A healthy college ministry should be built around mentoring, bible study groups, leadership training, and mission trips.

If you focus on the depth of ministry, God will take care of the width.

Tired of "God is Dying Statistics"

2011-01-12T17:06:00.000-08:00

You’ve read the books, blogs, magazines, and statistics. You’ve heard the messages, professors, talk show hosts, and conference speakers. From TV to radio and newspapers to the pulpit, the irritating message has remained the same; God is dying and people are losing their faith. You’ve heard this statement in some form or fashion if you’ve been around anywhere lately. To be brutally honest, and while most statistics are inarguably accurate, I am fatigued at all of the rage. In fact, at our ministry at Arkansas State, we could argue quite the contrary. We have seen more students involved in holistic discipleship than we have ever seen before; there are countless ministries that would echo the same type of experience. The answer to this “god crisis” is not yelling statistics in face of America, but to simply to be an instrument of 1 Corinthians 2:1-5;

"And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God. For I determined not to know any thing among you, except Jesus Christ, and him crucified. And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling. And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God."

God is still in control...even when it doesn't look like it circumstantially.

If God is in control, then He won’t be dying...

The Redemptive Value of Emotions

2011-01-07T20:25:00.000-08:00

The hospital is an emotional environment of the highest of highs and the lowest of lows. I’ve been sitting in the ICU over 30 hours now and have experienced and witnessed an immense amount of emotion. It doesn’t take long to observe in an ICU room that God has wired humanity for emotion. While I am writing, a women is audibly crying out to Jesus. How ironic that when God can be accused of being the most absent, He is felt the most present. Where/who else does our hope lie? Mourning is mentioned 138 times in scripture and joy is mentioned 242 times. Emotions themselves are neither good or bad, but rather, how we deal with the emotions can be defining in our lives. Psalm 34:18 declares that God is close to the brokenhearted. The Psalms frequently express the emotions of David from anger to pleasure. Radical Emotions will be inevitable; The bigger question is who/where will you direct your emotion? Emotions are often Redemptive.

#tweetthebible2011: Leveraging Social Networking For Eternal Impact

2011-01-02T19:23:00.000-08:00

We can’t escape social networking, but is that all bad?

One of the top reasons people use social networking such as Twitter and Facebook includes stalking, gossiping, and falling into the peer pressure of all the hype. 87 million visitors spend an average of 4 hours and 39 minutes every month on Facebook. But is Facebook and Twitter the ultimate time waster? It doesn’t have to be. The simple reality is that people utilize these networks and post according to what matters most in their lives. What if we leveraged these social networks for making an eternal impact in 2011?

You Version is an application on my iphone that has a great reading strategy for scripture. There are other networks that help too!

What if we read through scripture each day in 2011 and posted a 140 character principle (timeless truth) on Twitter or Facebook using the hashtag #tweetthebible2011 ? For instance, my Genesis 1 principle is “All Creation is the result of the Goodness of God”. There are endless principles in scripture and those principles are life altering. Maybe #tweetthebible2011 will even be a trending topic.

So start reading scripture in 2011 and tell the World what principle God is teaching you using the hashtag #tweetthebible2011.

The Significance of the Manger

2010-12-21T12:16:00.000-08:00

Lifeway just released a statistic declaring that 81% of Americans agree that family traditions are the most important part of Christmas. We all have a handful of traditions that come to mind including parades, stockings, and distinct family Christmas-time customs. But what if the biblical Christmas story was not really about family traditions or gifts? What if Christmas was more about Frustration. In fact, Luke 2 records a messy frustration scene. Everything in Joseph and Mary’s world was tumultuous. They weren’t married and Joseph was punishable by death due to Mary’s pregnancy. The Romans were oppressing the Jews during this time period and the town is so full of people due to the census, they couldn’t even find a room to deliver the Christ child. There was nothing Silent about this night, delightful about this manger, or charming about these animals. Rodents were roaming the crib and animal saliva creating an unpleasant stench.

The only person in history that was able to choose the circumstances he would enter into the world chose this MESS.

WHY???

Because in the middle of very difficult circumstances, GOD SHOWS UP!

He did and He will again!

God’s presence can bring us more joy through circumstantial sadness.

Advent Conspiracy

2010-12-16T14:31:00.000-08:00

One of the unfortunate celebrations that often gets left behind in non liturgical churches is Advent. I have fond memories as a child going to church anticipating the lighting of the next candle from week to week. Living anxiously for the arrival of Jesus is the most crucial element in the celebration of our Lord’s birth. Without preparing the way for our Lord, we are unable to experience the true meaning of His birth. That meaning can’t be experienced with the distractions Christmas may often bring. Experiencing the joy of Advent and it’s apex, the birth of Christ, remains one of the most foundational celebrations in Christianity’s story.

It’s real easy to fall into the stressful realities that Christmas can bring especially due to it’s years of secular influences. Anyone who has been to the mall lately has experienced some level of stress.

It’s very important to strip away the cultural traditions and simply meditate on the Nativity of our Lord. Christmas is simple. Would you experience Christmas joy if it were more simple?

Anxiously Awaiting His Birth

2010-11-25T15:03:00.000-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone; Kelly and I have are enjoying Thanksgiving in Atlanta with the Quinton’s (Her Parents), the Logans (My Parents), my Brother (Brad_ and His Wife (Melissa) and what a ride it has already been. All The family quirks remind me of the thankful appreciation and love we both have for our families. Right now, all the guys are watching the “WHO DAT” Saints beat the Turkey stuffings out of the Cowboys. You know it’s bad when a retired football coach of 26 years and a Georgia Tech Football Alum are audibly snoring. At any rate, today is a day of gratitude appreciation for the small things in life we easily take for granted. My greatest fear in life is to get so busy that I fail to appreciate life and it’s blessings. I’ve had many great Thanksgivings in thanksgivings past including Egg Bowls, parades, and others; however, this may be one for the record books.

4 Important Truths Muslims need to know about Christianity

2010-11-23T11:49:00.000-08:00

Over the past semester at ASU, I have met a large number of Muslim friends, both Sunni and Shi’ite, from the Middle East. By God’s Grace, I am able to share with them the gospel of Jesus Christ from a Biblical Perspective; most of these students have NEVER heard this perspective. ASU has over 300 Saudi Arabians and many more students from other countries from the Middle East who are Muslim; I am honored to call them friends. During our conversations, we discuss a variety of topics including the similarities and differences between Islam & Christianity. These conversations have been a learning experience for all of us. Arabic students have strikingly similar misconceptions about Christianity that I would like to briefly discuss in this blog.

1. Christians believe in 1 God not 3 Gods

Jesus has been accused by most Muslims of being elevated to an inappropriate level of being another god besides the one true living God. Christians and Muslims both agree that Jesus is the messiah who is a prophet born of a virgin, performed miracles, and will return during the end times; therefore, by our similarities, Jesus must be the most miraculous person to ever live. But what are the differences in how we view Jesus?

The considerable manuscript evidence archaeologists have for the authenticity of the injeel suggests that Jesus claims to have the powers and authority that only God could possess. Jesus' historical events, such as the death & resurrection of Isa, were recorded by eyewitnesses. Over 500 people saw the resurrected messiah; this important information was recorded in 1 Corinthians 15:3-6 which was written much before the Fall of Jerusalem in AD 70. Dates are important because this short period of time is not enough to corroborate a fairy-tale or any other misrepresentation. All 5,700 ancient manuscripts of the injeel agree to Jesus’ “Son of God” claims including the manuscripts that are traced back before the council of Nicea in 325, when some believe the injeel was corrupted by the church.

2. Christianity believes Jesus was the perfect representation of God not another god.

Was Jesus a god according to Christianity? No. Jesus was the perfect representation of God on Earth. This is why we call Jesus the Son of God. God didn’t have a biological son in the sense of procreation. Put differently, a Muslim traveling by foot for the Hajj is called the “son of the road” because they are a representation of a journeyman towards Mecca. Christians have not made Jesus out to be a God. We are simply accepting what Jesus has revealed about Himself in scripture. He declares that He (Isa) and The One God are ONE together.

3. Don’t assume everyone in America is Christian

Christianity does not endorse the sexual immorality, drug use, and decline of the family like we see happening in most western societies. Christianity is an individual and personal decision, not a decision enforced to people by the government. The United States believes in the freedom of ALL religion and embraces democracy, not theocracy. Becoming a Christian is more than believing certain things regarding Jesus and the Bible; becoming Christian is about trusting in the sacrificial death of Christ for our sins. Trusting in Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection creates in us a right standing before the holy God.

4. While there are some similarities between Islam and Christianity, there are notable differences.

I appreciate tolerance and discussing the similarities of these two religions. However, it is not fair to Islam or Christianity to say they teach the same thing. Islam claims to be the final religion. This is the claim of the Qur'an itself (Surah 61:9, "As-Saff" or "The Ranks"): "He it is who hath sent His messenger with the guidance and the religion of truth, that He may make it conqueror of all religion however much idolaters may be averse." Likewise, Jesus claims to be the only way to the Father, and His teachings the most authoritative statements of truth given by God to mankind (John 14:6): "Jesus answered, 'I am the way and the truth and the life. No-one comes to the Father except through me."

Such statements, though well intended, only confuse the issue of truth. In order for both Islam and Christianity to be true at the same time, then major parts of each would have to be viewed as wrong. For instance, Islam holds that sincere repentance is enough for God to grant a person forgiveness. Christianity holds that repentance united with trust in the atoning death of Christ is sufficient for forgiveness. They involve differing views of the nature of sin, Jesus, soteriology, and forgiveness. Neither side can yield its view without giving up essential foundational doctrines.

Conclusion:

All that the Christians believe about Jesus being the perfect representation of God comes from Jesus' own words and actions in the Injeel, and the testimony of Isa's closest disciples as preserved in the incorruptible injeel. Consequently, the Christian faith is rooted in the reliability of the New Testament and oral tradition.

What's Drowning the Faith of Collegians?

2010-11-09T13:33:00.000-08:00

Spiritual Drifting is a normal conversation when I talk with Christian college students. This phenomenon happens because many don’t have a spiritual gauge or spiritual frame of reference in their personal lives. They live in a constant pressure to do "good" things that aren’t necessarily "God" things; consequently, those “good” things become ultimate and before you know it, the Spiritual undertow is too much to bear.

Hebrews 2:1 “We must therefore PAY EVEN MORE ATTENTION to what we have heard, so that we will not drift away.

Don’t allow something good in your life to become what is ultimate. I’ve found that it’s the “good” things that the enemy uses to distract great Christian leaders, leaving them stagnant in their faith.

What college students focus on, they drift towards. Consequently, something gets left behind; Unfortunately, it’s oftentimes their personal relationship with Christ.

Where are collegians drifting? It’s not the occult or something that appears “Evil” that collegians are involved. It’s “good” things in life that become ultimate.

Here are the top ten:

1. Hanging out continuously with friends
2. Playing video games
3. Hours of movies & TV
4. Jobs
5. Social Organizations
6. Dating
7. Facebook & Twitter
8. Parties
9. Busyness
10. Pressures to make 4.0

These activities aren't bad things themselves. In fact, most of them are good, but not necessarily beneficial to our faith and may promote drifting if measures aren't taken.

"Everything is permissable for me, but I will not be brought under the control of anything" 1 Corinthians 6:12

Whatever we focus our attention on changes our affection; If the object is undeserving, it oftentimes clouds our spiritual judgement creating regret.

What’s the solution?

1. Establish Spiritual Reference points: A reference point allows you to evaluate where you are and where you want to be spiritually; It keeps you from drifting.
2. Invite a Friend to be the Referee: This person should have permission to blow the whistle when you are out of bounds spiritually.

Imagine: Making Disciples of All Nations Begins on The College Campus

2010-10-29T10:14:00.000-07:00

We live in a western society where we have the best universities in the world and students from all nations are desperately wanting to study here. There are approximately 2.5 million international students who study in the United states every year. These students have a variety of needs including transportation, furniture, and English conversational partners just to name a few.

80% of those international students will never enter an American home, but are eager to do so. Half of these international students come from countries that prohibit missionaries. There aren’t many days that go by that international students who have never heard the gospel ask me about my faith. These conversations take place in the cafeteria, BCM, Starbucks, and simply walking around campus. These students are Muslim, Hindu, Buddhists, and non-religious. Most are from well established families who have powerful influence in their native country. Yesterday I talked to a student from Saudi Arabia whose dad was in the government and brother was in the army. The top 1% of international populations study in the west. Sun Yat-sen studied in Hawaii, Nelson Mandela and Ghandi studied in England, and Ho chi minh studied in the west as well. Could you imagine the multiplication effect of the gospel if we would be willing reach the future leaders of the world?

4 steps in reaching internationals on campus:

1. Pray, Pray, Pray
2. Start small and focused while being consistent
3. Be a learner before a teacher
4. Every cultural context looks different so be sensitive yet pragmatic

What doesn’t work is a mass marketed campaign of formulaic easy prayerism. Just this week, I talked to an international student who “prayed the magic prayer” in California, but had never heard about baptism, daily prayer, or how to join or why join a church. He still didn’t understand the nature of Jesus. Making students "pray a prayer" is NOT disciple-making.

The test of discipleship is not how many students are being reached, but rather, how many students who are being reached are reaching others. If international students are reaching others, could you imagine the multiplication that would take place throughout the world? This was the genius plan of the early church. What if we took discipleship this serious and took ownership that we are God’s agent in reaching the nations.?

What would happen if the gospel reached the 2.5 million international students who are studying in America this year and they took the gospel back to their native country?

Imagine...

Isn't Worship Only on Sunday?

2010-08-11T14:33:00.000-07:00

Words construct ideas, thoughts, and imagery which eventually manifests in our our terminology. Consequently, inferences are deducted from our terminology which ultimately influences our belief systems. For example, when you hear the word, dog, a number of ideas come to mind. Most people think of a domesticated animal with canine teeth, a long slender muzzle, a waggly tail, and large ears. These ideas are pretty stereotypical of dogs; These ideas about dogs aren’t exhaustive, but they are a good starting point for understanding dogs. Let’s take this illustration deeper. What comes to mind when you hear the word “worship”? Are there specific characteristics that you suddenly visualize? Do these characteristics thoroughly encompass the depth and profound nature of biblical worship?

The reality is that most people think about going to church and singing to God when they hear the word, worship.

If you think about the way culture uses this misunderstood word, it is usually attached to a specific event or a specific style of music. The church even falls into a linguistic trap of belittling worship’s meaning. For instance, the church bulletin says “Welcome to the Worship Service” and songs use the term worship as if you can turn in off and on like a switch. Christians ask questions like, “Did you go to the worship service”? and “Have you heard the new Chris Tomlin worship song?” We use the word worship in todays vernacular in ways that make a mockery of its biblical intention. Consequently, todays understanding of worship is tragically belittled to a degree that affects the way we live the Christian life.

The bigger question is “How would you define worship?”

The confusion of worship is rampant because assembling a comprehensive definition to the word is almost next to impossible. However, the bible describes worship as a lifestyle and an event. Unfortunately, we have packaged worship into merely an event.

I remember as a young adolescent getting dressed to go to the worship service (also known as big church). My concept of church clearly came from the modern day vernacular. Unfortunately, the terminology I heard negatively affected what I believed about God. Each week, it seemed as though I entered a building that God resided in; he was the housekeeper of my church, or so I thought; after all, it was God’s house. As a young boy, I can remember walking into church, greeting God as if He answered the church doors and rang the church bells. I also remember thinking my pastor was the second incarnation of God. These thoughts were mere solely the results of what I was hearing from Sunday school teachers etc.

Everyone was threatened not to crawl under the pews as a toddler because you were in God’s house. If I couldn’t crawl under the pews and run around, then I didn’t want to be in God’s house. God’s house wasn’t very fun.

An event is an expression of our worship to God, but it shouldn’t be the complete action of our worship.

When Jesus walked into the scene 2,000 years ago, he radically revolutionized people’s perception of worship. Professional Jews and half-breed Samaritans of that day believed worship only happened at the temple. In order to worship as a jew, you had to bring a sacrificial animal to the alter of the deity you worshipped. In John 4, Jesus was asked where to worship by the woman at the well who was a Samaritan. Jesus responded to her theological question declaring that true worshippers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth.

What does that mean?

Worship is not restricted to a time and place, but rather, all the time in every place. Worship is a verb, not a noun.

Rather than creating a working definition to worship, it may be to our best interest to describe worship as scripture gives an account.

Worship described:
-Worship is constantly gazing inwardly upon God.
-Worship is Communally MEETING God.
-Worship is the constant encounter of God that has life changing effect.

Singing is something we do with our voices; worship is what we do in our heart.

The definition of worship includes attaching personal value to an object. We are driven in life by what we value most. Put differently, whatever we value in life, we eventually begin looking like and become. If our primary drive in life isn’t the value we have for God, then we are committing idolatry according to 1 Corinthians.

Everyday we take 28,000 breaths and worship flows from each one.

The apostle Paul truly understood the importance of New Testament worship. Romans 12:1 commands that we offer our bodies as a living sacrifice. In the same way that Jews offered a sacrifice at the temple, we are to sacrifice our bodies to God. What does that mean? All that we are and everything that is in us should be consumed with God. Put differently, every time we so no to sin, we are worshipping.

Our conversations and activities point us to our throne of worship. We worship relationships, materialism, sports, hobbies, and even laziness. The synopsis of who we are is defined by the things we love. A student once asked how to discover his alter of worship. I asked him to record his day and recollect his conversations and activities. At the end of the day, he uncovered who or what he really worshipped.

What we value in life creates some form of response. For example, no one has to remind you to to plan for Valentine’s day? Or at least I hope not. Did anyone have to tell you to buy a gift and do something nice? No... Why? If you truly valued your Valentine, then you spend major money and consume much time planning the perfect day all because of the value the significant other plays in your life. If God is our highest value, we would naturally respond to him through spending significant amounts of time with Him. He should naturally consume our attention and our affection because He alone is worthy.

Does your life have your fingerprints all over it or God’s fingerprints? Put differently, who or what captivates your heart and consumes your mind? Where do you spend your daily energy on? Where does most of your money go? A person’s budget often exposes what matters most to an individual. Wherever you place your worship, you will never be satisfied until you are satisfied in Him. You will never regret being totally preoccupied with the things of God.

True worship involves full surrender and obedience to the Lordship of Christ. However, full surrender and obedience may be the most toilsome and challenging experience of your life. Abraham in Genesis 22, which tells the story of God commanding Abraham to kill his son, will tell us that obeying God may even appear nonsensical at the least, maybe even ludicrous. When God demands our worship, He may ask us to surrender what we treasure most on this earth.

Worship wars in churches have polarized congregations internationally. A biblical understanding of worship isn’t concerned with how we worship, but rather, who we worship. The why you do what you do is infinitely more important than merely the method of worship you have. If you can’t worship Monday through Saturday, it’s not likely you can worship on Sunday because worship is something you do, not just a place to go to.

The real test of worship happens during the time of your life that no one else sees.

Worship demands a painful but necessary response of surrender to God. After all, He is more worthy than any treasure we have this side of heaven.

Isaiah encountered Worship in Isaiah chapter 6:1-8
-Isaiah saw the Lord
-Isaiah turned away from his sin
-God removed Isaiah’s sin
-Isaiah listened and acted to God’s call

Worship always leads to life change and action.

Isaiah had a proper balance of the transcendence (God beyond us) and imminence (God with Us) of God. Whenever the imminence/transcendence pendulum swings into either extremes, there can be a considerable amount of danger. Reverence to the transcendent One is an element of worship many evangelicals have lost for the sake of overemphasizing imminence as though God were a buddy. Imminence is de-emphasized in Roman Catholicism and Eastern Orthodoxy due to the elaborate cathedrals and liturgy.

What or Who do you Worship?

Isaiah understood that Godly worship demanded a response. What is the appropriate response to a God who reconciled a traitor race to Himself through the death, burial, and resurrection of His Son? The appropriate response to God is not just one hour a week on Sunday morning. The Appropriate response to God for what He has done is full surrender. We are called to take up our cross and follow Christ and surrender everything that we are and inside of us to Jesus Christ. True submission to God will only happen when the biblical definition of worship is not only understood, but activated in our lives.

There is never a moment when we cease to worship and never a circumstance that prohibits our worship. Worship happens in school, at home, in your bedroom, web surfing, in your relationships; Worship is the heartbeat of who you are and is the essence of what we do all day every day. Biblical worship leads to a daily passionate response to God’s greatness resulting in observable righteousness. Unfortunately, we are a society of misdirected worship. Don’t be guilty of worshipping something or someone who will ultimately leave you or forsake you. Be the best evidence that Jesus is still alive and respond to him appropriately.

If you are actively pursuing the heart of God, you will inevitably feel the tension of the cosmic battle between good and evil. There is a cosmic battle that is at war for your allegiance; you know where the enemy plays your weak spots. This battle for your attention and your affection is eternally significant. The enemy daily reminds us how unworthy we are to worship God; don’t believe this lie. The power of the cross of Jesus Christ has empowered us to walk worthy before a holy God. Every day our lives enter a crossroads and we must decide that Jesus is better than anything this world has to offer.

Read Psalm 150

Our Greatest need in life is to know God well and we only do that by ascribing the most worth to Him alone. We must seek him, yearn, grope, and crave God in all of life. Worship is the reason we were created.

We are more than flesh and blood. we are given a spiritual capacity that is able to grab something that is beyond our humanity.

We know the satisfactory feeling of what matters most. It may be the taste of a perfectly grilled filet. A half price sale at your favorite boutique. Traveling to a remote country. Something in us ascribes natural worth to what matters in our life.

Where is our hearts true home? Jesus is Lord of our life only when we ascribe more worth to Him that is greater than anything else in our life.

Our God worship gets twisted when sin convinces us that something else is more important and valuable than God. The Bible clearly calls anything that we value more than God Idolatry. Twisting worship happens in a slow process. One way to avoid such twisting is removing yourself from TV and other cultural media a couple days every month.

Ascribing worth to the God who made u is twisted by idols we create. a pay grade, a title, a boyfriend, a child, travelling?.. What is it that will make your life matter? We manufacture worship and miss out on why we are created. Wouldn’t it be more reasonable to worship the creator, not the created?

We can ascribe worship to God in a multitude of ways. Taking your wife out on a date is worship because God loves healthy marriages. Anything performed with the right heart is worship.

All of life is fundamentally about worship. Worship is redirecting the trajectory of our heart, soul, mind, and strength towards God. The more we get to know God, the more we will desire to reflect His grace and mercy to other people.

Why is it we declare we worship God when in reality, our worship is twisted by idols we create. At then end of the day, the altar of our life is a financial deity, a job title, a relationship, a hobby, laziness or anything else we ascribe more attention and affection to other than God. So many times we find ourselves showing allegiance to the created and not the creator. Consequently, we are committing idolatry. Beware. Twisted worship happens slowly, but surly. The test of worship happens during the time of your life that noone else sees.

Worship is more than a Sunday or a Song...

.....It's the DNA of who we are...

What Non-Christians Are Saying and What We Should Do About It

2010-08-08T20:02:00.000-07:00

According to David Kinnama’s findings in his book UnChristian, outsiders and the de-churched do not have issues with Jesus, but the Church as She exists today. Is it true that unChristians think that Christians are hypocritical, zealously evangelistic, anti-homosexual, sheltered, too political, and judgmental? As Christians, we have certainly heard these charges; but are they simply an excuse to reject Christianity by unbelievers? If most outsiders have a positive perception on Jesus, but not Christians, how should this frame the church’s method of ministry? The answers are complex and require an honest look at present-day Christian movements juxtaposed with biblical theology. The difference between present day American church movements and biblical theology is simply staggering. However, Christians should be empathetic to cultural trends in order to become better equipped to lead individuals to Christ. Contextualization allows Christians to break down barriers that may impede the Great Commission that is mandated in scripture. Chuck Colson’s ministry motif concerning common grace and saving grace is a great place to start finding an answer. If the church exhibits common grace, sinners would be embracing saving grace. Saving grace entails repentance and trust in Christ. What draws people to Christ is not merely a knock on the door in order to make a spiritual transaction, but seeing the church live out her call to community and discipleship. Colson is right in saying that Christianity encompasses a lifestyle and worldview rather than political ammunition. The biblical gospel may look dramatically different than an Americanized gospel that has been political and formulaic. At the end of the day, we must live according to the Word and not a false interpretation of it.

Dismantling Christian Misconceptions

2010-08-04T20:23:00.000-07:00

We all have certain concepts and inferences that come to mind when we think of God and Christianity. Unfortunately, many people have misconceptions about God and the Christian faith that are due to cultural and historical influences, not biblical. Such misconceptions desperately need to be confronted with a proper understanding of God’s Word. Oftentimes, our cultural terminology negatively affects our theology. For example, some Christians say “if you have more faith, God will heal you and you will prosper”. Consequently, many Christians believe bad things won’t happen if they have enough faith. “ This rampant misconception is merely one of the potentially thousands of statements that are used in Christian circles that can be theologically damaging to anyone’s understanding of Christianity.

A.W. Tozer says “what comes to mind when we think of God is the most important thing about us.” Therefore, subscribing to cultural misconceptions about God is a theological tragedy.

There are too many people who have the unfortunate misunderstanding about what Christianity and being a Christian is all about. As a result, non-Christians and nominal Christians don’t experience the fullness of joy that can only be found in a proper understanding of who Christ is and the truth by which He stands.

There will always be misconceptions about Christianity. However, what we can do as Christians is uncover and confront each misconception in a biblically humble fashion. The time is now to provide biblical critique to misconceptions that may lead to damaging beliefs.

“Always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear; having a good conscience, that when they defame you as evildoers, those who revile your good conduct in Christ may be ashamed (1 Peter 3:15-16)

Here are some 33 popular Misconceptions:

1. Christianity does not and should not affect anyone else in your life.
2. God will solve your problems once you become Christian
3. God is a Cosmic Kill joy
4. All Christians are Loving, perfect people
5. God has my best interest at heart.
6. God will protect me from the consequences of sin regardless of what I do.
7. Bad things don’t happen to faithful Godly Christians
8. Christian Ministers and missionaries are more spiritual than other believers
9. Christians should never judge
10. You should never associate with unbelievers
11. Christians are affiliated to one political worldview
12. Christians always feel Close to God
13. Christianity is primarily an emotional experience
14. I’m a Christian because I prayed the Sinner’s prayer
15. Christianity is basically about being good
16. It doesn’t matter what I do after I’m a Christian
17. There are many paths to God
18. What the Bible means to me may not mean the same thing to you
19. It doesn't matter what you believe as long as you are sincere
20. The Bible conflicts with Science
21. The Bible Demeans Women
22. Jesus is all I need, I don’t need to go to church.
23. God Helps those who helps themselves
24. Evangelical Christians take everything in the Bible Literally
25. Christianity is all about us
26. My denomination is the only Christian denomination
27. Jesus is the only counsellor that I need.
28. Jesus wants me to have faith in order to be healthy and wealthy
29. God wants us to build a Christian culture.
30. If you have enough Faith, God will Give you anything you ask for.
31. You are legalistic if you speak against sin.
32. Going to church makes you a Christian.
33. The Christian life is fun and easy

College Ministry: Strategic Thoughts for Fall

2010-08-03T16:53:00.000-07:00

A Great Fall is Dependent on Great Prayer and Great Planning

As we College ministers begin ramping up for the beginning of the fall, we should think and plan proactively instead of reactively. We have all had ministry moments of regrets and wondered “what if” or worse “ I wish I knew then what I know know at the end of the year” One key to a great Fall is great prayer and great planning. Great prayer and great planning allows us to attack campus full on with no reservation. Many students will create a first impression on the first week; proper planning will cultivate better first impressions. Another key ingredient to kick off the year is an adequate ministry measuring tool. It’s oftentimes hard to evaluate ministry when we have no way to measure. Measuring exposes conditional practices and gives us ideas on how to fine tune ministry.

Empowering Ownership and Engaging Leadership

Recharging Core student leaders is fundamentally essential because the summer can dilute passion. Implanting excitement and empowering vision to students will provide the fuel students need to make ministry contagious and fun. The first week should be a typical week on steroids. Anything more than a typical week may create a false vision of the remainder of the semester. Just because you have the week planned out, doesn’t mean students can’t take ownership in the details. Empowering leadership to the millennial generation will unleash creativity that is innovative. Student’s maintain ownership in the ministry when they take ownership in the ideas. Ministers engage inception when they has a well constructed vision of the ministry and spend time on their knees.

Facebook Freshmen and Get them Connected

Freshmen may be the easiest group on campus to reach because they are looking for social outlets in order to find belonging. However, if they don’t find a sense of belonging, they will be the first ones out the door. Getting to know incoming freshmen through Facebook, phone calls, letters, etc. gives them a way to connect before they step foot on campus. Facebook can be used to prepare these students for college on a practical and emotional level. There is typically a three week window in the fall to get Freshmen connected to ministry. The relationships they make typically determine whether they will stay or not. Their first three weeks often shapes the direction of their entire college career. With this in mind, let us pursue all the possible avenues to “make disciples” of all Freshmen.

2010-07-27T21:51:00.000-07:00

How do we know we are worshipping God? Many times, we declare we are worshipping God, but in reality, our worship is twisted by idols we create. At then end of the day, the altar of our life may be a deity that is a financial issue, a job title, a relationship, a hobby, laziness or anything else we ascribe more attention and affection to other than God. So many times we find ourselves showing allegiance to the created and not the creator. Consequently, we are committing idolatry. Beware. Twisted worship happens slowly, but surly. The test of worship happens during the time of your life that noone else sees.

Misconception Mondays...Christian Misconception #1: God is A Cosmic Killjoy

2010-07-05T17:11:00.000-07:00

Our culture is constantly bombarded from every direction by rules and regulations that maintains morality in a society? From road signs to taxes, everyone is controlled by external agents of which we have little voice in the matter. Rules are created as if they were a formulaic equation for societal success and happiness. This is not to say societal rules are all bad, but needless to say, they do create a tempting tension to break. After all, aren’t rules made to be broken?

“It’s ok not to report those taxes.” “Downloading copyrighted songs aren’t that big of a deal”. “That’s not technically cheating” and the list goes on and on...

Christianity is apparently no exception to rules and regulations. In fact we have created a word that links Christianity to rules and we call this word, legalism. We have made Christianity into a rule book of “thou shalts” and thou “shalt nots.” The Old Testament has over six hundred laws. In fact, the Old Testament appears to portray God as a jealous, blood thirsty control freak; this was my take when I first read the Old Testament. My temptation was to write a paraphrase version of the Bible provided in one simple statement, “Don’t have fun”. This wasn’t a good idea. At any rate, I saw God as a cosmic killjoy; He was a deity sitting on a heavenly throne boasting in humanity’s misery as they blindly submit themselves to His big rule book of do’s and dont’s. This idea of God is nothing new. In fact, most of us feel this way to a certain degree when tragedy strikes our life.

High school football is a way of life for everyone in rural Mississippi. Our community had high expectations for our team when I was the junior quarterback. Oftentimes, I would leave my mouthpiece in my pocket because it was being obstructive in my mouth trying to communicate to the rest of team during the cadence. Our coach saw me place the mouthpiece in my pocket one play and took an appropriate action so that I would never do it again. Let’s just say his appropriate action worked. Late in the fourth quarter in the second round of the playoffs, I dropped back seven yards in the pocket and greeted under my face-mask by the 220 pound linebacker. The only part of the sack I remember is our offensive tackle handing my helmet back to me 15 yards from the line of scrimmage. Embarrassingly, I proceeded to jog to the wrong sideline. I still wonder what would have happened that night if I would have failed to use my mouthpiece. What appeared to be an obstruction, my mouthpiece, was actually for my protection. In the same way, God’s Word appears to obstruct our freedom by providing rules, but actually it protects us from getting our teeth knocked out by the sting of sin.

What part of your life would you want to change? Why? What part of your life do you carry the most baggage? May it be that if you would have been obedient to God’s Word, you wouldn’t want to change anything at all about your past. Why is this? God is not a cosmic killjoy; He wants you to encounter the most joy which is found in Him through the obedience of His Word.

Joy is the end result of experiencing God through obedience. Pursuing and obeying Him will be more pleasurable than any sin has to offer.

The idea that God is a cosmic killjoy is the oldest misconception of theism. This misconception is the very ploy that Satan used on Eve in the garden of Eden in order to convince her to eat of the forbidden fruit.

The greatest need we have is not rules to live by, but rather, a calling to live for.

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

The Negative Impact Podcasting Has On Preaching

2010-06-20T21:14:00.000-07:00

We are seeing an insurmountable impact in the pulpits across the world because of Podcasting. I could’ve easily written a blog entitled, “The Positive Impact Podcasting Has On Preaching” because of the wide accessibility of complimentary resources. That title is for another time and place. The Negative impacts may also trace its roots to the wide accessibility of complimentary resources. Church podcasting has turned into PodOmania; even the laity are listening to their favorite communicator. The pressures of local preachers for quality communication are being felt all over the country because of the well polished messages of the prominent. Consequently, preachers are mimicking verbiage, hand gestures, tonation, and even full messages of the most prominent preachers of evangelicalism. Some prominent preachers even sell sermon kits that includes a preaching manuscript. I see this effect all over the country; camps, churches, conventions, etc... It can be scary how easily this phenomenon can be ascertained while listening to even a brief part of a message. Every preacher has a personalized signature to their message. Here are a list of the prominent preachers that many of you have seen mimicked:

John Piper
Francis Chan
Mark Driscoll
Rob Bell
Andy Stanley
Louie Giglio
Erwin McManus
Ed Young Jr.

I have already seen some up and coming preachers mimicked such as:

Steven Furtick
Perry Noble
David Platt
Matt Chandler

I’m not saying it is bad at all to be influenced by these speakers. However, this craze has homogenized verbage, sermon structuring, hand gestures, theology, tonation, and sermons in ways none of history has recorded. What is the effect? Homogenization leading to a loss in God given individuality, critical thought, sermon preparation, creativity, and ultimately, the Holy Spirit’s leading. These are just a few of the short term effects.

A Dialogue on Culturally Contextualizing the Gospel

2010-06-11T12:59:00.000-07:00

After studying the book of Colossians, I posted this quote on twitter:

"We must differentiate culture from biblical theology to connect to this generation and avoiding false teaching. #lessonsfromcolossians"

After posting this quote, this dialogue was the result...

Charles Affholter: Do you mean the differentiation between the culture of the early Church within which the Pauline community produced this document and the particular, and notably well-developed, Christology that is the central point of the larger argument, or a differentiation between modern culture and theology? I hopefully assume the former to be what you mean, rather than the latter.

As you well know, I find "relevance" to be nothing more than a nasty case of "buzzword toxicity" infecting evangelicalism which was itself a response to the very relevant, though theologically vacuous and equally toxic buzzword, "social gospel", that had become de rigeur in main line Protestantism early last century.

Granted, it bay be a step up from the days when high Christology was fodder for dock-side chatter, but to my mind, the dumbing down of america in general, at which most fundamentalists have excelled far beyond their secular brethren, has left few christians with the education to adequately engage in serious theological reflection. "Engaging the culture" does not and cannot condone the watering down the gospel into the cheap grace that pervades the ecclesiastical communities that are growing the fastest.
14 hours ago

Chad Logan: Biblical principles are indispensable prescriptions for us today; however, there are methods we use to implement those principles. If principles and methods are unchanging, then I would label you as a Christian fundamentalist. Theology should be closed, fixed, and non negotiably biblical; On the other hand, our methods may be culturally contextualized and flexible to change. Some call that cultural capitulation, but they have already contextualized whether they have realized it or not. i.e. latin to English liturgy, Old to New Calendarists, driving a car etc.. Cultural contextualization may and can be bad thing... For instance, many methods may overemphasize or underemphasize the characteristics of God. For example, much of evangelicalism overemphasizes the imminence of God and underemphasizes the transcendence of God. Eastern orthodoxy and Roman Catholicism often emphasize vice versa. On that regard, I would argue that each has much to offer the other and we should pursue a healthy balance of rightly observing the characteristics of God...

Of course I would argue the NT should be the criteria for what contextualization should and ought be. Paul declares to be all things to all people.. The reality is that many churches are so insular that they are providing great reasons for the unchurched to remain unchurched. Creating a Christian culture of a moral majority is NOT being obedient to the scripture in being IN the world but not OF the world; this idea deserves more insight for another occasion. at any rate, creating a coalition of Christian soldiers is not the prescription of scripture by any stretch.

What must be avoided in the balance of biblical principles and cultural contextualization is syncretism; syncretism can be traced throughout all of Christendom. Some argue that Gnosticism and Greek paganism has left its mark in many forms of Eastern orthodoxy. St. Augustine’s reliance on Plato’s philosophy may be an example of syncretism as well. The middle ages brought a change between the Bible and the church. Therefore, more and more classical non Christian philosophers were freely mixed in dogma. Aquinas’ use of Aristotelian philosophy is an example. The mixture of Biblical teaching and philosophy led to a disregard to scripture because truth could be found without it. May it be that even systematic theology is more indicative of culture than the Bible?

Mexico is an extraordinary case of syncretism of Spanish catholicism and Native Indian cultures. The Virgin of Guadelupe can be traced back to an ancient tribal goddess. The Virgin of Guadelupe is just one of many examples of Mexican syncretism that has invaded catholicism. America evangelicalism is experiencing syncretism on an epic level. The American dream has infiltrated evangelical pulpits with the health, wealth, and prosperity gospel. The list goes on and on... This discussion is a very delicate topic that requires much reliance humility through prayer and the biblical pursuit of orthodox doctrine. Will there be mystery? of course... But at the end of the day, let our faith be in the Gospel alone, not culture or tradition. My thoughts here may be one reason I have a newfound interest in the early church fathers of whom were not tainted by 2,000 years of cultural history.

Simple Stage Curtains On A Budget

2010-06-05T14:13:00.000-07:00

Stage curtains are an inexpensive way to create a simplified stage. Creating stage curtains using this easy method also enhances versatility with height adjustment as well as using different prop methods. 1 1/4 inch pvc was used for the curtain holders and each curtain set has 3 2 way L brackets that is used for 90 degree angles on the top and bottom. 1 1/4 PVC pipe can be purchased at Lows for a little over 3.00 per 10 ft. piece. The pipes are easy to saw off or add extensions to. Each curtain is self standing using only a 2 way L PVC Bracket: however, 3 and 4 way PVC brackets can be purchased for extra weight support. The two side curtains are $14.00 king size flat bed sheets purchased at Wal-Mart. It is as simple as removing the hem from the width in order to hang the sheet. The width is approximately 8 feet w x 9 ft. h and the sheets spared about 10 inches to allow fullness. Now the largest curtain is approximately 10ft.w X 12ft. h. I added a 2 ft. extensions. Extension brackets can be purchased at any hardware store for .50. The larger curtain is 2 black tablecloths sewn together. Tablecloth material is 70 inches wide so this allowed us 20 inches of spared fullness in the sheet. The AState BCM logo is a science fair poster board purchased at Wal-Mart drawn using permanent markers. The design was created using both Photoshop and Illustrator and the font came from dafont.com (College font). I traced the logo from a projector.

I look forward to creating cheap props that will add more flavor to this project.

Materials:

12 1 1/4 inch PVC Pipes
12 1 1/4 inch 2 way PVC L brackets
2 king size bed sheets
2 12 ft. black table cloths
2 1 1/4 inch PVC extension brackets
2 science fair display boards
Magic Markers

time: 3 hrs.

Religious Surfing: How The Internet Plays A Major Role In Religion Formation

2010-05-26T12:09:00.001-07:00

A new pole says that well over 35 million Americans use the Web in order to get religious information. Most, notably, 41% were religious seekers. On the web, you can read and watch religious information that includes theological perspectives that literally span the entire globe. There are over 4,000 books on one website alone: www.religion-online.org. Web sites, blogs, books, and encyclopedia's from any religion can be obtained from simply Googling any religious topic.

Interestingly, most of these religious surfers are under the age of 30; therefore, church, TV, friends, and family are no longer the only modes of spiritual formation in the life of an adolescent. Is the ease of theological accessibility healthy for Christians? I would say yes and no. Hopefully, the Bible would be the primary source of your search for who Jesus is rather than the web, friends, family, and even your church. However, before you become an avid religious surfer, it is important that you have a firm foundation in your faith so that you can’t be easily swayed from a mere You Tube video. The web can give you an inside scoop into other theological world-views which can stretch and grow your faith, rather than only understanding the religious perspective you were raised in.

The web can do 1 of 3 things to or for your faith. First, It may provide validation to the religion you grew up believing in. Secondly, the web may convince you that your religion is false and another is true. Lastly, it may just merely expand your theological worldview. Always remember to be wise when reading religious information on the web.

Most importantly, weigh everything you hear or read juxtaposed with the Bible. (2 Timothy 3:16)

Bible Study Structure

2010-05-13T17:35:00.000-07:00

Here Is a Bible Study Structure I created while Kelly took a cat nap. What are some other thoughts that need to be considered? It should work with both topical and expository studies.

College Ministry: A Collaborative Effort For Holistic Spiritual Formation

2010-04-26T18:13:00.000-07:00

There’s been much debate about the future of campus-based college ministry in regard to a resurgence of church-based college ministry, institutionalized college ministry (which is religious colleges that have chapel), and collegiate church plants.

If the GCR (Great Commission Resurgence) passes, there will be a de-centralization shift in the SBC that may redirect funds toward collegiate church plants and away from associational or para church organizations. Consequently, campus ministry, as we know it, will become a thing of the past. This will be a dangerous shift and produce an unnecessary regression for holistic college ministry.

The unfortunate reality is that students move off to campus and struggle to connect to the local church in the midst of transitioning to college. Campus-based ministries should see their role as pointing students toward the local church in addition to campus ministry involvement.

The reality is that college students need both campus and church-based ministry in order to maximize spiritual formation. Collective ministerial effort has been proven to be the most successful ministry model of spiritual formation for a variety of reasons. Campus/church based ministry depends on each other in order to produce a disciple and disciple makers of Christ.

Campus ministries meet on campus, allowing students from many churches to grow and minister inside the subculture of which they live. These subcultures include ministering to: the campus staff, professors, greeks, band, athletics etc. Having a strategic location is missionally advantageous in a way that churches can’t enjoy without being on campus. Oftentimes, churches target more than merely the college campus which is an overwhelming opportunity cost in ministering to the college campus.

A new model that many emerging regions of the country are moving towards is church planting on the college campus which provides a solution to the strategic location issue. However, it would be very difficult for these churches to become multi-generational and self-supportive simply because most students will most likely leave after graduation. Most campus churches meet in dorms and led by students which may present a variety of ecclesiological issues. Also, a campus church will threaten the local community churches who are multi-generational and invest into college ministry; whereas, a campus-based ministry provides an environment for students who remain committed to the church wherever he or she goes.

A critic may ask, why are college students so confused about church and campus-based ministry? Collegians are confused because campus and church based ministries may look very similar programmatically. Students should understand the importance of the differentiation between the two.

I believe students should attend both local church and on-campus ministry. This adds maximum accountability for collegians who easily can disappear in the subculture of the campus scene. A collaborative model will provide intergenerational and age-specific accountability.

Eikons and Redemption: The Mystery of the Incarnation

2010-04-20T19:04:00.000-07:00

Anyone who knows me very well knows clearly the mystical fascination I have with Russian and Greek Iconography. One of the first Icons in my collection is the earliest depiction, excluding Shroud of Edessa and Turin, that we have to date which is the 6th century Pantocrator found at St. Catherines Monestery on Mt. Sinai.

There are endless Illustrations of theology in the art of Iconography because Biblical theology was their original intent. When Christianity was legalized in the 4th century, preists were encouraged to create these paintings which were “Bibles without words” namely, because most people couldn’t read.

The reality is that Icons are merely images prayerfully painted on wood. Are they graven images? That would be a matter of the heart just like any form of materialism...At any rate, they are certainly nothing deserving of veneration, but merely theological reminders and perhaps a “window into heaven”

Orthodox believers see Icons acting as “windows into heaven", yet substantially the icon obviously remains egg tempera and gold leaf painted on wood including the possible brass Oklad.

Iconography symbolizes the rich theological concept of the incarnation and redemption of man. Icons are a pledge that things can spiritually become something else yet maintain their physical identity. I can’t think of any illustration greater to describe the deep theological meaning of Galatians 2:20 which declares,

"I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me."

Spiritually, we become someone else yet our physical identity remains the same

Redemption was only made possible through God’s effort to bridge the gap of spirit and matter through the divine incarnation of Christ. Christ is present in us as we are present to one another.

You are a vehicle for God’s presence in this world, however, it isn’t your effort putting forth the charity and love; your charity and love is Christ's presence in you for the hope of Glory.

True Humility is fully understood in Galatians 2:20 because the physical should never take credit from the spiritual. Every Good is for God's Glory because every Good is made possible only through Him.

10 Commandments of Success

2010-04-19T20:55:00.000-07:00

1. Hard Work: Old Fashioned methodical work pays off.
2. Be a student first: learning enables a man to work more intelligently and effectively.
3. Be Driven: Complacency is the beginning of the end.
4. Love Your Work: Then and only then will you master it.
5. Be Exact as possible: don’t let any idea be a shot in the dart.
6. Own it: Overcoming difficulties leads to conquer.
7. Cultivate Personality: Personality is appealing and pleasant.
8. Help and Share with Others: your personal success lies in giving opportunities to others.
9. Give others a voice: A successful leader of man makes other men feel important.
10. In all Things, Do Your Best as Christ strengthens you: Allow Christ to do His best through you!

Uniqueness: A Principle of Leadership

2010-04-18T18:08:00.000-07:00

 My Freshmen year of College, I was asked to play Savage Garden’s “I Knew I Loved You” at a friend’s wedding. Embarrassing I know, especially when the electricity went out right in the middle of the song at Mississippi State University’s campus chapel. I barely made it to the wedding for a number of reasons. For one, I was pulled over in a small town known as Mathiston, Ms where the speed limit goes from 65 MPH to 35 MPH in a matter of 100 yards. You know that feeling you get when you see blue lights? I didn’t get that feeling. Rather, I suddenly felt embarrassed because I knew I would have to explain why I was wearing a tux and driving my Mom’s Buick Lesabre full of music equipment. Before the Patrolman uttered a word, I rolled down my window and told him, “I’m wearing a tux because I’m singing in a wedding tonight and here is my guitar!” He snickered and apparently felt pity on my vocation of choice, consequently, letting me go.

Why did I feel the need to explain to the cop why I was so dressed up? Well, I looked so different than most of the world because I was dressed to the nines, ready and equipped for a special occasion on my way to the wedding destination.

The reality is that many of us have a special destination, but have miserably failed to ask the important question “How should I dress up and equip myself for where I am going in life?” What is it that we need most to dress to the nines and prepare ourselves for the future as a leader?

1 Peter 2:9 But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people;

How does it feel to be called peculiar? You are strange, you are unique, you are weird, you are special; you are anything but normal. You are tailor made; clothed with a specific skill set that no one who has ever existed has possessed or will ever possess. You are unrepeatable. You are mysterious. No one will ever exist like you or experience the life that you have experienced. You are a collection of Threads that have never been put together before until now. Why don’t you wear them for your special occasion? We are called to wear our specialness on our sleeves in order to leverage it for God’s Glory.

How does it feel to be tailor made for a divine purpose? Discover it, love it, embrace it, activate it...

What will make you the most powerful leader you can be is to discover, nurture, and activate your uniqueness. Put Differently, what will stifle you most is try and be someone else. Imitation will never give your heart sufficient satisfaction because you are living a fabricated lifestyle. Yes, we all have heroes, but God has not called us to live out the life of others. Imitating Christ is the only imitation that will give us satisfaction simply because His Spirit lives inside us. (Galatians 2:20)

Where can we observe homogenous trends (i.e., things that cause us to conform)? The college campus, societal norms, theological circles, and sermon delivery techniques are just a few places we can look. For example, an adequate stereotype of an Ole Miss student, when I was in college, was a NorthFace Jacket, khacki shorts, and rainbow flip flops. The theological and sermon delivery trend in my seminary was Reformed and expository. American Idol empowered the next breakthrough artist to homogenize music and style to Generation Y.

In each individual case presented above, people often fail to recognize the need to challenge the status quo of homogeneity and pursue their individual uniqueness given to them by God. You don’t have to be a fraternity boy or Mark Driscoll, or Carrie Underwood. You have to be the person God has created you to be.

God has not called you to fit into the status quo, but rather, stand out for His Glory. He has called us, not to be accepted by the masses, but rather, stand out to the masses. Understanding your uniqueness is simply understanding how God made you.
Don’t underestimate yourself. You aren’t an insignificant leader. You are created in the image of God for the purpose of leading people into a growing relationship with Christ. The successfulness of your life is not measured by anyone else’s standards for you, but God’s..

My Haleakala Moment

2010-03-31T19:50:00.000-07:00

For Spring Break this year, I took 10 College students To Maui, Hawaii for a mission trip. We partnered with the University of Hawaii (Maui) BCM and Valley Isle Fellowship Church. We painted, landscaped, cleaned mattresses, proclaimed the gospel through Drama, message, and song to over 90 local Hawaiian teenagers in Wailuku, and helped the Pacific Whale Foundation remove invasive species on a volcano known as Haleakala.

I have been asked time and time again what my favorite moment was from the trip. I really enjoyed preaching to over 100 locals and serving the YMCA and the Pacific Whale Foundation. There were many defining moments on the trip for me, but one stands out more than any. For those of you who know me, I am not an emotional person at all. In fact, I wish I were more emotional. Last thursday, our students had the bright idea of waking up to watch the sunrise 10,000 feet above sea level on the tip of Haleakala; I was indifferent about the decision, but what the heck, we were in Maui. As a “Mission Trip” leader, I tried to be intentional about looking for opportunities to have “group times with God” so I remembered a quote from Andrew Murray’s "The Deeper Christian Life" “An Aid To Its Attainment”

So at 5:00 am on top of Haleakala I read this insert from this remarkable book:

“Dear reader, we have such wrong thoughts of God. What is God Like? I know no image more beautiful and instructive than that of the sun. the sun is never weary of shining; of pouring out his beneficent rays on the good and the evil. you might close up the windows with blinds or bricks, the sun would shine upon them all the same; though we might sit in darkness, in utter darkness, the shining would still be the same. God’s sun shines on every blade of grass, on everything that springs out of the ground. All recieve this wealth of sunshine until they bear fruit. Would he who made the sun be less willing to pour out His love and life into me?”

The sun, what beauty it creates! Would God not delight more in creating beauty and fruitfulness in me?

As I am reading this insert from my i-phone and watching sunrise on top of Haleakala, I am literally weeping in front of 10 ASU college students, 4 HU students, and over 30 random strangers hearing me read this quote. As prideful and self conscious as I often am; in that single glorious moment, I had no regard to anyone's perception of me because I was completely Awestruck at the Majesty and Glory of God’s creation...The Sun! What an Illustration of God's Faithfulness!!!

Q/A Guide to Christianity For International Students

2010-03-13T11:01:00.000-08:00

I am I the process of creating a brochure to answer any questions international students may have about Christianity. After long discussions with many students, i have concluded 6 questions that encompass 100's of questions they have mentioned to me. My goal is to be practical, theological, concise, articulate, and redemptive. Please include any suggestions you may have in order to make this brochure better!

1. If no one in my family believes in God, why should I believe in God?

Every person should ask: “Does God exist?” whether your family believes He does or not. An atheist must believe that matter came from nothing which breaks down logically. The Bible declares that God created the heavens and the Earth. (Genesis 1:1)

2. Why do Christians believe that Christianity is the one true religion?

Evaluating the historical evidence of religions is fundamental in order to find out which religion is the most reliable and true. Christianity declares that Jesus is the Son of God who died and was resurrected. We know the reliability of these facts from historical tradition and the Holy Bible. There were over 500 eye witnesses to the resurrected Jesus; many were still alive when many of the books of the Bible were written! This proves the Bible was not fabricated by the early church like many skeptics believe. Therefore, Christianity is the most reliable, historical, and believable religion.

3. Isn’t becoming Christian merely embracing western culture and denying the cultures of my home country?

No. Christianity should never be equated with western culture. In fact, Christianity actually started in Palestine; however, it transcends all cultural and societal influences. The Bible says, in Galatians 3:28, “There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus”.

4. Why would I become Christian if it will cause family tensions, embarrassment in my home country, and rejection from my friends?

Jesus says in the Bible, John 14:6 :“I am the way the truth and the life, No one comes to the Father except through me.” Trusting Christ as Savior is the most important decision you will ever make for yourself. Knowing that Jesus is the only way we can spend eternity with God, you can extend to your family and friends the same love that Christ has shown you! Put Differently, God has entrusted you to tell others about who Jesus is and what He has done. Extending God’s love is more important than any popularity you may have with your family and friends,

5. If I don’t feel like I need Jesus, then why do Christians believe I need Jesus?

You may not feel like you need Jesus, but the Bible explains that everyone has a spiritual need for Jesus. Christians believe that everyone was born with an evil heart. Romans 3:23 says “for all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God”. Have you every told a lie, lusted, or became prideful and felt shameful? We all have have done something wrong in some form. Consequently, our sin has eternally separated us from a Holy God. However, the Good News is that God provided a way through which we can live with Him eternally! We must turn from our sin and accept that Jesus Christ died for the penalty of our sins on our behalf. Our faith in Christ is the only condition for making our relationship right with God.

If I accept Jesus as my Savior and Lord, what’s next for me?

As A Christ-Follower, There are 4 important things we are commanded to do:

A. We can listen to God, through reading the Bible, which is the very word and will of God. 2 Timothy 3:16 says, “all Scripture is God-breathed and useful for teaching, rebuking, and training in righteousness”.

B. Christians can also talk to God anytime, anywhere, and in any season of temptation and joy through prayer.

C. We are commanded to talk with others who know Christ through joining a local church and being baptized as a symbolic act of following Christ.

D. We are also called by Jesus himself to make other disciples of Jesus Christ. Matthew 28:19-20 says “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age".

College Students' Thoughts on Faith and Politics

2010-03-02T09:17:00.000-08:00

Last night in our Apologetics class, we talked about whether Jesus rode a donkey or an elephant. Put differently, we discussed the compatibility and incompatibility of faith and politics. For instance, political involvement can often polarize congregations and damage our individual leverage to witness; however, topics were discussed such as giving to the poor, pacifism, war, peace, homosexuality, abortion, marriage, and other polarizing topics in a non-polarizing and biblically sound atmosphere. Political structures such as Jeffersonian Democracy, Theocracy, Socialism etc. were also discussed in order to see which most aligns with scripture. After looking at the preponderance of scripture for each topic and structure, our conclusions were interestingly subjective.

We concluded the take away was VERY simple. Our paradigm for political involvement should be to “Love God and Neighbor”. If we are serious about loving God and our neighbor, then it makes sense to get involved in the institutions that have great impact in the lives of people, especially those who are disadvantaged and vulnerable. In today’s world there are numerous opportunities to make a difference and we, as Christians, are to take ownership of responsibilities to make that difference. Democracy confers responsibility, and responsibility obligation; These responsibilities are bi-partisan and include working hard, paying taxes, and supporting a Biblical worldview.

Our students concluded that it is important to resist the temptation to co-op God into a particular political agenda because God transcends time and space and connot be limited to a political ideology. I commend such wisdom and discernment by our college students. Such a statement tells me they have a biblical ideology before a political ideology. Oftentimes, despite such caution, it is important to avoid the enlightenment trap of COMPLETE separation of God and the world.

We concluded 4 ways to make a difference in Politics

1. Pray, Pray, Pray just as William Wilberforce was committed to pray for social change.
2. Get informed because knowledge is power which helps you know how to pray.
3. Vote because decisions are made by those who show up.
4. Discuss political ideologies from a Biblical worldview.