Tell Someone Today

My Face in the Crowd

2011-07-22T05:05:00.000-07:00

Sometimes in the familiarity of something we talk a lot about I sometimes I miss my face in crowd. This morning I was struck by the sheer obscenity of the cross--the excruciating pain of it--and the faces in the crowd.

For instance, when the soldiers come to arrest Jesus (John 18:10) Peter tries to kill the one of the guy and ends up cutting off the right ear of the soldier--his name is Malchus. Malchus got his ear healed by the one he came to arrest (Luke 22:51). I've been opposed to Jesus and healed by him on the same day too. I am Malchus.

And then Peter denies ever knowing Jesus publicly (v. 18). One moment he's seemingly heroic, the next--he's a coward. How cold must that warm fire have felt in that moment? I've known cold moments like that. I am Peter.

The Pharisees take Jesus to Pilate to get him killed but don't go into the headquarters for fear of being defiled and unable to eat Passover. How utterly blind to miss the whole point of Passover--that Jesus is lamb. I'm blind like that too.

When Jesus is bleeding and dying on the cross the soldiers value only his tunic and cast lots for it. A seemless garment. That's what was of value. Wow. Somebody took home the garment of Jesus and left him dying on the cross. I've been that guy. Well...really...I am that guy being healed by the One who both died on that tree for me and rose again.

Somebody said "familiarity breeds contempt." Finding my face accurately in the crowd helps me to be amazed by this Jesus who demonstrated excruciating love for me to bring me to God (1 Peter 3:18).

What We All Have in Common with Rob Bell

2011-03-23T06:29:00.001-07:00

I've not read Rob Bell's latest "Love Wins" so I'm not picking a fight with a book I've not explored. I have however read some reviews, watched the video, and been a Christian for a lot of years in the religious South. I've grown accustomed to the results of losing the historic precision regarding words in the Bible like "hell," "wrath," "judgment," and intentional language like "only" and "all" and "never."

I'd like to admit that I have something in common with Rob Bell.

Not only am I born a sinner in desperate need of the grace of God for forgiveness and to be put in a right relationship with God through faith alone--I also struggle with the words of Scripture, the theology surrounding those words, and the difference it makes in my life.

If we're honest we should go ahead and more openly admit our own struggle with the idea of hell. For those who are new to the topic--hell is historically understood as the eternal wrath of God against sinners who reject Christ. It's everlasting (infinite), conscious (not a ceasing to exist), torment (agony). All the apostles warned against this wrath of God that all people deserve--and Jesus spoke the loudest of all in the gospels.

This doctrine is shocking. It wakes you up. You start to ask questions like, "okay, I get that I'm a sinner but is it that bad?"

The answer from the Bible?

Yes.

It's that bad.

I once had a theology professor that said you get at understanding the love and grace of God two ways--both have to do with the gravity of what our sin deserves. You get at that gravity by either looking at the cross--or eternal hell. Both have to do with the wrath of God--both have to do with just consequence of sin. One involves a substitute. The other the absence of one.

But the truth is that we all struggle with the words of Scripture. I'm not talking about struggling in the sense of denying those truths--but the struggle that comes from not denying those truths. It's the difference between believing something and living out those implications.

For instance. I believe in the doctrine of hell. I believe in the wrath of God. I don't believe it ever ends--because I believe that all crimes against the purity of God are everlasting and infinite crimes worthy of nothing less than eternal punishment. I believe that only a love and life as pure as the only Son could take away the curse of sin--I believe he experienced the wrath of God for all who trust in him. I believe I've been rescued by this amazing love through the gift of faith.

I also believe that most people in my world don't believe in the consequence of sin, the wrath of God, the doctrine of hell, or the need for repentance and a following faith in Jesus alone.

This should break me. I mean really...really break me.

This--primarily for the magnitude of God's love in Jesus. I should be broken over my sin. Broken over my pride and stupid love for stuff God hates. Broken by his personal love to hang on nails to make me holy and cleanse me.

But also that others know this love. The sheer thought of what Rob Bell criticizes (i.e. "millions and millions") of people suffering in hell can move you two ways. On one extreme you can question the grace and love of God that such a horror exist--even denying Scripture--moving the direction of inclusivism or universalism. On the other hand, you can better understand the depth of his love and mercy--the power of the gospel and our need to proclaim it to the lost and make disciples.

Denying can happen in more than one way.

Tim Keller: 5 Things to Prepare for Revival

2011-03-21T18:25:00.000-07:00

In this post and this post I shared Tim Keller's thoughts on revival. Here are 5 things he said are common to any move of God that could be described as an "intensification" of the "ordinary" work of the Holy Spirit.

1. Extraordinary Prayer--Every revival has this in common. This corporate praying is kingdom-centered, repenting, and prevailing. It evidences people coming to a King with large petitions asking for God to do great things--extraordinary things.

2. Recovery of the Gospel--Edwards saw revival when he recovered "justification by faith alone." Keller made it clear that "the average person doesn't get the gospel." He challenged us to consider that most people don't get the gospel in "the slightest." When people realize the depth of grace--they come alive in new ways.

3. Transformed Formidable Leaders--Individuals catch on fire personally and become leaders. Every revival shows that leaders grasp the fullness of the gospel and have a new boldness.

4. Experience Meetings--This was a new idea for me. Keller said in almost every revival you have meeting "venues" where people have an opportunity to "process" what God is doing in their lives. Venues for talking through experiences matter in revival.

5. Creativity--In every revival you see some new revolutionary (and often initially scandalous) means of getting the gospel out. For Whitefield and Wesley it was outdoor preaching--stunning for the times. For the rival in NY City--it was a business man starting a prayer meeting in the middle of the day--unheard of and radical for the time.

What Motivates You Most?

2011-03-21T08:04:00.000-07:00

"For Paul, this substitution, Christ bearing our penalty in our place, is the essence of the atonement. Certainly, he celebrates the cross as a victory over the forces of evil on our behalf (Col. 2:15) and as a motivating revelation of the love of God toward us (2 Cor 5:14-15), but if it had not been an event of penal substitution, it would not for him have been either of these. As Gal 2:20 declares, his life of responsive faith was wholly formed and driven by the knowledge that his Savior had revealed divine love to him by giving himself to die on the cross in order to save him." (J.I. Packer, In My Place Condemned He Stood)

Tim Keller: 3 Marks of Revival

2011-03-18T07:17:00.000-07:00

In a previous post I shared Tim Keller's definition of revival as an "intensification of the ordinary operations of the work of the Spirit." More than (but not minimizing) supernatural manifestations (healings, gifts, miracles) the intensification is mostly characterized by an increase in conversions, conviction, personal assurance and awareness of God and can happen for a varied length of time.

Keller said that 3 things happen when you see this intensification or "revival." Regardless of time period or geography you will typically see...

1. Sleepy Christians wake up. Believers suddenly become aware of God's presence and power in a new way--new waters of faith spring from already regenerate hearts.

2. Nominal Christians get converted. Keller said you almost always hear of someone who "thought" they were a Christian suddenly realize they were not. This usually spills over into an even greater outpouring of God's Spirit. He said it's usually not the clergy or spiritual leaders that serve as catalysts for revival--but the stories of a few nominal Christians that come to life for the first time and give witness to it.

3. Unconverted get attracted. In revival the unconverted are attracted to what they see happening. They see past their objections to the church because of the undeniable life manifested in the body of Christ. They are attracted to the new and fresh witness of the church.

Japanese Missionary: Pray for No Panic

2011-03-17T10:38:00.000-07:00

Bob Drews serves at MTW Japan. He and his family live near Ichihara City. He asks that God would hold back panic both among the Japanese and around the world.

"2 AM here, prepping a truck for run north with water, food, fuel. Pray for our drivers & team. Pray for the workers at plant & nuclear doesn't get worse. Pray there won't be panic, as the situation here in Chiba is fine, but panic seems to be spreading in the US & international press and it's affecting our ability to get the job done. And, yes, more aftershocks tonight. Still safe and working, but more and more inquiries about evacuating. We don't need that!"

How to Change the World After Retirement

2011-03-15T12:02:00.001-07:00

I had a fascinating conversation with a man today on while visiting my parents in Burnet Texas.

A friend from their baptist church--we went to pick up a tiller from him so my mom can do some gardening. His name is Mr. Zimmerman and in a very short time I was able to hear some of his story that was stirring and amazing.

He is about 75 years old. While he showed us the ins and outs of his tiller--and jumped in and out of my dads pick up truck like a guy half his age--he told us how the Lord gave this property to he and his wife about 20 years ago.

Having raised 3 of their own he and his wife sensed the Lord leading them to "child care" ministry and worked for a couple years at a Buckner camp that has since shut down. At this facility they served as foster parents for many children.

They wanted to keep serving in this vital ministry and aquired property in Burnet (through the Lord moving on someone in the church) to continue this ministry. He said over these years they saw many children come through their home--about 75 total!

He didn't paint the scenario as glamorous. He mentioned one child threatened to stab them at one point. One mentally retarted boy came to them after severe physical abuse (being hung and whipped) that they felt very inadequate to care for. However, this has been rewarding as the Lord met them with every challenge and he has some boys that still call him dad.

"I've lived long enough to prove that Rom 8:28 is true."

I didn't ask Mr. Zimmerman this--but I don't think that he regrets laying his life down for these 75 kids over the years--nor do I think he's tempted to wonder if he made a difference--or spent his retirement well.

We can change lives as we lay ours down.

"All Religion is Man-Made"

2011-03-12T20:27:00.000-08:00

We prayed as couples and Josh and I went across the street to make some friends tonight. The party was still going strong. We were surprised by the immediate shouts of "neighbor!" when we stepped into the backyard. We had some great conversation with guys--at some points we had a sense that seeds were being sown. But after further reflection we both agreed that the most important thing we did tonight was simply be a presence of Christ to folks.

I will share a sound byte of Josh Jordan's conversation...

[Friend] "All religion is man-made."

[Josh] "If you believe there is a God you've got to believe that at least one religion is not man-made."

[Friend] agreeing...

[Josh] "Don't you think that if there is a good God that made you--living for Him would be the greatest thing?"

Josh went on to communicate that because we've been separated from God--Jesus died to help us be reconciled to Him. The conversations went in several directions--loops and spins--but in all we experienced God's help in building relationships and scattering seed.

How Do you Evaluate an Open Door?

2011-03-12T18:23:00.000-08:00

Today I'm visiting a friend Josh Jordan in Seguin. It's about 8:30pm right now of a wonderful day of reconnecting and seeing the city as well as San Antonio.

Josh has some great neighbors.

At 9am his next door neighbor was already getting the grill ready while while our kids were playing on the swings. When we got back from San Antonio the music was going loud--but because they had been in Spanish--it wasn't a big deal. But by the time we decided to grill we were hearing Sir-Mix-a-Lot and 80's Salt-N-Peppa.

Nevertheless. His neighbor thanked us for our patience as they were celebrating a family birthday. He insisted through the fence that we come over and get some beans--finally walking over to the house and bringing us a plate to enjoy. He then said, "you need to come over. We're having good conversation."

trusting God for an open door...

Missionary Account of Japan Tsunami

2011-03-11T06:40:00.000-08:00

Joey Zorina is a missionary in Japan. This is his account of the earthquake that is rocking Japan right now.

"We were praying fervently this morning, not knowing what that was for. I believe He had us prepared.

The North got the hardest hit. It is literally smashed by... both the earthquake and tsunami. We're safe & sound here in Nagoya. 8.9 magnitude quake shook Northern Japan. Tokyo had .5 or 6 experience. The aftershocks kept our apartment moving for a while. We felt dizzy because of the aftershock. It was pretty long even here. There are Tsunami warnings in Portuguese, Korean, English & Japanese in the T.V now. We live in the Aichi area. Tsunami of 2 metres high is expected along the coast. We should be safe since we're further up. I see houses burning right now because of gas leak in the areas hardest hit."

Pray for Joey and All Nations Fellowship that God will protect them in these days and empower them to glorify him through compassion and boldness in the days ahead.

Tim Keller Definition of Revival

2011-03-10T07:54:00.000-08:00

I recently went with a friend to an Anglican church planting conference in Plano to hear Tim Keller speak. Not knowing exactly what his topic was going to be I was surprised by his topic being revival.

His message was "Marks of Revival and Spiritual Renewal"

He opened with a testimony of how he came out of the Jesus Movement of the 1970s and referenced the Asbury Revival of 1970. From there he gave a definition of revival and how he experienced revival in planting Redeemer from the start. Here's his definition. I will give his points in future posts.

What is revival? "Revival is an intensification of the ordinary operations of the work of the Holy Spirit."

In other words--all that the Spirit does in converting, convicting, reminding, assuring is intensified--and this intensifying of the Spirits work can happen over a long duration of time, a short time, a season of time--and even be given to a specific geographical location.

Keller experienced this intensifying work of the Spirit in the first 18 months of the church being planted in NY. For 18 months to 2 years they experienced an unusual number of people come to faith--around 200 people.

They have seen many come to faith since then as well--but not with the same degree of intensity. He likened this moment of revival to Spurgeon's ministry which in total saw many hundreds come to faith in Christ--but uniquely and intensely from the years 1857-60.

The Eternal Worth of a Soul

2011-03-08T18:58:00.000-08:00

We were walking in down the streets of DC on an excursion day after a conference when it hit me.

It wasn't the first time I've considered it--but maybe the first time I ever mentioned it to my wife and as I shared the thought out loud the truth of it sunk deeper--even a bit surprising. My own voice convicting my calloused heart.

It happened as we were passing a homeless man who was sunken over--asleep in the middle of the day. I wish I could describe him but I don't remember details. I just remember the contrast of his sleeping sadness amidst the busyness of the streets. A breathing still frame lifted from a feature film.

I was reminded of the words of Christ, "For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul? (Matt. 16:26)."

Though we just spent hours looking at priceless works of art in the Smithsonian American Art Museum--and peeked at the 112 carat Hope Diamond--this man surpasses them all.

In fact--Jesus says take all that the world considers valuable--and throw in the world, the stars, the billions of galaxies, and all the unexplored treasures of the known creation and they don't hold up to this man sleeping on the sidewalk next to the trash.

Note the words, "the whole world" and "what shall a man give...?"

Answer? Nothing.

Why?

My best answer that convicted me even as I shared with my wife is that in the same way we place value on duration and uniqueness--Jesus places value on the duration of and uniqueness of a created soul.

The planets will wear out. The farthest star that burns light-years away will eventually burn out. The Hope Diamond will eventually turn to ash. But when the farthest light goes out--the nameless man's soul will keep going--eternal as ever. It will never cease to exist.

Our souls are eternal. Priceless. Meaningful. Significant. Never to go out once breathed into creation. This is true for the most unimpressive life--the most difficult person--the smelliest homeless man. This is true for you and me.

If we truly understood that--we would likely step out of the museums and stare at the man. We would muse over the significance of his soul--the everlasting nature of a something in the middle of everything that won't last a day in forever.

How much is the man worth who has trash blowing on him?

Priceless.

The Sunday School Teacher who led Moody to Christ

2011-03-06T21:57:00.000-08:00

Most people have heard of D.L. Moody. He was used by God to lead hundreds to Christ through the course of his ministry in the late 19th century.

But have you heard of Edward Kimball?

Edward Kimball was the lay Sunday School teacher who lead D.L. Moody to Christ when Moody was an 18 year old shoe salesman in Boston.

Moody visited his Sunday School class and was won over to the middle-age man when he rescued him from the embarrassment of not being able to find the gospel of John (he was thumbing through the Old Testament).

Shortly after, Kimball "felt constrained to go call on Dwight Moody and inquire about the condition of his soul." Although Kimball felt the Lord leading him, he feared the encounter and was so absorbed with debating whether or not he should actually go talk to Moody that he past the store and had to circle back.

Mustering up the courage he decided to "have it over at once" and talk to Moody. While Moody was shelving shoes Kimball remembered "I went up to him and put my hand on his shoulder, and as I leaned over...I made my plea, and I feel that it was really a weak one. I don't know just what the words I used...I simply told him of Christ's love for him and the love Christ wanted in return."

How did it go? How did God use his weak presentation of the gospel?

Moody describes how this man's love was used to lead him to Christ:

"I recollect that my teacher came around behind the counter of the shop I was at work in, and put his hand upon my shoulder, and talked to me about Christ and my soul. I had not felt that I had a soul till then. I said to myself: 'this is a very strange thing. Here is a man who never saw me till lately, and he is weeping over my sins, and I never shed a tear for them.' But I understand it now, and know what it is to have a passion for men's souls and weep over their sins. I don't remember what he said, but I can feel the power of that man's hand on my shoulder tonight. It was not long after that I was brought into the Kingdom of God." (A Passion for Souls, Lyle Dorsett, pg. 47)

Prayer is Mission-Critical...

2011-03-03T14:38:00.000-08:00

We just started a book on our pastoral team called "Taking Hold of God" by Joel Beeke. So far it is very good.

As I seek to live in a God-honoring way--I am all-too-often tempted to believe that prayer is an important part of the day--a needed focus of life--but not mission-critical.

I'm hoping to decrease this thought in my life.

One thing that jumped out at me in the first chapter is the statement, "for...Luther, the reformation was about how the church prays." He quotes Luther, "Prayer is a difficult matter and hard work. It is far more difficult than preaching the Word or performing other official duties in the church. When we are preaching we are more passive than active; God is speaking through us, and our teaching is His work. This is the reason why it is also very rare."

I find this to be very true in my life. I am often tempted to believe prayer is a duty disconnected to other very important things. Like a kid that wants to hurry up and eat so he can go play---the bigger work is often viewed outside--away from the quiet--dictated by my "list." I'm seeking a more robust prayer life (and seeking the seeking therein) to live in active trust upon a loving Father.

What's it mean to be "born of the Spirit?"

2010-12-08T07:29:00.001-08:00

I was recently asked by someone on Facebook for a brief summary of what it means to be "born of the Spirit." Here is my response....

...the phrase "born of the Spirit" comes from John 3 when Nicodemus visits Jesus Christ and Jesus tells him that no one can see the kingdom unless he is "born again".

3:1 Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. 2 This man came to Jesus [1] by night and said to him, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher come from God, for no one can do these signs that you do unless God is with him.” 3 Jesus answered him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again [2] he cannot see the kingdom of God.” 4 Nicodemus said to him, “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother's womb and be born?” 5 Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. 6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. [3] 7 Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You [4] must be born again.’ 8 The wind [5] blows where it wishes, and you hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.”

Jesus is basically saying that Nicodemus should know that the only way anyone is made "right" and "acceptable" to God is not by morality and by keeping the 10 commandments (since we've all broken them) but by receiving new life from Jesus himself.

1 Peter 1:3 says, "According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,"

So, basically to be born again (or "born of the Spirit") means to be given new life from Jesus--a "living hope" in Jesus Christ through the Holy Spirit who comes to live in us. It means that you have a living and loving relationship with Jesus by the Holy Spirit.

Review of David Platt's "Radical"

2010-11-10T10:38:00.000-08:00

I recently finished reading Radical by David Platt. I have to say—I was greatly stirred by this challenge to consider the responsibility we have to a waiting world in need of the gospel. I went on to read a great review by Kevin DeYoung on this book—as well as David Platt’s humble reply. After reading the book, and their reviews here is what I came away with regarding this book.

1. The hard sayings of Jesus. The value of any book is not in the author’s thoughts but in the Bible—the source of all faith (Rom. 10:17). Therefore, Platt is wise to root radical living in the hard sayings of Jesus. He points to Jesus’ warnings to “take up your cross (Luke 9:23), “let the dead bury the dead (9:60),” “sell everything you have (Matt 7:11),” and compares this message of discipleship with the American easy-believism of “pray this prayer, sign this card, bow your head, and repeat after me (11).”

2. Staring hell in the face. One especially powerful part in the book is Platt’s illustration of a deacon from a church who shockingly admits, “David, I think it’s great you are going to those places. But if you ask me, I would just as soon God annihilate all those people and send them to hell (62).” He goes on to illustrate how close we are to believing this in our hearts when we do nothing to take the gospel to those with no access to it. We are no different when we turn our eyes from the needs of the unreached to hear the gospel. In reading this I realized that I simply don’t consider eternal suffering like Jesus and the apostle Paul did.

3. Demystifying the mission call. Let’s face it. When we think of the personal cost involved in sacrificing for an unreached people or leveraging our lives to sending people out—we tend to look away to the extraordinarily burdened or the extraordinarily gifted. We don’t assume that God would have ordinary people like us in mind when he commands, “make disciples of all nation.” Without denying that God uniquely calls individuals to unique places—Platt emphasizes that the burden for the unreached should be the burden of every believer and every church.

4. Real life examples. I appreciate that Platt uses examples from his own life but also from the church he serves at. He points to a number of people who have taken the “Radical” challenge and invested their time, talents, and resources to reaching people in creative ways with the gospel.

5. An emphasis on Christ's power in the church. This may be a personal one--but I appreciated how Platt walks through the book of Acts highlighting the power of the risen Christ for the church through the Holy Spirit. Several times in the book he reminds the reader that Christ lives "in" his people to empower them for the mission. This is a crushing blow to the American mentality that creativity, planning, leadership, and "pop" can do what only God can (and must) do in and through us.

My concerns since reading the book and the reviews…

1. The illustrations for what it means to live ‘radical’ can seem at times too narrow. I don’t think Platt intends for this. He does use several examples of people who have abandoned their original financial goals to serve in the inner city, do short-term trips overseas, and engage in orphan care, but a few more examples of those who live faithfully to make disciples and have no disposable income would be helpful. What about the family that struggles to make ends meet—who would love to go—or give more money—but simply can’t? Would they read the book and conclude that they aren’t radical? I think I know Platt’s answer but the illustrations seem to be from those who have means—and not the single mom, the two-job dad, the handicapped, or the elderly.

2. He doesn’t give enough illustrations for good uses of material blessings for the local church in America. In an effort to distance himself from the church-growth baptized American Dream Christianity, he doesn’t show what gospel-advancing things church property and building can do. Although he points to families in his church that are freeing up space in their homes for orphan care—there doesn’t seem to be examples of churches that have leveraged their buildings for radical discipleship. Maybe because there are so few! But the dearth can leave you with a sense that all churches are equal in motivation when it comes to building, and should be suspect when it comes to owning property.

3. This may lack a pastoral word. Obviously with a subtitle “Taking Back your Faith from the American Dream” we should expect a charge—a challenge. It is that! However, just like any challenging call to risk you need a pastoral word to be given to those who after hearing this needed word could feel overwhelmed by the needs of the world and can’t seem to risk enough to reach them. DeYoung mentions that this may simply be an over-emphasis on imperatives (we ought to) without a balance of the indicative (…because Christ has done). It can leave you thinking I need to do more—and less on what Christ has done. This can be seen when Platt gives strong statements like, “…the central message of Christianity is actually about abandoning ourselves (7).” Yes and no. If by “message” we mean the message we send to the world, and if by “abandoning” we mean exercising true faith in Jesus alone based on what Christ has done—absolutely. The context makes this clear. But without a nuanced qualifying statement like “to the watching world…” we can miss the central message is what Christ has done—not what we do. DeYoung points this out and Platt responds to this concern very well. Again--I think the goal of this book is one on imperative--so it makes sense that it would be weighted that direction.

In closing I would recommend this book to every believer. You will be provoked, stirred, and motivated to make the making of disciples your ambition. When I finished reading it, I leaned over to my wife and said, “the biggest problem I have with this book is the title ‘Radical.’ You should put a line through it and write ‘Biblical.’”

However, I wouldn't recommend this book with equal weight to every believer. To those who feel cold to the lost and dying because they have fallen in love with the world I would say, read this instead of the Osteen-like dribble that keeps you chasing after the world. Let it be the spark that it is.

To those who love heroic challenges but struggle with faithfulness in small things (i.e. the the proverbial college student who wants to change the world but not pick up his clothes out of the bathroom) I'd say read this book alongside the very biographies that Platt mentions in the book. Read about the ongoing--daily--weekly sacrifices of those who have gone before us. You will discover that living radical involves the obscure, repetitious, unglamorous, and unknown moments of endurance that Platt doubtless has experienced in his personal journeys around the world.

This Halloween Serve your Neighborhood...

2010-10-29T15:00:00.000-07:00

If you haven't already planned something for Halloween think about this weekend as an opportunity to get to know your neighbors and serve your community by resisting the isolationism of suburbia.

Tom Stack, a friend from church recently stepped out of the comfort-zone and served his neighborhood in a mission-minded way. Here's his story...

"Our family has lived on this block for 8 years (come February), and we have been really bad about getting to really know anyone on the street. We "know" the folks on either side of us and across the street, but that's about it (and not very well at that). We just thought that there are others on the block like us, we need to fix that and get to better know who's on our street. And with the weather as nice as it's been, it was just the right thing to do.

So we printed out a little flyer that we handed out, door-to-door, talking to each of our neighbors, and inviting them all to join us out in front of our house last evening. We said, "we'll bring the dogs, you bring your appetite."

We had a number that brought cookies, homemade crab cakes, a plate of nachos (covered in been and cheese), a platter of sushi, and some corn on the cob to throw on the grill. We were out there from 6 to around 8:30. Everyone was standing around, talking, eating, and I think really enjoying the chance to meet for the first time or reconnect with their neighbors. My wife and I both were surprised to overhear so many introduce themselves to neighbors they've never met. (our subdivision has all the garages in the back, on an alley, and that makes a difference).

But we found out that one family has a daughter in 4th grade at the same school as our kids! The wife is a believer, but the husband, a great guy, is not. I had a chance to chat a lot with him last night - about where we grew up, what work we do, their decision to homeschool, etc. Also found out that two families (one was not able to make the gathering) on the block both attend a large Chinese church here in Plano. One of the couples is our next-door neighbor (I did not know they were believers). Sylvia had a good opportunity to speak with the wife, and found out that they were Christians, and are very curious to talk to Sylvia more about homeschooling (they have two little ones under 6).

All this to say we had a long overdue chance to reach out and make connections with our neighbors - and just be good neighbors. Showing them care and kindness, and an interest in them and their families. If the Lord leads us to openings to share Him and His Gospel with any of them as we build relationships with these neighbors, great! We'll take it! Hopefully, as the old song said, "they will see we are Christians by our love," and we'll stand out as a light, and as friends upon whom they can depend."

God Loves Us, Really?

2010-10-25T07:01:00.000-07:00

Yesterday Craig Cabaniss preached a message from Psalm 115 about the faithfulness of God in honor of our 5 year anniversary of a church plant.

His reference to the "steadfast love of God" (from the Hebrew word 'hesed') as the unique love of God in Christ Jesus made me think of a particular verse in Eph. 2 that has brought clarity and focus for me regarding God's love. It comes in verse 4.

"But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us"

This verse is tucked between towering phrases of us being "children of wrath" (v. 3), and being "dead in our trespasses," followed by the momentous reality that we are "made alive together with Christ (v. 5)."

Those two realities: our being justifiably objects of God's wrath and the good news of being "alive," "saved," "raised," and "seated" in Him (v. 5-6) can demand such clarity in a day where they are being dismissed that you can miss why God would ever do such a thing in the first place.

Did you miss it?

Why does he do that with people who left to themselves could care less? Why does he raise the dead when "like the rest" they aren't looking to be alive to anything else but what the world offers?

Notice the reasons why God makes dead people live again:

1. "Being rich in mercy" Notice that God doesn't discover mercy. He doesn't go searching for it somewhere. There is no place outside of himself where a treasure trove of mercy exists that replenishes his supply. Rather--he IS merciful "being" rich in mercy--never "becoming" rich in mercy. God is not becoming merciful with time. He is mercy. Moreover--he's RICH in mercy. All mercy demonstrated in the world today find it's source in him alone.

2. ..."with which he loved us" Before we get to the middle part of the verse notice that God loves us. Don't move past that like you've heard that enough from TV evangelists and we need to get to something more objective and sturdy--and less emotional. There is no greater news than that God loves us. If God comes to us through a Christ that deeply hates us and rewards us with a heaven in which he exists irritated and distant from those He made alive we worship a God of deism. Holy and terrifying and logically distant--cold--and ultimately needy to serve him. Because he doesn't love those he redeems he lacks something they must provide through service. But God lacks nothing and loves freely the unlovely.

But how does He love us? Of what kind of love is this? Catch the middle phrase...

3. .."because of the great love.." Notice that Paul qualifies God's love with the phrase, "the great love." I believe Paul wants to separate in our minds the love that we operate from and the love that God operates from. God loves of a particular kind of love. A "great" love. This love is not a small love. A temporal love. A love you are familiar with. It's not a love that is similar to our love and finds it's reflection from us. It's a love that wholly and completely "other" and set apart. It comes from him in an overflowing and ultimately downward direction. We call this "grace."

It's unique.
It's different.
It's strange.
It's lasting.
It's eternal.
It's His alone.

John used language similar to Paul when he wrote...

"See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. The reason why the world does not know us is that it did not know him (John 3:1)."

And what is this "kind" of love we are to behold? Where do we see it most clearly?

Let John Owen answer this question for us...

"[Jesus Christ is the] medium of all communication between God and us. In him we meet, in him we walk. All influences of love, kindness, mercy, from God to us, are through him; all our returns of love, delight, faith, obedience unto God, are all through him."

Look at Jesus Christ and you see the embodiment of God's love to us.

The 2 Obstacles of the Religious South

2010-09-15T06:55:00.000-07:00

As a pastor it can sometimes feel like I go from one circle of Christians to another to another to another. I am reading Christian books, reading Christian tweets, thinking and talking about the church world all day long. I am aware of mega-churches in and near my city I respect and some of the things they're doing. I am aware of the church-planting movement I'm a part of and others around the country as well. So, given my default mindset--I can operate with some false assumptions about how people in the South have heard the gospel.

I was recently reminded of this on a trip to a sister church in Midland of the desperate state of the religious South to hear the gospel for the first time.

As we did a kind of prayer ministry around the homes of the church a person from my team and I found an open door to talk about Christ with a worker in his 20s.

He was a bright, intelligent, hard-working guy. He was easy to talk to--just "good-ole-boy" for those who enjoyed the Dukes growing up. I liked talking to him. His thoughts concerning religion went something like this.

"Hey I appreciate what you guys are doing...I'm a Christian too...I was saved and baptized as a kid. I don't really have any interest in going to a church--but I know I'll see St. Peter at the pearly gates when I die...I'm good."

Although our mission was to demonstrate the love of Christ through prayer and inviting people to a gospel-class a month away--he seemed open to talking.

"How do you know you'll go to heaven--how do you have confidence of that?"

"Because I'm a good person." [confidently]

He went on to explain that he had never murdered anybody--and that being a good person was all that you needed to be sure of eternal life.

"Why did Jesus die on the cross?"

"For our sins...." [confidently]

But how do you know that you're going to heaven?

"Because I'm a good person..." [confidently]

We asked him if someone can be good enough to earn their way to heaven--why he thought God would ever allow his Son to be killed for sins.

Although he did express that he had never considered that--his thoughts stayed fixed in dual objects in his mind. His hope being grounded in two religious activities. 1. He was a good person based on the moral standards of our time. 2. He did believe in Jesus and performed what was required as a child to know he'd go to heaven when he died.

For the majority of people who live next to us and drive past our churches--never forget the power of these two religious activities in our land. These are the greatest obstacles to overcome in the religious South.

1. I believe in Jesus (and performed a religious activity to prove it).
2. I'm a good person.

I was reminded even if for a moment--to forget the fact that their is a church on every corner in my city.

Forget the thought that people in my neighborhood must have heard the gospel by now--surely!

Forget my assumptions that someone's told them or that they know the gospel--and are just hardened to the truth.

Forget that they're probably on someone's prayer list--and someone must be praying fervently for them.

Rather--assume they've never heard.

Assume they have never heard the good news that a holy God created them in His image--fashioned them for his glory and sent His one and only Son to live, die and rise for them--because in their rejection of God as King could do absolutely nothing else to be redeemed, restored, and made alive again.

Assume no one has ever told them the real gospel. Assume that they've heard a message of religious activity and morality cloaked in Christian jargon.

Now let's go one step further on the mission and assume God sent us as missionary ambassadors to tell them the refreshing news they've never heard before. Assume we're called to live strategically, intentionally, and sacrificially so that they might be rescued from deep fried Southern religion.

Lord--send us out with urgency and desperation to the religious South and help us to lovingly and graciously demonstrate and declare that You rose from the dead to save us from our religion.

Car Scam

2010-08-27T15:34:00.000-07:00

My wife and I just started looking for used cars. Since we're new to Craigslist we've discovered that there are a number of deceptive scams to "ship" very expensive vehicles sold ridiculously low cloaked by a story of urgency and sympathy.

This is the second car scam we've encountered. This conversation picks up where I've just asked for a phone number. Here is the response from "Anna" and my email back.

Hi again Rob,

Please understand that I just moved here and I don't yet have a phone. Until then please understand the situation and carry on with this by e-mail cause I don't have any other way yet. And again I'm truly sorry we can't talk over the phone. But please understand.

The car is located in Honolulu HI. Is already crated at the shipping company ready to be sent to any location anywhere in the world, like i told we will use eBay Vehicle Purchase Protection, so we can both be protected and insured. The price for the car is $3,000 with shipping included.

1. Buyer, seller reach an agreement (price and delivery conditions)

2. Buyer sends money to eBay.

3. eBay confirms to seller that the amount has been received.

4. Seller performs the required services (shipping, insurance).

5. Buyer accepts delivery and informs eBay about the acceptance.

6. eBay releases the money to seller.

As you can see, you will receive the car BEFORE any money is released to me. You will get the chance to inspect it, test drive it and everything you like while your money is still safely held in eBay's account. ONLY after you confirm to eBay that you agree with the vehicle, they will release the money to me.

If, for some reason, you disagree with the car (I assure you that is NOT going to happen since my 2006 Acura TL is in IMMACULATE condition inside and out) it will be shipped back to me on MY EXPENSE and eBay will send you your money back.

If you wish to proceed further, I will need your complete name and address so I can start the transaction with eBay's Vehicle Purchase Protection Program.

Let me know if we can get the ball rolling.

Regards,

Anna Parker

no. thanks.

praying for you friend that you will turn from this sin and find new freedom and life in Jesus Christ.

We have all sinned and fallen short of God's glory (Rom. 3:23) but God came to us in Jesus Christ to set us free from sin. If you turn your life to him recognizing your sin and need of Him by faith--He will forgive you--and give you new life (Acts 3:19-20).

God will provide for your needs if you become His child--we are not all children of God by birth. But we become His children when we turn our lives over to Jesus Christ by faith alone (John 1:12-13).

He can provide for your financial needs. But you must turn from this and trust in Him.

Praying that you do that this hour.

Broken Down but Not Broken

2010-08-23T10:53:00.001-07:00

Friday before last I was in Garland having lunch with a guy new to the church. As I was driving off I was grateful for how the conversation went. It was almost exclusively about the gospel--and encouraging to talk about the grace of God.

So when my car died just 5 minutes down the road I was at peace. My mind was filled with thoughts of God's grace. Can you hear a Tomlin song in the background?

However, 3 hours later, and 3 mechanics in--my peace melted off my conscience and onto the pavement outside of Peachtree Food Mart to join the pools of sweat. Nobody could figure out the problem of my Nissan mystery machine.

Questions filled my mind.

"Am I going to get home?" "Will this be the end of my car?" "Can I afford another one?" "Can this be salvaged?" "Am I going to get mugged?"

Long story short--the mobile guy discovered the non-fixable problem I had the the car towed and we are still praying about what to do with it. But one thing that did happen was an opportunity to share the gospel when I was at the end of my rope emotionally and physically tired.

One of the mechanics was a friend of the guy I met with. He called him and this man came to help. But he didn't just stay for 20 minutes in the 102 degree temperature, or 1 hour, but for over 3 hours!

At one point I was on the phone juggling calls with AAA, my wife, and another friend who works at a dealership and I looked over at him. There he sat--next to my defunct car--waiting patiently for me to see if I needed his help for anything else. He was an amazing example of compassion and generosity.

I was floored. As I asked him questions I learned that he was born in another country--and had a Christian upbringing--and some interest in church.

I'm not the sharpest tool in the shed--so after 3 hours in the sun--mostly of us silently starring down at the sea of gray under my hood--I thought it may be a good idea to share the gospel.

We talked about the peace of forgiveness through the death of Jesus--and new life through His resurrection. As I surrendered to the Spirit's desires--I found the words to say and sensed His power. I am convicted that it has been a while since I've stepped out in faith at an open door.

It was a great reminder not only that God uses inconveniences as open doors--but more than that for me. This reminded me that He will see to it that His message of reconciliation be shared with all people--and even when we're not actively going into the world--He will bring the world to us.

Just give us eyes God.

5 Reasons I Love You Joel (on your 5th Birthday)

2010-08-20T04:16:00.001-07:00

1. I love your joy. Your smile and your laugh is contagious—and you suffer from the same thing your Daddy does—the ability to smile at the most inappropriate times.

2. I love your mind. The way you can enter a whole world through your imagination. You love to pretend—and we love to watch you pretend (and spray the sound effects all over the living room).

3. I love your personality. You enjoy taking the smallest and most random part of a toy and focusing all your energy and enthusiasm on it for hours. Very strange—but very cool.

4. I love that you sing. I love hearing songs come out of you when your playing—and hearing you ask for music when we’re driving.

5. I love that you are mine and I get to enjoy you every day. I will never stop loving you Joel.

Posted via email from robtombrella's posterous

Global Prayers for a Local Church

2010-07-01T19:37:00.000-07:00

Every Thursday morning we have a prayer gathering of Grace Church from 6:30am to 7:30am. Although it's an early hour, I've grown to really love these times together.

Something brand-new we just started this morning is to take the first Thursday morning of the month and dedicate the whole meeting to the Great Commission (Matt. 28:19-20). In a sense, all prayer orbits around our call to "go and make disciples" but on these mornings we will try to discipline our praying for specific areas of gospel break-through.

After a brief meditation on Matt. 4:12-25, here are some things we prayed for this morning...

1. A local outreach to our city at Frisco Square. We are seeking to give away 6,000 glow-in-the-dark bracelets to children and demonstrate the love of Jesus this Saturday night.

2. Our Sunday gathering. We asked that God would empower the preached word to draw the listener to Himself and bring change through His grace.

3. Our ministry to Rambling Oaks. A retirement home we've partnered with through faithful men in our church. Every Sunday someone from our church is preaching there and leading worship. A friend named Shayne heads this up. We asked that God would stretch out his hand to heal many for His glory according to Acts 4:30.

4. Every Orphans Hope. We prayed for Gary Schneider and his ministry to orphans in Zambia that office at our church building.

5. Political and Social Tragedy and unrest in Mexico. Through our partnership with Sovereign Grace Ministries we prayed for a church to be strengthened with power and boldness in Juarez, and for the orphanage they support called Rancho 3m to be protected in these days.

6. Gospel for Asia. We have a few members of our church that serve at Gospel for Asia as self-supported missionaries in a full-time capacity to see churches planted among the unreached. We asked God would empower them and their efforts for his glory.

7. An evangelical Russian church that will begin meeting in our church this Sunday. We are seeking to be a part of a church ministering faithfully to Russians in the Dallas area.

8. Iraq. Through Operation World, we united with the global church in praying for the country listed for this day which happened to be Iraq. We prayed that God would reach the unreached Bedouin, Persians, and Gypsies.

Cab Drivers at T4G...(2)

2010-05-12T05:08:00.000-07:00

If you're like me--sharing the gospel with Muslims can be intimidating.

What do I say?

Well, in short--be loving--ask questions--and talk them about God's love in Christ and the promises we have in Jesus--in particular of atonement for sin in the death of Jesus and of assurance of eternal life in Jesus.

On the return trip to the airport I shared a cab with Craig and Aaron from the hotel to the airport. Once again we jumped into a cab that was driven by a Muslim. One difference was that this man seemed to be a practicing, much more serious Muslim. A stack of religious books were on his dashboard.

"Are those religious books?" Craig asked.

"Oh yes" he said, "they are--books about the Koran to help explain it."

For about 10 minutes Craig asked him questions about his beliefs, what he thought of the Koran, and his understanding of God. He was eager to share. As we pulled up to the airport to get ready to get out we asked about who gets to go to heaven as a Muslim. Good people.

"Do you think you'll go to heaven?" Like the previous Muslim he only hoped he'd go--he insisted that no one can really know.

"The Bible says you can know" we said. He recoiled at the mere mention of that and as we got our bags out of the trunk he wanted to know how we were so sure.

Craig shared the gospel with him--told him about the love of God in the death of Jesus for sinners and told him about the gospel of John and encouraged him to read (1 John 5:13). He said he had a Bible--but this seemed new.

When we reflected on the conversation and getting into the cab Craig mentioned feeling a sense of darkness in the cab--before noticing the books.

Thankful God placed us there to shine the light (2 Cor. 4:4-6)

Don't be intimated to share with Muslims. If you know the gospel--you're ready.

Cab Drivers at T4G....(1)

2010-04-30T13:11:00.000-07:00

One memory I have from T4G was the drive to the airport.

With 7,000 men from around the globe descending on Louisville, I was a bit cautious of being a clanging cymbal of white evangelicalism to an Indian cab driver just doing his job. But, when I found myself taking a cab solo it seemed like an open door.

On the drive to the airport the man I spoke to claimed to be Muslim and had taken his trip to Mecca. He didn't seem very strong in the teachings of the Koran, and he didn't know what his standing was before God, but he did believe that he held to the Law as written in the Koran. He believed in the Law of Moses and the 10 Commandments.

"Do you think you've kept all the commandments?"

"Well...yes."

"Like what about lying? Have you ever told a lie?"

As we raced to the airport he told me several times that he had lied to his friends a couple times. "But every time it was only a joke. I was just kidding--and told them later."

He shook his head 'no' with confidence when I asked him, "Is your god of the Koran a god of love?" He later said he didn't know where he was in his standing with God.

"I....I don't know....I...don't know...." He said in a kind of hopeful way.

Out of the jet-lag I found the Lord gave me His compassion for Abib. Out of what can only be Christ's love for him I shared the good news.

Have You Quit?

2010-04-29T20:35:00.000-07:00

My apologies for a long time in posting. I've been recently encouraged by folks to keep the posts coming. Some of the reason for the delay has been...

1. Relational. I've found it difficult at points to "quickly" blog interactions I have with folks if it hinders a long-term relationship in some way. In other words--without permission from the person I've wondered about the wisdom of posting something too quickly. I think you get that.

2. Busy. I've been a bit busier than a year ago.

3. Desire to write other things. For better or worse.

4. Lazy. Let's face it. This is what gets all of us. If you fail to plan to reach out to people--you plan to fail. I can make excuses till I'm blue in the face but it doesn't change the fact that I can get very lazy in interacting with people who need to hear good news. One of the very reasons I started this blog.

So...please pray for me. I need to get back at it. Maybe you do too?

FYI...next post will be on Craig Cabaniss and the interaction we had with a cab driver at T4G.

Would You Move to a Miserable City to Plant a Church?

2010-04-19T13:18:00.000-07:00

One enjoyable memory that will stay with me from the T4G conference in Louisville was going with a friend from the church to eat sushi for the first time with some of his friends from Detroit Michigan.

The memory will stay with me for at least 2 reasons.

First, it was my first time to go sushi I decided to really go for it. I feasted on raw fish and even ate an eel ninja role that tasted just like it sounds. Unfortunately I made it through about 20 minutes of Al Mohler’s session before I got sick and spent the rest of the evening in my hotel room. Sorry Al. It really was the sushi.

Secondly, I learned a little bit more about Detroit. My new friends talked about the difficulty the city has experienced for years—how racial tensions still cast a dark cloud over the city—about how all of them would love to move out but are upside down on their homes because of the depressed economy (I’m talking about a lot folks). I also learned that Detroit has huge pockets of cultures including one of the highest Arab populations in the country helped along by the auto industry for years.

What struck me about this conversation was that I was recently talking to my wife about a recent Forbes listing of “Top Cities for Jobs.” Texas has the top 5 on their list (Starting with Austin, Houston, Fort Worth, Dallas, San Antonio).

While discussing what this means for Texas in years to come we discovered their list of “America’s Most Miserable Cities” with Detroit coming in #7 among major cities. Among the reasons given are the scandals surrounding its mayor, continued decline of the auto industry, and the highest crime rate of any major city in the US. Only the success of the Red Wings and the winnings of the Pistons seemed to knock it off of its 2007 crown of Most Miserable City.

So, with all the people moving out of the city, and the growing rise of urban church planting, I wondered if anyone was moving IN to this city. I discovered this article and was encouraged by the families that have partnered together at great cost to advance the good news of Jesus to a city in need of joy.

So, I asked myself the same question I ask you.

Would you move to a miserable city for its joy in Jesus?

Along the Silk Road

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

Fascinating video journals on a project that is revealing in regards to observations on culture and challenging in regards to mission. Great thoughts from Carolyn McCulley about this project.

Chile

2010-02-27T15:17:00.001-08:00

Gospel Revolution

2010-02-26T12:04:00.001-08:00

Agnosticism in the Bible Belt

2010-02-19T17:38:00.000-08:00

With the Launch of REACH--our college ministry at Grace Church--we've been going on campus inviting people out to our Thursday night "non religious" Bible study.

One conversation I had recently was with a very open and friendly student who held to a general belief in God (who he referenced as the Omega), but had serious issues with the biblical portrayal of God. Specifically, he took issue with the tree of knowledge in the Garden of Eden, and the tower of Babel. Although he was missing some details he recalled stories from his Catholic upbringing well and was able to articulate his concerns thoughtfully.

His questions came raw and real. His vision of God is distant and uncaring.

"I mean, why would God put a tree in the middle of the garden just to set us up for failure? Like...thanks a lot."

Regarding the tower of Babel, "Why would he get so mad at people for building a tower to get to heaven when we all end up there anyway?"

His concerns echo the thoughts of an unbeliever at REACH last night. In discussion groups one visitor understood Jesus only as "hope" for people who believe but didn't hold to the Christian understanding of Jesus as a resurrected, real, and returning.

Agnosticism, cynicism, and unbelief aren't isolated to the urban wilderness, but live in the brass buckle of the Bible belt. Moreover, it may thrive in a culture that easily touches religion, and where having some experience or connection with a myriad of churches comes easily--but just as easily comes to reject what they've seen as an uncompelling witness to Jesus.

Is There Gonna be Beer?

2010-01-23T12:22:00.000-08:00

We went out on campus at Quad C this week to invite people to REACH--our college ministry Bible study at It's a Grind. We had a great time doing it. It had been a while since being on a college campus so it was refreshing in a lot of ways. Both UNT and Quad C reveal the same desperate needs college students face that I remember from over 10 years ago.

One of the funniest encounters was what seemed to me to be the a-typical response to a Bible study invite from someone on a college campus to my friends humble invite. When he mentioned there would be burgers etc. he asked,

"Is there gonna be beer?"

Okay. Let's assume the best of intentions in this question for a moment. Maybe he felt that beer would be as effective as burgers as a free commodity for a Bible study in the buckle of the Bible-belt hosted by a church to largely under-age students. Maybe he felt it's pointless to invite college students to something without it and this is helpful information. Or maybe he really, really, really likes beer. I get that. I don't have anything against beer. Honest.

But maybe not.

Maybe, just maybe, after 30+ years of Hollywood glamorizing the fullness of the college experience as a 5+ year keg party it still sells tickets for movies in August and makes it's way to the lips of students at times to deflect the idea of pursuing anything of seriousness. Maybe it's still an effective trump card to out-awkward a potential threat to freedom.

Maybe the world, the devil, and the flesh still encourage people to hide behind false images and turn this poor drink into a weak, unfit, and useless god.

No. No beer at the Bible study. But lots and lots of the best vintage wine (Acts 2:13; Eph. 5:18; Matt. 9:17)

Col. 1:15-20 and Jehovah's Witnesses

2010-01-14T09:11:00.000-08:00

I recently had the opportunity to preach on Col. 1:15-20 on the supremacy of Christ.

One attribute that Paul highlights about this cosmic Christ is his supreme place as the "first born (1:15)." One thing I tried to share was how Paul's use of this word is unique in distinguishing Christ as the "highest authority" over all creation (as vs. 16 summarizes).

A very good question from a friend in our church was, "The JW's would respond to the verse you quoted from Colossians with "well, God created Jesus first, and then everything else that existed was created through Jesus."

Can you explain how to defeat that argument that Jesus was the agent of creation of everything that he could be the agent of creation for - but not for himself?

Here's my understanding to this very good question...

thanks for asking. the first place I'd go in Colossians is verse 16. Even though a JWs would say he's exalted and created all things, can they agree that all things were created "through him AND for him"? The question they haven't settled in that verse is how all things the Son creates for his praise doesn't compete with the praise of Jehovah. If he's the goal--he puts himself in direct competition with God--unless he is equal with God.

Of course if I'm talking with a JW I'd want to go to John 1 and show that "..and the Word was God" and point to the fact that you cannot make the Word be "a god" as their translation says. The Greek doesn't allow that. It literally says, "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and 'God was the Word.'" I'd also want to show all the other places Jesus puts himself equal with God (John 14) and the place where he says, "before Abraham was, I am."

As for him not being created himself I'd want to show every place in Scripture where the Son is described as "eternal." The Son took on human flesh and "became" Jesus of Nazareth at a point in time, but the Son's eternality makes his incarnation so glorious. If he's eternal he can't be created--infinity can't have a starting point--and infinity is an attribute only a being who is fully God can have. The Father has ALWAYS existed, but if the Son has ALWAYS existed as well he is fully God--though distinct from the Father--they exist as one God for all of eternity.

Titus 2:13 says, “Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Savior Jesus Christ.” In John 10:30 it says, “ I and my Father are one.” Revelation pictures Jesus as eternal throughout. Isiah 9 describes Jesus this way, "for to us a child is born, to us a son is given...and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." How can Jesus be called both "child" and "everlasting Father?" Because of his oneness in essence with the Father, and his eternality.

Tattoos are Talking Points...

2009-12-23T09:00:00.000-08:00

From a friend named Nicole--released from the comments...

I found myself in Wal-Mart on Halloween night at 9:30 buying food for our Bible Study group the next day. I pulled into the one of many checkouts open...apparently no one shops on Halloween(all out being scary:). Anyway, the guy working had a HUGE tat of the grim reaper, which was sort of ironic being on Halloween and all. Before I even thought about the words leaving my mouth I was asking him about his tattoo. He told me how it reminds him of how he almost died. He told me the story and I was then able to ask him if he knew where he would go when he did die one day. He looked at me puzzled, I explained the gospel to him and asked him to think about that question every time he looked at his tattoo. I invited him to the college Bible Study and we figured out we knew some common people.
He told me I should get a tattoo, I told him I was too much of a whimp to get one. He advised I should just be intoxicated then it wouldn't hurt as much, I told him that probably wouldn't be a good idea. I have thought about a tattoo, the Hebrew letters for integrity, that is probably what I would get "IF" ever! So, being intoxicated wouldn't really go with that theme :) We laughed and parted ways! I was on a high though, because being in the midst of something God is doing is thrilling! I knew that night I was right where God wanted me to be, and it was peaceful!
So, what started out as a usual run to Wally World turned into a divine appointment...

10 Great Memories on My 10th Anniversary

2009-12-17T20:02:00.000-08:00

On the eve of our 10 year anniversary my wife and I decided to write down 10 of our favorite memories over the years. Here are mine in no perfect order.

1. The births of all three of our boys (the walk down the hallway to Sam, the late night run to the hospital for Joeler, the mid-day call that Ash was on his way).

2. The early morning run on my wedding day. Dec. 18th 1999 at 7am I was up running with Joey and Adrian around the campus of SHSU. I was so nervous about the wedding I felt like I could run forever. I couldn't believe I was about to be married to Michelle and even though I was tired from playing video games the night before (sadly) I needed that run.

3. Dancing to Bing Crosby's "White Christmas", Caedmon's Call's "Somewhere North" to my wife on our wedding day. So thankful my mom talked sense into me that I needed to have a dance. I have to throw in Frank Sinatra Christmas CD that we played in Fredricksburg on our honeymoon.

4. Letters and pictures from my girlfriend Michelle Marquart when I was in Indiana preaching bad sermons and she was in California in the summer of '99

5. Watching "Muppet's Christmas" in a Super 8 Motel the night after Samuel was born. Eating fast food on the bed and glowing all over with joy.

6. Being overdressed for a play in Dallas on our second anniversary. We were decked out and everyone was wearing jeans. Expensive tickets. Casual atmosphere. Bad planning. Lots of laughs.

7. Michelle wearing a blue dress and meeting me at the airport after 3 weeks away on an Istanbul study trip. I was so glad to be home and couldn't wait to see her. She made welcome home signs and put them all over our seminary house.

8. Snorkeling down a river in Mexico called "Tres Rios". Laughing at all the misadventures of the trip too many to count (on just one day).

9. Countless encouragements when God has spoken to me through Michelle. I can be so wound up with an issue or discouraged by something it can feel like barbed wire. How many times after talking about it on a date or through prayer, it unravels like cheap yarn?

10. "Robbie there's a roach in the bed!" nuff said.

Can I have another 10?

Why Santa Comes to Our House (this year)

2009-12-16T18:46:00.000-08:00

I'm as passionate as Charlie Brown on steroids about the commercializing of Christmas but I thought I'd offer a few lines in the midst of some solid (and very strong) arguments against Santa why (this year) we've decided to include him.

1. Santa is make-believe. We are a house filled with make-believe. Everyday I come home I'm blown up at least a dozen times, downsized to a Lego man, turned in to a monster, then back to a superhero. We act out countless scenarios of good guy/bad guy. Before I kiss them goodnight we talk about how breakfast will be chocolate-covered crickets and squiggly worms. Santa stays in the category of make-believe--the same place where fairy tales and kids stories thrive. Should his bowl full of jelly belly ever eclipse the Savior, it will be toast. Pun intended.

2. Santa is generous. Let's face it. After every whiny kid has peed his pants on cheep red felt telling Santa what he or she wants, Santa just keeps giving. Year after year. Outside of some stale cookies, nobody every thinks to give Santa a gift. Superman comes and goes and hangs out incognito most of the time, but Santa works year round in his giving frenzy (or at least his elves do). Since we're having fun, we'd like to highlight that charity.

3. Santa has potential. Since he's make-believe you can make him into whatever you like. This year our Santa will love Jesus. In fact, he goes around the world at great cost to himself to tell people the good news of the birth of Jesus. He gives everyone gifts to remind them of the greatest gift ever given--the gift of God's Son. Okay, a little hokey--but none of their Playmobile pirates do that (yet).

Great Tattoo...

2009-12-12T07:07:00.000-08:00

I've recently had some opportunities to connect with people around their tattoo. It's about the easiest way to engage in conversation with a complete stranger. All you ask is...

"Wow. I like your tattoo. What's the story behind that?" You can launch in to all kinds of topics from there that are all relevant to me.

For instance, "did that stinking hurt?" [big one for me]

"How did you finally choose that one over another one?"

"Will you get another one?" etc.

"What's it mean?" [from here it's pretty easy to cross over from the temporal to the eternal and into the spiritual. Many times a tattoo has real significance]

Yesterday at Legacy Books I was meeting someone to talk about college ministry in our church. We ended up talking with a great guy that works there about his tattoo.

It led into a great conversation about his life, moving to Frisco and his hopes of obtaining a better life here. We were able to talk about the church we're apart of and invite him out. Good conversation.

Leverage the tattoos all around you.

Tell someone today...

Parenting is Incarnational Ministry

2009-12-04T20:58:00.001-08:00

One thing that parenting does is allow you glimmers of the glory of God's heart in the incarnation.

We've been gone for a few days on vacation and it's no surprise to us that today has been tough. For one, we usually need a day for everyone to readjust. But all three boys have been sick. Last night I noticed one of my boys had what looked like chicken pox all over his body and his cough hasn't improved in 3 weeks. Moreover, our 1 year old has had a barking cough. So while it snowed in Houston I took our oldest to the doctor for the bumps all over his skin while Michelle took our youngest to another doctor for his cough.

Since my oldest son has had strep throat he's familiar with the "swabbing" that makes him gag. Today he wanted nothing to do with the test.

The nurse cajoled. I encouraged. The doctor demonstrated. Nothing seemed to work.

I had to get down on my knees, look him in the eyes with a cotton swab in my mouth and take the journey of suffering with him. He was able to muster the courage to swab his own throat as he watched me swab mine.

This afternoon the same son struggled desperately with the taste of the cough syrup. It was less than strawberry flavor. Less than pancake friendly. We cajoled. Encouraged. Threatened. Insisted. I even put sugar in it. Nada.

Desperate for him to finish his teaspoon I asked, "it tastes bad doesn't it?" His head nodded. "It tastes gross?" Affirmative. "I'm so sorry. Come sit on my lap and tell me."

He lamented the strawberry vile of despair--he wept with great sadness. But he finished the medicine. When I put my anger to death and quit trying to sell it as "yummy" and just met him in his fear it made all the difference.

Tonight was the same. After celebrating Christmas with family the boys were wired. Didn't want to go to sleep. At. All. I spanked. Stated the case. Commanded.

But tonight I needed to get down on the carpet. Forget the coughing. Forget that they are contagious with strep and I'll probably get it. Forget the tickle when you swallow. I needed to lay in the guest room in the dark and let them hear me breathing. They needed me to be with them--near them--go through it with them. It made all the difference.

Moments like this remind me of my own need--my own restlessness--for God to come down to me--in my helplessness and need. What I'm so often reluctant and unwilling to do God did with no reserve hesitation (John 10:18).

Note the steps of God's journey to us from Philippians 2:6-7.

Though equal with God in resplendent glory and perfect fellowship of joy, Jesus...

"made himself nothing..." [low]

"...taking the form of a servant..." [lower]

"...being born in the likeness of men." [lower]

"And being found in human form," [lower]

"...he humbled himself" [lower]

"...by becoming obedient to the point of death," [still lower]

"...even death on a cross." [lowest]

In the mercy of God salvation comes through the incarnation of the Son. This incarnation displays the eternal glory of God's heart for lost, desperate, and miserable sinners.

Sinners like you and me. Sinners that need a Savior to come down to us. To meet us where we are. A Savior willing to do the unthinkable and be near us--with us. This incarnation looks us in the eyes and makes us come face to face with courage-inducing love.

Parenting gives us plenty of opportunities to incarnate the love we profess to our children--and in so doing remind us of the One who did this perfectly for every time we don't or even won't.

His love can make me thankful for the tickle I feel in my throat.

Who Do You Say I Am?

2009-12-04T19:51:00.000-08:00

We are home from our 10 year anniversary celebration in Playa Car, Mexico. We had a blast. One way we were able to join our friends Jeanna and Justin of 11+ years was because my wife found a great deal for a few days if you're willing to sit through a "90 minute" presentation.

If you've sat through a time share pitch or something similar you're familiar with the approach. Great location. Great opportunity. Great deal. Great pressure in the final few minutes.

Ours was a good experience from a man who professed to be a born again Christian of 8 years. He had two couples who were Jehovah's Witnesses buy the plan the day before. I noticed he had a book in his pocket and he later pulled it out to show us "What the Bible Really Says." A gift from the couple he thought were Christians.

Walking past the tanning aged on the way to slurp lemonade with the closers he asked, "okay...you guys are pastors. What's the difference between what these guys believe and others?" He showed the book that was given as a gift.

I said the biggest difference is their understanding of who Jesus is. For Jehovah's Witnesses, Jesus--for all his exalted status as the "firstborn" is still a created being. He is not one with the Father. To legitimize this belief they have their own false translation where the "word was a god" rather than what the Greek clearly says (John 1:1). This is what separates them from being Christians.

Justin replied, "it comes down to what Jesus asked, 'who do you say that I am (Matt. 16:15)?'"

LA Fitness Fiasco....

2009-11-28T08:32:00.001-08:00

I'm in Houston till tomorrow. We fly out for a few days in Mexico to celebrate our 10 year anniversary.

On Thursday morning to prepare for the onslaught of the American feast I went searching for a place to work out. Although I have a membership (till January) at 24 Hour Fitness I went to the LA Fitness down the road to see if they'd let me work out for free.

There were not many people there but the 3 salespeople (2 girls and 1 guy) were there to hear my pitch. I'll spare you of the details but I went in to the situation very sales-like. I have an agenda. I'm going to appeal to their desire to sell. I'm going to present myself as a buyer in the hopes of getting a free pass for a few days.

And that's what I did. I told them I canceled my membership at 24 Hour (true) and I was in town with family (true) and that I'd like to see if they'd give me a pass for a couple days because who knows, maybe I'll become a member of Lifetime in the future (not true). I acted a bit arrogant and pushy. I was wearing clothes that didn't fit.

I justified this language purely from a sales perspective. Even though I know there is no Lifetime even close to our home, I knew it unlikely to get anything free if I went completely honest. Therefore I did what you learn from the world and the American mileau.

"Well...since you don't live in the area...we can only offer a pass for $15 a day." I declined it and said there were plenty of Lifetimes in Dallas. The guy said "Let me look them up for you..." in hopes of probably convincing me that I should buy a plan today etc.

"No thanks...if there's no option to try the gym..I'll go down the road."

And I did. I actually found a 24 Hour down the road and they let me work out for free. Mercy.

However, while I was working out I was convicted about the approach I took. What I thought was a sound, legit approach actually was worldly and dishonest. What I thought was wise was only according to worldly wisdom and didn't reflect the pure honesty of Jesus Christ my Lord. I was reminded that I had wanted to share the gospel with folks in Houston while I'm here, and now the Lord was giving me a chance.

You want to share the gospel? Go back and apologize to those salespeople and tell them why--Jesus is your Lord and you spoke dishonestly.

Gulp.

I work out extra hard when there's something I'm nervous about later in the day and that workout was no exception. Those 20 pound dumbbells took a beating.

I drove back to the LA Fitness. All three salespeople were there. Egads! Breathing heavy from my workout and from nerves...

"Hey...uhh...just wanted to come back and apologize. I'm a Christian and Jesus is my Lord and I think He wanted me to come back and tell you that I spoke dishonestly. It would have been fine to present myself as a buyer if I really was one--but I'm not. I was just trying to get something for fee. I apologize. I should have just asked if you had any free offers."

I noticed as a shared the girls seemed to smile and let their guards down. The guy expressed appreciation. The Lord seemed to be at work. Moreover, I felt power from the Lord where before it was purely flesh.

Thankful for the unexpected opportunity to witness the freedom that Christ brings--from my own unbelief.

Joy...

2009-11-20T20:10:00.000-08:00

I hope and pray I can write about a conversation I had with someone today with permission in the future.

Lottie Moon once said "there is no greater joy than the saving of souls"

Spurgeon once said, "it is a joy worth worlds to win souls."

Jesus said, "there is joy before the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” (Luke 15:10)

Tonight I concur.

"It Comes From Yourself"

2009-11-06T09:30:00.000-08:00

Last night Michelle and I were on a date. We ended up at at a furniture store to look at some things. We ended up talking to a very nice salesmen who shared his story with us briefly. Having lived in Houston before, Michelle and he talked about the area.

It turns out he's Jewish. He mentioned some tragedies he's experienced and how death doesn't frighten him.

I asked if he has a local synagogue he attends and he said he hasn't been for many years.

At one point he mentioned pursuing happiness.

I asked, "where does happiness come for you?"

As an intro to his answer he said, "well...it comes from yourself."

I Shared the Gospel!

2009-10-29T14:13:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I got a call in the middle of the day from a college single in the church.

His first words,

"Rob! I shared the gospel!"

He went on to tell me the details about how the Lord impressed him to share the gospel with a guy he met and how he struggled through his fears until he called him up and shared the good news of salvation through Jesus. It's an amazing story.

I was stoked.

About a half hour later I'm washing my hands in the restroom and noticed a guy who works landscape next to me washing what looked like pears.

I left the restroom and suddenly remembered the story of how God used my friend, and considered the guy still in the restroom. The thought crossed my mind that we had Spanish-written booklets in the office. I could grab one and come back.

So...I did.

I came back to the restroom. There was the guy. There were the pears.

"Do you speak Spanish? [affirmative]

"Hey here's a booklet in Spanish that talks about Jesus." [grateful response]

He went on in broken English to tell me he is from Honduras and spoke favorably about Christianity. He even said that based on my pronunciation of his name and the word "Honduras" that I should consider taking more Spanish because I'm "good" at it.

Thankful for God's work in my friends life. His work with the guy with the pears. His getting me through Spanish 3. His getting me out of what has felt like a dry and weary land.

Pray for Boldness...

2009-10-27T14:46:00.000-07:00

"Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated, common men, they were astonished. And they recognized that they had been with Jesus." Acts 4:13

One thing I'm painfully aware that I should have been painfully aware of the past few weeks in my growing decrease of talking with people about Jesus Christ has been my lack of being with Jesus Christ, asking for what I need most.

You see, it's tough to talk boldly about Someone you're not seeking boldly.

Moreover, it's tough to have the kind of burden that embraces people when you're lacking time in prayer asking God for it.

Yesterday I was in Subway eating a $2.50 turkey sandwich a few feet from a white collar guy with his tie tucked in his shirt. He was a furious eater, but didn't seem like he was too much in a hurry. We're just digging in. Seemed like a ripe opportunity to say...I don't know...something...anything to talk about Jesus.

Here's where I started...

[....................]

And the more I thought about it, I considered saying...

[.....................]

Then on second thought, I wondered about this approach...

[....................]

So, after a while of nothing, I left Subway. That's right. Back to my cozy chair in my sheltered office consoling myself the way you do when you missed an opportunity, "oh...well...better effort next time."

Today I'm aware that what was missing was not a card, a booklet, a catch-phrase, a penetrating question, a mysterious Christian t-shirt, the offer of a minty Testimint, a U2 cross-over, or something ultra-relate-able that would be a Golden Gate Bridge to gospel conversation.

I was missing a boldness that only comes from being with Jesus.

Nothing more. Nothing less.

Gloriously and painfully simple.

Who are the People in Your Neighborhood?

2009-10-19T09:09:00.000-07:00

Do you remember that song from Sesame Street? Can you answer that question?

Michelle and I are now living in a new neighborhood.

So far we've been here for 2 weeks since the move. With all the activity that goes with a new move, I don't want to miss out on an opportunity to connect with my neighbors and set a good tone. My experience has been that it's much more difficult to reach out to your neighbors after 6 months, 1 year, 2 years, go by and you haven't walked across the street yet.

I once read something challenging in a Willowcreek magazine that basically charged folks to be known on your block as the most compassionate person around as a witness for Christ--to pursue people in such a way that they know they can turn to you in need.

Please send me any suggestions you have that have worked for you, or that you've seen demonstrated in others that incarnate the greatness of Jesus in a neighborhood...

rob@gracechurchfrisco.org

Going Solo in Subway...

2009-10-12T07:33:00.000-07:00

Last week I was in Subway attempting to read Your Jesus is too Safe. I am never able to eat and read at the same time. Plus I hate getting honey mustard and smudges on a new book. So, I settled for perusing at best. Stetzer writes a great introduction and I was surprised by the data he collected on what young professing Christians feel unable to affirm strongly--including the resurrection of Jesus.

I noticed two guys sitting next to me that appeared Indian. With little thought (and in reflection almost zero prayer contributing to the progress of the conversation) I decided to ask them if the resurrection of Jesus would matter to them.

"Sorry to interrupt. Just reading a book about the resurrection of Jesus and was curious if you believed in the resurrection of Jesus and if it matters to you."

Both guys were cordial--one guy talked for them. "It doesn't matter. It wouldn't matter."

"So if you knew with certainty Jesus rose from the dead proving himself to be God--basically that Christianity was true--it wouldn't matter?"

He said confidently it would not. He and his friends are Hindus. We talked a little bit about how he believed in many gods and sins are forgiven simply by appealing to the god(s) of your family and saying you're sorry. When I asked him if the many hundreds of gods would compete for your alliance he said, "it doesn't work that way" and said the gods of your family pretty much stay with you. Up until now it was cordial but very cold--with no seeming interest I just felt totally at loss to keep the conversation going. In retrospect I was foolish to go into that flying solo without really pausing to call on God's power and help.

The "this is awkward" part came when I said thanks and was picking up my things to leave. I felt like I couldn't at least invite them to church. When I said I was a pastor and would love to have them come to the church sometime I received an immediate shaking of the head like I was selling a new and exciting business opportunity.

"no. no. uh uh" while heads wagged to say, "never in a million years." I said thanks but turned around licking my wounded pride at the tiny rejection and wondering if anyone in Subway saw the evangelical shoot the air ball.

These moments are good for me. It teaches me about my total need for God's help and dependence on Him. It reminds me that I've got no power on my own and only God's power can deliver. It reminds me that I'm often more concerned about my reputation and the way I look than about people.

Pray for Pacific Islands

2009-09-30T07:25:00.000-07:00

Waves 20 feet high have literally swept what is believed to be at least 100 people into eternity yesterday in the Pacific Islands. I got the news from Pete while eating a Smores at their home last night.

God empower your church to reach out in compassion that's stronger than 8.0 in magnitude and higher than 20 foot waves. Shine the light of Christ and him crucified for your glory in the hearts of thousands.

"Let them give the Lord the honor he deserves;let them praise his deeds in the coastlands (Is. 42:12)."

Trying to Cast a Net in Fish Express...

2009-09-29T11:38:00.000-07:00

I don't know if I should have gone further or not--but I definitely felt both the tug of the Lord to get out of my comfort zone as well as His grace to greet the lady next to me waiting for her to-go order today at Fish Express.

My mind was busy thinking about other things and I could tell she was in a hurry too.

"Is it slower today than usual?" [legit question--really was slow]

"Yeah...it's very slow today..."

"I sometimes meet people for lunch here--I serve as a pastor in a church and our offices are in the building across the street." [hoping for a door to open in the conversation here]

"yep." [no go. I didn't have much else to say here]

It seemed like all the elements were there for an opportunity for the gospel, but the conversation never really got off the ground. Maybe I should have been more bold, but this is how it goes sometimes.

Leave Myopia

2009-09-24T20:09:00.000-07:00

You know what it's like to be nearsighted or myopic?

The other day I found myself in an Autozone picking up some parts. As I walked up to the counter I was aware of my coldness toward the young man at the counter. Well, let's be honest. I was not aware of my coldness at all. I saw a guy that was not like me in many ways--and to be honest--in that moment--I didn't particularly like him. Yep. The Pharisees got nothing on my spiritual maturity (Luke 18:11). There you go. It's the backward forest my heart often retreats to. The caverns of tunnel-vision. The hills of self-preservation and short-sightedness.

Myopia.

In the mercy of God I had to go back to the same shop in less than 30 minutes for a different part. The thought crossed my mind, "is there a second chance here?"

I wish I could say that upon seeing the young man the second time waves of bubbly love swept over my soul like a Journey song but I'd be lying. As I got the part from the young man and went to pay I didn't feel different about him. Nothing seemed to change until I decided to climb what felt like the high dive and could feel my need for God.

"Hey, here's an invitation to our church--we'd love to have you sometime." [wanted to leave it there]

[and for the dive] "...and this booklet talks about what I live to tell people--that Jesus died for me and rose from the dead." [not that clear...a bit choppy]

I'm not sure what happened in the young man's heart, but as he took the lit and thanked me, something happened in me. Suddenly, unexpectedly, and subtly I could see his eyes for the first time. My ears could hear his voice. My mind could think about his family--his sister he mentioned living with nearby. He became a guy with a story complete with his own dreams, hurts, and needs--most of all the need for Jesus.

He suddenly became very much like me.

I want the picture of his eyes to burn off the frost that collects like cataracts on my own. Jesus gave his life away to free me from myself and give me power to walk in His reconciling love and away from joyless self-interest. He lives in me to empower me to leave my kingdom and live for His.

For the eyes of tomorrow--let's exodus Myopia and get on with it...

What is Faith?

2009-09-14T09:34:00.000-07:00

Let Peter describe the essence of saving faith...

And though you have not seen him, you love him, and though you do not see him now, but believe in him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, obtaining as the outcome of your faith the salvation of your souls (1 Peter 1:8-9).

There are 3 things Peter describes in these two verses as aspects of the word "faith" and they all relate to the activities of the heart in relation to the invisible King and Savior Jesus.

1. You love him (v. 8)

2. You believe in him (v. 8)

3. You rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory in him (v. 8)

Peter assumes all those activities are involved in some measure in "your faith." No wonder it's a miracle. No wonder only God the Spirit deposited in us can pull this off. No wonder we need to recover this understanding of faith and share with the world that it desperately needs God's own power in them to produce a faith of love, belief, and joy in the living Christ to be saved forever.

It's Free...Really...

2009-09-13T14:07:00.000-07:00

The small groups (called Care Groups) in our church have leaders called Evangelism Coordinators that serve their group by keeping up prayer for lost friends, family, neighbors, and co-workers along with organizing outreaches into the community.

To conclude our orientation for the new "EC"s on Saturday we split up in teams of two and went to high traffic areas around town to give away $1 McDonalds coupons attached to a "How Good are You?" booklet that has information about our church. The goal was not to get into as many long conversations as possible, or to bait and switch, but to give them something for free as an expression of the free offer of God's love in Christ and in hopes of generating some "wow" which could lead to a conversation about the gospel.

Me and a friend named Will stood outside of the front of the mall and fanned out $1 coupons and said, "hey, free coupons to McDonalds if you're interested...grab a sweat tea or ice cream." As easy and fun as it was, I was still in need of grace. I find getting "out there" and doing anything in the name of outreach is like throwing on a Halloween costume--you know it will be fun--but you still have to get comfortable with it and make it your own.

It's amazing how easy it was to do, as well as how many folks assumed a catch at first glance. "Free" doesn't mean free in a consumer culture. Some folks were just plain suspicious. I don't blame them. I'm usually in lock-down "robot" mode when I see dudes passing out stuff. But the majority of people were surprised and thankful. Helping to demonstrate what "free" means can be a great avenue for communicating the love of Christ.

It took only 30 minutes and made a great memory as well as opened up several conversations about the gospel.

Find something to give away to folks and tell someone today...

Dude Looked Like a Lady

2009-09-08T19:15:00.000-07:00

Okay, so I'm sitting in Starbucks at Main and Teel yesterday in the second notch of Bible Belting suburban Frisco doing some planning when a guy walked in wearing a yellow dress and a purse.

No joke.

He wasn't a dude trying to pass as a female. He was a guy in a dress getting coffee. He strolled in with as cavalier a demeanor as the cable guy on the second day. I moved my eyes around the shop to see if anyone seemed shocked, embarrassed, startled, or anything.

Not even a ruffle or nervous giggle.

I just wanted to pop my head up and say, "dude---help me understand--why?" But I just stared at my computer as if we were in downtown San Francisco at the Jamba Juice and this is normal. He got his coffee and left as Tuesday afternoon as it gets.

There are a couple of things that make me thankful for the guy in the yellow dress. Here they are...

1. Thank you for coming clean. We live in a very moralistically blurry area indeed. Unless this was a dare or something you seem to be showing your stripes. You love the world. We get it. You haven't left us wondering if the allegiance of your heart is with Jesus Christ, or the world that He's made. It's very easy for folks to hide their true allegiance and their primary love in a melting pot of affluence, churches, causes, and family values. I don't know you yellow dress man, but if that's for real--what you communicate is an honesty of your heart in what can be a synthetic carnival of shadows.

2. Thank you for rebuking me. I so rarely get asked the fundamental question I want to ask you, "why?" I want to ask you the reason why you're driven--even in the face certain opposition and suffering--towards that decision? Why does hopelessness seem to beget more courage than hope? Peter says the normal Christian life can at times be described as "always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you (1 Peter 3:15)." I'm not saying that you wearing a dress on Tuesday afternoon doesn't have an obvious advantage to a Christian being faithful in his cubicle week after week, but it does beg the question, "where does my allegiance to Jesus make those around me ask, what in the world is up with that guy--what is the reason for the hope that he has?"

Pray for the yellow dressed man--and for us to out-hope, out-rejoice the promises of the world by the hope that is in us...

Next Door Neighbor...

2009-09-04T11:51:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I was getting out of my car and my neighbor across the street came over and said hello. He told me he just lost his job and has begun looking for a new one.

I was able to pray for him and was thankful that he told me. Moreover, I was thankful that the Lord gave me the courage to walk across the street and meet him a few weeks ago. At the time it felt awkward but the Lord gave grace. I've never read Bill Hybel's book "Just a Walk Across the Room" but the title alone challenges my unbelief.

There are untold numbers of relationships the Lord is eager to give us if we respond to His leading.

Assume Nothing...

2009-09-02T18:41:00.000-07:00

I was in Autozone again yesterdy getting a battery recharged. Part 9 of Lessons from the Nissan. It was not busy and I talked to a very nice older man who I've seen in the store before. As he was charging my battery we chatted about my car, his family, and the weather.

I was aware that the conversation had gone well and I was equally aware that I didn't want it not to. My flesh was resisting the Spirit's desire to to move the direction of the conversation to the eternal big time. Nothing new--typical garden variety fear of man. I never look the part in Autozone as it is and I didn't want to be considered a foolish zealot to the men there.

As I walked around the store texting I thought about the fact that the guys at the counter will one day stand before Jesus as supreme Reality. On that day nobody is going to wish we had talked about him less--no matter how poorly we got the words out--or how foolish we felt.

I asked the man if he went to a church somewhere. He looked surprised but not as surprised as I was about to be. From the bottom of my heart I assumed he didn't go anywhere. So goes my hunches.

"well...I go to the LDS church in Denton."

Surprised, I asked, "wow...so you've been a Mormon for several years...were you raised a Mormon?"

"no...32 years ago a Mormon missionary knocked on our door. Seemed like the right thing for my wife and I to do. Our kids have all done missionary work. Our church is busting at the seems and we're needing to build."

[waves of sinking feelings come on me when I hear of happy news like this]

We talked briefly about how their services go on Sunday and that our church meets across the street from the church in Frisco he referenced. The battery was handed back to me charged and he had some other customers and our conversation ended. As a parting word from a sensed interest from me he said, "you should come and visit sometime...see you later."

In a terribly awkward way of saying goodbye I squeaked out, "Thanks. I might do that."

If he could read the thought bubble above my head the sentences would have said something like...

"I mean that. I would like to visit but never to listen for one moment to a gospel that promises a jesus that is not equal with the Father--a jesus that is created and who is simply us at our best. I would like to visit and tell everyone that there is freedom from the cozy bars of blind legalism--of emotionalism--of subjective stirrings based not on truth--of the treadmill of religious performance--of a heaven and no hell--of the lies of the devil who would seek to cloud you from the truth of the faith once delivered to the saints (Jude 1:3). I would like a chance to dare everyone to read the Bible on their own and come away with any sense that the Bible leaves open the possibility of new revelation to come, or a future restoration. I would like to see the Jesus written of by the Apostles be bowed down to like Thomas when he looks at the resurrected Christ and declares "my Lord, and my God (John 20:28)"--to see whole groups of families discover freedom and joy in being saved by the works of Another and declare Joseph Smith as a false prophet who wandered from the faith and renounce any other means to God except personal trust alone in Christ alone of the Bible alone."

Pray that we will see Mormons come to faith in Christ through our witness in Frisco. Pray that the love of Christ from the church would be a compelling voice to the revelation of Christ in his word. God burns for his prodigal sons and daughters.

Again. Assume nothing in reaching out to people. Let's tell people the news they've never heard.

Going for Broke in Walmart

2009-08-25T19:40:00.000-07:00

Last night Michelle kindly asked if I could run to Walmart and pick up the nectarines and bananas she didn't make it home with. I "acted" like a sacrificial husband about as good as Jackie Chan acts in any movie. Truth is, I rode to Walmart aware of how I just blew an easy opportunity to lay my life down for my wife. I was also aware that I'd probably be missing an opportunity to invite someone to church because I didn't have my NT with any invites/booklets.

I thought, "okay, so what do you do if you don't have an invite?" The thought crossed my mind, "well, homeboy, maybe you just trust the Lord and ask him to tell you what to say to someone." Whoa. I've seen prophetic people in action and I wouldn't consider that my gift. However, I also believe that God pours this gift out on the church broadly for the purpose of witness (Acts 2:14-41). I thought, "why not go ahead and trust the Lord and ask him?" The worst that could happen is I look like an idiot--which given my interaction with my wife would simply be expanding the audience.

Since I'm no spiritual slouch--the first thing I did walking in to the store was repent for my attitude. In case you're wondering--it's difficult to call upon the Lord when you're angry. Done.

When I got inside I went to customer service and was told by the sales clerk it was okay to get my fruit and return to her. Super. I got my fruit and while I was bagging it up--I asked the Lord if there would be anything I could share with her.

I thought one thing and just as quickly recoiled, "no you're just making that up." Then another thought ended up being "no. that's not the Lord." I did this for a while before I asked what she may be burdened by. The thought crossed my mind that she was burdened for someone in her family. The more I thought about it I wondered if it was a sister. Staring at the marinade I prayed really hard one last time. "Lord, I'm willing to share this, but I don't want to get this wrong--please help me in this." It was about that glamorous.

I got back in line at customer service and approached the clerk. As she was writing my information down we exchanged a few lines and I decided to go for broke and throw it out there.

"You wouldn't have a concern for a family member right now would you?" [gulp]

She stopped what she was doing and stared at the paper. I couldn't tell if my impression jarred her or if she was mentally reviewing her Walmart safety manual under "handling freaks". Still writing she said,

"Yes...I have a family." I was aware that any human being on the planet could say yes to that question. I was also aware that outside of thinking it may be a sister it was all I had--and couldn't help but wondering if it was right.

"Well...I was just praying when I got the fruit and had that thought cross my mind. I felt the Lord wanted to communicate his concern and love for whoever you're concerned about." She nodded like she was trying to process it all.

Feeling unusually bold and really pressing in I said, "is it a sister?" [double gulp]

With the same look that I couldn't quite figure out she responded, "....I have 6 sisters." [score...I thought better than "uhh...I'm an only child"].

I told her I was a pastor in a church and hope that my thoughts didn't freak her out and wished her a goodnight. I walked out thinking either I was right on and I could have asked her some more questions, or I was way off. Either way I felt that I'd acted in faith and that pleased the Lord (Rom 14:23).

I'm learning that living by faith is messy. Like anything, evangelism is not about getting to a place where you have no more fear--it's about growing out of love with not looking like a fool. I don't care how cool you dress--how culturally relevant--how missional--nobody gets away with attempts at exalting Jesus with their image intact (John 3:30).

In the end, the Lord would make us His ambassadors through varied gifts and experiences (2 Cor. 5:20). May we put our pride to death and let Him speak through us. I believe He will do it.

"She Died 3 Months Ago..."

2009-08-19T19:26:00.000-07:00

The past few days have been learning the art of breaking down on the side of the road. I'm thinking of a whole new series of posts, "what you should do if your car volunteers itself for top dollar from government initiatives." Since the last post the Nissan has died two more times on Legacy and gone through three new alternators. On Monday afternoon its life slipped away for the second time and my mechanic called his friend to tow the car home. I'll call him Henry.

I was hot and sweaty. Not at all in the talking mood--but my friend Aaron encouraged me to share the gospel with whoever tows the car. So with all the power of my now drained Duralast car battery, I agreed.

Henry let me climb right into the cab (I only asked if it was cool after I was in the truck).

In situations like these I usually ask about any points of contact that could bridge over into talking about the gospel. In this situation, we ended up talking about his friend who is my mechanic which led to us talking about family. I was jarred by what he told me.

"Do you have a family--are you married?"

"Yes.......but my wife died 3 months ago."

He went on to tell me that she suffered from a brain tumor that she fought for months in pain until it finally took her life. He said he has a 12 and 13 year old who are functioning ok despite the loss of their mother.

It's not everyday you get a chance to see past the clouds of temporal to the blue of eternal. In the midst of things as common as alternators breaking down, sun-glassed successes on cell phones, and the smell of Marlboro came the uncommon reminder of mortality. The pain still raw. Tomorrow my boys' mom will take them to Chuck E. Cheese for Joel's birthday. His will be getting ready for school next week without their mom--for the first time in their lives.

We ended up talking about Jesus, church, and how he turned to Christ in prison 9 years ago. He talked of the difference that receiving Christ has made on his life--although the love that he experienced in a prison ministry was never replicated on the outside. I invited him to our church. "If you want to find a loving church--you will find it here." I'm thankful I can say that with sincerity.

I was thankful for the life-giving breath of the reality of death on Monday. Every day thousands of people all around us walk away from this tiny, broken world and step into eternity. Even more bow down to it in blind madness (John 3:19; 1 John 2:11; 2 Peter 2:17).

I pass by a thousand Henrys a day who have never been fortunate enough to spend time in prison to hear the gospel. Am I reaching for them (Jude 1:23)?

Don't Waste Your AAA...

2009-08-16T13:03:00.000-07:00

On Friday after work Craig Cabaniss and I were driving home from the office in my rockin '98 Nissan Sentra. When we got to Legacy and Main here's what the conversation in the car was like:

Rob: "Uhhh...Craig it's dying. Uh..my car is literally dying." [trying to cover the panic]

Craig: "do you have AAA?" [radio-voice cool as the car slowly grinds to a halt]

Rob: "uhh...I decided to not renew it this year." [honestly...I haven't used it in 2 years]

Craig: "well...at a 187,000 miles--it might be a good idea." [leadership gift in action]

Rob: "right about now we need a pastoral prayer Craig." [err...totally serious as Craig hits the flash button]

Craig: "Well...pull over to the side, I'll use my AAA card and there's a shop down the road we can tow it to." [...like Jesus sleeping in the boat]

You have to love guy that doesn't freak out on you when your car dies during 5:00 traffic on a Friday. Moreover, a Frisco police officer drove up and I wondered if I was going to get a ticket. Instead, he asked us to push it to the other side of the road. You need to picture Craig pushing a beater down Legacy while Beemers and Jags drive by in a huff and I clumsily steer to get an idea of his friendship. That's love guys.

You also have to love that Craig took the opportunity to get to know the Frisco police officer and hear his story and invite him to church. While I was on the phone figuring out rides, I could hear him asking him questions, giving witness to God's grace on our church, showing respect and taking an interest in someone who is not in a church.

I don't recommend this outreach as a mission strategy to reach the city--but on Friday--it was God's open door for us.

Don't waste your AAA--buy up the opportunities and tell someone today...

Never Trust Your Gut...

2009-08-14T09:47:00.000-07:00

I recently read about the value of trusting your "gut" when it comes to making decisions as a man. It's very funny and although I can see some truth to this, it simply won't work if you take that advice and apply it to living out the good news of the gospel with strangers. Here's why...

1. Your gut lies to you. Call it your "intuition" or your "sense" or your "feeling" or your "wisdom" based on the past, or whatever, Jeremiah will call it the heart and he tells us its not to be trusted as ultimate truth--especially when our pride tells us we could lose some face (Jer. 17:9). Your gut doesn't always get it right.

2. You're an idiot. Don't get angry--it's just that you don't know everything and that's okay. Only God is omniscient (all-knowing) and that means we're supposed to do what the old song says when it comes to reaching out, "trust and obey...for there's no other way..." In other words, we fool ourselves when we assess a situation based on human wisdom, and then make a decision to either act in self-effacing love or defer based on what we evaluate about the individual or situation.

Today I was at Verizon getting info from my old phone (that recently took a dive in the toilet) to my new phone. The woman that served me was very helpful and cheerful--but for whatever reason, I just didn't have a strong "sense" that much would happen one way or another if I initiated an invite to church.

I was once again *dead* wrong.

We had a great conversation. She shared about her life and was thankful for letting her know about our church. She is in a place of looking for a church in the area.

I left reminding myself I don't know anything about anybody at anytime and that's a good thing. I'm a creature dependent upon a Creator who has come to me through Christ.

Trust and obey--there's no other way to be happy in Jesus--than to trust and obey...

Put your gut to death...

Don't Invite Like a Wimp

2009-08-11T06:45:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was yard day. I had to go by Lowes (or Woes for my boys) and pick up some weed eater wire for my slammin B&D electric Grasshog. Since we came from the gym I promised them a drink and we got a red Gatorade to share. I bought it right out before getting the wire.

"You guys busy today?"

"...not bad for a Monday"

"Here's an invite to church.....if you don't have a church..." [I could see the cloud of witnesses collectively roll their eyes..]

"It's away from here, but I do have one I go to sometimes."

I went to get the wire and thought about intensity and whether that last attempt was done with any real enthusiasm. Seemed like she might as well asked, "bro, do you like your church?" based on that effort.

Note to myself and anyone reading--if you're going to invite someone to church man up, and do it with boldness. Don't invite someone to church like a wimp--as if it's a great alternative to a dentists appointment. Talk of it as what it is--the place of joy, deep community, and transformation by Christ's unique presence. Better for them to think you're a freak than unengaged with ultimate reality.

I got the wire, we played on the John Deere's and I went to pay. I noticed there was someone else.

More enthusiastically this time, "I serve as a a pastor at this church. We'd love to have you come out sometime." [I know I used the pastor line--but didn't lean on it too hard]

She paused and looked over the card like she was really considering.

"Where do you meet?" [yeesss.....] I told her.

"What denomination are you?" [interesting question that comes up a lot] "we're non-denominational."

"okay...okay....I'll consider it.."

Don't be like attempt #1. Go bold. Tell someone today...

Blockbuster Bondage...

2009-08-09T21:09:00.000-07:00

Tonight we loaded up the family to go look at our house being built in Paloma Creek. It was a blast to walk around the framing and watch the boys imagine their rooms.

On our way home we decided to stop at McDonald's to get the boys some cheeseburgers (yeah...can you say Sunday and we like it easy?) and after a conversation with my brother (who I trust with any movie recommendation) to Blockbuster to rent "Taken" (which we just finished watching...not for the faint of heart but A+)

When we stopped at McDonald's I found it fairly easy to invite the girl to church and give her a card--although Michelle told me she was taking an order while I was going outreach. Oops.

Then we drove across the street to Blockbuster and I jumped out to get the movie and I felt a tug that made my heart sink a bit.

I reached back in to grab my pocket NT with the Piper booklets church invites. Having that with me as we drove into the parking lot kept me honest.

"You know what's tough for me Michelle (stating the obvious)....here it is...Blockbuster." I closed the van door and walked inside--going straight for the T's. [I've learned over the years it helps to know what you're going for when you're heading into a video store]

Maybe it's the fact that you can hardly rest your eyes anywhere in the store, or the Speed-racer attitude I have inside Blockbuster but frankly thinking Kingdom in video stores is the farthest thing from my mind. My faith usually feels pretty small. Today I feel like the Lord helped me.

I got the movie, my cash, and the Piper booklet with the invite tucked inside. The guy who took the video went right in to talking about the movie.

"Yeah we've seen these go fast. It's one of my favorites. In this movie you finally see the action hero do everything you want him to do."

We talked briefly about the movie, I paid and then I invited him to church. He seemed a bit indifferent but was polite.

Michelle and I watched Taken tonight and it's true. Liam Neeson plays an ex-spy father who goes after his daughter's kidnappers and rescues her by relying on his skills as a killing machine. His love for his daughter is relentless and he stops at nothing to get her back and bring about justice.

If we ever get a chance in the future I'd love to tell the young man I met today of another Father who goes beyond this father's love for his children--and of a Son who rescues sons and daughters not by killing but by being killed himself. He's more relentless than the dad in Taken.

Thankful for the Lord's help in Blockbuster today.

CiCi's To Go...

2009-08-09T14:52:00.000-07:00

Today I stopped off at CiCi's To Go to get lunch for the family. Our total was $6.48 for a pizza and cinnamon roles. Sweet.

While I was in there I met a guy waiting on his pizza. Great conversation. I was aware I didn't have any church invites or anything else. I asked him if he goes somewhere. He said he worked on Sunday but was thankful for a local church where his teenager daughter goes.

He seemed like a great guy to get to know. I invited him to our church.

Michelle at the Gas Station

2009-08-08T17:24:00.000-07:00

Today we had the joy of participating in a wedding in the county with our friends Shayne and Vevian. It was a two hour drive into the country--Sulphur Springs for Texas natives. We had a blast at this wedding--a joy to see what God has done.

We had to get gas on the way. Michelle ran in to get coffee. I stayed behind and pumped the gas.

Michelle decided to give whoever was at the counter a booklet on the gospel--even though we were miles away from the church.

When she got back in the van we sipped hot gas station java. She said a lady was a the counter.

"I just wanted to give you this...it talks about joy in God and you can read it sometime today."

"okay...thanks..." She responded.

Michelle said she wished she'd said something else--like it was a half-hearted effort.

I disagree. I believe she read or will read that sometime today--and there is power in the gospel.

David Lived Bold...

2009-08-06T08:39:00.000-07:00

Read this morning...

"I have told the glad news of deliverance in the great congregation; behold I have not restrained my lips, as you know, O Lord.
I have not hidden your deliverance within my heart; I have spoken of your faithfulness and your salvation; I have not concealed your steadfast love and your faithfulness from the great congregation." (Ps. 40:10)

God dropped my cell phone in the toilet...

2009-08-05T10:21:00.000-07:00

If I believe in the sovereignty of God (which I do) and that God is doing a thousand things behind the scenes in any and every single event to glorify himself (which He is) then how hard is it to believe God had my 11 month old son Asher drop my cell phone in the toilet Saturday (yes...I'm still using it...yes the toilet was flushed)?

You see, I joined my wife at Costco yesterday for cheap lunch and to see about getting a new phone (I want to upgrade but it's not in the budget..or cool with my plan). I can currently receive calls but can't see who's calling, text, or anything--just a blank screen.

I went to the Verizon kiosk and was surprised to see the same guy that sold me the phone a year ago working there. I had recently returned from the Pastor's College and needed a phone. He was very helpful and we ended up talking about religion. He described himself as open to Christianity but studies all the religions of the world. I sent him an email once after our conversation but never heard back and don't remember seeing him in any of the trips back to Costco.

When he said, "Hey I remember you" and we started talking, I was surprised. It's been a year. I'm Joe Everyman. I don't even have a tattoo. But God opens doors right (1 Cor 16:9)?

He's still a student studying for premed at Collin. I hope to get to know him better. Pray for this.

Its made me think of the value of returning to the same places regularly and getting to know folks in hopes of sharing the gospel. Dever is strong on this...

tell someone today...

Help in 24...

2009-08-04T08:25:00.000-07:00

The last two mornings I've heading back to the gym since I overdid it last Tuesday on legs and hurt my back. (I feel like I'm always heading back to the gym..)

Maybe it's the early morning. Maybe it's the atmosphere. Maybe it's the workout clothes. Maybe it's the "You have what it takes" slogans. Maybe it's the feeling of walking into a realm of frozen time--where I'm back in high school baseball off-season--with only the interruptions of "Total Access" from the NFL station reminding me it's 2009. Whatever it is, I never quite feel on my game. I don't have much of a burden for the lost nor much desire to get to know folks I'm battling Frisco restaurants with.

Well, the past two mornings the Lord helped me. Yesterday instead of ducking the church invite cards I gave one to the lady welcoming me and invited her to church. However, although it was genuine, it felt very awkward. I fumbled over my words and felt like my smile was a bit happy-clappy evangelical. The card weighed 35 pounds, but the Lord helped me.

This morning it was much easier. Different gal. Very joyful. I invited her to church and learned she went down the street to CrossRidge. A great church. We chatted briefly. She said "enjoy your workout." I once again said, "you too." [dummy]

Thanks for praying. It was tiny trusting...but it was a win.

However, where I need to grow is in reaching out to some of the folks working out. I find it much easier to talk to someone working than a dude that looks like he could squash me. There are a few guys that look like they could bench press Rhode Island that I was working out close to today. For a brief moment (can we say nano-second) I thought about engaging in a conversation but feel at a total loss on how to do so--the prospect feels as distant as me looking like one of those guys someday.

Pray for boldness...

Loving Mormon Missionaries

2009-08-02T15:14:00.000-07:00

Two of my friends in the church Aaron Mayfield and Jonathon Sawyer invited me over to their home last night. They had a couple of Frisco Mormon missionaries coming over to pick up the conversation where they left off. Over several months Jonathon and Aaron have been having missionaries over to their home and have developed genuine friendships with men they respectfully disagree with.

They are broken for them to believe the gospel of the glory of Christ. The Christ whose glory is not a better version of us--but is set apart in unique holiness (John 1:1). The Christ that is equal with the Father and therefore able to reconcile us to God through his atoning sacrifice on the cross and justifying resurrection (Heb 9;14). The Christ whose glory shines through His perfectly preserved word without mixture of error or need for revision or restoration (Jude 1:12; 2 Tim 3:16).

I was literally there just to be a fly on the wall and learn from my friends.

You see if you want to learn how talk to Mormon's you need to take a class in Jonathon 101. He is a former Mormon and knows how to humbly address the Mormon doctrine in light of Scripture. Moreover, for those who know Aaron--he's no slouch either and knows how to speak the truth in genuine love.

I'll leave the content of the conversation to Jonathon, but here are some things I took away from the evening...

1. The gospel of God's love (Eph 2:4; Acts 20:24) must be proclaimed through love. I'm not talking about acting loving in order to get a point across--but through the genuine love God has given us for those we're sharing with. Jonathan and Aaron modeled that. They prepared food for their guests. They bought an Edward's pie. They made coffee (just kidding--that was for me). They gave them gift bags filled with books! They desired to get to know them--their family--their interests--their history. I was humbled and challenged to see the level of Christ-like love on display.

2. Mormons believe in a different Jesus. I know you know that but really get that. For all the adopted Christianese--Jesus remains created by the Father as we are. He's only a better version of us. His life and death is a great example of intense morality--but something we can match in our own process of exaltation. His death on the cross is not absolutely necessary for our salvation--for we save ourselves through the rigors of morality. Bottom line--our Mormon friends are blinded by the god of this age (2 Cor 4:4) to glory of the worth of Christ and lean their full weight on the false hope of their personal goodness before a Holy Judge. The consequences couldn't be more serious (John 3:36).

3. God loves Mormons. Every Mormon was created and fashioned by God (Ps. 139; Acts 17:28). He loves them more than I could ever imagine for He is love (1 John 4:8). Jesus died that the gospel would be freely proclaimed to every bishop, every missionary, every little boy and girl. He doesn't desire any Mormon to perish (2 Peter 3:9) and takes no delight in punishing those reject the the Son (Ez. 33:11). Moreover, Christ makes his appeals of repentance and faith in Him through us (2 Cor. 5:20)--sinners who know what it's like to be rescued from eating the slop of self-sufficiency every day. I watched the One who wept over Jerusalem appeal through these men in a living room over pie.

4. Mormonism is not unique. When I see the intricate structure, the buddy systems, the scripts--I sometimes wonder if engaging with Mormons is really worth it. I think, "at the end of the day--will it really matter?" But this just exposes my unbelief in the power of the gospel (Rom 1:18). Mormons are blinded by morality--but not more blinded than I once was--or more blinded than the sea of the religious lost of north Dallas. God can turn the lights on in a moment. Moreover, we aren't going to catch a disease--for we already have it. However--they could hear of the One who has healed us and can deliver them.

May the Lord send us out with more joy, more strategy, more sacrifice based on better promises, a better hope from a resurrected and reigning Lord.

Starbucks...

2009-07-31T12:30:00.000-07:00

After our church-wide prayer meeting my friend Nate Palmer and I went to Starbuck's to grab coffee for our beautiful wives who watched our kids so we could go. This week we've been staying with the Palmer's because the Texas heat literally killed the unit on the house we're renting from one of our friends in the church. We've had a blast this week. A mini-vacation.

We went through the drive through.

"Hey Nate. Give them this booklet and and tell them, 'hey you know that refreshing water next to the window for sale? We offer you the water of life through Jesus for free!"

"Are you serious?" [great question]

"of course not..." [I really was kidding]

We talked to him for about a minute and gave him an invite to church in a Quest for Joy...

It wasn't wild man--but it was us. It was genuine. Good times...

You've Got to Try This...

2009-07-30T08:24:00.000-07:00

We live in a culture inundated by slogan, banners, logos, one-liners, and incessant commercial. Moreover, as a Christian trying to engage a culture that needs to see the light of the gospel of Christ, I struggle with how the message of the gospel written with black ink on paper--a message more powerful than all the Hummers in Frisco--can be heard through the noise of culture. This is the challenge of handing someone a booklet, tract, or even an invite card. How will this rise above every other gospel--every other life-changing offer--in this land? So, like you, I'm looking for best ways to gain a hearing.

Yesterday I purposed to go to through a drive-thru and attempt something recommended by Steve Sjogren. I went through a drive-thru to pay for the people behind me and give them a booklet and invite to church.

I chose Taco Bell (...I somehow felt led to the most inexpensive place for my first attempt).

I ordered a couple of tacos. My total: $2.04. I went to the window and paid. I was thankful to see the lady was cheerful. I noticed there were two guys in a pick-up truck behind me. I thought honestly, "man...I hope their order is not like $15 bucks."

"...Have the guys behind me ordered?"

"uh...yes they've ordered."

"I'd like to pay for their meal as well."

She seemed surprised but said it was fine. She took my card, and my "Quest for Joy" with an invite to church to give to the guys behind me.

Their total: $5.78 [yeessss...]

As I drove off I saw her her smiling and explaining what the car in front did. I have no idea what their response was but at the end of the day I was encouraged by the only response I imagined they could have given.

"Wow. thanks. that's great." I hope that they took a second look at the literature and card.

I know it's just Taco Bell. I know it's 5 bucks, but it left me thinking about the demonstrated power of God's love in us for the lost (a love that is burdened for its fulfillment in Christ) as a means through which power of the gospel gains a hearing (Acts 4:29-31). Maybe it's not as dramatic as a healing we see in Acts--but then, maybe to some in a drive-by culture it is.

I do believe the love of God demonstrated to others (Sjogren will call this the Spirit's fruit of kindness--different from the world's understanding of merely being nice) incarnates the message we proclaim. Loving deeds pointing to loving truths. The more I consider it, the more I see the need for it in my life.

Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth. (1 John 3:18)

Missed an Opportunity at 24 Hour

2009-07-28T07:57:00.000-07:00

This week I've headed back to the gym...and I'm feeling it. No. Not the exhilaration of beta-endorphines creating a euphoric high but the sleepy soreness you feel the first week back. I've worn a Superman t-shirt the past two days (yes it was washed) but I've felt like Otis.

For two days I've grabbed my Grace Church invite cards and kept them in the pouch where my member card goes but I've not given them out to anyone. I find it very difficult in a gym to pause--pray--be open to getting to know someone. Most of the time I'm consumed with getting in, getting out, getting gone.

This morning the lady at the counter took my badge to scan my card and couldn't because of the stack of cards covering the bar code. I quickly apologized and pulled the 4-5 obstacles out of the clear badge so she could scan it in.

"Have a good workout."

"Thanks..you too." [nevermind you're working and folks who work in 24 Hour Fitness don't work out all day]

Only a faint thought crossed my mind that I had an opportunity to invite her to church right there--maybe even share the gospel. I was consumed with moving on, moving past, getting my workout in.

Pray that I'll have faith for the gospel to speed on and triumph in 24 Hour. Seems to be a hard place for me to think outward, and trust in the Lord. I likely need to get past the unbelief that there's no openness to the gospel there--that God isn't at work in thousands of ways in the folks in the gym.

His Strength in KFC...

2009-07-25T19:23:00.000-07:00

It never fails. The times I feel the weakest God proves Himself strong. When the boys went to sleep tonight Michelle asked if I would mind going to Starbucks and picking up something. As I was grabbing my keys I had a sinking feeling come over. I knew I'd have plenty of opportunities at this Starbucks to certainly talk to someone and frankly, I just didn't want to. Not a bit.

You been there?

Lack of time in the word and prayer today left my soul feeling lean. The leanness that allows you to function--even well at times--but not thrive. Moreover, the hours leading up to dinner, clean up, bed time, spankings, left me feeling dry. Even listening to Driscoll rant about religion prior to Michelle's request, and Fee singing about being redeemed on the drive over didn't fuel faith. I was in the dry land. I know that place.

I asked the Lord to help me on the drive over. Really help. It wasn't glamorous or heroic. It was weak and desperate.

The Starbucks looked happening when I drove up. Outside a family enjoyed their drinks and a couple a smoke. I thought, "okay, I could walk around and give everyone an invite card--just leave it at that." But...I...just didn't want to. I could feel my legs get numb over that one.

I ordered my wife her favorite--a grande-skinny-decaf-hazelnut-latte (awesome) and an Americano for myself. I asked how everyone was doing and learned that the young lady at the counter was working on her birthday. What felt unusually difficult was inviting her and her friend to Grace Church. I felt like the tin man in The Wizard of Oz when he needs oil.

She seemed surprised and mentioned that she'd look into it. I doctored my drink and left--I contemplated going over to the couple but as I delayed--saw them get into their car and head out.

As I got in my van to drive off something of the familiar happened. Grace. Suddenly I felt burdened for the area. My eyes could see people everywhere again. I drove past the KFC and noticed what looked like a young man sitting by himself. I decided to stop in and say something to the guy. As I walked in to the empty KFC I noticed the figure was actually a boy--probably of someone working. I decided to order a drink (unneeded btw) and invite someone to church. I met a great gal there and invited her to Grace Church. I gave her a card. Right then 2 other employees (friends of hers) walked over and mused over the plain white business card.

"Hey--you guys need this...this is a church," she told the others.

"I have a church," one responded. The other just stared at the card.

"You guys have a church you go to?" [safe launching pad for further conversation]

They said they didn't. The girl asked about the times and her need to find a local church.

"Well, we'd love to have you...if you come don't worry about getting all cleaned up and dressed up--we're all sinners who have been changed because of Jesus Christ. That's it." [seems the Driscoll message paid off] She looked genuinely surprised.

Right about here the two guys left. "Well...that's good," she said. She said she'd consider coming. I was able to go through a few pages of the "How Good Are You?" booklet with her. The Lord gave me his heart for her. I hope I see her tomorrow.

Very thankful for what this taught me. At the end of the day (especially a dry day) it's Christ in us that we're to depend on--not our bravery--or self-sufficiency--or great feelings. There's no hope in that. No glory there (Col. 1:27). He empowers us to proclaim his gospel--even when we've neglected Him--this is the power of Christ at KFC.

"For when I am weak, then I am strong" (2 Cor. 12:10)

Gospel and Guacamole

2009-07-24T09:53:00.000-07:00

Michelle got back from Houston last night and we went down the road Christina's Mexican restaurant for 9:00pm deserts. We had a great time talking about the trip, life, the kids, schooling options for next year, and what the Lord seems to be teaching us about prayer in the midst of some difficulty we're experiencing with our oldest boy. Great dates for us is when we're able to connect at the place of difficulty and faith. Where we're able to go from tears to laughter over tortillas. Awesome.

Our waiter was a hard working guy who is not attending a church but has lots of family that go to evangelical churches and Catholic ones as well. His profession was that he has given his life to the Lord but not involved in a church. We invited him out to Grace.

God gave grace to go through the "How Good Are You?" booklet with him. I knew he couldn't stop and dialogue about each page, but I was surprised when he leaned in to go over it. I was able to walk through each page in about 30 seconds. I've never done that before. Michelle jumped in with eagerness and joy. Love sharing the gospel with my wife!

I was amazed at how easy that was. Not always the case.

The Mormon jesus Over a Smoke...

2009-07-23T08:37:00.000-07:00

Yesterday evening I was heading out the door and turned my head wondering if anyone was out at the smoking area picnic table at our office complex. It was around 6pm so I didn’t think anyone would be there. When I saw two ladies smoking I was surprised and a little disappointed. I battled my desire to move on but felt the Lord saying to go. Lacking a strong desire to step out and feeling helpless to know what to say I walked out to the ladies and started a conversation.

[something like] “You guys getting a smoke in?” I was surprised by their warmness and their welcome. They told me they were friends just catching up on life and asked if I worked there. I told them that our church office is on the first floor and I wanted to invite them to church.

As I handed them a “How Good Are You?” booklet and a Grace Church card, one of the ladies said very graciously, “thank you, I actually do have a church I attend. I’m a Mormon.”

She was one of the nicest ladies I’ve ever met. She went on to talk about how she was raised Baptist and became a Mormon 18 years ago. She tired from the constant rededications and was thankful that “wisdom” had been revealed to her through the Mormon church. She also talked about family and the strong values held by the church. She talked about her son who is serving as a missionary. She beamed with the love of a mom when she thought of how hard he’s working—even through insults and physical threats. She talked about the Father and his love for the whole world. She talked about her relationship with Jesus. She assured me that Mormons are Christians who believe the Bible—but that they believe there is simply more revelation given to us.

I’ve studied Mormonism from a distance but have limited experience in sharing the gospel with Mormons. Instantly I was engaged in the difficulty of clarifying the differences in her understanding while at the same time maintaining a dialogue and conversation. She mentioned past encounters of Christians “bashing” her beliefs. I thought of Randy Newman’s approach.

“I have a friend who used to be a Mormon. Help me understand. How is a Mormon saved from their sins?”

She instantly said that “repentance” was the key—all someone needed to do to avoid hell is to repent. All people when they die are given an opportunity to repent and that only a few people ever really end up in hell. I talked to her about how 11 out of the 12 times “hell” is mentioned in the Bible it came from Jesus. I asked her what she thought of John 3:36 where in the context of speaking of God’s love, he warns that God’s wrath “remains” on those who do not believe in the Son. She said her revelation helps her to interpret that differently .

“I don’t want to misrepresent you—so tell me if I’ve got it wrong. It sounds like your ‘feelings’ are your ultimate authority and not the word of God.”

Her friend who is an agnostic and listening patiently said, “I don’t think that’s what she’s saying.” She agreed. She said that she does believe Jesus’ words are important and admitted not knowing the Bible—but that God gives special revelation.

At some point I asked, “Is God a trinity?"

She graciously but firmly said, “no way.” She said Mormons do not believe that. She said, “God is not three in one.”

“Did the Father create the Son?”

“…yes”

“So Jesus is a creature?”

“…no…he’s not a creature…he is a god.”

“..but he is created?”

“…yes.”

“is the Holy Spirit God?”

“………..yes.”

She and her friend are open to continuing the conversation. I was thankful to the Lord that for the ease of conversation—and for His grace to not go on a defense or do all the talking. Pray for a doorway for hearing the gospel (2 Thess 3:1).

I left burdened for her and for all of Frisco. The “jesus” she described was not much different than the way many describe him even in the evanjellyfish world—but he’s not the Jesus of Scripture. The offensive message of the gospel is that salvation from our sins is found in the Messiah as recorded in the Bible—not a “jesus” made in our image or revelation or any other person’s gospel—no matter how sincere (Gal. 1:8-9). If Jesus is not equal with the Father in holiness, atonement for our sins and reconciliation with the Father is not possible (Heb 9:14).

Remember Paul’s words from 2 Cor 4:4 “…the god of this world has blinded the minds of unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of…”

From seeing the light of what? A great family structure? Fantastic morality? The joy of serving others? The need for every person to repent?

No. This is not the light of the gospel. Satan's blinding ministry is a shielding of their eyes from seeing the light of the “glory of Christ (v. 4, 6).” This glory does not shine forth from our nudges, our impressions, or golden tablets in Egyptian hieroglyphics—but from Scripture (Ps. 19:7-11; 2 Tim 3:16-17; Matt 5:17-19; John 14:10; 24). Reject the glory of the written word and you reject the glory of the Living Word.

Craig and the Rough Riders game...

2009-07-22T07:39:00.000-07:00

Since my wife is visiting family in Houston with the kids I've been staying in the Cabaniss home for a few days eating their Frosted Flakes and trying to keep my room clean. I've had a blast hearing everyone talk sports during the Espy awards Sunday night, the latest in music (starting to feel old and boring) and playing some new Mario game on their Wii with his son Kevin and his friend visiting from San Diego (I won a couple on my first try...i need a Wii).

Last night they invited me along for a Frisco Rough Rider's game. It was a beautiful night at an uncrowded ballpark. We were told they sell out on Fridays, but Tuesday's are empty. When we got inside we noticed one of the guys signing autographs and virtually no line--outfielder Tim Smith.

The conversation went something like this..

Rob: "Check that out. We should give that guy a card and invite that guy to church" [really just kidding]

Craig: [laughter]

God: "Okay..cool guy go do it."

Rob: [ohh..uhh..okay...why not]

Rob: "I don't have an invite card...do you have a card?"

Craig: (Jokingly) "Oh man...the guy that headed up FPU and outreach both pays with credit card then doesn't have an invite to church. Wait till this gets out." Fishing in wallet, "looks like I don't have one either."

Rob: [handing the program to Tim] "hey how you doing?"

Tim: [taking program] "Great..."

Rob: "Do you live in this area...in Frisco?"

Tim: "...actually live in Richardson."

Rob: "Do you have a church you go to out there?"

Tim: "Yeah...I do..."

Rob: [aware of the humor] "me and this other guy behind me are pastors at a church here in Frisco...it's called Grace Church. We'd love to have you out some time."

Tim: "oh...thanks...Sundays are sometimes a challenge with games an all."

Rob: "does your church do a Saturday night service you go to."

Tim: "...no...just Sunday morning."

Rob: "thanks a lot."

The Rough Riders won. It was a great game. Filled up on peanuts and diet Dr. Pepper. Noticed Tim was born in 1986 which made me wonder why I was intimidated. I was playing Zelda when he was born.

I wish I had remembered to grab a booklet and some invites before I left the house. You never know when an opportunity to invite someone to church where they will hear the gospel.

Tell someone today...

Restroom Encounter...

2009-07-20T10:03:00.000-07:00

I had the opportunity to talk to a landscaper in the restroom while washing my hands today. He was cleaning his credit cards in the sink after his wallet got wet from the rain today. Felt bolder than normal.

After chatting about that for a moment I said, "this might sound strange but I serve at a church [glad I didn't say pastor--lame and unnecessary] and wondered if you knew Jesus as your Lord and Savior." [...thought about how Piper inserts "Treasure"]

"Yes...I do."

"Great. Do you go to a church around here?" [I wanted to flesh that out and see if talking about church we could get at some beliefs.]

"It's hard to describe in English (he is Hispanic), but it's...Christian." I asked if it was Catholic and he said it was not--and that they meet on Wednesdays and Sundays.

Right about now a guy dressed biz/casual walked in and I became immediately aware of my desire to stop the conversation and move on. We kept chatting but I thought in complete unbelief, "this dude that just walked in is hearing this and is prob a Christian and will think I'm over-the-top attacking the guy who is stuck cleaning his cards and avoid me like the plague." The Lord gave me grace...

"How long have you been a Christian?" [trying to hear how he came to faith--when did regeneration happen etc.]

"since birth--since growing up."

[something like] "Do you believe you have to repent and turn to Jesus? Does your church have baptism for those who trust in Jesus?" [prob too many questions]

"...uh..yes."

"is this the same for you?" [couldn't tell if he was asking how I came to faith or if our church is like his but I thought it would be good to give him a "How Good Are You?" booklet since I could share the gospel is what our church is about.]

"Well..here's what our church believes (handing him a booklet). You may not need this but you can give this away" [awful...next time..."I need this message every day...take a read and give it away."]

I felt like I could have gone further in the conversation but found myself ending it here and saying goodbye aware of the guy a few feet away--aware that he was going to need a sink and we were going to make him uncomfortable. Left the conversation with open loops. Thankful for God's grace. Felt the Lord's heart for the lost and glad to be made aware (once again) that affluence (or the appearance thereof) can tempt me to shut down and not move forward in love.

Senior at Walgreens

2009-07-18T20:49:00.000-07:00

When it's part of normal routine I find it increasingly easier to give a booklet and an invite to strangers. Still hard to get past the anticipated awkwardness. On our way to a party tonight we stopped at Walgreens. We met a great guy named Justin who was at the register. He will be a senior at the Colony and attends a church in the Colony (and is ready to be out of school). Felt grace after the conversation to think about students in this area and how to reach them.

"so...you believe in Jesus?"

2009-07-17T11:32:00.000-07:00

Last night my wife suffered from painful nausea. We had to conclude our date while at dinner and rush home because of her pain. Not the way we love dates to start. Maybe you've been there.

A couple hours of what I've heard only happens when you drink the water in Mexico, we found ourselves in our Town and Country for a midnight trip to the ER.

The doctor gave her fluids for dehydration and prescribed an anti-nausea. We were told of the only known 24 hour pharmacy in Frisco and headed that way around 2:30am.

I met a great pharmacist and wished I was more awake to get to know him. You never have time to actually TALK to a pharmacist--unless it's 2:30am.

While he was at his computer filling the prescription (whatever that means) God actually gave me grace to think about a conversation.

"Man...I'm tired." [no exaggeration]

"well...it's 2:30 in the morning." [that's why he's a pharmacist]

"yeah...hey here's an invitation to our church and a booklet on joy if you have time to read it tonight." I set it down for him to grab later. I thought about how I wished the quality was a bit less "tract-like."

"great..." [kept working]

I was going to leave it at that. But he was curious. "So...is your church non-denominational?" I said it was and learned he attends the local Catholic parish and that he was pretty regular.

Then he asked something like "what are you guys like?" I have a hard time getting into a conversation about the gospel with Catholics in the past. So, I thought I'd say something about substitutionary atonement [oh yeah..at 2:30am with a sick wife in the van that was my trajectory choice of conversation]

"well...we are a church that believes in the gospel of Christ as an atoning sacrifice for our sins..and we gather in large meetings on Sunday, and in small groups during the week around His life he gives" [as I'm writing this it sounds a lot better than how it came out--it was choppy bad...]

[He nodded approvingly as if to say..."uhh..okay"]

Then I asked an very open-ended question I wouldn't recommend to anyone who has less than an hour to chat. The prescription was filled at this point.

"so...you believe in Jesus?" [couldn't believe my ears]

"Yes..(sincerely)" [...thinking back even the demons believe--who wouldn't say yes to this?]

"Great to hear....well have a great night."

I know, I know. You would never have asked a question like that without follow up right? You would never have left the conversation there right? Well, I did. I was thankful that I had some literature and website that could fill out what was lacking in that too-open-ended-at-times and too-religious-jargoned-at times conversation. So on a scale of 1-10 this was a 2 at best.

But hey--to God be the glory for helping me with a 2 (at 2am).

Very thankful for the openness and helpfulness of the pharmacist.

"no...not recently."

2009-07-16T11:54:00.000-07:00

Had a great lunch talking about follow up with my friend Jeff. Great ideas. As I was walking through the hallway I noticed there was a man sitting alone at the the picnic table outside.

I've been surprised by the number of people that take a smoke break out there. The last time I was about to go out there and initiate a conversation I totally chickened out. Talking with Craig and our conversation ending, I turned the corner in bold, assured faith. By the time I got to the door and saw there were four people at the table my fear turned my shoes to concrete and I walked back to the office licking wounds and assuring myself [in a David Allen way] that "there are too many people to jump in there and invite them to church...better to wait till there are less.." Oh for just as much faith as the Dominoes guy on the street inviting drivers for a large pepperoni.

Today the Lord gave me grace.

I walked over to the man at the table. Noticed that it sounded like he was listening to a small radio enjoying a smoke. It turned out that he was using his cell for a conference call--go figure. I learned this when I went straight in to talking and he said firmly and politely, "can you wait a second?" to finish out his call.

[yes, sir.]

He fit the profile of a guy I'm usually totally intimidated to approach in this way. Not because of the Kool cigarettes but because of his age and apparent season of life. Older. Seasoned. Been around the world.

"Okay..you were saying.."

[Sheepishly] well...I saw you sitting here and I thought I'd invite you to church. Here's an invitation to our church and a booklet on joy."

He took it and started looking at it...

"I am a pastor at the church there. Do you have church you go to? [easy Dallas conversation rescuer]"

"no..not recently." [loved his honesty]

Not sensing any desire from him to go further, "Well we'd love to have you sometime. Enjoy your smoke and this heat."

I turned to go inside and realized I never got his name--nor did I give him mine. Rule one in initiating a relationship is GET THE NAME. Rule number two: REMEMBER THE NAME.

Lord, use the power of Your word to draw him to you...

"Okay...thanks..."

2009-07-15T11:28:00.000-07:00

Today I went out for a walk around our office complex building. I was thinking about a podcast I just listened to and about how to reach college students with our church, so I took a stroll around the parking lot.

While I was walking I remembered this commitment to share the gospel and thought "okay I should probably pray and think outward right now. I prayed something like, "Lord, help me walk up to someone and and humble myself and just meet them where they are."

I was thinking about all the times I've "gone bold" and tried to achieve a place in the conversation early on. So many times I've done the talking instead of listening to the Lord, and going at his speed.

As I turned the corner I saw a guy coming out of his car. He dressed very trendy (or normal for most people). I said, "hey, how you doing?" He surprised me by saying, "great!" and started walking towards me.

Not normal.

I said, "I know this sounds strange, but I was going for a walk and was praying for someone to share this booklet with. It's about joy. Here you go.."

As I was pulling out my newly-purchased-from-Mardel's Piper tract "Quest for Joy" he beemed, "What church are you from?"

After I told him he said he was with 121 Community Church in Grapevine. He was very thankful and we chatted about his church for a couple minutes until he had to go. Great guy. I was very thankful to meet him.

I kept walking and saw a guy at his truck emptying his cooler.

"Need any help?"

"No..no thanks.."

[Awkwardly] "I'm...well I was walking and praying to God about who I could share this with and thought I should come over here. Here's a booklet about joy, you can do what you want with it [lame]."

He was very thankful for it and noticed that it's from John Piper and he's read a couple of books from him. I thought that it was amazing to be having a conversation with a stranger about John Piper in a parking lot in Texas July before I knew his name. We chatted for a while about his church First Baptist Wylie and about the church I serve at. It was great meeting him and he was glad I stopped to talk to him.

So, two attempts led to two conversations with believers.

This differed from yesterday. In the hallway I played the back and forth game "should I go or not?" I was able to by God's grace start walking toward a guy sitting on a bench waiting for someone. I had some booklets in my pocket but no idea how to lead into a conversation.

"you waiting on someone?" [I thought if a stranger asked me that I'd think "get away freak..."]

I don't remember his response which shows you how well I listen sometimes.

"well...I was just over there and saw you and thought you might like something to read..."

[sort of blank stare]

Not knowing where to go I said, "there's also a card in there with an invitation to church. I serve as one of the pastors there.." [a lame distraction pastors have the luxury of using in awkward moments like this].

[more of the same stare]..."okay...thanks."

I walked away alive and to use the same author of the booklet from a sermon at T4G, feeling "real." This, not because the conversation went anywhere. In fact, it never got off the runway before going down. But the Lord helped me have courage to walk over to that guy when everything in me wanted to keep walking to the office. Thank you Lord.

Tell Someone Today...

Purpose...

2009-07-15T10:59:00.000-07:00

For about a year I've considered doing a blog that would help me to remain disciplined in sharing the gospel while at the same time serve as an encouragement for those who like me, are most motivated in evangelism by hearing stories of faithful (not necessarily successful) attempts. After reading Jack Miller's book "A Faith Worth Sharing" I feel compelled to enjoy the grace of God enough to attempt sharing Jesus daily and leaving results to Him.

Faith has ripple effects. Hearing someone share a story of how they got egg on their face trying to share the gospel and how the Lord met them in the egg is often as motivating as stories of radical conversions (though Lord bless to that end!). Maybe this will encourage you to share your attempts to share the gospel with others in service of their faith and joy--the good, the bad, and even the Christ-exalting ugly.

So, recognizing the ever-present temptation to hide the true fear, pride, and anxiety in writing something others may read, I will by God's grace be as honest as possible to communicate the rumblings of heart and mind that take place in my efforts to share the gospel. I hope the honesty helps those who may peek in, the way it helps me when I hear of your attempts.

Let's tell someone today...