Why not?

It’s almost Christmas but, this is not really a Christmas note.  I want to address the question, “Why don’t we always do what everyone else does?”  (You might want to consider these words as you celebrate the holidays with friends and coworkers.)  More basically, is our behavior different than the behavior of those who don’t claim a relationship with God through Christ?  Are we different?  Why is it that some things just don’t seem “right” for us to do even though it seems ok for most everybody else?

The bottom line is this:  Because of our relationship with our Creator, through Jesus Christ, we have chosen a different path than most.  We are called to live at a different level… above the level that most of the world lives.  The scripture that immediately comes to mind is the one found in Philippians 4:8 that says, “…Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable.  Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise…”  (NLT).  And, if we are to THINK in a manner that is honorable and excellent, don’t you think we are to LIVE in a way that is honorable and excellent?  That’s why I understand that we can’t (in all good conscience) live in a way, and participate in things, that are lower than the standards God has placed before us.  We are called to live above the base existence of humanity.

So, when you are tempted to just join in with your buddies, and do what everybody else is doing, ask yourself this question… “Am I LIVING in a way that is true, honorable, right, pure, lovely and admirable?”  Am I allowing the love of Jesus to shine through my words and my actions?  Or, are we asking God (the Holy Spirit) to give us a break and stay away from us until we’ve done the things that we think need to do to be accepted… by the world?

The best life is one lived without regrets.  Live life to the fullest… in the way God has prescribed!  Be blessed and be safe during this wonderful Holiday Season.

JC

It's All Good!!

The angels announced the Good News of Jesus’ birth to some shepherds, “We bring you good tidings of great JOY…”  I wonder if they would have put it that way if they could have seen our world in the year 2011!  It seems life is so full of action and activity, that slowing down enough to experience peace and joy is a stretch.  Yet, they used that word… JOY.  I’m glad they did.

You see, JOY is a gift from God that He places inside us, regardless of all the activity and confusion that may be pounding on the outside.  JOY is divine in nature.  It is not dependent on anything except the love of God and the hope we have in what He has promised.  We receive JOY when we come into relationship with God and He then begins to allow His Fruit to take root and grow in us.  JOY is one of those things that grows in the life of a child of God as they live in Christ.

Happiness is what a human experiences when pleasant things are “happening” to him/her.  If my body is strong and I’m on the receiving end of good things… happiness ensues.  If I get some good news and have a good meal in front of me… happiness, again.  But, happiness can be as fleeting and short-lived as a sunny day in Florida.  Clouds, wind and rain can come along and obscure our sunshine and put an end to that day’s happiness.  But, JOY… that’s something else.  JOY can’t be touched by clouds and wind, by rain or bad news.  JOY lives in the rain, and often becomes more intense when our world has turned upside down.

So, now that the holidays are here… enjoy the happiness that comes with the season, but live in the JOY that permeates your very heart.  For truly, “the JOY of the Lord is your strength…”

JC

"Just Call Me Barney"

“Every time I think of you, I give thanks to my God. Whenever I pray, I make my requests for all of you with joy, for you have been my partners in spreading the Good News about Christ from the time you first heard it until now. And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.” (Philippians 1:3-6 NLT)

The most famous “Barney” I know about is the one who hung out with Andy Griffith.  You know, the Deputy Sheriff who was only allowed one bullet for his gun, and that bullet was carried in his shirt pocket instead of in the gun!  Barney Fife was his name.  That’s NOT the Barney I’m talking about.

There are only two types of people in this world.  The ones who make you glad when they show up, and the ones who make you glad when they leave.  The first type looks for the best in people and circumstances, and the second drains you and seeks the worst.  When you see some people coming toward you, you look for a fast get-away or a place to hide because you know you’ll be hearing a lot of criticism and complaining.  But, there are others who immediately raise your spirit when they arrive and you are blessed, and encouraged.  We love being around those people.

In the New Testament, there was a guy named Joseph.  He fell into the category of the type of person that makes you feel better about yourself and about life, than the other type.  He was such a great source of encouragement that his buddies gave him a nickname.  They started calling him Barnabas, which means, “Son of Encouragement.”  Now that’s what I call a great nickname  (You and I might have called him Barney).  If you read about Barnabas, he was a lover, an encourager, and an all-around good guy.  He loved the Lord Jesus with all his heart and wanted to be a blessing to everyone he touched.  That’s the kind of person I want to be.

So, if you’re looking for a nickname for me… please, just call me “Barney!”  

JC

The Most Dangerous Person at Christwalk

As a pastor, it is important to know who is mingling with the flock.  Part of the responsibility of a shepherd is to know what the sheep are eating, what influences shape their world and, which, if any, sheep have problems that affect the entire flock.  Recently, I’ve been made aware of a very dangerous person at Christwalk.

For sure, some of the folks at Christwalk injure themselves with self-inflicted wounds because of a lack of knowledge.  They will even injure others because of ignorance.  Some of the sheep hurt themselves because of a lack of commitment to the call on their life… and they hurt others because of this lack of commitment.  Then, there are those who don’t really know the Bible.  They get all they get when I teach from the platform and they starve themselves throughout the week.  That’s dangerous!

However, I’m not really talking about one particular person, as much as, one particular type of person.  The most dangerous person at Christwalk is the person who is “unteachable.”  You know, they really believe they have it all figured out.  They have a strong grasp on God, spirituality, the church, and their place in the world.  They are the ones who say “Don’t confuse me with facts. I know what I believe.”

The most dangerous person at Christwalk seems to have a lot of Bible knowledge.  They can use big Bible words and make a good argument.  They are often involved and seem to have it all together.  However, they are dangerous because they will not allow themselves to learn something new.  They are unteachable.  Here’s a few thoughts:

1.     Making disciples includes learning.  You can’t be a disciple without being a student, a learner.  We never “get it all”.  We are always learning, even the leaders and pastors.

2.    The unteachable person has a critical way about them.  Although he might sit quietly and listen to the message or teaching, he is quick to pick apart everything when he gets out in the car or back at home.  James 1:21 says “…humbly accept the word God has planted in your hearts…”  It seems like nobody knows ‘how to do it’ better than the unteachable one.

3.    The unteachable person is divisive.  They obviously have influence in the church.  However, because he is unteachable, he does not allow the wisdom of God to influence him and, because he already “arrived”, he will not listen.

4.    He takes up much time and energy that should be going elsewhere.  The unteachable person will rehash, again and again, the little things that are important to them.  Instead of being busy in the harvest, they are busy with pet projects and private concerns.

Let’s make up our mind that we will not be the “unteachable” one.  Let’s humble ourselves in the sight of God, consider other people’s ideas better than our own, and understand that God’s ways are so high above ours that we can never “get it all” while still in this life.  We will be better for it and the flock will be better for it!

JC

(Special thanks to Erik Raymond of Emmaus Bible Church for his article and the idea for this entry)

Local Church Leadership

Leadership in a local church is really important.  The Apostle Paul (and others) was sure that leaders were appointed in the new churches that were established in those early days.  Paul knew leadership was important then and I believe it is important now.  What did they look for then and what do we look for now in church leaders (elders)?

You can read some basic qualifications in I Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-9, as well as, some basic instructions in I Peter 5:1-3.  Simply put, though, spiritual leaders (elders, bishops, overseers) are individuals who are solid in their faith, solid in their family life, and solid in their commitment to the local church family.  They know what it means to be 'sold out' to Christ.  Elders should have a good reputation in the community and in the church.  They are respected for their wisdom and understanding.  They are not quick-tempered or arrogant, and they are gentle.

Two of the most important qualities we find in Elders are 1) the desire and ability to teach, and 2) a very good home life... a supportive, believing spouse and children who are following Christ.  Obviously, none of us are perfect and we're constantly striving for better, but, "...If a man (individual) cannot manage his own household, how can he take care of God's church?" (I Timothy 3:5)

At Christwalk, we are in the process of adding Elders to help oversee, shepherd and instruct the "flock".  My desire as the Lead Elder (Pastor) is to see each of our Elders using the gifts and talents God has placed in them, to be a blessing to our community and to our church.

Just a little note about leadership...

JC

A Monday Thought

It's Monday... Sunday just said good-bye, and I'm thinking about the benefits of belonging to a group of people like my own church family (Christwalk).  Benefits... like knowing you're not alone in a situation, or crisis.  Like being warmed on the inside after a few days of cold, harsh treatment in the 'outside' world.  Like... the satisfaction of walking through life TOGETHER with others.  There really are some great benefits to belonging to a church family.  It makes me question 'Why in the world do people NOT want to be a part of a good church?'   

 We all know we can't make it all alone.  We all know that there is a way to believe and live that is more 'right' and better, than others.  We all know that, in the end, it's not all our fun stuff that will bring us comfort, but our heart turned in the right direction.  Yet, isn't it sometimes a struggle just to make ourselves DO the right things.  Why does reading God's Word sometime seem to be a hardship.  How can quietly communicating with God in prayer be such a battle?  Why would spending an hour or so with others in worship seem to be a drudgery?  The answer is a simple one that we may not want to hear... the truth is... there is a spiritual battle taking place for our soul.  Believe it... God loves you... his Enemy hates you... and in THIS world, the Enemy has a pretty big advantage.  The advantage has to do with the physical container in which our soul and spirit are housed.  It is flesh.  It loves pleasure and runs from anything requiring discipline.  Are we willing to get past the "flesh" in order to experience better things?

OK... I guess that's enough for a Monday morning.  I hope you have a great week!!

JC

Sunday Evening Thoughts

"Oh well it's Sunday night and I ain't got nobody... I got some money cause I just got paid...how I wish I had someone to talk to..."  Well, I'm not in an "awful way" but I am in a funny mood.  Music would make that line a little better.  Really, it IS Sunday night, I'm listening to rain beat down on the roof above.  My wife is snuggled up with a soft pillow and blanket... watchin' something on the tube... and I have a few minutes to reflect on the day.

Worship today at Christwalk was good.  The people were attentive and open to what the Spirit would say to them.  The music was enjoyable and it made it easy to share my heart with our people.  The kids were amazing during our "story time."  Today, they heard about Jesus feeding a bunch of people with a couple of fish and a few loaves of bread... as usual, they had their attention glued on me as I tried to bring the Word of God to them in a lively fashion... it was fun.  On top of that, I had my sister and brother-in-law in church with us today... family always helps doesn't it?  But, then, I always have my grandsons to make me feel special.

Today was the last week of the month and the last Sunday for teaching / preaching about "Sharing the Faith."  Today was the "need" part.  We "need" to share the faith because so many are living without HOPE.  And life without hope is impossible.  So, with God's help, we were encouraged to never lose hope.  I KNOW, without a doubt, that there were quite a few people who needed to hear that message...

After the service, we celebrated each other by sharing some food... it was a 'covered-dish' dinner and that kind of stuff is always good... I don't care who you are!! 

Next week, we start a new emphasis on "Sharing the Ministry."  In keeping with that theme, next Sunday is Father's Day at Christwalk.  That's where leadership starts, isn't it?  In the home?  Anyway, if you read this note and would like to have a good time honoring God with friends and more friends, come on out to Christwalk next Sunday morning.  We start at 10:30 and you'll be there a little over an hour.  Our Cafe opens at 9:30 if you want some coffee and breakfast... would love to see you!

God is good and we try our best to let the world see His goodness through our lives!

Blessings!

JC

The Church is a She

"One of the central metaphors for God and his people throughout the Bible is that of a groom and his bride.  God is the groom; his people are the bride.  I like this because it makes the church a "she".  We need to reclaim this image.

The church is a she.

She's a mystery, isn't she?  Still going after all this time.  After the Crusades and the Inquisition and Christian cable television.  Still going.  And there continue to be people like me who believe she is one of the best ideas ever.  In spite of all the ways she has veered off track.  In spite of all the people who have actually turned awasy from God because of what they experienced in church.  I am starting to realize why:  The church is like a double-edged sword.  When it's good, when it's on, when it's right, it's like nothing on earth.  A group of people committed to selflessly serving and loving the world around them?  Great.  But, when it's bad, all that potential gets turned the other way.  From the highest of highs to the lowest of lows.  Sometimes in the same week.  Sometimes in the same day.

But she will live on.  She's indestructible.  When she dies in one part of the world, she explodes in another.  She's global.  She's universal.  She's everywhere.  And while she's fragile, she's going to endure.  In every generation there will be those who see her beauty and give their lives to see her shine... She will continue to roll across the ages, serving and giving and connecting people with God and each other.  And people will abuse her and manipulate her and try to control her, but hey'll pass on.  And she will keep going."  (excerpt from "Velvet Elvis", written by Rob Bell, a pastor in Michigan)

This is from me.   The Church... we love her... we hate some of the things we see in her...  but, Jesus gave His life for her and He is head of the Church... how can we ignore her or treat her with such low regard?

JC

The Living Bible

His name is Bill. He has wild hair, wears a T-shirt with holes in it, jeans, and no shoes. This was literally his wardrobe for his entire four years of college.

He is brilliant. Kind of profound and very, very bright. He became a Christian while attending college.

Across the street from the campus is a well-dressed, very conservative church. They want to develop a ministry to the students but are not sure how to go about it.

One day Bill decides to go there. He walks in with no shoes, jeans, his T-shirt, and wild hair. The service has already started and so Bill starts down the aisle looking for a seat.

The church is completely packed and he can't find a seat. By now, people are really looking a bit uncomfortable, but no one says anything.

Bill gets closer and closer and closer to the pulpit, and when he realizes there are no seats, he just squats down right on the carpet.

By now the people are really uptight, and the tension in the air is thick.

About this time, the minister realizes that from way at the back of the church, a deacon is slowly making his way toward Bill.

Now the deacon is in his eighties, has silver-gray hair, and a three-piece suit.. A godly man, very elegant, very dignified, very courtly. He walks with a cane and, as he starts walking toward this boy, everyone is saying to themselves that you can't blame him for what he's going to do.

How can you expect a man of his age and of his background to understand some college kid on the floor?

It takes a long time for the man to reach the boy.

The church is utterly silent except for the clicking of the man's cane. All eyes are focused on him. You can't even hear anyone breathing The minister can't even preach the sermon until the deacon does what he has to do.

And now they see this elderly man drop his cane on the floor. With great difficulty, he lowers himself and sits down next to Bill and worships with him so he won't be alone.

Everyone chokes up with emotion.
When the minister gains control, he says,

"What I'm about to preach, you will never remember. What you have just seen, you will never forget."

"Be careful how you live. You may be the only Bible some people will ever read!"

(Author Unknown)