4 Reminders in Your Depression

July 10, 2018

Last December, I went through a deep depression, one of the worst seasons I’ve experienced. Depression can often settle in my soul for a few days, and then leave as quickly as it came. This was different. This lasted for weeks and with a weightiness I wasn’t prepared for and it touched every area of my life.

The more I’ve explored the condition of depression and the Christian life, I’ve seen it’s a common thread among many believers. Everyone from King David to the great Charles Spurgeon experienced what he called great ‘soul sickness.’

In my depression, the Father gave me four verses that I clung to for hope and life during this time:

When nothing satisfies your weary soul, remember only He can.

David reflects on what I think encapsulates the entire Christian life in one verse. Ps. 107:9 says: “For he satisfies the thirsty soul, and the hungry soul He fills with good things.” What do we do when our souls will not be satisfied, when there’s a deep, hunger-producing depression that sits heavy on our souls? We remind ourselves that God has designed us to only be fully satisfied in Him. This, I think, is a powerful sign and marker of depression in our lives. It’s a potent emotional state that reminds us in heavy ways that only the Eternal One can give our souls what they need.

In my depression, I knew my soul was hungry. Compulsively hungry for relief and satisfaction, affirmation, approval, pleasure, completion. I begged God to show up, to answer me when I called and to fill my hungry soul. Then he gave me this verse, his promise to satisfy my soul and fill it with good things. What this verse does not promise is relief from the thirst and hunger. This is natural part of living in this broken, beautiful world, and that brokenness falls on each of us in different ways. What He promises is better, it’s a promise to satisfy my soul in the thirst and in the hunger he will fill my soul with the good things that only come from Him. This is far better than relief from the darkness of depression alone.

He is always faithful to his promises. Always.

The writer of Hebrews says this: “For he who promised is faithful” (10:23). There it is, tucked away right before the infamous hall of faith is this powerful declaration from God regarding his character. Any promise we see in Scripture is intrinsically linked to the character of God and his faithfulness not only to his people, but his own glory. When depression hits, we can be reminded that God does not promise like we promise. His promises aren’t hanging by the thread of human memory, ability or faithfulness, but on the essence and character of God. A promise from God is synonymous with a guarantee, because it flows out of the mouth of One who is always faithful. Two words that can not be said about any of us men or women, whose frame is but dust. Yet often we read promises and hope God remembers, or is able, or will actually follow through on his word. He will, because he is always faithful.

So when God whispers to us that he will satisfy our thirsty souls, you can rest assured, even in your depression, that your soul will be satisfied if you run to the One who is always faithful to his promises.

Deceived and Being Deceived: Trumpets Sometimes Blow Wrong Notes

Joe McKeever

July 10, 2018

“If the trumpet makes an uncertain sound, who will prepare for battle?” (I Corinthians 14:8).

A woman in a friend’s Sunday School class took exception to his reading a passage from The Message, the paraphrase of Scripture from the highly esteemed Eugene Peterson. “It’s evil,” she said. She will not be back to that church.

And if you think she’ll be spreading the word that that church is liberal and has gone over to the dark side, I’m betting you’ll be right.

An evangelist asked a man what translation of Scriptures he was reading from. “The NASB,” he said. “The MacArthur Study Bible.” “That’s a terrible translation,” he said. “It’s wrong. And wicked.” Just so easily does he dismiss the work of hundreds of biblical scholars who know far more about Hebrew and Greek and the ancient manuscripts than that evangelist (or this preacher!) can learn in several lifetimes.

One of two things is true. Either the attacker is correct and the overwhelming majority of God’s redeemed are deceived. Or, the attacker has been deceived, is seriously misguided and is now slandering a huge part of the family of God. The latter, I believe, is the case.

Speaking of deceiving and being deceived…

The Friday June 22, 2018, issue of our Clarion-Ledger carried a full-page advertisement from some end-of-the-world people who did not name themselves other than to give their website: www.worldslastchance.com.

According to these doomsdayers, what we are on the eve of beholding is “the seven prophetic trumpets outlined in the Book of Revelation.” These trumpets “represent the Father’s last call of mercy. His final effort to awaken humanity from spiritual blindness and to prepare us for the Second Coming of His Son.”

The seven trumpets are found in Revelation chapters 8-11. For two thousand years, scholars and laypeople alike have read those passages and wondered at their meanings. Some have come up with interpretations and possibilities, but the centuries (and history) have not been good to their theories. But now, apparently, someone has it all figured out. Enough so that they are willing to fork out thousands of dollars to alert humanity to the coming disasters.

In the first trumpet, one-third of all trees and all crops will be destroyed (Revelation 8:7). The second trumpet (8:8-9) says a third of all shipping vessels and sea life will be destroyed. The third trumpet (8:10-11) will destroy all fresh water sources. The article omits the fourth trumpet (8:12) which is going to take away one-third of the sun, moon and stars.

At this point, after the fourth trumpet, the article says, “The powers that be will utterly panic.” Boy, I’ll bet that’s right. And before they can recover, God’s fifth trumpet will sound—ushering in “the most horrifying event in human history: a celestial (sic) invasion of demons posing as ‘aliens.’” While Revelation 9:1ff calls these locusts, we will grant they are demons. Why the article’s writers decided they will pose as aliens is anyone’s guess. And they are celestial? Meaning “from heaven”?

And here’s where it gets interesting…

The demonic aliens will force humanity to rush to a world leader, none other than Pope Francis himself. The head of the Roman Catholic church will emerge as the leader of the world. And the writers of the article even tell us what the Pope will do. “The first thing on Francis’ agenda will be the exaltation of Sunday as a universal day of worship.” The writers reveal their bias when they point out that in reality “Sunday is a counterfeit day of worship and has nothing at all to do with the biblical Sabbath.” OK. We have some legalistic Judaizing Adventists getting their licks in, looks like.

All we have to do is start worshiping on Saturday.

The result of all this is to split the world into two camps: the majority following the Pope and a small remnant choosing to worship on the Sabbath. Believe it or don’t.

At this point, the article says, “Is your jaw on the floor?” Well, sort of. I’m amazed at the sheer foolishness of this. But let us continue…

The article urges us to go to their website “to learn more about the lies that you have been told by every organization that you thought you could trust.’” Every organization? Every one? Even the PTA? The American Automobile Association? Sams Club?

It ends by agreeing that many people will call them crazy. “But what if they are right?” they ask. “Crazy just might save your eternal soul.”

Get that? Moving the day of worship from Sunday to Saturday “just might save your eternal soul.”

The article forewarns us that “there is so much more we want to share with you.” Uh oh. They’re not through yet?

10 Ways to Plan an Amazing Sermon Series

Herbert Cooper

July 10, 2018

Church members love sermon series and here are 10 ways to plan an amazing sermon series.

1. Leverage the seasons when folks are most likely to attend church.

I like to launch new series that have a more outreach focus when people are more likely to attend services and invite their friends. Those seasons are cyclical. They depend on where you are located. Obviously, Christmas and Easter are two common times when people are likely to attend church.

2. Find the right balance between “reach people” series and “grow people” series.

There will always be tension here, but the objective is to try to balance out using services to attract a crowd and help people take their next steps in their spiritual journey. At West Ridge, we’ve actually color-coded our teaching calendar to make sure we maintain a healthy balance.

3. Use a variety of approaches to begin your series development.

Teach on a topic one series. Teach through a book of the Bible in another series. Teach a series of messages on a specific biblical character. Use a series to teach through a specific doctrine. Mix up your approach.

4. Address questions that people are asking.

Our tendency is to deliver only the information we want people to hear. People will not engage our teaching unless we are addressing the issues they are facing in their daily life. A friend of mine routinely reviews the headlines of women’s magazines to get a sense of the topics that people are discussing in today’s culture.

5. Deliver biblical truth and life application.

Your teaching will not produce life change unless you also provide life application. Without application, people may experience conviction or inspiration, but they won’t know what to do with that. Make it a goal in every message to clearly identify one next step for people to take to apply what they’ve learned.

6. Shoot for 8 to 10 series throughout the year.

Your average series should be 4 to 6 weeks. If you’re teaching through a book and it needs to go longer than that, try to break it up into multiple series. Every time you start a series, it creates an opportunity for people to invite their friends. You want more opportunities for people to invite their friends.

7. Plan ahead.

You can wait until Saturday to finish your message, but try to at least outline your topics a couple of months in advance. When you do that, you free up creative people to plan series packaging, service elements, and creative communications to enhance your teaching. You also provide time for appropriate promotions to occur.

8. Plan with a team.

One team may drive the topics that are addressed throughout the year. Another team may drive the series packaging, including identifying titles and visual images. Another team may develop the services elements and execution. Whatever the case, the end result will always be better when you have the right people engaged in a team approach.

9. Remember the people who already attend your church are your best promotions vehicle.

You can spend a lot of money on advertising or direct mail, but the number one way new people will attend your services is through an invitation from someone who already attends your church. Want more people to show up? Make it easier for people to invite their friends.

10. Pastors should teach, and artists should be creative.

The series I’ve experienced with the biggest impact both numerically and in life change have occurred when artists let the pastor drive the teaching and pastors let the artists drive the creative elements. The pastors control this. If they’re willing to empower artists, God can use this creativity to prepare people’s hearts for the message.

The Vicious Cycle You Need to Fear: The Lonely Use of Porn

Bob Ditmer

July 10, 2018

American youth are considered to be the loneliest in the world. That’s according to former Surgeon General Doctor Vivek Murthy. He describes loneliness as “the subjective feeling of having inadequate social connections.” Those feelings and thoughts are toxic and making our youth physically, emotionally and mentally sick.

And the problem isn’t unique to the United States.

The BBC reported earlier this month that Childline has seen a 14 percent rise in the number of children contacting the charity about loneliness.

In much of the western world, loneliness, isolation, despair and depression appear to be increasing along with rates of teen suicide.

Many blame social media and mobile devices. The kids see their friends socialize without them on social media, making them feel increasingly isolated.

Study Finds Connection Between Pornography and Loneliness

But some are also blaming pornography.

The Institute for Family Studies has released a new study that finds a significant amount of screen time is also spent accessing pornography, which may also be a notable contributor to teen loneliness, isolation and relationship void.

Researcher Mark Butler said their study suggests a close and painful partnership between pornography and loneliness for some users. The IFS survey of over 1,000 individuals around the world resulted in a statistical model that suggests an association between pornography use and loneliness, each increasing in tandem with the other.

Butler wrote of their findings: “If loneliness can lead to pornography use, and pornography use may bring about or intensify loneliness, these circular linkages may create a vicious cycle, pulling the user even further from health-promoting relationship connections. In the cultural context of emotionally-disconnected sexual hookups scripted by pornography, loneliness may deepen and become increasingly painful, yet in response, pornography use may only intensify.”

Another relationship between loneliness and pornography was uncovered by breaking down the study demographically.

The fact that pornography use decreases after marriage may hint at a link between pornography, relational success and loneliness. “Are those who use pornography less likely to achieve relational success and marry? Or does relational success in marriage remove the loneliness trigger for pornography use—or both?” Butler asked.

The IFS research also found that pornography use in the context of relationships is associated with relationship distress and attachment disruption, leaving the pair bond vulnerable.

Church Leaders Warn Pornography and Loneliness Will Damage Home

The science leads additional credence to warnings about pornography from many evangelical leaders.

Recently, evangelist Beth Moore of Living Proof Ministries urged married Christian couples to remove pornography from their lives, warning that they will “burn down” their home if they use it.

“Listen, I didn’t have the kind of childhood that afforded me the luxury of naivety. Wish I had. This comes from 6 decades of real living & 4 decades of actively serving in a position where I see incalculable wreckage & hear innumerable stories. GET PORNOGRAPHY OUT OF YOUR HOME,” Moore wrote on Twitter.

“Christian married couples, honestly, what the heck are you doing?!?” she asked.

“You think you’re lighting up your sex life and you’re burning down your home. WITH YOUR KIDS IN IT.”

The research also found that pornography sidesteps the divine purpose of sex.

“When pornography is used to trigger the sexual system,” Butler wrote of the IFS findings, “the biology of the sexual system produces a false relationship experience, offering temporary “relief” from lonely feelings, but soon enough, the user again faces a real-world relationship void. That emptiness may trigger loneliness. Additionally, porn invites the mental fantasy of a relationship experience. Thus, the mind fantasizes and biologically the sexual system tricks the brain into imagining it’s having a relationship experience and can thus mask loneliness—but only temporarily. In this way, pornography exploits the sexual system but only tricks the brain for a while. The user can’t escape the fact that when the experience is over, they’re still alone in an empty room. So, when sexual intoxication wears off, the experience may only end up excavating a deeper emptiness—a setup for a vicious cycle. We hypothesize that this experience could create the potential for getting trapped in the short-term, feel-good escape of pornography joined with long-term loneliness.”

The threat is so pervasive and its effects so damaging that Butler warned “it may be time to consider the real possibility that pornography use poses a very public health risk to our relationships.”

Not to mention the epidemic of loneliness now descending on this generation’s teenagers.

Evangelicals Heap Praise on Kavanaugh Nomination to High Court

Bob Ditmer

July 10, 2018

More than 40 evangelical leaders are supporting Judge Brett Kavanaugh’s appointment to the U.S. Supreme Court and say they will “pray and work for a quick confirmation process.”

In a statement from the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission, the leaders said their “views on just government and human flourishing are based on biblical principles.”

They believe that the judicial philosophy of Judge Kavanaugh fulfills the scriptural teaching that “government is justly ordered when it exercises the proper authority delegated to it by God. This means ensuring the rule of law, administering justice fairly and impartially, protecting the God-given dignity of every human being, and safeguarding our constitutional liberties.”

The evangelical leaders also believe that Kavanaugh will correctly interpret the Constitution impartially and faithfully “not as he…simply wishes it to be.”

The signatories include Dr. Ronnie Floyd, who said he was “delighted” by the choice and another nominee “committed to following the original intent of our Constitution.”

And Dr. Jack Graham who thanked President Donald Trump for remaining “true to his word.”

Judicial Philosophy of Brett Kavanaugh

The Gospel Coalition wrote Judge Kavanaugh “is considered a proponent of originalism, a manner of interpreting the Constitution that begins with the text and attempts to give that text the meaning it had when it was adopted, and textualism, a method of statutory interpretation that relies on the plain text of a statute to determine its meaning.

“While in private practice in the 1990s, he served as chair of the Federalist Society’s Religious Liberties Practice Group and wrote two pro bono Supreme Court amicus briefs in support of the cause of religious liberty. (The Federalist Society is a group of conservatives and libertarians interested in “reordering priorities within the legal system to place a premium on individual liberty, traditional values and the rule of law.”)

“In a 2017 case involving an unaccompanied and undocumented migrant teenager who sought an abortion while living in a government-funded shelter, Kavanaugh issued a dissenting opinion. In that dissent he wrote that a previous “ruling followed from the Supreme Court’s many precedents holding that the Government has permissible interests in favoring fetal life, protecting the best interests of a minor, and refraining from facilitating abortion.” However, he found the opinion of the majority on his appeals court represented a “radical extension of the Supreme Court’s abortion jurisprudence.”

Senator James Lankford (R-OK), a graduate of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, called Kavanaugh’s selection “a good choice” and tweeted “Judge Brett Kavanaugh is an impressive nominee to be considered for the Supreme Court. I look forward to evaluating his judicial philosophy. It’s important to have a jurist who acts within the bounds of the Constitution and interprets the law as written.”

Dr. Jerry A. Johnson, president and CEO of National Religious Broadcasters, called Kavanaugh an “all-star” and “eminently qualified to serve on the high court.”

Greg Laurie said Kavanaugh’s nomination “comes supported by the prayers of millions of Christians who trust in their judicial system to protect the rights and liberties of all Americans.”

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has promised to hold the confirmation hearings for Kavanaugh in September or October—before the midterms in November.

3 Ways Churches Think They Are Known in Their Communities

Thom Rainer

July 9, 2018

Usually when I ask a question on social media, I expect a decent number of responses. Church leaders and members are typically gracious to me and share their opinions readily.

But when I asked a question about the reputation of their churches in the community, I was inundated with responses. Many wanted to share the good and the bad. Perhaps the most intriguing facet of the study was the three distinct groups in which the responses fell.

The question was simple:

“What is your church known for in its community?”

Within a few minutes of my post, many responses came forth. After I read and added all of them, I saw three patterns emerge.

About one-half of the churches are known for ministries that require the community to come to the church itself. Great preaching. Incredible worship services. A friendly church. Great events at the church. How our members care for one another. You get the picture. These are all great responses, but they require the community to come to the church. If community members do not set foot on the church’s campus, they will never know about the ministries of the church. For the majority of the churches, the idea of community ministry is “you come to us.”

About one-fourth of the churches cited great ministries in and to the community. Partnering with schools in the community. Serving the community with food and clothes. Medical and dental ministries. Ministries to families, parents and children in the community. The list goes on and on. It was exciting to read how many churches demonstrate their love for their community by actually going into the community.

About one-fourth of the churches said they were known for negative reasons. Preacher-eater churches. Congregational fights and splits. Legalism. Unfriendliness. One church leader said his church was known for two murders that occurred a few years apart on the church site. Ouch.

The social media poll did encourage me in many ways. Many of our churches are doing an incredible job connecting with and ministering to the communities in which they are located. And though I am certainly glad to see many church members excited about what is taking place on their church campuses, I fear many members think that community ministry means, “Y’all come to us, and we will minister to you.”

Of course, I am concerned, but not necessarily surprised, about the negative perceptions of some churches in the community. I pray those churches will begin to make a positive impact in the locations where they serve.

What is your church known for in the community? What are your members actually doing in the community and for the community? Let me hear from you.

This article originally appeared here.

Why Vacation Bible School Is as Important Now as Ever

Sam Rainer

July 9, 2018

He’s older now. Retired, but not done. He doesn’t move quickly, and his hearing is not great. For 30 years he shepherded our church. Now he leads a Life Group. We call him “Brother Bob.” All of Bradenton calls him that. He’s a passionate evangelist for evangelism. Give him a minute of your time, and you’ll hear him share the gospel. Boldly. Without apology.

He was at Vacation Bible School every day last week. He brought three children. Two of them accepted Christ. In fact, 17 total children accepted Christ, along with two parents. Countless gospel seeds were planted.

What other program or event bears this kind of fruit in a one-week timeframe?

VBS is a local mission trip that just about any church can do.

Multiple generations came together. For one intense week, a multi-generational army united around the good news of Jesus. It’s one of the most beautiful scenes in ministry.

People from the neighborhood showed up. They claimed it was the packed parking lot that piqued their curiosity. In reality, the Holy Spirit guided them from their front yards to our front door. VBS was an opportunity for us to be good neighbors.

The gospel is the central focus. The reason we do VBS is to share the gospel. No doubt, the games and activities and skits are a lot of fun. But the focal point is telling children about Jesus. Everything else is periphery to the grand purpose of sharing with a child, “Here is how Jesus saves you.”

Men get to be kids. Our VBS happens at night, from 6:00 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. There are several reasons for this timeslot, but one of the biggest is that a later time gives many men in our church the opportunity to serve. The women at West B always step up in incredible ways, but there’s something special about seeing a middle-aged man in an orange wig doing kid song motions on spirit night.

We carry with us the legacy of Brother Bob and his generation. Some in our church are in their fifth decade of VBS. When I’m older, retired—when my hearing is gone and I don’t move as quickly, I hope to bring children to VBS just like Brother Bob. VBS is as important now as ever. I believe it will be just as vital in the future. We’re all VBS-tired, as deacon Don in the below picture can attest, but it’s worth it. Every bit of it.

This article originally here.

Discover the Importance of Food and Small Group Ministry

Roger Carr

July 9, 2018

Think of a time when you were hungry. How did you feel? What was your state of mind during that time?

Why are we told it is a bad idea to go grocery shopping when we are hungry?

Hunger can affect how we feel, what we do and even the decisions we make.

Isaac and Rebekah had twins, Esau and Jacob. Esau was a mighty hunter. He loved being in the outdoors. His twin brother was the opposite. Jacob was happier staying at home and doing tasks like cooking.

One day Esau came home from being out on one of his outdoor excursions. He was extremely hungry. This probably meant he wasn’t successful hunting this time out.

At the same time, Jacob had a pot of lentil stew ready to eat. The aroma filled the air.

In his moment of hunger, Esau sold his birthright to Jacob for some of the stew.

That was an expensive bowl of stew!

Are you currently gathering with your members without the aid of food? I don’t believe it was a coincidence that Jesus taught and performed miracles in many situations that involved food.

Food is required for us to live. But it does so much more than that. Here are some advantages your group can experience by including food at your gatherings:

Food Is Inviting

Showing up to a small group for the first time can be a scary experience. You can help reduce those fears by including food. It creates an inviting focal point that draws a person’s attention. Food allows attendees to immediately participate in a safe way when it is incorporated at the beginning of your gathering. It even provides a natural topic of conversation that all participants have in common.

Food Opens Conversations

There is no better way to encourage personal conversations to take place than to have food in the room. There is something about the act of eating food that brings down barriers and puts people at ease.

Nothing – not a conversation, not a handshake or even a hug – establishes friendship so forcefully as eating together. Jonathan Safran Foer

Food Helps Decision-making

Esau gave up his birthright because he was hungry. Food has an impact on our ability to make wise decisions. I wonder if Esau regretted his choice as soon as he ate the food.

Even the wisest people won’t make good choices when they’re not rested and their glucose is low,’ Baumeister points out.
John Tierney in Do You Suffer from Decision Fatigue?

We want our members to be at their best when discussing, learning and making decisions that can change our lives and the lives of those around us. Some of our members may not have eaten for several hours. Simply providing food at your gatherings can make a significant difference.

Ways to Incorporate Small Group Food

Meals and Snacks

The group should decide whether they want to have a meal around a table or mingle while eating snacks. Obviously, the meal will be more substantial, but it could be the best choice due to the meeting time and member situations.

Whether providing meals or snacks, try to include something that everyone can take part in. If possible provide at least a couple of eating options. Have people name their food allergies if they are comfortable letting the group know. You may not be able to please everyone every time, but members should not feel excluded either.

Responsibility

It is usually best to rotate the responsibility for providing food. The cost of food can be significant if it is on the shoulders of only a few. This problem is eliminated by rotating the responsibility.

One person should be identified to organize. This would include signing up people for specific gatherings and reminding them when it is their turn. It can also include ensuring there is a backup plan if the unexpected happens.

Don’t Compete

Small group food should be viewed as one spiritual tool that makes up hospitality. It should not be viewed as a source of competition. If comparisons start to be made between what one member provides vs. another, it can become a problem between members.

It doesn’t matter who bought food items instead of cooking them, who provides the most elaborate setting, or who is the best cook. What matters is the nutrition and enjoyment that comes from all of it, that ultimately results in stronger relationships and significantly changed lives.

Question: How has food helped in your small group? What tips do you have for incorporating small group food into your gathering?

This article originally appeared here.

Are You a Sheep or a Goat?

J.D. Greear

July 9, 2018

Do you know the spiritual difference between sheep and goats?

One of the more alarming aspects of Jesus’ parables is that many of them seem to be all about showing us that not everyone who considers themselves a Christian will go to heaven. The parables of Matthew 25 do this more than any other passage I can think of.

All of the maidens (25:1-13) consider themselves friends of the bridegroom, and all of the servants in the parable of the talents (25:14-30) consider themselves in the employ of the Master. Most shockingly, the sheep and the goats (25:31-46) all seem to recognize the lordship of Jesus. No one is like, “Whoa, ‘Jesus,’ who are you? Where is Buddha?” Or, “I didn’t even think there was a God!”

The judgment displayed in all three of these parables does not separate Christians from the rest of the world. It separates genuine Christians from imposters.

Jesus ends the parable of the maidens by saying, “And the door was shut. Later the rest of the virgins also came and said, ‘Master, master, open up for us!’He replied, ‘Truly I tell you, I don’t know you!’” (Matthew 25:10-12 CSB).

He ends the parable of the talents by saying, “His master replied to him, ‘You evil, lazy servant! …throw this good-for-nothing servant into the outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth’” (Matthew 25:26-30).

To the goats in the last parable he says, “Then he will also say to those on the left, ‘Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels!” (Matthew 25:41)

I don’t think it could get any clearer: When we talk about judgment, we’re not dealing with simply “loss of reward.” We are talking about heaven and hell.

The Spiritual Difference Between Sheep and Goats

This is a big deal, because there are a lot of people in our churches who think they are Christians that are tragically mistaken. So, what exactly is the spiritual difference between sheep and goats? What is the difference between those who go to heaven and those who go to hell?

According to the parable of the sheep and goats, it had little to do with how much they went to church or (more surprising) what they believed. There isn’t a single word about that.

The only spiritual difference between sheep and goats is what they did or did not do: Whether or not they were actively, tangibly engaged in the mission of God and generous toward the poor, particularly poor believers.

Apart from that, all other religious activity is useless.

In Isaiah 56 and 58, God told Israel, “You’re doing all your religious exercises, but those things mean nothing if you ignore the poor. You claim to know me, but you turn a deaf ear to the poor. You don’t know me.”

No More Manic Mondays!

Kathie Philips

July 9, 2018

Mondays. The day of the week many people dread for various reasons. However, for many others, Mondays offer a start to accomplish new goals and give a fresh perspective to tackle the week ahead. You either love ’em or you hate ’em.

Today, I’m sharing a peek into what my Mondays typically look like. These seven tasks help me to start my week off on the right foot. While I don’t do every single thing below every Monday, this gives you a general idea of what I block Mondays out for.

FOLLOW UP WITH NOTES FROM SUNDAY

Each Sunday, I carry a clipboard (yes, I’m very old school—I am a ‘pen and paper’ type of gal) with my Sunday volunteer list and blank paper. I make notes of any upcoming volunteer absences, school performances, special occasions/milestones, prayer requests, supply needs, etc. If I don’t write it down, I forget! On Mondays, I transfer these notes to my daily planner and follow-up accordingly.

FOLLOW UP WITH VOLUNTEERS WHO CALLED OUT

Like any kidmin leader knows, rarely a Sunday goes by without a volunteer calling out unexpectedly due to illness (or the illness of a child), traveling or last-minute emergencies. I follow-up with an email or text, asking for any updates on how they’re feeling, if I can bring a meal, how I might help, etc. I want my volunteers to know that I truly care about them and that I miss them when they’re not able to serve.

UPDATE THIS WEEKEND’S VOLUNTEER SCHEDULE

Each Monday, I update my volunteer schedule to reflect those who are serving for the upcoming weekend. This is especially helpful early in the week because I can identify serving opportunities (not “slots” or “holes”) quickly and know exactly what our needs are. Doing this early in the week also saves me those unexpected surprises and scrambling at the last minute.

INVEST IN MY LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT

In order to grow as a leader, I have to invest in myself. This could include reading books/blogs/articles, listening to podcasts, viewing webinars or meeting with another leader. By blocking out this time each week, I am able to invest in myself so that I can pour into others. See some of my favorite books here and my favorite magazines, websites, social media networks and podcasts here.

MEET WITH VOLUNTEERS AND/OR PARENTS

It is very important for me to spend time with my volunteers and parents outside of Sunday morning. Nothing makes the beginning of a busy week better than grabbing coffee, breakfast or lunch with a volunteer or parent. Doing this in a relaxed setting allows for us to have great conversations and get to know each other better. (*Note: This is typically ‘issue’-free. We meet on Mondays just for fun and fellowship.)

CURRICULUM EDITING

Honestly, this is one of my favorite parts of my week. I love seeing ‘raw’ curriculum become ‘live’ curriculum that I’ll get to see in real-time! I’ll share my process for editing our curriculum in a future post, but when I sit down to edit, I edit for the entire month/unit so that I can (1) get an overview for the entire month, (2) set a cohesive tone for the entire month, (3) build on each week based on the previous week, and (4) purchase any needed supplies in one order.

SCHEDULE SOCIAL MEDIA POSTS

I schedule all of our social media posts (Facebook, Twitter and Instagram) for the entire month on the first Monday of each month. This saves me a HUGE amount of time and gives me one less thing to think about.

TOOLS I USE TO GET THE JOB DONE

Google Docs – I use this to keep track of who is serving when and where—this is a great tool because any necessary changes are made in real-time and I’m able to share the document with others on my team.

Hootsuite – This program allows me to schedule all of my social media posts for the entire month. Not only can I do this from my computer, but I can use their app on the go. Very flexible and very easy to use!

2018 At-A-Glance – Yes, I still use a paper planner, mainly because I take great joy in actually checking things off of my to-do list! This planner is one of my favorites.

Keep the conversation going by leaving a comment: What do your Mondays look like?

This article originally appeared here.

5 Reasons I Read Authors With Whom I Disagree

Marty Duren

July 9, 2018

As a much younger man, my then-pastor instructed we preacher boys (whom he called “Young Prophets”) on how to select books. There were some we should read and some we should not read; they were not worth the money to buy them. This was probably true enough, as far as it went. But, rather than teaching us discernment, it was more a straight prohibition.

For many years of my ministry I heeded this truth, staying with “safe” authors—read: primarily those from my tribe. Getting outside the tribe meant the Young Prophet needed a security clearance. I learned theology, practice, church growth, preaching, spirituality and principles for life and pastoring from an unofficial approved reading list.

It was years before I learned how that approach limited both my spiritual and intellectual growth. There are people within the bounds of orthodoxy who have come to some theological conclusions that are different than mine. Here’s why I ultimately started reading authors with whom I disagree on any number of these issues:

1. Because no tribe has a monopoly on truth.

No matter what your tribe is, it does not have all the truth. It can’t; there is simply too much truth for a cornered market. Reading outside my tribe helps me recognize different emphases and interpretations. I need to know biblically defensible views even if they differ from my own.

2. Because my thinking needs to be challenged in order to be strengthened.

The longer I read within the same circle of authors, the more susceptible I was to confirmation bias, though I did not even know what that was (the tendency to believe things are true because they confirm what we already think). The more we read people who think like us the more we are convinced we are right. The more we are convinced we are right, the more we tend to avoid authors who disagree with us.

Think of it like exercise: Bodies that are exercised (challenged) stay strong or get stronger, but bodies that are not exercised grow weak and fatty. I do not want my spirit, emotions or intellect to be weak and out of shape.

3. Because I might need correction.

If I am wrong about an aspect of theology, I will not be corrected by reading only people who agree with me. I will be corrected by people with a different angle on the subject; those who present different scriptures to present different arguments. I’m not talking about sin, which generally has to be confronted by those close to us. But, correction in mistaken theological nuances does not occur when all my thinking is repeatedly affirmed.

4. Because I get the “other side” directly from the “other side,” not a tribal interpretation.

Have you ever read a movie review or book critique written by someone who has not seen the movie or read the book? These folks comment on the rumors or reviews someone else has written, then present their “review” as authoritative. Generally, those are not the best reviews.

Few things are more intriguing to me than to see a dog-pile of hate on a book, only to read the book for myself and find 1) the warnings were overblown, or 2) the book had a lot of worthy content despite the bad parts. I would rather “eat the meat and spit out the bones,” as a former pastor used to say, than, like a baby bird, eat someone else’s partially-digested meal.

5. Because a varied diet is a more enjoyable diet.

One of my kids was an extremely picky eater all the way through elementary school. Her entire diet consisted of only five or six items, spaghetti and Pop-Tarts among them. She didn’t starve, and she was relatively healthy, but she missed out on so much great food! (Thankfully, her personal meal menu has expanded significantly.)

My reading intake was much like my daughter’s diet: It kept me from starving, but it also kept me from other healthy, helpful intake. I finally realized my limited diet was problematic. A larger, more varied diet has done me well.

This article originally appeared here.

He Loves Jesus More Than He Loves Me

Melissa Edgington

July 9, 2018

Chad is usually late coming home from work. A pastor, he gets caught up in his studying or his sermon-listening or his counseling. I suspect sometimes he gets caught up in watching cat videos on the Internet. Because don’t we all.

I vividly remember one day when he was running late, and I was worn out and irritated and frustrated. I called him for the fifth time in an hour, and when he finally answered the phone I came at him. What are you doing?! I huffed. I honestly wondered how he could possibly NOT be thinking of me and my situation. Surely he realized that I was being wildly inconvenienced by his tardiness. Despite the fact that my question sliced through the phone like a self-righteous sword, Chad’s answer came back quietly and with an air of immense patience: I’m just sharing the gospel with someone.

Oh. Carry on, then.

Meekly, I hung up the phone and turned to my rowdy children with a new sense of purpose in this moment. The Holy Spirit was giving me an opportunity to see that I could be a part of the gospel sharing moment that was happening in Chad’s office. And the way I could do that is by allowing Chad to sacrifice some of the time that I wanted from him so that he could give it to someone else who, just like me, desperately needs Christ.

Tonight I write this to you while the second sweet man of the evening sits in our living room across from my husband. Discipleship is happening here tonight. Husbands and fathers are growing closer to Christ, and it blesses my soul to know that here, in our home, the man that I love is giving his life to those who trust him as their shepherd.

One thing that I’ve learned through this 19-year journey of marriage is that what you really want to look for in a husband is not someone who will cater to your every whim. It isn’t someone who is so afraid of you that he would rather disobey God than incur your wrath. Search for the man who is always looking for ways to serve Christ and the church. Hold out for a man who is more in tune with the Holy Spirit of God than he is in tune with your moods. He is the one, my sisters, who will live a life that challenges you and helps you to see the world through spiritual eyes. He is the one who will love you truly and deeply. Who will lay himself down for you and your children. He is the one who will care for you mind, body and soul. The man who is in love with Jesus loves like Jesus, with grace and patience and gentleness and mercy. He will cradle you as a gift from God, and he will take seriously his responsibility to see you grow in Christ. His love for you is spiritual. It is God-given and truly blessed in every sense. Marry the one who loves Jesus more than he loves you. And then watch how the Lord will change you just because you get the privilege of watching the man you love adore his Savior.

It’s possible he won’t answer his phone when you call. It’s possible that when you finally reach him with your huffiness and your entitled attitude he will softly explain that he is serving the Lord. It’s possible that you will find yourself humbled, your spiritual eyesight adjusted back to 20/20, and once again you will thank our gracious God for a man who loves Jesus even more than he loves you.

This article originally appeared here.

Innovative World Cup Outreach Scores Big Despite Russian Authorities’ Detainment of Church Members

Andy Butcher

July 9, 2018

World Cup Outreach — Photo courtesy of Mission Eurasia. Several hundred Russian churches have hosted World Cup 2018 game screenings and other soccer-related events, distributing special-edition Scriptures and other literature, during a nationwide outreach during the tournament.

Hundreds of churches in Russia are preparing to end an innovative World Cup 2018 outreach on a high note this week, despite opposition from authorities.

As the world’s most popular sports competition ends July 15, Mission Eurasia anticipates record visitor turnout for live screenings of the final soccer games, which local churches are hosting in nearly 400 locations. The initiative is a creative way of evangelizing in the midst of Russia’s restrictions—seen as part of a crackdown on religious freedom in the country.

Around 10,000 people have so far attended the events being organized by Mission Eurasia in partnership with local congregations, and nearly 500,000 people have been impacted by the whole outreach. The Chicago-area ministry has helped train and equip young Christian leaders in the former Soviet Union for almost 30 years.

While the full impact of the outreach is yet to be seen, one result is already clear, said Pavel Tokarchuk, Mission Eurasia’s Russia director. “Many Christians have found a new courage and boldness for sharing their faith,” he said. “We are praying they will continue to be encouraged to spread the good news.”

That heightened faith will be evidenced through Sunday’s (July 15) soccer final, as some outreach participants continue to publicly distribute Scriptures and other Christian literature. In doing so, they are asserting their belief that the Russian Constitution protects their right to share their faith, regardless of the 2016 legislation that limits evangelistic activity of officially recognized churches, said Tokarchuk.

Three teams taking part in the month-long outreach were detained by authorities in Moscow, Kaliningrad and Ekaterinburg for talking with people and passing out literature in public places. Though they were released without charges, their literature was confiscated, and it is not yet clear whether there will be any further repercussions, Tokarchuk said.

Approximately half a million pieces of literature, including a special-edition Gospel of John, have been distributed since the World Cup outreach began last month. An estimated 400 churches in 50 cities across the country have taken part in the effort, hosting soccer competitions for children and teens, as well as World Cup viewing events.

National pride at hosting the world-class sports event and their national team’s progress in the tournament has created an optimistic mood in which Russians are more open than usual to talking about spiritual issues, said Tokarchuk. “People are excited, and that has provided a real opportunity for sharing the gospel.”

Among those who have been impacted by the evangelistic outreach is Arsen, a shoe-seller in Omsk, Russia. Talking with Mission Eurasia volunteers, he complained about the Russian soccer team’s last performance and spoke of the need for a good coach.

“We then told him about a team that could change the entire course of humanity, because they have the best coach: Jesus,” said the local coordinator of Mission Eurasia’s School Without Walls (SWW) leadership training ministry. When he was given a copy of John’s Gospel, Arsen “asked several questions about what he was reading in God’s Word, because he wanted to make sure he understood everything correctly,” the SWW leader said.

Believing the outreach will reach up to three million people, Mission Eurasia leaders are planning extensive follow-up programs. They are expecting to form around 1,800 home Bible study groups and run sports and day camps for up to 15,000 children.

Central to the outreach has been the distribution of Russian-language Scriptures, including a special-edition New Testament with a QR code link to additional discipleship resources and directions to a local church.

More information is available at Mission Eurasia’s website and World Cup Outreach page.

Parents of Boy Saved In Thai Cave Rescue Thank God

Bob Ditmer

July 9, 2018

As the Thai cave rescue continues and concern grows over the health of those who are saved, the parents of one of the rescued soccer players is saying “thank you.”

According to Compassion International, the boy is one of their sponsored children. The ministry is not releasing names due to privacy concerns.

A Compassion photojournalist in Thailand was able to interview his parents. In the video, a woman identified as the boy’s mother said, “Thank you so much for all prayers and all the encouragement. Thank you to God. I’m really thankful that they found my son and all 13 are alive. I’m so happy and so thankful to see my son again. Thank you so much to everyone that has been praying for us and the boys and helping us; thank you.”

Thai Cave Rescue Frees New Christian

Mission Network News interviewed Noi, identified as Compassion International’s Senior Manager of the program in Thailand.

“Noi said of the Compassion beneficiary, ‘He is 14 years old and he is at eighth grade right now. He is actually a very good boy, very active to participate in the program in the project at the church. He loves sports, of course… he loves football [soccer], he loves running, he.. also love to play guitar. He also [plays] a guitar at the church [and] got to play piano, what.. maybe you call [an] electric keyboard. And also he just [accepted] Jesus Christ last March, this year.’”

Eighteen-year-old Surayut Puengpadung, another Compassion beneficiary and member of the Chiang Rai Rescue Academy Team, was one of the first to report the boys missing on Saturday and one of the first to enter the water to search for the boys.

“Pray for all the rescue operation teams who are making progress,” Surayut says. “They are working very hard through this weather, and it’s very dangerous. The water runs fast and there are strong currents.”

As rescuers slowly bring the boys out of the cave, medical teams will be looking for an airborne lung infection known as histoplasmosis, or “cave disease,” which is caused by bat and bird droppings. It can be fatal if it is untreated and spreads to other parts of the body.

Medical officials will also be examining the children for leptospirosis, an infection caused by bacteria which can lead to severe bleeding from the lungs, meningitis and even death.

A health official told local media that the boys should hopefully be able to see their families on Monday night but there will be “no hugging, no touching,” until their blood work comes back.

Compassion’s local church partners are involved in the rescue effort. Baag Jong Church is hosting the Thai Air Force team, providing food and accommodation for 20-30 people. Every day church members volunteer to cook meals and clean for the Air Force team as they rotate on and off duty, sleeping and eating at the project. The church also hosts visitors who drop by to pray for the 13 boys.

Church members are also donating their homegrown vegetables, fruits, pineapples, drinking water, other drinks and whatever they have to provide for the rescue teams.

David Platt: Celebrating National Freedom and Spiritual Freedom

Bob Ditmer

July 9, 2018

Leading up to July 4th and beyond, social and traditional media were filled with cautions to church leaders about what they say or do in honor of America’s independence.

Happy Canada Day, and thanks to all the Canadian pastors who would never think that it’s a good thing to make their nation the focus of a worship service.

— Ed Stetzer (@edstetzer) July 2, 2018

The Sunday before Independence Day, David Platt addressed faith and freedom at McLean Bible Church outside the nation’s capital.

His text was 1 Peter 2:13-17: “Be subject for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme, or to governors as sent by him to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good. For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people. Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God. Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor.”

Platt identified two truths from those sentences that contribute to the question of patriotic observances in worship services.

David Platt Truth #1 – We Are Submissive Citizens of a Government

Peter applied this directive to all who govern over us, even the emperors and governors of the “Christless governments” in the disciple’s day.

“This is God’s will,” Pratt pointed out. “From the very start of this passage, the Bible is clear that, as followers of Christ, we are to subject ourselves to human institutions and the authority they have in our lives.”

Pratt sees contained in the passage a belief that “government does not exist for the establishment of religion—any religion, including Christianity. At the same time, government does not exist for the elimination of religion.

That freedom is not global. That is why Pratt also reminded the congregation that the Bible commands us to pray for our persecuted brothers and sisters around the world.

“We miss the point of this week if we bask in our freedom while turning a blind eye and a deaf ear to family—our brothers and sisters around the world—who long for this kind of freedom.”

While Christians are to be submissive, Platt maintains that Peter is not advocating submission to government regardless of what the government says but rather “ultimately we fear our God and His Word.”

David Platt Truth #2 – We Are Free Servants of God

Pointing to 1 Peter 2:16, Platt said Christians are not only submissive citizens of a government, but we are also free servants of God.

“Peter is talking about spiritual freedom,” Platt said. “He’s talking about how Christians have been freed from the power and penalty of sin, and that freedom makes us ‘servants of God.’”

“Because of the death of Christ on the cross and His resurrection from the dead,” Platt continued to explain the idea of a “free servant,” “all those who place their faith in Him are free from the bondage of sin to live the life God has created us to live as servants of Him.”

“We have not gathered today, even during the July 4th week, to celebrate our U.S. citizenship. That’s not what the church does, because that’s not who the church is. The church doesn’t unite around an earthly citizenship; the church unites around a heavenly citizenship. The church is not made up of people who unite together under a particular country’s flag; the church is made up of people who unite together under a particular cross—the cross of Jesus Christ. We have more in common with a Syrian Christian sitting next to us than an American atheist—far more in common, forever.”

Platt said our freedom in Christ should result in a desire to model good lives and show God’s love.

My biggest regret is my pride — my seemingly relentless focus on myself.

“We use our freedom in Christ to show God’s love. The Word of God is why we honor babies in the womb. The Word of God is why we honor people of different ethnicities. The Word of God is why we honor the poor and oppressed. The Word of God is why we honor immigrants who have made their home in our country. The Word of God is why we honor children and their parents at our borders… The Bible, God in His Word, beckons us to honor our President and our government leaders, in the way we speak about them, in the way we pray for them.”

Platt offered two applications for the passage: “First, let us honor those who give their lives defending religious freedom in our nation. Then secondly, let us give our lives spreading ultimate freedom among all nations.”

New Research: Churchgoers Stick Around for Theology, Not Music or Preachers

Bob Smietana

July 9, 2018

I used to lead, and now work with, LifeWay Research. Here’s an interesting piece of research they just released. It’s a bit counterintuitive in ways, so it caught my interest and I decided to share the story with you!

Most churchgoers will put up with a change in music style or a different preacher.

But don’t mess with a church’s beliefs or there may be an exodus, according to a new study from Nashville-based LifeWay Research.

The study of Protestant churchgoers found most are committed to staying at their church over the long haul. But more than half say they would strongly consider leaving if the church’s beliefs changed.

Pastors often worry about changing church music and setting off a “worship war,” said Scott McConnell, executive director of LifeWay Research. But few say they would leave over music.

Churchgoers are much more concerned about their church’s beliefs.

“Mess with the music and people may grumble,” he said. “Mess with theology and they’re out the door.”

Churchgoers stay put

LifeWay Research surveyed 1,010 Protestant churchgoers—those who attend services at least once a month—to see how strongly they are tied to their local congregations.

Researchers found most churchgoers stay put.

Thirty-five percent have been at their church between 10 and 24 years. Twenty-seven percent have been there for 25 years or more. Twenty-one percent have been there less than five years, while 17 percent have been at the same church for between five and nine years.

Lutherans (52 percent), Methodists (40 percent) and Baptists (31 percent) are most likely to have been at their church for 25 years or more. Fewer nondenominational (11 percent) or Assemblies of God/Pentecostal churchgoers (13 percent) have such long tenure.

“Most church members have been at their church longer than their pastor,” said McConnell.

40 Ways You Can Invite People to Church

Michael Lukaszewski

July 9, 2018

Sometimes people aren’t sure how to invite someone to church. So here are 40 creative ways your church can invite people to church because one of the primary reasons every church exists is to share and live the Gospel and invite people to join His kingdom. Since the church is the display of God’s glory on earth, and since Jesus said HE would build His church—the church should be central to our lives and faith. So inviting people to your church should be a part of your core mission.

How to Invite Someone to Church

Here are forty great ways you can invite someone to church. You don’t need to organize it … you and your small group, class or friends can just do it.

1. Grill out for the employees of a company or business and then invite someone to church.

2. Set up our party trailer, which comes with a grill, moonwalk, helium tank and balloons, video games, chairs, etc. at any community events.

3. Dress up like a Star Wars character wherever there are people and take pictures with kids and families. Give them a special invite card with the location they can download the picture. You will have a blast and invite a bunch of people to church.

4. Tailgate at high school football games. Give away hot dogs and invite people.

5. Set up a moonwalk at a local park while events are happening.

6. Volunteer at community runs and bike races and then invite someone to church.

7. Hand out coffee or hot chocolate at the First Friday events in downtown Cartersville.

8. Give out hand warmers with the church logo at winter events like the Christmas parade.

9. Do a free oil change or car inspection in the House of Rock parking lot.

10. Show UFC fights on Saturday night and provide food for men to hang out.

What the Bible Teaches About Hell

H.B. Charles, Jr.

July 8, 2018

What does the Bible teach about the doctrine of hell?

To ask this question is to acknowledge that hell is a biblical teaching. That is an appropriate starting point for considering the doctrine of hell.

A discussion about hell is not like a discussion about purgatory. Scripture nowhere states, affirms or implies purgatory exists. It is a construct of Roman Catholic tradition, not a teaching of scripture. The doctrine of hell, however, is clearly a biblical teaching.

You may not like what the Bible says about hell. You may not agree with what the Bible says about hell. You may not believe what the Bible says about hell. All of these responses are fair. But it is not fair, truthful or logical to deny that hell is in the Bible, just because you do not like that it is in there.

The Doctrine of Hell

Hell is the most unpopular subject in the Bible. But it is there, nonetheless. And it is there for a reason. To reject what the Bible says about the doctrine of hell is to abandon the source of authority for everything Christianity teaches. To not believe in hell is to not believe in Jesus. A person who does not believe in hell does not believe in Jesus.

The doctrine of hell is not just about hell. It is inextricably woven into the fabric of Christian truth. What the Bible teaches about the authority of scripture, the character of God, the consequences of sin, the redemptive work of Christ, the message of the gospel, the mission of the church, and the reality of the afterlife would all be irreparably damaged without it.

It is essential that professing Christians seek a biblical understanding of the doctrine of hell. For that matter, non-Christians should also seek to understand what the Bible says about hell.

The good news of the Lord Jesus Christ is God’s response to the bad news of eternal punishment for personal sin. Saving-faith in the finished work of Christ at the cross guarantees the hope of heaven. Without Christ, every person will suffer the torments of God’s holy wrath against sin in hell forever.

The Bible teaches three fundamental truths about hell.

Hell is Real.

First and foremost, the Bible teaches that hell is real. Scripture refers to this place by different names. But the Bible is clear that there is a definite place where unrepentant sinners will spend eternity under the wrath of God. This place called hell was created by God. But he did not create it for humanity. Jesus described hell as “the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels” (Matthew 24:41). Because of humanity’s Fall into sin, hell became the final destination of the unrepentant and unforgiven sinner.

If asked why I believe hell is a real place, I simply answer, “I believe in hell because Jesus believed in hell.” Jesus obviously understood hell to be a real place. Jesus talked about hell literally, regularly and dramatically. In fact, Jesus said more about hell than he did about heaven. More people believe in heaven than believe in hell. But the Bible does not give us the option to believe in one and disbelieve in the other. Hell is as real as heaven.

Jesus has the most to say about hell in the Bible. If you can somehow disprove or discredit what Jesus says about hell, how can you trust anything the Gospels record Jesus to say about himself, God, sin, salvation, heaven, eternity or anything else?

To deny that the Bible teaches hell is not to deny hell. It is to deny scripture. The Bible intentionally paints itself into a corner. The Bible does not claim to merely contain God’s word. The Bible claims to be the word of God. It is an all-or-nothing proposition. If Scripture is God-breathed (2 Timothy 3:16), all of it is true. If only selected parts of the Bible are actually God’s word, nothing the Bible says is trustworthy. Therefore, to knock down the door to get hell out of the Bible is to knock down the whole house of Christian truth.

Remember, What God Starts, He Finishes

Rick Warren

July 8, 2018

Before Saddleback moved to its present location, we bought a big chunk of land. While I thought at the time it was a dream come true, it turned out there were giants in the land. But it also turned out to be an opportunity to see the faithfulness of God.

The Faithfulness of God

The county began heaping on ridiculous requirements. First they wanted to allow us to build on only nine acres of the property.

Then they instructed us to build a berm—an eight-foot ridge of dirt—along the front of the property to hide the building.

Then they decided we’d need to move 150 trees from the back of the property to the front of the property and plant them on that berm.

Next, they told us we couldn’t build a 7,000-seat worship center. Instead, we could build a 1,000-seat worship center and have seven services.

Then they demanded that we put in a charcoal filtration water system so that the water that ran off the parking lot would be nice and pure as it went into the gutter.

Then they told us we couldn’t build a parking lot. We’d have to build a parking garage.

Finally, they decided we couldn’t build a preschool because “that’s not a legitimate church ministry.” We said, “Since when did the government start deciding what is and what isn’t legitimate church ministry?”

We battled for four years. Some 25 articles appeared in The Los Angeles Times and The Orange County Register during that time with headlines like, “Church Project Delayed” and “Church Project Delayed Again.” I asked our people to write to the county supervisors. Shortly after, this headline came out: “Pro Canyon Church Project Letters Flood the County Offices.” Letters were coming in at the rate of 400 a day. Finally the county supervisors called me and said, “Please stop. You’re clogging up our mail system.”

The Orange County Register published an editorial supporting Saddleback Church called “A Church Beset, A Church Under Siege.” It said, “The church’s congregation has grown in 9 1/2 years from nothing to 7,500 but still meets in a high school gym. What this really amounts to is county bureaucrats trying to force and control their use of property along a pre-determined path. What gives people the arrogance to presume they have the right to do such a thing?”

Finally I took our church directory to our county supervisor. I laid it in front of that supervisor and said, “There are 18,000 names in this directory. They all vote and they’re all in your district.”

What If Your Child Is Gay?

Russell Moore

July 8, 2018

What if one day you realize, “My child is gay”?

My denomination is dealing these days with a pastor in California who reversed his position on homosexuality. The pastor said that his shift coincided with his 15-year-old son’s announcement that he is gay.

This is a situation every Christian should think through, now. As I’ve said before, at stake on the issue of a Christian sexual ethic is the gospel of Jesus Christ. But what if, sitting across from you, is your child or grandchild?

You will, without a doubt, have someone close to you in your family come out as gay or lesbian, if not already, then sometime in the future.

How should a Christian parent (or grandparent) respond if he or she is concluding, “My child is gay”?

One of the reasons this is such a crushing experience for many is because they assume that their alternatives are affirmation or alienation. I either give up my relationship with my child or I give up the Bible. The gospel never suggests this set of alternatives, and in fact demonstrates just the opposite.

My Child Is Gay…Now What?

Every child, whether gay or straight, is oriented toward sin, and so are you. If your child or grandchild says he or she is gay, you shouldn’t act shocked, as though you are surprised your child might be tempted toward sin or that you find your own sinful inclinations somehow less deserving of God’s judgment.

It’s understandable that you would be surprised to think, “My child is gay,” but your child’s point of temptation doesn’t mean that your entire relationship with him or her should be defined by that. We don’t affirm what the Bible says is wrong simply because someone we love is drawn toward it, whether that’s “straight” fornication or gay relationships.

At the same time, that doesn’t mean your entire relationship is now to become a sparring match over Romans 1.

Ironically, those who cut off all relationship with a gay child buy into the narrative of the Sexual Revolutionaries, that every aspect of one’s identity is defined by sexual orientation and activity.

As a Christian, you believe this person is made in the image of God, and thus worthy of love, regardless of how far away from God or from you.

First of all, as you’re adjusting to the shock of thinking, “My child is gay,” consider what your child is telling you.

He or she could be saying that this is an identity, from which they refuse to repent. That will require a different sort of response than if the child is saying, “This is how I feel, so what do I do?” This will change the way you respond, but what doesn’t change is your love and care for this child.

Don’t panic, and don’t reject them.

When nothing satisfies your weary soul, remember only He can.

He is always faithful to his promises. Always.

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1. Because no tribe has a monopoly on truth.

2. Because my thinking needs to be challenged in order to be strengthened.

3. Because I might need correction.

4. Because I get the “other side” directly from the “other side,” not a tribal interpretation.

5. Because a varied diet is a more enjoyable diet.

Thai Cave Rescue Frees New Christian

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