Modern Medium Christmas Story
Posted: 22nd December 2011 by ljbrewer3@gmail.com in HolidaysTags: Birth of Jesus, Christmas, Google, Nativity
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The Atheist that Changed my Life
Posted: 14th December 2011 by ljbrewer3@gmail.com in WitnessingTags: Atheist, Bible, Christian, Penn, Penn and Teller, Penn Gillette, vlog
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As a pastor my life is immersed in the Christian culture. I am surrounded by spiritual encouragement. I hear many devotions, sermons, and worshipful music throughout my week. I read books, articles, and prepare Bible lessons nearly every day. I must admit that most of it is good but lacks that life changing moment for me. How many life changing moments can one have anyways!? A while back I stumbled upon Penn Gillette’s vlog (video blog). He is an open atheist so I thought I would just check out what he was saying. One of the videos changed my view of witnessing like no pastor or Bible professor has ever in my life. Nothing has shaped my view and empowered me more for the cause of sharing the Gospel than this video.
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At first you might think this will be a blog about sexuality, dating, and intimacy. Well, you’d be wrong on the first two. It’s actually the question that came up when referring to giving our lives to Christ. But how does intimacy fit into that? Well I’m glad you asked.
Romans 10:9 says if we will (1) Confess with our mouth that Jesus is Lord, and (2) believe in your heart that Jesus was raised from the dead you WILL be saved. The problem is we have come to view that first part as lip service. Saying it without knowing why. Why would you confess Jesus as Lord? Because, you’ve already turned your life over to Him completely. If you haven’t turned your life over, then the words are a hollow confession. Like me declaring I’m a Nazi. If I said, “I am a nazi,” then you could believe it, especially if you didn’t know me. But would it be a true confession if I had held none of the Nazi party beliefs? If I had no Nazi traditions? If I in no way lived like a Nazi? You wouldn’t believe that for a second. If I said I was a black man you’d just laugh and reject my statement out right upon seeing me and realizing that I am indeed a white man. What about when we say, “I am a Christian?” We are so quick to tell people, “The Bible says you cannot judge me!” That is just a way to live like we want while ignoring Holy Spirit convicting us inside. All dedicated followers of Christ that I have talked to recently have responded to my inquiries with statements like, “I’d welcome someone telling me where I’m hurting my testimony,” “accountability for our actions only makes us better ministers,” and “If you think I’m doing something wrong please tell me.”
When we live a life with Jesus as Lord we think differently. It’s no longer about how much I can get away with but how little I can reflect poorly on my savior.
So back to our question. How far is too far? How far are we suppose to go in giving our lives to Christ? Are we under grace so that we can do whatever we want? No. Romans says do not keep sinning! Are we suppose to be a radical like the man preaching on the street corner? Or build a compound with razor wire and a stash of weapons? Or always wear suits and ties and dresses and ride a bicycle door to door? Am I suppose to over spiritualize everything in my life? (example: The nativity sits nicely on the shelf until someone bumps the shelf and the Joseph figurine smashed on the floor. You look up and say, “It’s ok, God is Jesus’ true father so I’m sure this if just a way of God reminding us that no earthly father can be as perfect as Him. We should all take a moment to thank God for being our father.)
It was put like this. Christ gives us life. Not just stuff for our life. Not just an addition to our life. Not additional lives. But life itself! It’s like taking a homeless man, giving him you home, your job, your family, and the remote to your flat screen TV. You’re not just helping him along in life, you just gave him your life!! That’s what Christ did for us. Now we are charged with doing the same in Christ’s name! Romans 12:1 says, “present your bodies as living sacrifices.”
Now I don’t think you have to go to “zealot” status to be sold out for Christ but when we are no longer conformed to the world and we’ve renewed our minds then we’d realize that an intimate relationship with God is not centered on me, but on Him.
If you confess with your mouth, JESUS IS LORD….
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Thomas Aquinas wrote, “There is within every soul a thirst for happiness and meaning.”
A woman named Carol recalled the 1960′s. She attended a University in Vermont and was the typical college student. She was smart, she could find a good party on the weekend, and she joined a march to protest the Vietnam war. One day she was asked why she was marching against the war? What issues did she really disagree with? Her answers were mostly vague. She didn’t know the issues, she had no political leaning or agenda, and she wasn’t trying to lead a revolution, although joining one was of interest. She stated that she simply wanted to have her life contribute to something of meaning and this filled that hole.
We all want our life to have meaning. As I sit and analyze student ministry, I realize that there is one area that people can have the greatest meaning. Christian parenthood. Parenthood can be relatively unimpactful in the lives of many. Sometimes it can be downright hurtful. The greatest thing we can do is to pass on Christ to our children. How can we consider our lives great and successful if we are not 100% on board with pointing our children to Christ?! And NO. Taking them to church alone does not count. Christianity will be watered down, weakened, and shown to unimportant when the parents say Christ is important but only pay homage to big building and a boring service once or twice a week.
GIVE MEANING TO THE WORDS
God is not to be a prize to add to the trophy case or a prize to put on the mantel, but the house in which we should live. He’s the air that we should breathe. He’s the food we eat, the drink we drink, the very life within us. Not through our perfection but through our love. Through our obedience. Through our sharing of Him to our children.
What are you pursuing that you feel will give meaning to your life? Money? Titles? Houses? Hobbies? Only one thing will satisfy. Godly heritage. Leaving a legacy for generations.
“Only take care, and keep your soul diligently, lest you forget the things that your eyes have seen, and lest they depart from your heart all the days of your life. Make them known to your children and your children’s children—” Deut. 4:9
5. Successful People Are….
Posted: 2nd December 2011 by ljbrewer3@gmail.com in Leadership, Lifestyle, ServeTags: Leadership, Mark 10, Servantman, Servants, Superman, Train
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5. Success People Are Servants
When you tie the first four elements of Success people together correctly it comes out as service to others. It does not create a CEO in their office, building a company at all costs. It creates a man or woman who understands that people are the heart of everything they do. Making people feel appreciated and loved, yes loved, is the only way to help them reach their potential. It is when they reach their potential that a leader becomes even greater. Although a leader may become more “successful” in the eyes of others, a truly great leader is never in it for themselves, but for whatever organizational purpose they find their calling. In business it’s not about the almighty dollar, unless it is, and if it is then it cannot be a company about the people. When it ceases to become about the people, it is simply a mechanism for someone’s personal glory. That business will only be as good as that one leader. That business can only rise to the heights of that one leaders potential.
On the other hand, if it is about the people, and the people make up the business, then that business can reach heights of their collective potential and collective skill level. It transcends the leader and becomes something great all on it’s own. The mark of greatness.
In ministry it’s no different, in fact, it may be ever more evident and true. The church (little c) is a building with “members” who claim allegiance and affiliation to a certain title and denomination. The Church (big C) is the body of believers in Christ across denominational lines, across state and national boundaries, and across language and cultural differences. When leaders get caught up in being successful according to numbers, budgets, and the “how we are better than you” mentality, then it becomes about personal gain and entitlement and less about the people. If we as church (and Church) leaders realize it’s about serving the people who in turn serve the people for Christ, then our ministries can transcend the role of programs and events and become authentic community! The mark of spiritual greatness.
As I pour into my leaders who then pour into their leaders and people then I become virtually removed from getting the glory for the work Christ can do in individuals lives. This is glory is not mine to begin with! My hope is that I can serve the Church and my local church by equipping my leaders to minister to others. Then when lives are changed in Christ, they will not thank me, but those that I have trained. That, I believe, is the highest mark of a pastor’s greatness.
Mark 10:45 – “For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life…”
Simple, Cheesy, Homemade video…. but the message is dead on!!
4. Successful People Are….
Posted: 1st December 2011 by ljbrewer3@gmail.com in Communication, Leadership, LifestyleTags: 1 Timothy, Boom Goes the Dynamite, Gossip, Persuasion, Speech
4. Successful People Are Careful in Speech.
This is not simply referring to one’s ability for public speaking or preparation of word delivery, but a careful choice of who to talk to, what information and opinions should be shared, and in what light that information or opinion should be cast.
Personalities have a dramatic range. Some are more inclined to keep opinions and important information close without others knowledge. Others are more inclined to trust and be open about how they feel and what is going on. Both approaches are justified by the one making that decision.
Gossip is the word that is thrown around most when talking of harmful speech or “informing” others of what is going on with someone else. Using a specific term lends itself to varied interpretations.
Speech can be viewed as Generic, Persuasion by Edification, Persuasion by Opposition.
1. Generic is simply talking about something that will not effect your view on how it was or will be. Take the weather as an example. If I talk with you about how beautiful today is, mention the temperature, and comment on the light breeze, it will not change how you view the weather of the past or the weather of the future. It is simply a conversation about what is.
2. Persuasion by Edification is conversation that educates and improves ones thinking or view of something or someone. A husband may point out to his wife that a house they recently visited had a very nice landscaped yard while the wife may have began talking about the nice counter tops in the kitchen. This molds each persons view of that house in a positive way to increase the positive outlook on the house that they had seen. Same can be said of how we describe other people in their appearance, personality, professional manner, or personality.
It should be our goal to build people up. Especially to the person themselves but also to build up others to other people. We can shape how others see people so why not persuade them to view the best in the people we deal with instead of the worst!
3. Persuasion by Opposition is conversation that educates but either prevents improved thought or effectually diminishes the outlook of someone or something. A co-worker may point out that their boss is lacking a certain skill set that they seem to believe important to success in being in that role of leadership. Also an athlete may point out to someone another athlete that is holding back the team from fulfilling it’s potential by their level of play, or lack thereof.
Our speech, everything we say, is wrapped up in of these three categories. It would be interesting, if not sad and disappointing for most, to see the percentage of our daily speech for each category. If we had to pie chart our daily conversations, what do you believe the percentages would be? How much of your life is defined by Persuasion by Edification? Are we building each other up? Are we building up others even when they are not around?
1 Timothy 4:12 – “Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity.”
Example of bad Speech Delivery!
3. Successful People are….
Posted: 30th November 2011 by ljbrewer3@gmail.com in Leadership, Lifestyle, RestorationTags: Christians, insecurity, Judmental, Romans 5, Romans 6, Tim Tebow
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3. Successful People are NOT JUDGMENTAL.
The root cause of being judgmental is insecurity. Many people view others in a way that works as a gauge of their own lives. Here’s what I mean. We someone who has old, dirty, worn out clothes and many of us see what we desire to never be. We then focus on how good our clothes are. How nice we look. How much… better we are dressed. In another example we see someone with some serious personal issues. It could be family problems, divorce, and anger. It could be financial trouble or intelligence or weight. Whatever it may be, many of us project negative emotion and disdain for that person because it’s something we hope to never have (problems) or be (problematic). The problem with this is that we are problematic and we have problems ourselves! We may just have a better way of masking them. We may just have them to differing degrees.
Is it possible that we even judge people even more harshly the more outspoken they are about their faith?
Currently the highest profile “good guy” that is outspoken about his faith is Tim Tebow of the Denver Broncos. What if it were to come out that he seriously messed up and sinned. He would be ruined would he not? But in each of is someone we don’t want others to know and see. That thing we’ve done, that thing we’ve said, that thing that would embarrass us if others knew about. Let’s just be honest, we are all sinners without Christ. (Romans 3:23)
Think of it this way. If we are all sinners without Christ, in need of a Savior, and in need of redemption, doesn’t that make us just like all others? Aren’t we all on the same playing field when it comes spiritual shortcomings?!
If we began viewing people, not as successful or failures, not as someone who has it all together or a complete loser, but as someone that is simply waiting to be redeemed, would that change how we interacted with people? Helped people? Served people?
When we lay down our insecurities, we would be free to strive for greatness personally AND accepting of people from a Biblical view.
“For when we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.” ~ Romans 5:6
Must be pitiful being ungodly…. oh yeah. It was. But now I have Christ. Now all I do is win win win. #VICTORY
2. Successful People are….
Posted: 29th November 2011 by ljbrewer3@gmail.com in Leadership, LifestyleTags: Content, Contentment, Fish, Philippians 4, success
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2. Successful People are CONTENT
Philip Parham tells the story of a rich industrialist who was disturbed to find a fisherman sitting lazily beside his boat. “Why aren’t you out there fishing?” he asked.
“Because I’ve caught enough fish for today,” said the fisherman.
“Why don’t you catch more fish than you need?’ the rich man asked.
“What would I do with them?”
“You could earn more money,” came the impatient reply, “and buy a better boat so you could go deeper and catch more fish. You could purchase nylon nets, catch even more fish, and make more money. Soon you’d have a fleet of boats and be rich like me.”
The fisherman asked, “Then what would I do?”
“You could sit down and enjoy life,” said the industrialist.
“What do you think I’m doing now?” the fisherman replied as he looked placidly out to sea.
It is in this story that I realize two sides of contentment. The state of contentment doesn’t depend solely on wealth, status, and prestigious achievements but an appreciation of the blessings in my life. Daily counting my blessings and realizing that there are those in my life who love me. My wife, my son. Nothing makes me happier than to be at home with them. May I become less focused on fruitless ambitions and material possessions and more focused on doing what I do with excellence so at the end of the day I can proclaim, I did what I could, and that was enough.
Philippians 4:11 “Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content.”
1. Successful People are….
Posted: 28th November 2011 by ljbrewer3@gmail.com in Leadership, LifestyleTags: 1 Thessalonians 5:16, humble, Jim Collins, Sam Walton, success, Truitt Cathy
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In striving to improve myself as a man, a minister, a father, a husband, and a friend, I must make honest evaluations and corrections of myself. If not I, then who will work hard to improve … me? So with an honest evaluation, an open mind, and with confirmation from those around me, I have been working through several character elements that must be improved. This week (Nov 28 – Dec 2) I will blog the 5 elements in my life that I am consciously working to improve. These are the areas of my life I feel at this time are my biggest challenges, shortcomings, and yes, failures. I want to be successful. I do not evaluate success in monetary terms but in accomplishment of potential and fulfillment. I believe this is solely rooted in Biblical principles as success without Christ is epic failure.
1. Successful People are HUMBLE.
In his book “How the Mighty Fall,” Jim Collins begins by explaining that great businesses decline when the attitude of it’s leadership loses a sense of humility. Believing you’ll succeed simply because you have in the past is a sign of arrogance. Ever expanding our learning of what we do and who we are is a way to know how to adjust our lives and our leadership to best maintain healthy relationships, ministries, and families. This in turn is the only way to maintain continued success.
People who are truly successful are always humble. Great examples of that are Sam Walton and Truitt Cathy. Two men who were more committed to creating a culture around them and instilling their core values into what they do than simply growing a business to make more money.
You can tell who is not thankful and humble because they are always complaining, whining, and becoming dramatic every time difficult situations arise.
1 Thessalonians 5:16 Rejoice always,17 pray continually,18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
A humble person lives their lives KNOWING God is faithful. They do not feel the need to seek self praise, throw a pity party, or worry over circumstances. They live, love, and learn through everything that they may encounter in life.
I hope one day I can become a humble man. Lord knows I’m a long ways from it right now. As the Bible says, “He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”
.
Free Pizza Tomorrow
Posted: 4th November 2011 by ljbrewer3@gmail.com in UncategorizedTags: Ecclesiastes, Ken Blanchard, Mark Miller, Pizza, The Secret
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As I sat at lunch discussing leadership with a man whom I have the utmost respect for, (and asked remain nameless) he pointed out a sign. Behind him. Without looking. Impressive DB. It read “Free Pizza Tomorrow.”
He asked, “When does tomorrow get here?” “Never.” It’s always tomorrow. What we want is free pizza today.
We can plan, we can think, we can strategize for tomorrow, but when all is said and done, something must be done today!
Ecclesiastes 3:1 – “To everything there is a season, A time for every purpose under heaven.”
There is a time to make a plan and then there is a time to execute the plan. Let’s not get caught up only dreaming about tomorrow but acting today.
In the book “The Secret” by Mark Miller and Ken Blanchard this is referred to as the Heads Up and Heads Down effect. Look to the future, plan, envision where you are going, have a purpose and goals but then once that has been done, it’s Heads Down and getting to work that will get us there.
Have a plan, then work the plan. Now if you’ll excuse me, I have work to do.
