For any minister, especially pastor, the question of what is the best way to get the point across is asked before every message (or it should be if it isn't). I believe many pastors/preachers assume that the way that they have always heard it is the best way to deliver a message. For most people, exogetical sermons are the "only way to really preach". In case you are wondering, exogetical sermons or ones that are preached verse by verse. Let me say, first and foremost, this is a great method for Bible study (group or individual). Verse by verse will allow for more discussion as to Biblical background, historical connotations, and context. These are all extremely important.
A pastor/preacher, though, must first know his audience...or at least his target audience. Who is going to be in the service, is it primarily (or entirely) believers, will there be several "seekers" (those who do not know Christ), and lastly - who is the message for (believers, seekers, both, etc.). These questions must be answered before the style of preaching and the substance is determined.
In my opinion verse by verse style is way over used when delivering God's word. All we have to do is look in the new testament and see that both Jesus and Paul delivered their messages and letters according to topic, not breaking down the scriptures verse by verse. But to understand this, we have to look at their audience. In their sermons, they were addressing seekers. Paul's letters were addressing believers, yet he still wrote topically.
Churches, and pastors in particular, must be relevant when imparting scripture. We do God and scripture a huge disfavor when we share God's word, but we bore people to tears (or sleep). This should never happen when we share God's word. Topical sermons are not immune to boredom, but they do allow for much more freedom in delivery style as well as creativity.
Creativity may be the ingredient that is missing the most when it comes to sharing God's word. Pastors/preachers need to stop relying on the style of preachers of the 18, 19 and 20th century and learn to develop their own style. This inturn will allow for preachers to be creative because they are being themselves.
So to summarize, topical sermons + creativity + Holy Spirit guidance = God moving in God ways. When you want to have a bible study, go verse by verse.
Saturday, April 19, 2008
Monday, March 31, 2008
Momentum
Those of us who are sports fan know exactly what momentum is. It is that undefinable, yet very definite force that gives one team an edge in a game...and has the other team on its heals. Momentum will often swing, or move, from one team to another during a single game. It is Final 4 time in college basketball, and this just happens to be the first year that all number 1 seeds have ever made it to the Final 4. Eventhough all four made it, it wasn't necessarily easy. Momentum is the key. Davidson (a #10 seed) almost made it.
In church terms, momentum is soooo huge!!! All over our country, the big churches get the attention, because momentum is often in their favor. People are joining, lives are being changed, and good things are happening. Yet, for every "large" church, there have to be at least 50 - 100 churches that literally cannot buy momentum. Many will try the exact things that their larger, "exciting" counterparts are doing, yet with very little results. There are also many of these smaller (and some bigger churches) that have sunk into complacency, or worse - tradition. I firmly believe that complacency and tradition are momentum killers.
What is momentum in churches - I haven't defined it, yet it really exists. It, obviously, begins with the movement of the Holy Spirit. God will move and see if a church will respond. Some churches see God move and they react in fear. Others will see the same thing and (while praying for more of that movement) will say, "What do we need to do to keep it happening?" Ironically, if a church tries to do the exact same thing to get the same results, it seldom ever happens. I believe we serve a God of newness. Jesus, himself, said that we must put new wine in new wineskins, because the old wineskins will rupture. Once a church has a little momentum, it must keep things new and fresh...not rest on a single accomplishment. In other words, things have to keep changing.
In church terms, momentum is soooo huge!!! All over our country, the big churches get the attention, because momentum is often in their favor. People are joining, lives are being changed, and good things are happening. Yet, for every "large" church, there have to be at least 50 - 100 churches that literally cannot buy momentum. Many will try the exact things that their larger, "exciting" counterparts are doing, yet with very little results. There are also many of these smaller (and some bigger churches) that have sunk into complacency, or worse - tradition. I firmly believe that complacency and tradition are momentum killers.
What is momentum in churches - I haven't defined it, yet it really exists. It, obviously, begins with the movement of the Holy Spirit. God will move and see if a church will respond. Some churches see God move and they react in fear. Others will see the same thing and (while praying for more of that movement) will say, "What do we need to do to keep it happening?" Ironically, if a church tries to do the exact same thing to get the same results, it seldom ever happens. I believe we serve a God of newness. Jesus, himself, said that we must put new wine in new wineskins, because the old wineskins will rupture. Once a church has a little momentum, it must keep things new and fresh...not rest on a single accomplishment. In other words, things have to keep changing.
Thursday, March 13, 2008
2 Great "F" Words
Have you ever had someone say they love and/or accept you just as you are, but then you later find out that they really didn’t? Not only that, but that person held a grudge against you for something you’ve done. From that point on you probably felt anything but free. You felt like that you could not be yourself as long as that person continued to hold this against you.
Freedom is a great word, a better concept, and better yet…the great reality. We experience many freedoms in this country, but really to be free we do not have to be American…we only need to experience God-given forgiveness. Forgiveness is a word that is a better concept and reality than freedom because one cannot experience real freedom without forgiveness. We need to forgive those who have done something to hurt us (Mat 5:39 NLT But I say, do not resist an evil person! If someone slaps you on the right cheek, offer the other cheek also.), but just as important is our need for forgiveness.
Easter is just over a week away. The whole message of Easter is that God became human to live like us (only perfectly) so that He could die for us, then conquer sin, hell, and death so that we can experience real forgiveness and freedom. (Rom 8:37 NLT No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us.) Thankfully, God forgives perfectly and doesn’t hold grudges against us. He allows us to grow to be like Him and that is what you can be.
Would you like to find out more about God’s forgiveness and freedom? First, you don't or can't earn it. God offers it to everyone...and because the price is to hight for you to afford, God paid it through Jesus. Second, it starts by entering a relationship with Jesus. By wanting this relationship, by entering into this relationship you are telling God that you want his free gift of forgiveness.
Freedom is a great word, a better concept, and better yet…the great reality. We experience many freedoms in this country, but really to be free we do not have to be American…we only need to experience God-given forgiveness. Forgiveness is a word that is a better concept and reality than freedom because one cannot experience real freedom without forgiveness. We need to forgive those who have done something to hurt us (Mat 5:39 NLT But I say, do not resist an evil person! If someone slaps you on the right cheek, offer the other cheek also.), but just as important is our need for forgiveness.
Easter is just over a week away. The whole message of Easter is that God became human to live like us (only perfectly) so that He could die for us, then conquer sin, hell, and death so that we can experience real forgiveness and freedom. (Rom 8:37 NLT No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us.) Thankfully, God forgives perfectly and doesn’t hold grudges against us. He allows us to grow to be like Him and that is what you can be.
Would you like to find out more about God’s forgiveness and freedom? First, you don't or can't earn it. God offers it to everyone...and because the price is to hight for you to afford, God paid it through Jesus. Second, it starts by entering a relationship with Jesus. By wanting this relationship, by entering into this relationship you are telling God that you want his free gift of forgiveness.
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Relating
As a relatively new pastor, I knew God was leading me to lead our church in building relationships. I was actually doing this as pastor, before I realized what I was doing. It was the work of the Holy Spirit. I see in scripture that God is a relational God. The creator of the universe not only chose to create humanity, he chose to relate to them through His son. Because of God relating to us, he wants his people (believer's in Christ) to be relational to Him (not religious) and relational to each other. Jesus said in John 13:35 "Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are My disciples." The problem is that we believers like to "wrestle" with each other and debate as to who is more right, who should lead, etc. and we neglect to love.
Paul said that no matter what spiritual gift you have, we are to love (my paraphrase). Jesus even gave us a guideline for how to relate to each other when there is conflict:
Mat 18:15-18 NLT "If another believer sins against you, go privately and point out the offense. If the other person listens and confesses it, you have won that person back. (16) But if you are unsuccessful, take one or two others with you and go back again, so that everything you say may be confirmed by two or three witnesses. (17) If the person still refuses to listen, take your case to the church. Then if he or she won't accept the church's decision, treat that person as a pagan or a corrupt tax collector. (18) "I tell you the truth, whatever you forbid on earth will be forbidden in heaven, and whatever you permit on earth will be permitted in heaven.
The problem: this is against the natural tendency. Instead we want to gossip, harbor bitterness and not address the real issue. Jesus told us to go to the person and speak to that person and that person only. Then, and only then (if the problem isn't resolved) are we to involve other people. Jesus gave us these guidelines which will help alleviate conflict, reduce the temptation to gossip, and resist the urge to "divide and conquer". This guideline will actually do the opposite. By going to the person with whom there is conflict, we illiminate the urge to "assume the worse", we show respect, and we allow God to heal the relationship. Lastly, Jesus spoke these words long before the digital age, but I do believe that Jesus intends for us to speak to one another in person...not with a phone call, and e-mail or a text.
Is there someone that you need to talk to? Jesus even told us to leave our gift at the alter and deal with the situation immediately. So.....go do it!
Paul said that no matter what spiritual gift you have, we are to love (my paraphrase). Jesus even gave us a guideline for how to relate to each other when there is conflict:
Mat 18:15-18 NLT "If another believer sins against you, go privately and point out the offense. If the other person listens and confesses it, you have won that person back. (16) But if you are unsuccessful, take one or two others with you and go back again, so that everything you say may be confirmed by two or three witnesses. (17) If the person still refuses to listen, take your case to the church. Then if he or she won't accept the church's decision, treat that person as a pagan or a corrupt tax collector. (18) "I tell you the truth, whatever you forbid on earth will be forbidden in heaven, and whatever you permit on earth will be permitted in heaven.
The problem: this is against the natural tendency. Instead we want to gossip, harbor bitterness and not address the real issue. Jesus told us to go to the person and speak to that person and that person only. Then, and only then (if the problem isn't resolved) are we to involve other people. Jesus gave us these guidelines which will help alleviate conflict, reduce the temptation to gossip, and resist the urge to "divide and conquer". This guideline will actually do the opposite. By going to the person with whom there is conflict, we illiminate the urge to "assume the worse", we show respect, and we allow God to heal the relationship. Lastly, Jesus spoke these words long before the digital age, but I do believe that Jesus intends for us to speak to one another in person...not with a phone call, and e-mail or a text.
Is there someone that you need to talk to? Jesus even told us to leave our gift at the alter and deal with the situation immediately. So.....go do it!
Monday, February 4, 2008
Upset Special
Did you see it? Can you believe it? The New York Giants upset the heavily favored an perfection minded New England Patriots. This was the equivalent of a huge tsunami wave hitting the NFL. Perfection wasn't attained.
There are spiritual applications to be drawn from this. Is it the goal of followers of Christ to be perfect in thoughts and actions are can we do what the Giants did...learn from mistakes and keep improving. Can believers ever attain perfection on earth?
My personal opinion is that perfection isn't the goal of believers. Jesus is our example, the Bible is our instruction manuel and the Holy Spirit is our guide. The old testament proves that perfection is not going to be attained on earth, and Jesus reitereated it in my of his parables and illustrations...if a many looks lustfully on a woman.... is just one example.
I believe that we can grow in our thoughts and actions...we can take captive everythought, we can seek God about doing the next right thing, and we can listen to the Holy Spirit guide us to do the right thing.
Don't try to be perfect. Grow and learn...and like the Giants, victory will come.
There are spiritual applications to be drawn from this. Is it the goal of followers of Christ to be perfect in thoughts and actions are can we do what the Giants did...learn from mistakes and keep improving. Can believers ever attain perfection on earth?
My personal opinion is that perfection isn't the goal of believers. Jesus is our example, the Bible is our instruction manuel and the Holy Spirit is our guide. The old testament proves that perfection is not going to be attained on earth, and Jesus reitereated it in my of his parables and illustrations...if a many looks lustfully on a woman.... is just one example.
I believe that we can grow in our thoughts and actions...we can take captive everythought, we can seek God about doing the next right thing, and we can listen to the Holy Spirit guide us to do the right thing.
Don't try to be perfect. Grow and learn...and like the Giants, victory will come.
Monday, January 28, 2008
Monday Madness
(I have finally returned to Monday for this blog.) Yesterday was a great day @ FBC Port A. The music was great and the Holy Spirit was real and evident. It is so awesome to see and hear believers singing praises to our awesome God, no matter if it is our children, teens, parents, or our winter Texans.
I believe that we are on the brink of something "God-size" in our church. Satan has been attacking way too often and way too violently for nothing to be happening. I believe that God is on the verge of opening the flood gate for FBC Port A. The question we have to answer is, "Are we ready?" Are we prepared to sacrifice our own selfish wants so others can come to know Christ..., so others can serve in ministry..., so we can bring glory to God in everything we do.
I believe in setting big goals. Even if we do not attain them, we can strive for something and achieve more than if we had set "attainable" goals. I believe God has laid on my heart to pray for 50 souls saved in 2008. Can you imagine what that would do to FBC Port A? Our DNA would be permanately changed.
Are you ready?
I believe that we are on the brink of something "God-size" in our church. Satan has been attacking way too often and way too violently for nothing to be happening. I believe that God is on the verge of opening the flood gate for FBC Port A. The question we have to answer is, "Are we ready?" Are we prepared to sacrifice our own selfish wants so others can come to know Christ..., so others can serve in ministry..., so we can bring glory to God in everything we do.
I believe in setting big goals. Even if we do not attain them, we can strive for something and achieve more than if we had set "attainable" goals. I believe God has laid on my heart to pray for 50 souls saved in 2008. Can you imagine what that would do to FBC Port A? Our DNA would be permanately changed.
Are you ready?
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Weather
Here it is January on Mustang Island, and I don't think that we got above 49 degrees today...and it is supposed to be just as cold if not colder tomorrow. I've noticed that the winter here is bleak and often dreary. It is often cloudy and damp. Winter, here, is not dry and cold...it is humid/damp and cold.
Unfortunately many churches are just like the weather around here. They are cold and damp. There are many churches that, by their actions, would rather not have new people. They hardly make a new person feel welcome, they don't visit guests, they don't offer to help anyone in need, and a new person is not invited to enter into a relationship with God or the members of the church.
At FBC Port A, we often speak of living on an island, but no person is an island. God made us for relationships, which means church is about relationships...NOT RELIGION. Whether you are a member of FBC Port A or another church, start looking around as if you were a first time visitor and ask yourself this question: "Is the atmosphere in my church warm and inviting, or is it damp and cold in here?"
Unfortunately many churches are just like the weather around here. They are cold and damp. There are many churches that, by their actions, would rather not have new people. They hardly make a new person feel welcome, they don't visit guests, they don't offer to help anyone in need, and a new person is not invited to enter into a relationship with God or the members of the church.
At FBC Port A, we often speak of living on an island, but no person is an island. God made us for relationships, which means church is about relationships...NOT RELIGION. Whether you are a member of FBC Port A or another church, start looking around as if you were a first time visitor and ask yourself this question: "Is the atmosphere in my church warm and inviting, or is it damp and cold in here?"
Thursday, January 3, 2008
New Year - It's Time
The holidays are past, the food is gone, the Winter Texans are on the island. It must be the new year. What does that mean to you? My prayer is that it means that it is time to do something different - particularly something God wants you to do. What is it that God has been wanting you to do year after year, but you keep putting Him off. It's time to do it. What is it that you've been saying, "Sooner or later, I need to do ........?" It's time! What is it that your spouse or family member keeps asking you if you are going to finally ........? It's time. Procrastination is a sickness that effects way to many of us.
The new year is a great time to recommit or re-surrender those things that have gotten out of control. God wants us to follow through, not make resolutions that we have no intention of doing. It's funny - as I was typing this, my daughter turned the channel to Disney and Miley Cyrus' song "Start All Over" was on. That is exactly what we need to do - Start All Over with the things of God, if we have been procrastinating.
So what are you doing reading this....It is time to.....(fill in the blank)!
The new year is a great time to recommit or re-surrender those things that have gotten out of control. God wants us to follow through, not make resolutions that we have no intention of doing. It's funny - as I was typing this, my daughter turned the channel to Disney and Miley Cyrus' song "Start All Over" was on. That is exactly what we need to do - Start All Over with the things of God, if we have been procrastinating.
So what are you doing reading this....It is time to.....(fill in the blank)!
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