Wednesday, May 16, 2012
Just a little about me.
Married for 26 years to my best friend. Thanks Tim Dolan and Tom Knight for taking me to the Jersey Shore. I thought I was there to make money to pay for college. Meeting Linda in Cape May is worth far more. We have raised 4 beautiful daughters. My greatest joy is seeing them follow Christ.
I have learned so much with 25 years of youth ministry. St Pete, Okeechobee, Wooster, Charlotte, Tampa and Hagerstown.
As a pastor I am bent on making disciples. I like to see myself as a trainer of disciple makers.
I have a growing frustration with the church that does a great show or programs, but is not training people to make disciples. Some pastors think the church program makes disciples. I think Jesus taught those who were close to pour into the life of a handful. People make disciples. Those who follow Christ will make disciples. Can you name yours?
I am thankful for the communication and Bible classes at Grace. I am indebted to Dave Bogue for the discipleship training at Winona Lake, GBC. I was also discipled as a pastor by Bill Tweeddale.
I often work at coffee shops. I want to be out in the community. The church needs to be in the community offering to help people. If you are near Hagerstown let's get together. I might ask you how your walk is with Christ, or what God is teaching you. I would like to pray for and with you. All for Jesus, Mike
Monday, May 7, 2012
The Greatest Miracle of Proof?
What's the shortest verse in the Bible? Many know it is John 11:35- Jesus Wept. So, what is the story? At the youth Bible study, Sam said the story of Lazarus. Good job Sam!
Jesus takes his time after hearing that Lazarus is sick and near death. God's plan is not to heal this time. They finally make it to find that Lazarus is dead for 4 days and now buried.
Many believe after Jesus raises him from the dead.
But the religious leaders have a different take on this. They do not disagree that Lazarus was dead and is now raised back from the dead. They know that this is true. Jesus does what they could not explain. What a great proof of evidence that Jesus is the one he claims to be.
But they are concerned that so many will put their trust in Jesus the Christ. Caiphas states that it would be better for one to die, than for the whole religious institution be threatened by the problems Jesus is causing. He accidentally prophecies that Jesus would die for the sake of many.
Caiphas was so mistaken that he felt his religion and religious institution would do better if he had God killed.
Conclusion is obvious. All of our religion, beliefs and programs must be evaluated in light of what God is doing. We must stop programs that do not fit with God's purpose for the church. If we keep our traditions and loose the mission that God has for the church, it really does not matter that the doors to the church are still open.
So, what is God's purpose for the church?
sounds like a good conversation over coffee. call me.
Jesus takes his time after hearing that Lazarus is sick and near death. God's plan is not to heal this time. They finally make it to find that Lazarus is dead for 4 days and now buried.
Many believe after Jesus raises him from the dead.
But the religious leaders have a different take on this. They do not disagree that Lazarus was dead and is now raised back from the dead. They know that this is true. Jesus does what they could not explain. What a great proof of evidence that Jesus is the one he claims to be.
But they are concerned that so many will put their trust in Jesus the Christ. Caiphas states that it would be better for one to die, than for the whole religious institution be threatened by the problems Jesus is causing. He accidentally prophecies that Jesus would die for the sake of many.
Caiphas was so mistaken that he felt his religion and religious institution would do better if he had God killed.
Conclusion is obvious. All of our religion, beliefs and programs must be evaluated in light of what God is doing. We must stop programs that do not fit with God's purpose for the church. If we keep our traditions and loose the mission that God has for the church, it really does not matter that the doors to the church are still open.
So, what is God's purpose for the church?
sounds like a good conversation over coffee. call me.
Friday, March 23, 2012
Doing the right thing is not enough- John 6
The day Jesus draws a crowd with over 5,000 people eager to see what Jesus would do next. He feeds them all. Later that night, Jesus and the disciples go across the lake. Many follow him. Jesus questions their motives. Why are they following him? Some wanted a new king. Some wanted to see the next miracle. Jesus tells them truth that they do not want to hear.
Jesus tells them that He is the true bread. He is the one that gives life. He is the one that give true nourishment to the soul of a person.
They all leave. From 15,000 people the crowd is down to his faithful 12. What are the principles of church growth? When Jesus asks the disciples if they were going to leave as well, He gets a great answer. Peter says- "Lord, to whom would we go? You have the words that give eternal life. We believe and we know you are the Holy One of God."
I think people can handle the truth. Jesus loves all people. He also spoke the truth. The truth did not change to get more people to come. Jesus was not like a pastor who works on a series of messages to draw a bigger crowd. Rather he seems concerned that too many are following Him with the wrong motives.
My take away from this. I am not Jesus. It is not what I have to say. I must say the truth. The truth does not come from me. I want to say what he says. He makes me think. He makes us think about truth. I think a church can grow as people come wanting to know God. There are many that want to know the truth. Many who want to know the Bible.
I am looking to team up with people who want to go after the truth.
Jesus tells them that He is the true bread. He is the one that gives life. He is the one that give true nourishment to the soul of a person.
They all leave. From 15,000 people the crowd is down to his faithful 12. What are the principles of church growth? When Jesus asks the disciples if they were going to leave as well, He gets a great answer. Peter says- "Lord, to whom would we go? You have the words that give eternal life. We believe and we know you are the Holy One of God."
I think people can handle the truth. Jesus loves all people. He also spoke the truth. The truth did not change to get more people to come. Jesus was not like a pastor who works on a series of messages to draw a bigger crowd. Rather he seems concerned that too many are following Him with the wrong motives.
My take away from this. I am not Jesus. It is not what I have to say. I must say the truth. The truth does not come from me. I want to say what he says. He makes me think. He makes us think about truth. I think a church can grow as people come wanting to know God. There are many that want to know the truth. Many who want to know the Bible.
I am looking to team up with people who want to go after the truth.
Friday, February 10, 2012
number 1-21 and take the test
Do we know the Bible? Do I know the Bible? I am on a journey with about a dozen students to learn the book of John. The pre test for John is to number 1 - 21, a number for each chapter. Can I put down something for each chapter?
Sometimes when people teach the Bible, they read a verse or so and then say all the other stuff they came up with. What if we just teach the Bible. Mostly what is taught is right there in print.
May God forgive us when we try to think of things to say that will make people feel good about themselves, or be impressed with the speaker. The Bible impresses us with God. I just need to get out of the way and point the listener to the Word on the page. I am trying.
I really enjoyed our study of John 1 this past Wednesday. I had to check on the stories of Jacob. If you missed this- We notice that Jesus is the Son of man and the Stairway to Heaven (John 1:51). Think about that next time you hear the song? There are 18 names for Jesus in this chapter. How do you describe Jesus? John 1 does that.
It is so much fun to watch students talking about the Bible.
Jacob had a stairway and he wrestled with God. I had to go back to Genesis to get this straight in my mind. I think Ellie said it was a dream where Jacob used a rock for a pillow. That is correct. Good job Ellie! See Genesis 28:10-22.
The "wrestle with God", is a different story in Genesis 32:22-32.
I like it when students make me go back and find the right answers. I am glad I said I do not know. My guess would have been wrong.
Still thinking on this.
Sometimes when people teach the Bible, they read a verse or so and then say all the other stuff they came up with. What if we just teach the Bible. Mostly what is taught is right there in print.
May God forgive us when we try to think of things to say that will make people feel good about themselves, or be impressed with the speaker. The Bible impresses us with God. I just need to get out of the way and point the listener to the Word on the page. I am trying.
I really enjoyed our study of John 1 this past Wednesday. I had to check on the stories of Jacob. If you missed this- We notice that Jesus is the Son of man and the Stairway to Heaven (John 1:51). Think about that next time you hear the song? There are 18 names for Jesus in this chapter. How do you describe Jesus? John 1 does that.
It is so much fun to watch students talking about the Bible.
Jacob had a stairway and he wrestled with God. I had to go back to Genesis to get this straight in my mind. I think Ellie said it was a dream where Jacob used a rock for a pillow. That is correct. Good job Ellie! See Genesis 28:10-22.
The "wrestle with God", is a different story in Genesis 32:22-32.
I like it when students make me go back and find the right answers. I am glad I said I do not know. My guess would have been wrong.
Still thinking on this.
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
I can do anything, like endure tough times.
I have been looking at Philippians 4:13 lately. That is Brandon's favorite verse and song, I think. What a great verse. We meet for Bible study before school on Friday's.
I have notice similar verses in Jeremiah. 33:3 says Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.
33:1 says that Jeremiah is still confined in the courtyard of the guard. He was confined there 44 verses earlier.
Jerusalem is under attach by Nebuchadnezzar and is being burned down.
Jeremiah 29:11 says For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.
In Jeremiah 38, some officials put Jeremiah in a well where he sank down into the mud.
I want to see what God sees. How did Paul say "I can do all things," while he was in chains for sharing the truth about Christ.
I know I can do what God asks me to do today. I know we have it so much easier today. I hope that I am not distracted by making myself more comfortable. There is nothing better than moving in harmony with my creator. God help me to see how to do that today.
I have notice similar verses in Jeremiah. 33:3 says Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.
33:1 says that Jeremiah is still confined in the courtyard of the guard. He was confined there 44 verses earlier.
Jerusalem is under attach by Nebuchadnezzar and is being burned down.
Jeremiah 29:11 says For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.
In Jeremiah 38, some officials put Jeremiah in a well where he sank down into the mud.
I want to see what God sees. How did Paul say "I can do all things," while he was in chains for sharing the truth about Christ.
I know I can do what God asks me to do today. I know we have it so much easier today. I hope that I am not distracted by making myself more comfortable. There is nothing better than moving in harmony with my creator. God help me to see how to do that today.
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
how to respond
I just read a good article on responding to difficult people. I say I have no problem with hurts. Then I remember.
From Ed Lewis
http://cenational.org/findID?IDNum=3627
From Ed Lewis
http://cenational.org/findID?IDNum=3627
Friday, October 28, 2011
LEADING WITH VISION
This is a great place. A small church that is willing to re think and re focus to be a more biblical church.
I think the question for me has been- "how do we describe the church?" Or, our church. A church that helps people. That goes into the community. Always looking to put serving on the calendar. Where can we find and meet needs. Physical, emotional and spiritual. Spiritual is the part deep inside that wants to know God.
A church that helps people to know God through learning the Bible. And a church that helps people do this kind of life together.
Not just a slogan that fits the church. I do agree that the purpose needs to be short. But, I need a picture in my mind of where we are going. What will it look like? I like reading the books in the Bible that talk about how Jesus walked around talking to everyone. The religious, the poor and always with his close friends. The close friends were called disciples. They share in the vision and the work. They knew they came along to learn and eventually carry on the ways of Jesus.
When we can see the picture, then we can work on a plan. This will invite any who want to be part of the picture, to find their part.
It is not all there yet. As we ask God to show us his plan and as we keep talking about it, we will see the picture of what a biblical disciple making church looks like.
Still thinking about this.
I think the question for me has been- "how do we describe the church?" Or, our church. A church that helps people. That goes into the community. Always looking to put serving on the calendar. Where can we find and meet needs. Physical, emotional and spiritual. Spiritual is the part deep inside that wants to know God.
A church that helps people to know God through learning the Bible. And a church that helps people do this kind of life together.
Not just a slogan that fits the church. I do agree that the purpose needs to be short. But, I need a picture in my mind of where we are going. What will it look like? I like reading the books in the Bible that talk about how Jesus walked around talking to everyone. The religious, the poor and always with his close friends. The close friends were called disciples. They share in the vision and the work. They knew they came along to learn and eventually carry on the ways of Jesus.
When we can see the picture, then we can work on a plan. This will invite any who want to be part of the picture, to find their part.
It is not all there yet. As we ask God to show us his plan and as we keep talking about it, we will see the picture of what a biblical disciple making church looks like.
Still thinking about this.
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