Monday, August 25, 2008

154 Shopping Days Until Christmas!

Well, that headline may have caught you off-guard. Why in the wide, wide world of sports should you be worried about Christmas when it's not even September? That's because it won't be long before we start the 2008 edition of Operation Christmas Child.

Operation Christmas Child is the shoebox ministry of Samaritan's Purse that sends Christmas presents to underprivileged children in desperate situations around the world.

Freedom River has used OCC in years past to touch the hearts of kids half a world away. We're excited to take part again in 2008.

So what do you do? Well, start hanging on to those shoe boxes. Pray about how God might use you to make an impact through this very simple, yet powerful opportunity. If you want more info on OCC, go to http://www.samaritanspurse.org/index.php/OCC/index/.

One difference we're making in 2008 is that we're asking our small groups to head up this project. I can't think of a better mission project for our groups as we head into the Christmas season.

We'll have more information for you soon. But remember the words of Jesus who said, "When you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!" (Matthew 25:50 NLT)

In Christ,
Jay

Tell Them Jesus Sent You

As a member of the liberal, godless news media, I'm often given press passes to cover various events. Presidential visits. The Super Bowl. The Olympics. The Final Four. These media credentials allow me to go places because someone in authority has approved my access.

In the Great Commission (Matthew 28:16-20), Jesus tells His doubting disciples that His Father has given Him all authority in heaven and on earth. And because of that authority, He is sending them to go and make more disciples.

When they saw Him, they worshiped Him—but some of them still doubted! (Matt 28:17 NLT)

Is that not one of the more troubling verses you've ever read in the Bible?! Why in the world would Matthew include this? If it were left to me to write and edit Matt's gospel, I would have never allowed this one past my desk. But thankfully, the former tax collector was writing under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, not under my less-than-inspired direction.

The doubt of the eleven was real. How do we know? Well, one of them wrote it down! My guess is that Matthew was one of the doubters. This verse also hints at the accuracy of the Bible. It allows us to see an unsanitized look at these men. We see them, warts and all. Just as their doubt was real, so were these men. Let's face it, all of us have our doubts at some point.

Jesus, undeterred, went right ahead and gave His charge: “God authorized and commanded Me to commission you…” (Matthew 28:18 The Message)

But their doubt did not change the fact that Jesus had ultimate authority. Daniel's vision gives us a glimpse of the Heavenly Coronation (Daniel 7:13-14). Let's take a quick look at Six Marks of Jesus' Authority.

1-Jesus is the ultimate TEACHING authority (Mark 1:22).
2-Jesus is the ultimate RULING authority (Ephesians 1:10).
3-Jesus is the ultimate FORGIVING authority (Matthew 9:6).
4-Jesus is the ultimate LIFE-GIVING authority (John 10:18).
5-Jesus is the ultimate CHURCH authority (Ephesians 1:21-23).
6-Jesus is the ultimate INDIVIDUAL authority (Philippians 2:9-11).

So often we struggle with the practical application of Scripture. What do we do with what we've read? Well, Jesus was kind enough to provide specific instructions in Matthew 28 regarding our response to His authority.

"Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age." (Matt 28:19-20 NLT)

We are to "go." As a matter of fact, Jesus assumes that we will go. The literal translation from the original Greek says "after going." We're not to sequester ourselves in some bomb shelter or monastery. Jesus expects us to interact with real people in the real world.

We are to "make disciples." Notice it does NOT say "make converts." And this is NOT about forcing people into false conversion. That's a mark of so many false religions. We're to urge or convince others to become a follower of Jesus. Then we are to teach them what it means to follow Him. How can someone ever follow Him if they don't know what to do?

We are to take the amazing message of His Gospel "to of all the nations." Literally, we are "to make disciples from all ethnic groups." His amazing grace is not offered to only people like me. He's calling me to get out of my comfort zone. Reach out to people of every race, nationality and culture.

We do this because Jesus sends us in His authority. We can tell them that Jesus sent us.

In Christ,
Jay

From a sermon at Freedom River Community Church on August 24, 2008.

Tuesday, August 19, 2008

Must See FRCC

Every summer, the TV networks announce their new fall schedule.  Viewers find out when their favorite shows will be on.  We also get a sneak peak at the new sitcoms, dramas and reality shows.  With that in mind, I thought you might like a look at the Freedom River Fall Schedule.

Call it "Must See FRCC."

First of all, we'll continue our "Glorious" series for three more weeks.  This Sunday we'll examine God's sovereignty with "Tell Them Jesus Sent You."  The following weekend we'll take a look at the amazing love of God.  Our next guest speaker, Justin Wredberg, will wrap up the series on Labor Day weekend.

Starting September 14th, we'll begin our next series called "Rebuild, Reboot, Redeem."  This will be a study of Nehemiah.  In this amazing book, the prophet Nehemiah heads up a massive urban renewal project in the ruins of Jerusalem.  I truly believe this could be a powerful study for FRCC at a very critical time.  Talk about reality TV.  This series will take us right up to the Christmas season.

Stay tuned for "Must See FRCC" every Sunday at 10 am.

In Christ,
Jay


Sunday, August 17, 2008

The Humility of Christ

This past Sunday, Freedom River was blessed to have Pastor Stephen Davey share God's Word. Davey is the founding pastor of Colonial Baptist Church in Cary, NC. He's also the host of the nationally syndicated radio ministry "Wisdom for the Heart." And he's acclaimed as one of the nation's top expository preachers.

He preached on the Humility of Christ from Philippians 2:5-8. This passage reveals Five Rights that Jesus Reliquished in coming to earth.

1-The right to LIVE like God.
Jesus was equal with God the Father, but renounced this right. He is the ultimate riches to rags story.

2-The right to ACT like God.
Theologians call this the Kenosis of Christ, literally "the emptying of His hands." Jesus gave up His right to use His wonder-working hands. In other words, He gave up the right to access His own omnipotence.

3-The right to LOOK like God.
Jesus was made in the likeness of man. It's hard to imagine what a step down this was. Isaiah 53:2-3 describes our Savior as physically an average Joe.

4-The right to be TREATED like God.
In this passage of Philippians, Paul highlights the humiliation and torture of the Roman cross. We totally betrayed Him. Yet He still gave Himself for us.

Why did Jesus do this? John 1:12 is very clear: But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God.

In other words, Jesus gave up His rights as God in order that we might receive something that we totally did not deserve. God's grace is truly amazing.

Thanks to Pastor Davey for taking time in his schedule to encourage us with such a powerful word from Scripture.

In Christ,
Jay

From a sermon at Freedom River CC on Sunday, August 17, 2008.

Every Breath You Take

What's your IQ? Who's the smartest person you know?

According to the Stanford-Binet IQ Test, some of the highest scores are Parade Magazine columnist Marylin Vos Savant (185) and chess champion Bobby Fischer (187). Some estimate DaVinci IQ at 220. But many experts believe that the smartest person to ever live was William James Sidis. Sidis read the NY Times at 18 months. He was fluent in eight languages by the age of eight. The Bible says that Solomon is the wisest human to ever walk the earth.

But all of those pale in comparison to our All-Knowing God. He knows every breath you take.

God gives us an amazing glimpse of His omniscience in 1Samuel 16:1-7. The LORD gives Samuel the assignment of anointing the Israel's next king. Samuel takes one look at Jesse's oldest boy Eliab, obviously a strapping young stud. Samuel's certain this is guy. God jumps to tell the prophet that while man looks at the outside, He looks at the heart.

The Bible gives us Five Facts of our All-Knowing God.

1-God knows EVERYTHING.
Once more He asked him, “Simon son of John, do you love Me?” Peter was grieved that Jesus asked the question a third time. He said, “Lord, You know everything. You know I love you.” Jesus said, “Then feed My sheep.” (John 21:17 NLT)

2-God knows everything ABOUT THE FUTURE.
“And do not forget the things I have done throughout history. For I am God—I alone! I am God, and there is no one else like Me. Only I can tell you what is going to happen even before it happens. Everything I plan will come to pass, for I do whatever I wish.” (Isaiah 46:9-10 NLT)

3-God knows everything POSSIBLE.
“For if the miracles I did for you had been done in Sodom, it would still be here today.” (Matthew 11:23 NLT)

4-God knows everything ABOUT HIMSELF.
But we know these things because God has revealed them to us by His Spirit, and His Spirit searches out everything and shows us even God's deep secrets. No one can know what anyone else is really thinking except that person alone, and no one can know God's thoughts except God's own Spirit. (2Corinthians 2:10-11 NLT)

5-God knows everything ABOUT YOU.
O LORD, You have examined my heart and know everything about me.
You know when I sit down or stand up. You know my every thought when far away.
You chart the path ahead of me and tell me where to stop and rest. Every moment You know where I am.
You know what I am going to say even before I say it, LORD. (Psalm 139:1-4 NLT)

“I am watching them closely, and I see every sin. They cannot hope to hide from me.” (Jeremiah 16:17 NLT)

“Your Father knows exactly what you need even before you ask Him!” (Matthew 6:8b NLT)

Jesus knew their thoughts… (Matthew 12:25a NLT)


The amazing fact is that Jesus not only knows absolutely EVERYTHING about me, but that He still loves me despite what He knows!

There is no reason to play games, no reason to wear a mask, He knows you. He knows every breath you take.

In Christ,
Jay

From a sermon at Freedom River CC on Sunday, August 10, 2008.

Monday, August 4, 2008

Reaching Up, Reaching Out

Reaching up. Reaching out.

Those four simple words really sum up what some folks call "The Greatest Commandment." When asked what was REALLY most important, Jesus stated very simply that we're to do these two things. "You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength...Love your neighbor as yourself" (Mark 12:29-31 NLT).

Reaching up. Reaching out.

As Dr. Phil would say, "How's that workin' out for you?" How's your love for Jesus? How's your love for people? I think that's something we need to continually ask ourselves.

As a general rule, I think we do an AWESOME job of reaching up. This is a church that has a passion for singing His praises and spending time in His presence when we gather. I think we do a pretty good job of reaching out and loving our brothers and sisters in Christ at FRCC. That's great because Jesus said others will know that we're His followers through our love for each other (John 13:35).

Can I be honest with you? I think we've struggled with reaching out to folks OUTSIDE our church family. Notice how I said "we." I'm just as guilty as anyone. We must start looking outside ourselves. Without realizing it, we've become a little "Freedom River focused." And that's not healthy. Hey, it's easy to do consider all that we've been through.

Over the coming weeks, you'll start seeing opportunities to reach out...as a church, as small groups, as individuals. Sometimes these will be chances to share Jesus with folks. Other times it will simply be an opportunity to spread a little salt and shine a little light.

Be praying about what you can do...to reach up, to reach out.

In Christ,
Jay

Sunday, August 3, 2008

Jesus Is All the Power You Need

Power. Nuclear power. Electrical power. Political power. All power pales in comparison to our All-Powerful God.

Nebuchadnezzar found this out the hard way. As the King of Babylon, Nebuchadnezzar was one of the most powerful people on the planet. He built his country from a third-rate Third World step child into a dominating superpower.

With a powerful military machine, he bullied neighboring nations into submission. Through an amazing domestic revitalization, Nebuchadnezzar brought his people up from the ashes. He ordered the construction of shipping docks, canals, aqueducts and temples. He built not one, but three opulent palaces. The king actually ordered that his name be stamped on every brick used in construction to make sure all would know of his power.

His most impressive accomplishment may have been a gift for his wife. His new bride was a native of the mountains. Nebuchadnezzar literally built her a mountain in the middle of the capital city, covering it with an amazing array of plants and trees. It became known as "The Hanging Gardens of Babylon," one of the seven wonders of the ancient world.

But it all came to sudden end one day when the king walked along the roof of his palace. Daniel 4:28-37 says that a voice from heaven told Nebuchadnezzar that his reign was over. Almighty God cut the arrogant monarch down to size. If that wasn't bad enough, the King of kings humbled the King of Babylon, making him believe he was a cow! For seven years, one of the most powerful persons on planet grazed the pasture like a Holstein!

And after a humbling seven years, a broken Nebuchadnezzar realized God's power and might. "He has the power to do as He pleases." (Daniel 4:35b NLT)

God's purpose was to make sure that we would all know that only God is Almighty. But what does it mean that God is powerful? While we can't comprehend the full scope of His power, five "Power Points" may help us appreciate His omnipotence.

1-The power of God is UNSTOPPABLE.
For our God is in the heavens, and He does as He wishes. (Psalm 15:3 NLT)

"...with God everything is possible." (Matthew 19:26 NLT)

2-The power of God is UNIMAGINABLE.
Now glory be to God! By His mighty power at work within us, He is able to accomplish more than we would ever dare to ask or hope. (Ephesians 3:20 NLT)

3-The power of God is IRREVERSIBLE.
"From eternity to eternity I am God. No one can oppose what I do. No one can reverse My actions." (Isaiah 43:13 NLT)

4-The power of God is AVAILABLE.
"Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in Me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from Me you can do nothing." (John 15:5)

For I can do everything with the help of Christ who gives me the strength I need. (Philippians 4:13 NLT)

5-The power of God is the GOSPEL.
For I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ. It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes--Jews first and also Gentiles. (Romans 1:16)

Coming to some understanding and comprehension of the power of Almighty God has incredible consequences on our daily lives. Simply put, how powerful is your God? Sadly, it seems that so many of us end up worhsiping an impotent God with an impotent Gospel. If our Omnipotent God can literally speak the universe into existence from absolute nothing, then He is powerful enough to do a great work through us and in us!

John Piper sums it up best.
To be gripped by the omnipotence of God is either marvelous because He is for us or terrifying because He is against us. Indifference to His omnipotence simply means we haven't seen it for what it is.

As Nebuchadnezzar stated so simply 2700 years ago, "He has the power to do as He pleases."

Jesus is all the power you need.

In Christ,
Jay

From a sermon at Freedom River Community Church on August 3, 2008.