As we close out a VERY eventful 2008, some of us are still searching for a new church while others are settling in somewhere. As we wrap up our "Church Search" series, we need to remember one very important fact...
Plug in and get your serve on!
A couple of thousand years ago, Paul wrote about the importance of each believer not only being connected to other believers in a church, but totally plugged in and serving. He compared the church body with the human body and said, "God has put each part just where He wants it" (1 Corinthians 12:18b NLT).
Kinda reassuring, isn't it? God's going to make sure that He has you right where He wants you. The next part is up to you. Find out what your spiritual gift is and then find out how you can use that gift in helping folks at your new church.
Plug in and get your serve on!
Let's take a quick back look at our checklist in finding a new church home...
1-Do they worship the Jesus of the Bible?
2-Do they preach and teach from the Bible?
3-Do they have a passion for reaching people for Jesus?
4-Do they have a passion for discipleship?
5-Do they preach a Christ-centered, biblical Gospel?
We also looked at four books that can help us in the search...
"Church: Why Bother?" by Philip Yancey
"Who Moved My Church?" by Mike Nappa
"More Jesus, Less Religion" by Stephen Arterburn & Jack Felton
"Nine Marks of a Healthy Church" by Mark Dever
I want you to know that it has been an honor to serve as your interim pastor...even in the past couple of months after we didn't have a church. I hope that I've been able to provide you with some encouragement and instruction during this time of transition. I pray for you and your search daily.
And when Jesus does place you where He wants you...
Plug in and get your serve on!
In Christ,
Jay
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Thursday, December 18, 2008
The Church Search Part Six
Is their Good News really THE Good News?
As we continue our search for a new church, we really need to make sure that our new church preaches the Gospel.
But pump your brakes, Jay! Doesn't EVERY church that talks about the Gospel, preach the Gospel? Sadly, no. There are a lot of churches out there that preach the Gospel, but it's probably better called "a gospel." Not the great news of salvation in Jesus, but something much less.
Some proclaim a health and wealth gospel, that Jesus died so that you will never get sick and be rich as Rockefeller. Some preach a law of attraction gospel, that if you simply believe something strong enough, you can make it happen. Others teach a do better gospel, that Jesus may have died for your sins to the point of your conversion, but it's all up to you now. That's just a handful of the heresies out there today. Be very, VERY careful.
It would be a good idea for us to listen closely to Paul's warning to the church at Corinth some 2,000 years ago.
"You seem to believe whatever anyone tells you, even if they preach about a different Jesus than the one we preach, or a different Spirit than the one you received, or a different kind of gospel than the one you believed" (2Corinthians 11:4 NLT).
In his book "9 Marks of a Healthy Church," Pastor Mark Dever warns...
-The Good News is not simply that we are okay.
-The Good News is not simply that God is love.
-The Good News is not simply that Jesus wants to be our friend.
-The Good News is not simply that we should live right.
The Gospel is that Jesus Christ is the one and only Son of God who left the comforts of heaven to live the life we couldn't live and die the death we should have died. We must admit that we have fallen short of God's perfect standard, that we have sinned and turn to Jesus for His forgiveness. When we accept Christ's death on the Cross in our place, He not only forgives us, but graciously adopts us into His family forever.
Now THAT'S GOOD NEWS!!
In Christ,
Jay
As we continue our search for a new church, we really need to make sure that our new church preaches the Gospel.
But pump your brakes, Jay! Doesn't EVERY church that talks about the Gospel, preach the Gospel? Sadly, no. There are a lot of churches out there that preach the Gospel, but it's probably better called "a gospel." Not the great news of salvation in Jesus, but something much less.
Some proclaim a health and wealth gospel, that Jesus died so that you will never get sick and be rich as Rockefeller. Some preach a law of attraction gospel, that if you simply believe something strong enough, you can make it happen. Others teach a do better gospel, that Jesus may have died for your sins to the point of your conversion, but it's all up to you now. That's just a handful of the heresies out there today. Be very, VERY careful.
It would be a good idea for us to listen closely to Paul's warning to the church at Corinth some 2,000 years ago.
"You seem to believe whatever anyone tells you, even if they preach about a different Jesus than the one we preach, or a different Spirit than the one you received, or a different kind of gospel than the one you believed" (2Corinthians 11:4 NLT).
In his book "9 Marks of a Healthy Church," Pastor Mark Dever warns...
-The Good News is not simply that we are okay.
-The Good News is not simply that God is love.
-The Good News is not simply that Jesus wants to be our friend.
-The Good News is not simply that we should live right.
The Gospel is that Jesus Christ is the one and only Son of God who left the comforts of heaven to live the life we couldn't live and die the death we should have died. We must admit that we have fallen short of God's perfect standard, that we have sinned and turn to Jesus for His forgiveness. When we accept Christ's death on the Cross in our place, He not only forgives us, but graciously adopts us into His family forever.
Now THAT'S GOOD NEWS!!
In Christ,
Jay
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
The Church Search Part Five
You need them. They need you.
As we continue the search for a new church home, we need to check out what sort of opportunities there are for discipleship. Let's face it. You need them to help you grow. They need you to help them grow.
-Is the church committed to your growth?
-What's their vision for your discipleship?
-Are you on your own or will they provide you a place to develop?
The best place this happens is in some sort of small group community. That might be a home group Bible Study. Or it could be a Sunday School class. Great preaching is important. But true growth, real growth happens best in small groups. That's where the rubber really meets the road.
How important is community? Well, in the middle of His perfect creation, God took a look at Adam. The first human was the peak of His handiwork. But there was just one problem.
"It is not good for the man to be alone" (Genesis 2:18 NLT).
The Lord was talking about so much more than female companionship for a lonely man. It was obvious that God created Adam for community.
All throughout the Bible, God provides examples of small groups that create greenhouses of discipleship and spiritual growth. David and his mighty men. Paul, Silas, Titus and Timothy. Jesus and His disciples.
The writer of Proverbs made the point. "As iron sharpens iron, a friend sharpens a friend" (Proverbs 27:17 NLT).
As we examine the various churches, let's take a hard look at discipleship. And when we joined, let's get plugged in. Don't forget.
You need them. They need you.
In Christ,
Jay
As we continue the search for a new church home, we need to check out what sort of opportunities there are for discipleship. Let's face it. You need them to help you grow. They need you to help them grow.
-Is the church committed to your growth?
-What's their vision for your discipleship?
-Are you on your own or will they provide you a place to develop?
The best place this happens is in some sort of small group community. That might be a home group Bible Study. Or it could be a Sunday School class. Great preaching is important. But true growth, real growth happens best in small groups. That's where the rubber really meets the road.
How important is community? Well, in the middle of His perfect creation, God took a look at Adam. The first human was the peak of His handiwork. But there was just one problem.
"It is not good for the man to be alone" (Genesis 2:18 NLT).
The Lord was talking about so much more than female companionship for a lonely man. It was obvious that God created Adam for community.
All throughout the Bible, God provides examples of small groups that create greenhouses of discipleship and spiritual growth. David and his mighty men. Paul, Silas, Titus and Timothy. Jesus and His disciples.
The writer of Proverbs made the point. "As iron sharpens iron, a friend sharpens a friend" (Proverbs 27:17 NLT).
As we examine the various churches, let's take a hard look at discipleship. And when we joined, let's get plugged in. Don't forget.
You need them. They need you.
In Christ,
Jay
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
The Church Search Part Four
The Great Commission. Or the Great Omission.
As we continue our search for a new church, it's imperative that we select a fellowship that places a high value on evangelism. Before the Risen Christ ascended to heaven, His last words were crystal clear.
"I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. 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." (Matthew 28:18-20 NLT)
Talk about famous last words.
Notice that Jesus' final command was not just for pastors. Or elders. Or deacons. Our Savior commissioned ALL of His disciples to make disciples. That means you. That means me.
That being the case, it's critical to see how the churches we visit view evangelism.
-Are people trained in sharing the gracious Good News of God?
-Are people encouraged to pray and seek opportunities to tell people about Jesus?
-Is the Gospel clearly presented on a regular basis?
-Are there opportunities for folks to respond God's invitation?
Let's be clear. I'm not saying that every sermon must have an extensive presentation of Jesus death on the Cross. And I don't mean that every service must conclude with a guilt-driven altar call. The Good News needs to simply be part of a healthy church's DNA.
Let's make sure that we're obedient to the Great Commission. And not guilty of the Great Omission.
In Christ,
Jay
As we continue our search for a new church, it's imperative that we select a fellowship that places a high value on evangelism. Before the Risen Christ ascended to heaven, His last words were crystal clear.
"I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. 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." (Matthew 28:18-20 NLT)
Talk about famous last words.
Notice that Jesus' final command was not just for pastors. Or elders. Or deacons. Our Savior commissioned ALL of His disciples to make disciples. That means you. That means me.
That being the case, it's critical to see how the churches we visit view evangelism.
-Are people trained in sharing the gracious Good News of God?
-Are people encouraged to pray and seek opportunities to tell people about Jesus?
-Is the Gospel clearly presented on a regular basis?
-Are there opportunities for folks to respond God's invitation?
Let's be clear. I'm not saying that every sermon must have an extensive presentation of Jesus death on the Cross. And I don't mean that every service must conclude with a guilt-driven altar call. The Good News needs to simply be part of a healthy church's DNA.
Let's make sure that we're obedient to the Great Commission. And not guilty of the Great Omission.
In Christ,
Jay
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
The Church Search Part Three
The B-I-B-L-E. That's the book for me.
Many of us sang that little ditty in Sunday School growing up. But the truth is, we need to take a close look at how the churches we visit view the B-I-B-L-E.
It's easy for church to proclaim that holds God's Word in high regard. That it's a "Bible-believing fellowship." But does the rubber really meet the road? Here are a few questions that can help us as we move through Church Search when it comes to how a certain church views Scripture.
1. Is the Bible seen as the inspired Word of God?
If God has truly inspired the Scriptures, they can be trusted as divine and without flaw. Translations can be questioned. Interpretations can be doubted. But with the Holy Spirit as its source and inspiration, the truth of the Bible is perfect.
For prophecy never had its origin in the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit. (2Peter 1:21 NIV)
2. Is the Bible the ultimate standard of truth?
In other words, is God's Word the only truth or is it seen as one of many sources of truth? There is only ONE measure of divine truth: The Bible.
The commandments of the LORD are right, bringing joy to the heart. The commands of the LORD are clear, giving insight to life. (Psalm 19:8 NLT)
3. Is the Bible used as the basic source of teaching?
It's OK if other curriculum is used, but is the source of that material scripturally based. One of the clear purposes of God's Word is to instruct His people.
All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It straightens us out and teaches us to do what is right. It is God's way of preparing us in every way, fully equipped for every good thing God wants us to do. (2Timothy 3:16-17 NLT)
4. Is all of the Bible taught?
This might be a little harder to determine in a few short visits, but is the church committed to teach ALL of Scripture. Do they avoid hard or difficult passages? Some churches make a point of preaching and teaching through the entire Bible over a period of time. That's certainly something to consider.
"For I have not shunned to declare to you the whole counsel of God." (Acts 20:27 NKJV)
When you visit, pay attention to how the Bible is used. Is it used to teach during worship? Is it read aloud? Are the songs based in Scripture? Does the pastor use it as the basis for teaching or simply as a launching pad for expressing his own opinion?
And let me know if they ever sing, "The B-I-B-L-E. That's the book for me."
In Christ,
Jay
Many of us sang that little ditty in Sunday School growing up. But the truth is, we need to take a close look at how the churches we visit view the B-I-B-L-E.
It's easy for church to proclaim that holds God's Word in high regard. That it's a "Bible-believing fellowship." But does the rubber really meet the road? Here are a few questions that can help us as we move through Church Search when it comes to how a certain church views Scripture.
1. Is the Bible seen as the inspired Word of God?
If God has truly inspired the Scriptures, they can be trusted as divine and without flaw. Translations can be questioned. Interpretations can be doubted. But with the Holy Spirit as its source and inspiration, the truth of the Bible is perfect.
For prophecy never had its origin in the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit. (2Peter 1:21 NIV)
2. Is the Bible the ultimate standard of truth?
In other words, is God's Word the only truth or is it seen as one of many sources of truth? There is only ONE measure of divine truth: The Bible.
The commandments of the LORD are right, bringing joy to the heart. The commands of the LORD are clear, giving insight to life. (Psalm 19:8 NLT)
3. Is the Bible used as the basic source of teaching?
It's OK if other curriculum is used, but is the source of that material scripturally based. One of the clear purposes of God's Word is to instruct His people.
All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It straightens us out and teaches us to do what is right. It is God's way of preparing us in every way, fully equipped for every good thing God wants us to do. (2Timothy 3:16-17 NLT)
4. Is all of the Bible taught?
This might be a little harder to determine in a few short visits, but is the church committed to teach ALL of Scripture. Do they avoid hard or difficult passages? Some churches make a point of preaching and teaching through the entire Bible over a period of time. That's certainly something to consider.
"For I have not shunned to declare to you the whole counsel of God." (Acts 20:27 NKJV)
When you visit, pay attention to how the Bible is used. Is it used to teach during worship? Is it read aloud? Are the songs based in Scripture? Does the pastor use it as the basis for teaching or simply as a launching pad for expressing his own opinion?
And let me know if they ever sing, "The B-I-B-L-E. That's the book for me."
In Christ,
Jay
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
The Church Search Part Two
If you're out there "wandering in the wilderness," on the search for a new church, you might wonder what resources might be available to help you.
Well, here's a list of books that I would HIGHLY recommend. They have been a great help to me as we've tried to sort through the maze of local churches.
"Church: Why Bother?" by Philip Yancey
Yancey retraces his personal journey through many of his own difficult questions and doubts about the reasons and purpose of joining a local church.
"Who Moved My Church" by Mike Nappa
In a similar style of "Who Moved the Cheese," Nappa's parable examines how the church is to interact with today's culture. This one is humorous, entertaining and thought-provoking.
"More Jesus, Less Religion" by Stephen Arterburn & Jack Felton
Arterburn & Felton take a look at the damage of religious legalism and "churchianity." This is a followup to their book "Toxic Religion." They call for a return a strong, obedient and grace-filled relationship with Jesus.
"Nine Marks of a Healthy Church" by Mark Dever
Dever examines the characteristics of a healthy and thriving church using nine qualities that are often neglected in today's churches.
I hope these help you in your journey.
In Christ,
Jay
Sunday, November 9, 2008
The Church Search Part One
So, for whatever reason, you're looking for a new church.
Where do you start? What do you look for? What's important? How big? How small? What style? What denomination?
The answers to many of those questions are really up to your own personal preferences. Let's call those "the non-essentials." But as we search for a new church, there are a few things that we must not compromise. We'll refer to those as "the essentials."
First of all, do they worship Jesus?
This question is so simple that it may seem obvious. Let's face it, just about every church mentions Jesus' name in some way. But there are often subtle, yet VERY dangerous views of Christ. Maybe the better question is what Jesus do they worship?
We must remember who the Bible says Jesus is.
The one and only Son of God.
The one and only Savior.
The one and only Way to the Father.
Fully God and fully Man.
Lived the perfect life that we couldn't live.
Died the death that we should've died.
Risen to life so that we could attain eternal life.
Ascended to the right hand of the Father.
Ruling and reigning from heaven.
Returning one day soon for His people and judge the world.
Paul describes Jesus in one of the great passages in the Bible...
Christ is the visible image of the invisible God. He existed before God made anything at all and is supreme over all creation. Christ is the one through whom God created everything in heaven and earth. He made the things we can see and the things we can't see--kings, kingdoms, rulers, and authorities. Everything has been created through Him and for Him. He existed before everything else began, and He holds all creation together. Christ is the head of the church, which is His body. He is the first of all who will rise from the dead, so He is first in everything. For God in all His fullness was pleased to live in Christ, and by Him God reconciled everything to Himself. He made peace with everything in heaven and on earth by means of His blood on the cross. (Colossians 1:15-22 NLT)
When we visit churches, let's make sure to check out what they stand for and whom they worship. Research their doctrine and theology on their websites. Ask questions of the pastor and folks who attend.
And, first of all, make sure they worship Jesus. Our Jesus. That's essential.
In Christ,
Jay
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