What is Your Goal this Christmas?

"

"He is the Reason for the Season"
"It's CHRISTmas Not Xmas"
"We need to put CHRIST back in Christmas"

I agree...but then again, what do you expect from the world? If the world doesn't care about His death, why should they celebrate His birth? Then again, why are we celebrating His birth? There is no Scripture mandating us celebrating Christmas; but there is Scripture mandating we remember His resurrection...every Sunday on THE LORD's DAY.

STOPPPPPPP....

Some were getting all upset already ready to pounce on me some ripping comment about not celebrating Christmas...I'm not one of those...I celebrate Christmas. I love Christmas. I love remembering the fact that Christ came to this earth and according to Philippians 2, "Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: 7But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: 8And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross."

I praise God that His Son came and was born and died for me, but wouldn't it be great if every Christian were excited about every Lord's Day(which we are to celebrate) as they are about Christmas (which we aren't told to celebrate)?

So what is your goal this Christmas? To celebrate the Lord's coming? To make memories with family? To get lots of cool stuff? Most Christians are adamant for option "A", but let them compare how much time they shopped with how much time they prayed to thank Him for coming. Let them compare how much time they decorated with how much time they witnessed. Let them compare how many tracts they passed out with how many gifts they wrapped. What's our goal?

There is nothing wrong in taking Christmas time for option "B" either. Family time is precious, and unfortunately, not enough Christians are investing in it. We need to make memories with our children. We need to take the time to hang the ornaments, make the cut out cookies, go see the lights. We need to look forward to Christmas Eve at Papa and Mama's house. We need to wake up at 5 a.m. Christmas morning and wait for the first sounds to come out of our children's bedrooms in anticipation. What's wrong with those things? Christmas can be a great time to build memories and establish traditions. My favorite is remembering my father read the Christmas story every Christmas morning and eating a Christmas breakfast my mom would make. I miss those days; but look forward to next week, when on Thursday morning I will read Luke 2 to my family with the smell of a fresh breakfast filling the house that my wife has prepared for us. I will see wide open-anxious-tired eyes looking at me early that morning-just as I looked 25 years ago at my father. Christmas! I love it.

My goal? To rehearse the story of Christ's birth to my family and to our church; to take the opportunity to share why He came to the lost; to make memories and enjoy the traditions of my family; and maybe...just maybe get something really cool (like a TomTom GPS...in case Stacey reads this).

I love Christmas!

Broken Ornament

It's hard to believe Christmas is almost here. I know that for many it is a time of struggling and hard feelings; just keep in mind Who it is all about. Jesus came that we might have joy. I, for one, love this time of the year. I love the fact that I recognize a few songs playing at the store. I love the lights on people's houses. I love the nativity scenes everywhere. I love A Christmas Carol. I love going to our families different homes and mostly always staying home on Christmas Day. I love the "how many more sleeps till Christmas?" question that Grace asks every day. I love putting up the tree. I love wrapping gifts (and I stink at it). I love handing out the presents..."Toooooo mommyyyy from Daddy" I could go on and on. I love the traditions of Christmas.
One tradition we have is buying the kids an ornament each year that represents an event or fascination the child had that year. One day, when our children get married, we will give them their ornaments to put on their tree, as a reminder of their child hood. Above is a picture of Alex this year with his ornaments thus far. What you can't really see is that the second ornament is broken. It is a white ceramic teddy bear, or at least it was. Last December, as we were putting Christmas decorations away, the box with the ornaments fell to the ground. Most damage was minor and affected only the "throw away" ornaments; except Alex's second year ornament-the bear's lower half was shattered...paralyzed for life.
I tried super glue, but it didn't work (on the bear, my fingers-yes). Stacey was a litle upset, but time heals-that is, until you pull out the bear this year. It was a nasty reminder of last year's blunder. The irony is-that is the only ornament we didn't buy. That was a rough financial year and we couldn't afford one. Someone gave Alex that one because they knew he loved teddy bears. Get it? We were "Broke" that year...anyways.
We still put it up on the tree, and we will always do so. It's not hung on the back side of the tree or behind a big branch. It hangs there with all the others in all its glory. Just because it is not what it used to be, doesn't mean it can't still be a testimony and continue to represent what it was designed for. We love the broke ornament...somewhat even more.
In churches like ours-that preach the truth, standards, holiness, sin hatred; at times some people feel "intimidated." They feel they can't possibly be that way and the Devil discourages them or makes them quit. Others, there was in their past a mistake, or an accident, or a sin tragedy that left them broken-not what they used to be. The Devil again lies to them and convinces them that they are not as good as the others and will never fit in-that they should just quit or go to a church that doesn't preach the whole Truth so they will feel more comfortable. Don't listen to the Devil. He is a liar and the father of all lies!
Fact is, if you look at every one of Alex's ornaments close enough...they all have flaws..except the brand new one-but it won't be long for that one either. The ninja turtle's sword broke off and had to be glued. Scooby has no right hand. The tonka truck's ladder is broke and lying on the table. They all have flaws. Thus they all hang on the front of the tree and we love everyone of them.
We love them not because of their perfection, but for who they represent. None of us are perfect, we should strive to be the best we can-but the best of men are still men at best. God loves us, and our church should love us not for our perfection, but for Who it is that we represent. We belong to Christ. You may have a "right hand missing" or have "dropped your Sword." You may have been broken to where you can't do what you once did. You may even have had a tragedy like ornament #2. Don't quit!! Forget not Who you represent and continue to adorn Christ with your life.

1 Peter 3:4 But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.

Black Friday

The following takes place between 7 and 11 p.m. (28 hours):

My cell phone takes 2 hours to charge completely from a dead battery. When you plug it in, a small little pin sized light will show red until fully charged, when it will then turn green.

7:00 p.m. (Thurs): I arrive at Meijer in Milford, Ohio and await for my sister, Chrystal, to arrive. I take one last glance over adds from the paper. Finally, at 7:15 she arrives. We then sat and talked about where we should go to get in line for some serious shopping. After a small discussion, we left for Toys R Us at Eastgate.

7:30 p.m. (Thurs): We drive through White Castle and get a large pop (we would pay for that later) and 2 white castles each (other in line would pay for that later).

7:33 p.m. (Thurs): We are both very happy.

7:45 p.m. (Thurs): We arrive at Toys R Us expecting to mingle in to a crowd and take our place. Just one thing...there was nobody there! (see above photo)


Amazed that there was no line, we then made our way to an area Best Buy to see if there was a line there. There was! Nearly 50 people were already in line, most of which were in tents. Some said they had been there since 8:00 a.m. that morning...can you imagine getting in line that early? What were they thinking?

8:00 p.m. (Thurs): We arrive back at Toys R Us...still noone is there. We decide to go over adds and make a list while sitting in my van of everything we needed to purchase in the morning. We get started when we are visited by Rick and Rachel. They hop in the van and aid in our planning. Finally, after writing out and counting objectives, it was agreed that our Friday shopping would begin at Toys R Us. After taking a trip to UDF gas station (see large white castle drink reference), Rick and Rachel leave and still no one is at Toys R Us.

8:45 p.m. (Thurs): Not much going on so we decided to follow a car that drove past Toys R Us. After stalking them for a while around the mall, we decided to go back before looking suspicious. Surely someone was there by now.

9:00 p.m. (Thurs): Nope, no one there. We sit in the van and decide to play a game of Phase 10. After totally humiliating Chrystal in phase 10, we decide again to drive around the mall a few times to see if there was any life. There was none, we seemingly were the only people in Ohio foolish enough to be out at the mall area at that time (except Best Buy).

10:00 p.m. (Thurs): There is movement! Finally there is a car that pulls up with 2 teen boys in it. But they stay in their car. We were ready to hop out at any moment and run to our well deserved first place in line, but for now, they stayed in their car. 2 minutes later another car with two more teen boys in it. Then a minute later and man drops off a teen boy who walks up to other teens in their car....what is going on? Chrystal and I are watching, scrutinizing every move. Drug deal maybe? Or were they all after the same thing and were ready to steal our spot in front of the line. From our van we watched until finally they headed towards the door. Our hands trembling with excitement, we were ready to pounce out of the van and run to our claimed place in the line. They stopped and talked again. Chrystal grabs the Toys R Us ad and looks through it. "What would teen boys be after at Toys R Us?" We guessed possible XBox? Or Guitar Hero? PS3? It was then a man in a red shirt with a giraffe comes out and says "Time for work boys!" Ah, they were employees. We settled back in our van seats exhausted from the hustle and bustle and mental activity. What else would this night bring us? We had no idea.

10:30 p.m. (Thurs): Ricky calls and informs us that KB Toys in the mall behind us opened at midnight. We immediately drive to the mall only to find no one in line. We then decided we would come back at midnight and see what KB TOys had and then get in line for Toys R Us. We parked back at Toys R Us and settled in to a game of electronic Scrabble, and again, I destroyed Chrystal at that too.

11:15 p.m. (Thurs): Our game was coming to a close, the van had been turned off for nearly 30 minutes, but then the unthinkable happened. The van, starting behind the steering wheel made an odd sound. The sound traveled from behind the steering wheel to behind the glove compartment. Those 5 seconds we both sat silent watching the sound with our eyes travel from one side of the van to the other. It ended. We looked at each other. "What was that?" I ask. Chrystal pondered and said, "I really don't know...I think the van has gas." To this day, we don't know what the sound was.

11:30 p.m. (Thurs): Our game ends with a Travis victory and we decide to go check out KB toys. We arrive and find 400 people in line outside the mall. We pull up and Chrystal hops out and asks a lady in line: "What all are you in line for?" She replied, "Most of us KB Toys." Now I don't know what the others could have possibly been in line for, but the rest were going to KB. We began to look for a parking place to get in line when Chrystal said, "Wait, when these people get done, where do you think they will go next?" TOYS R US...oh no they don't. We dropped the idea of a KB visit and headed back to our empty Toys R Us parking lot. But first, a visit to White Castle (for bathroom visit only-see above reference large soda).

Midnight (Fri): We arrive at Toys R Us and there is another car there. So far, they stayed in their car, but we were taking no chances, we drove up to the curb and placed our camping chairs in the front of the line to reserve our deserved spot. We then stayed in the van and watched as a second then third then fourth car arrived. We all knew what we were there for, and we all watched one another, but in an unspoken treaty, we stayed in our cars. In what seemed to be a "Cold War esque" hour, we all waited in our warm cars watching and waiting for someone to make the first move.

1 a.m. (Fri): A suzuki pulls in with a lady with a determined look on her face. She parks right next to me and I knew from the look in her eye, she was getting out! "Go Chrystal, Go!" I shouted. Off Chrystal went running (well moving quicker than usual) to our chairs. She sat and we were officially first in line. The other lady did take the number 3 slot and soon cars emptied and by 1:10 a line was formed. I was still in the warm van preparing my coat and hat and things, but I soon arrived and we bundled up and covered up and took our place FIRST IN LINE!!!

1:30 a.m. (Fri): Soon our line was nearly up to 50 and we were freezing. It was then Chrystal made a sound: "Wheeoow" What was it? It was another girl in a skirt. Our immediate thought is always, we must know them; and this time we were right. It was Jordan and Jaelyn Wilson from church. And what was that in their hands? HOT CHOCOLATE! What a blessing the two Wilsons were to our cold innerts, and soon we were all four fellowshipping with hot cocoa. Jordan made fun of us for being out there and said he would soon be home in his nice warm bed. For now, I would take the ridicule, for he was a blessing, he and his cocoa.

1:45 a.m. (Fri): Chrystal leaves and takes another rest room break (see above White castle reference). Jordan agrees to hold her spot in line for her. She soon returned, but Jordan and Jaelyn stay...could it be they are having fun? Could it be it was enjoyable to be out like this? Could it be they were going to stay? Could it be somehow they line jumped in front of 100 people and got away with it? OHHH YEAAH!!

2:30 a.m. (Fri): A lady pulls up in an SUV. Chrystal is standing allowing Jaelyn (who stole her seat...and jacket...and blanket...and my gloves) to sit awhile. The lady jumps out of the SUV to tell her daughter, who is in line behind us, something. Chrystal leans up against the grill of her SUV searching for heat. The owner laughed and said "I don't blame you, I'd probably jump in the car." She did! Well, she did after I told her I would give her $5 to jump in, shut the door and crank the heat up. I am $5 poorer. After her quick warm up, she exits to a thunder of laughter from the people behind us. Was she that desparate for warmth or were our brains numb with coldness? Yes to both.

3:30 a.m. (Fri): David Kohl from the associate press comes up and interviews us and asks if he can take our picture. We agreed. He told us not to look at him, but to sit there and look cold and act like we are tired but having a good time. That wasn't hard to do. After taking 50, yes 50, pictures, he got our name and thanked us. Well, we are in the weekend edition of USA TODAY! Here is the pic he took that is in the paper:

Was that to be our moment of fame for the night? Ohhh no, it had just begun, but it was a good start.
4:30 a.m. (Fri): It was nearing time! We all soon arose from our wintery slumber and obtained a shopping cart. It was then channel 12 news arrived. They were going live and decided to interview us in the front of the line. After answering a few questions off air, they went live and we waved and smiled from the front of the line. It was then my sister said, "Chrystal Snell!" Why? We are not sure, she just wanted everyone on the news to hear her name. Soon the camera was back on and so was my sister's mouth "Chrystal Snell...Chrystal Snell." Soon people in line began chanting, "Chrystal Snell, Chrystal Snell" It was quite the scene. She then began a rumor and passed it down the line, that there was a special gift to all who entered saying the name "Chrystal Snell."
5:00 a.m. (Fri): The doors are about to open. The reporter lady asks us, "What is it you are all after." To which we replied, "A bathroom." The doors flew open and in we went, most behind us saying "Chrystal Snell" to the employee as they entered. he was very confused. The wave of people made browsing impossible, we were pushed through the store grabbing what we needed...but we were first!! Finally I was in the check out line awaiting to check out. The lady from channel 12 then asked if she could interview me live on the news. "Absolutely." (like I would pass that up). She told me not to look at her, but to look ahead and look "busy and dissheveled." (again, no problem). She asked if it was true I was first in line and what was it that I was after. I told her I was first in line with my sister and that I was there for one main reason...to watch all the crazy people. She laughed and finished the interview and again we would be in the world's spotlight (so we assumed).
5:23 a.m. (fri): We are out of Toys R Us and off to location number 2....Walmart! The lines at Toys R Us were bad, but we escaped the damage by being in front of the line. Walmart was a different story. Crowds pushed and pulled us in directions we didn't want to go. Soon I found myself in the greeting card section, stuck, needing not one greeting card. After escaping Walmart (only 1 arrested for taking a lady's camera) we headed off to Kohls.
6:30 a.m.: At Kohls we immediatly engaged in operation Shop. Chrystal got in the check out line while I shopped. I found my things and then got in line where she was while she shopped. (very affective means to save time). Chrystal got a few things, but was not able to get her portable DVD player she was after. Walmart was out of them and Kohls were a little bit more expensive. Finally she returned and we estimated we had about 5 minutes before checking out. I told her I would look for the portable DVD player that maybe someone decided not to get and leave at an odd place in the store. This too happens much and is profitable most times. I soon saw a DVD player sitting on the floor next to two sweaters and a lady's purse. There were three ladies within a clothes rack of the purse and DVD player...that is all I can share of that story.
7:45 a.m.: We find ourselves in Sears where I am after a TomTom GPS for Stacey to buy me for Chritmas. They are out of stock there and I am disappointed. I also am after a vacuum for Stacey for Christmas (She asked for it). I am thankful for the kindness and help of the Trevor Burkle that helped me (ironic isn't it?) but they too were out of the vacuums.
8:15 a.m.: We get my TomTom at HHGregg. I am happy again.
8:45 a.m: We arrive at Target and are able to get a few items. The crowds are lessining and so is our strength.
9:30: Breakfast at CrackerBarrell. Now we are very tired!
11:00 a.m.: I drop off Chrystal back at Meijer to get her car. We load up her stuff and head to our homes. We would meet again at 4 at her house for our Thanksgiving celebration.
Noon (Fri): I arrive at home and check the internet for the 12 news story and the AP picture. I am very excited to see both and call family to share the good news.
12:30 p.m.: I play with the new TomTom a while and then plug in my nearly dead cell phone and lie down. I remember a red pin sized light shining as I went to sleep.
2:00 p.m.: I awaken and still see a red light shining. With a phone not fully recharged and a body the same, I head back out towards Chrystal's house. On the way I pick up some Chinese food (our Thansgiving tradition) and get to her house about 4. We then played a board game and took some pictures of the kids.
7:00 p.m.: I received a phone call that one of our ladies at church had been taken to the hospital. So, in a T-shirt and flight pants I headed toward the hospital. After convincing the nurse that I was a pastor (usually I would change, but my home in an hour away and the hospital is 5 min from Chrystal's house) I finally got to see her and another man in our church.
9:00 p.m. I return to Chrystal's and pick up my family and head towards home. The roads are blurry and for some reason the yellow lines are curvy tonight.
10:00 p.m.: Finally I am home. I get the children in bed and put up some things and sit and think about the day. What a wonderful day it had been.
While I didn't buy alot, the day was a total success. Again, for the third year in a row, I got to see people get in fights, people get arrested, people shoved to the ground. But more importantly I got to make memories for another year. I got to spend time with my sisters and laugh and cut up. We had those around us laughing nearly to tears. In the words of Jordan (who stayed with us until after walmart)"That was the funnest time ever." I promise there are more stories that I will let Chrystal share if she chooses.
So I lay my head on my pillow with a smile on my face. I sure am thankful. Not for stuff or discounts or door buster deals; but for family, and laughs, and the love we can share, and the joy we can share with others. Another great thanksgiving....the little red light blurrs off into the night. Hopefully it and me will be ready and recharged for tomorrow!

Too Accessible?

Titus chapter 1 and First Timothy chapter 3 give the qualifications for a pastor. I believe we have many examples in Scripture of how a pastor should/should not act. Being a pastor now for 4 1/2 years has taught me so much. One thing I keep realizing about myself is how much I do not know. Having said that:

I grew up in a Christian home. My father and mother have always served in full time ministry since the day I took my first breath. My mother has taught school and my father has served as a dean of students for a Baptist college, an assistant pastor, a youth pastor, a principal, a music pastor, and of course pastoring a church. My grandfather has pastored for over 50 years, and my uncle has pastored most of my life time. I have had the privilege of learning much about pastoring before ever walking in those actual shoes.

One thing I couldn't learn then and am working on now is how accessible a pastor should be. While I know a pastor is to love and be given to hospitality (generous to guests), I struggle in finding a balance of how accessible to be.

Neither my grandfather, uncle (at the time of my rearing), nor father while serving as pastors had cell phones, email, facebook, texting and office hours like we have today. I still remember being told "not to answer the phone" at my grandfather's house as he listened to see who was calling by their message on the answering machine. I remember Tuesdays being my grandfather's day off and with the exceptions of funerals, it truly was his day off...no going to church that day, no answering the phone, if cell phones would have been around-it would have been turned off that day. He was, for that 24 hours "inaccessible." Criticize we may, but he has pastored the same church for over 50 years...not many can say that.

Point is, are we too accessible today as pastors? With the exception of sleeping hours (and there are many times that too is broken up), I can estimate that there is probably not 2 hours that ever goes by that a phone call (church, home, cell), text, email, or IM is not coming my way. Are we too accessible?

Now one would argue: what wonderful ways technology has provided that we can build stronger relationships with our flocks. I will not argue and have used such avenues to do just that. I do praise God for technology. I am glad I can call my missionaries, email my missionaries, or text them at any given moment. I get multiple emails each week by my cherished folks at our church, and I love giving counsel, praying with them in their requests, and laughing at their jokes. I think it is wonderful that our young people can send an email to their pastor and know they will get a response. But are we too accessible?

Familiarity brings with it a lack of respect and reverence. People are much more bolder with typed words than spoken. I have received emails with language and criticism contained in them that I know would have not been orally spoken to me much less my father or grandfather. Ladies and girls, who we would never meet alone in our offices are sending texts, emails, or instant messages to our pastors everyday. Slang words, boldness in rebellion, and open criticisms flood the forums, blogs, and community sites on the internet. What happened to respect for God's Word? God's House? and God's Man?

I am careful to post these thoughts for several reasons:
1. I am seeking the proper balance
2. I want to have an open door to all who feel I can be of any Biblical assistance
3. I enjoy hospitality and do not want to cause others to feel they cannot or are not welcome to come to me.
4. I do NOT want to seem like some arrogant man who cannot be touched with the problems of others as this is direct contrast to our Lord's example.

It just seems to me, that in today's world there is a lack of reverence and respect for the pastor. He has become just 'one of the guys.' While it is certain, that even the best of men is still man at best, there is to be an honor and reverence to the position ordained of God. The pastor is to be spending more time praying and ministering of the word than emailing and chatting and IMing and texting and answering his cell phone every 30 minutes. At least my grandfather had the 30 minutes silent while driving to and from church and visits.

What is the answer? Not real sure. And pastors surely can turn off their phones, turn off the computer, and not respond to emails and texts...but then what does the sender think? There are way too many intimate opportunites provided by technology that pastors should beware of. My greatest concern is the lack of respect and honor and open criticism especially from youth that is welcomed via these technologies.

I remember my first day working on staff at Cozaddale Baptist Temple in 1994. I was given a pager (cell phones were not the thing yet), and people could page me with a call back number and I would get off the road and find a pay phone and return their call (sorry about the run-on sentence mom). I felt like I hit the big time...well...did I?

His Reward

So I do not want to hear about my "girly" voice or any way I am speaking. Those who have children already understand. You talk that way so that you get a response from the baby. It is scientifically proven that babies react to high pitched noises...so keep those comments to yourself.... Anyways, I thought my mom and family and a few others would enjoy getting to see Hope and how she has grown. It really is quite amazing how quickly they grow. Hope is now 6 weeks old and doing well; although she has had a bad cold for the last week (compliments of me...who got it from Ricky Sallee). You will notice in the videos how she waves "Hi" when told to...really she did. (I don't think she knows what she is doing though.) She is trying her best to talk, but the "coo's" are all she is getting out. The funniest part is when I am trying to get her to say "I love you" when I know she can't, but Alex in the back ground is overwhelmed and starts to mutter the words himself...very funny. Grace almost makes it through 2 videos without being seen or heard, but she finally gives in. How I thank God for our children. Stacey grew up as a only child and when she was pregnant with Grace she once asked me "How can you love another child the same?" I couldn't explain it, but we both enjoy it. Now we have three blessings. Bible says in Psalm 127:3 "Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward" No, we are not the perfect family. No, we are not the perfect parents. No, our children don't always act perfect; but I wouldn't change a thing. I love practicing Alex's multiplication tables and sitting at Grace's tea party. I love beating Alex at a game and letting Grace win Go Fish. I love watching Alex ride the riding mower and Grace give Snickers a treat. I love how Alex thinks there is a dessert with every meal and how "full" he is before he asks for that dessert. I love how Grace is already counting the sleeps until Christmas and tells her neighbors why Bratz are evil. I love hearing both of them say "Afraid of Obama, don't trust McCain, Chuck Baldwin for President." And I look forward to sharing and making more memories with Hope as well.
I still get sick when I hear young people speak of how they "don't want any kids." I believe that is what is meant in Romans 1:31, "Without Natural affection." I couldn't imagine life without our children. We live in a world today and unfortunately our churches the same, where parents are trying to always dump off their kids. They enroll them in every activity under the sun, they ask before church activities "do we have to bring the kids?" While I understand and enjoy a "time away" occassionaly myself, we ought to have a desire to keep our children close, to spend time with them, to get their hearts. Have you ever noticed the silence when the kids are away? For a few minutes its awesome...then...loneliness. My past few trips out of town and out of country both brought a great hurt in my soul being away from the children. How you miss them so badly and a conversation on a phone just makes it a little worse. Recently Grace learned my cell phone number. While Stacey tries to monitor this, occassionaly durring the day Grace finds a way to call daddy...wouldn't trade it for the world.

If God has blessed you with a child or children, spend some time this weekend with them. Listen to them, talk to them, play with them. Children are a reward from the Lord, and I am so thankful for my His rewards to me!

Churchopia

In 1516, Sir Thomas More wrote a fictional book about an island in the Atlantic Ocean that was home to a perfect society. The book was entitled Utopia.

Today, the term Utopia is used as a metaphor for a perfect place or situation. This week, I sit back and imagine a Churchopia...a church where everything is done exactly how the Bible says it should be done. Here are a few random thoughts to think about and I welcome other ideas for a New Testament Churchopia (remembering our new rules...this is not a place for brawling or fighting, just Truth. If you want to differ and argue, make your own blog and go at it). Anyways...a New Testament Churchopia....

1. In the Church Everyone Loves God.
Of course because of that love, everyone keeps His commandments (John 14:15), everyone lives HOly, everyone tithes, everyone gives an offering (there would never be a need), everyone is surrendered to do what He wants them to do, everyone keeps themselves from sin (2 Cor. 5:14). We love God, so we give, we serve, we love others (Jn. 13:35). Wouldn't it be wonderful?
2. Churches sent out their own missionaries.
There would be no need of para church mission boards or clearing houses. And the missionaries would be sent out and fully supported by their church. No deputation, no time lost on the field due to traveling all across the country. While it is Scriptural for churches to send gifts to other missionaries, I see from Scripture that it was the church that sent the missionary out under their authority.
3. Children would be in the services not constantly pulled away from parents.
We complain that our families are falling apart and our churches need to share some blame in it. We come to church as a family and dad goes to his class, mom to hers, the children to theirs for Sunday School (is Sunday School a mandate in Scripture?). Then Dad and Mom go to the service while kid 1 and kid 2 go to their jr. church. Then we have Master Club/Awana/Patch for them to go to at our midweek. Then of course there is Teen class and teen church for the teens. Then there is a youth activity the first Friday, a kids activity the next Friday, a young adult activity the next Friday, and don't forget about school. Our Christian school keeps our kids 7 hours a day per week from parents, then 8 hours a week for sports practice, and 5 hours a week for games, and choir practice and visitations and bus and nursing home. STOP!!! Now none of those things are in themselves wrong, but in Churchopia, our families are not constantly being torn apart from each other. In the words of Dr. Bob Jones Sr, "Duties Never Conflict." When Paul wrote his epistles to the churches, he expected the children to be in those services, he addressed them even: "Children, Obey your parents in the Lord." (Eph. 6:1) (Col. 3:20).
4. Every church practiced Church Discipline.
It is Scriptural (Gal. 6:1; 1 TIm. 5:20; Titus 3:10; Matt. 18:15-17; 1 Cor. 5). Can you imagine the changes it would make in our lives?
5. Everyone at Churchopia would be actively involved in the ministry.
God set the members in the church and uses the body as an illustration. Every part of the body (church) has a purpose and needs to be working or the body suffers. At Churchopia the body would be in perfect working health.
6. At Churchopia the color of the carpet wouldn't matter.
Wouldn't it be great? Carpet, paint, order of service, furniture, flowers, they really don't matter, because that is not what it is all about!
7. At Churchopia everybody looks forward to the preaching.
Its the highlight and purpose we are gathered. Everyone has their Bibles, they are actually open to the reference, a pen and notebook are taking notes, the topic is studied and proved over the week, and no one is sleeping or looking out the windows. And the sermon is always too short!!!
8. At Churchopia everyone agrees on the music.
It is to be holy, sacred, and uplifting to Christ. It consists of psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs and there is no one with 18 piercings and nose rings leading it and the songs don't cause a sudden urge to thrust a hip. Its wonderful!
9. At Churchopia there is no need for campaigns and incentives.
Everyone had someone with them at church because we were constantly working at it throughout every week!
10. At Churchopia the pastor loves his people and serves them.
The thought of being a dictator and master over people is far from Churchopia. The pastor is there to serve, and the people respond with a love and respect to that leadership and provide for that pastor.

Churchopia. I've said many times if I could find a perfect church I wouldn't join it because I would mess it up. Churches are made up of imperfect people like me and you, but that does not release us from striving to be the most Scripturally sound church we can possibly be. I write this some in jest, but at the same time what a difference our world would see if I, every pastor, every church member strove just to do what Scriptures say we should do. A pastor friend of mine said recently: "There are many areas we could debate as being right and wrong; but if we all just did what we know clearly to be right, we wouldn't have time to worry about the 'gray' areas." Yeah, Verily!

Being Judgmental

I truly have been re evaluating the whole "blog" thing. Reason being I have watched as some blog sites have become a place of gossip. Some have become a preachers excuse to vent. Some have become a way to become a brawler and a striker without the repercussions. I even made the comment to another preacher that I liked it because it got people fired up. I was wrong in saying that. So I wrote a little light heartedly the last few weeks as I evaluated my purpose.

I have thus decided that the purpose for my blog is to keep others up to date on family events and to teach Truth because I am a preacher and have an obligation to do so. Thus our topic this week is Judging. I write this because a few people have asked me what is "being judgmental." I write this to answer their question...not to get people upset...not to pick a fight with anyone...not to get 20 comments on why I am wrong. I am right on this because it is based on Scripture. Thus we begin...

"Judge Not Lest Ye Be Judged"
"God says to Forgive everyone whether they ask for it or not"
"It's Not our PLace to Judge"
"You are Judgmental!"
"Why can you pick and Choose which sins to jugde"

And the list goes on and on and on and on. Many excuses are shared, but none are legit. The cry is "We shouldn't judge." Well then, don't vote this election because you have judged. Don't pick a magazine over another. Don't tell that child not to put the fork in the light socket. Don't you stop that guy in black and a mask from entering your back door at 3 a.m. You don't know his heart. He may be coming to pray for your household or did you judge him by his clothes? Point is we all judge...everyday...and well we should.

Scripture tells us the following....
Luke 7:43 "Thou hast rightly judged"
Luke 12:57 "Yea, and why even of yourselves judge ye not what is right?"
John 7:24, "Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment."
1 Cor. 10:15 "I speak as to wise men; judge ye what I say"
1 Cor. 2:15 "But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man."
Romans 16:17 "Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them."
Matthew 7:15 "Beware of false prophets" Hard to do without judging them.
"From such turn away" (2 Timothy 3:5). "Withdraw yourselves." (2 Thessalonians 3:6)
"And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them." (Ephesians 5:11)
"ABHOR THAT WHICH IS EVIL; CLEAVE TO THAT WHICH IS GOOD." (Romans 12:9)
"Prove all things; hold fast that which is good." (1 Thessalonians 5:21)
"Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try (test, judge) the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world" (1 John 4:1). "

It is most difficult to obey these Biblical mandates without 'judging.' You see it is our Biblical responsibility to judge. Not with the attitude of being critical of those who do not share your opinions, but rather to encouragin their spiritual upbringing. We are to judge on matters of Biblical doctrine and morals.

We are not to judge preferences (Romans chapter 14; 1 Corinthians 10:23-33; and Colossians 2:16-17.) We are not to judge motives (1 Cor. 4:1-5). We are not to judge whether a soul is saved (2 Tim. 2:19). But Scripture teaches us that there are things we are to judge.

We are to judge false propthets by the standard of the WOrd of God. We are to judge those causing divisions and offenses in the church. We are to judge immoral living (1 Cor. 5) We are to judge disputes between Christians concerning things that pertain to this life (1 Cor. 6:3). We are to judge to keep the purity of the church. The churches that will constitue the Bride of Christ will be presented one day before God as without blemish spotfree and wrinklefree. We are to judge to keep the spots and blemmishes out. Such things are found in 2 Peter 2:13-22: Rioting, adultery, those that cannot cease from sin; those who beguile unstable souls, covetous practices, cursed children, the way of Balaam. These things must be judged Scripturally.

Then comes the argument "well no one is perfect so you need to judge everybody else." True. The only ones who get upset are those who will not cease from sinning which is who Peter is talking about. Those who are told they are wrong, but they will not change.

Then comes the favorite argument: "Matthew 7:1 "Judge not, that ye be not judged." Sounds convicting doesn't it? If we take a verse or part of a verse out of its context, we can make the Word of God pretty much teach whatever we want. Let's look at the verse in context. "Matthew 7:1-5 "Judge not, that ye be not judged. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again. And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye? Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold,a beam is in thine own eye? Thou HYPOCRITE, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother's eye."

You see, Matt. 7:1-5 is addressed to a hypocrite, not to a person who truly wishes to discern between right and wrong in accordance to God's Word. This is a warning against hypocritical judgment. Matter of the fact, this Scripture again endorses Scriptural judging in that "then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote of thy brother's eye."

Fact is we all ought to judge ourselves (1 Cor. 13:5). What a change would take place if we would judge our own faults as much as we did the faults of others, but the fact is we should judge people after ourselves.

"PASTOR BURKE, YOU ARE JUDGMENTAL." YUP.