...have some JOE!

"Finish Well": A Tribute to Wayne A. Robinson

2010-11-25T05:09:00.000-08:00

Hanging on the wall in my study where I pastor is a matted picture frame containing an original piece penned by the gifted poet himself entitled, "I Want To Finish Well". Over thirteen years ago my wife and I received this piece as a wedding gift from our dear brother in Christ. On that day we received numerous other gifts, most of which have long since been lost, broken, or simply forgotten. But not Wayne's, uniquely and fittingly it has endured through the years.

I'm confident I'll never meet another quite like him. When we first crossed paths I was an arrogant, brash young man who often revealed the true colors of my personal insecurities through what I thought was flashy fashion. That is until I first saw Wayne standing there in the foyer of the church wearing that ardent purple pen-striped double-breasted suit. As he handed out bulletins and shook hands with folks entering the worship center I was drawn to him. It appeared I was not the only one (I suppose it is virtually impossible for a man dressed that bright and flamboyant not to attract people). However, it was not simply the expression of fashion that captivated people's attention it was the expression on his face. He bore a smile with a luminescence that matched his wardrobe. I would soon come to realize that the effervescence of his smile was the outflowing of his divinely changed heart.

Wayne deeply loved and cared for people. He was an encourager, prayer warrior and loyal friend. Wayne also unashamedly loved Jesus Christ. This was evident by his love for corporate worship, God's Word, and God's people. His was a life radically changed by God's amazing grace. He knew where he had come from and what he had been, and he was obviously grateful for all God had forgiven. But, his love of the Savior was most creatively expressed through his poetry. He clearly had a gift. He delighted in expressing the truths of Scripture intermingled with the adversities of life through the avenue of rhyme and prose. When I first read one of his poems I was moved by his ability to express precisely what I thought and felt in a creative way I was incapable of achieving. I'm convinced most all of us who read his works share in this sentiment.

As I write this I'm thinking about the message of Wayne's poem on the wall in my study. It draws its inspiration from the biblical writer in Hebrews the twelfth chapter, where the journey of faith is likened to an athlete's long distance run. It is a reminder that the greatest importance of walking with Christ is not so much how we start but how we finish. In our faith journey we will most certainly face obstacles of regret and disappointment, as well as, the encumbering of the consequences of poor choices and selfish behavior. We may fall down on our own or we may be beaten down by the elements of this world. In these moments we must get up and press on. We must finish the race. Nonetheless, the key is not necessarily that we finish the race, rather how we finish the race. We must "finish well"! Through the years I have often found myself drawing encouragement and strength in the most challenging times of my life and ministry by once again reading the words of Wayne's poem. There have been various instances where the temptation to simply quit, raise the white flag and throw in the towel has been overwhelming. In those moments the simple words "finish well" have echoed through my mind and heart. These words alone have reminded me that giving up is never an option, and so I stay the course.

Wayne stayed the course. His journey has come to an end. And you know what? He did it right. He finished well! I was not there as he battled against disease for the remaining weeks and months of his life. I was not there as those seeking to minister to him in time of need found themselves ministered to by his patience, prayer, and encouraging words. I was not there as those closest to him watched his passing from this life into eternity. But, I am most certainly there with him in the bonds of the Spirit and in the sharing of the sentiment of the apostle Paul, who believed that "to live is Christ and to die is gain". In fact, Wayne captured this with the creative touch that is uniquely his by describing his situation as, "a win-win situation".

I know not when my journey will reach its end. However, when it does I look forward to seeing my friend again. I look forward to seeing him with a glorified (healthy) body. I look forward to seeing his radiant smile. I look forward to catching up, reminiscing of the old days and even talking a little smack with one another. And I just have to believe he'll be decked out with the only robe in all of eternity specially ordered from the Soul Boutique! Brother Wayne I am both sad and jealous that you have left us. But, I am so thankful you finished well!

Are You Wearing God Out?

2009-12-30T06:26:00.000-08:00

This morning I was reading in Malachi chapter two and I came across these convicting and powerful words:

You have wearied the LORD with your words. Yet you ask, "How have we wearied Him?" When you say, "Everyone who does evil is good in the LORD's sight, and he is pleased with them," or "Where is the God of justice?" (HCSB)

The LORD was speaking to the nation of Israel regarding their confused righteous behavior. You see God's people had become so engrossed in the pagan practices of foreign gods that they lost their bearings regarding what the One True God(Yahweh) had established as right and holy. They had begun to do whatever they pleased and then justify such behavior by believing God was okay with this because they continued to make token offerings in the Temple. They were wearing God out!

God's people in Malachi's day had lost all fear of God. They no longer believed that God would come in judgement and hold them accountable for their actions. In addition, they thought that even if God did come He would be pleased with their behavior simply because they were His children. They were trusting in what they felt was right and acceptable rather than what God had clearly said was right and acceptable.

These same beliefs and behaviors are prevalent in our society today. Many claim to be God's children. They say they believe in Jesus Christ. They call Him their Savior. They are convinced they possess the hope of heaven. Yet, their lifestyle is contrary to what God has said in His Word is right and acceptable.

I can not help but be reminded of the words of our LORD in James 2:14 when He says, "What good is it my brothers, if someone says he has faith, but does not have works? Can his faith save him?"(HCSB) James goes on to explain that the answer is a resounding NO! He writes, "In the same way faith, if it doesn't have works, is dead by itself" (James 2:17, HCSB). The reality is many who claim to have faith in Jesus Christ really do not, because their life bares no "works" that validate such faith. On the flip side, there are many who fall into a different category. That is, they have a real faith. They have repented of their sins and trusted in Christ. Their lives have been forever changed by Him. However, they have slipped into a backslidden state by taking their eyes off of Jesus Christ and His Word and fixing them on the cares and ideologies of this world.

In one sense those who fall into either category can be identified with the nation of Israel in Malachi's day. They both wear God out! God will soon come in judgement. He will hold men accountable for their sins. And, when He judges it will be according to His Word, the Bible. Are you prepared for this or are you wearing God out? Think about it!

Take Some Time Today!

2009-12-29T09:23:00.000-08:00

When I was a kid there was a television commercial that always asked the question, "How long has it been since you've had some Wolf Brand Chili? Well that's too long!"(showing my age here I know). In actuality the commercial was really suggesting that setting down at the table to a hot bowl of their chili on a regular basis was a really good thing. I hated those commercials, but they were effective. They always made me want some chili! Perhaps what made them so effective was that they asked the right question. They asked, "how long has it been since you've had something really good?" As Christians we should ask ourselves the same question. No I'm not headed down the "just think positive" or "your best life now" road that so many biblically challenged preachers are on these days. I'm simply suggesting that we should ask the question, "how long has it been since I've had something really good, like some quality time in the Bible?"

It is just much too easy to become so caught up and even overwhelmed with the day to day issues of life that we forget about what is really good. Even as a pastor I have found myself too busy with what's "important" to take time to enjoy and be fed from the Bible. In fact, there have even been times when, shocking I know, I have thought, "I don't want to read the Bible today it's boring". Having said that, I cannot honestly think of a time when I have regretted taking the time to shut the world out and get into the Bible. The Bible is replete with everything we need to grow and mature spiritually, stand firm in spiritual warfare, a connect with Jesus. Believe it or not, it is really good!

I've decided to make a fresh personal commitment to spending quality time reading and studying the Bible some everyday. I know it's not going to be easy. But, I also know it will honor God, it's the right thing to do, and it will be really good! This year as you ponder new goals and resolutions for the coming year consider putting at the top of your list daily Bible reading and study. Go ahead, ask yourself the question, "how long has it been since I've had something really good?" Now go and reward yourself. Take some time today and get in the Word!

Should the Church Provide Healthcare?

2009-02-25T06:52:00.000-08:00

Recently I visited with an individual from the North American Mission Board regarding the possibilities of beginning a free medical clinic ministry hosted by the church I pastor. The clinic's purpose would be to address the needs of the underprivileged in our community (those who likely cannot afford health insurance or prescription drugs). The clinic would be staffed by medical volunteers in the area, and all the equipment and supplies, including basic pharmaceuticals, would be donated free of charge. The clinic would be open a couple of days each month and would provide a great opportunity for our church to build relationships with many individuals and families right in our neighborhood.

This seems like a wonderful opportunity for our church and community. There are a handful of other churches across the state of Oklahoma who are currently doing this type of ministry, but none in our area or the neighboring areas. Nevertheless, this opportunity raises some interesting and challenging theological questions: Should the church involve itself in health care? Is there a scriptural basis for such church involvement? If so, what is it? Does this sort of endeavor fall under the umbrella of "social gospel" rather than "hot gospel"? Will the church be demonstrating the love and compassion of Christ or will we simply be enabling the poor to remain poor?

All of these issues and concerns are definitely pertinent to the overarching question that so many Christians and churches must tackle today, that is, how can we address the needs of our communities without compromising the integrity of the gospel? These are tough questions, but ones that we as believers must be willing to take on, discuss, and come to sound biblical answers regarding. I'm interested to know your thoughts and views. Please post a comment offering your opine.

You Pick the Topic!

2009-02-12T12:25:00.000-08:00

Dear Friends,

For all of you out there following this blog help me out here. I would like to begin writing a series of posts dealing with the difficult ethical situations and decisions facing people in our culture today. My intent is to deal with issues pertinent to your life. Please help me develop a list of such issues. If you have one that interests you comment this post and I'll do my best to address it.

Thanks so much,

Joey

Why I am a Baptist?

2009-01-30T12:16:00.000-08:00

For those out there who maybe be curious what those of us who call ourselves "Southern Baptists" actually believe, I am making the following message series, "Why I am a Baptist? The Confessional Doctrines of Southern Baptists" available to you. This is a series taught by me at the Immanuel Baptist Church in Henryetta, Oklahoma. I welcome all input, comments, and questions. The first message in the series is entitled, "Why I am a Baptist? The Scriptures". Here is the link: <"http://www.talkshoe.com/tc/25783">

Are You a Nehemiah? Part III

2009-01-23T06:17:00.000-08:00

"But I did not do so because of the fear of God." (Nehemiah 5:15c NASB). If there is one element that is clearly absent from most leadership today it is unquestionably the fear of God. Throughout all facets of leadership ideas are dreamed up, decisions are made, and plans are implemented most often without even a token question of whether or not God will be pleased, it is His will, or it will incur his judgement and wrath. These concerns have become so foreign to our current postmodern, secularist, and humanistic ways of thinking that they almost seem to archaic and simplistic to talk about. Nevertheless, these very issues are at the heart of true leadership.

As I was preparing a sermon recently for the "Sanctity of Human Life Sunday" I was sadly reminded of just how tragically we have lost the fear of God in America. My research for the sermon led me to some interesting rediscoveries involving the landmark Supreme Court case regarding abortion, Roe v. Wade. While looking at the findings of the justices, what I found revealing was not so much there decision to uphold abortion rights based upon the "woman's right to privacy", but rather it was the direction the court looked to find the guidance that ultimately led them to such a decision. Supreme Court Justice Harry Blackmun, who wrote the court's opinion, offered the following:

We need not resolve the difficult question of when life begins. When those trained in the respective disciplines of medicine, philosophy, and theology are unable to arrive at any consensus, the judiciary, at this point in the development of man's knowledge, is not in a position to speculate as to the answer.

The obvious point is that the court looked to the counsel of men without ever consulting the guidance, wisdom, or clear counsel of Holy God. As a result, we have seen the destruction of an estimated 50 million unborn human lives since the Roe decision in 1973. I'm quite certain if the court had possessed a healthy fear of God and sought His counsel through the Bible it would have concluded that God is the author of life, even at conception. In addition, it would have understood that God highly values all human life and that He alone possess the authority to decide when a life can be taken. Had the court led in this way the country's current disposition toward abortion, stem cell research, and the like would be drastically different.

The Roe case is just one of many examples of the dangers of leadership devoid of godly fear. On the other hand, Nehemiah offers us a solid example of leadership stooped in the fear of God. Nehemiah had a great burden for his people and their land. He sought God's will through prayer in the midst of his brokenness. He had a vision to return to his homeland and rebuild the city and its walls. He courageously besought the king regarding returning to his homeland. He trusted God to provide the people and resources to accomplish the work. He led the people to pray and seek the face of God when criticism and opposition came regarding their task. And remarkably, even in the midst of such an enormous undertaking Nehemiah continued to fear God and set an example before the people by not partaking of the food allowance that was due him as governor.

Nehemiah was fully aware that many of his countrymen accompanying him in the rebuilding project were poor. In fact, Nehemiah had already rebuked the wealthy in Judah for taking advantage of the poor by charging them high interest on loans and then forcing them to offer their sons and daughters as slaves to pay off the debts. As governor Nehemiah was guaranteed a special portion of food from the king. Nehemiah chose not to partake of this allotment because he genuinely cared about his fellow countrymen, knew it was wrong, and primarily, because he feared God.

Nehemiah understood the most basic and fundamental element of truly successful leadership, fearing God. He was committed to leading the people to follow only the path that pleased God. In doing so he chose to set aside his own personal comforts and pleasures, the opinion of varying interest groups, and the wisdom of his age. Oh how we need such leadership in our world today! This is something well worth our consideration. Are you a Nehemiah?

Are You a Nehemiah? Part II

2008-12-22T13:02:00.000-08:00

"So I prayed to the God of heaven" (Nehemiah 2:4b NASB). This was the response of Nehemiah after King Artaxerxes asked him what he would like to have done regarding the desolation of his homeland, Jerusalem. At first glance this seems like a very nonchalant response. Nehemiah prayed. What's the big deal? After all, most of us would do the same would we not? What is interesting is not that Nehemiah prayed, rather it is how he prayed.

As we saw in the previous post, Nehemiah lived during the time of Israel's captivity in Babylon. This captivity followed the deportation and exile of the Jew's from the ancient Kingdom of Judah in 586 BC. As a part of this watershed event in Jewish history the great city of Jerusalem was sacked, walls burned, and laid in ruin. When word of this finally reached Nehemiah the Scripture tells us that he was deeply grieved, burdened, and began to pray:

I beseech You, O LORD God of heaven, the great and awesome God, who preserves the covenant and lovingkindness for those who love Him and keep His commandments, let Your ear be attentive and Your eyes open to hear the prayer of Your servant which I am praying before You now, day and night, on behalf of the sons of Israel Your servants, confessing the sins of the sons of Israel which we have sinned against You; I and my father's house have sinned. We have acted very corruptly against You and have not kept the commandments, nor the statutes, nor the ordinances which You commanded Your servant Moses, saying, 'If you are unfaithful I will scatter you among the peoples; but if you return to Me and keep My commandments and do them, though those of you who have been scattered were in the most remote part of the heavens, I will gather them from there and will bring them to the place where I have chosen to cause My name to dwell.' They are Your servants and Your people whom You redeemed by Your great power and by Your strong hand. O Lord, I beseech You, may Your ear be attentive to the prayer of Your servant and the prayer of Your servants who delight to revere Your name, and make Your servant successful today and grant him compassion before this man. (Neh. 1:5-11 NASB)

Now there are many things we can learn from Nehemiah's prayer. However, for the sake of brevity allow me to share just a few quick things.

First, notice that Nehemiah did not just pray once, but "day and night". So many times we may become discouraged that our prayers are never answered in the manner we feel they should be. Much of this may be the result of a lack of persistence in our praying. Jesus addressed this when He instructed his followers to "ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you (Mat. 7:7 ESV). In the original language (Greek) the verbs "ask", "seek", and "knock" are in the continuous action tense. This means the words are better translated, ask and keep on asking, seek and keep on seeking, knock and keep on knocking. What Jesus was teaching here is persistence in prayer. Let us be clear, Jesus is not suggesting that if we bug God enough He will eventually just give in and give us what we want. What He is teaching is that there is mysteriously a correlation between our passionate persistence and fervency in prayer and God's answering. Nehemiah was determined to continue to approach God until he received an answer. I'm confident we would find much clearer and satisfying answers to our prayers if we learn to pray in this manner.

A second thing we should notice in Nehemiah's prayer is his obvious contrition. If you are like me then you find yourself often times developing a pattern of prayer that could be described more as selfish as opposed to submissive. It is easy for us to treat God like some sort of a cosmic grandparent (meaning we expect He should give us just about anything we ask for). When we do this we have sinned against God because we have in effect committed idolatry. That is, we have worshipped the god we have created in our own minds rather than the one true God revealed to us in the Bible. To the contrary, Nehemiah clarified in his prayer just who this God was he was praying to, "O LORD God of heaven, the great and awesome God, who preserves the covenant and lovingkindness for those who love Him and keep His commandments..." Obviously Nehemiah understood that God is greater than him and sovereign over him thus he submitted to him. This I believe is the starting point of contrition. For Nehemiah prayer was not just about what God could do for him, but more so how Nehemiah could serve God.

Nehemiah was truly broken hearted and repentant over his sin and the sin of his people. He confessed those sins to God and then pleaded with God to keep His promises to His people. Nehemiah was not asking for God to simply give him what he wanted. He was asking for God to allow him to be a part of accomplishing what God wanted. The Scripture does not expressly tell us that God told Nehemiah that He wanted him to be the one to go back to Jerusalem and lead the effort to rebuild the city. However, it is implied in Nehemiah's answering of King Artaxerxes, "if it please the king, and if your servant has found favor before you, send ME to Judah, to the city of my fathers' tombs, that I may rebuild it." Through Nehemiah's persistent prayer and contrite heart God shaped Nehemiah's perspective and desire to be willing to walk through the door He provided. Nehemiah went on to be the successful leader he became largely because of how he prayed. Are you a Nehemiah?

"Is it in You?"

2008-12-19T04:28:00.000-08:00

Here's a video sent to me from a fellow blogger. It is a bit of a spin from the recent Gatorade commercials where the athletes sweat the color of Gatorade they have been drinking. Take a look and then answer the question: Is it in you?

Just a Little Silly Humor!

2008-12-18T15:57:00.000-08:00

Just thought I would lighten the load for everyone with a little silly humor i found:

Everyone be sure to comment and let me know your thoughts on this! Also, if you have some other good silly humor stuff let me know.

Are You a Nehemiah?

2008-12-17T11:56:00.000-08:00

Recently I have been teaching through the book of Nehemiah on Wednesday evenings. It has been a true challenge and joy. This book gives us such a wonderful reminder of how God works in our world and in His people. John MacArthur says, "Nehemiah is a book about dreaming big dreams, about solving monumental problems, about the power of prayer, about standing strong in the face of harsh opposition, and about motivating people and leading groups to do great works for a great God." The book of Nehemiah truly speaks to all of the great needs facing us today. As I continue to study this rich book there are several things that should stand out and speak powerfully to us in our current times. Throughout the next several blog entries I'll be sharing some of these things.

Allow me to start where the book itself starts, with the man Nehemiah. Nehemiah must have been a unique and intriguing man. However, we get very little from the Scriptures about the make up of his personality. The Scriptures do tell us that he was a Jew and the cupbearer for King Artaxerxes during the time of the Babylonian captivity. Moreover, the Scriptures give us wonderful insight into his heart, character and integrity.

It goes without saying that anyone who stood in the unenviable position of king's cupbearer was an individual who possessed at least a high enough level of integrity to earn the king's trust (As cupbearer Nehemiah was the one who tasted the king's food and drink testing it for poison). One might argue that Nehemiah possessed such integrity because his life depended on it! While this may have been the case to a certain degree(Nehemiah 2:2), I believe his integrity was ultimately the result of his deep-seated faith in God.

It is this faith that drove Nehemiah to brokeness and contrition when he discovered that his homeland laid burned and in ruin. It is also this faith that gave Nehemiah the courage to ask the king to allow him to return to Jerusalem to rebuild the city. Nehemiah was a man who saw the great need of his people and the great sin of his people against God. Although he easily could have continued living a life of ease and comfort as a member of the king's court, his concern was for something greater than himself. He developed a burden for change.

Today, more than ever, we need individuals of character like Nehemiah who will look beyond their own comforts, desires, and pleasures in this life and will see the ruin that exists as the result of God's people once again falling captive. No longer captive to the Babylonians, Persians, Assyrians, etc., rather captive to selfishness, lust, materialism, greed, covetousness, and so forth. We need leaders cast from the mold of Nehemiah who will allow themselves to be broken before God and cry out for true change. We need "Christians" who once again care enough about God's people, plan, and purposes that with great courage will hear the voice of God, step out on faith, and become an instrument of change! Are you a Nehemiah?

Where Have All the Moral Questions Gone?

2008-10-08T18:29:00.000-07:00

As I have contemplated and analyzed last night's Presidential debate I have found myself continually perplexed by what I watched. I am fully aware that the great pressing concern of Americans right now is the economy. I also believe our national defense is a high priority. What absolutely puzzles me though, is the fact that neither candidate spoke (nor did they in the first debate) to me. That is, neither spoke to Evangelical Christians.

It's clear both candidates were attempting to hit hard on the hot button issues that interest swing voters. I'm also aware that the majority of the questions were asked from audience members. Nonetheless, it appears the candidates have either forgotten or taken for granted a great part of the voting public. My guess is that they feel they can sidestep many of the toughest questions each would be faced with as president, the "moral" questions.

Both campaigns would like to believe that since their candidates are not being forced to speak to these issues, the issues have somehow faded off the scene and out of existence. Thankfully, some are still raising these tough questions. In fact, the day before the debate George Weigel of, Newsweek, reminded us of some of these tough, yet very important questions in his article, Dangling Conversations: Posing the Moral Questions Facing the Next President. Here are his questions:

ON MATTERS OF FOREIGN POLICY
1. This past April, Pope Benedict XVI spoke at the United Nations of the "duty to protect" and described it as the litmus test of political legitimacy. Does the United States have a moral obligation to act, alone or in concert with others, when governments manifestly fail in their "duty to protect"?

2. Religiously-shaped moral conviction plays multiple, dynamic roles in 21st century world politics. Very few people at the Department of State, the Department of Defense, or the Central Intelligence Agency understand this. What will you do to change that?

3. Forget the chatter about "preemption." The correct term, within the classic just war tradition, is "the morally justified first-use of armed force." Do you think the first use of armed force is ever morally justifiable? Is so, when? If not, why not?

4. What role does distorted religious conviction play in creating the dangers we face from terrorists? How can American public diplomacy address those convictions?

5. What is the responsibility of the United States to help ensure that the new Iraq is safe for all its religious communities? What is the moral responsibility of the U.S. government toward displaced Iraqi Christians, many of whom have fled the country?

ON MATTERS OF DOMESTIC POLICY
6. Do you consider homosexuality the equivalent of race for purposes of U.S. civil rights law?

7. Is any public defense of classic biblical sexual morality a de facto act of intolerance and discrimination against gays?

8. Should Roman Catholic and evangelical social service agencies working with orphans be legally required to consider gay couples on an equal basis as foster-care providers? How about as potential adoptive parents?

9. Does the increasingly assertive role played by federal courts in adjudicating hotly contested questions of public policy threaten the moral fabric of American democracy, by taking serious decisions out of the hands of the people and their elected representatives? Are we becoming morally lazy in allowing the courts to decide so many issues for us?

10. Are you at all concerned that the trajectory of Supreme Court jurisprudence over the past six decades risks driving religiously informed moral argument out of our public life?

11. What is the moral balance to be struck between sensible work on climate change and the aspirations of the Third World poor, many of whom live in countries dependent on high-carbon-emission technologies for economic development?

12. How would your administration foster a culture of savings and personal financial responsibility in the United States?

13. What role, if any, should Washington play in elevating our national cultural life? Does it bother you that pornography is a major American export, and if so, what might be done about that?

14. What, if any, is the moral difference between a Supreme Court decision that puts unborn children outside the protection of the laws and a Supreme Court decision that once put black Americans outside the protection of the laws?

15. Does the ability to reprogram adult cells so that they function like embryonic stem cells change the moral character of the debate over stem cell research?

ON MATTERS OF CHARACTER
16. For what are you willing to risk your popularity, and perhaps your re-election?

17. Are you prepared to dismiss a subordinate who may be a friend, but who is manifestly not up to the requirements of the office to which you appointed him or her?

18. Can you live with able subordinates who are prepared to tell you, "Mr. President, you're wrong"?

19. There are things a president cannot tell the American people. But are there circumstances in which you would deem it your responsibility to mislead the American people? To deny what you know to be true? To affirm what you know to be false?

20. Who are your moral heroes?

Regardless of the issues the mainstream media and the two campaigns want to tell us matter most, we must do whatever possible to make sure these fundamentally important issues remain at the forefront and are not altogether dismissed. This will not be easy, but here a few suggestions that will help. First, personally research each candidate's political track record. Next, read carefully each parties platform (these generally can be downloaded from a party's official website). Finally, vote your conscience at the pole.

What's Really at Stake, Saving the Planet or Saving Souls?

2008-10-05T20:30:00.000-07:00

In a recent Newsweek article, a Religious-Right Revival, Lisa Miller suggests that Republican presidential nominee, Senator John McCain's selection of Alaskan Governor, Sarah Palin as his veep candidate has sparked a renewal of enthusiasm among the traditional religious right. Miller notes that a new, younger generation of evangelicals have moved beyond the traditional hot button issues of abortion and same sex marriage to issues more in tune with the mainstream such as "global warming, Darfur, illiteracy, human trafficking, preventable disease", etc. While this shift in cares among the "new" evangelicals is really no surprise, since these are the issues pertinent to their generation. It is the driving force behind this shift in concerns suggested by Miller that I find attention grabbing. Where as traditional evangelicals have been primarily motivated by things such as the preservation of the freedom to propagate the Gospel of Jesus Christ to all people, upholding the sanctity of human life, and restoring the traditional family. Today's younger evangelicals are "Eager to help care for the planet, these Christians are building bridges between left and right, between the secular and the devout, even among subscribers to different holy books. These "new" evangelicals, according to the mainstream press, are exciting now because they're politically powerful."

Did you catch it? Their primary motivation is the planet! Now do not misunderstand me, I care for our planet. I believe our planet is very important. In fact, I happen to think it is the most important planet in our universe. I also, understand that we have a God-given responsibility to be good stewards of this planet. However, what I do not understand is why these new evangelicals have made preserving planet Earth the great calling of their generation.

I suspect several contributing factors. However, allow me to touch on what I believe to be the one that tops the list and concerns me most, a diminished view of the authority of the Bible. Miller reported that "of the 60 million white evangelicals in this country, 60 percent of them believe the Bible is literally true." This suggests that 40 percent of them do not believe the Bible to be authoritative for their lives (It is probably not to great a stretch to also suggest that the majority of the 60 percent is made up by traditional evangelicals). Since so many of the younger professing evangelical Christians are not looking to the Bible as the primary basis for the development of their worldview, they must look to other outlets such as pop culture and the mainstream media to form their views. This is why they have developed a distorted non-Biblical outlook that sees taking care of the planet more important than reaching souls with the Gospel. It is also precisely why these evangelicals have put aside the "divisive religious rhetoric" and have no problem uniting with followers of distinctly different faiths. Is it any wonder they have become politically powerful? Unfortunately, in becoming so they have compromised the long standing identity of evangelical Christians in America and undermined the decades of hard work, prayer, and action so many faithful traditional evangelicals have given.

As for the enthusiasm of traditional evangelicals with relation to Governor Palin, there are many things that make her attractive. There is her so called "maverick" reputation, the fact that she is young and a woman, or even the fact that she is a faithful wife and "hockey mom" of a traditional family. However, what I believe makes her most attractive to traditional evangelicals is the fact that she is a conservative evangelical Christian who is shaped by a Biblical worldview. She has been an agent of change in a state where leftist environmentalists have thrived. She led her state in making great contributions to the country regarding the production of oil and other natural resources. She obviously is not a part of the new breed of evangelicals who are focused on saving the planet, and for that I am thankful. We do not yet know enough about the governor to know exactly what kind of an evangelistic passion she possesses, but I have a hunch she like her fellow traditional evangelicals values the saving of human lives for eternity far more than saving the planet.

Sorry It's Been So Long!

2008-08-14T10:50:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone, Please alow me to apologize for not posting anything new for several months. Life as a pastor often becomes so demanding that generally simple things, such as blogging, become difficult to fit in to a busy a schedule. Nevertheles, today I just had to make time.

For years I have been reading Charles Spurgeon's, Morning and Evening, daily devotional book. I've tried several other devotionals but none have proven to be nearly as rich as Spurgeon. This morning's read was such an encouragement to me that I felt compelled to share. Here it is:

"For You Lord, have made me glad through Your work."

Psalm 92:4

Do you believe that your sins are forgiven and that Christ has made a full atonement for them? Then you should be a joyful Christian. You should live above the common trials and troubles of this world!

Since your sin is forgiven, can it matter what happens to you now? Luther said, "Smite, Lord, smite, for my sin is forgiven; if You have but forgiven me, smite as hard as You will." In a similar spirit you may say, "Send sickness, poverty, losses, crosses, persecution. Send what You will, You have forgiven me and my soul is glad."

Christian, if you are saved, be glad, grateful, and loving. Cling to the cross that took your sin away. Serve Him who served you. "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service" (Romans 12:1)

Do not let your zeal evaporate in the vapor of some little song. Show your love in expressive expressions. Love the believers in Him who loved you (Romans 12:10). If there is a Mephibosheth who is lame or in need, help him for Jonathan's sake (2 Samuel 9:3ff). Where there are poor tried believers, weep with them; carry their cross for the sake of Him who wept for you and carried your sins.

Since you are forgiven freely (Romans 8:32), for Christ's sake go and tell others the joyful news of pardoning mercy. Do not be content to keep this unspeakable blessing for yourself alone. Preach the story of the cross. Holy gladness and holy boldness will make you a good preacher, and all the world will be your pulpit.

Cheerful holiness is the most forcible of sermons, but the Lord must give it. Seek it this morning before you go into the world. When you rejoice in the Lord's work, there is no need to be afraid of being too glad.

I hope you were as uplifted and challenged by the words of the great preacher as I was. May we all live this day and this life filled with His gladness!

Did You Know God Still Uses Kids?

2007-11-30T20:38:00.002-08:00

The Bible has no shortage of episodes in which God chose the services of a juvenile to further His purposes. Instantly, the names Joseph, Samuel, David, Josiah, and Mary come to mind. When we think of such historical figures from the Ancient Text we often are unaware or simply forget that so many that God used to impact the world were indeed just kids. Perhaps we fail to make bigger of this because we find so few instances where kids are making a difference in the world today. Let's be honest, almost all we hear these days regarding young people centers around disrespect and dilinquency. However, regardless of how dark things may appear there is always a glimmer of light that shines. In this case, such a glimmer of light bares the name Austin.

Austin Gutwein is the twelve year old founder of "Hoops of Hope," an organization he started three years ago with the purpose of helping the 15 million kids in Africa orphaned by HIV/AIDS. Austin was interested in many of the same things most nine year old boys in America are. At the top of the list was making his school's basketball team. This was until he watched a video that showed children who had lost their parents to the awful epidemic of AIDS. Austin says he "realized these kids werent any different from me except they were suffering. I felt God calling me to do someting to help them." So what did he do? He quit worrying about making the team and started making a difference. "I decided to shoot free throws and on World AIDS Day, 2004, I shot 2,057 free throws to represent the 2,057 kids who would be orphaned during my day at school. People sponsored me and we were able to raise almost $3,000. That year, the money was used by World Vision to provide hope to 8 orphan children."

Since its inception just three years ago, "Hoops of Hope" has seen thousands join Austin by shooting freethrows to raise money. Thus far the ministry has raised over $160,000 which has provided food, clothing, shelter, medical care, and a school for those orphaned by AIDS in Zambia. Austin has set a goal for his organization to raise $150,000 this year to build a medical lab in Sinazongwe, Zambia. The lab will provide much needed testing and medication for parents affected by the horrific disease.

How refreshing it is to hear of a young man heeding the call of God and making a difference in this destitute world. What is God calling you to do? Has he placed a burden upon your heart for someone, some people, or some country that is hurting and in need? You too can make a difference, no matter what your age! Just go do it!

Hoops of Hope Links:

http://www.hoopsofhope.org/

On Mission in Mexico!

2007-08-14T18:39:00.000-07:00

What a wonderful experience we had ministering on our Mexico trip! These are just a few of the photos I took demonstrating the ministry in which we were engaged. Our efforts were really two-fold. First, we spent our mornings and early afternoons at First Baptist, Fabens doing various tasks such as, cleaning, painting, repairing windows, organizing closets and storage facilities, and prayer walking and canvassing the niegborhood. Second, during the evenings we crossed the border and held preaching revival meetings along with bible schools at churches in three border towns.

In addition to the opportunity of getting to unite with other Christians and exercise a common passion for taking the "gospel to every creature", the trip provided a refreshing means of meeting believers living in a distinctly different culture, speaking a distinctly different language, yet serving the same distinct Jesus! Throughout the trip we were able to minister to over three hundred people through our bible schools. Six adults came to faith in Jesus and many folks in the churches responded by filling the alters to pray for their unbelieving neighbors. Praise God for His bountiful goodness to us!

In closing, allow me to say a special thanks to those of you who lifted us up continually in prayer during the trip. Your prayers were certainly warranted and felt. May God grant you a great big blessing!

God Bless,

Pastor Joey

Making a Run for the Border! Mexico Mission Trip

2007-07-21T04:29:00.000-07:00

Yesterday thirty-eight of us loaded up in three church vans, a mini van, and a pickup truck pulling a trailer headed for the Texas border town of Fabens. We are on a mission trip comprised of individuals from various different churches in the North Canadian Baptist Association of Oklahoma. Our plans are to take the gospel to the people of three separate communities just across the border in Mexico. We will be participating in Bible Schools, evangelistic revivals, and various other ministry endeavours in the local baptist church of each of these three communities.What anticipation there is regarding what the Lord plans to do!

Right now as I write I am sitting in the hotel lobby of the La Quinta Inn in Sweetwater, Texas. Sweetwater is about halfway between Henryetta, Oklahoma (our departing point) and Fabens, Texas (our destination). Soon we will be having breakfast, a time of devotion, and hitting the road again to make the final half of the trip. Thus far the trip has been relatively uneventful, except for the two flat tires we experienced on the trailer yesterday. This was a minor setback that caused five of us to arrive at the hotel a few hours later than the rest of the group. However, no real damage was done. In fact, we are just "pressing on"!

In addition to keeping everyone informed of the inns-and-outs of the trip and offering a few photos to illustrate them, I want to offer an interesting thought that has been on my mind thus far on the trip. You see we are a group of Christians from America headed to a foreign country to take the gospel to people in need of a Savior. This sort of activity is certainly not unusual practice for American churches. In fact, it has become as common an item dawning church summer calendars these days as Vacation Bible School and Camp. I am quite confident that this sort of activity is not at all uncommon for our foreign neighbors to receive as well. After all, American churches have been taking mission teams to foreign soil for decades. So the thought that has regularly been infiltrating my mind stems from this question, how long will it be until it becomes common practice for churches of foreign countries to send mission teams to our American communities on a regular basis?

I am aware there are already foreign mission teams that regularly come to the U.S. However, though the number of these groups is growing annually, most of these endeavors remain so few that we Americans hardly notice. To the contrary, what I am envisioning is a day when our communities are inundated with various foreign mission teams here on our soil simply to share the gospel. To think about this occurring in the Unites States seems ridiculous. After all, we are the mighty US. We are the one's who are considered the most dominant Christian nation in all the world. We are the one's who, for all intents and purposes, created the modern short-term mission trip. How could this ever happen here?

It is sad to consider such possibilities. Some may even consider it far fetched. To those who doubt, allow me just to remind you that there was once a day when our British neighbors "across the pond" considered it absurd to think that they would one day be so dominated by Secularism and Islam that American church mission teams would turn their focus toward the British Isles as a hotbed for gospel preaching. All signs point to a U.S. that is headed for the same sad predicament. It may still be several years or even decades before we see this come to fruition. Regardless, the day is coming. Let's just hope that our Christian neighbors around the globe care as much or more about the souls of Americans as we have about theirs through the yeas.

Christians and the Etiquette for the Road

2007-07-15T19:34:00.000-07:00

We have all seen the fish emblem on the trunk, the cross decal on the rear windshield, the "Honk if you love Jesus!" bumper sticker, or any number of other religious automobile placards intended to make a distinctive Christian statement to roadway onlookers. Unfortunately, we probably all share common experiences that have found us observing these symbols as the vehicles dawning them whiz by us vastly exceeding the speed limit or cutting us off. To be honest, every time this has happened to me I have initially thought, "what a hypocrite". Admittedly this is the wrong attitude. But if I as a Christian am reacting this way, I can not help but wonder how unbelievers receive such rude behavior. Although I and many other Christians are not choosing to state our faith on the roadways by driving vehicles clad with Christian symbols or bumper stickers, such behavior has caused me to do some evaluating as to what sort of statement, if any at all, Christians should be making on the road and what should be the proper etiquette for the road.

Since all Christians have been given the Scriptural mandate to be "salt and light" to the world in which we live, the question as to whether or not we should seek to demonstrate our faith on the roadways is certainly obvious. The greater question then is, how can we most effectively do this? As previously mentioned, many choose to do this by displaying distinctly Christian emblems or stickers on their vehicles. While I am not suggesting that this is a wrong thing to do, I simply am not sure this is the best way of accomplishing the goal. While the stickers and emblems do tend to identify us as Christians, I am not convinced anyone has ever effectively been drawn to Christianity because someone they knew identified himself as a Christian (much less someone they have never met). I actually think there is a more effective way. I believe we can demonstrate the love of Christ simply by practicing the proper road etiquette.

Please allow me to suggest three major points of emphasis in regard to etiquette for the road:

1. Obey the traffic laws. As Christians we are called to obey the laws of the land. Therefore this should be an obvious point. However, many of us have developed bad habits through the years such as floating stop signs, not turning on blinkers at appropriate times, etc. Remember the laws exist to keep you and others on the road safe. Showing the love of Christ on the road starts with loving people enough to seek their safety.

2. Slow down and be courteous. I know this can be extremely difficult given the "rat race" we live in today. Regardless, we need to seek to live at a moderate pace of life so that we are not rushed, causing us to make poor and selfish decisions that are rude (This means no more hotrodding fellas). It will also be helpful if we stay off the cellphones and find another time to do our make up (ladies).

3. Avoid road rage at all costs. Given what we are trying to accomplish here, this seems rather obvious. However, if you do find yourself becoming angered by the actions of others on the roadways seek to channel that anger into a loving response rather than an outburst of rage.

Perhaps none of these actions alone is ever going to cause any individual to say to herself, "wow! I think I want to become a Christian". But, if enough Christians become dedicated to showing the love of Christ to others on the road perhaps we can demonstrate that we do take our faith seriously and we are not simply a bunch of hypocrites. This could help some to become intrigued by the uniqueness of the Christian faith, or at least prevent many from being completely turned off by it.

God still hates evildoers!

2007-07-12T18:02:00.000-07:00

"For you are not a God who delights in wickedness; evil may not dwell with you. The boastful shall not stand before your eyes; you hate all evildoers." Psalm 5:4-5 (ESV, emphasis added)

It certainly is not popular today to suggest that God hates anything, much less anyone. However, if we are going to stay true to Sacred Scripture and effectively deliver the unadulterated gospel, we must be willing to accept that there are numerous things that God despises and a specific category of individuals that God, in the final analysis, will simply not tolerate.

Because God is holy He absolutely finds no pleasure in wickedness and will not allow even the slightest hint of evil to enter His presence. All wickedness, and consequently all of those who practice such evil, stand in clear violation of God's righteous law and character. Therefore, God's wrath is demonstrated against such iniquity.

Romans 3:23 (ESV) teaches us that "all have sinned" and because of this we are all deserving of God's divine wrath and justice. Even the writer of the Psalm, King David, was guilty of violating God's law and was himself an evildoer. So how is it that David sees himself separated from the category of individuals that God is against? And, if we have all violated God's law, how are any of us to escape God's wrath? Is God just some cosmic killjoy?

The answer is simply no! You see in the Old Testament God gave the sacrificial system to Israel whereby the High Priest would enter once a year on the Day of Atonement into the Holy of Holies (in the Temple) to sprinkle the blood of a spotless lamb upon the altar of the Mercy Seat. This sprinkling of blood held back God's wrath from being poured out against the sins of His people Israel for another year. The focus of God's wrath was shifted from the sinful people to the spotless sacrifice. This very system had to be continued until God provided the ultimate sacrifice that was an offering "once for all" (Hebrews 7:27, ESV) when Jesus, the Spotless Lamb, shed His blood on the cross of Calvary. In this great sacrifice all of God's wrath that was intended for sinful mankind, you and me, Jesus assumed. Because of this, all who repent of their sins and put their complete trust in Jesus Christ as their Saviour and Lord are placed under the blood of Jesus and are protected from God's wrath.

You see, God still hates evildoers. And one day the fullness of His wrath and judgement will be against those who have rejected His Son's sacrifice and refused to put their trust in His Son for salvation. God will one day deal with wickedness and all evildoers. This message is offensive and harsh to many today. But, nonetheless, it is the foundation of the gospel. Dear friend, if you have not trusted in Christ's atoning sacrifice for your sins and have not accepted Him as your Saviour. I urge you to wait no longer, come to Jesus!