The Ideal Christmas

We have all seen the picture: a perfectly decorated home ready to be filled with the joyous family gathering. Nothing wrong with that. Most every wife and mother wants their family to gather in a beautifully decorated home filled with food, gifts, and love. Many families gather each Christmas and have a wonderful time together. That’s great.

The problem comes when we feel that the ideal Christmas must mean that our life is ideal. Let’s just get real. If the ideal Christmas must mean that our family is ideal, our job is ideal, our friends are ideal, and our church is ideal then we are destined for disappointment and a joyless Christmas. Whatever is NOT IDEAL about our lives typically comes front and center at Christmas. Everything from that co-worker who once again offended us at the office Christmas party to the troubled family member and everything in between seeks to steal the joy and peace of our Christmas.

I have good news for you, dear friend. Christmas did not begin in an ideal fashion, and, I would argue, is not intended to be the time we showcase our ideal life. In fact, the first Christmas was HARD and MESSY.

“Now in those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus, that a census be taken of all the inhabited earth. This was the first census taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. And everyone was on his way to register for the census, each to his own city. Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the city of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David, in order to register along with Mary, who was engaged to him, and was with child. While they were there, the days were completed for her to give birth. And she gave birth to her firstborn son; and she wrapped Him in cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.” (Luke 2:1–7, NASB95)

We read this familiar section of the Christmas story and the familiarity of it makes us miss the difficulty Mary and Joseph experienced. They had already endured months of ridicule and gossip because Mary came up pregnant during their betrothal period. We know that she conceived by the Holy Spirit and had not been unfaithful. No doubt many of her peers and townspeople did not believe that explanation. In addition, they dealt with the difficulty of traveling while pregnant. Remember, they weren’t riding in a luxury SUV. In those days travel was difficult under the best of circumstances. Finally, they dealt with the difficulty of being unable to find accommodations and having the baby out in the stables with the animals. Think about that. If we look closely, we see that there was NOTHING ideal about the first Christmas. In fact, the first Christmas was messy and hard.

The first Christmas was not about ideal. The first Christmas was about the goodness of God and His grace in sending the world a Savior. Remember what the angels proclaimed when Christ was born?

“In the same region there were some shepherds staying out in the fields and keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord suddenly stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were terribly frightened. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” (Luke 2:8–11, NASB95)

Christmas has never been about ideal. In fact, Christmas happened because everything was NOT ideal in this world. An ideal world filled with ideal people who live ideal lives certainly doesn’t need a savior. From the beginning, Christmas was about the saving work of God in Christ Jesus and the hope it offers humanity. That’s it. Remember the testimony of the angels: “….for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is the Christ the Lord.”

Using that definition of Christmas, we can let go of our idealized version of it where we beat ourselves up and put so much pressure on ourselves. Using that definition of Christmas, we can redefine the ideal Christmas we are seeking…

The ideal Christmas is more about what God is doing than what I am doing.

The ideal Christmas is focused on what I have in Christ more than what I do not have in this life.

The ideal Christmas speaks more of God’s faithfulness to my family than what is wrong with my family.

The ideal Christmas remembers that nothing can separate me from the love of God no matter how I may feel.

The ideal Christmas speaks hope because the same Jesus who appeared in the manger at his first advent is returning in power and glory at his second advent.

The ideal Christmas knows I have received the greatest gift and no circumstances can ever take it away.

“Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!” (2 Corinthians 9:15, NASB95)

Have a Merry (more ideal) Christmas!

“Our Disappointments are His Appointments”

Those words are a quote from the late pastor A.T. Pierson. I ran across this quote while preparing a message from 2 Samuel 7 where David greatly desires to build the temple but God tells him he isn’t going to get to do it. So how did David respond? Undoubtedly, he was disappointed, but David helped prepare the way for someone else (his son) to do what he wanted to do. David took his disappointment and viewed it as an appointment to faithfulness even when it was not what he wanted. This application reminded me of a key verse from Proverbs…

“The heart of man plans his way, but the LORD establishes his steps.” (Proverbs 16:9, ESV)

In more than 30 years as a pastor, I don’t believe I have ever talked to anyone who told me their life had unfolded just the way they planned. I have talked with hundreds of people who said things like “I never dreamed….” or “I thought it was all over after….” before sharing how the Lord has been faithful to them. We make our plans, but the Lord guides our steps. He takes us places we never envisioned going. Sometimes those places are great and positive. Sometimes those places are hard and long. Sometimes we don’t get our way. Sometimes our plans get wrecked. Sometimes the Lord has us walk through disappointment.

How do we respond when our plans are wrecked? View our disappointments as God’s appointments to faithfulness where we are.

This past Sunday morning, I used the A.T. Pierson quote in my sermon and made this statement: “Whatever we are disappointed about in our lives just feels a little worse at Christmas.” After the services, a number of people talked with me, affirming the truth of that statement. I challenged our church family to view our personal disappointments as God’s appointments to faithfulness and “flip the script” this Christmas.

Many of us are carrying the heavy burdens of disappointments. They take many forms. Sometimes our disappointments come packaged in dreams that didn’t come true. Sometimes our disappointments come packaged in brutal tragedies or events we would have never chosen. Sometimes our disappointments come packaged in poor choices that we made. Sometimes our disappointments come packaged in poor choices that others made.

Think of a particularly painful disappointment you are feeling. What if you viewed it as God’s appointment to faithfulness where you are right now? Acknowledge the hurt and disappointment, but don’t live there indefinitely. Choose hope. Choose joy. Choose obedience. Choose faithfulness.

Your disappointment truly is God’s appointment.

Be encouraged in Jesus!

A Word About the 2024 Election

This week, I read a quite disturbing article. A significant research project by the well-known George Barna recently revealed that as many as 30 million evangelical Christians in America may not vote in this election. The reasons are varied, ranging from disgust at the toxic political environment to disillusionment with both presidential candidates. Some even take the position that Christians should not get involved in politics at all. Certainly, I share many of those feelings about the toxic bitterness, division, and problems with both presidential candidates. However, please let me share why I believe not voting isn’t the right choice.

GOD’S PEOPLE ARE TO INFLUENCE THE CULTURE.

First of all, God’s people are to “seek the welfare of the city” (Jeremiah 29:7) where God has us living. Those words were spoken to his people in exile in a foreign land. Yes, God’s people are not at home in this world – just passing through this troubled world on our way home. Yes, God’s kingdom is not of this world. In a sense, God’s people are exiles in this land. Voting is NOT contradictory to these Biblical truths. Voting is NOT a statement that you are looking to the government to be your Savior. Voting is simply an effort to seek the welfare of our city/nation by electing men and women who will lead in a wise way.

Additionally, Jesus said his people are to be “salt and light” in the culture (Matthew 5:13-14). Christians are to be both the preserving agents of truth and righteousness as well as those who share truth and righteousness. Voting is an opportunity to influence the culture toward greater truth and righteousness – at least to some degree.

Finally, in Romans 13:2-3 the Bible says that God actually ordained civil government for two basic reasons: to restrain evil and reward good. Think about it. Without some form of government, society quickly descends into violent chaos. This scenario has happened many times in history. As corrupt or incompetent as the government can be, we would be in far worse shape without it. Voting is our greatest opportunity to shape and influence the government for good.

I agree with the late great Adrian Rogers who once said, “It’s inconceivable that God would ordain human government, then tell his people to stay out of it!”

THE LACK OF A PERFECT CANDIDATE DOESN’T MEAN WE SHOULDN’T PARTICIPATE.

I have never voted for a perfect candidate – first of all because there has never been one! There have been candidates I felt much better about voting for than others. Truly, I wish there was a candidate who perfectly embodied Biblical, Christian values and openly called the the country to live by them. In the absence of such a candidate, I must make the best choice out of the choices I have before me. Still, I will vote. Why? When asked about paying taxes, Jesus made it clear that we are to participate even in a corrupt government: “render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s and to God the things that are God’s.” (Matthew 22:21)

POLITICS AFFECTS ALL OF US.

The leadership choices our nation makes affect all of us. “I am not involved in politics,” someone says. Well, politics is most definitely involved with you. The leaders of our nation set tax rates, regulations, legislation, and millions of other things that affect our daily lives. In addition, those who lead our nation help to lead the world. Truly, elections have consequences. You have no choice, this election will affect you. The issue is whether or not you will affect this election.

DON’T ALLOW LIBERAL LABELS TO SHAME YOU INTO NOT VOTING.

If you vote your conservative Christian values, you are not a bigot, “Christian nationalist” or any other label the liberal left throws at you. Personally, I believe much of that is an effort to shame Christians and suppress the evangelical Christian vote. Make no mistake, those with a liberal, secular worldview WILL be voting their convictions. Somehow, it’s only evangelical Christians who are told we should not vote our convictions. Don’t believe it.

VOTE FOR BIBLICAL PRINCIPLES.

Political parties change. Politicians flip-flop on issues. The Word of God never changes. It pierces the hearts of both Republicans and Democrats and condemns the sins of both. I would never advise anyone to vote with blind allegiance to any party or any person. I would urge everyone to vote according to Biblical, Christian principles. What do I mean? This isn’t original with me, but I recently read it and found it helpful….

How Will I Vote in November?

I will vote for the most pro-life candidate because the Bible is clear that life begins at conception (Psalm 139:13-16) and God hates the shedding of innocent blood (Proverbs 6:17).

I will vote for the candidate who values freedom of speech, religious liberty, and other freedoms because every human being is made in the image of God and is worthy of dignity and respect. (Genesis 1:27)

I will vote for the most pro-marriage candidate because God created and ordained marriage as defined in Genesis 2:24.

I will vote for the candidate who most closely believes the government’s main purpose is to punish evil and reward good. (Romans 13)

I will vote for the most fiscally responsible candidate because the borrower is a servant to the lender. (Proverbs 22:7).

I will vote for the most pro-Israel candidate because God blesses those who bless Israel and curses those who don’t. (Genesis 12:3).

I could add many others, but you get the idea.

VOTE AND PRAY FOR REVIVAL

I hope you can see why I urge every born-again believer to vote, even if you aren’t happy with your choices. Voting is not a statement that we are putting our hope in politics or politicians. Our hope is in CHRIST ALONE. Voting is a simple act of shaping the direction of our country. People have died for our opportunity to do so. We should vote.

Then, after you have voted, get alone somewhere and pray for your country. America’s only hope is a mighty revival. We need a Third Great Awakening. Let the people of God seek Him and seek revival.

The Church’s Entitlement Crisis

“Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor;” (Romans 12:10, NASB95)

Politicians speak of the looming “Entitlement Crisis” regarding how to pay for Social Security and Medicare. Never mind that their own legislation and spending has helped to create said crisis! However, that is another subject. As a church leader for over thirty leaders now, I am becoming more convinced that the American church has an entitlement crisis of its own. That entitlement crisis is already here.

What am I talking about? I am talking about my belief that so many established churches in America have a culture of entitlement and, in some cases, they make decisions that perpetuate that culture of entitlement. Pastors are pressured to cater to those who feel so entitled. Here are few examples….

“Pastor, the majority of the church is people our age, so you should do what keeps the majority of the church happy.” TRANSLATION: We are ENTITLED to run the church and all decisions should cater to us.

“Pastor, several people in the church are not happy with a certain line item in the budget, so they have stopped giving.” TRANSLATION: We are ENTITLED to agree with every line item in the budget.

“Pastor, it’s great that we have all these new members, but you need to consider the legitimate, established members of the church.” TRANSLATION: We are ENTITLED to always occupy the positions of influence in the church.

“Pastor, you talk about reaching new people, but our church should focus on the people we have.” TRANSLATION: We are ENTITLED to never have to change anything in order to reach anyone new.

Do you see how easily an entitlement mentality can infect a church? The conversations in far too many churches today tend to be very much like I described above. Precious little (if any) conversation about making disciples, fulfilling the Great Commission, and actually doing what Jesus said the church is supposed to do. The pastor and staff are not viewed as those who are to lead the church to fulfill its mission. Instead, the pastor and staff are viewed as chaplains and hirelings who are there to be on call for crises, bury the dead, and otherwise do the bidding of certain groups. Missions? Churches with entitlement mentality pride themselves on being “mission-minded” because they give a bunch of money to missions each year and send teams on mission trips far from home – both Biblical and admirable things to do. However, such an emphasis on being “mission-minded” often camouflages the desire for everything to remain the same and the same people control their church at home. We are all for “over there” but woe be to anyone who suggests we change anything “right here.” This “entitlement mentality” is absolutely killing churches every day.

To be fair, some pastors and staff members can fall into a similar entitlement mentality too. No pastor or staff member is entitled to their salary. It is the Lord’s provision for him and is to be intertwined with godly character, hard work, and faithful leadership. No pastor is entitled to be free of questions or criticism. No staff member is entitled to do their ministry the same way in perpetuity. When it comes to entitlement, pastors and staff members need to look in the mirror too. The entitlement mentality can seep into the church offices just as quickly as it comes into the pews.

So, aren’t we entitled to anything as a church member? As I read scripture, I believe that every church is entitled to one thing….

As a church member, I AM ENTITLED to Godly, faithful leadership in keeping with the scriptural standards for pastors/elders and deacons. This includes personal integrity, doctrinal integrity, and financial integrity. Every church member is entitled to leadership like that.

However, Godly, faithful leadership in keeping with scriptural standards will not mean that everyone will be happy. It will not mean no one leaves the church. It will not mean your Sunday School class will never be asked to move or that you will never be asked to sacrifice in some other way. In fact, Godly, faithful leadership will often mean the church is led to change and sacrifice.

An entitlement mentality will eventually KILL a church. Why? The spirit of sacrifice for the mission is replaced by a spirit of entitlement. The entitlement mentality means the focus turns inward more each year. Fewer and fewer people are reached. Fewer and fewer disciples are made. Nothing changes. Soon, NO ONE is reached and that reality is rationalized away because those in charge have the main goal of maintaining the status quo. Everyone is happy about things the way they are. Until no one is left to be happy about it any longer.

Each of us must fight the entitlement virus in our own hearts. In fact, scripture says fighting entitlement is part of faithful Christian growth and not being conformed to the world. Really? The verse quoted at the top of this post actually comes as part of an extended section about faithful Christian living. Read this verse in its context and ask the Lord to speak to you.

“Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect. For through the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think more highly of himself than he ought to think; but to think so as to have sound judgment, as God has allotted to each a measure of faith. For just as we have many members in one body and all the members do not have the same function, so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. Since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, each of us is to exercise them accordingly: if prophecy, according to the proportion of his faith; if service, in his serving; or he who teaches, in his teaching; or he who exhorts, in his exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness. Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor; not lagging behind in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope, persevering in tribulation, devoted to prayer, contributing to the needs of the saints, practicing hospitality.” (Romans 12:1–13, NASB95)

The Man of God and The Word of God

“Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.” (2 Timothy 2:15, ESV)

“preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching.” (2 Timothy 4:2, ESV)

We now live in the age of AI – artificial intelligence. AI can write research papers, news stories, and, yes, even sermons! Wait a minute. It’s the 21st century. More and more churches no longer have pastors who preach sermons; they have “communicators” who give “talks.” With the rise of social media these “communicators” have huge “platforms” from which they share their “talks” – all carefully crafted for just the right look, image, and message.

PLEASE NOTE WHAT I AM NOT SAYING. I am not against leveraging technology. In fact, I am typing this post on a MacBook Pro, using Logos Bible Software, and putting out onto the internet. All of my sermons are available on our church website and Lakeside app and people watch them from many different places. Personally, I am on three different social media platforms. I AM NOT AGAINST USING TECHNOLOGY.

So, what is my point?

My point is the BIBLICAL MODEL. The Biblical model is a pastor (that you know) diligently, faithfully praying, studying, and preparing to preach the Word among a gathered community (church) that you are connected to. This model works for churches of all sizes and all contexts.

Let’s take a brief look at this Biblical model. A Christian without a church family is foreign to the New Testament. By definition, a Christian is to connect with a gathered community of believers – a church. Week in and week out, you are taught the Word by pastors who have labored in the study of the Word – preparing themselves to feed the flock. Furthermore, these pastors are men who live and serve among you. You see their lives and know that, while not perfect, they are men who meet the Bible qualifications for elders. They stand and preach the Word, depending not on their creativity, but the power of the Holy Spirit. Through the faithful ministry of the Word and the work of the Holy Spirit in lives, life change happens – most of the time gradually and sometimes miraculously. THIS is the church.

Artificial intelligence, social media platforms, and slick marketing will never replace the true church that Jesus is building. Looking for a church? Start by finding a church with a pastor who faithfully preaches the Bible each Sunday in the power of the Holy Spirit. Commit to that church. Join the community. Be transformed by these ordinary means of grace. The man of God preaching the Word of God is the model God has ordained. Accept nothing less.

Pastor, your job is not to keep up with the latest trends or deliver the most creative “talks.” Lock yourself in your study – alone with God, the Word, and study resources. Pray. Study. Pray some more. Study some more. Prepare yourself. On Sunday morning, preach from the overflow of God’s work in your own life. Get up on Monday morning and start repeating the process again until the next Sunday. Let your time in your study – prayer and the Word – be the fountain from which your whole ministry flows.

The man of God preaching the Word of God will never go out of style. Yes, the church will need more than that – organization, leadership, etc. However, the church will NEVER need less that. Our leadership and organization must flow from our time in the Word and prayer.

The man of God preaching the Word of God. Look for nothing else. Accept nothing else. Be nothing else.

The Myth of Neutrality

Social media was up in arms last week after the Biden administration issued a proclamation for March 31 as the Transgender Day of Visibility. March 31 also happened to be Easter Sunday. The criticism was (rightly) ferocious. Defenders pointed out that March 31 is the Transgender Day of Visibility each year and Biden was simply acknowledging it as he has each year of his administration. The date of Easter varies from year to year, so the defenders say that it was just a coincidence that Easter happened to fall on the same day this year.

As they say where I grew up, “That dog won’t hunt!” Any honest look at the situation reveals the great worldview divide we are experiencing. One of two things is true here. Either President Biden is far removed from the process and those in his administration who manage such things completely lacked any awareness that March 31 was Easter OR the Biden administration knew exactly what it was doing and wanted to make a statement. Either of these options is greatly disturbing and is a symptom of a reality that Christian believers would do well to understand…

Neutrality is a MYTH. Neutrality DOES NOT EXIST.

In recent decades, we have witnessed the basic worldview framework that our nation was founded with (and which the overwhelming majority of Americans embraced) being jettisoned – at first inch by inch and now yard by yard. On the surface, it even sounds reasonable.

The argument goes something like this. America is a growing, diverse country with diverse ethnicities, religions, beliefs, lifestyles, etc. Now, in America, we have freedom of religion, so you are free to believe what you want and worship or not worship. In your heart and in your pew, you can believe what you want. However, when it comes to the public square – government, education, the workplace, media, sports, etc. – then we must have neutrality. We can’t allow Christians to force their beliefs on people. We must have neutrality. Therefore, prayer must go from our schools, sporting events, and public life. Don’t talk about your faith at work; we must have neutrality. We will educate our children and teach them science, math, English, and history, and build their character, BUT we will do it with neutrality. Everyone is equal. All beliefs are equal. It’s neutral. That sounds reasonable, doesn’t it? There is one big problem with this argument….

IT’S A LIE.

When the basic worldview of America’s foundation is cast aside, you do not get neutrality. The void is filled with another worldview. Have we gotten neutrality in America recently? Let’s see. We see the Biden administration celebrating Transgender Day of Visibility on Easter Sunday while banning any religious symbols from the eggs at the annual White House Easter egg hunt. We see controversy in school systems all over America as parents become more aware of what their kids are being taught in school regarding LGBTQ+ issues. We see the United States military increasingly concern itself with social and climate issues rather than its core mission of warfighting and keeping America safe. We see Vice President Kamala Harris with great fanfare visit a Planned Parenthood clinic to trumpet “access to reproductive healthcare.” I doubt the child in the womb would describe what happens there as “healthcare.” Mere days after the horrific slaughter of 1400 innocent people in Israel on October 7 by Hamas, we see many of our own young adults take to the streets in protest, arguing that Palestinian suffering and injustice give some justification to what happened.

We have not gotten neutrality. Why? NEUTRALITY IS A LIE.

The Judeo-Christian worldview that shaped America is not being replaced by neutrality. It is being replaced by a radical secular humanism wrapped in radical sexual anarchy. The fruits of this happening are becoming crystal clear. We are reaping what we have sown.

All Christ followers, and, in particular, Christian parents raising the next generation need to take great heed to these issues. The late great theologian, author, and Bible teacher R.C. Sproul spoke to this issue, particularly in terms of education…

“There is no such thing as a neutral education. Every educational curriculum has a viewpoint. That viewpoint either considers God in it or it does not. To teach children about life and the world in which they live without reference to God is to make a statement about God. It screams a statement. The message is either that there is no God or that God is irrelevant. Either way, the message is the same: there is no God. An irrelevant God is the same as no God at all. If God is, then He must be relevant – to His entire creation.” – R.C. Sproul

While Dr. Sproul was speaking of the impossibility of neutrality in education, to insert business, entertainment, the armed forces, sports, or any other arena into this quote makes the same point: Neutrality is a MYTH. More than ever before in my lifetime, the choice between truth and lies, good and evil has never been more clear before our very eyes. To believe the Bible, teach the Bible literally as it is written, and seek to live our lives by the clear teachings of the Bible increasingly puts us in the crosshairs of a hostile culture now almost fully controlled by a radical secular humanism wrapped in radical sexual anarchy.

Make no mistake. No one will long be able to hide behind a veneer of neutrality. A time of choosing is upon us all. As Christ’s followers, this should not surprise us “one little bit.” After all, our Lord never presented following Him in terms of neutrality. Quite the opposite. I close with the words of our Lord and his half-brother, James….

““He who is not with Me is against Me; and he who does not gather with Me scatters.” (Matthew 12:30, NASB95)

“You adulteresses, do you not know that friendship with the world is hostility toward God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God.” (James 4:4, NASB95)

The Resurrection Chapter & Resurrection Sunday

1 Corinthians 15 is one of the most famous chapters in the Bible. It is commonly referred to as the “Resurrection Chapter” not because it tells the story of Jesus’ resurrection but because it speaks of the necessity of it and how it applies to our lives today. As we approach Easter Sunday 2024, I encourage all of my readers to take some time and read through this great chapter.  I intend to do so in my own devotional times.  Let’s look at some key points of this chapter…

“Now if Christ is preached, that He has been raised from the dead, how do some among you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? But if there is no resurrection of the dead, not even Christ has been raised; and if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is vain, your faith also is vain. Moreover we are even found to be false witnesses of God, because we testified against God that He raised Christ, whom He did not raise, if in fact the dead are not raised. For if the dead are not raised, not even Christ has been raised; and if Christ has not been raised, your faith is worthless; you are still in your sins. Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished. If we have hoped in Christ in this life only, we are of all men most to be pitied.” (1 Corinthians 15:12–19, NASB95)

Here we see the absolute necessity of the resurrection to our faith. If He is not victorious then there is no victory for us. However, Christ has risen from the dead, so there is victory for us.  In fact, Paul goes on to explain that Christ’s resurrection restores spiritual life to sinful humanity who had lost their spiritual life through Adam’s fall in the garden of Eden…

“But now Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who are asleep. For since by a man came death, by a man also came the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ all will be made alive.” (1 Corinthians 15:20–22, NASB95)

Because Jesus is victorious over sin, death, and the grave we can have that same victory through faith in Him!  Furthermore, Paul explains that Christ’s resurrection ensures our resurrection – comparing Christ’s resurrection as the first one of many to come…

“But each in his own order: Christ the first fruits, after that those who are Christ’s at His coming, then comes the end, when He hands over the kingdom to the God and Father, when He has abolished all rule and all authority and power. For He must reign until He has put all His enemies under His feet. The last enemy that will be abolished is death. For He has put all things in subjection under His feet. But when He says, “All things are put in subjection,” it is evident that He is excepted who put all things in subjection to Him. When all things are subjected to Him, then the Son Himself also will be subjected to the One who subjected all things to Him, so that God may be all in all.” (1 Corinthians 15:23–28, NASB95)

I hope that’s enough to get your Bible study juices flowing and encourage you to dig into 1 Corinthians 15 this week as we count down to Easter Sunday – resurrection Sunday!  A few years ago, I had the opportunity to travel to Israel for the first time to visit the Biblical sites. Of course, one of the great highlights of any trip there is a visit to the Garden Tomb…

GardenTombexterior

We do not know for sure exactly where Jesus was buried.  The Garden Tomb is one of two locations that many Christians believe to be the place. The other is found just a short distance away in Jerusalem inside the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.  The Garden Tomb has a number of characteristics that coincide with what we know from the Bible, making it the location that is preferred by most evangelical scholars today, although we cannot be certain.

GardenTombinterior1

This is the burial chamber inside the Garden Tomb.  If Jesus was actually buried here, this is very likely the spot.  Take a moment and think about that. Every group that enters the Garden Tomb grows silent as this awesome thought sinks in. For me, it is a spiritually moving experience to be reminded in such a concrete way that I serve a risen Savior!  You see, the most important issue is not WHERE Jesus was buried, but rather THAT Jesus has risen!  Here is what you see above you as you exit the Garden Tomb…

GardenTombinterior2

Yes! That is what really matters! As the old hymn says, “I serve a risen Savior, He’s in the world today. I know that He is living whatever men may say…”  That is the message and the hope of Easter.  In fact, Easter Sunday is not the only Sunday that the Christian church celebrates the resurrection. Have you ever wondered why we worship on Sunday?  Because Jesus rose on Sunday.  The early Christians did not gather to worship on the Jewish Sabbath (Saturday) but gathered to worship on Sunday because that was the day their Savior rose.  So, every single time we gather for worship on Sunday, we are celebrating the resurrection of Christ.  Yes, Easter Sunday and every Sunday is resurrection Sunday!

Thinking Biblically About Gender and Sexuality

In January, I began preaching through the book of Genesis. In preparation for preaching Genesis 1-2, I developed sermons on God’s design for humanity, marriage, and family. You can view the messages from January 21 and January 28, 2024 here….

https://lakesidebaptist.com/media/series/hfnnq4c/worldview

As I preached these messages the heaviness of these subjects was apparent. EVERYWHERE we look, the issues of gender and sexuality are front and center. I told our church family I wanted our church to be a place of CLARITY and HOPE. A place of clarity in teaching the clear truth of scripture about these issues. A place of hope in terms of loving all people and being willing to dialogue and walk with people who struggle.

As part of preparing that series of messages, I read several books to help me think through and understand these issues better. Some were particularly helpful to me. I thought I would share them with readers of this blog so that others can be helped as they navigate these waters.

The focus of this incredibly helpful book is dealing with the relevant texts in the Bible. DeYoung also does a very good job answering those who teach that the Bible doesn’t really mean what it clearly says in some places. If you can only read one of these books, this is the one.

Dr. Walker is a professor at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. A brilliant theologian, Walker writes with clarity, compassion, and accessibility – focusing mainly on the transgender issue. In addition to dealing faithfully with the Biblical texts, Walker has some very helpful sections where he answers specific questions that often come up.

For those who would like a study for a small group, Burk and Sanders have produced excellent work here. They address some tough issues with Biblical clarity and compassion.

For those wondering, “How on earth did we get here?” Dr. Mohler gives some great history of different movements and calls the church to faithfulness.

Why Reaching New People Must Always Be at the Forefront for the Church

“Pastor, you talk about reaching new people all the time, but what about the members we already have?  Shouldn’t we take care of them?  Don’t we care?” 

Those words were spoken to me years ago when I was the pastor of another church. We had been experiencing a good season of growth. I was excited to see new people at our church each week. To be honest, I was stunned by the questions as it never entered my mind that someone might not be happy with the growth we were experiencing. I am sure I croaked out some answers, but I honestly do not remember how I answered that church member all of those years ago.  However, I do want to answer these questions for all Christians today who love their church and care about its future.

THE SHORT ANSWER:  Of course, we should care for the members we already have. If we are not a church that cares for each other, we are not a Biblical church. Scripture compares the church to a flock that needs to be shepherded. Scripture says the church is a family. It is not an “either/or” proposition. A biblical church does BOTH – reaching new people and caring for the people already reached. 

HOWEVER, THERE ARE THREE REASONS WHY REACHING NEW PEOPLE MUST ALWAYS BE AT THE FOREFRONT….

  1. There is a BIBLICAL reason.   The mission of the church revealed in scripture is not to care for the members (although that should happen as we go). The mission of the church Jesus gave us says that we are to make disciples and take the gospel to the nations. (Matthew 28:19-20, Acts 1:8). 
  1. There is a PRACTICAL reason.  Even before COVID, research showed that the average church loses 7-10% of its people yearly – even if things are going well and there is no controversy.  How can this be?  Each year a number of people in every church pass away, get physically unable to come, or relocate to another city. In addition, each year finds people who drop out or move to another church. The result is an average loss of 7-10% each year – even if the church is healthy. A church that isn’t reaching new people will quickly be in trouble. 
  1. There is an INTERNAL reason.  I suspect those questions that came to me years ago really weren’t about taking care of our members. They were actually about discomfort with change and all of the new people coming into the church. Let’s face it. Being selfish and inward-focused comes naturally to us. We have to intentionally be unselfish. A church NEVER drifts toward an outward focus. A church ALWAYS drifts toward a more inward focus.  This fact is why leaders must always seek to continually turn the church outward and cultivate an outward focus.  

I once preached revival services in a church that had not baptized anyone in three years. The people had a sweet fellowship and genuinely cared for each other. They told me about their illnesses, surgeries, and how much they loved their classes. Somewhere along the way, they just stopped reaching anybody new and became satisfied and focused on themselves. That church is closed today.  Think about it. Then go share Jesus with someone and invite them to church!

Harry Reeder: Thoughts from a Grateful Neighbor

I distinctly recall the first time I met Harry Reeder. He had recently come to be the pastor at Briarwood Presbyterian Church and we had a graveside funeral together at Elmwood. How did that happen? The deceased was a Briarwood member whom I had gotten to know because I pastored his daughter and family. They had a graveside only funeral and asked me share a few words before Dr. Reeder spoke. Here I was, the young 20-something pastor of a small Baptist church in Blount county conducting a funeral with Harry Reeder. I was in WAAAY over my head! However, Harry was very kind and gracious to this young pastor he had never met.

Fast forward to 2013 when I was called as pastor at Lakeside Baptist Church off I-450/Actor Road exit. Now I was literally just across Acton Road from Briarwood. Harry Reeder and I were now neighboring pastors! Over the years, I became privileged to count him as a friend. I was with him at a few community pastor’s events. Both of our boys graduated from Briarwood Christian School and our paths crossed several times. We knew one another and chatted briefly when we saw each other. Once we shared a laugh about how the Acton Road exit is a great illustration of different strands of evangelical theology: Metropolitan Church of God on one hill with Briarwood Presbyterian on the other hill – and the Baptists right between them! He loved the visual!

While I did know him, mostly I appreciated Harry Reeder and his ministry from a short distance. I often listened to his preaching and followed him on social media. My last interaction with him came back in April after he had preached at the Ligonier Conference. I watched his message online and was so moved I sent him an email of appreciation. He responded with his typical graciousness and we made plans to have lunch together. Sadly, that never happened. Tragically and shockingly, Harry Reeder went to be with the Lord on May 18 in a car accident. I have many friends at Briarwood Presbyterian Church who are in profound, shocked grief. I have prayed much for the Reeder family and Briarwood.

As a neighboring pastor, I had a TON of respect for Harry Reeder and his ministry. He was a tremendous Bible preacher who always shared the gospel and pointed people to Christ in every message. He had a tremendous intellect and used it to speak to issues of our day with a clear, Biblical worldview. He was a steadfast, unbending defender of life, truth, and righteousness. You never had to wonder where Harry Reeder stood – he told you! By all accounts, he was not just a bold preacher. He was a faithful husband, father, grandfather, pastor, and friend – in that order. For these reasons and many more, I had the utmost respect for Harry Reeder.

Count me a grateful friend and neighbor for the life and ministry of Harry Reeder. Well done, good and faithful servant!