Happy Easter to our Christian Nation - listen carefully!

This just came to my attention today.


Please listen to Easter 2015 remarks made the 44th and current President of the United States: Barack Obama.

Barack Hussein Obama II is the 44th and current President of the United States, and the first African American to hold the office.





Now, please compare those remarks made by the Easter 2015 by David Cameron - Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.

David William Donald Cameron is a British politician who has served as the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom since 2010 and as the Member of Parliament for Witney since 2001. He has been Leader of the Conservative Party since 2005.

We Complain Because We Forget

We Complain Because We Forget

By Steven Lee

“Take a moment and look back on God’s fingerprints all over yI am stunned every time I read the story of the Exodus. How can the people of Israel complain like they do? How could they be so ignorant, so stupid, so forgetful?

The God of the universe had just tossed around the most powerful man on the face of the earth like a toddler with a rag doll. God didn’t just humble Pharaoh; he broke his spirit and revealed Pharaoh’s impotence. A slave people and their God left him and his nation in shambles. This display of power sent vibrations throughout the world, inspiring fear and awe.

The Deadly Disease of Spiritual Amnesia

Yet Israel’s response to this spectacular deliverance from Egypt is not mainly praise, worship and whole-hearted trust. Instead, Israel responds with grumbling—complaining, murmuring, quarreling. “No water, Moses! Where’s the beef, Moses? I have blisters on my feet, Moses. Who died and made you boss? Are we there yet, Moses?” Spiritual amnesia set in quickly and covered the eyes of Israel’s hearts. So soon had they forgotten God’s gracious and miraculous deliverance?

This spiritual amnesia—forgetting God’s deliverance and provision—is a deadly disease. The people of Israel, on the heels of unthinkable miracles, with their pockets full of Egyptian jewelry, grumble at their less-than-five-star accommodations in the desert. This wasn’t just headache-induced grumbling or low-blood-sugar complaining. This was faithlessness. It is the heart that says, “I know better than God. If only he would follow my plan.”

Why We Complain

And yet that’s my heart and yours. “Where’s the dinner, honey? Leftovers again? Where’s the protein? Is that all you got done today? Can you change the dirty diaper? What’s this sticky stuff on the chair?” I can be just like the people of Israel. “I know you’ve forgiven all my sins at the cross, rescued me from eternal conscious torment and given me everlasting joy in your presence, but all we have for dinner is Ramen or Cheerios.”

Grumbling, whining and thanklessness are not ultimately the heart’s responses to circumstances, but to God. Israel grumbled at their enslavement, grumbled when Moses came on the scene and still grumbled as they wandered safely in the wilderness. Their complaining wasn’t rooted in their scenery, but their heart.

The same is true for you. A heart of gratitude and thankfulness isn’t dependent on your bank statement, doctor’s diagnosis or the praise you receive for a job well done. Thanklessness and grumbling—regardless of your situation, even your suffering—reflect your heart. They are sin. Spiritual amnesia is a deadly disease that threatens your faith and your joy more than any cancer. It penetrates to the core and rots your heart from within.

Chemotherapy of the Soul

How can we guard ourselves from this spiritual forgetfulness? How can we root out the cancer that threatens our joy and faith? Very simply, the antidote is to remember. Remember God’s gracious deliverance and redemption. Establish it in your memory. Memorialize it. Paint it on the walls of your house. Journal it and reread it each morning.

God gives us this pattern in the Exodus. Israel has just been given their menu for the next 40 years: manna from heaven. Gather six days, a double portion on the last, and rest on the Sabbath. But then God commands Moses to take an omer of manna (about two quarts) and keep it in a jar as a reminder of God’s faithfulness (Exodus 16:32–33).

There are two miracles here. The obvious is that God fed a couple million people with manna from heaven for 40 years. No gluten allergies, no low-carb diet and no lack of vital nutrients. God sustains his people miraculously to teach them he can and will provide their daily bread—everything they need.

The second is that the manna in the jar did not spoil as it normally would (Exodus 16:20). God kept the manna from spoiling to remind Israel that he not only keeps manna from spoiling, but that he will keep his people alive, even in the wilderness. This jar of white flakes was to be an enduring reminder that God provides. He provides in the Exodus from Egypt, and he provides in the desert wasteland.

We Must Remember

God is saying the same thing to you. If you’re inclined to grumble, to be thankless or to complain about our circumstances, God graciously reminds us that we must remember his gracious redemption and provision.

Take a moment and look back on God’s fingerprints all over your life:

• Remember how God has protected you from making a shipwreck of your life.
• Remember how God graciously let you grow up in a godly family.
• Remember how God awakened you to the ugliness of your sin.
• Remember how you walked away from that terrible car crash.
• Remember how your wife, sister or mom survived breast cancer.
• Remember how you had mentors and key friends guide you in your faith.
• Remember how he sustained you during that season of unemployment.
• Remember how God miraculously healed you.
• Remember that impossible prayer request that God answered.
• Remember how you had no money and an envelope just showed up in the mail with exactly the amount you needed.
• Remember how the gospel came alive as it never had before.
• Remember God.

The antidote to spiritual amnesia is making every effort to recall and remember God’s gracious deliverance. The fact that you—a sinner who was an enemy of God—are now a beloved child is a miracle. Don’t let that wonder ever fade. Remember.

Let this act of remembering awaken in you joy in God and a deep sense of gratitude that God loves you, knows you and keeps you.  

 

 

 

Source:   Steven Lee is the pastor of small groups and community outreach at College Church in Wheaton, IL. He earned his M.Div. from Bethlehem College & Seminary in Minneapolis, MN.

 

The Reality of the Resurrection - an overview of my message today at NRN

Today was an awesome day of worship at NRN.  Here are some excerpts from my message today:

The Reality of the Resurrection

INTRO: “He is risen! He is risen indeed!”                                                   Many of us repeated those words last Sunday morning, confident that our relationship with God is right because of this miraculous historic event—and rightly so. Christ’s incarnation, crucifixion and physical resurrection are cornerstones of human history and our faith. Last Sunday I asked you the question that Jesus asked often:  Do you believe this?

Jesus said to her (Martha), “I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in me will live, even if they die. And whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?”                              John 11:25-26

No matter the situations of life you find yourself, how dead and hopeless, burdened and frustrated your situation is - it is no match for the power of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Life is still a very real possibility for you, if you believe.   The early Disciples were devastated when Jesus was crucified. They lives were filled with fear and uncertainty.   If you viewed the first episode of AD last Sunday evening – you may have noticed the episode concluded with the clip I showed last Sunday – 

The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the axis around which our faith resolves. When Jesus rose from the dead, it radically redefined reality. The resurrection is a history changer!  We must learn to live as if Jesus was crucified yesterday, rose from the dead today, and is coming back tomorrow! The resurrection is something we celebrate every day – in every way.  Today we revisit the resurrection and take a step deeper into our understanding of the effect of the resurrection upon our lives today! Let’s look how it was a game changer for the disciples: 

The reality of the resurrection strengthened the disciple’s RESOLVE.

 

Resolve is defined as “commitment, BOLDNESS, and COURAGE.”

When Jesus was arrested, tried, and crucified, it seemed that in one sweeping moment, the disciples lost all their resolve. What happened?

I believe their fear and lack of courage surprised even themselves.   We tend to think highly of ourselves. We imagine scenarios where we face our weaknesses and our oppressors, and we imagine ourselves saying just the right words at just the right time. 

Can you imagine the disciples coming together after the death of Jesus? One looks to the other: “Where did you go? What did you do? What did you say? Did anyone stand up for Jesus?” Imagine the shame and humiliation.

Resolve is hard to come by when your life is in danger. It quickly diminishes when your family’s life is in danger. Questions and doubt fill your mind.

Today we are going to feature a look at Thomas. He wasn’t the only one to doubt. He was just the most vocal. Thomas, like Peter, really loved Jesus. Why do I say that? Because he, like Peter, was willing to die with Jesus. 

When Jesus wanted to return to Judea, the disciples reminded Jesus that recently they wanted to stone Him there. Thomas was the only one who said to the rest of the disciples

Then Thomas, who was also called Didymus, spoke to the rest of the disciples. “Let us go also,” he said. “Then we can die with Jesus.”                                                                                                  John 11:16

Like many in that day, Thomas had two names: “Thomas” is Aramaic, and “Didymus” is Greek (John 20:24). They both mean “twin.” It could mean Thomas literally had a twin. Or it could refer to his faith struggle. Thomas was obviously struggling with doubt. Thomas was like a lot of us. We believe and then we don’t believe. We are courageous and then we fear.

This reminds me of the father who exclaimed to Jesus, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!” (Mark 9:24).

So Thomas’s doubt didn’t make Jesus reject him. Instead, his doubt drew Jesus to Thomas. Jesus wanted to prove to Thomas that His resurrection was real because He wanted Thomas to believe. There is no doubt that all the disciples, including Thomas, were changed after seeing Jesus resurrected.  They learned a valuable lesson—one they would never forget. The resurrection was never far from their lips. It is what drove them, what made them wake up every morning, and what motivated them for the rest of their lives. 

Scripture after scripture attests to the power of the resurrection story in the lives of the disciples:

·       “They were greatly disturbed because the apostles were teaching the people, proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection of the dead.”   Acts 4:2.

·       “With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And God’s grace was so powerfully at work in them all.”                                                                                         Acts 4:33.

·       “For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we will certainly also be united with him in a resurrection like his.”                                                                                                                                 Romans 6:5

“But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. . . . We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. . . . Because we know that the one who raised the Lord Jesus from the dead will also raise us with Jesus and present us with you to himself. . . . Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.”     2 Corinthians 4: 7, 10, 14, 16

2. The reality of the resurrection strengthened the disciple’s RELATIONSHIP with Him.

The reality of the resurrection is found in the relationship that Jesus had with His followers. How the disciples lived out the rest of their lives tells us a greater story. It tells us a story of relationship.

Not only did the disciples find the Messiah, they found their Savior and friend.  The disciples were invested because Jesus was invested in them. He not only talked about brotherhood—Jesus lived out brotherhood. 

After the resurrection, Jesus told Mary Magdalene and the other women, “Go and tell my brothers”                                            Matthew 28:10.

On the evening of that first day of the week, the disciples were together. They had locked the doors because they were afraid of the Jewish leaders. Jesus came in and stood among them. He said, “May peace be with you!” Then he showed them his hands and his side. The disciples were very happy when they saw the Lord.                                              John 20:19-20

Thomas was one of the 12 disciples. He was also called Didymus. He was not with the other disciples when Jesus came. So they told him, “We have seen the Lord!”        “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.”                                                                                  John 20:24-25

Jesus proved the reality of the resurrection. He appeared to Mary Magdalene and other women, to the Emmaus disciples, to the disciples without Thomas and then again with Thomas, to five hundred others, and finally to Paul himself. 

While Jesus walked on earth, He was relational. He was Emmanuel (“God with us”). Jesus touched people, walked with people, ate with people.  After the resurrection, Jesus was still meeting with them, walking with them, eating with them.  He taught us that the purpose of it all is relationship.

              

The reality of the resurrection is found in RESTORED   LIVES.

 In John 21:15-17 we find what is called Peter’s Reinstatement:

After a meal with the disciples on the shore of the Sea of Galilee, Jesus addressed Peter directly for the first time since His resurrection.  The last time Jesus spoke to Peter, it was a command in the Garden of Gethsemane—a place of suffering. Jesus was arrested, tensions were high.

This time with Peter after the resurrection was different. The place was different. Jesus met Peter in a place of comfort—where Peter had first met Jesus: “From now on you will fish for people” (Luke 5:10).

It was a place of audacious faith, where Peter once walked on water, a place where Peter felt most at home.

Here is a preview of the episode for tonight - don't miss it! 

Here, Jesus asked Peter this question: 

“Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?” (John 21:15).

To Peter’s surprise, Jesus asked him three times, “Do you love me?” Why three times?  To remind Peter of the three times he had denied Him? Maybe, but I like to think of it this way: Jesus gave Peter the opportunity to make up the three times he had denied him—kind of like a do-over. 

He offered Peter a second chance.  

The death and resurrection of Jesus left a profound impact on Peter’s life. He finally learned what it meant to be a disciple of Christ. After denying Jesus, it’s probably a lesson he would have preferred to learn differently. But it was a moment Peter would never forget.

Closing:  It matters how we treat the resurrection. It either entertains us or propels us forward. We are either a passive participant in God’s liberating, redeeming plan or we are actively engaged, moving in the power and authority of the resurrection. 

Thomas’s faith needed to be once and for all resolved before he could receive the fire of the Holy Spirit. Thomas needed to move from a relationship with his rabbi Jesus to a genuine, authentic relationship with his Savior Jesus Christ, and he needed to be restored to his calling and assignment. 

Invitation: The resurrection of Jesus Christ is meant to be real in our everyday lives—not tucked away in some nice little story but living, breathing, and powerfully stirring our lives just as it was in the lives of the disciples. PRAYER

Next week we begin our journey through the first 10 chapters of the Book of Acts.  We will begin with this promise of Jesus:

“On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: ‘Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about.’”                Acts 1:4

Next Sunday: The Work of the Holy Spirit. 

Preparing for worship on Sunday April 12 - the Sunday after Easter...

As we gather for worship this Sunday - it is the Sunday after Easter.  Traditionally this is a low attendance Sunday however, I am praying God will draw many people to our church for the message god has placed upon my heart as we continue in the new teaching series AD.

 Here is the order of worship we have prepared for this Sunday:










We begin with a hand clapping - foot stomping song of celebration!




Now we pause to greet one another and hear a few announcements. 
I look forward to accepting a person into church membership!
Then we continue in our signing to the Lord!










We draw near to the Lord in a time of prayer.....





Now we draw our attention to the preaching of the Word

THE REALITY OF THE RESURRECTION

The Tomb is empty - Jesus is Risen Do you believe?

Here is a preview of the message for this coming Sunday:

“Jesus’ tomb is empty. Pilate and Caiaphas believe the disciples stole the body and search in vain to find it. The disciples flee to Galilee where Jesus gives them their mission.”

 

The role of preaching in the church today - from Trevecca University

Dear friends,
 

I recently experienced one of the most exhilarating conversations that I have ever been in - preaching to the world of millennials. We captured the 3 presentations and the conversation on video for you. Our guests were Allen Jackson, pastor of World Outreach Church, a large interdenominational church in Murfreesboro, TN; Dr. Davis Chappell, pastor of Brentwood, TN United Methodist Church; and Dr. Matthew Pinson, president of Welch College (formerly Free Will Baptist Bible College) here in Nashville.

The entire presentation is about 150 minutes with a 15-minute coffee break that you can fast-forward through. I think this will be helpful to you as you think about the role of preaching in the church today. 

 

The first session sets the theological context, and then two current pastors of congregations numbering in the thousands speak about the practice and role of preaching in culture. None of our guests are Nazarenes and I believe you will find their courage and conviction helpful. I wish you could have been with us; but as distance makes that hard, we’re coming to you via a click on your computer. 

 

As my attending friend Alan Thompson commented, “Any preacher, regardless of his experience or training, would benefit from hearing these men.” So brew yourself a good cup of coffee and spend a couple of hours being encouraged. It’s one more way that we can serve you as you serve in the trenches of God’s work in the world.

Blessings,

Pictures I think you will enjoy...

Over the past few weeks I have collecting pictures from friends on Facebook - Here are some of my favorites....enjoy:

I realize ministry can be stressful - but it is always a good thing to focus on the future and know that god is already there...

 

DUKE just celebrated it's 5 national championship in men's basketball - I wonder if it could have happened earlier... 

 

 

We all deal with some form of addiction.

 

 

 

I want to be found faithful - and I am so glad there is no entrance exam to Heaven.

 

As we approached Easter I gave though to the Easter Egg....

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hope this brought a little laughter and joy to your day!