Peter Dubbelman
Family Life Pastor
Life can be very busy, especially for parents. So busy, in fact, that we don’t do what is helpful for the most important things in our life: our relationship with the Lord and our family. When facing the demands of employment or being a parent, don’t do it at the expense of your marriage! Below are several strategies to avoid doing this.
1. Coming this January our Married and More (M&M) ministry will have six constructive suggestions within the context of ABC to help you work on your marriage in 2010. We’ll have the information distributed via a flier at our first two Sunday worship services in January.
2. Are you praying together and communicating with one another? Schedule time to be alone together each day in order to catch up on each others’ feelings, experiences, and thoughts, even if this means a phone call while driving home to meet your spouse and kids. My wife and I pray daily together around the meals and at bed time. We also take one day out of the week for an extended time of prayer. Communication is one of the keys to having a great relationship, whether it is with our Lord or your spouse.
3. Spend time together as a family. When babies arrive, they come into the family with a lot of needs; resultantly, couples have less conversation, flexibility, opportunities for romance, and money. Therefore, children, which are a product of spousal love, can actually bring into the family a dynamic that may put adverse pressure on the very relationship that brought them into being. You must actively work at this not happening. In a kind way, let your kids know that the dynamics of parenting will not split your marriage apart. Your spouse was there before kids, and they will hopefully be there after they leave the nest. You can also enjoy some great moments as an entire family by doing things together like family walks, shopping outings, or games. Or, as a couple, take on some of kid responsibilities like bathing or bed time stories.
4. Create private moments. You still need some time without the kids. Working on any relationship takes privacy as well as time. When our kids were in the home, my wife and I went out of our way to plan a date night, put the kids in bed early, …. All so we could have time together. In addition to your private moments, combine working around the house with working on your relationship. Don’t always divide up the chores, sometimes do them together. Just being in the same room or working towards a common goal can foster a feeling of closeness.
If I can ever help you with your marriage, please don’t hesitate to contact me!
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Monday, November 30, 2009
The Church and D-Day
I recently finished reading “D-Day” by Stephen Ambrose. Kristi and I had watched Band of Brothers a few years back and my interest in World War II was further stoked by conversations this past year with my Grandfather who served in the Navy during the War. A short blog post can in no way do justice to the sacrifice and bravery of our armed forces, but I wanted to share 3 lessons that I think the Church can learn from D-Day.
1. Courage: The courage of these men against the defenses of the Atlantic Wall is just amazing. The simple fact that the airborne troops would jump from their planes into a storm of artillery and tracers not knowing whether or not they would arrive on the ground dead or alive is enough to give me chills. How many times have I wimped out in my relationship with Jesus? How many times have the words of God’s love stuck in my throat because I was scared of offending someone or too lazy to say it? God, give me courage!
2. Working Together: It’s incredible to read just how focused everyone was in the United States in the war effort and how everyone worked together. Whether it was the soldiers on the front line or farmers providing food or workers in defense plants making planes and artillery or volunteers helping roll bandages—everyone labored together sacrificially. This was Jesus’s prayer for the Church: “May they be made completely one, so the world may know You have sent me and have loved them as you have loved me.” God, make us one!
3. A Common Cause: Eisenhower said this twenty years after D-Day: “It’s a wonderful thing to remember what those fellows twenty years ago were fighting for and sacrificing for, what they did to preserve our way of life. Not to conquer any territory, not for any ambitions of our own. But to make sure that Hitler could not destroy freedom in the world. I think it’s just overwhelming. To think of the lives that were given for that principle, paying a terrible price on this beach alone [Omaha], on that one day, 2,000 casualties. But they did it so that the world could be free. It just shows what free men will do rather than be slaves.” Oh, that our common cause would be to know Jesus and nothing else! God, help us to know the fellowship of your sufferings!
1. Courage: The courage of these men against the defenses of the Atlantic Wall is just amazing. The simple fact that the airborne troops would jump from their planes into a storm of artillery and tracers not knowing whether or not they would arrive on the ground dead or alive is enough to give me chills. How many times have I wimped out in my relationship with Jesus? How many times have the words of God’s love stuck in my throat because I was scared of offending someone or too lazy to say it? God, give me courage!
2. Working Together: It’s incredible to read just how focused everyone was in the United States in the war effort and how everyone worked together. Whether it was the soldiers on the front line or farmers providing food or workers in defense plants making planes and artillery or volunteers helping roll bandages—everyone labored together sacrificially. This was Jesus’s prayer for the Church: “May they be made completely one, so the world may know You have sent me and have loved them as you have loved me.” God, make us one!
3. A Common Cause: Eisenhower said this twenty years after D-Day: “It’s a wonderful thing to remember what those fellows twenty years ago were fighting for and sacrificing for, what they did to preserve our way of life. Not to conquer any territory, not for any ambitions of our own. But to make sure that Hitler could not destroy freedom in the world. I think it’s just overwhelming. To think of the lives that were given for that principle, paying a terrible price on this beach alone [Omaha], on that one day, 2,000 casualties. But they did it so that the world could be free. It just shows what free men will do rather than be slaves.” Oh, that our common cause would be to know Jesus and nothing else! God, help us to know the fellowship of your sufferings!
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
A Time of Restoration
Nathan Stam
Children/Communications Pastor
Growing up, my best friend and I used to get in fights all of the time. We used to play basketball in his driveway and we’d make bets on making half-court shots and then, usually, if one of us made the shot the other one would refuse to pay up. (I remember one time offering a trade for our younger sisters.) Inevitably, we’d end up rolling around on the ground trying to gouge each other’s eyeballs out. Thinking back on it—it was kind of interesting that our parents were never to be found during those times!
We’d get into fights playing tackle football. We’d get into fights playing board games. I can remember one time fighting over who was the best character in G.I. Joe—-Duke or Snake Eyes.
But let’s be honest—one of the big differences between boys and girls is that boys have this ability to fight one minute and then be best friends again. It doesn’t matter. We don’t carry grudges. My friend and I—-one of us would go home mad—-and our Mom/Dad would tell us that we needed to make things right. 30 minutes later we’d call each other up and go off down the train tracks with our sling shots shooting rocks at trees. Our relationship was made right again—-it was restored.
In the Book of Hebrews the Bible talks about how when Jesus died on the cross and sacrificed himself he brought about a time of restoration. The word that’s translated “restoration” means “to make straight”, “to correct”, or “to make right.” In other words, because Jesus died on the cross our relationship with God can be made right. It can be restored.
Because of sin in our lives our relationship with God was broken, but because of Jesus’s death on the cross that relationship can be fixed. He’s the one who has made things right; who has straightened things out. I know we can all identify with having relationships in our lives that need to be restored or that have been restored in the past. But what about the biggest, most important relationship of all—-your relationship with God? Has Jesus made things right between you and God? Have you trusted in Him as your Savior?
Children/Communications Pastor
Growing up, my best friend and I used to get in fights all of the time. We used to play basketball in his driveway and we’d make bets on making half-court shots and then, usually, if one of us made the shot the other one would refuse to pay up. (I remember one time offering a trade for our younger sisters.) Inevitably, we’d end up rolling around on the ground trying to gouge each other’s eyeballs out. Thinking back on it—it was kind of interesting that our parents were never to be found during those times!
We’d get into fights playing tackle football. We’d get into fights playing board games. I can remember one time fighting over who was the best character in G.I. Joe—-Duke or Snake Eyes.
But let’s be honest—one of the big differences between boys and girls is that boys have this ability to fight one minute and then be best friends again. It doesn’t matter. We don’t carry grudges. My friend and I—-one of us would go home mad—-and our Mom/Dad would tell us that we needed to make things right. 30 minutes later we’d call each other up and go off down the train tracks with our sling shots shooting rocks at trees. Our relationship was made right again—-it was restored.
In the Book of Hebrews the Bible talks about how when Jesus died on the cross and sacrificed himself he brought about a time of restoration. The word that’s translated “restoration” means “to make straight”, “to correct”, or “to make right.” In other words, because Jesus died on the cross our relationship with God can be made right. It can be restored.
Because of sin in our lives our relationship with God was broken, but because of Jesus’s death on the cross that relationship can be fixed. He’s the one who has made things right; who has straightened things out. I know we can all identify with having relationships in our lives that need to be restored or that have been restored in the past. But what about the biggest, most important relationship of all—-your relationship with God? Has Jesus made things right between you and God? Have you trusted in Him as your Savior?
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Happy Marriage
Alex Cosio
Pastor of Hispanic Ministries
It has been some time since Diana and Fred said their wedding vows and began their life as a married couple. Their marriage has gone through difficult times because of Fred's exploding character and the emotional and sometimes physical abuse of both. Diana has looked for help with a pastor but Fred has rejected the help and does not accept responsibility in the conflict. It seems like any attempts to reconcile is not working. Can they be happy some day?
These are fictitious characters but reflect what many of us go
through in our own marriages. For some the solution is separation and/or divorce. Some others remain together for the wrong reasons but live miserably.
What is the secret for a happy marriage? The Lord Jesus Christ
in the gospel of Matthew 7:24-27 in the conclusion of the Sermon on the Mount tells a wonderful illustration that has transformed millions of people for two thousand years. Whoever hears his Word and puts them to practice, is like a man who builds his house upon the rock. When the winds blow and the rain come and the rivers run and hit with might against the house, it will stand because is foundation is the Rock. But whoever hears his Word and does not put them to practice is like a fool who builds his house upon the sand. When the winds blow and the rain come and the rivers run and hit with might against the house it will come down and its ruin will be great.
Build your house, your life, your marriage, your family on the Rock. We all have setbacks and difficulties, the difference is whether you put the Word of God into practice in your own life or not. May God bless you and your marriage and your family!
Pastor of Hispanic Ministries
It has been some time since Diana and Fred said their wedding vows and began their life as a married couple. Their marriage has gone through difficult times because of Fred's exploding character and the emotional and sometimes physical abuse of both. Diana has looked for help with a pastor but Fred has rejected the help and does not accept responsibility in the conflict. It seems like any attempts to reconcile is not working. Can they be happy some day?
These are fictitious characters but reflect what many of us go
through in our own marriages. For some the solution is separation and/or divorce. Some others remain together for the wrong reasons but live miserably.
What is the secret for a happy marriage? The Lord Jesus Christ
in the gospel of Matthew 7:24-27 in the conclusion of the Sermon on the Mount tells a wonderful illustration that has transformed millions of people for two thousand years. Whoever hears his Word and puts them to practice, is like a man who builds his house upon the rock. When the winds blow and the rain come and the rivers run and hit with might against the house, it will stand because is foundation is the Rock. But whoever hears his Word and does not put them to practice is like a fool who builds his house upon the sand. When the winds blow and the rain come and the rivers run and hit with might against the house it will come down and its ruin will be great.
Build your house, your life, your marriage, your family on the Rock. We all have setbacks and difficulties, the difference is whether you put the Word of God into practice in your own life or not. May God bless you and your marriage and your family!
Monday, October 5, 2009
Ten Tips to Remember when in a Conflict
Peter Dubbelman
Family Life Pastor
1. Focus on where you need to improve rather than on your spouse’s failures. But don’t follow up such thoughts with a criticism; e.g., “I know I could be better about telling you when I am coming home late, but you could also . . .”
2. Dwell on what is good about your relationship and your spouse not visa versa.
3. Stop the fight and escalating tension, until you can constructively communicate.
4. Don’t demand to be heard. Instead, be quick to listen.
5. Select an appropriate time and place to work out your present conflict. A public setting might keep emotions in place.
6. Avoid using words like “always” and “never;” e.g., “You are “always” late.”
7. Use “I” confessions instead of you accusations; e.g., “I sometimes feel ignored, when you do . . .” will go over a lot better than “You never pay attention to me.”
8. Be quick to admit your fault in the present dynamic but not in an explanatory way; e.g., say, “I’m really sorry that I did . . .” instead of saying, “I’m really sorry that I did … but I only did so because you did . . .”
9. Instead of waiting for your spouse to express their sorrow over the hurt their wrong behavior has caused you, take the lead in doing so.
10. Be aware of what is really at the root of the issue and speak these thoughts with care; e.g., don’t say “I hate football,” if what you really mean is “I value your company and companionship; I wish we could spend more time together on Saturday afternoons. How about I watch one game with you and instead of you watching a second game we do . . .”
If your relationship has crumbled to pieces, you, all by yourself, can play a major part in seeing God miraculously restore it. Read The Love Dare by Stephen and Alex Kendrick. You marriage really is the most important thing you will do outside of your relationship with God. If my wife or I can ever be of ANY help to your marriage, please contact me: peter@apexbaptist.org.
Family Life Pastor
1. Focus on where you need to improve rather than on your spouse’s failures. But don’t follow up such thoughts with a criticism; e.g., “I know I could be better about telling you when I am coming home late, but you could also . . .”
2. Dwell on what is good about your relationship and your spouse not visa versa.
3. Stop the fight and escalating tension, until you can constructively communicate.
4. Don’t demand to be heard. Instead, be quick to listen.
5. Select an appropriate time and place to work out your present conflict. A public setting might keep emotions in place.
6. Avoid using words like “always” and “never;” e.g., “You are “always” late.”
7. Use “I” confessions instead of you accusations; e.g., “I sometimes feel ignored, when you do . . .” will go over a lot better than “You never pay attention to me.”
8. Be quick to admit your fault in the present dynamic but not in an explanatory way; e.g., say, “I’m really sorry that I did . . .” instead of saying, “I’m really sorry that I did … but I only did so because you did . . .”
9. Instead of waiting for your spouse to express their sorrow over the hurt their wrong behavior has caused you, take the lead in doing so.
10. Be aware of what is really at the root of the issue and speak these thoughts with care; e.g., don’t say “I hate football,” if what you really mean is “I value your company and companionship; I wish we could spend more time together on Saturday afternoons. How about I watch one game with you and instead of you watching a second game we do . . .”
If your relationship has crumbled to pieces, you, all by yourself, can play a major part in seeing God miraculously restore it. Read The Love Dare by Stephen and Alex Kendrick. You marriage really is the most important thing you will do outside of your relationship with God. If my wife or I can ever be of ANY help to your marriage, please contact me: peter@apexbaptist.org.
Monday, September 21, 2009
Are You Really Thirsty?
Tim Shaw
Pastor of Adult Education
I enjoy yard work. Or perhaps more accurately, I enjoy mowing. There is something about pushing the mower back and forth and seeing the straight lines that are formed with each pass and the sweet aroma of freshly cut grass. However, when it is one of those hot, humid, North Carolina summer days, I lose some of that delight to exhaustion and thirst. That thirst can only be quenched by cold water and it often has to be quenched more than once for me to be able to finish the job.
You know you can compare that level of thirst with being filled with the Spirit. In fact, Spirit fullness begins with a thirst. Along with obeying we must desire to be filled and then allow the filling. Jesus said in John 7:37, “If any man thirst, let him come to me and drink.” Here are two prerequisites for the filling of the Holy Spirit – thirst and drink. Thirst suggests desire, and drinking suggests obedience and trust, in that if we drink, He will quench our thirst.
Included in this desire to be filled with the Holy Spirit must be our wanting God to judge and put away sin in our lives. We must desire to be separated unto the Lord from the world and its evil system. We must regard ourselves dead to sin and alive to God. This is true not only in our position in Christ, but also in our spiritual life as we yield to the Holy Spirit’s control.
We must also desire the fruit of the Spirit in our lives. Do we want, no, do we thirst for, love, joy, peace and the other evidences of the Spirit’s life in us? Do we long to put Christ on the throne?
Thirst should cause us to drink, and in drinking we are trusting. In the words of our Savior, “Out of our being shall flow rivers of living water.” (v38) We not only trust Christ to save us from sin, but we also trust Him to fill us with the Spirit. This particular phase of believing, or trusting, in Christ should be a continuous attitude of trusting, of committing ourselves to the Lord in order to be controlled by the Holy Spirit.
So, next time your physical body thirsts and you burn to have it quenched, ask yourself, “Do I desire and burn to be filled with the Spirit as badly as I desire to have a drink of water?”
Pastor of Adult Education
“On the last day of the feast, the great day, Jesus stood up and cried out, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, ‘Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.’ ” Now this he said about the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were to receive… John 7:37-39a (ESV)
I enjoy yard work. Or perhaps more accurately, I enjoy mowing. There is something about pushing the mower back and forth and seeing the straight lines that are formed with each pass and the sweet aroma of freshly cut grass. However, when it is one of those hot, humid, North Carolina summer days, I lose some of that delight to exhaustion and thirst. That thirst can only be quenched by cold water and it often has to be quenched more than once for me to be able to finish the job.
You know you can compare that level of thirst with being filled with the Spirit. In fact, Spirit fullness begins with a thirst. Along with obeying we must desire to be filled and then allow the filling. Jesus said in John 7:37, “If any man thirst, let him come to me and drink.” Here are two prerequisites for the filling of the Holy Spirit – thirst and drink. Thirst suggests desire, and drinking suggests obedience and trust, in that if we drink, He will quench our thirst.
Included in this desire to be filled with the Holy Spirit must be our wanting God to judge and put away sin in our lives. We must desire to be separated unto the Lord from the world and its evil system. We must regard ourselves dead to sin and alive to God. This is true not only in our position in Christ, but also in our spiritual life as we yield to the Holy Spirit’s control.
We must also desire the fruit of the Spirit in our lives. Do we want, no, do we thirst for, love, joy, peace and the other evidences of the Spirit’s life in us? Do we long to put Christ on the throne?
Thirst should cause us to drink, and in drinking we are trusting. In the words of our Savior, “Out of our being shall flow rivers of living water.” (v38) We not only trust Christ to save us from sin, but we also trust Him to fill us with the Spirit. This particular phase of believing, or trusting, in Christ should be a continuous attitude of trusting, of committing ourselves to the Lord in order to be controlled by the Holy Spirit.
So, next time your physical body thirsts and you burn to have it quenched, ask yourself, “Do I desire and burn to be filled with the Spirit as badly as I desire to have a drink of water?”
And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit.” Eph 5:18
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Walking With God or Going Out Just Like Enoch!
Nathan Stam
Children/Communications Pastor
Enoch is one of those men that you don’t read about much in Scripture, but what a testimony he left behind! He’s only mentioned three times (a total of 8 verses), but one of those times is in the Heroes of Faith chapter in Hebrews. Hebrews 11:5 reads:
By faith, Enoch was taken away so that he did not experience death, and he was not to be found because God took him away. For prior to his transformation he was approved, having pleased God.
This verse is referring to the account of Enoch’s life found in Genesis 5:21-24:
Enoch was 65 years old when he fathered Methusaleh. And after the birth of Methusaleh, Enoch walked with God 300 years and fathered sons and daughters. So Enoch’s life lasted 365 years. Enoch walked with God, and he was not there, because God took him.
What a way to leave this earth! One day he was not there, because God took him! It reminds me of Elijah and that old Rich Mullins’ song: “When I die I want to go out like Elijah/With a whirlwind to fuel my chariot of fire.”
It’s mentioned twice in the Genesis passage that Enoch “walked with God.” The same word translated “walk” can also mean “well-pleasing”, so in essence Enoch’s relationship with God was one that pleased God and brought him honor.
That’s a challenge for us today, isn’t it? Can we live each day keeping in step with the Spirit and glorifying the Lord in everything that we do, say, feel, desire and love? I think it’s not easy, but possible, when we live a life filled with the love of Jesus and surrendered to the will of God.
Like Enoch, let us seek to please God and to walk with Him all the days of our lives!
Children/Communications Pastor
Enoch is one of those men that you don’t read about much in Scripture, but what a testimony he left behind! He’s only mentioned three times (a total of 8 verses), but one of those times is in the Heroes of Faith chapter in Hebrews. Hebrews 11:5 reads:
By faith, Enoch was taken away so that he did not experience death, and he was not to be found because God took him away. For prior to his transformation he was approved, having pleased God.
This verse is referring to the account of Enoch’s life found in Genesis 5:21-24:
Enoch was 65 years old when he fathered Methusaleh. And after the birth of Methusaleh, Enoch walked with God 300 years and fathered sons and daughters. So Enoch’s life lasted 365 years. Enoch walked with God, and he was not there, because God took him.
What a way to leave this earth! One day he was not there, because God took him! It reminds me of Elijah and that old Rich Mullins’ song: “When I die I want to go out like Elijah/With a whirlwind to fuel my chariot of fire.”
It’s mentioned twice in the Genesis passage that Enoch “walked with God.” The same word translated “walk” can also mean “well-pleasing”, so in essence Enoch’s relationship with God was one that pleased God and brought him honor.
That’s a challenge for us today, isn’t it? Can we live each day keeping in step with the Spirit and glorifying the Lord in everything that we do, say, feel, desire and love? I think it’s not easy, but possible, when we live a life filled with the love of Jesus and surrendered to the will of God.
Like Enoch, let us seek to please God and to walk with Him all the days of our lives!
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Quiet Desperation
Nathan Stam
Childen/Communications Pastor
One of my favorite quotes is from Henry David Thoreau. He once wrote: “Most men lead lives of quiet desperation and go to the grave with the song still in them.” When I think about my life and my future this is quite the sobering thought—that I could waste my life striving after things that don’t really matter and not living the way God meant for me to live!
How easy is it, especially in our culture, to settle into a comfort zone and then be unable to break free? Ruts wait for us at every turn of our lives and they’re easy to get into and seemingly impossible to get out of. Half the time we don’t even realize that we’ve fallen into one. As some of our favorite rockers from Ohio once sang, “I’m stuck inside this rut that I fell into by mistake.”
How about instead of living lives of quiet desperation we lead lives of outrageously loud obedience to Christ? Would that change the way we do our jobs, relate to our co-workers, treat our spouses, love our neighbors, and raise our children? Would it change our priorities in life at all? Instead of living for the weekend, or vacation, or the next gadget we could live to see Jesus speak through us in all of our relationships? What an adventure that would be!
Let’s shake off this complacency together and burn out bright for God. Let our lives not be characterized by quiet desperation and regrets for what we could have been, but instead let us be known as men and women who follow hard after God and who lived our lives as a hymn to Christ!
Are you with me?
Childen/Communications Pastor
One of my favorite quotes is from Henry David Thoreau. He once wrote: “Most men lead lives of quiet desperation and go to the grave with the song still in them.” When I think about my life and my future this is quite the sobering thought—that I could waste my life striving after things that don’t really matter and not living the way God meant for me to live!
How easy is it, especially in our culture, to settle into a comfort zone and then be unable to break free? Ruts wait for us at every turn of our lives and they’re easy to get into and seemingly impossible to get out of. Half the time we don’t even realize that we’ve fallen into one. As some of our favorite rockers from Ohio once sang, “I’m stuck inside this rut that I fell into by mistake.”
How about instead of living lives of quiet desperation we lead lives of outrageously loud obedience to Christ? Would that change the way we do our jobs, relate to our co-workers, treat our spouses, love our neighbors, and raise our children? Would it change our priorities in life at all? Instead of living for the weekend, or vacation, or the next gadget we could live to see Jesus speak through us in all of our relationships? What an adventure that would be!
Let’s shake off this complacency together and burn out bright for God. Let our lives not be characterized by quiet desperation and regrets for what we could have been, but instead let us be known as men and women who follow hard after God and who lived our lives as a hymn to Christ!
Are you with me?
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Think Orange
Peter Dubbelman
Family Life/Administrative Pastor
The below two scriptures provide excellent lenses from which to view what God wants from parents.
Praise the LORD. Blessed is the man who fears the LORD, who finds great delight in his commands. His children will be mighty in the land; the generation of the upright will be blessed (Psa 112:1-2)
These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up (Deut 6:6-7)
Did you notice the four sections found in Deut 6:6-7: sitting at home, walking along the road, bed time, and morning time? The purpose of each one of the below items is to give ideas on how a parent can build faith in the home:
• Meal Time: when you sit at home, teach core values. Sit down as a family and regularly eat a meal. Use this time to listen, talk, and create family unity.
• Drive Time: wherever you are going (to school, work, etc.) and however you are doing it (car, feet, etc.) as you go interpret life to your child and where possible interact with the world (like the good Samaritan) so that they can see a godly example.
• Bed Time: when you lie down, counsel your child by listening to their heart. Take this time to also pray with them.
• Morning Time: when you get up, are you spending time with God? Unless you model this dynamic for your family your children will never catch on. Explain to your kids, by words and example, that your quiet time sets the priorities for the rest of your day.
Family Life/Administrative Pastor
The below two scriptures provide excellent lenses from which to view what God wants from parents.
Praise the LORD. Blessed is the man who fears the LORD, who finds great delight in his commands. His children will be mighty in the land; the generation of the upright will be blessed (Psa 112:1-2)
These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up (Deut 6:6-7)
Did you notice the four sections found in Deut 6:6-7: sitting at home, walking along the road, bed time, and morning time? The purpose of each one of the below items is to give ideas on how a parent can build faith in the home:
• Meal Time: when you sit at home, teach core values. Sit down as a family and regularly eat a meal. Use this time to listen, talk, and create family unity.
• Drive Time: wherever you are going (to school, work, etc.) and however you are doing it (car, feet, etc.) as you go interpret life to your child and where possible interact with the world (like the good Samaritan) so that they can see a godly example.
• Bed Time: when you lie down, counsel your child by listening to their heart. Take this time to also pray with them.
• Morning Time: when you get up, are you spending time with God? Unless you model this dynamic for your family your children will never catch on. Explain to your kids, by words and example, that your quiet time sets the priorities for the rest of your day.
Friday, July 17, 2009
The Beautiful Crisis
Nathan Stam
Children/Comm. Pastor
I recently finished reading G.K. Chesterton’s introduction to the life of St. Francis of Assisi. I had always known a little bit about St. Francis; for instance I knew that he once said: “Preach the Gospel. If necessary, use words.” Or something along those lines. But I never knew much about his person and his place in history.
There were several passages of Chesterton’s that really struck me, but none more powerful than this description of Francis:
“He was a poet whose whole life was a poem…His whole course through life was a series of scenes in which he had a perpetual luck in bringing things to a beautiful crisis.”
A beautiful crisis. The crisis of the Gospel of Christ invading the darkness of the world. The inevitable conflict of the Love of God encountering humanism and materialism. The collision of the Grace of Jesus with poverty, injustice and pride.
Francis was all about living life outrageously and a love relationship with God. A poet whose whole life was a poem. As I think about my life and my relationship with Jesus and with others I can’t help but notice how often I play it safe—in my relationships, in my church, in my community—and I wonder how my life would change if my course in life was “bringing things to a beautiful crisis” for the sake of the Gospel. Jesus once said, “For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life because of Me and the gospel will save it.”
Apex Baptist Church, are you up for living outrageously? Can you hear the call to follow hard after God? Chesterton goes on to write, “Through all his [Francis] plunging and restless days ran the refrain: I have not suffered enough; I have not sacrificed enough; I am not yet worthy even of the shadow of the crown of thorns. He wandered about the valleys of the world looking for the hill that has the outline of a skull.”
Here’s the challenge for you and me: May the refrain, or theme, of our lives be our desperate love for our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. May we “hang on to reason by one invisible and indestructible hair” and yet spend our days as “ministers of reconciliation,” pleading with all creation on Christ’s behalf, “Be reconciled to God.”
Children/Comm. Pastor
I recently finished reading G.K. Chesterton’s introduction to the life of St. Francis of Assisi. I had always known a little bit about St. Francis; for instance I knew that he once said: “Preach the Gospel. If necessary, use words.” Or something along those lines. But I never knew much about his person and his place in history.
There were several passages of Chesterton’s that really struck me, but none more powerful than this description of Francis:
“He was a poet whose whole life was a poem…His whole course through life was a series of scenes in which he had a perpetual luck in bringing things to a beautiful crisis.”
A beautiful crisis. The crisis of the Gospel of Christ invading the darkness of the world. The inevitable conflict of the Love of God encountering humanism and materialism. The collision of the Grace of Jesus with poverty, injustice and pride.
Francis was all about living life outrageously and a love relationship with God. A poet whose whole life was a poem. As I think about my life and my relationship with Jesus and with others I can’t help but notice how often I play it safe—in my relationships, in my church, in my community—and I wonder how my life would change if my course in life was “bringing things to a beautiful crisis” for the sake of the Gospel. Jesus once said, “For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life because of Me and the gospel will save it.”
Apex Baptist Church, are you up for living outrageously? Can you hear the call to follow hard after God? Chesterton goes on to write, “Through all his [Francis] plunging and restless days ran the refrain: I have not suffered enough; I have not sacrificed enough; I am not yet worthy even of the shadow of the crown of thorns. He wandered about the valleys of the world looking for the hill that has the outline of a skull.”
Here’s the challenge for you and me: May the refrain, or theme, of our lives be our desperate love for our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. May we “hang on to reason by one invisible and indestructible hair” and yet spend our days as “ministers of reconciliation,” pleading with all creation on Christ’s behalf, “Be reconciled to God.”
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Ten Questions
Nathan Stam
Children/Communications Pastor
If you have never read anything by Donald Whitney I highly recommend him. His book on the Spiritual Disciplines is excellent and is worth checking out. I recently came across a list of 10 questions that Mr. Whitney penned designed to diagnose your spiritual health. See how you answer these:
1. Do you thirst for God?
2. Are you governed increasingly by God's word?
3. Are you more loving?
4. Do you still have a growing concern for the spiritual and temporal needs of others?
5. Are you more sensitive to God's presence?
6. Do you delight in the Bride of Christ?
7. Are the spiritual disciplines increasingly important to you?
8. Do you still grieve over sin?
9. Are you a quick forgiver?
10. Do you yearn for heaven and to be with Jesus?
If you're like me, these are pretty humbling. I've got a long way to go!
Children/Communications Pastor
If you have never read anything by Donald Whitney I highly recommend him. His book on the Spiritual Disciplines is excellent and is worth checking out. I recently came across a list of 10 questions that Mr. Whitney penned designed to diagnose your spiritual health. See how you answer these:
1. Do you thirst for God?
2. Are you governed increasingly by God's word?
3. Are you more loving?
4. Do you still have a growing concern for the spiritual and temporal needs of others?
5. Are you more sensitive to God's presence?
6. Do you delight in the Bride of Christ?
7. Are the spiritual disciplines increasingly important to you?
8. Do you still grieve over sin?
9. Are you a quick forgiver?
10. Do you yearn for heaven and to be with Jesus?
If you're like me, these are pretty humbling. I've got a long way to go!
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
A Call To Fast
We've been challenged this week to fast together as a church during a 24 hour period (Phil suggested sundown Friday to sundown Saturday, but it's your own choice as to when this week) and we just wanted to take a few moments and provide some items for us as a church body to pray for during the fast and to discuss some reasons as to why we do fast and how exactly we should fast.
First, here are a few prayer points to lift up during your 24 hour fast with your family:
1. Pray that as men we would not be afraid to step up to the plate, but would lead our families with integrity and conviction.
2. Pray that as women we would have the courage of Esther and humbly devote ourselves to the Lord.
3. Pray that God would bring revival to our families and subsequently to our church.
4. Pray that as families we would delight to spend time together in God's Word.
5. Pray that we would become families (men, women and children) who are passionate about prayer.
So why do we fast anyway? In the Bible prayer is often times accompanied by fasting (see Nehemiah or Esther) and is usually seen as a time of intense supplication, worship or repentance. Wayne Grudem lists some excellent reasons as to the purpose of fasting:
1. It increases our sense of humility and dependence on God.
2. It allows us to give more attention on prayer.
3. It is a reminder that just as we sacrifice to some small part of our comfort to God (not eating) so we must continually sacrifice all of ourselves to God.
4. It is a good exercise in self-discipline (strengthens our ability to refrain from sin). (Hebrews 5:8; 1 Peter 4:1-2)
5. It heightens our awareness of spiritual things as we concern ourselves less with material things (food).
6. It expresses earnestness and urgency in our prayers.
We look forward to how God will move mightily in our midst as we gather back together this Sunday!
First, here are a few prayer points to lift up during your 24 hour fast with your family:
1. Pray that as men we would not be afraid to step up to the plate, but would lead our families with integrity and conviction.
2. Pray that as women we would have the courage of Esther and humbly devote ourselves to the Lord.
3. Pray that God would bring revival to our families and subsequently to our church.
4. Pray that as families we would delight to spend time together in God's Word.
5. Pray that we would become families (men, women and children) who are passionate about prayer.
So why do we fast anyway? In the Bible prayer is often times accompanied by fasting (see Nehemiah or Esther) and is usually seen as a time of intense supplication, worship or repentance. Wayne Grudem lists some excellent reasons as to the purpose of fasting:
1. It increases our sense of humility and dependence on God.
2. It allows us to give more attention on prayer.
3. It is a reminder that just as we sacrifice to some small part of our comfort to God (not eating) so we must continually sacrifice all of ourselves to God.
4. It is a good exercise in self-discipline (strengthens our ability to refrain from sin). (Hebrews 5:8; 1 Peter 4:1-2)
5. It heightens our awareness of spiritual things as we concern ourselves less with material things (food).
6. It expresses earnestness and urgency in our prayers.
We look forward to how God will move mightily in our midst as we gather back together this Sunday!
Friday, May 15, 2009
Interesting Videos
Here are two interesting videos (one on abortion and one on a believer's relationship to the poor):
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
A Look at Colossians 1
Nathan Stam
Children/Communications Pastor
Phil has challenged us during this current sermon series to memorize Colossians 1:15-20. In light of that challenge I thought it might be a good idea to take a quick glimpse at those verses in this blog.
Some believe that these verses were some kind of hymn or creed of the early church that Paul has pieced together, which is pretty cool if true.
In verse 15 we read that in Jesus the invisible has become visible. The very nature and character of God have been perfectly revealed in Jesus. We also see that same thought in the book of Hebrews. The word “firstborn” here in verse 15 is referring to Christ’s supremacy over creation, or his rank. It’s not saying that he is a created being, it is saying that he is above all created things. He is the Lord of creation.
Paul goes on to expand on this thought in verse 16. He basically says that good or bad, everything is subject to Christ. In fact, Paul is probably referring to hostile rulers or authorities. They all derive their existence from Jesus and they all owe their obedience to Him. Remember, Paul is talking about someone, Jesus, a common criminal, who was crucified maybe only around 25 years before this was written! This sounded like foolishness to a whole lot of people!
In verse 17 we read that there was never a time when Jesus wasn’t! He is before all things! And Jesus sustains all things. If he wasn’t sustaining the universe at this exact moment everything would disintegrate. He sustains all things by his powerful word!
Again, in verses 18 & 19 we read that all the attributes of God—-his wisdom, word, power, glory-—all are perfectly displayed in Jesus Christ.
Paul has emphasized so far that Jesus is Lord of everything and that everything was created by him, through him and for him. But something happened to this creation when sin entered into it that caused everything to be distorted and messed up. Here's the good news though: despite that sobering truth, verse 20 tells us that Christ on the cross has made peace or reconciled those who trust in His Name! Because the Bible is very clear that when we were not believers we were enemies of God and under his wrath. We needed to be reconciled. And Jesus did that on the cross once and for all!
I don't know about you, but I'm excited about memorizing these verses over the next few weeks and having these amazing truths alive in my heart where I can meditate and think on them!
Children/Communications Pastor
Phil has challenged us during this current sermon series to memorize Colossians 1:15-20. In light of that challenge I thought it might be a good idea to take a quick glimpse at those verses in this blog.
Some believe that these verses were some kind of hymn or creed of the early church that Paul has pieced together, which is pretty cool if true.
In verse 15 we read that in Jesus the invisible has become visible. The very nature and character of God have been perfectly revealed in Jesus. We also see that same thought in the book of Hebrews. The word “firstborn” here in verse 15 is referring to Christ’s supremacy over creation, or his rank. It’s not saying that he is a created being, it is saying that he is above all created things. He is the Lord of creation.
Paul goes on to expand on this thought in verse 16. He basically says that good or bad, everything is subject to Christ. In fact, Paul is probably referring to hostile rulers or authorities. They all derive their existence from Jesus and they all owe their obedience to Him. Remember, Paul is talking about someone, Jesus, a common criminal, who was crucified maybe only around 25 years before this was written! This sounded like foolishness to a whole lot of people!
In verse 17 we read that there was never a time when Jesus wasn’t! He is before all things! And Jesus sustains all things. If he wasn’t sustaining the universe at this exact moment everything would disintegrate. He sustains all things by his powerful word!
Again, in verses 18 & 19 we read that all the attributes of God—-his wisdom, word, power, glory-—all are perfectly displayed in Jesus Christ.
Paul has emphasized so far that Jesus is Lord of everything and that everything was created by him, through him and for him. But something happened to this creation when sin entered into it that caused everything to be distorted and messed up. Here's the good news though: despite that sobering truth, verse 20 tells us that Christ on the cross has made peace or reconciled those who trust in His Name! Because the Bible is very clear that when we were not believers we were enemies of God and under his wrath. We needed to be reconciled. And Jesus did that on the cross once and for all!
I don't know about you, but I'm excited about memorizing these verses over the next few weeks and having these amazing truths alive in my heart where I can meditate and think on them!
Monday, May 4, 2009
Heart Connex!
We wanted to let you know about a free resource that we thought was appropriate in light of our current sermon series. These are free family e-devotionals that are provided by Lifeway called "Heart Connex."
"Each week, parents receive two 20-minute devotionals via e-mail. These studies contain solid Bible teaching. The eDevotions are set up so that students and parents alike are involved, with each given specific things to say or do.
These eDevotionals are designed for very busy families. You can easily print the studies and make preparations in only about five minutes."
Check it out. It's Free!! Just click here!
"Each week, parents receive two 20-minute devotionals via e-mail. These studies contain solid Bible teaching. The eDevotions are set up so that students and parents alike are involved, with each given specific things to say or do.
These eDevotionals are designed for very busy families. You can easily print the studies and make preparations in only about five minutes."
Check it out. It's Free!! Just click here!
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Coming This Weekend!
There are a couple of exciting opportunities for you this weekend that we wanted to let you know about!
- Saturday (May 2) is Peak Day in downtown Apex. It's a great time when thousands of folks come and hangout in the streets downtown. We'll be there all day and we'd love for you to come and join us. We'll put up the moonwalk and have other games for kids including face painting and we'll be inviting kids to come to VBS this summer in June. If you'd like to come and help send Chuck or Matthew an email.
- Saturday night (May 2) we're kicking off our "Center" sermon series during the month of May with a men's dinner called IGNITE. Warren Lamb is coming and it will be awesome. If you're a man and you haven't signed up yet send Amanda an email. The dinner starts at 6:00 PM and we'll be done by 8:00.
- On Sunday, May 3, Hand of Hope Pregnancy Resource Center is hosting its annual Walk For Life from 2:00-4:00 at South Park in Fuquay Varina. Hand of Hope reaches out to young ladies with the hope of Christ and is an invaluable ministry in our neck of the woods. You can read more about Hand of Hope or the Walk For Life by clicking here.
Monday, April 27, 2009
Empty Nesters
Peter Dubbelman
Family Life Pastor and Church Administrator
Our last child, Ruth, is getting ready to leave for college this fall. Though we realize that our kids may be in and out of our house during the next several years, Brenda and I are excited about this new adventure that awaits us—being empty nesters. We believe that our best years are still ahead of us.
"Empty Nesters" face unique opportunities and challenges. We typically have more time and finances then we are used to, but we also are navigating new waters; e.g., ageing parents and adult children, a stronger need to be partner focused rather than child focused, and letting go of past disappointments and moving forward.
I want you to know about some exciting, useful opportunities at ABC that apply just to you:
- Roger Repp has started a Life Group class geared to empty nesters. If you are not already a part of a Life Group, please pray about this opportunity. For more information you can reach Roger at his e-mail address or see the above image for more info on the class.
- Brenda and I are reading a book on Empty Nesters: The Second Half of Marriage by David and Claudia Arp. It is published by Zondervan and has a Christian emphasis; and so far we like it. There are other books that address our demographic, but you might want to read it together as a couple.
- Brenda and I are also praying about leading a monthly discussion group on the above book or one similar. Right now, if there is enough interest in the idea, I’m thinking about starting it in either September ’09 or ’10 with a monthly evening meeting around food, fellowship, and book discussion; we’ll then culminate with the group going away for a weekend of fellowship, fun, and worship; however, I am open to suggestions. I’m not only wrestling with the idea but also with whether there is enough interest in doing something like this. So help me out. Ideally, I would prefer you join a community discussion of this idea or whatever else is in your heart with regards to Empty Nesters in the comments below. Simply click on the comments link under this entry and let us know what you think. You may also contact Brenda and I directly.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
What's Wrong?
Alex Cosio
Pastor of Hispanic Ministries
I heard the story of a young man whose friends played a prank on him. While he was asleep, they rubbed an ointment with a very bad odor on his upper lip underneath his nose. When he woke up he complained: “this room stinks!” So he left the room and went outside. As he was walking through the hallway he said: “this hallway surely stinks.” He got into his car; as he started driving, he noticed the bad odor in his car too, so he complained: “this car is really stinky!” Everywhere he went he complained saying: “This really stinks.” It took him a while to realize that he was the one who stunk!
This story illustrates a problem that is common to many of us. There are people who constantly complain; and complain about everything. They complain about their neighbor, about their friends, their coworkers, their children, their spouse, their boss, their church, the prices, the government, the weather, etc. Do you know anybody like that? It is very easy to see the wrongs and defects on everybody else and never ask ourselves: “Could it be me the one that is wrong?”
The Lord Jesus said: “Your eye is the lamp of your body. When your eyes are good, your whole body also is full of light. But when they are bad, your body also is full of darkness. See to it, then, that the light within you is not darkness.” (Luke 11:34-35) What a revelation! Could it be that we need to come into the light? What a difference the light makes around us! Jesus said: "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." (John 8:12)
The Lord promises that if we come into his light everything around us will look different. Your neighbor might be the same but will look different because of the light of Jesus. Your spouse might be the same, but it will look different because of the light of Jesus. Before we complain and judge, let us ask ourselves: Am I looking through the light of Jesus or through the darkness of this world? Let us challenge ourselves by asking: Am I walking in the light of Jesus?
Pastor of Hispanic Ministries
I heard the story of a young man whose friends played a prank on him. While he was asleep, they rubbed an ointment with a very bad odor on his upper lip underneath his nose. When he woke up he complained: “this room stinks!” So he left the room and went outside. As he was walking through the hallway he said: “this hallway surely stinks.” He got into his car; as he started driving, he noticed the bad odor in his car too, so he complained: “this car is really stinky!” Everywhere he went he complained saying: “This really stinks.” It took him a while to realize that he was the one who stunk!
This story illustrates a problem that is common to many of us. There are people who constantly complain; and complain about everything. They complain about their neighbor, about their friends, their coworkers, their children, their spouse, their boss, their church, the prices, the government, the weather, etc. Do you know anybody like that? It is very easy to see the wrongs and defects on everybody else and never ask ourselves: “Could it be me the one that is wrong?”
The Lord Jesus said: “Your eye is the lamp of your body. When your eyes are good, your whole body also is full of light. But when they are bad, your body also is full of darkness. See to it, then, that the light within you is not darkness.” (Luke 11:34-35) What a revelation! Could it be that we need to come into the light? What a difference the light makes around us! Jesus said: "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." (John 8:12)
The Lord promises that if we come into his light everything around us will look different. Your neighbor might be the same but will look different because of the light of Jesus. Your spouse might be the same, but it will look different because of the light of Jesus. Before we complain and judge, let us ask ourselves: Am I looking through the light of Jesus or through the darkness of this world? Let us challenge ourselves by asking: Am I walking in the light of Jesus?
Thursday, March 26, 2009
FOCUS Conference
We wanted to write a little on a great opportunity for all ABC teachers called the FOCUS Conference. Whether you teach adults, youth, or children this conference is for you! The dates are Friday night, April 17 and Saturday morning, April 18 so it's not a lot of your time, but we really believe that it will be worth it to you to come as we spend some time in fellowship and in training. One of our main goals with this conference is to equip you in your classrooms as you teach and to be sharpened together as teachers!
We'll eat dinner together on Friday night and then have one large group session altogether. Then we'll break out into our age-appropriate sessions. Here's the schedule for the weekend:
Friday 17th
6:00 – 7:00 Dinner in the Fellowship Hall
7:00pm – 7:45pm Combined Group Session with Dan Cook
7:45pm – 8:00pm break
8:00pm – 9:00pm Age-Group Track Session 1
Saturday 18th
8:30am – 9:00am continental breakfast
9:00am – 9:45am Age-Group Track Session 2
9:45am – 10:00am break
10:00am – 11:00am Age-Group Track Session 3
We've got some great folks coming in to teach and to train and they'll be covering some really good topics. Some examples of what we'll be talking about in the children's teachers breakouts are: discipline in the classroom, age-appropriate story-telling, games, songs and other tools that you can use in your classroom.
Feel free to email Nathan with any questions, but we really hope you'll sign up and join us that weekend! Click here to sign-up today!
We'll eat dinner together on Friday night and then have one large group session altogether. Then we'll break out into our age-appropriate sessions. Here's the schedule for the weekend:
Friday 17th
6:00 – 7:00 Dinner in the Fellowship Hall
7:00pm – 7:45pm Combined Group Session with Dan Cook
7:45pm – 8:00pm break
8:00pm – 9:00pm Age-Group Track Session 1
Saturday 18th
8:30am – 9:00am continental breakfast
9:00am – 9:45am Age-Group Track Session 2
9:45am – 10:00am break
10:00am – 11:00am Age-Group Track Session 3
We've got some great folks coming in to teach and to train and they'll be covering some really good topics. Some examples of what we'll be talking about in the children's teachers breakouts are: discipline in the classroom, age-appropriate story-telling, games, songs and other tools that you can use in your classroom.
Feel free to email Nathan with any questions, but we really hope you'll sign up and join us that weekend! Click here to sign-up today!
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Forgive Them
Tim Shaw
Adult Education Pastor
As spring is in the air causing the trees to bud and flowers to bloom, my thoughts are more on the approaching Easter season than the calendar season. The whole basis of our faith is the Cross of Christ and His resurrection!
When Christ was crucified, He made seven profound statements while He hung on the tree before He breathed His last earthly breath of air. As I think about Jesus Christ and what he went through on the cross, the word "amazing" dominates my mind. We can learn a lot about Christ's character from these few statements that I believe to be truly amazing. Of those seven, the one that I find the most convicting was the first. "Then said Jesus, 'Father forgive them; for they know not what they do'." Luke 23:34
Jesus, having just been nailed to a cross, was in the process of dying by the most painful method of execution that has ever been devised by man. In the midst of His agony, Jesus looked down from the cross at the people responsible for His suffering and offered up a prayer requesting that God forgive them. If you think as I do, you read this and thought, "Wow, that's amazing!" And from our human reasoning it is. But should it surprise us that He would offer such a prayer? After all, this forgiveness if the very reason that He chose to lay down His life!
There is debate among theologians as to whom Christ was referring when He said "they know not what they do." Is He referring to the Romans who were responsible for carrying out the execution or to the Jews who failed to recognize their Messiah? I believe He was referring to the Jews, for they made a serious mistake and failed to recognize God's plan for their nation. As Paul later wrote in 1 Corinthians 2:8, if they had known who Christ was, they would not have crucified Him. Regardless of which group He was referring to, all the participants in His death were included in the prayer for forgiveness.
This same forgiveness that Christ prayed from the cross is available for everyone. However, one must accept it before salvation can be claimed. How about you? Have you ever come to the point in your life where you realized that you were a hopeless sinner and that you stood in need of a Savior? Have you ever asked that Savior, who loved you enough to lay down His life for you, for forgiveness of the sins you have committed? Have you ever placed your faith and trust in that Savior as the only means by which you can have hope and eternal life? If you have not, there is no better time than right now.
If you have received Christ as your personal Savior, are you living by the example He set? Do you love your enemies? Do you offer or withhold forgiveness from those who have caused you pain and suffering? Amazing, astounding, miraculous -- choose any descriptive word you like. Then choose to live for Christ, and extend the mercy, grace, and compassion He has shown you to other people.
Adult Education Pastor
As spring is in the air causing the trees to bud and flowers to bloom, my thoughts are more on the approaching Easter season than the calendar season. The whole basis of our faith is the Cross of Christ and His resurrection!
When Christ was crucified, He made seven profound statements while He hung on the tree before He breathed His last earthly breath of air. As I think about Jesus Christ and what he went through on the cross, the word "amazing" dominates my mind. We can learn a lot about Christ's character from these few statements that I believe to be truly amazing. Of those seven, the one that I find the most convicting was the first. "Then said Jesus, 'Father forgive them; for they know not what they do'." Luke 23:34
Jesus, having just been nailed to a cross, was in the process of dying by the most painful method of execution that has ever been devised by man. In the midst of His agony, Jesus looked down from the cross at the people responsible for His suffering and offered up a prayer requesting that God forgive them. If you think as I do, you read this and thought, "Wow, that's amazing!" And from our human reasoning it is. But should it surprise us that He would offer such a prayer? After all, this forgiveness if the very reason that He chose to lay down His life!
There is debate among theologians as to whom Christ was referring when He said "they know not what they do." Is He referring to the Romans who were responsible for carrying out the execution or to the Jews who failed to recognize their Messiah? I believe He was referring to the Jews, for they made a serious mistake and failed to recognize God's plan for their nation. As Paul later wrote in 1 Corinthians 2:8, if they had known who Christ was, they would not have crucified Him. Regardless of which group He was referring to, all the participants in His death were included in the prayer for forgiveness.
This same forgiveness that Christ prayed from the cross is available for everyone. However, one must accept it before salvation can be claimed. How about you? Have you ever come to the point in your life where you realized that you were a hopeless sinner and that you stood in need of a Savior? Have you ever asked that Savior, who loved you enough to lay down His life for you, for forgiveness of the sins you have committed? Have you ever placed your faith and trust in that Savior as the only means by which you can have hope and eternal life? If you have not, there is no better time than right now.
If you have received Christ as your personal Savior, are you living by the example He set? Do you love your enemies? Do you offer or withhold forgiveness from those who have caused you pain and suffering? Amazing, astounding, miraculous -- choose any descriptive word you like. Then choose to live for Christ, and extend the mercy, grace, and compassion He has shown you to other people.
Monday, February 2, 2009
Keeping In Step With The Spirit
Nathan Stam
Children/Communications Pastor
I recently finished a book by Mark Foreman entitled “Wholly Jesus.” Mark is a pastor out in California at North Coast Calvary and is the father of Jon and Tim Foreman, both of Switchfoot. It really was a great book filled with practical wisdom, but there was one section that really resonated with me.
He addresses Galatians 5 in which Paul admonishes us “since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.” Foreman talks about some practical ways that we can be filled by the Spirit in our everyday lives and I wanted to share them with you.
The first is giving thanks. Check out Ephesians 1:16, 1 Thessalonians 1:2 or Colossians 3:17. When we wake up overwhelmed with all the stress and worries of the day spend some time in thanksgiving and thank God for everything in your life—from family to the sunrise. “It’s a way of living in the painting of God’s reality and it clearly helps us to see the fingerprints of Jesus in one’s life.”
The second is praise and singing. See Ephesians 5:19. “When we speak and sing the truths of God privately or publicly, the Spirit is released more fully in our lives.” Sing constantly and remember that praise is a response to the love of God.
Studying God’s Word is next and it is when we are corrected, reminded and encouraged. The Word is when we rediscover “true north on the compass”.
When we’re in fellowship we’re encouraged and filled with the spirit. Like Sanctus Real sings, as brothers and sisters we truly need each other. To be and to live in community.
When we obey or resist temptation we are filled. We’re empowered and there’s a sense of victory. And when we love each other and give ourselves away to others we’re filled. Jesus said that when we love others (especially those that are “un-lovable”), we are really loving him.
So, there you go. Giving thanks, praise and singing, studying God’s Word, fellowship, obedience and loving others. Let us keep in step with the Spirit together, ABC!
On a completely unrelated note here's a commercial that NBC wouldn't air during the Super Bowl this past weekend.
Children/Communications Pastor
I recently finished a book by Mark Foreman entitled “Wholly Jesus.” Mark is a pastor out in California at North Coast Calvary and is the father of Jon and Tim Foreman, both of Switchfoot. It really was a great book filled with practical wisdom, but there was one section that really resonated with me.
He addresses Galatians 5 in which Paul admonishes us “since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.” Foreman talks about some practical ways that we can be filled by the Spirit in our everyday lives and I wanted to share them with you.
The first is giving thanks. Check out Ephesians 1:16, 1 Thessalonians 1:2 or Colossians 3:17. When we wake up overwhelmed with all the stress and worries of the day spend some time in thanksgiving and thank God for everything in your life—from family to the sunrise. “It’s a way of living in the painting of God’s reality and it clearly helps us to see the fingerprints of Jesus in one’s life.”
The second is praise and singing. See Ephesians 5:19. “When we speak and sing the truths of God privately or publicly, the Spirit is released more fully in our lives.” Sing constantly and remember that praise is a response to the love of God.
Studying God’s Word is next and it is when we are corrected, reminded and encouraged. The Word is when we rediscover “true north on the compass”.
When we’re in fellowship we’re encouraged and filled with the spirit. Like Sanctus Real sings, as brothers and sisters we truly need each other. To be and to live in community.
When we obey or resist temptation we are filled. We’re empowered and there’s a sense of victory. And when we love each other and give ourselves away to others we’re filled. Jesus said that when we love others (especially those that are “un-lovable”), we are really loving him.
So, there you go. Giving thanks, praise and singing, studying God’s Word, fellowship, obedience and loving others. Let us keep in step with the Spirit together, ABC!
On a completely unrelated note here's a commercial that NBC wouldn't air during the Super Bowl this past weekend.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Theology With A Tiger
Nathan Stam
Children/Communications Pastor
I’ve always loved reading Bill Watterson’s Calvin and Hobbes. In fact, I can attribute much of what I am today to two adults (my Mother and Father), one perpetually young kid (Calvin, named after John Calvin) and one insanely intelligent and good looking tiger (Hobbes, named after Thomas Hobbes). That might be scary to some of you, I know, but it is what it is. For those of you not familiar with the strip, Calvin is the dreamer and philosopher while Hobbes; his imaginary tiger (or is he?) plays the realist.
During one staff meeting a few years ago Rick (now at Explore Church) and I had this crazy idea that we would bring lots of random things to the meeting to try and stimulate our creativity. So we brought play dough, crayons and doodling paper, our X-Boxes and, yes, you guessed it—a couple of Calvin and Hobbes books. I don’t know how many good ideas came out of that hour or so, but it was one of my favorite staff meetings ever.
I remember reading one of the strips in which Calvin and Hobbes are lying in bed. In the first panel Calvin asks, “I wonder why man was put on the earth. What’s our purpose? Why are we here?” In the second panel Hobbes turns to him and says matter-of-factly, “Tiger food.” In the third he grins at Calvin, who is taking in his comment. And finally, in the last panel, Calvin lies awake, with a worried look on his face and one eye on his tiger, as Hobbes peacefully sleeps. Existential musings from a 7 year old. How could you not love that?
I mean, I’ve had a few teachers like Miss Wormwood in my life and growing up I remember a few Susie Derkins. In fact, without revealing names one time in Kindergarten I was wrestled to the ground by an uber-aggressive female First Grader where I found a kiss forcibly planted on my lips while I screamed and shouted in protest.
I also treated my babysitters poorly, as Calvin did Rosalyn. I can remember one night refusing to come out of the bathroom the whole time my parents were gone and other times tying my babysitters to a chair and pretending they were damsels in distress. I usually got them untied after an hour or so.*
I could go on and on, but suffice it to say, my life would not be the same were it not for the exploits of Spaceman Spiff or for the wonderful carefree sport of Calvinball. As a future political science major I also conducted and interpreted polls on my Dad’s performance as a Father as I grew up, much to his chagrin. Sorry about that, Dad. Hopefully Aidan and Gavin won’t get any bright ideas.
And finally, if there was one thing I could change about my physical appearance I always wished my hair could have resembled Calvin’s amazing cut.
*In honor of the snow this week I’d also like to give a shout out to the whole Attack of the Deranged Mutant Killer Monster Snow Goons storyline. Brilliant.
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