Primary Task

Paul said in Acts, "...my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me - the task of testifying to the good news of God's grace." Acts 20:24

What is the primary task of a believer in Jesus Christ? 

• Raise a family?
• Help fellow man?
• Community involvement?
• Increased Biblical knowledge?

While all of these tasks are important, and even Biblical, they are not intended to be a Christian's primary task on this earth. Paul says he was given his primary task of "testifying to the good news of God's grace." Let's break this down into three parts.

1. Christians are called to testify - Testify means "to bear witness to." You are to tell others why you act the way you do. Do you pray? Why? Do you read the Bible? Why? Do you attend church on Sunday? Why? No one can testify in your place. You are the only one who can bear witness to what you believe and how you live your life. It's up to you to tell people why you do what you do.
2. Christians testify the "good news" - Talking about the local news, sports, politics, etc are all good, but  Christ followers are called to share the good news of Jesus i.e. the death, burial, and resurrection with the promise of forgiveness.
3. Christians share God's grace - This grace stems from the fact that Jesus Christ did rise from the dead, return to the Father and is now interceding for those who will believe and follow Him. 

There is a myriad of activities available to participate in each day of life. Simply staying busy with "church" activities, isn't necessarily completing the primary task Christ has given Christians. The Christian's primary task is clear. Letting people know Jesus Christ has made a difference in our lives and He desires to do the same for them.

From Fan to Follower

"If any man would come after me, he must deny himself, take us his cross daily and follow me." 
Luke 9:23 NIV

I'm excited about an upcoming sermon series at KCC called "Not a Fan." It's based on a book by the same name by Kyle Idleman, teaching pastor at Southeast Christian Church in Louisville, Kentucky. If you want to get a head start and read the book, pick up a copy of "Not a Fan" in the church lobby. The series will begin on October 7th and run 6 weeks with some special speakers weighing in on the subject matter. 

When I first heard the title, I was confused. Being a "fan" of a sport, person, or place is a good thing, isn't it? Isn't the goal of every high school, college, and professional sports program to put as many fans in the stands as possible? Aren't "fans" the crazy people who tailgate prior to the game, paint their faces team colors, and scream their lungs out cheering on their favorite team? What boldness, pride, and commitment they possess! 

Yet, I knew I was missing something in just being a "fan." My initial question was: "If I'm not called to be a fan, what am I called to be?" The answer is: a follower. A completely committed follower. Which is quite a contrast from a fan. To better understand it, we might want to say, a player. The contrast between a fan and a player makes the title clearer. 

Instead of sitting in the stands, we need to be on the field. Instead of just yelling at the refs, we need to be calling the plays. Instead of just painting our faces, we need to be wearing the uniform. Instead of just coming to the game, we need to be at the practice. Instead of just watching once a week, we need to be involved every day.

Through the upcoming series, "Not a Fan," you will be called to take Him seriously when he says "deny yourself," learning what it means to "take up your cross," and being challenged to become a fully committed follower of Jesus Christ. You won't want to miss it!

Waves

"But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed." Luke 5:16

Our family recently took a week off. We didn't plan to go anywhere, but wanted to have the flexibility to take "day trips" in the area. One day of our staycation we drove up to the shore of Lake Michigan in Eastport to enjoy the beach and take in a sunset. As I relaxed under an umbrella in my beach chair I observed our kids trying to body surf in the waves. They would continuously rise and break until arriving at the beach like a spilled can of Sprite. The children would see a wave coming, turn towards the shore, and try to let it carry them along in the water. No sooner had it passed them than another wave was upon them ready to repeat the trip.

Watching the waves endlessly propel the kids leads me to think of many of our schedules. Seems we are just wrapping up one project, event, or activity and another one is right there behind it ready to lift us and carry us along with it. Just like the waves on the lake there seems to be no break from the never-ending parade of activities. With the waves of activities, it can be very difficult to find time for a break. 

The Bible tells us that Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed. Sometimes he would go up a mountain. Other times he would walk through a garden. But He made a habit of taking time for rest and restoration. And if the Son of God needed to take time away from the busyness of life, how much more should we? 

Here are 5 tips to help you stop the waves and create a lonely place for yourself to recharge and reconnect with God.

• Unplug. Disconnect from the technology. Turn off your cell phone. Turn off the television. Turn off the radio. They'll leave a message. Relax. 
• Mobilize. Go for a walk, take a jog, or go for a drive. Do something that involves your whole body. Jesus hiked up mountains when he took quiet time. Move that body!
• Make Time Stand Still. Ignore the clock. This may not be possible every time you take quiet time with God, but when it is, leave your watch at home. Let yourself know, "This isn't timed."
• Brain Dump. How do you do that?! Take a note pad and as things pop in your head that you need to do, jot them down. That allows your mind to let them go. You won't forget them. They are written down. Tell your mind "it's okay" to release your "To Do list" for a later time. 
• Reconnect. After you've unplugged, got moving, stopped worrying about the clock, and cleared out your mind, then reconnect with God, your father. Pray out loud to Him. Read scriptures. Memorize verses. 

Interestingly, once the sun set over Lake Michigan, the waves subsided. It seems even the lake was taking a rest from it's busy churning and tossing of the day. All of God's creation was made to take a break from time to time. When will you take yours?

Churches Change

"We used to have a bell that called folks to church, now we have atomic clocks.

We used to have alters, now we have a stage.

We used to have stained glass windows, now we have none.

We used to have a choir, now a praise band.

We used to sing out of hymnals, now we sing words off a screen.

We used to have pews, now we sit on chairs.

But we still come to worship the Lord until its time for us to go or He comes. I'm old!"
- Janet Severance

Recently my wife and I went through our children's rooms and cleaned them out. They don't listen to the Baby Einstein CDs anymore. They stopped reading the board books long ago. We donated many toys to Goodwill because the kids have long since stopped playing with them. Their interests have changed. They have moved on from infant and toddler toys to fascination with Pokemon, Beyblades, Our Generation dolls, and the iPad. While it's difficult to throw away sentimental memories from their childhood, it's also healthy. They need to let go of the old to make room for the new. It's time for a change.

Life is packed with change. You really can't escape it. Our culture has changed. Remember these changes?

Word Processors replace typewriters. Computers replace Word Processors. Laptops replace desktop computers.  Netbooks replace laptops. And now Tablet Computers are replacing Netbooks.

Letters replace telegraph .Email replace letters. Instant messaging replace email. and now Texting, Facebook, and Tweeting are replacing instant messaging.

78's replaced the 8-Track. 33's & 45's replaced 78's. Cassette tapes replaced records. Cd's replaced cassettes. Digital tracks are now replacing Cd's.

Churches must also change with culture to remain relevant to the society in which it finds itself. Paul wrote to the Corinthians "I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some. I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings." (1 Corinthians 9:22,23) "Becoming all things" in Paul's day refers to becoming like a Jew or living like one under the Old Testament law to win the Jews to Christ. It refers to becoming like one not having the Old Testament law, so as to win those not under the law. It refers to becoming weak in understanding spiritual concepts, so as to win those people to the Lord.

How does this look today? Paul seemed to be advocating removing barriers to people's understanding of Christ. He became open-minded and associated with those he wanted to reach. Much like Jesus did when he spent time with tax collectors, sinners, and prostitutes. Paul became like the people he wanted to talk to in order to break down walls and build a bridge of communication.

Our church may embrace new methods, new strategies, or new approaches to reach younger generations. Our church may look different, act different, or think different from years past. Yet we do not compromise nor alter the Gospel message. We simply are seeking that bridge of communication in order to speak into people's lives today. A performance stage. A worship band. A video screen. All are tools to become more like the culture in which we live, striving to reach those who have yet to come to faith in Jesus Christ.

Lesons from the Third World

Team from Kalkaska, Michigan

I recently returned with a team from KCC from a short-term mission trip to Haiti. We visited Sonlight Ministries in Port-de-Paix, Haiti for 7 days. When visiting a third world country such as Haiti, the common American mindset is "we're going down there to educate those people in order to improve their quality of life." The assumption, at least in my mind, has always been "We are the teachers; they are the learners." Yet this time in returning to the States I'm left with a different impression. The roles were reversed. The people of Haiti were the teachers. I was the student. What follows are a few lessons that I learned from the third world.

Lesson 1: Be friendly to everyone you meet 

Making new friends in the neighborhood

Upon arriving in Port-de-Paix, we attended an orientation to acquaint everyone with the customs of the country. One of the more important points was to be sure you greeted everyone you meet with a "Bonjour" in the morning and a "Bonsoua" in the afternoon/evening. Haitians actually consider it rude if you fail to say "Hello" upon entering a room. In the states we avoid eye contact most of the time with strangers, however, in Haiti it's common to look someone in the eye and say a warm, "Bonjou!"

This simple greeting lays the groundwork for a culture of friendliness and open relationships. Scripture says, "Remember to welcome strangers, because some who have done this have welcomed angels without knowing it." Hebrews 13:2 (NCV) Being friendly with a simple greeting tends to make us less self-centered and more aware of other people around us. The Haitian people are warm and friendly. We would do well to take a page from their book on openness and hospitality.
Lesson 2: A simple life is a fruitful life

Walking down the Port-de-Paix back roads.

During our trip we visited four different Haitian homes. What struck me at all of them was the lack of stuff in their houses. They live such a simplistic lifestyle. It's rare to see a Haitian home with cabinets, closets, or a garage. They simply don't need the storage space. They don't accumulate things like we in American seem to be prone to do. Consequently, they aren't centered around their possessions. They spend much more time talking to their family, neighbors, and guests. Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying possessions are inherently wrong. What I am saying is just that the time it takes to manage what you own could possibly be used for more important activities.

In the parable of the soils found in Luke 8:14, Jesus compares the weeds to those people who allow their  possessions to become so consuming that they actually prevent them from becoming fruitful or productive in healthy ways. Jesus says we can become choked by the cares, riches, and pleasures of this life. He's not saying they are wrong, but in unhealthy amounts they become suffocating and damage our lives and ultimately "kill" our fruits.

Lesson 3: People are important / Relationships are priceless

Students at Sonlight Academy

You've probably heard the saying, "It's not what you know. It's who you know." That little proverb is so true in Haiti. Flying into the new Port-au-Prince airport, our team was greeted by a Pastor named Nadar. Nadar knew the customs workers and was allowed to enter into the area where we were collecting our bags. He had built a relationship with them over time so that they trusted him. And in return he made their job easier. After joking with the customs officials, Nadar had us on our way without having to open even one bag for inspection! Right or wrong, Nadar had connections!

When you run into someone you know in Haiti, they first ask you about yourself, then your family, and then about what you're doing. The focus is on people, not on data nor things. Haitians realize people are important and their relationships are priceless. Sadly, many times in the US we don't come to this reality until a loved one falls seriously ill or a tragedy strikes. Oh, that we would quit being so busy with so many things and enjoy those around us by deepening our relationships with them. Our things will break, rust, and wear out. But the people we know and the relationships we have with them will endure. Making the most of them while we can will reap rewards no money can buy.

The Cross of Christ

“For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.” 1 Corinthians 1:18

The entire gospel of Jesus Christ that we proclaim stands on the cross upon which Jesus died. Without the cross Paul says we are to be pitied more than all men (1 Corinthians 15:19) because our faith is in vain and we are still in our sins.

The Cross of Jesus Christ is the central point of the Gospel message we proclaim as Christians. Jesus was a 1st century Jewish rabbi who taught like no one had ever taught proclaiming love, forgiveness, and mercy. He made claims so outrageous about his identity that the religious leaders of the day sought to silence him by killing him. Ironically Jesus never committed a single sin, nor committed a single crime. On what basis could they accuse him, arrest him, and find him guilty to the point of deserving death? Justly, none. Corruptly, many.

Liars, false witnesses, and malicious men framed Jesus and handed him over to the authorities to have him flogged and killed as a criminal. He was beaten in a way that would have human rights advocates up in arms today. All the while he never resisted. To mock him, they placed a vine of thorns shaped in the form of a crown on his head and pressed upon it. Blood streamed down his face. His clothes were taken from him leaving him naked and exposed for all to see. Nails pierced his hands and feet as he was laid supine on a splintery wooden cross. He was crucified among common men. A sword pierced his side to insure his death would not tarry past sunset. Darkness covered the earth.

He was buried in a borrowed tomb.  A large stone sealed the entrance and guards were placed outside to be certain that no one would come and steal away his body. But trying to hold the creator of life itself in a hole is like trying to catch the sun in a baggie. It’s a bit too hot to handle.

Three days later the tomb is found empty, the stone is rolled away, and the guards are out cold. Jesus appears to women, disciples, and doubters, yet even some of his closest followers don’t recognize him with his new glorified body. He has changed somehow. He is still on earth, but no longer is governed by the laws of this world as he walks through walls, disappears, reappears, and even defies gravity!

Through the cross salvation is achieved for mankind. The story that gives us hope must be told. It is the life-changing gospel of a just God becoming man, dying in our place, paying the debt of sin, rising again, and going ahead of us to our eternal home. Jesus extends the invitation to simply believe this amazing, miraculous story of salvation. The cross of Christ. Foolishness to those who are perishing; The Power of God to those who believe.

Contentment is Great Gain

“But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that.”

1 Timothy 6:6-8

Amazing words spoken to Timothy by the Apostle Paul over 2000 years ago. I’m thinking, in what context does Timothy need to worry about materialism?! Today, yeah, we need to hear this advice! We’re surrounded by marketers who entice us to buy, buy, buy! But Timothy didn’t have anything, did he? I’m sure he wasn’t waiting for the next iPad 3 to go on sale. He didn’t covet his neighbors 55” High-definition television. He wasn’t planning a vacation to Disney World. He wasn’t facing foreclosure on his home. What money struggles could he possibly have? Why would Timothy need to be reminded that his world doesn’t revolve around money, his possessions, or materialism?

The fact is that regardless of your income. No matter how much you have. Despite how little you own. The Love of Money is still a temptation that can wreck great havoc in your life. Most of us, of course, would never say that we love money. We just love what money can buy! And to the frugal like myself, we love a good deal! If it’s a good deal, then it’s never wrong to buy, right? Our love of money and love of things are dangerous because that can lead to debt, distraction, and division. But the antidote to this temptation is called: Contentment.

Paul knew what it was like to live a prosperous life. He also know what it was like to live in poverty. He shares this with the Philippian brothers and sisters in Philippians 4:11-13. And his conclusion was that he LEARNED how to be content whatever the circumstances. Learning how to be content in any and every situation takes time and trust. Time is the forgotten, yet crucial element, we take for granted is our fast-paced lives. Contentment can't be delivered in 15 minutes or less! Trusting in God is also vital to our education. Trust in God to provide and provision for our needs. Paul even said he learned “the secret” to living a contented life. The secret is revealed in verse 13 where he says, “I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” 

Remember the key: Knowing Jesus Christ and allowing Him to give you the strength to be at peace with what you already own. Once you learn to be content, you'll no longer crave all the stuff the world has to offer. There's freedom in that along with great gain!