Tebowing!

1 Thessalonians 5:17

…pray continually;

One of the phenomenal things going viral these days is Tebowing.  As the picture shows – Denver Broncos Starting Quarterback Tim Tebow is kneeling and praying on the sidelines during a game.  Tim is very out with his faith.  At times – some of us are in the closet about our faith in our workplace or in public – thinking that our faith is private.  But – are we not called to spread our faith to all the ends of the earth?  What if God places us in positions – gives us platforms – in order that we might have the opportunity to glorify Him?  What if God wanted you to be the coach of that team in order that you might share your faith with the team – their parents – the crowd that watches your games?  What if God wanted you to be the head of a department at work in order to let His glory be seen?  What if God placed a Christian in a position of power and influence for His glory?

The story of Joseph comes to mind (Genesis 37f) – a slave that rose to a high position in a foreign land for God’s purposes.  There are many examples in the Bible of people God placed in high places of power or visibility and how God used them and how they tebowed.  We are where we are today – by the grace of God – to be used for God’s purposes – not ours.  Think about that!

Tim Tebow has a platform to share his faith.  He is a highly successful starting quarterback in the NFL with a first place team (the team was in last place when he became the starting quarterback).  Whether you agree with him or not – he believes that he has been given this position to share his faith – at every opportunity.  Interview after interview he has given God the glory for his success – and his teammates as well.  He has taken little if any praise for himself.  He is very humble.  When I see him tebowing as in this picture – I picture in my mind his prayer – Lord – help me to be courageous in the words I say – win or lose – for this time of witness for You.  I want to be that courageous is all I do for Jesus.

When and where do you choose to share your faith?  It isn’t optional folks – we are called to be His witnesses to the ends of the earth.  We are called to be His Ambassadors.  What platform has God given you?  Are you a parent?  Are you a teacher?  Do you own your own business?  Do you have a way to impact others?  Think about where God has placed you and fall on your knees more often and pray that God would give you the courage to witness for Him.

In the midst of closing his Epistle – Paul gives us some instructions.  One of the instructions is to pray continually.  We should always be Tebowing in our hearts – bowing before God in humility asking Him for play-by-play instructions.  Communication with God should be as natural to us as breathing.  It should not be something we are ashamed of but rather something we are proud to share with others.

Update: Two Scriptures that came to me to add to this post.  Romans 1:16 - I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile.  Matthew 10:32 - Whoever acknowledges me before men, I will also acknowledge him before my Father in heaven.

Just something to think about today as you go on your way.

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You Gotta Tell Somebody!

Romans 1:16

I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile.

I was in Galesville on the evening of October 31^st – visiting with a family as we planned the celebration of life for their 84-year-old patriarch.  Families were all over the community – dressed in all sorts of costumes – going house to house looking for free candy!  I noticed some older children dressed up as well – they had to be teens – maybe even older teens.  They too were going house to house looking for free candy.  I guess the lure of free candy helped them overcome the embarrassment of dressing up in a costume and doing what little children do.

Recently I attended an NFL football game – thanks to a friend of mine.  As we walked through the stadium I saw in person what I often saw on TV – grown people dressed in ridiculous looking outfits – supporting their favorite team.  I guess being a fan – short for fanatic – will lead you to do some crazy things – that and a few adult beverages.

I’m sure we could come up with a few more examples.  The point – of course – is that too many Christians seem embarrassed to witness their faith – but have little trouble doing other things that embarrass them – like screaming at a ball game (or worse – at your TV).

The passage today says: I am not ashamed of the gospel.  We might need to ask ourselves – are we?  Many seem ready to cover their homes – cars – work stations and more with items that support their favorite team or their favorite candidate for whatever elected position – yet have a hard time with being public about their faith.

My favorite team – even if they win the Super Bowl this year or any year – will not impact me more than a temporal sense of happiness (happiness is circumstantially driven).  Yet – if I could – by witnessing about Jesus – be used of God to turn a heart toward Jesus – that is a joy that is eternal (joy is spiritually derived).

The passage says:  I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes.  We often say – you gotta tell somebody about Jesus.  Telling someone about Jesus – witnessing your faith – may very well have eternal consequences.  Not telling someone about Jesus may also have eternal consequences.

Just something to think about today as you go on your way.

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Keep the Rain Falling – It Will Produce Fruit!

Isaiah 55:10-11

10 As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, 11 so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.

Rain falls at different rates. The other afternoon/evening we had a storm at home. The rain came down so hard the ground couldn’t absorb it all. Another time last week it merely sprinkled – barely got the ground wet/damp. We’ve also gotten some significant snow falls the last few winters – as the snow mounted and slowly melted into the ground. No matter how fast or light the rain/snow falls – rain is good for the ground – the crops – the flowers – the grass – our wells. As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater.

At times – when there is very little rain – you will hear reports about how far under normal we are in the rain fall. We will hear that water supplies are low and how much we need the rain.

David writes in Psalm 51 and compares the falling rain and snow – and the benefit it gives – to the Word of God falling on the ears of men and women. As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.

The Word of God will not go out and return void. This is a promise that every Christian can cling to and trust in. When we witness – when we share the truth about Jesus – when we tell someone about how God is working in our lives – His word will not go out and come back empty. There will always be a benefit to sharing and hearing the Word of God.

I know a woman who prayed for and shared the Word of God with her husband and clung to promises like this one. Her husband was a good man – he just didn’t know Christ. After a couple of decades of lovingly persistent witnessing – her husband came to know Jesus as his Lord and Savior. The Word did not go out and come back void. It may not have watered the soil of his heart as fast as his wife would have liked – but – it did water it and in God’s time – the fruit came forth.

Who in your life have you been lovingly persistently witnessing to – trusting to see a harvest? Do not give up – do not grow silent – even when you don’t see the fruit – something is happening – that is the promise. The grandchild – grandparent – friend – co-worker – spouse – child – parent – you are witnessing to may seem to be closed to the Word of God – and they may not even come faith – but God’s Word will have impact – it will not go out and come back empty. Somewhere there will be fruit from your sharing of God’s Word.

Just something to think about today as you go on your way.

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Set An Example for the Believers and Others

1 Timothy 4:12

Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.

Sunday – during the message about eternity – the challenge was given to pray for one person each day to witness to about our faith and about Jesus.  Eternal Life is found only in Christ Jesus our Lord.  Did you remember to pray this morning?  Whom did God set on your heart?  I pray you are bold – I’ve already gotten an e-mail report from someone who was bold and spoke out for Jesus (asking now for permission to share it).

Today I wanted to write about setting an example – because often our witness is not about the words we say but the life we live.  Actions often speak louder than words – you’ve heard that before – right?

Timothy was a young pastor – a product of Paul’s ministry.  Paul was writing to him and those Timothy was leading to give him encouragement and teaching.  Part of what Paul wrote we are using as our base passage this morning.

As Paul was telling him to not let anyone look down on you because you are young – he also encouraged him to be a good witness.  Think about these words for a moment this morning – set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.  How do these words speak to you this morning?

While Timothy – a pastor – was being asked to set an example for the believers he led – we also might hear these words and realize that our witness is also seen by non-believers.  When you let someone at work know that you are a believer – a follower of Christ – that will automatically put you in an aquarium of sorts.  That person – and others – will begin to watch you to see if your faith is real – if it makes a difference in how you face life – if you act on what you say you believe (avoid the old parent trap of do as I say, not as I do).

I witnessed to a friend this week – by simply inviting him and his wife to worship with us at Mt. Oak.  I asked if he was attending worship anywhere – and if not – why not consider attending at Mt. Oak – because we have a great church family.  Witnessing doesn’t have to be heavy-handed – just regular and consistent – and our daily walk means so much – so as we invite others they will see Jesus in us – in our lives – set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.

Just something to think about today as you go on your way.

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Governor Mike Huckabee Interviewed by Don Imus

Governor Mike Huckabee talks about evangelism with Don Imus.

Don Imus tries hard to corner Gov. Huckabee (an ordained Baptist minister) around the issue of who is going to heaven.  I believe the Governor does a wonderful job of presenting the truth of Christianity without falling into the trap that Imus wanted him – of coming off judgmental.

Gov. Huckabee said that for Christians – Christ is the way – and that we believe the whole world should follow him – without saying that all others were doomed.  The unbelieving world closes their collective ears when they hear Christians say that all others are doomed – even if they are without Christ.  If the goal is to get them to listen to our message and to be open to Christ – beating them over the head with hell just might not work for all people!  Take a listen and see what you think and leave your thoughts on the subject.

Imus – by the way – is a universalist – who believes that there are many ways to heaven/God.

http://video.foxbusiness.com/v/4302033/mike-huckabee-on-religion

 

What We Say or Do Reflects on Our Witness and on Our Lord

1 Peter 4:11

If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.

Peter was suggesting that the end of time was at hand – the mindset we should have each day – since we have no idea when the thief will arrive.  As he was warning them of the times they were living in – he reminded them to speak and act as one who represents Christ.

As a pastor’s son I learned what it means to live in a fish tank – with everyone from the church watching how the pastor’s son or daughter behaved.  Often a pastor would take ridicule – rightly or wrongly – because of their child’s behavior.  Same with Christ – as we profess to be a Christian – a follower of Christ – our behavior reflects on Jesus.

This is the truth I tried to share Sunday when I mentioned some of the youth using words and acronyms that are anything but wholesome.  I made the mistake of including our youth leaders – which is not a current situation.  For that I apologize and will to them face-to-face.  I should have included all of us – that was my intent.  I should have taken more time to express what was on my heart.  Our witness is impacted by the things we write and make public on Facebook – on Twitter – or in our everyday conversations.

This is true at work as well.  The jokes we tell or listen to or what we say or do impacts our witness and our Lord.  What we do reflects upon Jesus.  Paul put it this way:

2 Corinthians 5:20 – We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God.

God is making His appeal to humanity through us!  That is awesome – yet a tough challenge.  I’ve heard it said – that we might be the only Bible some people read.  We need to witness for Christ in all we do – say – or think!

Just something to think about today as you go on your way.

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Mt. Oak’s Vision and Mission – You Can Make a Difference

Our Vision and Mission at Mt. Oak

The Problem: Families are under attack.

The Solution: Reaching the whole family for Christ

The Process: Bring in, Build up, Send out

The Win: A changed life or family for Christ

Folks – I am looking for some feedback from the sermon yesterday.  We started the three-sermon series on our vision and mission with a sermon on bringing people into environments where people can encounter Jesus titled: You can make a difference.

We talked about how we can make a difference – helping to bring people into environments where they can encounter Jesus.  In worship we took about 5-10 minutes and met some people – all over the worship center – that we didn’t know well.  We asked some folks to introduce the people they had met.  Some were visitors or relatively new people to Mt. Oak – and it was nice to get to know more about them.  Jeris Bowlding – who normally sits on the congregation’s left side went over to the right side and met Walt Hammond.  Both have been attending Mt. Oak for many years – yet they didn’t know each other.  Making a difference – by helping to make people more comfortable – and to feel more accepted.  The sheets that we turned in last week told us many feel lonely!

The Scripture for the day was Matthew 5:13-16 – 13 “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men. 14 “You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.

We talked about ways we could be the salt of the earth – flavoring the environments – and lives – around us with Jesus.  Being salt is a proactive thing – we reach out and intentionally touch someone’s life with Jesus.  Examples might be giving Jesus the credit when we accomplish something – rather than taking credit ourselves.

We talked about ways we could be the light of the world and asked if in our homes – in our workplaces – in our daily lives – if we hide our witness – our love for Jesus under a bushel (we almost broke out in a verse of this little light of mine.  Being the light of Christ is about our daily walk – about people seeing Jesus in us as we walk in the darkness of the world around us.  Do we reflect Jesus?  Do people see a difference in us?

How about some feedback from the sermon today?  Constructive criticism is the only way to improve.  Even positive comments help us grow – as we hear what worked in your life.

You can listen to this week’s sermon on http://wwww.mtoak.org/media/mo-sermons or you can sign up to get them on iTunes – as we podcast each sermon.  Simply search in the iTunes store for Mt Oak UMC and subscribe – then you will get each podcast we put out automatically.

Just something to think about today as you go on your way.

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Witnessing – Not Just for Extroverts – All Christians are Called to Witness

Luke 9:26

If anyone is ashamed of me and my words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when he comes in his glory and in the glory of the Father and of the holy angels.

Although some surveys suggest that only 10-30% of the people in our culture are introverts (which means the rest of us are extroverts) – when it comes to witnessing about our faith a larger number seem to become introverts.  Let the pastor or others do it might be a common thought for some of us.  Yet the scripture today says if anyone is ashamed of me and my words.  Can we rationalize that we are not ashamed of the Gospel and yet not be willing to actively share our faith with others?  Can we somehow be closet Christians at work or in our social circles and somehow not be ashamed?

Many of us are extroverts on many things – not ashamed to let others know where we stand.  Many of us will let most anyone know our favorite sports team (do you think the Hogettes – pictured to the left – are ashamed of their team – even during bad seasons like this year?).  We will share with others all about our school – our favorite car/truck – our favorite race car driver – our favorite politician.  When it comes to sharing where we stand faith-wise many of us become very introverted.  Is that OK in God’s eyes?

If we think we can explain away our shyness about Jesus and not call it shame – let’s use another gospel’s take on this same subject.  Maybe different words will help us better understand God’s call to witness our faith.  Matthew 10:32-33 – 32 “Whoever acknowledges me before men, I will also acknowledge him before my Father in heaven. 33 But whoever disowns me before men, I will disown him before my Father in heaven.”

Where are our opportunities to acknowledge Jesus?  Maybe it is late one evening in the dorm doing studies and someone mentions how depressed or lonely they are – and we know Jesus in their life would help – and we talk about how we deal with the stresses of school – with Jesus.  Maybe it is in the grocery line when someone seems frantic over not having enough money to pay.  We might be quick to offer them a few dollars – but when they ask us why – are we as quick to tell them something like – because the love of Jesus is free and I wanted to express that love to you.  Witnessing isn’t always telling someone about the Roman Road or bringing them to know Jesus as their Lord and Savior.  It might just be that the moment calls for a little seed planting.  If we would become more expressive about our faith – I think we would be amazed at how many times God places us in just the right place to witness.

Maybe we should even practice our witnessing.  I mean – nothing wrong with talking to another Christian and role-playing.  Remember what Chris Walker – the missionary to Panama – said about having the opportunity to speak to a friend about Jesus and not being ready?  He had all of the knowledge but hadn’t practiced his witness.  He practiced his witness so the next time he would be prepared.

Are we ashamed of Christ and His Word?  Are we willing to acknowledge Him before men and women?  Are we willing to let His light so shine before others in us that they see Jesus?  (Matthew 5:16).

Just something to think about today as you go on your way.