'Jesus even loves brummies'

When an Unreached People Group Hears the Storyline of the Gospel for the First Time

If you’ve never seen this old-school video about the moving EE-TAOW story, it is very much worth 25 minutes of your time to fan the flames for frontier missions where Christ is not yet named. Make sure to watch to the end.

EE-TAOW (The Mouk Story) from oliver wong on Vimeo.

via When an Unreached People Group Hears the Storyline of the Gospel for the First Time – Justin Taylor.

My wife and I have no gold in our house, as long as you don’t count our wedding rings. What we had was stolen a few years ago and we never replaced it. Now our daughter and her family have no gold in their house either. With the soaring price of gold and our culture’s insatiable need for more drugs, a thoughtful burglar found a way to break in without breaking windows, kindly left my daughter’s wedding pearls, and took all jewelry of value. All gold is gone. We are told that the jewelry is probably being Fed Ex’d to Nevada where it will rendezvous with a lot of other stolen jewelry and then get back into circulation so it can be enjoyed by someone else.

So, we are following the normal protocol.

I have found comfort in knowing that we have nothing of significant value in our house.

I told my wife that I would be willing to get her some decent jewelry as long as we also invested in a safe that was anchored to the core of the earth.

I feel very sad for my daughter, who no longer has some family heirlooms.

She and her husband are now security experts. You can be sure that there will be no more burglaries in that house.

We are wondering whether she should replace her cat with a Doberman. The cat’s only defensive ability is to provoke allergies in susceptible burglars. We think a Doberman would inspire more universal fear.

My daughter is going to redouble her efforts to keep her bedroom neat. Then she won’t have to explain to the investigating officers that, no, the mess all over the floor was not a result of the robbery, and her parents won’t have to explain that, no, she was not raised by a pack of wolves.

And of course, having gone through some of those more mundane steps, we are left with that wonderful question, “And to what else am I too attached?”

Just imagine. What would it be like to hear that something in the house broke, or the car was totaled though all passengers are fine, and be largely unmoved? It is possible. We were recently in California and friends let us use their immense Suburban for as long as we needed it. As we were leaving they said, “We are just so glad that you have the Suburban because if the car gets ruined you should still be safe.”

In other words, if they had to make a list of the objects to which they were attached, the Suburban, at least, would not be on it. I, on the other hand, can remember times when I was reluctant to loan things out for fear that those things would come back damaged.

Lord have mercy.

We know that everything is the Lord’s and we are mere stewards who are called to freely give and enjoy opportunities to be generous. But we also know that primitive cry of “MINE” exists in every human soul.

When Jesus heard this, he said to him, “One thing you still lack. Sell all that you have and distribute to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.” But when he heard these things, he became very sad, for he was extremely rich. Jesus, looking at him with sadness, said, “How difficult it is for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God!” (Luke 18:22-24)

This is one of the hardest passages in Scripture. It isn’t saying that we must follow the mendicant tradition and divest ourselves of all earthly goods. But it is calling us to be beggars of the heart.

Edward T. Welch, M.Div., Ph.D., is a counselor and faculty member at CCEF and holds a Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology with a neuro-psychology specialty from the University of Utah as well as a Master of Divinity degree from Biblical Theological Seminary. Ed has been counseling for over twenty-six years and has written many books and articles on biblical counseling.

via After the Burglary | CCEF.

In his first letter to the Corinthians the Apostle Paul invited the early Christians to consider what their life was like before Jesus. He remembers:

For consider your calling, brothers: not many of you were wise according to worldly standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, so that no human being might boast in the presence of God. (1 Corinthians 1:26–29)

God’s Upside Down Economy

This passage is incredible. Over the course of a few sentences, Paul discredits nearly all of the sources we humans turn to for our sense of identity and worth. He says the Corinthians were:

Foolish

Weak

Not of noble birth

Low and despised

Things that are not

God did not choose the Corinthians because they were smart, strong, influential, rich, respected, or any of the other characteristics we long to achieve in ourselves. Jesus chose the awkward kid, not out of pity but to reveal his grace and glory and our need for him.

This may not be a good strategy for establishing a winning kickball team, but apparently God’s economy and priorities are completely opposite from our conventional way of thinking.

How Awesome Are You?

Put yourself in the Corinthians’ shoes. Think about your life before Jesus (or your life now, if you’re not a Christian). Where did you find your motivation and your worth? Were you intelligent, wealthy, beautiful, successful, popular? Compared to whom?

“The Bible helps us see our pathetic state, not to rub our nose in it but to jog us out of our prideful complacency and short-sighted priorities and see the gift of Jesus.”

As for me, I was living to get rich, break commandments, and win praise and approval from other people. Then I met Jesus and realized that, though I may improve my status and station relative to other humans, my life was pretty pitiful next to God’s perfection. “For the foolishness of God is wiser than men,” as Paul wrote, “and the weakness of God is stronger than men” (1 Corinthians 1:25).

The Gift of Jesus

Does God want us to feel bad about ourselves? Did Paul insult the Corinthians to beat them into humble submission before the great and powerful God of the universe? We are not the point. The point is God, “and because of him you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption” (1 Corinthians 1:30).

The Bible helps us see our pathetic state, not to rub our nose in it but to jog us out of our prideful complacency and short-sighted priorities and see the gift of Jesus. In verse 30, Paul lists five things we have in Jesus:

Life/Identify – “You are in Christ Jesus”

Wisdom – The wisdom of God

Righteousness – Jesus’ perfection

Sanctification – Daily lives that reflect Jesus’ grace to us

Redemption – We are bought at a price (Jesus’ death) and free from the sinful patterns of comparison, posturing, and pride

Jesus gives us everything we need, everything we’re looking for, and everything we want to be, if we relinquish our fleeting glory and receive the gift of his immortal glory, extended to us by grace.

via Foolish, Weak, Clumsy, and Glorious | The Resurgence.

The topics of hell, final judgment, and the Rapture have become prominent water cooler subjects recently.

A common reaction today is to reject the idea of hell entirely, stemming from a suspicion of moral absolutes or a denial of the possibility of final judgment. Some prominent Christian figures have predicted doomsday scenarios which have been widely covered (and ridiculed) in mass media. Depictions of hell become cartoonish and ever less believable.

The question becomes, how do we understand the biblical doctrine of hell in our scientific and secular culture?  Are we beyond believing such things? How do we contextualize this discussion in our churches so that these historic beliefs become relevant in our postmodern age?

Zondervan has just released a new book called Is Hell for Real or Does Everyone Go To Heaven?  Contributors to the book include Albert Mohler, J. I. Packer, Robert Yarbrough, and Timothy Keller. Readers will find examples from several pastors and theologians to help equip them in engaging both the traditionalists and secularists that enter their church doors.

Tim Keller’s chapter, “Preaching Hell in a Tolerant Age,” is available for free download from our Resources section.  You can find other resources on Preaching there as well.

via Blog – Redeemer City to City.

Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.

- 1 Corinthians 1:31

“Boast in Jesus” is one of those churchy exhortations that we Christians often toss around without much thought. What does it mean? Is it redirecting all compliments to God? Is it acknowledging God after touchdowns and during acceptance speeches? Is it a statement stamped on our money?

These common forms of boasting in the Lord often (though perhaps not always) amount to empty lip service. Here are six ways to get beyond mere words:

1) Recognize that it’s all about Jesus.

In the context of 1 Corinthians 1:31, Paul discourages the Corinthians from deriving their self-worth from personal achievements and crediting their salvation to their own lovableness. Jesus is the source and sum of everything; we are not. This compels us to live a life marked by grace and humility.

2) Enjoy accomplishments but don’t take the glory.

God created us to work, and there’s a holy satisfaction in a job well done. In fact, Jesus wants us to do a good job (Matt. 25:21). Problems arise, however, when we begin to derive our value, identity, and security from our accomplishments. We drift from dependence on God to reliance on self.

3) Learn from disappointments but don’t dwell on them.

Conversely, when we fail or when life gets hard, we can boast in God by trusting in him. Dwelling on disappointment reveals a faith vested in whatever was lost rather than a faith planted in the infallible God.

“Live generously and show that your hope, your confidence, your worth—your boast—is in Jesus. ”

4) Seek and practice humility and repentance.

We will all take credit we don’t deserve. We will all pout over disappointment. We will all get caught chasing our own glory rather than God’s. This is not an excuse but rather cause for true humility (not the lip service kind) and ongoing repentance, which keeps us close to Jesus and his life and death on our behalf.

5) Redeem the gifts, desires, and passions you’ve been given.

Maybe God blessed you with incredible talent, extensive wealth, a keen mind, etc. Think about how to use these gifts for the Kingdom. This could simply be doing what you do with excellence and then faithfully stewarding the influence, relationships, and resources God grants you, or it could be more specifically applying your gifts to the work of ministry.

6) Embrace and participate in the work and mission of Jesus.

Give, serve, and become a member at your church. Be hospitable to your neighbors and share the life and things God has given to you. Talk about his work in your life. Invite others to know him. Live generously and show that your hope, your confidence, your worth—your boast—is in Jesus.

via How To Boast in Jesus | The Resurgence.

When you see people up close, which is what happens with counseling, you might notice a few different themes emerging in your own soul. First, you will feel unworthy. Who are we that we should be able to see the work of the Spirit from such close range? And we feel even more unworthy because the godliness we observe won’t be broadcast to the entire church, but the display will be shown only to a few. For example, you will hear someone be open with private sin. That is a powerful evidence of the Spirit on the move. Or you will see a person quietly clinging to Jesus in the midst of painful circumstances.

Unworthiness is always my number one response. But there is a second.

Sometimes I am completely freaked out by sin. It scares me to death.

I watch as the world collapses on an adulterous spouse. I see people suffocating in their aloneness after having pushed everyone away. I see poverty and despair encroaching as a result of a person’s belligerent attitudes toward employers. I see addicts who hit bottom, destroy everything in their lives, and then somehow, sink even lower. I see marriages so estranged and trashed that death or divorce seem to be the only way out. Sin is so destructive.

Ugh. Lord have mercy. Where am I making steps down into darkness? Where am I so blind to my sin that only a severe and sudden impact will help me to see? Lord, search me. Please.

Sin scares me. And I want it to keep scaring me.

King David is in us all. A small omission such as not going to war with the troops is the first sign of danger ahead, and David doesn’t see it until many people die.

Small steps. Keep watch for small steps. Our consciences are such that we don’t get addicted to pornography overnight. Too many alarms would go off. But small steps of sin can go undetected.

Is there anything in my life or imagination that I want to hide?

Do I flirt with any temptations because I think everyone else is flirting with them too?

Can I tell someone else, on a moments notice, how I am knowing Christ better?

Am I confessing sin everyday?

Any lingering anger that I keep to myself?

Is my conscience clear?

Am I taking sermons to heart?

These are a few questions that help.

True, being motivated by fear is not the way of change. Fear must give way to being compelled by the love of Jesus. Fear, even of sin, can turn our hearts inward, and we won’t find any power there. But when the destructive nature of sin leaves us unsettled, that is a good thing. Scripture is replete with stories that warn, and a wise person heeds those warnings.

via Scared of Sin | CCEF.

I found this  funny video on the resurgence thought that you might enjoy a little laugh and  it actually has some practical leadership lessons. Enjoy…

via The Dancing Guy | The Resurgence.

thought that you might enjoy a good laugh!  this is soooooo true, like, man. cool. yeah (watch and you’ll see what i mean)

it amazing how time flies and it’s been over six month since i posted on this blog and for all those that were and hopefully still are interested in following the progress of this church plant i apologize. A variety new post will appear on this blog at least once a week (unless I’m on holiday or sick) for the foreseeable future.  let me first say that God has been unbelievably faithful and generous to the church, and to jo and myself , in so many ways over the last six month that i can’t fully update but let me get you up to date with the church growth and development.

The current situation is that the church plant is now established and we have a core membership of 13 with an additional 10 people committed to the plant who have yet to become members of the church.  most weeks we have up to 8 community contact coming to church who don’t yet believe. Over the first 6 months we have concentrated on building up the core team, and introducing ourselves to, and getting to know the community.  We started by meeting in a home but just before Easter we moved into a public building which by God’s grace has brought both other local believers and unbelievers into our Sunday gatherings.

To get to know the community, we visited 800 homes during Christmas 2010 delivering Christmas presents and cards introducing ourselves, as well as going around with Santa on sleigh.  At Easter 2011, we went to every home in the area (3500) to do a community survey and give them a Easter card/ invitation to a Easter service.  From this project we have 40 new connections in the community and many more conversations about Jesus on people’s doorsteps. I am personally meeting up with three non-believing men to do bible studies. In response to the community survey we are starting a men’s group and women’s group for those around during the daytime.

The ‘discipleship house’ is now almost complete – we should be ready by September 2011 to take our first guests.  We will have men and women living with us who are recovering from addictions or who need a home due to change in circumstance.  Each person will become part of our family and have a dscipleship programme to follow.  We have been blessed by God’s provision through the generosity of many to make this project possible.

As a church, we have joined up with 2020 Birmingham church planter programme which provide support and encourage for the lead planter and I’m also involved organising an interns training programme with 2020 Birmingham to attract more planter to Birmingham

Our hope is that we’ll have two/three other workers on the ground by September 2011 as we see this as key to the long term vision of any urban work. I’m currently discussing this possibility with three people, each would be primarily self funding, but we would like to get some financial support to assist them.

A physical presence in the shape of a building still remains a prayerful request, as it would provide a centre for much of our long-term work in the community.  The potential building possibilities are small in number but we trust that at the right time the Lord will provide what we need.

New starts up projects/ groups/ activities for September 2011 are community football team, men’s and women’s daytime outreach groups, luncheon club for the elderly, young people’s outreach group and one to one outreach.
well that’s it for now but i will keep you posted with more updates and interesting posts. jez