Fueling the Mission: Giving and Receiving for the Glory of God

Sunday at Grace Fellowship, we looked at Philippians 4:10-20 together in our morning sermon. I know that many people were wanting the answer to the question, “Should we tithe or not as Christians?” That was not the point of our text. As we saw, Paul is praising God for the faithful giving of the Philippian church. The outline of the sermon centered on five points:

1. We thank God for the giving of believers (4:10).
2. We are content in whatever circumstance because Christ strengthens us (4:11-13).
3. We are partnering together and with others for the work of the Gospel Mission (4:14-16).
4. We embrace the spiritual and eternal importance of giving (4:17).
5. We worship God through our giving and trust in His supply for our giving (4:18-20).

As you can see, nothing in this passage indicates that there is a required amount that believers should give to the cause of the Gospel Mission. The New Testament does not teach that our giving is tied to a percentage of our income or a total amount of money. But I want to ask this question: “Do you believe that the Apostle Paul would have expected believers in the New Covenant to use their freedom to give less than the believers of the Old Covenant?” I can’t imagine that the attitude of the early church was to give the minimum offering to the Lord and His Church. The principle of extravagant grace is that because God has given us everything in Christ, we are free to give without reservation back to Him and His Kingdom! According to 2 Corinthians 9:6-15 we are to be cheerful givers. We could never out-give God!

So, I offer these practical considerations with all that I have stated above in mind. The last thing I would ever want you to do is raise a lawful standard in your heart that is rigid and not seasoned with grace. But, as one of your pastors, I do want to give you some practical guidance in giving.

1. When thinking about the opportunity to give to the cause of Christ through your local church, begin with a heart of thankfulness for the privilege to be part of the mission.
2. Make a commitment to give at least 10% of your total yearly salary to the local church.
3. After giving 10% as a minimum, pray about increasing your giving each year. The easiest way to do this is by giving 10% the first year. Increase your giving by 1% each year for the rest of your life. Most of us would never notice a 1% increase in giving per year. It is steady and incremental so that it can be maintained over the course of your life.
4. Consider giving to approved missionaries and Christian agencies that are helping to take the Gospel to the world. This should be done over and above your commitment to the local church.
5. Keep a close watch over your heart and your family so that you do not slip into materialism. Our culture is always pushing us to want more stuff to try to make us happy. Keep a close eye on your heart and family so that you do not slide into idolatry through materialism over the course of time.

I am convinced that if we all gave in this manner to our church that God would overwhelm us with the amount of work that could be funded through Grace Fellowship. You might have a plan in the area of giving that you already feel is what God is using in your life to His glory and your good. The above five step plan is meant as an encouragement and practical application of what I believe the Bible teaches, but you do not need to treat this as binding to your conscience. Let’s be cheerful givers together for the glory of God!!

Your brother,

Carlton

Grace Fellowship, Racism, and the Gospel

Racism is a sin. I want to make certain that everyone reading this blog understands that Carlton Weathers and Grace Fellowship denounce any and all forms of racism, ethnic superiority, or creating false strata based on ethnicity that causes the devaluing of any person based on the nation or ethnic group into which they are born. This is not just sad or ignorant. It is antithetical to the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and it must be opposed in our hearts and in our communities and in our nation. Jesus Christ demands that this type of hatred cease!

So, why after years of social and political work to end the curse of racism in our culture do the events of August 12, 2017 happen? If you are a citizen of the United States of America then you know that last Saturday was a terrible day in our nation. It didn’t become terrible when a mad man drove a car into a crowd of protesters. That is terrible, but the day was already sad because there were thousands of racist protesters on the streets of Charlottesville, Virginia. I really do not want to talk about the politics of any of the groups present at these protest. I’m not even here to talk about what could be done to prevent this type of event in the future. Other people will need to discuss those things and find those solutions. I simply want to give four Gospel truths that will help us fight racism in our own hearts and then in our community.

1. God created only one race, the human race.

The Bible tells us plainly that God created mankind in His image. The first man and woman (Adam and Eve) are the parents of the entire human race. Christianity holds to the literal creation of humanity from one set of parents. Creation is the act of the one true God. Even after the fall and the punishment of human kind through the flood during Noah’s day, God built from one family (this time the family of Noah) the entire human race. Paul says it this way in Acts 17:24-31, “The God who made the world and everything in it, being Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in temples made by man, nor is he served by human hands, as though he needed anything, since he himself gives to all mankind life and breath and everything. And he made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined allotted periods and the boundaries of their dwelling place that they should seek God, in the hope that they might feel their way toward him and find him. Yet he is actually not far from each one of us, for ‘In him we live and move and have our being.’ As even some of your own poets have said, ‘For we are indeed his offspring.’ Being then God’s offspring, we out not to think that the divine being is like gold or silver or stone, an image formed by the art and imagination of man. The times of ignorance God overlooked, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent, because he has fixed a day on which he will judge the world in righteousness by a man whom he has appointed; and of this he has given assurance to all by raising him from the dead.” We belong to the only race God ever created, therefore hating one ethnic group or favoring one ethnic group over others is foolish arrogance!

2. Racism is a sin because it denies God’s creative genius and goodness.

God has created every language, every ethnicity, and every shade of skin color because he is creative and good. For any group to deny the equal beauty and worth of another group is to deny the wisdom of God in creation.

3. Jesus Christ is the only hope for the salvation of mankind.

The only hope for any man is the grace and love that is given to us from Jesus Christ our Lord. Jesus is not a tribal deity, he did not come to help one nation, he came to save the people of God that exist in every tribe and tongue on the planet! And we are told in Revelation 7:9-12, “After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands, and crying out with a loud voice, ‘Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!’ And all the angels were standing around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures, and they fell on their faces before the throne and worshiped God saying, ‘Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and might be to our God forever and ever! Amen!’” If you are a true Christian, then you must confess that unity among the ethnic groups of the world is the ultimate plan of God. He will unite all peoples through his Son. Therefore, you are working against God if you harbor racism and ethnic pride in your heart.

4. This means the Church should be the most diverse community on earth.

The implication of the Gospel is that our churches should be as diverse as possible so that Christ is glorified in our unity. When the world looks at our church they should not think that we are together as a body of believers because we have earthly things in common. It is more Christ honoring that each local fellowship is diverse ethnically, socially, economically, and in terms of education. This points to the one unifying thing that should be present in all of our lives as Christians, Christ! Paul says in Ephesians 2:11-22 that Christ has torn down all walls of separation and made in himself one humanity within the church. This humanity is neither Jew nor Gentile, Black nor White, Rich nor Poor, Powerful nor Weak. This humanity is simply Christian!

 

So what can you do as a Christian to combat racism in your own life and the life of your community? Here are four quick suggestions:

1. Pray that God will show you the areas of your heart that you still harbor racism or ethnic pride.
2. Seek to build loving neighborly relationships with people from various ethnic groups.
3. Consistently point people to the only hope available, Jesus Christ.
4. Build meaningful and significant partnerships within the local body of Christ that reach beyond ethnic barriers.

Here are some helpful links to articles on this subject. I hope that you are edified, encouraged, and challenged to think through these difficult issues as a Christian and not just as a citizen of this world.

“Pastoral Reflection from Charlottesville”, Keith Goad

“Letter from Berlin: The Lessons from History and the Heresy of Racial Superiority”, Al Mohler

“The FAQs: What Christians Should Know About the Alt-Right”, Joe Carter

“From Bloodlines to Bloodline”, John Piper

Mexico Missions Trip Report

After traveling to Los Fresnos, Texas, training for two days, and preparing our supplies, it was finally time to begin our journey to a coastal fishing village to work with the people of ML. As we loaded the suburbans and began our trip into Mexico, my heart was already anticipating the impact this trip would have on me and those who were with me. It is an absolute honor to serve Jesus in the most forgotten areas of the world. The honor is only magnified by being given the opportunity to serve with church family and friends.

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Our trip to the village included a short stop in an unforgettable village. This village was not our final destination, but we wanted to see where our missionaries serve in northern Mexico outside of village ML. The reason the village is unforgettable is because of one beautiful, gracious lady named G. This is the testimony of our mission team regarding her:

“One of the moments that had a great influence on me was when a blind lady named G sang two hymns for us and we read Scripture with her.” – Noah Sawyer

“The most impactful part of the trip for me was G singing hymns. It was beautiful and deeply touching to see this woman praise God. I will never forget it.” – Angie Horton

“G . . . she is an angel. Only have I ever heard one other person in my life sing with such passion for the Lord and that was my sweet Granny. She reminded me so much of her. Even though she was blind she could see. She could see God covering her with his love and grace as she sang. And it was the most amazing thing to watch. I will never forget it.” – Kerry Wright

G is a believer living in a remote village in northern Mexico. She is in her late 70’s and completely blind. As we approached her humble home we were greeted by a pack of dogs that looked to be barely surviving. We went on her porch and immediately you could see that this woman has a vibrant relationship with the Lord. Our translator, S, shared with us that G prepares for worship every Sunday and waits to see if one of the missionaries will come to preach. There is no local church in this village, and there are only a few believers. To Every Tribe Ministries is the lifeline that these believers have to receive training in the Scripture and encouragement through preaching. As we sat on the porch that day to visit with our sister, we were the ones being ministered too. We listened as she sang from her heart for the Lord, we read John 11 and discussed the resurrection from the dead and the life we have in Christ, and we prayed with her.

The truth is this is what short-term missions is at its best. We are there to encourage the people that the full time missionaries are serving. We are there to encourage our fellow believers who spend most of their lives without others to encourage them. We are the ones that God blesses by giving us this great privilege!

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After our quick visit in the small farming village, we headed over to our final destination. ML is tucked away from the beaten path. It is a small and almost forgotten fishing village along the coast. Most of the people in this village are unsaved, and after many years of faithful labor among the people of the village TETM is finally seeing spiritual fruit. There is no local church in this village, but there are now about eight believers. Our task in the village was to teach the Word, spend time with the village people, and to dig a deep hole for an outhouse that will be used by our long term missionaries. Once again the words of our team reflect the fact that God works in our lives as we go in his Name to reach the unreached people of the world. Listen to a few of the things that our mission team reported:

“Every time I go on a mission trip God does a work in my heart. I have been struggling with several personal issues in my life for the last year. God used this time to help me to reconsider who I am and God’s purpose in my life. To gain insight about how to let circumstances go and move ahead. To see how God uses a small fishing village for His glory helps put my village in better perspective.” – Roger Sawyer

“The Lord revealed to me his will for our lives. He has shown me that it’s not about me. And by serving others whether it involves suffering or not is an honor. Because it is through suffering that Christ’s love is revealed to the world. And to suffer is a gift even though it is hard.” – Kerry Wright

“I remember as a new Christian going from not being able to see God in anything to not being able to look at anything without seeing God.  Romans 1:20 is one of my favorite scriptures: ^“For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made.” I have clearly seen this in my life of comfort and convenience.  I have often wondered how this looked in other cultures and in places of extreme poverty.  I don’t think anyone living in the US knows what poverty is really.  After visiting ML, I clearly saw that He is there.  I am captivated by His creation and long to see more of it in order to more clearly see His attributes and know Him better.  I am grateful for the opportunity to go on the trip.  I was richly blessed.” – Angie Horton

“The most impactful part of the trip for me was when I saw U digging the hole with us. The way he worked even though he has very little in terms of possessions was amazing. It helped me see how ungrateful I am for the things God has given me.” – Noah Sawyer

“We had several great moments on the trip, but meeting the little man in the village was probably the most impactful for me. His name is U. He had the greatest spirit for someone being in such deep poverty. A man who had barely anything and he was joyful all the time. He is smart, talented and a hard worker; without his help we might still be digging the hole for the outhouse!” – Roger Sawyer 

As you can see, God does so much more in you when you go than He even does through you. We went to serve others and be a blessing, but as you can see, we were the ones that were blessed. It is life changing to serve the Lord among the people of the nations.

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I pray that you will seek out opportunities to go with us in the years to come. I believe our church could make the commitment to have every member go on a short term mission within the next 5 years. It will take sacrifices in time and resources, but you will never regret it. This commitment would not only impact the world but more importantly it would draw all of us nearer to Jesus. Let’s always be the church that is on the go for the cause of Christ!

Your brother,

Carlton

What I’m Reading

Summer’s here, and it’s hot! What better time than to pick up a good book or two? We asked Pastor Carlton to share what he’s reading these days, along with some tips and recommendations for you to read this summer. Enjoy!

 The Benedict Option: A Strategy for Christians in a Post-Christian Nation by Rod Dreher

Preaching: Communicating Faith in an Age of Skepticism by Timothy Keller

Amillennialism and the Age to Come: A Premillennial Critique of the Two-Age Model by Matt Waymeyer

Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption by Laura Hillenbrand

 

Tips for Reading

It is my usual pattern to read at least four books at a time, and I spend no less than two hours per day reading the Bible and at least one chapter from each of the books I have on my current list. This allows me to cover different material in bit-size portions which allows my mind to stay focused on the material I am reading. You might not be able to read for this length of time, or you might not enjoy reading several books at once. This is a personal style that works best for me. Here are a few encouragements to better reading discipline:

1. Choose a time of the day (you can split your time into several sittings) that you will dedicate to reading.
2. Always spend time reading God’s Word before spending time reading other books.
3. Whether you are reading one book at a time or multiple books, set a goal for reading either sections of the book or a specific number of pages.
4. Try to read at a fast pace because this allows your mind to absorb the information. It has been proven that reading comprehension is linked to reading more efficiently.
5. Find a consistent place away from distraction so that you can read with very little interruption.
6. It is helpful to play soft classical or Christian music in the background as you read. The most preferred style of music is classical piano, but you can listen to other styles if you prefer. I would recommend that you listen to instrumental music so that the lyrics of the music do not distract you.
7. Keep notes on what you read either in the book or in a journal. This will also help you retain the information you read, and if the notes are in the margins of the book, then the book can be used for reference in the future.
8. Be determined and disciplined so that you do not give up when it gets difficult.

 

Recommendations for Reading

Here are a list of suggested books for reading this summer. I pray that you will enjoy pursuing Christ and the knowledge of him and his creation through books this summer!

THEOLOGY AND CHRISTIAN LIVING:

 A Peculiar Glory: How the Christian Scriptures Reveal Their Complete Truthfulness by John Piper

Tough Topics: Biblical Answers to 25 Challenging Questions by Sam Storms

What is the Gospel? by Greg Gilbert

Edwards the Exegete: Biblical Interpretation and Anglo-Protestant Culture on the Edge of the Enlightenment by Douglas A. Sweeney

 

CULTURE AND POLITICS:

Desiring the Kingdom: Worship, Worldview, and Cultural Formation by James K.A. Smith

Imagining the Kingdom: How Worship Works by James K.A. Smith

The Benedict Option: A Strategy for Christians in a Post-Christian Nation by Rod Dreher

Sex and Money: Pleasures that Leave You Empty and Grace that Satisfies by Paul David Tripp

What Does the Bible Really Teach about Homosexuality? by Kevin DeYoung

Jesus Outside the Lines: A Way Forward for Those Who Are Tired of Taking Sides by Scott Sauls

 

BIOGRAPHY

The Legacy of Sovereign Joy: God’s Triumphant Grace in the Lives of Augustine, Luther, and Calvin by John Piper

Filling Up the Afflictions of Christ: The Cost of Bringing the Gospel to the Nations in the Lives of William Tyndale, Adonirum Judson, and John Paton by John Piper

Robert Chapman by Robert L. Peterson

 

 

LEADERSHIP

Chop Wood Carry Water: How to Fall in Love with the Process of Becoming Great by Joshua Medcalf

Extreme Ownership: How U.S. Navy Seals Lead and Win by Jocko Willink and Leif Babin

Burn Your Goals: The Counter Cultural Approach to Achieving Your Greatest Potential by Joshua Medcalf and Jamie Gilbert

Carlton’s Summer Reading Tips and Recommendations

An Example of Christian Thinking

An Example of Christian Thinking

I am posting the recent Facebook post of Benjamin Watson below. Benjamin is a tight end for the Baltimore Ravens in the NFL. He has distinguished himself as a Christian cultural thinker over the past few years. The post below deals with the issues surrounding transgender use of bathrooms in public. He is specifically commenting on the new North Carolina law that has been hotly debated for a few weeks now. I believe that his comments are the best I have seen on the subject. This is a great example of Christian thinking and interaction in the public square. I hope you are blessed by his words.

Benjamin Watson:

Fear is a powerful motivator. It has forced me to be silent when I would rather speak and to shout loudly when I would rather sit in silence. It seizes my heart and floods my mind with myriad scenarios of the possible aftermath to my comments or consequences of my actions.

I’ve contemplated North Carolina’s House Bill 2 for some time now. I’ve read it in its entirety, in an attempt to understand its motive as well as the visceral contempt its detractors have so prominently displayed. I’ve watched as businesses have vacated the state, sports leagues have made threats and entertainers have refused to perform. Conversely, I’ve seen multitudes of citizens across the country stand in adamant support of this legislation. I’ve heard accusations of intolerance and discrimination and speculation about probability of future sexually motivated crimes or lack there of. I’ve listened to the passionate interviews from Americans, who identify as straight, gay, or transgendered, which illuminate the diverse views of not only this bill, but the overarching issue of gender and sexual identity. While the new law encompasses a few different issues the stipulations for use of single-sex multiple occupancy bathroom and changing facilities have become a lightning rod in what has emerged as another battlefield in America’s increasingly prominent reevaluation of its definitions and ideals about sexuality, discrimination and “equal rights.”
Since the announcement I really haven’t wanted to discuss the specifics and intricacies because today’s politically correct environment is too toxic to have a discussion in. Such an effort appears futile. Many times conversation becomes mired in false, naive, and underdeveloped arguments such as claims that gender and race are analogous when that could not be further from the truth. Honestly I’ve been at a lost for words.

In today’s climate, as shown by the speedy reactions of various entities, we are forced to pick a side. Many times, unfortunately, it’s the side we hope is right. And by right I do not mean moral or logical, as it should. I mean the side that will protect us from public backlash and probable financial loss. The side that places us in the perceived majority, the middle of a strong current where we can ride the wave of “progress”. We feel the tug to be on what some coin “the right side of history.” The subsequent fear of conformity can feel like fire in our throats at times. Tolerance and inclusivity has somehow turned into the very thing it claims not to be and is quite often characterized by name-calling and accusations of bigotry and hatred. Although it sometimes does, fundamental disagreement does not NECESSARILY mean hate is involved. But the immense fear of being associated with these smartly and strategically used labels forces many choose to be silent at a time when it matters most.

What a precarious position we are in.
It is easy to offer personal anecdotes when digesting bills and laws like this. But my position has to be founded on a foundation more solid than my experience or my feelings.
It’s not about MY daughters, MY sons, MY wife or even ME feeling violated, uncomfortable or threatened in the bathroom although these are definitely reasons enough. It’s not about how obvious it is to ME that the privacy of men and women should be a given when using these types of facilities. It’s not even about the many times I’ve “harmlessly” shared a bathroom facility with an individual who unbeknownst to me was transgendered or transitioning. Determining right and wrong is not about the depth of sincerity of those who desire their lifestyle be affirmed and legalized or what they hope that validation will provide their self-concept. As honest as these desires may be, self-fulfillment and public endorsement does not always determine the validity of an action.

What’s disheartening is that we are buying the lie that feelings trump all else and that how one feels can only be accepted and celebrated instead of addressed and challenged.

As the fallout from North Carolina’s House Bill 2 continues to billow out I contemplate how it fits in the larger picture of society.
If our only reason for determining our social norms is popular opinion, we will continue to reset them with each new generation. We simultaneously live in the past and the future. There will be generations after us as there have been before. There is nothing new under the sun. Civilizations rise and they set, their great cities turning to dust and their once fabulous new ideas relegated to a page in a high school history book. Logic, common sense, and morality that are not based on absolute truth will always at some point seem, antiquated, archaic even abhorrent. God’s word is the only absolute truth given to mankind and any individual, community or nation that turns their back on it can expect to ultimately fail. Change IS good. But only that which upholds or institutes HIS prescription for life, freedom and equality. HB2 is not an isolated issue. It is one stop on the track, as we steamroll in our relativism. Many who support it are not malicious and many who oppose are not heathens.
But like paper currency, of little value without its collateral backing, morals without God eventually succumb to similar perils and are rendered useless. The logical conclusion of a land where we all do what is right in our own eyes, unchecked, is lawlessness, chaos and even death.

The simplest most basic form of decision making is basing them on how they do or don’t affect “me.” When we justify or condemn laws and creeds because of the level of anticipated effects on “my life” we miss the point. Whether in my own life or that of another’s, sin always has macro and micro consequences and we all have a decision to continue living in it habitually or surrendering ourselves and turning to Him.

I do not claim to understand the confusion, isolation, distress, pride or any other emotion of those who struggle with gender dysphoria or those in their families who support them. Because of this, as easy as it may be to do, it is not my place to speculate about their motives and character, or insult them for their lifestyle choices. Like me, these individuals are loved and valued by their creator. Like me they deserve to earn a living, enjoy friendships, and live free from slurs, disparaging remarks, and bodily harm. And like me, they stand condemned and separated from a Holy God except for the covering of the atoning blood of his Son, applied on their behalf through repentance and faith. Like me, they were created for a purpose, male and female, to be an earthly depiction of the spiritual union between Christ and his bride, his body, the church. As important as genitalia are in determination, gender roles do not stop at anatomy. They were created as complimentary differences that should be celebrated, embraced and encouraged. They build strong families, healthy communities, and ordered nations. There is great beauty in masculinity and femininity that fully blooms in the sacrificial oneness of marriage. To accept the blurring there of is to deny and tacitly reject God’s design and to condone what He has created as a reflection, albeit imperfect because of our humanity, of his immense love for us. This is the danger we face, not only with this issue but with any issue, when our feelings, genetic predispositions and desires take precedence over His principles.

This is the crux of the matter. If I believe I am my own God, I am within all rights to do, say and believe as I please. But if I believe I was created, then he who did so is God and I am not. And my duty is to obey him for he knows what is best for those to whom he gave life.

I’m not in favor of any legislation to spite or demean others. However, I am in favor of legislation that governs human activity in a way that would be pleasing to the Lord, while still understanding that a heart that seeks to live for Him is infinitely more desirable than forced submission.

Compassion is the gift of those who have been forgiven for they know the filth from which they continue to be rescued. Love is not love if it sacrifices truth. And that truth must not be held hostage by fear.

May we proceed in this arena and all others accordingly.

 

Looking for a New Church Home

Looking for a New Church Home

By David Swinney

Here is the scenario. You (or a loved one) has just taken a job in another city. You were extremely happy with your former church. It almost made you want to stay in the area. However, a move was necessary and now you must find a new church home. What do you do?

Here are a handful of suggestions (not at all exhaustive).

• Be Patient

Don’t just settle for the first church you find, or the one that is the closest in proximity. Be strategic. We live in a great age. Technology makes the process so much easier. On a church’s website you can tell a lot about a church (their mission, their doctrine, their sermons, church life, etc.). Do your homework online. Find churches and study them. Take time to do the difficult work on the front end. Remember, you are looking for a family; a place to plant for the long-term. If you need further help, consider perusing the “9 Marks Ministry” website. They have great resources on how to find a church home. Do your homework and be patient.

• Be Organized

Know what you are looking for in a church. Consider making a list. Is the church built on the foundation of Jesus (as opposed to worldly, pragmatic principles)? Is the church headed the right way in regards to their understanding of the Bible? In other words, they may not be perfect, but they are seeking the Lord and going to His Word to figure out what is yet unclear to them. Does the church leadership appear genuine? Notice that these questions don’t have a lot to do with programs or peripheral issues (such as their political stance). If you want a church that is going to be a good influence in your life you must choose a church that lives, sleeps, eats, and breathes Jesus. Don’t settle for one that looks like a church, but is pretty much a religious club.

• Be Flexible

The chances that you will find EXACTLY what you are looking for may not be practical (not without driving long distances). And, let’s face it; proximity does matter. In order to be involved at a healthy level, you will need to be somewhat close (if possible). The point is, the things further down your list may have to be a compromise; the music you prefer, their stance on end times, the great youth program, etc. You may have to opt for a body of believers that seem to be a family, that will challenge your walk in a healthy way, and where the Word is taught faithfully. If you find these things you are doing well.

• Be Faithful

Lastly, once you have chosen a particular church, stay there. Serve the people. Be their most faithful giver. Make yourself a part of the group and give to THEM. Don’t stand on the sidelines waiting for people to serve YOU. Be faithful. Give your time, Give your money. Give your heart to that body. Don’t spend another minute wondering if you made the right decision. Treat that body as you would your marriage, in covenant.

 

If you are searching for a church right now, let me just say that God is faithful. Pray about this issue. Ask the Lord to give you His heart in your search. May He bless your search. May He lead you to the diamond in the rough.

The best churches are (many times) the ones that are not necessarily the biggest or the most well-known. They are the ones that grow through discipleship, personal contact, and people simply reaching out. Slick marketing schemes can draw crowds, but they don’t always draw disciples. My prayer for you is that you find one that makes you burn hot for Jesus Christ. The Lord be with you all.

Gospel-Centered Parenting

It is easy to fall into the trap of parenting like those in our culture. Most of us are working to hard, living to fast, spending to much money on silly things, and ignoring our relationships with one another and Christ. When we are under the stress of life, it is easy to lose our focus in parenting. What should our focus in parenting be? Let me give a simple yet biblical answer.

“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commands depend all the Law and the Prophets” (Matthew 22:37-40).

The Gospel should be the center of our parenting. The entire Old and New Testament can be summarized by the verses I have quoted. Jesus wants us as parents to teach our children that unless their life belongs to him then they will never love God or others. The goal of parenting is to train our children to treasure Jesus Christ above everything in life, and to prepare our children to give their lives to making Christ known to all tribes, languages, and people! We do not need more self-help parenting strategy. We need to be transformed into men and women who live out the power of the gospel every day. The parent who lives out the truth of the gospel in front of their children each day will see the fruit of their labor!

So, what should our practical instruction and discipline look like with our children. Here are several areas of focus for our parenting.

1. We must treasure Christ in our own lives and treasure him in our families life.  Dad and Mom must treasure Christ in their own lives if they expect to raise godly children. You can reproduce into your children what you do not possess yourself. Start your parenting by taking time to establish healthy patterns of engaging Jesus in your personal time and in your time as a couple. If you children see that God and his Word are important to you, then they will be more likely to view God and his Word as important for them.
2. Fathers must give strong godly-servant leadership to the home. Men, we need to grow-up and be men! To many of us define manhood by rugged independence, tough talk, macho persona, or worldly accomplishment. Others of us are so soft that our 5 year old sons are embarrassed of our girly mentality. We need to exemplify Christ-likeness in our leadership of the home. When we display resolute, disciplined love for Christ, our sons are gaining invaluable knowledge of what it means to be a man. When we display servant-leadership and passionate romantic affection for our wives, our sons are gaining knowledge as to what it means to be a man. When we live with a broken heart over our sin and their sin, our sons grasp the ugliness of sin and the need for holiness. Men, your wife cannot teach your son or your daughter what God has entrusted to you!
3. Mothers, we need helpmates not competitors. Ladies, it would serve our homes well to have wives and moms who joyfully embraced the call of Titus 2:3-8. You are displaying the goodness of God to your children when you joyfully live out submission. This does not mean you are mindlessly following your man, but it does mean that you see his leadership and respect and honor him as the head of your house.
4. Parents, we need to reach for the heart of our children not seek to contain their actions. So much of our parenting is focused on behavioral modification. The truth is we are embarrassed because our 2 year old is “pitching a fit” at the restaurant. Rather than focus our training and discipline on always getting right actions, we as parents must dig in to the center of the being and apply the gospel to their heart. We will never raise children who live lives that matter for eternity if our parenting is focused only on moral reformation. We must plead with our little ones to trust in and treasure Jesus Christ!

I am praying for all of us to be Gospel-centered in our parenting. We will see the coming generations changed if we commit to building a kingdom perspective in our children from the beginning of life to graduation. Let’s do it for the glory of God!

Talk to you soon,

Carlton