WHEN JESUS ISN’T WELCOME
Rev. 3:14-22 / Christians with nice homes, nice clothes, and good health often see no real need for God. What does Jesus say, do and offer to these kinds of Christians?
PRETEND CHRISTIANITY
Revelation 3:1-6 / The church is Sardis thought some good stuff they did in their past would be good enough to get them into Heaven. Turns out, faith in Jesus’ good works looks like an actual committed relationship with Him as connected, led and powered by the Spirit of God.
LOOK & HOLD
Rev. 2:18-29 / Our feet follow our eyes. Our eyes look to go where it’s easiest on the feet. Yet when we follow Jesus, His path isn’t easy. The great lie of this life is that we can choose our own path and still end up where Jesus is going. Jesus reminds the church to look at Him and hold on to Him because He is the truth, the way and the life.
IF ALL THAT I AM AND HAVE IS FROM GOD THEN?
Churches always want "your" money because it's a practical component to the work of the church and a practical way to exercise the soul. It's Biblical and it's good. Churches also want your time, talents and faith. Why? Because what we do with our body, time, and money are all soul acts. It's why God cares about sex, schedules and "our" stuff. The use of quotes is to reinforce the myth that anything we have is truly ours. Even our bodies are His (He made us and then redeemed us). The notion that our stuff is ours is foolish at best and costly in reality. Everything we are and have is given to us by God - we are blessed to be a blessing - and we are blessed when we become a blessing (though that isn't our motivation, rather a result [...]
SUMMER CAMP SUCCESS
Over the last couple weeks our regional Foursquare Summer Camps took place for kids and youth at Stillwood Camp. Every year men and women from Foursquare churches in the Lower Mainland take a week or two off from work to race, cheer, listen, learn, worship, pray, lead and serve Jesus by serving the next generation. For many students God uses camp to make people. It used to be common in the Christianese language to say "God wrecked me" but I don't like the negative connotation - of course they mean it in a good way: God breaks people down so He can rebuild (similar to a doctor that needs to re-break a bone that didn't heal correctly). Camp is a common environment where God makes people - He forever changes the direction of their life because His word [...]
THE INCOMPATIBILITY OF TRUTH AND TOLERANCE
Rev. 2:12-17 / The church in Pergamum was brave with external attacks of the faith, but a coward in dealing with internal compromises. Jesus addresses and encourages the church to stand for the truth not only on the outside, but inside as well. Compromise and tolerance are not values of Jesus.
THREE ESSENTIAL INGREDIENTS FOR SPIRITUAL HEALTH
Spiritual health, like physical health, doesn’t come naturally or easily. Spiritual health is the foundation for health - health here will make it easier to be healthier in every other area of life. Dissatisfaction of the present state, healthy motives, a good plan, a Heavenly reward, and accountability are all needed. Where is the Spirit and Word of God leading you this fall? Who is going to help you get there? Here are three essential ingredients every Christian should have in their spiritual pantry: #1: DAILY TIME WITH GOD Set a time each day to engage God in His Word - to pray and ponder the things of the Word and Spirit. I know this sounds crazy to people living in 2016, but I find 45-75 minutes in the morning to be essential. Like the physical realm - do you [...]
FAITH IN PERSECUTION
Rev 2:8-11 / Love for Jesus will lead to persecution. What is a believer to do in the midst of persecution? Where is Jesus in all of it? Listen to be equipped for the day you experience persecution. Listen to be encouraged if you are already in the midst of it.
A GOOD WEEK
The kids are on the Island and yesterday was my day off so Burg and I headed out into the back forty to explore. Scrambling through brush, over and under logs, trying to avoid devils club. It was hot, even under towering trees. We both arrived at Hayward Lake beat. I jumped into the lake and drank a few gallons while Burg opted for a more conservative approach. Chris and the team from Mexico returned on Wednesday. We had lunch with fellow summer intern, Jesse, to celebrate the end of their nine weeks of full-time employment. Jesse doesn't get out much so he had some troubles with his wardrobe. Both guys worked hard and grew in their calling to serve in ministry leadership. While both return to Pacific Life Bible College this fall, they will continue to serve in our youth [...]
MORE THAN MEETS THE EYE
Revelation 1:1-8 ESV / Clint introduces the beauty, power and life of the Revelation of Jesus Christ as recorded by John. He notes that Christians live differently because they see differently. Related Resources: "Discipleship on the Edge" by Darrell W. Johnson "Reversed Thunder" by Eugene H. Peterson "America's Lost Boys" by Samuel D. James (First Things posting) "The Story of Iran's Church in Two Sentences" by Mark Howard (TGC article)
